Tree Swing Reading

Review of "Critical Care" and "Disaster Status" by Candace Calvert

Description:

After her brother's tragic death fighting a fire, former trauma nurse Claire Avery can't face going back to the ER. But when she must offer staff counseling after a propane explosion in a local day care center, Claire's plan self-destructs. She's back in the ER, battling painful memories-and the handsome and surly doctor who thrives on chaos. Dr. Logan Caldwell has learned to distance himself from painful emotion. He expects his ER staff to be as tough as he is, and when hospital administration sends a beautiful but pushy education nurse to offer counseling, he'll have none of it.

Description:

After her brother's tragic death fighting a fire, former trauma nurse Claire Avery can't face going back to the ER. But when she must offer staff counseling after a propane explosion in a local day care center, Claire's plan self-destructs. She's back in the ER, battling painful memories-and the handsome and surly doctor who thrives on chaos. Dr. Logan Caldwell has learned to distance himself from painful emotion. He expects his ER staff to be as tough as he is, and when hospital administration sends a beautiful but pushy education nurse to offer counseling, he'll have none of it.

My Thoughts:

I enjoyed both of these very much and look forward to more from this author!  As a big fan of medical dramas, it was great to get to read about some of the staff members' lives from a Christian fiction point of view. There wasn't an abundance of medical action. Just a nice balance as it pertained to the work lives of the characters. I enjoyed the growth of the characters and the romances that developed.  The stories were somewhat connected, but could be read individually too.

Book Bullets:

• My rating: 5 out of 5 stars
• Genre: contemporary romance
• Themes: forgiveness, trust
• Part of a Series: Mercy Hospital Series
• Publication year: 2009

Christy Award Nominees Part 5: Contemporary Romance Category

The Christy Award is a "Christian fiction award to recognize novelists and novels of excellence in several genres of Christian fiction." The nominees for this year were announced recently and the winners announced June 26. Every year I make it my goal to read all the books that are nominated for the Christy Award.  I also give them away!

This year I will not give them away all at once, but by category while I am reading the books nominated in that category.

To enter to win any/all of these books, please do the following:

1. Post a comment indicating which book/books you would like to be entered for.

2. Answer this question: Since this is the "Romance" category, if your spouse (future spouse or imaginary spouse if not married) was going to do something romantic for you, which of the following would be your favorite? Bring you flowers, bring you chocolates, make you dinner, or write you a letter?  I'd pick the letter, but also the chocolates! 

2. Enter by the date indicated. For this category, please enter by JULY 11, winners announced on July 12.

3. Respond within 10 days should you receive an email indicating you have won a particular book.

4. Come back soon for the next category giveaway! 

These are books nominated in the "Contemporary Romance" category.

The books nominated in this category are:

Breach of Trust by DiAnn Mills

Description:

Paige Rogers is a former CIA agent who lost all she treasured seven years ago when her entire team was killed in a covert mission. She blames their leader—Daniel Keary—whom Paige believes betrayed them. Disillusioned and afraid for her life, she disappeared and started a new life as a small-town librarian. But when Keary announces his candidacy for governor of her state, he comes after Paige to ensure that she won’t ruin his bid for office. He threatens everything she holds dear, and Paige must choose between the life of hiding that has become her refuge . . . or risking everything in one last, desperate attempt to right old wrongs. 

My Thoughts:

Loving it so far!  More complete review when I finish it.

How Sweet it is by Alice J. Wisler

Description:

Leaving behind a broken romance and her job as a chef in Atlanta, Deena Livingston reluctantly agrees to teach cooking to middle schoolers in North Carolina. But how can she convince the kids that home cooking is better than fast food? Will a Dr. Seuss-quoting plumber, a handsome social worker, and eight rambunctious youngsters change Deena's outlook on life? 

My Thoughts:

I really enjoyed this book. Deena is a likeable and realistic person who has flaws and fears to overcome. I really enjoyed the "supporting" characters and all the lessons that their influence brings to Deen's life.  Even includes a few yummy-looking recipes!

