Review and Tour: The Waiting by Suzanne Woods Fisher

Suzanne Woods Fisher has shown her love and understanding of the Amish and their ways in this stunning inspirational romantic fiction book that will grab your heart and bolster your faith. Book 2 of the Lancaster County Secrets Series can be read as a stand alone, or in addition to Book 1: The Choice.

You will fall in love with the characters and want the story to keep going long after you finish the book. The good news... Book 3 is due early 2011!

The Waiting (Lancaster County Secrets, Book 2)
by Suzanne Woods Fisher
Revell; Original edition (October 1, 2010) ~ 311 pages
Fiction / Christian / Romance

Edition Reviewed: Paperback - Review copy received as part of a blog tour with LitFuse Group, many thanks for sending me a copy to review!
About the Book:

She was waiting for love--and found it in the most unexpected place.

Jorie King's life is on hold. She has been waiting for Ben Zook to return to Lancaster County. Waiting for him to settle down and join the church. Waiting to marry him.

But when news arrives that Ben has been killed, Jorie is devastated. She finds unlikely comfort in the friendship of his brother Caleb. Friendship ripens into love, and two broken hearts plan for a life filled with the promise of a fresh beginning--until their worlds are turned upside down.

With her realistic characters whose weaknesses develop into strengthes, Suzanne Woods Fisher offers a reading experience that rises above the others. You will love growing in spirit with these complex people living the simple life as The Waiting transports you into a world where things aren't as simple as they seem.

About the Author: (from the author's site)

Suzanne Woods Fisher lives with her family in the San Francisco Bay Area. She has one husband, four children, one son-in-law, a brand new grandbaby, and two dogs.

Suzanne graduated from Westmont College in Santa Barbara, California, and was a free-lancer writer for magazines while her children were growing up. A former contributing editor to Christian Parenting Today, Suzanne's work has appeared in many magazines, including Today’s Christian Woman, Worldwide Challenge, and Marriage Partnership.

Her first novel, Copper Star, a World War II love story, was published by a small press (Vintage Reflections) and received three literary awards. It opened the door to a literary agent, Joyce Hart. The agent knew of Suzanne’s connection to the Plain People—her grandfather was raised Plain—and introduced her to an editor at Revell, a division of Baker Books.

Amish Peace: Simple Wisdom for a Complicated World was Suzanne’s first book release with Revell. It’s a non-fiction book of true stories about the Old Order Amish and was a finalist for the 2010 ECPA Book of the Year Awards. It was chosen as a book selection by Doubleday, Crossings, and Book of the Month 2 Clubs.

The Choice, a novel about a young Amish woman, is the first in a three-book ‘Lancaster County Secrets’ series and released in January 2010. It is a CBA, ECPA, and CBD bestseller. Wal-Mart chose The Choice for its January Inspirational Book Shelf, and it was the Main Selection for Crossings Book Club, as well as Doubleday, BookSpan, and Literary Guild.

In August 2010, Suzanne released another non-fiction book, Amish Proverbs: Words of Wisdom for a Simple Life. In October 2010, The Waiting will release; it is the second in the ‘Lancaster County Secrets’ series and is already a CBD bestseller. Six other books—both fiction and non-fiction—will follow into 2012.

Another new venture for Suzanne is Amish Wisdom, a weekly radio program in which she interviews all kinds of interesting guests who have connections to the Amish. Drop by and listen to a show at your convenience. It's on-line at www.toginet.com/shows/amishwisdom.

Tour: Love Finds You Under the Mistletoe by Irene Brand & Anita Higman

Review coming soon!!!!

This week, the

Christian Fiction Blog Alliance

is introducing

Love Finds You Under the Mistletoe Summerside Press (September 1, 2010)

by Irene Brand & Anita Higman





ABOUT THE AUTHORS:

Irene Brand has written Sunday School curriculum, edited a two-year series of mission curriculum, and her works have appeared in five program-material anthologies. Her publishers include Zondervan, Standard Publishing, Thomas Nelson Publishers, Fleming-Revell, Barbour Publishing, Kregel Publications, Steeple Hill (inspirational imprint of Silhouette), and Summerside Press. She has had 4 non-fiction books published, and 43 fiction works. Her first inspirational romance was published in 1984.

