Tree Swing Reading

Favorites of 2013

It's time again for my favorite books from the last year.  I'm not saying these books were published in 2013, only that of all the books I read in 2013, these are my favorites.

These are in no particular order.

The King by Steven James (review coming soon)

The Last Plea Bargain by Randy Singer

Stones for Bread by Christa Parrish (review coming soon)

 

Undeniably Yours by Becky Wade

 Invisible by Ginny Yttrup

 Wish You Were Here by Beth K. Vogt

 

Cuts Like a Knife and Every Breath You Take by M.K. Gilroy

 

Proof and Poison by Jordyn Redwoood

If We Survive by Andrew Klavan

And my favorite non-fiction from 2013

Anything by Jennie Allen

 

 

 

 

50 Fabulous Fall Fiction Finds!

We just had our first taste of fall here in the midwest.  For the last couple days the heat has abated a bit and given way to some rain and cooler temperatures.  There's a few leaves turning and my thoughts have turned to pumpkin and apple baked goods. 

And it's the perfect time for a good book!  Just picture a good book with your favorite fall drink.  Sounds wonderful to me!

Just in case you need any help finding great Christian fiction to read this fall, 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 Fall Reading: Fiction Edition! Not that I'm reading all of these this summer--but I'd sure like to!  These are the newest releases and there should be something for everyone!

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

I have to start with suspense, because that's my favorite!

SUSPENSE

An Elegant Solution by Paul Robertson (Coming in October)

Critical Pursuit by Janice Cantore

Critical Reaction by Todd M. Johnson (Coming in October)

The Cutting Edge by Ace Collins

Dangerous Passage by Lisa Harris

Dark Justice by Brandilyn Collins

Fatal Tide by Lis Wiehl

Heart Failure by Richard Mabry (Coming in October)

Mistery Loves Company by Rene Gutteridge

Nightmare City by Andrew Klavan (Coming in early November)

Peril by Jordyn Redwood (Coming in October)

A Plain Disappearance by Amanda Flower

Singularity by Steven James (Coming in October)

Stranded by Dani Pettrey

Trapped by Irene Hannon

Unforeseeable by Nancy Mehl

Unspoken by Dee Henderson (Coming in October)

 

Historical

Winter in Full Bloom by Anita Higman

Beloved by Robin Lee Hatcher

City on Fire by Tracy L. Higley

Dark Road Home by Elizabeth Ludwig

Elusive Hope by MaryLu Tyndall

Glittering Promises by Lisa T. Bergren

A Home for My Heart by Anne Mateer

I, Saul by Jerry Jenkins

Love's Awakening by Laura Frantz

The Miner's Lady by Tracie Peterson

Rebellious Heart by Jody Hedlund

Shades of Mercy by Anita Lustrea, Caryn Dahlstrand Rivadeneira

When the Clouds Roll By by Myra Johnson

 

CONTEMPORARY

When Mountains Move by Julie Cantrell

Chasing Hope by Kathryn Cushman

Dark Halo by Shannon Dittmore

Derailed by Neta and Dave Jackson

Every Waking Moment by Chris Fabry

Heart of the Country by Rene Gutteridge and John Ward

The Merciful Scar by Rebecca St. James and Nancy Rue

Paige Rewritten by Eryn Mangum (Coming in October)

The Prayer Box by Lisa Wingate

Running Lean by Diana L. Sharples

Stones for Bread by Christa Parrish (Coming in early November)

Tickled Pink by Debby Mayne (coming in October)

To Know You by Shannon Ethridge and Kathryn Mackall (Coming in October)

 

ROMANCE

The Captive Maiden by Melanie Dickerson (coming in early November)

Dear Mr. Knightley by Katherine Reay (Coming in October)

Fifteen Minutes by Karen Kingsbury (Coming in October)

Greetings from the Flipside by Rene Gutteridge

Made to Last by Melissa Tagg

Raw Edges by Sandra Bricker

Sweet Olive by Judy Christie

Catching Up: July New SUSPENSE Fiction

Since I have the whole month of July to catch up on, I'm going to break it down a bit by genre.

Here's the new and notable Suspense fiction.

