Tree Swing Reading

Review of "Reluctant Runaway" by Jill Elizabeth Nelson, Book 2 in To Catch a Thief Series

Description:

Stolen Indian artifacts…A murdered museum guard…A missing woman…A baby in danger…

Only Desiree can unearth the horrifying secret that links them all.

Museum security expert Desiree Jacobs doesn’t mean to get in danger’s path. Really she doesn’t. But when a friend is in trouble you don’t just walk away. No matter what your overprotective FBI agent boyfriend says! So when Desi and Tony’s date at a presidential ball is interrupted by a frantic Maxine Webb, Desi doesn’t hesitate to jump in.

Soon Desi is neck-deep in a confusing array of villains. Did Max’s niece run away or was she taken? Is she still alive or the victim of a perverse ritual? And who wants her infant son–and why?

Then Tony’s organized crime case collides with Desi’s investigation, throwing them both into the path of something dark and sinister. Something that craves blood…

From the streets of Desi’s beloved Boston to the mountain desert of New Mexico, Desi and Tony must rely on God to thwart unseen forces–and save a young woman and her baby from a villain more evil than any of them can imagine.

My review:

It's funny how some characters become so real to you that you find yourself reacting to them.  That's how I was with Desi and Tony in this book.  I wanted to reach out and sit them down and help them figure out why they were having trouble communicating.  I'd find myself agreeing with Tony that Desi should be more careful and not keep putting herself in danger, but then I'd find myself feeling Desi's frustration that Tony couldn't trust her more and open himself up more.  My favorite part of the book comes toward the end when Tony finally realizes that he'd been trying to protect Desi as a way of control and instead he should give her over to God.  I know it's one of those easier said than done kind of things that sound right, but are hard to do practically speaking.  I guess I picked up on that part because of my own tendencies to try to control my own family--I mean in the sense that I worry incessantly about them and badger them with questions about how they are feeling, etc.  I need to release some of that control, because it's artificial anyway--I'm not really controlling anything.

That tangent aside, I enjoyed this book very much.  Every time a bit of the suspense would die down, I'd turn the page and it would heat up again, which kept me turning the pages to find out what would happen.  The cult-like following of a preacher who can twist the Bible for his own purposes was a good warning.  I look forward to reading the third book in this series for a blog tour next week!

I give this book a sunny day rating!

Extra copies of "Demon: A Memoir" by Tosca Lee to be given away

I have 2 more copies of Demon: A Memoir by Tosca Lee to give away.

Just enter a comment on this post by Jan. 27 to be entered.

I know the title sounds kind of creepy to some, but the premise of the book is really great!  Can you imagine having conversations with a demon about God, Jesus, and your life?  Lee describes the main character's interviews with a demon.  The demon is not scarey or ugly, just looks like a normal person. The conversations give the reader a wonderful insight into the great love of God/Jesus through the demon's eyes.  The demon can see clearly what a remarkable gift God gave us when he sent His Son to die for us.  This book reminds us of that.

Be sure to enter to win!

Review of "The Pulpwood Queens' Tiara-Wearing, Book-Sharing Guide to Life" by Kathy L. Patrick

Description:

Kathy L. Patrick, author The Pulpwood Queens' Tiara-Wearing, Book-Sharing Guide to Life, the official book of the Pulpwood Queens—“where tiaras are mandatory and reading good books are the rule!”—celebrates the transformative power of reading and is a resource for book clubs and book lovers everywhere.

When licensed cosmetologist turned publisher’s rep Kathy L. Patrick lost her job due to industry cutbacks, she wasn’t deterred. Merely months later, she opened Beauty and the Book, the world’s only combination beauty salon/bookstore. An instant hit with customers, who flocked to the store for her dual beauty/book tips, Kathy soon founded The Pulpwood Queens of East Texas. The group meets monthly in official Pulpwood Queens attire—anything that includes hot pink, leopard print, and the obligatory tiara—to eat, drink, and talk books. In THE PULPWOOD QUEENS TIARA WEARING, BOOK-SHARING GUIDE TO LIFE, Kathy shares her life story on how books have changed her life, how she chooses selections for the Pulpwood Queens, and how to start a book group—and keep it going!

My Review:

I have to be honest, when I was asked to review this book, I wasn't sure if I would like it.  I was wrong!  I have to warn you, there are a few words in here that I don't allow in my house (like the horse manure word 2-3 times, and the d-m-word now and then), but if you can over a few of those, you could find a real gem of a book.  This book is part auto-biography, part self-help, part literary guide, part travel book, and more.  Kathy takes the reader on a journey through her childhood to how she ended up starting her tiara and leopard-print-wearing reading group in her own store called Beauty and The Book (part stylist, part book store) where she gives beauty make-overs and book make-overs (finding a perfect book for someone).  She is joyful and funny and inspiring.  She makes me want to start my own book club and to work harder at spreading the joy of reading to others.  She makes me want to wear leopard print with pride.