Award-winning author, Anita Higman, has twenty-six books published (several coauthored) for adults and children, and she has been honored as a Barnes & Noble Author of the Month for Houston. Anita has a BA degree, combining speech communication, psychology, and art. Her favorite things include exotic teas, movies, and all things Jane Austen.









ABOUT THE BOOK

Two Christmas stories - one historical, one contemporary - under one cover!



Love Finds You under the Mistletoe: An Appalachian Christmas



A promise to her dying sister compels Julia Mayfield to take her young nephew to Mistletoe, Kentucky, a tiny town tucked away in the Appalachian Mountains. Sparks fly when she meets David Armstrong, a World War II veteran like herself. Even as shadows from the past weave a dangerous web around Julia and David, will their love flourish like the mistletoe that blankets the nearby hills?



Love Finds You under the Mistletoe: Once Upon a Christmas Eve



Hollie Goodnight's store has just been voted best Christmas shop in America. All the new publicity draws flamboyant novelist Van Keaton to the cozy town of Noel, Missouri, demanding to write Hollie's story - a dramatic tale of misfortune and triumph. She is swept up in his world of beautiful words and fanciful interludes. . .until Owen Quigly, her lifelong best friend, launches a plan to win her back.



If you would like to read an excerpt of Love Finds You Under the Mistletoe, go HERE.



Watch the book trailer:

Tour: A Hope Undaunted by Julie Lessman

A Hope Undaunted
by Julie Lessman
Winds of Change series
ISBN: 978-0-8007-3415-2
Available September 2010; $14.99

Edition Reviewed: Paperback - Review copy received courtesy of the publisher, many thanks to both the author and the publisher for sending me a copy to review!
Review coming soon!

About the Book:

Passion during the Roaring Twenties
New romance series will appeal to fans of Deeanne Gist.

A Hope Undaunted is the first book in the highly anticipated new series, Winds of Change, from award-winning author Julie Lessman.

This highly charged romance takes readers to Boston, while the 1920s are drawing to a close. Katie O'Connor is the epitome of the new woman—feisty, smart and sassy with goals for her future that include the perfect husband and a challenging career in law. Her boyfriend Jake fits all of her criteria for a husband—good-looking, well-connected, wealthy, and head-over-heels in love with her.

But when Katie 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 Jake? Or will she fall for the man she swore to despise forever?

A Hope Undaunted has been lauded by Booklist: “A rich girl and a poor boy find that love can be the great equalizer in Lessman’s engrossing tale, which has more awareness and sizzle between the hero and heroine than your average inspirational romance."

Publisher’s Weekly has praised Lessman, saying her “writing skill is noteworthy” in A Hope Undaunted.

About the Author: (from the publisher's tour)

Julie Lessman is the author of A Passion Most Pure, A Passion Redeemed, and A Passion Denied. Lessman has garnered several writing awards, including ten Romance Writers of America awards. She lives in Missouri.

For more information, visit www.RevellBooks.com.

Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group, offers practical books that bring the Christian faith to everyday life. They publish resources from a variety of well-known brands and authors, including their partnership with MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) and Hungry Planet.

Tour: Within My Heart by Tamera Alexander

Review coming soon!!

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Within My Heart Bethany House; Original edition (September 1, 2010)
by Tamera Alexander

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Tamera Alexander is the best-selling author of Rekindled, Revealed and Remembered, the critically acclaimed Fountain Creek Chronicles historical series with Bethany House Publishers. Her second historical series, Timber Ridge Reflections (From a Distance, Beyond This Moment, and Within My Heart), penned in her style with deeply drawn characters, thought-provoking plots, and poignant prose have earned her devoted readers—and multiple industry awards.

These awards include the 2009 and 2008 Christy Award, the 2007 RITA for Best Inspirational Romance, the 2009 and 2007 Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence, 2007 Bookseller’s Best Award, and Library Journal’s Top Christian Fiction for 2006, among others.

