Dragons of the Valley winner!

And the winner of Dragons of the Valley by Donita K Paul is:
misskallie2000!

Surrender the Heart by MaryLu Tyndall ~ 5 stars

Surrender the Heart

MaryLu Tyndall

Surrender to Destiny series #1

Barbour Publishing

About the book:

A young mistrustful lady desperate to save her family. . .

A guilt driven man desperate to please his. . .

Both caught in the brink of a war that could change the course of history forever.

On the brink of the War of 1812, Marianne Denton must marry to unlock her inheritance. Without the money, her mother can’t receive medical care and her sister will be destitute. But Noah Brenin needs to sail his cargo to England before the war commences in order to prove his worth to his father and make enough money so he won’t have to marry at all.

When Noah walks out on their engagement party, Marianne chases him down and ends up on his merchantman out at sea. The situation worsens when Noah’s ship encounters a British man-of-war and the couple is impressed into the British navy.

While a young lad’s prophecy of destiny looms over them both, Marianne and Noah are forced to face their darkest fears as they desperately try to find a way to escape and fulfill their destinies—destinies that could change the course of the war and history forever.

My review:
This is another book to add to Tyndall’s ever growing list of fantastic books in the adventure/romance genre. This probably isn’t one of my favorites by MaryLu though, just because it lacked the spiritual warfare aspect to the story that is a unique trait of her writing. But, other than that, I thought that she did a great job with the story, characters, and everything else. If you haven’t read Tyndall’s books before, I suggest you put all her books on your TBR list. And if you are already a devoted fan, I suggest you pick this latest book up and add it to your collection of her great stories!

A Memory Between Us by Sarah Sundin ~ 5 stars + favorite!

 A Memory Between Us

Sarah Sundin

Wings of Glory series #2

Revell Publishing

About the book:

Can they overcome the past to find a brighter future together?

Major Jack Novak has never failed to meet a challenge--until he meets army nurse Lieutenant Ruth Doherty. When Jack lands in the army hospital after a plane crash, he makes winning Ruth's heart a top-priority mission. But he has his work cut out for him. Not only is Ruth focused on her work in order to support her orphaned siblings back home, she also is determined not to give her heart to any man.

As the danger and tension of World War II rise to a fever pitch, Jack and Ruth will need each other more than ever. Can Jack break down her defenses? Or are they destined to go their separate ways?

From the English countryside to the perilous skies over France, A Memory Between Us takes you on a journey through love, forgiveness, and sacrifice.

My review:
I’m a little unsure as to what I should say about this book. I loved it so much, and there are so many great things about it that I can hardly choose just a few to talk about. But, I’ll start here: both Jack and Ruth are struggling with issues in their lives and their own character, which made them so real to me. One thing I’ve noticed about Sarah’s books is that her characters learn a lesson without the story seeming preachy or boring. She really does an excellent job with that, and the lessons learned by the characters are totally applicable in my life too! Love that.


The story is engaging and has many different parts, without seeming like it doesn’t have a central plot or that it’s pointless. The fast-paced battle scenes will kick up your heart rate and keep you focused on the book and what is coming next. And the romance is so wonderfully written that you are certain to fall in love with this book. I would recommend you read this as soon as you can!

Sunday Funnies!

A fifth grade teacher in a Christian school asked her class to look at TV commercials and see if they could use them in some way to communicate ideas about God.

God is like... BAYER ASPIRIN

He works miracles.


God is like... a FORD

He's got a better idea.


God is like... COKE

He's the real thing.


God is like... HALLMARK CARDS

He cares enough to send His very best.


God is like... TIDE

He gets the stains out that others leave behind.


God is like... GENERAL ELECTRIC

He brings good things to life.


God is like... SEARS

He has everything.


God is like... ALKA-SELTZER

Try Him, you'll like Him


God is like... SCOTCH TAPE

You can't see Him, but you know He's there.


God is like... DELTA

He's ready when you are.


God is like... ALLSTATE

You're in good hands with Him.


God is like... VO-5 Hair Spray

He holds through all kinds of weather.


God is like... DIAL SOAP

Aren't you glad you have Him? Don't you wish everybody did?


God is like... the U.S. POST OFFICE

Neither rain, nor snow, nor sleet nor ice will keep Him from His appointed destination.


God is like... CHEVROLET

the heart beat of America

God is like... MAXWELL HOUSE

Good to the very last drop

God is like... BOUNTY

He is the quicker picker upper. . can handle the tough jobs. . .and He won't fall apart on you.

And just for you guys, a funny picture:

Donita K Paul ~ Interview + Giveaway!

*You can earn up to 6 entries in this giveaway. Read below for details*

Today author Donita K Paul is telling us about her new book, Dragons of the Valley (Sept 2010 -- Dragons of Chiril series #2). She has offered an autographed copy of her book to one lucky commenter. She will also be stopping by throughout the week to answer your questions! So if you have anything you want to ask her, you can include it in your comment for entering the contest. If you are only leaving a question in the comment and not entering the giveaway please say so.

Welcome, Donita! Tell us a little about yourself.

I love children and am passionate about literacy. My ability to function begins to deteriorate if I don’t get a daily fix of being with kids. Fortunately my grandsons are close. My children used to tease me that my preschool Sunday school class was my peer group. I always felt better after Sunday morning, no matter how rough the week had been. I love making up new recipes. There are some posted on my website. I knit for exercise. LOL. And I can be crafty when the notion hits, but I do not do one craft beautifully. It is more like many, adequately. I hate to sew. But I have been known to make costumes. I will be 60 this year and my mind feels like I am still in my 20s. However, my body does not agree.

