Tree Swing Reading

winners

Congrats to Stacie V winner of Tristan's Gap

and

Carolynn S. winner of Beyond the Night

Thanks for entering!

Alphabet Soup Giveaway, Letter W

LETTER W!

This will be a giveaway working through the alphabet by author's last name.

RULES FOR ENTERING:

a. Post a comment to the blog entries of the books you would like to win AND answer the "Just for Fun" question that goes with it.

Today's question for "W." W is for world. What are the top 5 places you would like to visit? Here's mine: 1. Australia 2. Tanzania where one of my best friends is from 3. Colorado 4. England 5. Some nice beach! :)

b. Enter on or before the date specified. Claim your prize, if you win, within 10 days of being notified or I will redraw. (In other words, let me know you want the book and where it should be sent, should you find out your name was drawn.

Enter by January 31. Today's book winner will be drawn on Feb. 1.

c. Check back for the next giveaway: letter X!

Today's books for W are the Mission Russia books by Susan May Warren.  There are 3 books in this giveaway. 

First, In Sheep's Clothing

  Description:

Her best friends are murdered and a serial killer is on her tail, and she’s got a secret that could save millions of lives. The last person Gracie Benson is about to trust is a cynical FSB agent. Pursued by his own demons, Vicktor isn’t going to let the killer escape, not again. Revenge or Love…which one will win?

My Thoughts:

A wonderful page-turner with a fabulous hero!  A nice mix of suspense and romance.  Gracie is a stubborn girl who has a hard time trusting people because of an attack she experienced in her past.  She faces one betrayal after another and is forced to finally figure out who she should trust.  I love how she teaches Vicktor about God's grace and mercy.  Very good!

Second book: The Sands of Time

 

Description:

A Russian Coup. An epidemic sweeping across Siberia. An American doctor caught in the middle. And, of course, it’s the woman FSB Captain Roman let get away. Unfortunately, he’s the only one who can save her. But stubborn Sarai isn’t about to let the man who broke her heart back into his life– regardless of what it might cost her. Who’s going to win– Roman, Sarai…or the sands of time?

My Thoughts:

Another wonderful book!  Another wonderful hero trying to save a woman who doesn't seem to want to be saved. And in many ways she ends up saving him too.  Lots of action and the back and forth of a relationship being restored and trust being regained.

Third book: Wiser Than Serpants

  Description:

When her sister vanishes into a human slave ring, FSB agent Yanna Andrevka is determined to rescue her. Unfortuantely, she's in over her head, with no way out, especially after destroying the undercover operation of Delta Force Operative David Curtiss, who is deep undercover in the Twin Serpents crime syndicate. David has his hands full trying to save Yanna, and his operation -- one that could rescue hundreds of women from the Serpent, or cost he and Yanna their lives. The thrilling next chapter of the Mission:Russia series!

My Thoughts:

Action! Romance! Another winner! This book is much like the patterns of the first two. A relationship where both parties are not sure how to let go of the barrier around their hearts to allow love in.  They act out of fear and push each other away only to find out how much they need each other.

Great books by a fabulous author! I love Susan May Warren's books!

LETTER W!

This will be a giveaway working through the alphabet by author's last name.

RULES FOR ENTERING:

a. Post a comment to the blog entries of the books you would like to win AND answer the "Just for Fun" question that goes with it.

Today's question for "W." W is for world. What are the top 5 places you would like to visit? Here's mine: 1. Australia 2. Tanzania where one of my best friends is from 3. Colorado 4. England 5. Some nice beach! :)

b. Enter on or before the date specified. Claim your prize, if you win, within 10 days of being notified or I will redraw. (In other words, let me know you want the book and where it should be sent, should you find out your name was drawn.

Enter by January 31. Today's book winner will be drawn on Feb. 1.

c. Check back for the next giveaway: letter X!

Today's books for W are the Mission Russia books by Susan May Warren.  There are 3 books in this giveaway. 