Stand-in Groom by Kaye Dacus

Description:

When wedding planner Anne Hawthorne meets George Laurence, she thinks she's found the man of her dreams. But when he turns out to be a client, her "dream" quickly turns into a nightmare. Will Anne risk her heart and career on this engaging Englishman? George came to Louisiana to plan his employer's wedding and pose as the groom. But how can he feign affection for a supposed fiancee when he's so achingly attracted to the wedding planner? And what will happen when Anne discovers his role has been Stand-In Groom only? Will she ever trust George again? Can God help these two believers find a happy ending?

My Thoughts:

Can't wait to read this next!  Will let you know!   

The Christy Award is a "Christian fiction award to recognize novelists and novels of excellence in several genres of Christian fiction." The nominees for this year were announced recently and the winners announced June 26. Every year I make it my goal to read all the books that are nominated for the Christy Award.  I also give them away!

This year I will not give them away all at once, but by category while I am reading the books nominated in that category.

To enter to win any/all of these books, please do the following:

1. Post a comment indicating which book/books you would like to be entered for.

2. Answer this question: Since this is the "Romance" category, if your spouse (future spouse or imaginary spouse if not married) was going to do something romantic for you, which of the following would be your favorite? Bring you flowers, bring you chocolates, make you dinner, or write you a letter?  I'd pick the letter, but also the chocolates! 

2. Enter by the date indicated. For this category, please enter by JULY 11, winners announced on July 12.

3. Respond within 10 days should you receive an email indicating you have won a particular book.

4. Come back soon for the next category giveaway! 

These are books nominated in the "Contemporary Romance" category.

The books nominated in this category are:

Breach of Trust by DiAnn Mills

Description:

Paige Rogers is a former CIA agent who lost all she treasured seven years ago when her entire team was killed in a covert mission. She blames their leader—Daniel Keary—whom Paige believes betrayed them. Disillusioned and afraid for her life, she disappeared and started a new life as a small-town librarian. But when Keary announces his candidacy for governor of her state, he comes after Paige to ensure that she won’t ruin his bid for office. He threatens everything she holds dear, and Paige must choose between the life of hiding that has become her refuge . . . or risking everything in one last, desperate attempt to right old wrongs. 

My Thoughts:

Loving it so far!  More complete review when I finish it.

How Sweet it is by Alice J. Wisler

Description:

Leaving behind a broken romance and her job as a chef in Atlanta, Deena Livingston reluctantly agrees to teach cooking to middle schoolers in North Carolina. But how can she convince the kids that home cooking is better than fast food? Will a Dr. Seuss-quoting plumber, a handsome social worker, and eight rambunctious youngsters change Deena's outlook on life? 

My Thoughts:

I really enjoyed this book. Deena is a likeable and realistic person who has flaws and fears to overcome. I really enjoyed the "supporting" characters and all the lessons that their influence brings to Deen's life.  Even includes a few yummy-looking recipes!

Stand-in Groom by Kaye Dacus

Description:

When wedding planner Anne Hawthorne meets George Laurence, she thinks she's found the man of her dreams. But when he turns out to be a client, her "dream" quickly turns into a nightmare. Will Anne risk her heart and career on this engaging Englishman? George came to Louisiana to plan his employer's wedding and pose as the groom. But how can he feign affection for a supposed fiancee when he's so achingly attracted to the wedding planner? And what will happen when Anne discovers his role has been Stand-In Groom only? Will she ever trust George again? Can God help these two believers find a happy ending?

My Thoughts:

Can't wait to read this next!  Will let you know!   

The Christy Award is a "Christian fiction award to recognize novelists and novels of excellence in several genres of Christian fiction." The nominees for this year were announced recently and the winners announced June 26. Every year I make it my goal to read all the books that are nominated for the Christy Award.  I also give them away!

This year I will not give them away all at once, but by category while I am reading the books nominated in that category.

To enter to win any/all of these books, please do the following:

1. Post a comment indicating which book/books you would like to be entered for.

2. Answer this question: Since this is the "Romance" category, if your spouse (future spouse or imaginary spouse if not married) was going to do something romantic for you, which of the following would be your favorite? Bring you flowers, bring you chocolates, make you dinner, or write you a letter?  I'd pick the letter, but also the chocolates! 