I could totally relate to her insecurities in her childhood and the way that reading helped her escape to different worlds.  Though I don't have her courage now, I am inspired to reach for borrowing on some of hers and taking a risk to make girlfriends like her book club.  I want to wear a tiara to a book club and I bet there's some other women out there who would like that too! 

I was also impressed with how she could discuss her childhood--which wasn't easy--without any hint of self-pity.  She is matter-of-fact about it and is quick to point out the ways in which her difficulties led to opportunities. 

I love how she has surrounded herself with special people and that she takes joy from them.  Through her eyes, I felt like I was meeting her friends Joe and Mary and others. 

Though I have never met Kathy Patrick, I feel like she is my friend now.  Her conversational writing style made me feel like we were talking over lattes in my dining room.  She is larger than life.  I really like how each chapter ends with a list of books that relate to the chapter's topic, everything from strong women, to quirky characters, to Southern characters.  I also enjoy the pull-out quotes interspersed throughout. 

I like Kathy's determination to make everyone who comes in her "Beauty and the Book" shop feel like a queen. I feel more like a queen after reading her book. 

I give it my sunny day rating (with the small warning about a couple words that fit Kathy's bold and sassy personality, but nevertheless are not part of my usual reads). I just  need to find a tiara to go on the sun.

Review of "Reluctant Burglar" by Jill Elizabeth Nelson (To Catch a Thief Series, book 1)

Description:

Art Stole Her Heart...

Now, can she return the favor?

If Desiree Jacobs knows anything, it's art. Her father, internationally renowned museum security expert, taught her everything he knew. Most of all, he taught her about honor—integrity—faith. So surely God will forgive her for despising the man determined to destroy her father's good name?

Special Agent Tony Lucano knows Hiram Jacobs is an art thief. But is his daughter, Desiree, the innocent she claims, or a clever accomplice?

Then Hiram is murdered. And along with his company, he leaves Desiree a hidden container—full of stolen paintings. But she can't admit her father was a thief! The scandal would destroy their business, put her staff out of jobs, and embarrass international museums that have been displaying clever forgeries. No, she must find out why her honest father would turn criminal. And she must return the priceless art to the rightful owners without their knowledge. Even if it means facing down a ring of cutthroat art thieves.

Even if it means accepting help from the man she most distrusts…

My Review:

I enjoyed this book very much.  I love these kinds of books where the strong and determined woman solves mysteries.  Desi finds herself in an impossible situation as she finds out her father was not exactly known to her and has been keeping secrets from her.  She doesn't know who to trust as she goes from believing her father innocent, finding out he isn't, struggling to clear her own name from suspicion, to worrying about her friend's involvement in the stolen art.  Tony is drawn to Desi but doesnt want to be since he can't completely clear her name.  Ultimately, Desi has to decide if Tony is trustworthy and she has to rely on God's guidance to make that clear to her.

I really liked the characters that Nelson has created, even the gruff partner of Tony's.  I like how Tony recognizes God's hand in placing him with his partner and how he is unashamed of his faith when he is around the partner.  He isn't preachy, just real about it. 

I also have liked the "National Treasure" movies and this book had a hint of that to it, as Desi solves the clues left to her by her father.

I give this book my sunny day rating and have already started book 2!

Giveaway Number 3 from my favorites of 2007

THIS DRAWING IS NOW CLOSED. THANKS FOR ENTERING.

This week is a really big giveaway so let's get right to it!

First, the rules:

1. Indicate for which book(s) and/or series you would like to be entered. (Sometimes gramatically correct sentences sound so strange.)  I am keeping the series books together and am giving them away in a set together.

2. Answer these questions: of the Christian fiction books you read in 2007, what would you say is your favorite historical fiction? your favorite fantasy? your favorite contemporary? If you didn't read any in a particular genre, that's ok, I'm just getting ideas!

3. If you have a friend who likes to read Christian fiction and you let them know about this giveaway, I'll enter your name TWICE! OR if you have a blog and put a link to it this giveaway on your blog, I'll enter your name THREE TIMES!  (I'll go on the honor system for this part--just mention that you're doing it in your comment.) 