After living in Colorado for seventeen years, Tamera has returned to her Southern roots. She and her husband now make their home in Nashville with Tamera's father, Doug. They enjoy life there with Joe and Tamera's two adult children, and Jack, a precious—and precocious—silky terrier.

ABOUT THE BOOK

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.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Within My Heart, go HERE.

Review and Tour: Love's First Bloom by Delia Parr

This book was one of those that I HOPE was the start of a new series... it was a delightful, with charming characters who had big hearts and helped others without any strings attached.

When Ruth's father tells her to take a young toddler and leave, traveling as Ruth Malloy, a young widow/mother, she puts her faith in him and in God that she is doing the right thing. A short time later, her father is arrested and put on trial for murder, and while Ruth wants to help her dad, she must safeguard the child she is watching over, while entrusting her well-being to strangers.

As the story unfolds, I found myself really loving the small town Ruth ended up in, as well as the individuals she ultimately becomes friends with.

Complications arise as reporters try to find Ruth and uncover what they believe will be evidence against her father. Enter Jake: a young man who is trying to redeem himself in the eyes of his brother and his readers. He must find Ruth and report back on what she is hiding. While doing his research, he finds himself noticing so much more about Ruth, and he begins to have feelings for her. In the end, he must decide what to do about the article he is writing about Ruth, and he must deal with his feelings for her while earning her trust.

The book had a few twists that really helped to solidify the overall story. One character I would LOVE to read more about in future books is Captain Grant. He was a character who popped up throughout the book, so we got to see tantalizing glimpses of his real character, but I'd love to see more.

I really enjoyed the book, and as I stated earlier, I hope this is just the start to a series - there were too many wonderful characters who could be explored in books of their own.

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Love's First Bloom
Bethany House; Original edition (September 1, 2010)
by Delia Parr
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Delia Parr, pen name for Mary Lechleidner, is the author of 10 historical novels and the winner of several awards, including the Laurel Wreath Award for Historical Romance and the Aspen Gold Award for Best Inspirational Book. She is a full-time high school teacher who spends her summer vacations writing and kayaking. The mother of three grown children, she lives in Collingswood, New Jersey.





ABOUT THE BOOK

Ruth Livingstone's life changes drastically the day her father puts a young child in her arms and sends her to a small village in New Jersey under an assumed name. There Ruth pretends to be a widow and quietly secludes herself until her father is acquitted of a crime.

But with the emergence of the penny press, the imagination of the reading public is stirred, and her father's trial stands center stage. Asher Tripp is the brash newspaperman who determines that this case is the event he can use to redeem himself as a journalist.

Ruth finds solace tending a garden along the banks of the Toms River--a place where she can find a measure of peace in the midst of the sorrow that continues to build. It is also here that Asher Tripp finds a temporary residence, all in an attempt to discover if the lovely creature known as Widow Malloy is truly Ruth Livingstone, the woman every newspaper has been looking for.

Love begins to slowly bloom...but is the affection they share strong enough to withstand the secrets that separate them?

If you would like to read the first chapter of Love's First Bloom, go HERE.

Edition Reviewed: Paperback - Review copy received courtesy of the publisher, many thanks to both the author and the publisher for sending me a copy to review!

Review: The Good Greek Wife? by Kate Walker

I was touched by the story in Kate Walker's The Good Greek Wife? as she really seemed to focus on the relationship between a husband and wife when he unexpectedly returns after being taken captive by pirates.

Zarek has worked hard to make a place for himself in the world, one that is secure, and he is finally there after building a successful shipping company. That is also where he meets his future wife.

Penny had been quietly working for Zarek and adored him from afar, so it seemed like a dream come true when he finally noticed her!

After being married for only a short time, Zarek sails out on his yacht, the Troy, and is then attacked, boarded and taken by pirates. During a skirmish his head is wounded and he nearly drowns. When he comes to, he doesn't know who he is. He spends the next two years living with a nice couple as he tries to remember who he is so he can go back to his life.