2. Enter by the date indicated. For this category, please enter by JULY 11, winners announced on July 12.

3. Respond within 10 days should you receive an email indicating you have won a particular book.

4. Come back soon for the next category giveaway! 

These are books nominated in the "Contemporary Romance" category.

The books nominated in this category are:

Breach of Trust by DiAnn Mills

Description:

Paige Rogers is a former CIA agent who lost all she treasured seven years ago when her entire team was killed in a covert mission. She blames their leader—Daniel Keary—whom Paige believes betrayed them. Disillusioned and afraid for her life, she disappeared and started a new life as a small-town librarian. But when Keary announces his candidacy for governor of her state, he comes after Paige to ensure that she won’t ruin his bid for office. He threatens everything she holds dear, and Paige must choose between the life of hiding that has become her refuge . . . or risking everything in one last, desperate attempt to right old wrongs. 

My Thoughts:

Loving it so far!  More complete review when I finish it.

How Sweet it is by Alice J. Wisler

Description:

Leaving behind a broken romance and her job as a chef in Atlanta, Deena Livingston reluctantly agrees to teach cooking to middle schoolers in North Carolina. But how can she convince the kids that home cooking is better than fast food? Will a Dr. Seuss-quoting plumber, a handsome social worker, and eight rambunctious youngsters change Deena's outlook on life? 

My Thoughts:

I really enjoyed this book. Deena is a likeable and realistic person who has flaws and fears to overcome. I really enjoyed the "supporting" characters and all the lessons that their influence brings to Deen's life.  Even includes a few yummy-looking recipes!

Stand-in Groom by Kaye Dacus

Description:

When wedding planner Anne Hawthorne meets George Laurence, she thinks she's found the man of her dreams. But when he turns out to be a client, her "dream" quickly turns into a nightmare. Will Anne risk her heart and career on this engaging Englishman? George came to Louisiana to plan his employer's wedding and pose as the groom. But how can he feign affection for a supposed fiancee when he's so achingly attracted to the wedding planner? And what will happen when Anne discovers his role has been Stand-In Groom only? Will she ever trust George again? Can God help these two believers find a happy ending?

My Thoughts:

Can't wait to read this next!  Will let you know!   

Book Giveaway: Rhythms of Grace by Marilynn Griffith

After a short hiatus, I'm back to giving my "random TBR pile" giveaway a try.  The next book that random.org's number matched was Rhythms of Grace by Marilyn Griffith.

Here are the rules to enter to win this book:

A. Post a comment answering a random question with that day's post.

I picking questions from my daughter's book "My All-Time Top 5 book of Lists." Today's question: Put this list in order of you most favorite as #1 and least favorite as #5: shopping, doing crafts, cooking, hiking, board games.

My Answer: 1. doing crafts, 2. hiking, 3. board games, 4. shopping, 5. cooking

B. Include an email address where I can reach you if you are selected as the winner for that giveaway.

C. Enter on or before April 9 for this book, the winner will be drawn April 10.

Today's Giveaway:

Description:

Young Grace Okoye was a promising dancer when her career suddenly ended. Twenty years later, her past trips up her happiness and she returns home in search of grace. What she discovers is a man who moves to her tempo. She's found the love of her life---but must she choose between him and God?

My Thoughts:

Due to birthday party planning and illness, I have only just started reading this book; BUT, I love Marilynn Griffith and the parts I've read so far are poignant and powerful.  I will write more soon. 

A. Post a comment answering a random question with that day's post.

I picking questions from my daughter's book "My All-Time Top 5 book of Lists." Today's question: Put this list in order of you most favorite as #1 and least favorite as #5: shopping, doing crafts, cooking, hiking, board games.

My Answer: 1. doing crafts, 2. hiking, 3. board games, 4. shopping, 5. cooking

B. Include an email address where I can reach you if you are selected as the winner for that giveaway.

C. Enter on or before April 9 for this book, the winner will be drawn April 10.

Today's Giveaway:

Description:

Young Grace Okoye was a promising dancer when her career suddenly ended. Twenty years later, her past trips up her happiness and she returns home in search of grace. What she discovers is a man who moves to her tempo. She's found the love of her life---but must she choose between him and God?