I began writing as a kid and kept it up as I aged. When my husband and I were cleaning out my parents’ house, we discovered a box full of my childhood writing. I chucked it all. Some of it was truly embarrassing. As an adult, I was too busy doing life and didn’t take much time to write. Then I had a flesh-eating strep in my leg and that retired me from teaching. My mother said, “You always wanted to write. Now’s your chance.” So, I gave it a try. My first book was published when I was 49.

Tell us something surprising about yourself that readers may not know.
I briefly did clowning for hospitals and church festivals.

What are you working on now or going to write next?
Am finishing Dragons of the Watch, which is the third and final book in the Chiril Chronicles. Next? I have a whole bunch of ideas swirling around in my head. It will be hard to choose just one.

How can readers get in contact with you?
www.donitakpaul.com On this site, there are individual blogs listed under Mrs. Paul.

www.dragonandturtle.com Blogs here, as well, under Parents’ page

And I do twitter, facebook, and shoutlife

Book blurb:

With an invasion of her country imminent, Tipper Schope is drawn into a mission to keep three important statues from falling into the enemy’s clutches. Her friend, the artist Bealomondore, helps her execute the plan, and along the way he learns to brandish a sword rather than a paintbrush.

As odd disappearances and a rash of volatile behavior sweep Chiril, no one is safe. A terrible danger has made his vicious presence known: The Grawl, a hunter unlike any creature encountered before.

To restore their country, Tipper, Bealomondore, and their party must hide the statues in the Valley of the Dragons and find a way to defeat the invading army. When it falls to the artistic Bealomondore to wield his sword as powerfully and naturally as a paintbrush, will he answer Wulder’s call for a champion?

Is there anything you would like to add, or tell your readers?
This is a very exciting time in my career. This fall we have the picture book, The Dragon and the Turtle, which came out in August. I’ve always wanted to write picture books. And the illustrator is phenomenal. http://www.dragonandturtle.com/

Vanishing Sculptor came in second in the Clive Staples Award, and is up for the Carol Award from American Christian Fiction Writers. The award is given this Saturday, September 18th.

Dragons of the Valley comes out Sept. 21st and some have told me it is the best dragon book I’ve written so far. I hope readers think so, as well.

And Two Tickets to a Christmas Ball comes out Oct. 5th, and it was a labor of love. And I have been blessed. The cover is amazing. You can’t tell online but certain parts are highlight with a shiny print and a bit raised. And it is my first hardback book.

