Tree Swing Reading

Bookgiveaway Recap

Here's a recap of the "Frightfully Fantastic Fiction" you cal win and the date the drawings will be held.  Be sure to get your name in for your favorites!

Opening Moves by Steven James: enter by October 26

Double Blind by Brandilyn Collins: enter by October 27

Waking Hours by Lisa Wiehl enter by October 28

The Deposit Slip by Todd M. Johnson: enter by October 29

The 13th Tribe by Robert Liparulo: enter by October 31

The Chase by DiAnn Mills: enter by Nov. 1

When the Smoke Clears by Lynette Eason: enter by Nov. 2

Enter now! Don't miss your chance for a great book!

 

 

 

 

 

Frightfully Fantastic Fiction Giveaway: "When the Smoke Clears" by Lynette Eason

It's time to get excited about frightfully fantastic fiction books!  You know, the kind that leave you on the end of your seat, turning the pages faster and faster, forgetting about all your other responsibilities because you just want to read!  Love those!

Join me for a giveaway of a suspense book each day between now and October 31....if you dare!

Here's the rules to enter:

1. Post a comment to those posts with the books that grab your attention. 

2. In the post include an answer to the "daily scare" question.

Today's question: Do you like scarey/fast amusement park rides?  If so, what are your favorites?

My Answer: I like most of them...since my family goes to Disney World a lot, my favorites are from there...Tower of Terror, Space Mountain, Rock N Roller Coaster, and Expedition Everest.

3. Be sure to leave some way for me to reach you should you win (an email preferably).

4. Closing date to enter for this book is: Nov. 2. Winner will be announced on Nov. 3.

5. Come back tomorrow for another book to win!

Today's book is: When the Smoke Clears by Lynette Eason

Description:

As a member of the North Cascades Smokejumpers, Alexia Allen always takes care of the equipment that keeps her safe. So when she nearly dies in a fire due to equipment failure, she knows something is up. Ordered to take time off while the investigation continues, Alexia makes a last-minute decision to recuperate at her mother's home and attend her high school reunion. Yet trouble seems to be following her, and within hours of arriving home she's involved with murder, arson--and a handsome detective.

But the conflicts ahead are nothing compared to the ghosts of her past. As she strives to remember and forgive her family history, she must also decide if the secret she's been guarding for the last ten years must finally come to light. Chock-full of the suspense and romantic tension readers have come to expect from Lynette Eason, When the Smoke Clears is the explosive first book in the Deadly Reunions series.

My Thoughts:

I thought this was a very exciting book.  Alexia faces danger in almost every chapter.  I think my only issue was just that...it felt a bit like just too much to happen to one person. Like overkill a bit.  But it was definately exciting!  I really like Hunter and appreciated his loyalty and maturity and faith.  I will be sure to read more in the series to see what happens next.

Book Bullets:

My rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Genre: Suspense Fiction

Part of a Series: yes, Deadly Reunion Series

Publication year: 2012

Publisher: Revell

Frightfully Fantastic Fiction Giveaway: "The Chase" by DiAnn Mills

It's time to get excited about frightfully fantastic fiction books!  You know, the kind that leave you on the end of your seat, turning the pages faster and faster, forgetting about all your other responsibilities because you just want to read!  Love those!

Join me for a giveaway of a suspense book each day between now and October 31....if you dare!

Here's the rules to enter:

1. Post a comment to those posts with the books that grab your attention. 

2. In the post include an answer to the "daily scare" question.

Today's question: Do you have a favorite "fall" food?

My Answer: I love apple crisp, pumpkin cake, and homemade applesauce!