4. I have one more question I'd love to get answers to: what kinds of things do you like to read about in blogs? 

5. Enter by January 27, the drawing will be on Jan. 28.

Here are the books I'm giving away this time, there's lots!

  Nobody by Creston Mapes.

I really like this book!

Description:

A police scanner and a reporter's instinct lead Hudson Ambrose to a Las Vegas bus stop ahead of the authorities. There he discovers a dead drifter, a safety deposit key, and a bank book showing nearly a million dollars! Was this murdered Nobody an angel in disguise? Will Hud take the story---or the cash?

My Review is HERE.

Next, I'm giving away

The Restorer by Sharon Hinck

Another great book!

Description:

Susan Mitchell is wondering what happened to God's plan for her. Her life can't just be about cleaning, organizing her family, and being involved in damage control for her four rambunctious children, can it? When Susan opens a box in labeled "Dress Up" in her attic, her question is answered.

Upon opening the box, Susan finds herself thrust into a parallel universe where she must help bring heathens and warring territories "back to the Verses." Susan is a Restorer, a prophet like the Biblical Deborah. Together with an unfamiliar sword, it is Susan's job to show the inhabitants of this new world how Jesus can save people. This universe will forever change how Susan looks at life, love, and family.if she can get out alive.

My Review

Next book: A Proper Pursuit by Lynn Austin

Couldn't put this one down!

Description:

When Violet Hayes ventures to Chicago during the time of the World's Fair, her one goal is to find her mother, who has been missing from her life since she was nine. Naive, impressionable, and highly imaginative (having secretly ingested a diet of romance novels and true crime stories at school), Violet stays in Chicago under the care of her grandmother and her three great aunts. It is here that her perspectives on life are opened as she is exposed to the world about her, from high society to the poor immigrant families; from the suffragette movement to the security of a suitable marriage match. As Violet contemplates what course her life will take, she will discover the missing parts of her family's past, and ultimately, Violet will discover herself.

My review

And now, 2 complete series!

First, the Truth Chasers series by Mark Mynheir

The series includes: Rolling Thunder, book 1

Description:

Follow the crime-busting truth-seeking exploits of three investigators from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement! In Rolling Thunder, you'll meet lead detective John Russell, who's working a high-profile missing-person case when a strange and evil visitor appears at his home. It's John's father---and his mother's murderer. Can John grant forgiveness before his father dies? Henderson, Blackstock, and Dekker fans will love this new series!

The second book: From the Belly of the Dragon.

Description:

Dr. Walter Simmons is a successful man. His books and tapes incorporate psychological principles with New Age spiritualism and are a hit on college campuses. But when his top students join him for an intensive training program, they are actually joining a dangerous cult. Florida Department of Law Enforcement Agent Tim Porter's daughter, Ruby, is lured in like the rest, the heights of a dream plummeting her to the depths of a living nightmare. To what lengths can they go to rescue her from Dr. Simmons' clutches?

and the third book: The Void

Description:

Florida Department of Law Enforcement Agent Robbie Sanchez devotes her life to crime prevention, and it shows: She has no personal life and doesn't know the meaning of a day off. After all, someone has to be around to clean up the mess crime leaves behind. So when Officer Brad Worthington is brutally murdered, Agent Sanchez is called to the scene along with Brad's best friend, Detective Eric Casey. The two turn to Lifetex, the genetics lab near the scene, hoping their elaborate security system might have captured the crime outside. But what is going on inside the lab is far worse: a renegade scientist is cloning humans! As Robbie and Eric pursue clues---and a growing attraction---they are caught in a deadly battle as the clones begin to act on their own volition. But this battle threatens to claim more than human life; the clones are vying for human souls.

AND, THE FINAL SERIES TO GIVE AWAY: The Mars Hill Classified series by Austin Boyd.  Again, the series will be given away in one complete set to one lucky winner!

The books are: The Evidence, book 1

Description:

After waiting his entire life to become an astronaut, John Wells's nearly realized dream is turning into a nightmare. As the nation's capital comes under intense terrorist attack and signs of sophisticated alien life mysteriously appear on the Internet, Wells finds himself increasingly entangled in a web of global deceit---with his marriage, his life, and the planet on the line!

My Review

Book 2, The Proof

Description:

Is There life on Mars? That s what Captain John Wells and his NASA colleagues hope to discover, in this second installment of The Mars Hill trilogy, when they undertake an aggressive mission to the Red Planet. However, from the outset, nothing goes as planned. An uncanny prophesy coupled with an unexpected alien starship escort ends in a series of catastrophic events that give John plenty to think about as he makes the interminable journey back to Earth. The mysteries of Mars, woven into a complex tapestry of international intrigue, will lead him to answers even the most faithful fear. As he starts to put the pieces of the universal puzzle together, the pieces of his life fall irrevocably apart, but, as he must constantly remind himself, God does indeed have a plan for him.