First, In Sheep's Clothing

  Description:

Her best friends are murdered and a serial killer is on her tail, and she’s got a secret that could save millions of lives. The last person Gracie Benson is about to trust is a cynical FSB agent. Pursued by his own demons, Vicktor isn’t going to let the killer escape, not again. Revenge or Love…which one will win?

My Thoughts:

A wonderful page-turner with a fabulous hero!  A nice mix of suspense and romance.  Gracie is a stubborn girl who has a hard time trusting people because of an attack she experienced in her past.  She faces one betrayal after another and is forced to finally figure out who she should trust.  I love how she teaches Vicktor about God's grace and mercy.  Very good!

Second book: The Sands of Time

 

Description:

A Russian Coup. An epidemic sweeping across Siberia. An American doctor caught in the middle. And, of course, it’s the woman FSB Captain Roman let get away. Unfortunately, he’s the only one who can save her. But stubborn Sarai isn’t about to let the man who broke her heart back into his life– regardless of what it might cost her. Who’s going to win– Roman, Sarai…or the sands of time?

My Thoughts:

Another wonderful book!  Another wonderful hero trying to save a woman who doesn't seem to want to be saved. And in many ways she ends up saving him too.  Lots of action and the back and forth of a relationship being restored and trust being regained.

Third book: Wiser Than Serpants

  Description:

When her sister vanishes into a human slave ring, FSB agent Yanna Andrevka is determined to rescue her. Unfortuantely, she's in over her head, with no way out, especially after destroying the undercover operation of Delta Force Operative David Curtiss, who is deep undercover in the Twin Serpents crime syndicate. David has his hands full trying to save Yanna, and his operation -- one that could rescue hundreds of women from the Serpent, or cost he and Yanna their lives. The thrilling next chapter of the Mission:Russia series!

My Thoughts:

Action! Romance! Another winner! This book is much like the patterns of the first two. A relationship where both parties are not sure how to let go of the barrier around their hearts to allow love in.  They act out of fear and push each other away only to find out how much they need each other.

Great books by a fabulous author! I love Susan May Warren's books!

This will be a giveaway working through the alphabet by author's last name.

RULES FOR ENTERING:

a. Post a comment to the blog entries of the books you would like to win AND answer the "Just for Fun" question that goes with it.

Today's question for "W." W is for world. What are the top 5 places you would like to visit? Here's mine: 1. Australia 2. Tanzania where one of my best friends is from 3. Colorado 4. England 5. Some nice beach! :)

b. Enter on or before the date specified. Claim your prize, if you win, within 10 days of being notified or I will redraw. (In other words, let me know you want the book and where it should be sent, should you find out your name was drawn.

Enter by January 31. Today's book winner will be drawn on Feb. 1.

c. Check back for the next giveaway: letter X!

Today's books for W are the Mission Russia books by Susan May Warren.  There are 3 books in this giveaway. 

First, In Sheep's Clothing

  Description:

Her best friends are murdered and a serial killer is on her tail, and she’s got a secret that could save millions of lives. The last person Gracie Benson is about to trust is a cynical FSB agent. Pursued by his own demons, Vicktor isn’t going to let the killer escape, not again. Revenge or Love…which one will win?

My Thoughts:

A wonderful page-turner with a fabulous hero!  A nice mix of suspense and romance.  Gracie is a stubborn girl who has a hard time trusting people because of an attack she experienced in her past.  She faces one betrayal after another and is forced to finally figure out who she should trust.  I love how she teaches Vicktor about God's grace and mercy.  Very good!

Second book: The Sands of Time

 

A Russian Coup. An epidemic sweeping across Siberia. An American doctor caught in the middle. And, of course, it’s the woman FSB Captain Roman let get away. Unfortunately, he’s the only one who can save her. But stubborn Sarai isn’t about to let the man who broke her heart back into his life– regardless of what it might cost her. Who’s going to win– Roman, Sarai…or the sands of time?

My Thoughts:

Another wonderful book!  Another wonderful hero trying to save a woman who doesn't seem to want to be saved. And in many ways she ends up saving him too.  Lots of action and the back and forth of a relationship being restored and trust being regained.