3. Be sure to leave some way for me to reach you should you win (an email preferably).

4. Closing date to enter for this book is: Nov. 1. Winner will be announced on Nov. 2.

5. Come back tomorrow for another book to win!

Today's book is: The Chase by DiAnn Mills

Description:

To the FBI it's a cold case. To Kariss Walker it's a hot idea that could either reshape or ruin her writing career. And it's a burning mission to revisit an event she can never forget. Five years ago, an unidentified little girl was found starved to death in the woods behind a Houston apartment complex. A TV news anchor at the time, Kariss reported on the terrifying case. Today, as a New York Times bestselling author, Kariss intends to turn the unsolved mystery into a suspense novel. Enlisting the help of FBI Special Agent Tigo Harris, Kariss succeeds in getting the case reopened. But the search for the dead girl's missing mother yields a discovery that plunges the the partners into a witch's brew of danger. The old crime lives on in more ways than either of them could ever imagine. Will Kariss's pursuit of her dream as a writer carry a deadly price tag?

My Thoughts:

Mills always does an excellent job of creating the "romantic suspense" type stories that remind me of Dee Henderson's style of writing. The storyline is a bit less intense and gradual than the other books I've been featuring lately, but still wonderful to read.  Afterall, not every suspense has to leave us breathless, right?  There's an interesting blending of storylines and characters, as Mills moves back and forth in the viewpoints of the characters.  Another good book from Mills.

Book Bullets:

My rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Genre: Suspense Fiction

Part of a Series: yes, Crime Scene Houston Series

Publication year: 2012

Publisher: Zondervan

Frightfully Fantastic Fiction Giveaway: "The 13th Tribe" by Robert Liparulo

It's time to get excited about frightfully fantastic fiction books!  You know, the kind that leave you on the end of your seat, turning the pages faster and faster, forgetting about all your other responsibilities because you just want to read!  Love those!

Join me for a giveaway of a suspense book each day between now and October 31....if you dare!

Here's the rules to enter:

1. Post a comment to those posts with the books that grab your attention. 

2. In the post include an answer to the "daily scare" question.

Today's question: Are you a fan of "who done it" TV shows?  Which ones do you watch faithfully (if any)?

My Answer: I have such a weakness for these kind of shows!  I like Rizolli & Isles, NCIS, Law & Order SVU, Castle, and Criminal Minds.

3. Be sure to leave some way for me to reach you should you win (an email preferably).

4. Closing date to enter for this book is: Oct. 31. Winner will be announced on Nov. 1.

5. Come back tomorrow for another book to win!

Today's book is: The 13th Tribe by Robert Liparulo

Description:

When a group of immortal vigilantes threatens millions, only one man is brave enough to stand in their way.

Their story didn’t start this year…or even this millennium.

It began when Moses was on Mt. Sinai. Tired of waiting on the One True God, the twelve tribes of Israel began worshipping a golden calf through pagan revelry. Many received immediate death for their idolatry, but 40 were handed a far worse punishment—endless life on earth with no chance to see the face of God.

This group of immortals became the 13^th Tribe, and they’ve been trying to earn their way into heaven ever since—by killing sinners. Though their logic is twisted, their brilliance is undeniable. Their wrath is unstoppable. And the technology they possess is beyond anything mere humans have ever seen.

Jagger Baird knows nothing about the Tribe when he’s hired as head of security for an archaeological dig on Mt. Sinai. The former Army Ranger is still reeling from an accident that claimed the life of his best friend, his arm, and his faith in God.

The Tribe is poised to execute their most ambitious attack ever and the lives of millions hang in the balance. When Jagger’s wife and son are caught in the crossfire, he’ll stop at nothing to save them. But how can one man stand against an entire tribe of immortals?

My Thoughts:

Another crazy ride from Liparulo! What an interesting plot concept!  I've often thought about the Old Testament stories of God's wrath and the plagues and death brought down on disobedient Israelites and wondered what it would have been like to live in those times. Liparulo takes that concept and projects it into this day and age onto a group of people who misconstrue the Bible and take justice into their own hands.  Lots of action and excitement as Jagger works to save his family and his country from their plans.  The book was fast-paced and engaging for sure!  Lots of unexpected plot twists too! The ending left me a bit dissatisfied until I realized that it will be part of a series.  That's a relief because I've got to know what happens next!

