Tree Swing Reading

Christy Award Nominees Giveaway News: Updated

Ok.  I was going to cancel the rest of the giveaway due to lack of interest, BUT then I changed my mind.  I have the books, I love to share books, and you guys are totally worth it!

SO, it's back on.  AND, I'm going to blast them out there, one category every day!

Because you know what?  Blogging was never about the numbers of followers for me.  It's about sharing my love of Christian fiction and spreading the love to you.

Thanks for your faithfulness to my blog.  Now GO WIN SOME BOOKS!

Book winners

Congratulations to the following book winners:

Wildflowers in Winter: Anita

Lethal Legacy: MJ

Breath of Dawn: grams

Thanks for entering!

50 Must-Read Books for This Summer: Christian Fiction [To pick and choose from]

Some of you have been in "summer mode" for a while now, but for us, summer starts now!  My kids are both finally done with school and ready to blast into summer, though I am hoping to float into summer like I'm on a raft on a lazy river.

And what's summer without books? 

For me, it's the best time to read, whether poolside, on the treeswing in our backyard or in the air conditioning in our reading corner when it's too hot or buggy to be outside. I feel like I can pick up a book while my kids swim, play with friends, or are reading on their own with me.

Just in case you need any help finding great Christian fiction to read this summer, think of me as your personal librarian, offering up a great list of the newest releases in whatever genre is your favorite!

So, here is my 2013 Guide to Summer Reading: Fiction Edition! Not that I'm reading all of these this summer--but I'd sure like to!

I've broken them down by category. Click on the book title below the image to read more about each book.

Suspense (my favorite!)

1. When a Secret Kills by Lynette Eason

2. Unholy Hunger by Heather James

3. The Living Room by Robert Whitlow (coming in July)

4. Fear Has a Name by Creston Mapes

5. When Mockingbirds Sing by Billy Coffey

6. A Plain Scandal by Amanda Flowers

7. Stress Test by Richard Mabry, MD

8. The Judgment Stone by Robert Liparulo

9. Memory's Door by James Rubart (coming in July)

10. Afloat by Erin Healy

11. Talon by Ronie Kendig

12. Truth-Stained Lies by Terri Blackstock

13. An Open Heart by Harry Kraus

14. The King by Steven James (coming in July)

15. Fearless by Mike Delosso

16. Congo Dawn by Janette Windle

17. Dead Lawyers Tell No Tales by Randy Singer

18. Poison by Jordyn Redwood

 

HISTORICAL

19. Grave Consequences by Lisa T. Bergren

20. Widow of Gettysbury by Jocelyn Green

21. Sweet Dreams by Carla Stewart

22. Stealing the Preacher by Karen Witemeyer

23. Snow on the Tulips by Liz Tolsma (coming in July)

24. Unrivaled by Siri Mitchel

25. Sweet Mercy by Ann Tatlock

26. The Quarryman's Bride by Tracie Peterson

27. On Distant Shores by Sarah Sundin (coming in July)

 

ROMANCE

28. Wishing on Willows by Katie Ganshert

29. Picture Perfect by Janice Thompson

30. If the Shoe Fits by Sandra D. Bricker

31. Undeniably Yours by Becky Wade

32. Catch a Falling Star by Beth Vogt

33. Once Upon a Prince by Rachel Hauck

34. Barefoot Summer by Denise Hunter (coming in late June)

35. The House That Love Built by Beth Webb Hart

36. Take a Chance on Me by Susan May Warren

37. Rosemary Cottage by Colleen Coble (coming in July)

 

CONTEMPORARY

38. In Broken Places by Michele Phoenix

39. The Offering by Angela Hunt

40. The Sky Beneath My Feet by Lisa Samson

41. Sleeping in Eden by Nicole Baart

42. Lock, Stock, and Over a Barrel by Melody Carlson

43. Unwritten by Charles Martin

44. The Wishing Tree by Marybeth Whalen

45. Welcome to Last Chance by Cathleen Armstrong (coming in July)

46. When the Morning Glory Blooms by Cynthia Ruchti

47. Pretty is as Pretty Does by Debby Mayne

48. Gone South by Meg Moseley

49. Grounded by Neta and Dave Jackson

50. Invisible by Ginny Yttrup

 

I'm sure there's way more great books that I'm missing, but these are a good start!

 

 

New from Neta and Dave Jackson: Grounded

The new series as described by Neta Jackson: "as the familiar litany goes: “Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue . . .”