Series Info:
The series name is The Chiril Chronicles. Vanishing Sculptor was the first book but they are re-releasing it next spring as Dragons of Chiril. This book is the second, Dragons of the Valley. The third will come out in 2011, and is titled Dragons of the Watch. Bealomondore from the first two books is the main character in number three.

~~~~~

*USA residents only, please*

Okay readers, here is your chance to win an autographed copy of Dragons of the Valley!

TO ENTER:

*Leave a comment with your name and email address (so I can contact you if you win). The comment is mandatory. You will not be entered unless you leave a comment AND your email address.

*If you leave a comment you will be entered unless you specify that you would not like to be entered.

*Here are the ways to get entries:

(First entry) The mandatory comment saying you would like to be entered with your email address.

+1 Become one of my followers OR subscribe to my blog by email.

Read and leave a comment on one or more of my recent book reviews.
+2 A Hope Undaunted
+2 The Healer's Apprentice

**You can earn a total of 6 entries if you do all of the above entry options. Make sure to tell me in your entry comment on this post which of the things you did to get extra entries.**

*The contest will run from today (September 24) until 6:00 CST on Thursday (September 30). I will announce the winner that night. The winner is always randomly drawn. I will contact the winner either directly after choosing him/her or on Friday the 1st, 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.

Within My Heart winner!

And the winner of Within My Heart by Tamera Alexander is:
misskallie2000 (misskallie2000@)

Driftwood Lane winner!

And the winner of Driftwood Lane by Denise Hunter is:
Trinity Rose (wandaelaine@...)

The Healer's Apprentice by Melanie Dickerson ~ 5 stars

The Healer's Apprentice

Melanie Dickerson

Zondervan

About the book:

Two Hearts. One Hope.

Rose has been appointed as a healer's apprentice at Hagenheim Castle, a rare opportunity for a woodcutter's daughter like her. While she often feels uneasy at the sight of blood, Rose is determined to prove herself capable. Failure will mean returning home to marry the aging bachelor her mother has chosen for her---a bloated, disgusting merchant who makes Rose feel ill.

When Lord Hamlin, the future duke, is injured, it is Rose who must tend to him. As she works to heal his wound, she begins to understand emotions she's never felt before and wonders if he feels the same. But falling in love is forbidden, as Lord Hamlin is betrothed to a mysterious young woman in hiding. As Rose's life spins toward confusion, she must take the first steps on a journey to discover her own destiny.

My review:

The Healer’s Apprentice is such a great read! I honestly don’t think I can say anything bad about it. (Except that the font was too small even for me! LOL) The book itself was fabulous. The characters were realistic, the setting was wonderful, the plot was great… I loved the hints of suspense throughout the book. It really kept me turning those pages. Love, love, love, love, love. That’s really all I can say.

Melanie Dickerson is most assuredly an author that you need to read as soon as possible! I can’t wait to see what she does next!

A Hope Undaunted by Julie Lessman ~ 5 stars + Favorite!

A Hope Undaunted

Julie Lessman

Winds of Change series #1

Revell

About the book:

What happens when the boy she loved to hate becomes the man she hates to love?

The 1920s are drawing to a close, and feisty Katie O'Connor is the epitome of the new woman--smart and sassy with goals for her future that include the perfect husband and a challenging career in law. Her boyfriend Jack fits all of her criteria for a husband--good-looking, well-connected, wealthy, and eating out of her hand. But when she is forced to spend the summer of 1929 with Luke McGee, the bane of her childhood existence, Katie comes face-to-face with a choice. Will she follow her well-laid plans to marry Jack? Or will she fall for the man she swore to despise forever?

My review:

From the first sentence to the last page, A Hope Undaunted will capture your emotions and enthrall you with a thoroughly excellent read.

Katie is the most stubborn of all the O’Connor kids and she definitely gets herself into a lot of trouble through that trait. But, just as stubborn is Luke McGee a.k.a. “Cluny” the brat who used to torment her as a child. These two butt heads throughout the whole book with sparks flying and witty writing that keeps those pages turning.

I thought Julie did a great job of fleshing out the characters and I was rooting for them the whole way. In her usual style, Julie kept the storylines of her past characters alive but not so much that it detracts from Katie and Luke’s. I was so into the story that I laughed, cried, and stressed out whenever something was going wrong. I cannot wait to read the stories of the two O’Connor boys! I know they will both be fantastic if Julie’s previous books are any indication.

Available September 2010 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

Sunday Funnies!

Tamera Alexander ~ Interview + Giveaway!

*You can earn up to 4 entries in this giveaway. Read below for details*

Today author Tamera Alexander is telling us about her new book, Within My Heart (September 2010). She has offered an autographed copy of her book to one lucky commenter. She will also be stopping by throughout the week to answer your questions! So if you have anything you want to ask her, you can include it in your comment for entering the contest. If you are only leaving a question in the comment and not entering the giveaway please say so.

Here is Tamera's author bio:

Tamera Alexander is the best-selling author of the critically acclaimed historical series–– Fountain Creek Chronicles (Rekindled, Revealed, and Remembered), and Timber Ridge Reflections (From a Distance, Beyond This Moment, and Within My Heart). Tamera’s The Inheritance, the 2010 Christy Award finalist and winner of the 2010 RITA Award, is the first historical for Women of Faith Fiction. Tamera's deeply drawn characters, thought-provoking plots, and poignant prose have earned her devoted readers—and multiple industry awards.

These awards include the 2008 and 2009 Christy Award for Excellence in Christian Fiction, and the 2007 and 2010 RITA Award for Best Inspirational Romance. Her books have also garnered the 2010 HOLT Medallion, the 2010 Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence, the Bookseller’s Best Award, the International Readers Choice Award, and top praise from the Library Journal, among other accolades.

Welcome, Tamera!
Are you:

A spontaneous writer or a scheduled writer?
I’m far more spontaneous, but I’m working at taking steps toward becoming more of a plotter. But I’ll never be one of those writers who plots the entire book all the way through before writing. It would take the joy out of writing for me. I love the discovery. The freshness of taking the journey with the characters. I want every twist and turn of joy and surprise I can experience along the way. I live for those moments when I literally have to push back from my laptop because one of the characters did something I didn’t expect. A little freaky when that happens, I admit, but I won’t start worrying until I start talking to myself…on a regular basis.

Stubborn, or compliant?
Not sure what that means in relation to writing exactly, but overall I’m a far more stubborn personality than compliant. Which has its strengths and weaknesses, depending on the situation. I guess for the most honest answer, you’d have to ask my editor. But unfortunately she’s out of the country for the next four years. :)

Organized or completely chaotic?
Organized. Very organized. Chaos drives me insane. Completely crazy. Oh, and did I tell you that I like things in their place?

Tell us something surprising about yourself that readers may not know.
I was voted Most Courteous in elementary school. But I could also cry on a dime and would do so whenever it would get me out of trouble and implicate my older brother, Doug, instead. Courtesy has its boundaries, I guess. But I’m a lot nicer now. Just don’t ask my brother.

If you compared your writing style to any other Christian Fiction author, who would it be? Also, how would you rate the romance in your books?
As for writing style, I can tell you that I adore Francine Rivers’ novels and it’s a high compliment when readers tell me they see similarities in our style. My style has also been likened to Lynn Austin’s, Nancy Moser’s, and Jill Marie Landis’. To say I’m honored is an understatement.

I’d rate the overall romance in my books as PG. I write the romance and more intimate scenes in such a way that it gives the reader the general idea of what’s happening and then try to step back and let the imagination “flesh it out,” so to speak. I want to be realistic in writing the intimacy between a man and a woman, but I believe too much detail can become gratuitous and distracting. The imagination is a wonderful thing.

What are you working on now or going to write next?
I’m already working on my next series. Historical, of course, except these next six books will take place in my native South, which I love, being an Atlanta native. These books, post-civil war era, are set in Nashville and are rich with historical detail and with characters who truly step off the page, because many of them are based on people who actually lived during that time. The first book is scheduled for release in 2011.

How can readers get in contact with you?

Tamera’s website: http://www.tameraalexander.com/

Personal blog: http://www.tameraalexander.blogspot.com/

Tamera’s group blog: http://www.writespassage.blogspot.com/

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/tamera.alexander

Twitter: http://twitter.com/tameraalexander

Contact Tamera: tameraalexander@ymail.com

Blurb:

Determined to fulfill her late husband's dream, Rachel Boyd struggles to keep her ranch afloat with the help of her two young sons. But some days it feels as though her every effort is sabotaged. When faced with a loss she cannot afford, she's forced to trust Rand Brookston, the one man in Timber Ridge she wishes to avoid. And with good reason. He's a physician, just like her father, which tells her everything she needs to know about him. Or so she thinks....

Dr. Rand Brookston ventured west with the dream of bringing modern medicine to the wilds of the Colorado Rockies, but the townspeople have been slow to trust him. Just as slow in coming is Rand's dream to build the town a proper clinic. When a patient's life is threatened, Rand makes a choice—one that sends ripples through the town of Timber Ridge. And through Rachel Boyd's stubborn heart.

From the beloved, bestselling author of From a Distance and Beyond This Moment comes an unforgettable story about faith in the face of fear, about tarnished hopes and second chances, and ultimately about the resilient courage and tenacity of hearts broken——and mended——by love.

Do you have a link to a place to read the first chapter or an excerpt of this book?
http://tinyurl.com/27fl25a

Here is the series info for Within My Heart--
Within My Heart is the third book and the culmination in the Timber Ridge Reflections series. Here’s a peek at the overall series:

Set in the town of Timber Ridge, in the Colorado Rocky Mountains (1870s), these three stories of faith and romance feature women who break the gender boundaries of their day not only by daring to have careers, but careers traditionally held by men. First, we join photojournalist Elizabeth Westbrook in From a Distance as she defies the odds and learns what it means to follow God’s dream for her life. Then in Beyond This Moment, we meet college professor Dr. Molly Whitcomb who travels the road of second chances and of accepting consequences for decisions she’s made, while also encountering a depth of grace she’s never known. Finally in Within My Heart, Rachel Boyd, a widow raising her two young sons, shows us what it means to take risks, and not only risks with her ranch, but also with something of far greater worth––her heart. These three women seek to fulfill their dreams and hopes in an untamed land where every advancement is hard-fought, every opportunity is cherished, and where love has the transcending power to change lives.