Book Bullets:

My rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Genre: Suspense Fiction

Part of a Series: yes, The Immortal Files

Publication year: 2012

Publisher: Thomas Nelson

And, if you like an exciting series, be sure to check out Liparulo's amazing Gatehouse Kings series!

Top Ten Suspense Authors, Giveaway Returns Wednesday

No new giveaways today...I need to sew dance costumes all day today. (Though I admit, it is cool to be able to say "need to" and "sew" in the same sentence instead of things like "need to" and "to laundry" or "clean bathrooms.")

How about a Top Ten Tuesday instead?  Since we're talking about suspense and my question from a few days ago about favorite suspense authors has me thinking, here's a Top Ten list of favorite Christian fiction suspense authors:

1. Steven James
2. Robert Liparulo
3. Ted Dekker
4. Brandilyn Collins
5. Terri Blackstock
6. Lynette Eason
7. DiAnn Mills
8. Ronie Kendig
9. Erin Healy
10. Amy Wallace
11. Irene Hannon
12. J. Mark Bertrand

Ok, that's 12, but it's so hard to choose!  So awesome that there are so many talented authors who write in the Christian fiction arena.

See you tomorrow with a book to win from one of these authors!

Frightfully Fantastic Fiction Giveaway: "The Deposit Slip" by Todd M. Johnson

This giveaway is now closed.

It's time to get excited about frightfully fantastic fiction books!  You know, the kind that leave you on the end of your seat, turning the pages faster and faster, forgetting about all your other responsibilities because you just want to read!  Love those!

Join me for a giveaway of a suspense book each day between now and October 31....if you dare!

Here's the rules to enter:

1. Post a comment to those posts with the books that grab your attention. 

2. In the post include an answer to the "daily scare" question.

Today's question: Do you have a phobia? (fear of heights, close spaces, spiders..) What is it?

My Answer: I get claustrophobic!  I can't stand to be in a tight space, especially with a lot of people.

3. Be sure to leave some way for me to reach you should you win (an email preferably).

4. Closing date to enter for this book is: Oct. 29. Winner will be announced on Oct. 30.

5. Come back tomorrow for another book to win!

Today's book is: The Deposit Slip by Todd M. Johnson

Description:

When Jared Neaton grew tired of the shady ethics of his big law firm and left to go out on his own, he never expected the wheels to fly off so quickly. One big case collapsing on him has pushed him to the brink and it's all he can do to scrape by. He can't risk another bad loss.

Erin Larson is running out of options. In the wake of her father's death, she found a slim piece of paper--a deposit slip--with an unbelievable amount on it. Ten million dollars. Only the bank claims it has no record of the deposit and stonewalls her attempts to find out more. This lawsuit, her last chance, has brought only intimidation and threats. Now she needs to convince Jared to take a risk, to help her because the money is real. And both need to watch their backs as digging deeper unleashes something far more dangerous than just threats.

 

My Thoughts:

If you like a legal thriller, man have I got a book for you!  In the vein of The Firm, this book hits the ground running and doesn't stop!  I couldn't wait to see how it would turn out.  I feel so glad to have picked this one up after the plot caught my eye and made me think about what I would do if I found a deposit for 10,000,000...  A lot of people would do almost anything for money it would appear.  I love the David vs. Goliath aspect too, of Jared taking on the big lawyers.  Very fun to cheer for him as he works to get to the bottom of the mystery and figure out what the big lawyers are hding.

It would seem that there will be more books about Jared to come, I can't wait!

Book Bullets:

My rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Genre: Suspense Fiction

Part of a Series: maybe?

Publication year: 2012

Publisher: Bethany House

Frightfully Fantastic Fiction Giveaway: "Waking Hours" by Lis Wiehl with Pete Nelson

It's time to get excited about frightfully fantastic fiction books!  You know, the kind that leave you on the end of your seat, turning the pages faster and faster, forgetting about all your other responsibilities because you just want to read!  Love those!