My Thoughts:

Due to birthday party planning and illness, I have only just started reading this book; BUT, I love Marilynn Griffith and the parts I've read so far are poignant and powerful.  I will write more soon. 

Juggling Genres Giveaway: Day 4

  I need to do some serious reading in the next few weeks! I've got books of all kinds to read.  I've got fiction, non-fiction, and teen books to get through devour.  I've decided that having you come on this journey with me will make it fun!  So, during the next 4 weeks I am putting the names of 14 regular Christian fiction books, 7 non-fiction books, and 7 teen/young adult books into a bowl and drawing them out to read and giveaway.

Book giveaway for Day 4: (fiction) How Sweet It Is by Alice J. Wisler

Here are the rules to enter:

A. Post a comment answering a random question with that day's post.

Today's Question: This book is about a woman starting up a cake-making business. She also loves pie. Which do you prefer, cake or pie?  What's your favorite kind of cake? Favorite pie?

My Answer: Usually I prefer cake. My favorite cake is one I make called "Too Much Chocolate Cake."  My mother-in-law makes an eggnog pie that is my favorite pie.

B. Include an email address where I can reach you if you are selected as the winner for that giveaway.

C. Enter on or before Feb. 13 for this book, the winner will be drawn Feb. 14.

D. Come back tomorrow for the next book!

TODAY'S BOOK GIVEAWAY

Description:

Leaving behind a broken romance and her job as a chef in Atlanta, Deena Livingston reluctantly agrees to teach cooking to middle schoolers in North Carolina. But how can she convince the kids that home cooking is better than fast food? Will a Dr. Seuss-quoting plumber, a handsome social worker, and eight rambunctious youngsters change Deena's outlook on life? 320 pages, softcover from Bethany. 

My Thoughts:

I really enjoyed this book. Deena is a likeable and realistic person who has flaws and fears to overcome. I really enjoyed the "supporting" characters and all the lessons that their influence brings to Deen's life.  Even includes a few yummy-looking recipes!

Book Bullets:

• My rating: 5 out of 5 stars
• Genre: women's fiction
• Themes: forgiveness, hope
• Part of a Series: no
• Publication year: 2009
• Pages: 320

  I need to do some serious reading in the next few weeks! I've got books of all kinds to read.  I've got fiction, non-fiction, and teen books to get through devour.  I've decided that having you come on this journey with me will make it fun!  So, during the next 4 weeks I am putting the names of 14 regular Christian fiction books, 7 non-fiction books, and 7 teen/young adult books into a bowl and drawing them out to read and giveaway.

Book giveaway for Day 4: (fiction) How Sweet It Is by Alice J. Wisler

Here are the rules to enter:

A. Post a comment answering a random question with that day's post.

Today's Question: This book is about a woman starting up a cake-making business. She also loves pie. Which do you prefer, cake or pie?  What's your favorite kind of cake? Favorite pie?

My Answer: Usually I prefer cake. My favorite cake is one I make called "Too Much Chocolate Cake."  My mother-in-law makes an eggnog pie that is my favorite pie.

B. Include an email address where I can reach you if you are selected as the winner for that giveaway.

C. Enter on or before Feb. 13 for this book, the winner will be drawn Feb. 14.

D. Come back tomorrow for the next book!

TODAY'S BOOK GIVEAWAY

Description:

Leaving behind a broken romance and her job as a chef in Atlanta, Deena Livingston reluctantly agrees to teach cooking to middle schoolers in North Carolina. But how can she convince the kids that home cooking is better than fast food? Will a Dr. Seuss-quoting plumber, a handsome social worker, and eight rambunctious youngsters change Deena's outlook on life? 320 pages, softcover from Bethany. 

My Thoughts:

I really enjoyed this book. Deena is a likeable and realistic person who has flaws and fears to overcome. I really enjoyed the "supporting" characters and all the lessons that their influence brings to Deen's life.  Even includes a few yummy-looking recipes!