~~~~~
**USA residents only, please**

Okay readers, here is your chance to win an autographed copy of Within My Heart!

TO ENTER:

*Leave a comment with your name and email address (so I can contact you if you win). The comment is mandatory. You will not be entered unless you leave a comment AND your email address.

*If you leave a comment you will be entered unless you specify that you would not like to be entered.

*Here are the ways to get entries:

(First entry) The mandatory comment saying you would like to be entered with your email address.

+1 Become one of my followers OR subscribe to my blog by email.

Read and leave a comment on one of my recent book reviews.
+2 Making Waves

**You can earn a total of 4 entries if you do all of the above entry options. Make sure to tell me in your entry comment on this post which of the things you did to get extra entries.**

*The contest will run from today (September 17) until 6:00 CST on Thursday (September 23). I will announce the winner that night. The winner is always randomly drawn. I will contact the winner either directly after choosing him/her or on Friday the 10th, 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.

Denise Hunter ~ Giveaway!

*You can earn up to 4 entries in this giveaway. Read below for details*

About the book:

Meridith believes she is capable of weathering any storm. But she's never experienced a love powerful enough to uproot her...until now.

Meridith Ward has crafted a carefully ordered life to make up for the chaos that plagued her childhood years. But one phone call upsets all that. Within the span of several minutes, Meredith learns that the father who abandoned her is dead and she's been named the sole guardian of his other three children. She nervously heads to Nantucket to care for the siblings she's never met with plans to stay until their uncle returns from his trip before relinquishing guardianship to him.

She arrives to find the children living in Summer House, a Bed & Breakfast that's falling apart around them. Meridith wants to move on as soon as possible, but the inn will never sell in its dilapidated condition. Then an itinerant handyman, Jake, shows up with an offer she can't refuse.

Much like the powerful ocean just a short walk from her deck, Jake appeals to Meridith. But she senses he is also capable of pulling her under in a heartbeat. What if the thing she fears the most is exactly what she needs? Can she trust God with the details and relish the adventure?