Third book: Wiser Than Serpants

  Description:

When her sister vanishes into a human slave ring, FSB agent Yanna Andrevka is determined to rescue her. Unfortuantely, she's in over her head, with no way out, especially after destroying the undercover operation of Delta Force Operative David Curtiss, who is deep undercover in the Twin Serpents crime syndicate. David has his hands full trying to save Yanna, and his operation -- one that could rescue hundreds of women from the Serpent, or cost he and Yanna their lives. The thrilling next chapter of the Mission:Russia series!

My Thoughts:

Action! Romance! Another winner! This book is much like the patterns of the first two. A relationship where both parties are not sure how to let go of the barrier around their hearts to allow love in.  They act out of fear and push each other away only to find out how much they need each other.

Great books by a fabulous author! I love Susan May Warren's books!

New Saturday Feature

I have a wonderful bloggerland friend, Amy.  Amy does a ton for us bloggers and provides lots of encouragement.  Check out her cool blog here.  She has a Faith N Fiction Saturday feature that I have decided to be a part of.  Here's is this week's topic:

Welcome to Faith 'n Fiction Saturday!

One thing we share in common is a love of books. I know there are participants of Faith 'n Fiction Saturdays that read over 200 books a year!
But while we may read a lot of books, only a few books in our lifetimes are special enough that we would never part with them, always recommend them, and maybe even reread them.

So...what fiction books with faith elements are on your keeper shelf? Please keep your answers to no more than 5 books!

Here's my answer:

1. I have a shared pick with Amy: I choose the Mark of the Lion Series by Francene Rivers.  I love this series and have recommended it time and time again. 

2. Nobody by Creston Mapes. This book challenged me and some of my preconceived notions and spoke to my heart about faith.

3. Happily Even After by Marilynn Griffith. This book spoke to my heart and all my insecurities about my weight, my mothering skills, etc. It was wonderful reminder to be real about my faith.

4. Another shared pick with Amy (great minds...) is Quaker Summer. It challenged me and encouraged contentment in my life.

5. Another series for me is the Red, Black, and White trilogy by Ted Dekker.  I had tears in my eyes when I read of God's love and sacrifice for us.

Of course there are more books I could write about, but I will stop at five as the rules state.

What are some of your choices?

Alphabet Soup Giveaway, Letter V

LETTER V!

This will be a giveaway working through the alphabet by author's last name.

RULES FOR ENTERING:

a. Post a comment to the blog entries of the books you would like to win AND answer the "Just for Fun" question that goes with it.

Today's question for "V." V is for violin. I took violin lessons when I was a kid. Then I dropped it and learned the clarinet and piano.  I still play piano and clarinet on occasion. What instruments did/do you play?  Isn't music fantastic for expressing things?

b. Enter on or before the date specified. Claim your prize, if you win, within 10 days of being notified or I will redraw. (In other words, let me know you want the book and where it should be sent, should you find out your name was drawn.

Enter by January 29. Today's book winner will be drawn on January 30.

c. Check back for the next giveaway: letter W!

Today's books for V are books 1-3 of The Sweet Seasons Series by Debbie Viguie a wonderful series that can be enjoyed by adults and young girls.  My daughter and I both love them!

Book 1: Summer of Cotton Candy

Description from the book:

Most people think The Zone is an amusement park, but Candy Thompson knows it's really a slave labor camp. What else would you call a summer job that requires a sixteen-year-old girl to set aside her whole social life for the privilege of standing out in the hot sun selling cotton candy? Still, there are perks - particularly the mysterious hunk in the Lone Ranger costume. Behind that mask are the most amazing eyes Candy has ever seen. Who is that masked man? But someone else is just as interested. And romantic competition isn't the only problem. Besides being hard work, The Zone is eating up major time. How is Candy supposed to stay involved in church? Worse yet, will she lose her best friend, Tamara, who resents how Candy's job limits their time together? This is NOT the summer Candy hoped for! But as she is about to discover, the summer of cotton candy will be the greatest summer of her life.