Join me for a giveaway of a suspense book each day between now and October 31....if you dare!

Here's the rules to enter:

1. Post a comment to those posts with the books that grab your attention. 

2. In the post include an answer to the "daily scare" question.

Today's question: Do you have "Trick or Treators" at your door on Halloween?  If so, what's your favorite candy to give out?  Do you keep some for yourself?

My Answer: We get a few kids...like 30ish.  I always buy too much candy though.  I love, Reeses' and Heath Bars.  Very dangerous to have around the house!

3. Be sure to leave some way for me to reach you should you win (an email preferably).

4. Closing date to enter for this book is: Oct. 28. Winner will be announced on Oct. 29.

5. Come back tomorrow for another book to win!

Today's book is: Waking Hours by Lis Wiehl with Pete Nelson

Description:

Welcome to East Salem. A deceptively sleepy town where ancient supernatural forces are being awakened.

A local high-school girl is found murdered in a park amid horse farms and the wealthy homes of northern Westchester County, New York. The shocking manner of her death intrigues forensic psychiatrist Dani Harris. All the suspects are teenagers who were at a party with the girl—yet none remembers what happened. Could one of them be a vicious killer? Or is something more sinister afoot—something tied to an ancient evil?

Across town, former NFL linebacker Tommy Gunderson finds his state-of-the-art security system has been breached by an elderly woman. Mumbling threats in Latin, she attacks him with an uncanny, preternatural strength. Before he has time to process the attack, someone close to him is implicated in the girl’s murder at the park. He agrees to help—and finds himself working with Dani, the only girl who could resist his charm years ago when they were in high school.

A heavy darkness is spreading. Yet a heavenly force is also at work.

Dani and Tommy suspect there’s more to the mystery than murder, more to their growing friendship than chance . . . and more to the evil they’re facing than a mere human killer.

My Thoughts:

This was good!  It's clearly the beginning of the story for the town, so I can't wait to read more in this series.  I really like Dani and Tommy and their working relationship.  There's a really creepiness factor to it, as you see that there's something else at work besides just regular human badness.  Definately a series to continue and an author to watch!

Book Bullets:

My rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Genre: Suspense Fiction

Part of a Series: yes, book 1 of East Salem Series

Publication year: 2012

Publisher: Thomas Nelson

Frightfully Fantastic Fiction Giveaway: "Double Blind" by Brandilyn Collins

This Giveaway is now closed. Thanks for entering!

It's time to get excited about frightfully fantastic fiction books!  You know, the kind that leave you on the end of your seat, turning the pages faster and faster, forgetting about all your other responsibilities because you just want to read!  Love those!

Join me for a giveaway of a suspense book each day between now and October 31....if you dare!

Here's the rules to enter:

1. Post a comment to those posts with the books that grab your attention. 

2. In the post include an answer to the "daily scare" question.

Today's question: Who's your top 3 favorite suspense authors??

My Answer: Steven James, Ted Dekker, and (though not a Christian author) Jonathon Kellerman

3. Be sure to leave some way for me to reach you should you win (an email preferably).

4. Closing date to enter for this book is: Oct. 27. Winner will be announced on Oct. 28.

5. Come back tomorrow for another book to win!

Today's book is: Double Blind by Brandilyn Collins

Description:

Twenty-nine-year-old Lisa Newberry can barely make it through the day. Suddenly widowed and a survivor of a near-fatal attack, she is wracked with grief and despair. Then she hears of a medical trial for a tiny brain chip that emits electrical pulses to heal severe depression. At rope’s end, Lisa offers herself as a candidate.

When she receives her letter of acceptance for the trial, Lisa is at first hopeful. But—brain surgery. Can she really go through with that? What if she receives only the placebo?

What if something far worse goes wrong?

Written in the relentless style for which Brandilyn Collins is known, Double Blind is a psychological thriller with mind-bending twists. Lisa faces choices that drive her to the brink, and one wrong move could cost the lives of many.