Frame 232 by Mel Mara

 Genre: Contemporary Fiction

In a Series? yes, book 2 of Winds of Change Series

Publisher: Zondervan

Description:

- See more at: http://creativetree.typepad.com/treeswingreading/#sthash.IuZcyEcL.dpuf

In a Series? Jason Hammond Series book 1

Publisher: Tyndale House

Description:

The time had come, she decided, to rid herself of this burden, to take the steps necessary to put the matter to rest once and for all. And the first step, she knew—against every instinct and desire—was to watch that film.

During the reading of her mother’s will, Sheila Baker discovers that she has inherited everything her parents ever possessed, including their secrets. A mysterious safe-deposit box key leads her to the answers to one of history’s greatest conspiracies: Who killed John F. Kennedy? Not only does she have the missing film, revealing her mother as the infamous babushka lady, but she has proof that there was more than one shooter.

On the run from people who would stop at nothing to keep secrets buried, Sheila turns to billionaire sleuth Jason Hammond for help. Having lost his own family in a tragic plane crash, Jason knows a thing or two about running from the past. With a target on their backs and time running out, can Jason finally uncover the truth behind the crime that shook a generation—or will he and Sheila become its final victims?

 

Renegade by Mel Odom

In a Series? Called to Serve Series book 2

Publisher: Tyndale House

Description:

Having grown up in the foster system, Private Pike Morgan's rough exterior and problem with authority earn him few friends among his fellow Marines. When he's not on missions for the Marine Reserve, Pike's rebellious attitude and eagerness for vigilante justice have the local police regularly at his doorstep. Struggling to set down roots, and nervous of his desire to, Pike's eager to answer the military's call for another deployment.

 

 

 

 

The King by Steven James

In a Series? Patrick Bowers Series book 6

Publisher: Signet

Description:

FBI Special Agent Patrick Bowers has matched wits with some of the most violent serial killers in history—and one of them has never forgiven him....
 
Patrick Bowers has pursued the nation’s fiercest serial killers—and now one elusive foe is back for revenge.

Settling into a new post at the FBI academy, Patrick and his fiancée, Lien-hua Jiang, are planning their future together with his stepdaughter, Tessa.

But just when his life seems normal, a demon from the past returns to draw him down a dark road he hoped had closed forever. Forced into a desperate hunt to save the two women he loves most, Patrick is in a race against time to stop an international conspiracy from becoming the most widespread act of terrorism in U.S. history.

 

Memory's Door by James Rubart

In a Series? Wells Spring Series book 2

Publisher: Thomas Nelson

Description:

With a victory against the Evil One under their belts, the four of the Prophecy have managed to bring even greater adversity their way.

In Soul’s Gate, Reece, Dana, Brandon, and Marcus—the four of the Prophecy—were set free from some of their deepest wounds.

Now the four must stand against the Enemy's continues assaults—and try to determine how to prevail against the dark manifestation of The Wolf mentioned in the Prophecy.

But the Enemy isn’t going to make that easy. Circumstances in each of their personal lives affect their unity and commitment to the group. Three enigmatic men appear and none of the four can get a true sense of whether these men are intimate allies . . . or diabolical enemies. And if that’s not enough, the Enemy has begun torturing them with visions of what their lives would be like if they could reverse their greatest regrets—if they’d made the right choices.

These four have seen amazing things in the spiritual realm. But faith can become even more difficult when it's influenced by sight.

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!

 

 

Final Frightfully Fantastic Fiction Giveaway: "Placebo" by Steven James

FINAL DAY

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.

No questions left! :)  Just post a comment of some kind so I know you want to be entered.

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. 7. Winner will be announced on Nov. 8.

 

Today's book is: Placebo by Steven James

Description:

While covertly investigating a controversial neurological research program, expos filmmaker Jevin Banks is drawn into a far-reaching conspiracy involving one of the world's largest pharmaceutical firms. After giving up his career as an escape artist and illusionist in the wake of his wife and sons' tragic death, Jevin is seeking not only answers about the questionable mind-to-mind communication program, but also answers to why his family suffered as they did. Rooted in ground-breaking science and inspired by actual research, Placebo explores the far reaches of science, consciousness, and faith. Readers will love this taut, intelligent, and emotionally gripping new thriller from master storyteller Steven James.

My Thoughts:

It seems fitting to open and close this giveaway with my favorite suspense author!  Can't wait to read this one myself!

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