Book 2: Fall of Candy Corn

Description:

Will Candace survive the shift from cotton candy to candy corn? Fall is in the air, and without completely knowing why, Candace Thompson has signed up to continue what was supposed to be a short-term summer job at the local theme park. Working with Kurt doesn't hurt, but a surprising kink involving her youth group, as well as the shock of an unexpected setback, threaten to be more painful. Candace's autumn holds as many surprises as her summer as her rousing romp through the seasons continues.

Book 3: Winter of Candy Canes

Description:

It's Christmas time, and Candace is working as a Santa's elf at The Zone theme park, passing out candy canes. Her biggest worry is what to get her boyfriend for Christmas until she discovers that one of her coworkers may not celebrate at all. Will Candace and her friends pull together to show the true meaning of Christmas?

This will be a giveaway working through the alphabet by author's last name.

RULES FOR ENTERING:

a. Post a comment to the blog entries of the books you would like to win AND answer the "Just for Fun" question that goes with it.

Today's question for "V." V is for violin. I took violin lessons when I was a kid. Then I dropped it and learned the clarinet and piano.  I still play piano and clarinet on occasion. What instruments did/do you play?  Isn't music fantastic for expressing things?

b. Enter on or before the date specified. Claim your prize, if you win, within 10 days of being notified or I will redraw. (In other words, let me know you want the book and where it should be sent, should you find out your name was drawn.

Enter by January 29. Today's book winner will be drawn on January 30.

c. Check back for the next giveaway: letter W!

Today's books for V are books 1-3 of The Sweet Seasons Series by Debbie Viguie a wonderful series that can be enjoyed by adults and young girls.  My daughter and I both love them!

Book 1: Summer of Cotton Candy

Description from the book:

Update

Hi friends,

Just wanted to add a little personal note for those that have been wondering about my progress on some of the goals I had written about in previous posts (like my self-doubt rant).

1. How's the diet going?  (If you remember, I blogged about whether to go low-carb or not...I'm kind of doing fewer carbs, but not going extremely low) I am pleased to say I am making progress in this area and have lost 10 pounds so far.  I have cut out a lot of white flour and sugar and am eating much healthier.  I still have days where I give in to temptation though too, but progress is good, right? :)

2. How's the crafting/jewelry-making business going?  Well, I've put that stuff on hold right now and am exploring some options for how to sell off some of the pieces I already have done.  I've tried Etsy and open houses at my home.  I'm open to other suggestions.  I have quite a bit of jewelry already on hand.

3. As far as my worries about this blog, well, I am learning not to compare myself to other blogs. I'm still looking for some new features to add, but am happy to have a place where I can talk about books and give them away to some really cool friends! 

4. As for the schoolwork on web design, I am forging ahead with the classes, with 5 out of 8 completed now. Who knows what I will do with it when I am done.  All I know right now is that I really enjoy making websites! :)  I wish I had more confidence in this area.

There's a little update.  Hope that wasn't too boring.

Here's a little joke someone sent me to cheer me up during this brutal winter we are having here in Wisconsin:

On the sixth day God turned to the Archangel Gabriel and said,"Today, I am going to create a land called Wisconsin.

It will be a land of outstanding natural beauty, a land of countless glaciers, pure lakes each one full of fish.

It shall have tall majestic pines, peacefully flowing rivers, landscapes full of tall grass, and eagles, beautiful blue skies, forests full of bear, elk and deer, rich farmland and fair minded people.'

God continued, 'I shall make the land rich in resources so as to make the inhabitants prosper and they shall be known as a most friendly people, people who practice being Wisconsin Welcome every day.'

But Lord,' asked Gabriel, 'don't you think you are being too generous to these people of Wisconsin?'

'Not really,' replied God 'just wait and see the winters I am going to give them.'

Alphabet Soup Giveaway, Letter U

LETTER U!

This will be a giveaway working through the alphabet by author's last name.

RULES FOR ENTERING:

a. Post a comment to the blog entries of the books you would like to win AND answer the "Just for Fun" question that goes with it.