Here is the link to my review of Driftwood Lane.

~~~~~

*USA residents only, please*

Okay readers, here is your chance to win an autographed copy of Driftwood Lane!

TO ENTER:

*Leave a comment with your name and email address (so I can contact you if you win). The comment is mandatory. You will not be entered unless you leave a comment AND your email address.

*If you leave a comment you will be entered unless you specify that you would not like to be entered.

*Here are the ways to get entries:

(First entry) The mandatory comment saying you would like to be entered with your email address.

+1 Become one of my followers OR subscribe to my blog by email.

Read and leave a comment on one or more of my recent book reviews.
+2 Valeria's Cross

**You can earn a total of 4 entries if you do all of the above entry options. Make sure to tell me in your entry comment on this post which of the things you did to get extra entries.**

*The contest will run from today (September 17) until 6:00 CST on Thursday (September 23). I will announce the winner that night. The winner is always randomly drawn. I will contact the winner either directly after choosing him/her or on Friday the 24th, 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.

Tender Vow winner!

And the winner of Tender Vow by Sharlene MacLaren is:
misskallie2000!

Making Waves by Lorna Seilstad ~ 5 stars

Making Waves

Lorna Seilstad

Lake Manawa Summers series #1

Revell Publishing

About the book:

Sun, summer, and a scrumptious sailing instructor. What more could a girl want?

When spunky Marguerite Westing discovers that her family will spend the summer of 1895 at Lake Manawa, Iowa, she couldn't be more thrilled. It's the perfect way to escape her agonizingly boring suitor, Roger Gordon. It's also where she stumbles upon two new loves: sailing, and sailing instructor Trip Andrews.

But this summer of fun turns to turmoil as her father's secrets threaten to ruin the family forever. Will free-spirited Marguerite marry Roger to save her father's name and fortune? Or will she follow her heart--even if it means hurting the family she loves?

My review:
Making Waves is a transporting read. I felt like I was AT the lake with Marguerite. (Now I want a vacation.) ;) There is a sweet, yet exciting theme in this book with the characters and setting. Marguerite definitely makes waves wherever she goes, and I like that about her. Her stubbornness sometimes gets her into trouble, but by the end of the book she is managing that pretty well. The hint of danger to the book also intrigued me and I thought the end especially was fast-paced while not being scary. I kind of wish she had ended the story a little later than she did with more resolution is certain areas, but since this is a series she might address those things in the next book. I would recommend this to someone who wants to read a book that will take them away for a little while and tell them a sweet, fun story.

Available September 2010 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

It's been a great year...

*Clears throat*

TODAY IS THIS BLOG'S ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY!!!!!! :D :D

I'm not doing anything really big to celebrate, but I am giving away two AWESOME books this Friday, so be sure to check that out.

Remember! If you have any complaints or suggestions about my blogs and how I could make them better, PLEASE email me! I want to make my blogs the best they can be and make it enjoyable for the readers (that would be you). Because without you guys, my blogs wouldn't be here!

Love you guys!
Carman

Valeria's Cross by Kathi Macias & Susan Wales ~ 3 stars

Valeria's Cross

Kathi Macias and Susan Wales

Abingdon Press

About the book:

*I'm not including the blurb for this book because it implied lots of things that were untrue about the book events and characters. If you want specific examples I can give them, I just didn't want to spoil certain things for readers.*

My review:

I was pretty disappointed in this book. But I’ll get to that in a minute. I had no *idea* that this book was based on true events and people. I thought it was completely fiction. However, I still thought that the writing could have been a little better. Especially at the beginning you were “told” things that were happening in Valeria’s life rather than experiencing them with her. It was a little like listening to a speaker who talked in a monologue. You were told things a little impassively and that didn’t help me to create a “relationship” with Valeria and be interested in her personally.

Now, I understand that for the most part this is a true story so they couldn’t change what happened in any big way, but I cried and cried throughout this whole book! The persecution of the Christians was well portrayed, but I tend to like stories that have the persecution and a redeeming ending. So for the most part, my disappointment in the book couldn’t be helped since it was based on real people’s lives, but I still think the writing could have been better. (I hate to give an unfavorable review, but this was my honest opinion. I sincerely hope that other people will enjoy the book more than I did.)

Thanks Abingdon Press for my review copy of this book.

Sunday Funnies!

THE NEXT SURVIVOR SERIES

Six married men will be dropped on an island with one car and 3 kids each for six weeks.

Each kid will play two sports and either take music or dance classes. There is no fast food.

Each man must take care of his 3 kids; keep his assigned house clean, correct all homework, and complete science projects, cook, do laundry, and pay a list of "pretend" bills with not enough money.

In addition, each man will have to budget in money for groceries each week. Each man must remember the birthdays of all their friends and relatives, and send cards out on time.

Each man must also take each child to a doctor's appointment, a dentist appointment, and a haircut appointment. He must make one unscheduled and inconvenient visit per child to the Urgent Care. He must also make cookies & cupcakes for a social function. Each man will be responsible for decorating his own assigned house, planting flowers outside and keeping it presentable at all times.

The men will only have access to television when the kids are asleep and all chores are done. The men must shave their legs, wear makeup daily, adorn himself with jewelry, wear uncomfortable yet stylish shoes, keep fingernails polished & eyebrows groomed.

During one of the six weeks, the men will have to endure servere abdominal cramps, back aches, and have extreme, unexplained mood swings but never once complain or slow down from other duties.

They must attend weekly school meeting, church, and find time at least once to spend the afternoon at the park or a similar setting. They will need to read a book each night and in the morning, feed them, dress them, brush their teeth, and comb their hair by 7:00 am.

A test will be given at the end of six weeks, and each father will be required to know all of the following information : each child's birthday, height, weight, shoe size, clothes size and doctor's name.

Also the child's weight at birth, length, time of birth, and length of labor, each child's favorite color, middle name, favorite snack, favorite song, favorite drink, favorite toy, biggest fear and what they want to be when they grow up.

The kids vote them off the island based on performance.

The last man wins only if...he still has enough energy to be intimate with his spouse at a moment's notice.

If the last man does win, he can play the game over and over and over again for the next 18-25 years eventually earning the right to be called Mommy!

Sharlene MacLaren ~ Interview + Giveaway!

*You can earn up to 4 entries in this giveaway. Read below for details*

Today author Sharlene MacLaren is telling us about her new book, Tender Vow. She has offered an autographed copy of her book to one lucky commenter. She will also be stopping by throughout the week to answer your questions! So if you have anything you want to ask her, you can include it in your comment for entering the contest. If you are only leaving a question in the comment and not entering the giveaway please say so.

Welcome, Sharlene! Tell us a little about yourself.

I’m a Christian first, wife, mother of two married daughters, grandma of three (age 4 and under), retired schoolteacher, vocalist, and currently enjoying a very satisfying writing career.

Tell us about your salvation experience.
I asked Christ into my heart as a teenager. I was raised in a Christian home, but I learned quite early on that I had to make a personal choice about serving Christ—I couldn’t just follow my parents into Heaven by hanging onto their coattails.

Are you:

A spontaneous writer or a scheduled writer?
I am what you would call a seat-of-the-pants writer. I sit down at my computer, think about my next scene, and then just start writing. Don’t get me wrong; I do have a general idea of my beginning, middle, and end, but as I’m writing my characters sometimes say and do that surprise me—and off we go in a direction I hadn’t planned.

Stubborn, or compliant?
Probably a little of both, although I’m definitely more compliant than stubborn. Just depends on what the issue is.

Organized or completely chaotic?
I’m pretty organized most of the time—depending on the situation. I have to have a neat desk BEFORE I start writing and then when I close up at night, but things can get pretty chaotic while I’m in the writing process, sticky notes here and there, words scrawled across my whiteboard, papers strewn about with notes that only I understand. You get the picture.

How do you handle disasters/BIG problems? Do you have a funny or interesting story showcasing how you handle them?
I don’t know as I have a “funny” story about handling disasters. I usually just try to go with the flow and, ALWAYS, if it’s something major, prayer is of utmost importance in solving it.

In your opinion, what is your best trait? What is your worst?
Best trait? Hm, I don’t think I’ve ever thought about this before, but I guess I’d say my love of people, women and girls in particular, and my deep desire to encourage and build them up in the faith.

Worst trait? Probably lack of self-discipline. There are things I know need accomplishing every day, but I often get so distracted by the smallest things I don’t get to them. I have undoubtedly been going through life with undiagnosed A.D.D. **grins**

Tell us something surprising about yourself that readers may not know.
That’s a hard one because I’m very much an open book in that I don’t have much to hide. I love being authentic and showing others my very human, flawed side. Okay, here’s something: when I was a kid I had very few fears; I climbed trees, carried around snakes, strung big night crawlers on fish hooks, slept on the ground under the stars, looked for field mice to have as pets, caught bugs and spiders and stuck them in jars, skinned and gutted fish – you get the idea. As an adult, though, I am basically scared of anything creepy and crawly, and I have a terrifying, spine-tingling PHOBIA of mice.

If you compared your writing style to any other Christian Fiction author, who would it be? Also, how would you rate the romance in your books?
I don’t really think I write like anyone in particular, but others have told me I’m a cross between Tracie Peterson, Karen Kingsbury, and the now retired LaVyrle Spencer. I would consider my books PG for kissing content. I totally love a well-described, heart-stopping, emotion-wrought kiss, so when I reach that point in my novels I take my time with them. Overall, though, my stories are for general audiences. I receive fan mail from girls and women 13 – 93!

What are you working on now or going to write next?
Currently, I’m working on book one, River Song, of my next series titled River of Hope. The setting is Wabash, Indiana, circa 1926-1930, so, the roaring 20s.

How can readers get in contact with you?
You can reach me at any of these locations, including my email address:

http://www.sharlenemaclaren.com

http://www.shoutlife.com/sharlenemaclaren

http://www.sharlenemaclaren.blogspot.com

smac@chartermi.net

http://www.facebook.com (Let me know who you are and request my friendship!)

Book blurb:
Tender Vow releases September 2010, and you can purchase it and my other books at most any Christian bookstore, Barnes & Noble, Borders, etc. Also, you can always order online at http://www.christianbook.com or http://www.amazon.com. OR…just click on any of the book covers on my website and it will take you straight to Amazon.

Here’s a SYNOPSIS of Tender Vow:

Michigan-born brothers John and Jason Evans take a ski trip to the Colorado Rockies, but only one comes home alive—John was tragically killed on a daring descent down Devil's Ridge, an infamously dangerous slope.

In an attempt to soothe his guilt and grief, Jason sets out to make amends with his widowed sister-in-law, Rachel, by offering to help with her two small children, doing odd jobs around her house, and trying to ease her own heavy burden of grief. A new Christian, he is bent on growing his faith and helping Rachel see her way through the fog of pain and confusion.

Left to raise her three-year-old daughter and newborn son on her own, Rachel Evans is anything but willing to become her brother-in-law's charity case, particularly since they have a history she'd rather forget. She's determined to make it on her own but soon finds that God has other plans for her--and for Jason.

Can she accept the Lord's leading and still honor her late husband's memory?

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

Wow, I had a male character picked out before I even started writing Tender Vow, and it’s Chris Hemsworth. (Do you think he’d be available?) He would, of course, play the part of Jason (Jay) Evans. I’d love to see Carrie Underwood play Rachel, but, alas, we’d have to talk her into beginning an acting career first. I’ve heard she’s been giving it some thought.

Do you have a link to a place to read the first chapter or an excerpt of this book?

Tender Vow is a stand-alone, contemporary romance, and you should be able to read portions of the book by going to Amazon. You’ll find a button that says “Look Inside”.