Book Bullets:

• My rating: 5 out of 5 stars
• Genre: women's fiction
• Themes: forgiveness, hope
• Part of a Series: no
• Publication year: 2009
• Pages: 320

  I need to do some serious reading in the next few weeks! I've got books of all kinds to read.  I've got fiction, non-fiction, and teen books to get through devour.  I've decided that having you come on this journey with me will make it fun!  So, during the next 4 weeks I am putting the names of 14 regular Christian fiction books, 7 non-fiction books, and 7 teen/young adult books into a bowl and drawing them out to read and giveaway.

Book giveaway for Day 4: (fiction) How Sweet It Is by Alice J. Wisler

Here are the rules to enter:

A. Post a comment answering a random question with that day's post.

Today's Question: This book is about a woman starting up a cake-making business. She also loves pie. Which do you prefer, cake or pie?  What's your favorite kind of cake? Favorite pie?

My Answer: Usually I prefer cake. My favorite cake is one I make called "Too Much Chocolate Cake."  My mother-in-law makes an eggnog pie that is my favorite pie.

B. Include an email address where I can reach you if you are selected as the winner for that giveaway.

C. Enter on or before Feb. 13 for this book, the winner will be drawn Feb. 14.

D. Come back tomorrow for the next book!

TODAY'S BOOK GIVEAWAY

Description:

Leaving behind a broken romance and her job as a chef in Atlanta, Deena Livingston reluctantly agrees to teach cooking to middle schoolers in North Carolina. But how can she convince the kids that home cooking is better than fast food? Will a Dr. Seuss-quoting plumber, a handsome social worker, and eight rambunctious youngsters change Deena's outlook on life? 320 pages, softcover from Bethany. 

My Thoughts:

I really enjoyed this book. Deena is a likeable and realistic person who has flaws and fears to overcome. I really enjoyed the "supporting" characters and all the lessons that their influence brings to Deen's life.  Even includes a few yummy-looking recipes!

Book Bullets:

• My rating: 5 out of 5 stars
• Genre: women's fiction
• Themes: forgiveness, hope
• Part of a Series: no
• Publication year: 2009
• Pages: 320

  I need to do some serious reading in the next few weeks! I've got books of all kinds to read.  I've got fiction, non-fiction, and teen books to get through devour.  I've decided that having you come on this journey with me will make it fun!  So, during the next 4 weeks I am putting the names of 14 regular Christian fiction books, 7 non-fiction books, and 7 teen/young adult books into a bowl and drawing them out to read and giveaway.

Book giveaway for Day 4: (fiction) How Sweet It Is by Alice J. Wisler

Here are the rules to enter:

A. Post a comment answering a random question with that day's post.

Today's Question: This book is about a woman starting up a cake-making business. She also loves pie. Which do you prefer, cake or pie?  What's your favorite kind of cake? Favorite pie?

My Answer: Usually I prefer cake. My favorite cake is one I make called "Too Much Chocolate Cake."  My mother-in-law makes an eggnog pie that is my favorite pie.

B. Include an email address where I can reach you if you are selected as the winner for that giveaway.

C. Enter on or before Feb. 13 for this book, the winner will be drawn Feb. 14.

D. Come back tomorrow for the next book!

TODAY'S BOOK GIVEAWAY

Description:

Leaving behind a broken romance and her job as a chef in Atlanta, Deena Livingston reluctantly agrees to teach cooking to middle schoolers in North Carolina. But how can she convince the kids that home cooking is better than fast food? Will a Dr. Seuss-quoting plumber, a handsome social worker, and eight rambunctious youngsters change Deena's outlook on life? 320 pages, softcover from Bethany. 

My Thoughts:

I really enjoyed this book. Deena is a likeable and realistic person who has flaws and fears to overcome. I really enjoyed the "supporting" characters and all the lessons that their influence brings to Deen's life.  Even includes a few yummy-looking recipes!

Book Bullets:

• My rating: 5 out of 5 stars
• Genre: women's fiction
• Themes: forgiveness, hope
• Part of a Series: no
• Publication year: 2009
• Pages: 320