My Thoughts:

Collins is another fantastic suspense writer!  Everytime I pick up one of her books, I know I won't be able to put it down.  True again for this book. I read it all last night and almost missed dinner because of it. 

The idea of a brain chip that can fix debilitating emotional problems, is pretty scarey/interesting.  Having struggled with my own paralyzing anxiety at times, I can see the temptation in doing anything to make it stop. Imagine reaching that point, where the only solution you see is brain surgery, and then ending up with a whole new set of problems!  I don't want to give too much away, but Lisa ends up with a series of terrifying "visions" as a result of the chip.  And those visions lead to one plot twist after another.

I highly recommend this book!

Book Bullets:

My rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Genre: Suspense Fiction

Part of a Series: no

Publication year: 2012

Publisher: B&H Books

Frightfully Fantastic Fiction Giveaway: "Opening Moves" by Steven James

This Giveaway is now closed.

It's time to get excited about frightfully fantastic fiction books!  You know, the kind that leave you on the end of your seat, turning the pages faster and faster, forgetting about all your other responsibilities because you just want to read!  Love those!

Join me for a giveaway of a suspense book each day between now and October 31....if you dare!

Here's the rules to enter:

1. Post a comment to those posts with the books that grab your attention. 

2. In the post include an answer to the "daily scare" question.

Today's question: What's the scarest movie you've ever seen?

My Answer: I can't remember the name of it. It was one we watched at a big group gaterhing in h.s.  There was a babysitter and a bad guy and he keep calling and saying "Did you check the children lately?" in a creepy voice.  Very, very scarey...

3. Be sure to leave some way for me to reach you should you win (an email preferably).

4. Closing date to enter for this book is: Oct. 26. Winner will be announced on Oct. 27.

5. Come back tomorrow for another book to win!

Today's book is: Opening Moves by Steven James

Description:

In The Bowers Files novels, FBI Special Agent Patrick Bowers has stopped some of the most vicious serial killers ever imagined. Now, in the fifth exciting installment, author Steven James takes readers back to Bowers’s terrifying beginning.

Milwaukee, 1997. In a city reeling from the crimes of Jeffrey Dahmer, a series of gruesome kidnappings and mutilations draw authorities into a case like nothing they’ve ever seen. Cops think a Dahmer copycat is on the loose.

But Patrick Bowers, working as a homicide detective, suspects this is more than an ode to the infamous cannibal. When he discovers that the shocking acts reference some of the most notorious and macabre killers in our nation’s history, the investigation spirals into a nightmare of manipulation, brutality, and terror.

Wielding groundbreaking investigative techniques, Bowers must now face off with a killer who will stop at nothing to get his message out to the world. Chilling, gritty, and packed with twists and turns, Opening Moves is Steven James’s most heart-pounding novel yet.

My Thoughts:

This is the prequel to the "Patrick Bowers" series.  It was fun to see Patrick before all the other books happen.  I have to admit, this was a pretty gruesome book.  So, be prepared for that.  James doesn't hold back on describing the horrible acts that these murders commit.  Definately creepy.  But, as always with James, the action is non-stop and captured my attention from the first page to the last.  I really like Bowers, so it was particularly fun to see some of Bower's quirks (like coffee snob) before they develop.  There's not a real "Christian" thing going on here, but the development of that occurs with Bowers over the series.  Steven James continues to be at the top of my list for favorite suspense authors!

Book Bullets:

My rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Genre: Suspense Fiction

Part of a Series: Prequel to Patrick Bowers series

Publication year: 2012

Publisher: Signet Select

New Giveaway! Frightfully Fantastic Fiction--Get your scare on!

Do you like a good scare?  I don't in real life, but sure do in my books!

Seems like the right time of year for a good intense book, right?

Starting tomorrow, and until October 31, I will giveaway some of the newest, most exciting Christian suspense fiction!

Join in to win free books...if you dare!