My Review

And the third book, The Return

Description:

It never even crossed Rear Admiral John Wells' mind that on his third NASA trip to Mars he would be staring into the windows of an aircraft that wasn't his own. This third and final chapter of the Mars Hill Classified series delivers a riveting story filled with suspense and action set during Wells' trip to Mars. His wife and daughter are stuck on Earth as he attempts to figure out exactly what the truth is... the truth about Mars and himself

My review

I hope you enjoy the giveaway! 

In February I'll be giving away some romance/chicklit books for Valentine's Day!

Winners of Favorites of 2007 giveaway 1 and 2

The winners for the first 2 giveaways are:

Melissa from IN has won the Kingsbury books: Even Now and Ever After. (I have your info!)

bebemiqui has won Sushi for One? by Camy Tang

Lovedandamazed has won Splitends by Billerbeck

Becky Gooch won Demon by Tosca Lee

and

Tara won Family Honor Series, all 3 books by Karen Ball

Congrats and check out the next giveaway of favorites of 2007 (see link on sidebar). I need an address for Tara and have contacted everyone else via email, so send me your info winners and I'll get the books in the mail!

Christian Writers' Market Guide 2008

Christian Writers' Market Guide 2008 by Sally Stuart

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Christian Writers' Market Guide 2008
WaterBrook Press (January 15, 2008)
by
Sally Stuart

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Sally Stuart has been writing for the last 40+ years, and has been putting out the annual "Christian Writers' Market Guide" for the last 23 years. Her other writing includes several Christian education resources books, a children's picture book, a basic writing text, writing resources, and a western novel--plus hundreds of articles and marketing columns. She writes marketing columns for the "Christian Communicator," "Advanced Christian Writer," and the Oregon Christian Writers' Newsletter. She speaks and teaches at Christian Writers' Conferences nationwide. Sally is the mother of 3 and grandmother of 8. She and her husband, Norm, spend their free time vacationing on the Oregon coast.

Check out her blog!


ABOUT THE BOOK:
The essential reference tool for the Christian writer, Sally Stuart’s Christian Writers’ Market Guide is now in its 23rd annual edition! 

Check out the section on Blogging on page 69...the CFBA is listed!

Writers’ Conference listings, Book Publishers, Magazine Publishers, and a Bookstore filled with the resources you need to be successful in this business. Get a Book Contract or Manuscript Evaluation, and check out the Writer’s Resource links. This book has all you need to connect to all these valuable helps for the beginning, intermediate, or professional writer.

To keep you up to date with the latest marketing news, visit Sally Stuart’s new marketing blog, Christian Writers’ Marketplace, at http://www.stuartmarket.blogspot.com/.

A new, updated version of the Christian Writers’ Market Guide is available about January 15 each year.

Want your own copy?  Click here: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1400074614

My Thoughts:

While this book review won't be giving you the hightlights of the plot or my thoughts on the voice and theme, I will say that this book has it all.  It's a great reference tool and I look forward to finding all the wonderful gems it has to offer.

Review of "If the Shoe Fits" by Marilynn Griffith

Review of If the Shoe Fits by Marilynn Griffith

Book Description
In all my thirty-five years, I, shoe designer Rochelle Gardner, have never had so many men interested in me! My teen son's dad is back in my life after suffering from amnesia (yes, really). The church deacon has had his eye on me for years (and never said a word). And the young waiter (from the restaurant I've visited for singles' events) is trying to steal my heart. I've been struggling with my faith, trying to figure out which man God has chosen for me and wondering if I have the courage to step forward, on my not-so-pretty feet, to accept love. It's almost too much for the Sassy Sistahood to handle, but my girlfriends always have my back!

My Review:

I don't have time for a long review today, but once again I really enjoyed this book.  Marilynn Griffith creates wonderful characters who are real and loveable.  Rochelle is finding herself surrounded by men suddenly and she is having trouble accepting their attention. I felt so bad for her as she has crazy things happening around her, but I felt proud of her in the end when she can finally go for what she wants. 

I know I'm not giving it justice, but I am so completely thankful for the way that Marilynn Griffith writes and the way that her writing makes me think.  I'm reading about fictional characters, but looking at myself in a new way.

I give this book a sunny day rating!

Being "Real"

I wrote a few days ago about how the book, Happily Even After spoke to me and my longings to be real. (see that review here.)  I don't get a lot of chances to be "real" in my real life it seems.  So I'm being real here.  With my blogging friends.