Today's question for "U." U is for unique. What's one unique thing about you that you would like to share today?  Here's mine: I was born 12 years behind my closest sibbling. I always said that my 3 brothers were like extra parents more than brothers.

b. Enter on or before the date specified. Claim your prize, if you win, within 10 days of being notified or I will redraw. (In other words, let me know you want the book and where it should be sent, should you find out your name was drawn.

Enter by January 27. Today's book winner will be drawn on January 28.

c. Check back for the next giveaway: letter V!

True confessions: the letter U was tough. I didn't find an author whose last name started with U, so I chose a book/DVD that started with U. It is "The Ultimate Gift."  I am giving away a copy of the book, written by Rene Gutteridge and a copy of the DVD.

Here's a trailer for the DVD:

 

Description:

When his wealthy grandfather dies, trust fund baby Jason Stevens anticipates a big inheritance. Instead, his grandfather has devised a crash course on life with twelve tasks – or “gifts” – designed to challenge Jason in improbable ways, sending him on a journey of self-discovery and forcing him to determine what is really most important in life. 

My Thoughts:

A heart-warming story that reminds us of the things in our life that are really important: friends, learning, love, etc.  Very touching!

This will be a giveaway working through the alphabet by author's last name.

RULES FOR ENTERING:

a. Post a comment to the blog entries of the books you would like to win AND answer the "Just for Fun" question that goes with it.

Today's question for "U." U is for unique. What's one unique thing about you that you would like to share today?  Here's mine: I was born 12 years behind my closest sibbling. I always said that my 3 brothers were like extra parents more than brothers.

b. Enter on or before the date specified. Claim your prize, if you win, within 10 days of being notified or I will redraw. (In other words, let me know you want the book and where it should be sent, should you find out your name was drawn.

Enter by January 27. Today's book winner will be drawn on January 28.

c. Check back for the next giveaway: letter V!

True confessions: the letter U was tough. I didn't find an author whose last name started with U, so I chose a book/DVD that started with U. It is "The Ultimate Gift."  I am giving away a copy of the book, written by Rene Gutteridge and a copy of the DVD.

Here's a trailer for the DVD:

 

Winner of "Sisters of the Quilt" series

Congratulations to Tara! Your name was drawn to win Cindy Woodsmall's Sisters of the Quilt Series.

Thanks for entering!  I hope you enjoy them as much as I did.

Winner of Trish Perry books

Congratulations to Amandasue! Your name was drawn to win The Guy I'm Not Dating and Too Good to be True by Trish Perry.  I hope you enjoy them as much as I did!

Thanks for entering!

Alphabet Soup Giveaway, Letter T

LETTER T!

This will be a giveaway working through the alphabet by author's last name.

RULES FOR ENTERING:

a. Post a comment to the blog entries of the books you would like to win AND answer the "Just for Fun" question that goes with it.

Today's question for "T." T is for taste (continuing my "senses" theme from sound last time). What's a food that you LOVE to eat? Like a snack that you can hardly have in the house because you'll eat it all in one sitting.  For me it's peanut m&ms.  I devour them!  When I was first out of college I worked for a non-profit that was sponsored by M&Ms so we had bags of them around the office all the time.  It was crazy!

b. Enter on or before the date specified. Claim your prize, if you win, within 10 days of being notified or I will redraw. (In other words, let me know you want the book and where it should be sent, should you find out your name was drawn.

Enter by January 25. Today's book winner will be drawn on January 26.

c. Check back for the next giveaway: letter U!

Today's book is Isolation by Travis Thrasher.  In this case, T is also for "Terrifying!" This book I read in one night because I couldn't put it down, but be aware that it's a bit scarey!  The author admits to being inspired by Stephen King and this book reminded me of King's style.  I enjoy a good, nail-biting suspense, so this was a good book for me.

I also found the internal wrestlings of the characters to be some of the best parts of the book. The parents, missionaries on a break, are struggling to come to terms with the things they have seen and how God could allow such evil to exist in the world. They won't admit their doubts to each other, but instead keep their struggles to themselves for fear the other won't understand. Their thoughts are revealed throughout the book, with questions like, 'God are you there? God please help. Can you hear me?'  I won't give it away, but the ending brings a powerful resolution to these questions and reminds us of God's presence in our lives.