~~~~~

*USA residents only, please*

Okay readers, here is your chance to win an autographed copy of Tender Vow!

TO ENTER:

*Leave a comment with your name and email address (so I can contact you if you win). The comment is mandatory. You will not be entered unless you leave a comment AND your email address.

*If you leave a comment you will be entered unless you specify that you would not like to be entered.

*Here are the ways to get entries:

(First entry) The mandatory comment saying you would like to be entered with your email address.

+1 Become one of my followers OR subscribe to my blog by email.

Read and leave a comment on one or more of my recent book reviews.
+2 Tender Vow

**You can earn a total of 4 entries if you do all of the above entry options. Make sure to tell me in your entry comment on this post which of the things you did to get extra entries.**

*The contest will run from today (September 10) until 6:00 CST on Thursday (September 16). I will announce the winner that night. The winner is always randomly drawn. I will contact the winner either directly after choosing him/her or on Friday the 17th, 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 Healer's Apprentice winner!

And the winner of The Healer's Apprentice by Melanie Dickerson is:
collettakay (pepsi324@...)

Lisa Wingate ~ Weekend Getaway Contest!

What could possibly be more fun than reading a great book this summer (well, maybe not more fun, but a totally different kind of fun)?

Celebrating 2011 with national bestselling author, Lisa Wingate, in beautiful, historic, antique-filled Jefferson, Texas for the fun-filled reader event of the year, the Pulpwood Queens Girlfriend Weekend 2011 book extravaganza! If you've never been to the Pulpwood Queens annual tiara-wearing, book sharing event, or even if you have, you'd be in for a treat! Head Pulpwood Queen Kathy Patrick hosts a weekend filled with books, authors, beautiful bed and breakfast hotels, antiques, a costume ball, and more fun with books than you can imagine. Kathy has over 50 authors on the slate, including Lisa Wingate. This year, the Keynote speakers are Fannie Flagg, Rick Bragg, and Pat Conroy!

The best thing about this girlfriend getaway is that the winner and companion can do as much or as little as they like. Girlfriend Weekend offers two days of amazing events, and the town of Jefferson features everything from museums and antique shopping, to quilts, history tours, and carriage rides!