Meanwhile, Penny is trying to maintain Zarek's company and keep it from the clutches of his ruthless and very unfriendly family. A chance encounter on the beach between Penny, her brother-in-law (Zarek's step-brother), and a man on the beach who Penny doesn't recognize is Zarek shows Zarek that he desperately needs to return from the dead so that he can take back his company before his greedy family takes over.

At a board meeting, Zarek walks right in and stuns everyone, but most of all Penny. Thus begins relationship ups and downs as Penny and Zarek both try to determine their feelings and find out what has been going on with the other during Zarek's long absence.

I enjoyed the book a lot, and the only thing that could have made it any better would have been a little more information pertaining to Greece and the locations that were visited. Don't get me wrong - as a reader, I knew exactly where the characters were and what was going on, but I would have loved just a bit more history and detail!

The Good Greek Wife?
by Kate Walker
Publisher: Mills & Boon (July 2, 2010) ~ 192 pages
Fiction / Romance / Contemporary

Edition Reviewed: Paperback - Review copy received courtesy of Author Sound Relations, many thanks for sending me a copy to review!

About the Book:

The return of the proud Greek husband...

He was declared missing at sea - but now notorious Zarek Michaelis is back and ready to take control! First he'll see to his business, and then to his wayward wife...

For two years Penny has struggled to come to terms with Zarek's disappearance. But enough is enough. It's time to move on...

Her proud Greek husband is still as darkly handsome as ever, and the attraction between them is just as potent. But Penny can't trust Zarek's motives - does he just want her body and the fortune he left behind-or to try again?

The Greek Tycoons
Legends are made of men like these!

Note From the Author: (from her site)

Note from Kate

My editor asked me to write a short article on how I came to write A Good Greek Wife? This was originally published in the Romance magazine that they send out to all their UK Readers’ Club customers – but I thought you might like to see it here as well.

‘I have a project you might be interested in’, my editor said.’ It’s a bit different – a bit of a challenge.’

Well, I’m always ready for a challenge, and when I heard about this one I was really intrigued. A mini-series of books based on the ancient Classic Greek Myths, updating them to fit into the Modern Romance line. I really wanted to be involved but first I had to find the right story to bring modernise. Weren’t all Greek Myths about monsters and battles and sword fights?

But then I remembered the story of Odysseus. A man who goes missing for years and whose wife waits at home, never knowing if he is coming back or not. That was just the inspiration I needed. It was the sort of story that fitted perfectly into the Modern Romance line–up. Of course there were some things I needed to change slightly. Odysseus was a King who had gone off to the Trojan Wars and he didn’t return for over ten years. That might have worked in ancient times, but would be more difficult today. But the essence of the story remained the same. My ‘Odysseues’ - Zarek Michaelis – is a Greek shipping magnate who went missing for two years after an attack on his boat (the Troy). And like the original, when he returns he find that his wife(whose name is Penny, after Odysseus’s wife who was Penelope) has new suitors, all wanting to take over the kingdom (or in this case the company) he owned. So he has to prove himself to his wife and she has to prove that she has stayed faithful and loving all the time he has been missing. They have to get to know each other all over again and rediscover the love that had brought them together in the first place.

And it was as I was writing this story that I got a new insight into why Mills and Boon romances are so consistently popular and have been for so long. The emotions and the passions that the authors write about are truly the ‘classic’ emotions - feelings that are as old as time and never change fundamentally, no matter what era or place the book is set in. Whether the hero is an ancient Greek warrior or a Modern Greek Billionaire, the central core of the story – that love conquers all – is always essentially the same. And that’s what makes a classic love story. And a classic love-story is what I hope I've created in A Good Greek Wife? Copyright © 2010. All rights reserved.

About the Author: (from the publisher's site)

Kate Walker was always making up stories. She can't remember a time when she wasn't scribbling away at something and wrote her first “book” when she was eleven. She went to Aberystwyth University, met her future husband and after three years of being a full-time housewife and mother she turned to her old love of writing. Mills & Boon accepted a novel after two attempts, and Kate has been writing ever since. Visit Kate at her website at: www.kate-walker.com