We’re doing “something new”! As a husband-wife writing team, we are creating a new series called WINDY CITY NEIGHBORS about ordinary people wrestling with the spiritual and practical issues of real life. Grounded, the first novel in the series, introduces Grace Meredith, a contemporary Christian artist whose life is falling apart (“something blue”!). But we’ve also “borrowed” a few favorite characters from previous series (Harry and Estelle Bentley) who move into the neighborhood and … well, the “old” neighborhood may never be the same!

And something else that’s new! The series employs an innovative storytelling technique we call “parallel novels”—each with its own drama and story arc, but whose characters’ lives become intertwined and affect one another. Grounded welcomes you to Beecham Street—a typical isolated American neighborhood that might just be a place of hope.

 

Title: Grounded

Author: Neta and Dave Jackson

Released: June 2013

Publisher: Worthy Publishing

Genre: Contemporary Fiction

Series? Windy City Series #1

Publisher's Description:

Grounded ... But hope may be just across the street

Grace Meredith is a beloved contemporary Christian recording artist whose career-and personal life—hits unexpected turbulence. She feels grounded—in more ways than one.

Grace’s fiancé, bothered by her outspoken stance on purity and her near-constant travel, has broken off their relationship. Exhausted and unable to continue her current concert schedule, Grace returns to her Chicago home, where she is soon stranded in a major snowstorm. Facing new questions about her future and her faith, Grace finds herself connecting for the first time with the residents of her neighborhood. What she discovers in these unexpected relationships could change everything.

What do you think?  Does this look like a good read?

To learn more about Meg Moseley, check out their website.

New from Meg Moseley: Gone South

I love the cover on this one! I've heard great things about Meg Moseley and look forward to reading this.

 

Title: Gone South

Author: Meg Moseley

Released: June 2013

Publisher: Multnomah

Genre: Contemporary Fiction

Series? Gone South

Publisher's Description:

The charm of the South drew her back to her family’s roots. But when the town’s old resentments turn the sweet tea bitter, can Tish find a welcome anywhere?

Leaving frosty Michigan for the Deep South was never a blip in the simple plans Tish McComb imagined for her life, dreams of marriage and family that were dashed five years earlier in a tragic accident. Now an opportunity to buy her great-great-great-grandparents’ Civil War era home beckons Tish to Noble, Alabama, a Southern town in every sense of the word. She wonders if God has given her a new dream—the old house filled with friends, her vintage percolator bubbling on the sideboard.

When Tish discovers that McCombs aren’t welcome in town, she feels like a Yankee behind enemy lines. Only local antiques dealer George Zorbas seems willing to give her a chance. What’s a lonely outcast to do but take in Noble’s resident prodigal, Melanie Hamilton, and hope that the two can find some much needed acceptance in each other.

Problem is, old habits die hard, and Mel is quite set in her destructive ways. With Melanie blocked from going home by her influential father, Tish must try to manage her incorrigible houseguest as she attempts to prove her own worth in a town that seems to have forgotten that every sinner needs God-given mercy, love and forgiveness.

What do you think?  Does this look like a good read?

To learn more about Meg Moseley, check out her website.

New from Debby Mayne: Pretty is as Pretty Does

Looks like a perfect summer read: humor and a class reunion! Can't wait!

 

Title: Pretty Is As Pretty Does

Author: Debby Mayne

Released: June 2013

Publisher: Abingdon Press

Genre: Contemporary Fiction

Series? yes, Class Reunion Series #1

Publisher's Description:

Priscilla Slater goes to her ten-year high school reunion with equal parts dread and eager anticipation. Even though she’s a successful owner of a chain of hair salons and no longer has the mousy brown hair, crooked teeth, and discount-store wardrobe, she still feels like the ugly duckling. But when she arrives at the reunion, Priscilla soon realizes that her old classmates aren’t exactly as she remembers them. With humor and a just a touch of sassiness, Priscilla finds herself facing her own truth—and she may be surprised at what she discovers.

What do you think?  Does this look like a good read?

To learn more about Debby Mayne, check out her website.

New from Marybeth Whalen: The Wishing Tree

'A lovely journey of discovery and forgiveness.' ---Sheila Roberts, best-selling author of What She Wants

Marybeth Whalen writes with a light hand, skillfully blending issues of faith and the realities of modern life into a compelling and believable read.' ---Marie Bostwick, New York Times best-selling author of Between Heaven and Texas

Title: The Wishing Tree

Author: Marybeth Whalen

Released: June 2013

Publisher: Zondervan

Genre: Contemporary Fiction

Series? No

Publisher's Description:

Ivy Marshall, a savvy, determined woman, finds out her husband has cheated on her on the same day her sister's perfect boyfriend proposes on national television. When Ivy's mother asks her to return to her family's beach home to plan her sister's upcoming wedding, she decides to use the excuse to escape from the pain of her circumstances.