 

Description from travisthrasher.com

Trapped

Exhausted

Terrified

. . . Alone

When a missionary family moves into a secluded mansion in the mountains of North Carolina, they think they are escaping their nightmares. But when a snowstorm hits and they are trapped inside their new home, their worst fears become reality. As they fight to stay alive, they will be tested in ways they never imagined. Can their love for one another and their faith in God save them from the dangers lurking here?

A masterfully written story that will grip you from its mysterious beginning to its chilling end.

This will be a giveaway working through the alphabet by author's last name.

RULES FOR ENTERING:

a. Post a comment to the blog entries of the books you would like to win AND answer the "Just for Fun" question that goes with it.

Today's question for "T." T is for taste (continuing my "senses" theme from sound last time). What's a food that you LOVE to eat? Like a snack that you can hardly have in the house because you'll eat it all in one sitting.  For me it's peanut m&ms.  I devour them!  When I was first out of college I worked for a non-profit that was sponsored by M&Ms so we had bags of them around the office all the time.  It was crazy!

b. Enter on or before the date specified. Claim your prize, if you win, within 10 days of being notified or I will redraw. (In other words, let me know you want the book and where it should be sent, should you find out your name was drawn.

Enter by January 25. Today's book winner will be drawn on January 26.

c. Check back for the next giveaway: letter U!

Today's book is Isolation by Travis Thrasher.  In this case, T is also for "Terrifying!" This book I read in one night because I couldn't put it down, but be aware that it's a bit scarey!  The author admits to being inspired by Stephen King and this book reminded me of King's style.  I enjoy a good, nail-biting suspense, so this was a good book for me.

I also found the internal wrestlings of the characters to be some of the best parts of the book. The parents, missionaries on a break, are struggling to come to terms with the things they have seen and how God could allow such evil to exist in the world. They won't admit their doubts to each other, but instead keep their struggles to themselves for fear the other won't understand. Their thoughts are revealed throughout the book, with questions like, 'God are you there? God please help. Can you hear me?'  I won't give it away, but the ending brings a powerful resolution to these questions and reminds us of God's presence in our lives.

 

Description from travisthrasher.com

Exciting Opportunity from Author Randy Singer!

If you’ve ever read a legal thriller or watched an episode of Law & Order and thought you would have rendered a different verdict—step into the jury box.

We readers have a chance to help determine the verdict of a court case in an upcoming legal thriller by critically-acclaimed author, Randy Singer. Here’s a bit about what Randy is doing:

Beginning this week, we will have an opportunity to determine the verdict in Randy’s upcoming legal thriller, The Justice Game (Tyndale House, July 2009), which features a court case centered on the gun debate. We vote on the verdict that will be written into the story and kept under wraps until the book’s release. This is the first time in recent memory that an author has taken reader involvement and feedback to this level.

“I wanted to do something different and get my readers really involved in the story,” said Singer. “This gives them an opportunity to hear both sides of the national gun debate and gets them thinking. Plus, it adds an element of fun to the book.”

Taking a new approach to the popular book trailer, Singer has produced a short, online video that mimics a cable news report. Featuring real-life talk show host Lorri Allen as the lead news anchor, the video shares the latest updates on the trial at the center of the book interspersed with segments of the closing arguments direct from the courtroom. At the end of the video, viewers are directed to a special section on Singer’s Web site to render their verdict.

You can access the video at: http://www.randysinger.net/justice-game-video.

Or see it here:

Randy, who is a practicing veteran trial attorney as well as a teaching pastor in Virginia Beach, VA, has written seven critically-acclaimed legal thrillers. Publishers Weekly has said he, “is as enjoyable as John Grisham,” and his work has received several noteworthy reviews. His latest book, By Reason of Insanity (Tyndale), debuted in hardcover last summer and releases this month in softcover (here's my review of it: http://creativetree.typepad.com/treeswingreading/2008/05/review-of-by-re.html).

I just registered my verdict vote.  Now I can't wait to read his book!