The prize package does not include travel. The winner be responsible for travel for herself/himself and guest (that's right, this package is for TWO). If you're the lucky winner, you'll get:

***TWO fully-paid admission armbands for Girlfriend Weekend 2011 (one for you and one for your best girlfriend, or your favorite Timber Guy). This includes admission to Saturday night's big-hair extravaganza, the "Great Big Ball of Hair" where you can come as you are, or arrive dressed as your favorite book character and compete in the costume contest. Who knows? You might become "Miss Hairball Queen 2011!"

***TWO nights in a room fit for a queen, amid the opulence and grace of the 1920s at the beautiful Delta Street Inn bed and breakfast in historic Jefferson, Texas. (double occupancy)

***Your very own "Insta-Queen Kit" featuring a gorgeous tiara and a smaller porta-tiara for more casual occasions (or one to keep and one to share with your best girlfriend), free autographed Lisa Wingate books, your scepter, a copy of Kathy Patrick's Tiara Wearing Book Sharing Guide to Life, your very own Pulpwood Queens T-shirt, and everything else you need to crown yourself and read like a Pulpwood Queen!

More details and entry form are available at http://www.lisawingate.com/. This is a great opportunity for readers or writers, so don't forget to spread the word to your book clubs, co-workers, family members, and girlfriends -- after all, if one of your friends wins, you can come along as the guest!

Tender Vow by Sharlene MacLaren ~ 5 stars

Tender Vow

Sharlene MacLaren

Whitaker House

About the book:

Michigan-born brothers John and Jason Evans took a ski trip in the Rockies, but only one came home alive-John was tragically killed on a daring descent down Devil's Run, an infamously dangerous slope.

In an attempt to soothe his guilt and grief, Jason sets out to make amends with his widowed sister-in-law, Rachel, by offering to help with her two small children, doing odd jobs around her house, and trying to ease her own heavy burden of grief. A new Christian, he is bent on growing his faith and helping Rachel see her way through the fog of pain and confusion.

Left to raise her three-year-old daughter and newborn son on her own, Rachel Evans is anything but willing to become her brother-in-law's charity case, particularly since they have a history she'd rather forget. She's determined to make it on her own but soon finds that God has other plans for her-and for Jason. Can she accept the Lord's leading and still honor her late husband's memory?

My review:
Tender Vow definitely captured my emotions! I felt like I was connected to the characters, and I really was interested in their story. This is a sweet, gives-you-happy-feelings kind of book. It has a great plot, with characters that are deep and you really get to find out about them more as people than just characters. Sharlene did a great job. I can’t wait to see what she has coming next!!

Sunday Funnies!

Picture time!

Melanie Dickerson ~ Interview + Giveaway!

*You can earn up to 6 entries in this giveaway. Read below for details*

Today author Melanie Dickerson is telling us about her new book, The Healer's Apprentice (Sept 2010). She has offered an autographed copy of her book to one lucky commenter. She will also be stopping by throughout the week to answer your questions! So if you have anything you want to ask her, you can include it in your comment for entering the contest. If you are only leaving a question in the comment and not entering the giveaway please say so.

Welcome, Melanie! Tell us a little about yourself.

Hi, Carman! I am a wife and mother of two girls. I live in north Alabama and love writing stories. When I’m not writing I like to read and watch movies, and occasionally I scrapbook. I spend time with my family, cook, and clean toilets. :) A writer’s life is sooooo glamorous.

Tell us about your salvation experience.
I grew up in church. I had a deep reverence and love for God and for the Bible from a very young age. I can’t actually tell you about a single salvation experience, as I’ve had many of them! I like to renew my vows regularly. :)

Are you:

A spontaneous writer or a scheduled writer?
I used to think I was a disciplined, scheduled writer. I wrote every chance I got, when my kids were in school and every morning in the summer. Now, I seem to have fallen off my disciplined wagon. I have done extensive, editor-requested revisions on three different books in the last year, but I’ve made very little progress on anything new. I started a book and only got about 30 pages into it before I got frustrated with it and quit. I started another book, but it’s been a stop-and-go-and-stop-again sort of progress. :( But I have over 50 pages, so I consider that a very good start! I’m getting more and more attached to the characters, so that’s a good sign. :)

Stubborn, or compliant?
I’m very compliant when it comes to revisions asked for by my agent or editor! I love their feedback and the challenge of implementing new ideas.

Organized or completely chaotic?
Alas, I am not very organized. I don’t do outlines at all and I tend to lose whatever notes I might make. However, I write very linearly. I don’t like to skip around.

How do you handle disasters/BIG problems? Do you have a funny or interesting story showcasing how you handle them?
I’m usually calm to the degree that the other people involved are panicky. During a tornado when I was in college, some friends from the upper floor of our apartment building came and beat on my door until I woke up. They were screaming and shaking all over as they jumped into the bathtub with my mattress over their heads. I just stood by calmly telling them I thought the storm was probably over.

In your opinion, what is your best trait? What is your worst?
You’re really making me think hard now, Carman. Let’s see. My best trait might be that I’m friendly and tend to love everyone I meet. One of my worst is that I’m a bit thoughtless—though I don’t mean to be. I’m easily overwhelmed and I forget very easily. …What were we talking about again?

Tell us something surprising about yourself that readers may not know.
I took a 15-year break from writing, and in that time I didn’t read fiction. I think I may have only read one novel during that fifteen years. I’m kind of an all-or-nothing kind of person, so if I was going to give up on a novel-writing career I wasn’t going to read novels either.

If you compared your writing style to any other Christian Fiction author, who would it be? Also, how would you rate the romance in your books?
I’m not sure who I write like. But there is very little kissing in my debut novel, The Healer’s Apprentice, although I think it’s very romantic nonetheless. It’s a young adult (YA) romance, and I recommend it for 6th-graders on up. I strive for lots of realistic romance, but my books are very “clean.”