I need some help and some prayers. I am struggling with some health issues. Yesterday I had listed my problems in this post, but today it sounds whiny and like I'm feeling sorry for myself.  Sorry about that.  I just need to know what to do and that's what I need prayers for.  I need to figure out how to eat and how to accept the way that I need to eat.  I need to reduce stress and be serious about it.  There's no more room for being less than committed to it.  Life is too important. It doesn't matter that I want to "do it all."  Even if my pride is in the way and I want to say "yes" to every request.  I have to say no more.  I have become physically extremely sensative to stress and my body reacts to it in a debilitating way. There is no room for the pride anymore. Even though it strokes my ego to be the one that the church turns to for so many projects and graphic design tasks, I have to accept that others can do it just as well and my body (and my family) needs me to accept this.  Does that make sense? 

Giveaway Number 2 from my favorites of 2007

THIS Drawing is now CLOSED.  Thank you for entering.

This week I'm giving away a copy of the following from my list of favorites for 2007. To enter:

1) Post a comment to this post.

2) Indicate which book(s) you would to win.

3) Answer the question: what was your favorite "romance" and what was your favorite "chicklit" book that you read in 2007?

4) Check back on Janurary 18 when the winners for these first 2 rounds will be announced.

This time I'm giving away:

Splitends by Kristen Billerbeck 

Description:

In a fit of short-lived courage, Sarah Claire Winowski flees Sable, Wyoming, for Beverly Hills, where she earns the title "Hairstylist to the Stars." But success isn't very satisfying---and she wonders about the small-town girl she left behind. Can she see through her gorgeous boyfriends, unscrupulous relatives, and an egotistical boss to find the real Sarah?

And

Sushi for One? by Camy Tang

Description:

Four cousins commiserate their single status—Lex the Jock, Trish the Flirt, Venus the Cactus, and Jennifer the Oddball. The only Christians in their large extended family, they vow to fight the stigma of the infamous family title, Oldest Single Female Cousin. But they have very different ideas about not acting as desperate as they feel about their bleak love lives. Who knew God would have His own plans of true love for each of them?

Sports-crazy Lex Sakai isn’t too worried about “winning” the unofficial family title “Oldest Single Female Cousin” when her cousin Mariko marries in a few months. Her control-freak grandma is easy to ignore, until Grandma issues an ultimatum—if Lex can’t find a date for Mariko’s wedding, her ruthless Grandma will cut off funding to the girls’ volleyball team that Lex coaches.

Lex isn’t about to look desperate by dating every player in the dugout. She comes up with a stringent list of requirements from her Ephesians Bible study in her search for The Perfect Man. She always wins in volleyball—if she ups her game, she’s sure to succeed.

Then her brother introduces her to non-Christian, non-athletic, no-immediate-physical-appeal Aiden.

Aiden’s on the rebound from a girl named Trish, who dumped him because he wasn't Christian. Then he discovers that Lex is 1) not attracted to him at all, 2) Christian, and 3) Trish's cousin. No way is he hooking up with anyone from that crazy family, much less another hypocritical Christian chick. He's certainly not masochistic.

Time is running out for Lex, and no matter what she does, she can’t find the right guy. Especially when she keeps running into Aiden everywhere. If only the list would stop getting longer and longer...

And finally: I'm giving away these two books from Karen Kingsbury together, Even Now and Ever After

Shane Galanter is ready to put down roots after years of searching. But is he making the right choice? Or is there a woman somewhere who remembers a love that hasn't faded with time?

Lauren Gibbs is a successful international war correspondent that gave up on happily-ever-after years ago when it was ripped away from her. So why is life so empty?

Emily Anderson is a college freshman raised by her grandparents, about to take her first internship as a journalist. But before she can move ahead, she discovers a love story whose tragic ending came with her birth. As a result, she is drawn to look back and search out the mother she's never met, and the father she never knew.

AND

for Ever After

In this moving sequel to Even Now, Emily Anderson, now twenty, is attending college on a soccer scholarship when she meets the man who changes everything for her. Lauren and Shane still struggle to move past their opposing beliefs about war, politics, and faith. Shane believes it’s possible; Lauren doesn’t. So she says a painful good-bye to her long-ago love and returns to her job as a war correspondent in Afghanistan. Then tragedy sends shock waves through all their lives. Can Lauren and Shane set aside their opposing views so that love—God’s love—might win, no matter how great the odds?

SO, be sure post a comment to be entered for these give aways! GOOD LUCK!