When her return to Sunset Beach, North Carolina, brings her face to face with her former fianci, old feelings rise to the surface and she wonders if there is a future for them. However, her husband has started tweeting his apology to her and doesn't want to give up on their marriage. As she helps prepare the wishing tree for her sister's wedding, she must examine her own wishes for the future and decide what love should be.....

What do you think?  Does this look like a good read?

To learn more about Marybeth Whalen, check out her website.

New from Charles Martin: Unwritten

Charles Martin gets me crying every time. He writes in a way that paints pictures with words and grabs your heart and twists it a bit. So. good.

Title: Unwritten

Author: Charles Martin

Released: June 2013

Publisher: Center Street

Genre: Contemporary Fiction

Series? No

Publisher's Description:

 An actress running from her past finds escape with a man hiding from his future.

When someone wants to be lost, a home tucked among the Ten Thousand Islands off the Florida coast is a good place to live. A couple decent boats, and a deep knowledge of fishing and a man can get by without ever having to talk to another soul. It's a nice enough existence, until the one person who ties him to the world of the living, the reason he's still among them even if only on the fringes, asks him for help.

Father Steady Capri knows quite a bit about helping others. But he is afraid Katie Quinn's problems may be beyond his abilities. Katie is a world-famous actress with an all too familiar story. Fame seems to have driven her to self-destruct. Steady knows the true cause of her desire to end her life is buried too deeply for him to reach. But there is one person who still may be able to save her from herself.

He will show her an alternate escape, a way to write a new life. But Katie still must confront her past before she can find peace. Ultimately, he will need to leave his secluded home and sacrifice the serenity he's found to help her. From the Florida coast, they will travel to the French countryside where they will discover the unwritten story of both their pasts and their future.

What do you think?  Does this look like a good read?

To learn more about Charles Martin, check out his website.

New from Melody Carlson: Lock, Stock, and Over a Barrel

"New from Melody Carlson..." There's not much more I need to hear than that to go out and read a book.  She's great, isn't she?

Title: Lock, Stock, and Over a Barrel

Author: Melody Carlson

Released: June 2013

Publisher: B & H Publishing

Genre: Contemporary Fiction

Series? yes: Dear Dorothy Series #1

Publisher's Description:

 

With high hopes, Daphne Ballinger lands her dream job at The New York Times. But it's not long until writing about weddings becomes a painful reminder of her own failed romance, and her love of the city slowly sours as well. Is it time to give up the Big Apple for her small hometown of Appleton?

When her eccentric Aunt Dee passes away and leaves a sizeable estate to Daphne, going back home is an easy choice. What isn’t easy is coming to terms with the downright odd clauses written into the will.

Daphne only stands to inherit the estate if she agrees to her aunt's very specific posthumous terms -- personal and professional. And if she fails to comply, the sprawling old Victorian house shall be bequeathed to . . . Aunt Dee’s cats.

And if Daphne thinks that’s odd, wait until she finds out an array of secrets about Aunt Dee's life, and how imperfect circumstances can sometimes lead to God's perfect timing.

What do you think?  Does this look like a good read?

To learn more about Melody Carlson, check out her website.

New Series Starts from Susan May Warren: Take a Chance on Me

Trying to get all this previews done so I can put them on my summer book list! This is a new series from Susan May Warren, an amazing author that I love!

Title: Take a Chance on Me

Author: Susan May Warren

Released: June 2013

Publisher: Tyndale House

Genre: Contemporary Romance Fiction

Series? yes: Christiansen Family Novel #1

Publisher's Description:

 Darek Christiansen is almost a dream bachelor—oldest son in the large Christiansen clan, heir to their historic Evergreen Lake Resort, and doting father. But he’s also wounded and angry since the tragic death of his wife, Felicity. No woman in Deep Haven dares come near.

New assistant county attorney Ivy Madison simply doesn’t know any better when she bids on Darek at the charity auction. Nor does she know that when she crafted a plea bargain three years ago to keep Jensen Atwood out of jail and in Deep Haven fulfilling community service, she was releasing the man responsible for Felicity’s death. All Ivy knows is that the Christiansens feel like the family she’s always longed for. And once she gets past Darek’s tough exterior, she finds a man she could spend the rest of her life with. Which scares her almost as much as Darek learning of her involvement in his wife’s case.

Caught between new love and old grudges, Darek must decide if he can set aside the past for a future with Ivy—a future more and more at risk as an approaching wildfire threatens to wipe out the Christiansen resort and Deep Haven itself.

 

What do you think?  Does this look like a good read?

To learn more about Susan May Warren, check out her website.