THIS Drawing is now CLOSED. Thanks for entering!
Yes, my birthday is coming up soon and in honor of the day of my birth, I've decided to celebrate one of my favorite things: reading Christian fiction!
My party favors are books of course.
Here's the thing. I've decided to choose books that I've been wanting to read and to give myself the gift of reading them between now and my birthday. So I'm offering books in my giveaway that I haven't actually read yet and for some reason it's scaring me a little to offer books that I haven't read yet (this is my disclaimer in case you don't like any of them). But I'm choosing ones that I've heard good things about. In fact, some of the books I'm choosing come from The Suspense Zone's list of "books from 2007 that will challenge and stretch your faith."
I'm picking an odd assortment of books because, well, it's my birthday and I can if I want to.
I also get to make up the rules for entering.
1.) Enter by Feb. 27, the drawing will be on Feb. 28
2.) Place a comment on this post saying which book(s) you want to be entered to win. AND Answer my little getting to know you/me birthday quiz for fun. I got this sent to me from a friend recently. Just copy my version and replace with your own answers:
a. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCH MEAT? does peanut butter count?
b. DO YOU HAVE KIDS? yes, 2 girls and had a miscarriage this fall
c. DO YOU HAVE A JOURNAL? yes
d. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP? No way.
e. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF? No
f. RED OR PINK? pink
g. LAST THING YOU ATE? chocolate chip cookie
h. IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE? apple green
i. FAVORITE SMELLS? chocolate chip cookies baking
k. FAVORITE SPORT TO WATCH? Football, especially the Packers! :)
l. LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED? Hannah Montana's Concert Movie (yes, I have girls!)
m. SUMMER OR WINTER? Um, neither, I like spring and fall
n. WHAT DID YOU WATCH LAST ON TV LAST NIGHT? a Food Network Cake challenge
3.) Check back to see if you win!
Here are the books I'm "giving myself" time to read for my birthday!
The Whole Truth by James Scott Bell
Description:
At the age of five, Steve Conroy saw his seven-year-old brother kidnapped from the very bedroom they shared. His brother was never found. And the guilt of his silence that night has all but destroyed Steve's life.
Now thirty years old with a failing law practice, Steve agrees to represent convicted criminal Johnny LaSalle, an arrangement sweetened by a lucrative retainer. It's not long until he discovers that this con man might just be his missing brother.
Desperate for his final shot at redemption, Steve will do anything to find the truth. But Johnny knows far more than he's telling, and the secrets he keeps have deadly consequences. Now Steve must depend on an inexperienced law student whose faith seems to be his last chance at redemption from a corrupt world where one wrong move could be his last.
Why I picked this book: I love James Scott Bell's books! I love suspense!
The Elevator by Angela Hunt
Description:
As a violent hurricane approaches the Florida coast, three women are trapped in the elevator of a high-rise office building---unaware that the secrets they hide center on the same man. Can the betrayed wife, the determined mistress, and the fugitive cleaning woman find the courage and faith to unite and fight for their lives?
Why I picked this book: Looks very exciting! I've been wanting to read it.
Skizzer by A.J. Kiesling
Description:
Two sisters. Many unanswered questions. One undiscovered past.
Claire Trowling is on a quest. It's June, 2001, and she has just received news of her sister Becca's abrupt disappearance. After finding a stack of mysterious letters bound by a rare necklace, Claire leaves her home in North Carolina and heads to England --- the source of the heirloom --- for answers. Soon she realizes she must piece together the shadowy remnants of a past she's long forgotten in order to save her family's future.
Suspenseful and full of intrigue, Skizzer is a dramatic tale of a sister's race to discover her true beginnings amidst the secrets that hold her family captive. But are some secrets better left uncovered?
Why I picked it? Looks good and I was asked by the author to read it which felt like a birthday present just to be asked! :)
Remember to Forget by Deborah Raney
Description:
Maggie Anderson comes to a realization as she is being carjacked: she is more afraid of the abusive boyfriend for whom she is picking up alcohol than the carjacker. In this moment, Maggie understands that she can let her life stagnate where it is, or she can stand up for herself and her freedom. In order to be free, she must leave behind and forget everything about her old life and begin anew.
Trevor Ashlock is another person trying to forget, in the small town of Clayburn, Kansas.
Will God's love, grace, and forgiveness be able to eradicate the past, or will Maggie and Trevor be able to come to terms with their devils and start over again?
Why I Picked this book: Another from the "stretch your faith" books that I've been wanting to read.
And 2 books by Eric Wilson that I will give away together:
The Best of Evil, Aramis Black Mystery 1
Description:
When a customer in Aramis Black's espresso shop is shot before his eyes, he wonders if his mother's death is linked with a centuries-old Nashville mystery!
Why I picked this book: I've been wanting to read one by Eric Wilson because I've heard so much about his writing and the second book in this series is on the "stretch your faith list."
A Shred of Truth, Aramis Black Mystery 2
Description:
Haunted by a dark past, Aramis Black fears a shadow from his former life has returned for retribution! Following a bizarre attack on his brother, the blade of an arrogant sociopath takes aim at Aramis, challenging him to "face his sins." Can Black escape the guilt of old ways---or will vengeance cut him down?
Why I picked this book: see above.
Finally, Creston Mapes' Rock Star Chronicles
First, Dark Star
Description:
Everett Lester and his band, DeathStroke, ride the crest of a wave to superstardom. But the deeper they become immersed in fame, wealth, and power, the more likely they are to be swallowed alive by the drugs, alcohol and discontentment that have become their only friends. Everett is headed down a perilous road when he is charged with the murder of his personal psychic. The only hope he can cling to comes from the letters written by a prayerful young lady in Kansas. Consistent and persistent, the notes offer Everett a fulfillment he's never grasped before. But what if he's found guilty of murder? Will he recognize the spiritual battle that's raging for his soul?
Why I picked this book: because I loved Creston Mapes' book, Nobody and he took the time to write to me about it and asked me to read his other books. And like I said before, having an author ask me to read one of their books is like a birthday present all in itself!
And the second book, Full Tilt
Description:
In this sequel to Dark Star, rock star Everett Lester is eager to share the redeeming power of Christ's love with the world through his music. But reaching his family in their twisted lives is another issue altogether. His gambling-addicted brother, Edie, and the rest of his deteriorating family greet Everett's attempts with disdain and hatred, when the Mob gets involved, dangerous threats become a haunting reality. And when Eddie's son, Wesley--who blames Everett for his brother's death--hooks up with psychic Tony Badino, the two meth-using antichrists will stop at nothing to bring Everett down ant secure his demise!
Why I picked this book: See reason above and because I've been playing guitar hero and feel like a rock star myself. Those who know me cannot even imagine me playing the game, but it's kind of fun.
I guess my list is more on the "suspense" side of Christian fiction this time. I've been reading a lot of the "chicklit" lately and am ready for some good suspense. So, if you want to join me, sign up to win by Feb. 27! I hope the books are good! :)