What are you working on now or going to write next?
I have a second YA medieval romance, based on the Beauty and the Beast fairy tale, that is being considered by my publisher, Zondervan. I also have an adult romance series set in 1880 Alabama that several publishers are currently considering. And I hope to write more medieval romances based on fairy tales. I LOVE writing them. :)

How can readers get in contact with you?
I’m on Facebook as Melanie Dickerson, on Goodreads http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3408059.Melanie_Dickerson , and you can contact me through my website, http://www.melaniedickerson.com/

Book blurb:

When destiny sleeps, it can only be awakened by true love’s kiss.

In this historical romance based on the Sleeping Beauty fairy tale, a woodcutter's daughter becomes the town healer's apprentice. Rose's job is to care for the sick and injured in Hagenheim Castle. But she gets sick at the sight of blood and is more suited to making up stories than sewing up wounds. She is determined to overcome her weakness and prove herself a competent healer, or she faces marrying a disgusting old merchant her mother has picked out for her.

Lord Hamlin, the future ruler of the region, is injured and Rose must overcome her squeamishness to save him. He is everything that is noble and good, but loving him is forbidden. He is already betrothed to a mysterious woman in hiding.

With two noble-born brothers vying for her affections, Rose learns that the people of Hagenheim are not always who they seem.

Series info?
I’m hoping to have a “series” of medieval romances based on fairy tales. One of them will probably be an actual sequel to The Healer’s Apprentice. This is all “To Be Announced.”

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

This is another hard one. But fun to think about. :) Here’s the gorgeous and responsible Wilhelm, Lord Hamlin:

And Rose, my lovely heroine, is well-portrayed by the model on the cover of my book and who acts in the book trailer:

And I don’t want to leave out Lord Rupert, Rose’s other love interest:

Wow, that was fun!!!!!! Mwahahaha!

Do you have a link to a place to read the first chapter or an excerpt of this book?

At this point, I don’t. But I do have the most amazing trailer in the world that Zondervan had someone make, starring the gorgeous model from the cover of my book:



Is there anything you would like to add, or tell your readers?
Follow your dreams! Never give up! God’s plans for you are good, to give you hope and a future. :)

~~~~~

*This giveaway is open to anyone!*

Okay readers, here is your chance to win an autographed copy of The Healer's Apprentice!

TO ENTER:

*Leave a comment with your name and email address (so I can contact you if you win). The comment is mandatory. You will not be entered unless you leave a comment AND your email address.

*If you leave a comment you will be entered unless you specify that you would not like to be entered.

*Here are the ways to get entries:

(First entry) The mandatory comment saying you would like to be entered with your email address.

+1 Become one of my followers OR subscribe to my blog by email.

Read and leave a comment on one or more of my recent book reviews.
+2 Love, Charleston
+2 Journey to Forgiveness

**You can earn a total of 6 entries if you do all of the above entry options. Make sure to tell me in your entry comment on this post which of the things you did to get extra entries.**

*The contest will run from today (September 3) until 6:00 CST on Thursday (September 9). I will announce the winner that night. The winner is always randomly drawn. I will contact the winner either directly after choosing him/her or on Friday the 10th, 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.

Two Tickets to the Christmas Ball winner!

And the winner of Two Tickets to the Christmas Ball by Donita K Paul is:
Bluerose (bluerosesheart@...)

Journey to Forgiveness by Laurean Brooks ~ 4 stars

Journey to Forgiveness

Laurean Brooks

White Rose Publishing

About the book:

When Jenny Hinson's abusive father deserts the family, the responsibility of the family's Tennessee farm falls to Jenny and her mother. Four years later, in 1938, boll weevils infest the cotton crop, plunging the Hinsons into dire financial straits. At the invitation of a Chicago aunt, Jenny takes the train north to find work to support her family.

Electricity has yet to reach Chicory Valley. But not only is Jenny introduced to it in its tapped form in Chicago, but encounters a few jolts along the way when she challenges the infuriating Austin Grant over a luggage mishap. Sparks fly outside the Kankakee train station when Jenny discovers her missing vanity case under Austin's arm, and labels him a thief. Then, after Austin coaxes money from her aunt's congregation to “supposedly” rebuild a tornado-stricken town, Jenny determines to find enough evidence to expose him and his nefarious deeds.

Why did Austin pull money from the mission strongbox and stuff a large roll into his pocket? Wasn't this the proof Jenny needed to convict him? Then why was she reluctant to report the theft? And why did her heart somersault at every encounter with the notorious Austin? Surely, she wasn't in love with him! Jenny's personal convictions would never allow a relationship where trust is blatantly missing.

Can Jenny muster the courage to ask Austin the tough question that will ultimately make or break their relationship? And how will she handle the strained relationship with her father? Can Jenny forgive his brutality? Will she relinquish love for a life of bitterness? Find out as you follow Jenny's struggles in Journey to Forgiveness.

My review:
Laurean definitely has a fun writing style. The main character, Jenny, is always getting herself into trouble and funny situations with her overactive imagination and lack of control over her tongue. In some places, I thought the phrasing or dialogue could be tweaked a little to make it more smooth or realistic, but for the most part I really enjoyed it.

I loved that they went on a mission trip to help people right in their own area! That really impressed me, and I loved that Austin wanted to do that with his life. The whole theme of forgiveness was good, and I liked the way Laurean portrayed the need for it through the character’s situations. At times, it seemed like the characters where “discovering” something, or saying that they “hadn’t thought of something that way” when they already had, so that area could have been improved.

But, all in all I thought the author did a very good job, and it is a good book with an important message that was fun to read. Lots of potential in this author, in my opinion.