The Brave by Hayley and Michael DiMarco

 The Brave Believe

Ever wondered how it is some people seem braver than others?  Hayley & Michael DiMarco help readers gain insight on what it truly takes to be one of the brave in their book, The Brave.  The Brave was written to help the reader find strength in God's goodness and power.  Reading the brave will....

• help to reveal God in your life
• help you learn what you can't control
• help you see what God controls
• you'll gain truth about who God is and why He allows thing to happen in one's life
• find out why pain and suffering must be a part of one's life
• learn the difference in fear that makes sense and that which is pointless
• help you know how to walk away with the bravery you need to deal with the trials in life with calm, peace and hope

There is also a fun quiz to take to see if you are one of The Brave.

Unbelief causes destruction

For more information about this book visit here.

A copy of this book was provided in exchange for my honest review by... 

Rare Earth by Davis Bunn

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Rare Earth Bethany House Publishers (July 1, 2012) by Davis Bunn

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Born and raised in North Carolina, Davis left for Europe at age twenty. There he first completed graduate studies in economics and finance, then began a business career that took him to over forty countries in Europe, Africa, the Middle East and Asia.

Davis came to faith at age 28, while living in Germany and running an international business advisory group. He started writing two weeks later. Since that moment, writing has remained both a passion and a calling.

Davis wrote for nine years and completed seven books before his first was accepted for publication. During that time, he continued to work full-time in his business career, travelling to two and sometimes three countries every week. His first published book, The Presence, was released in 1990 and became a national bestseller.

Honored with three Christy Awards for excellence in historical and suspense fiction, his bestsellers include The Great Divide, Winner Take All, The Meeting Place, The Warning, The Book of Hours, and The Quilt.

A sought-after speaker in the art of writing, Davis serves as Writer In Residence at Regent’s Park College, Oxford University.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Marc Royce stares out of the helicopter, a sense of foreboding rising with the volcanic cloud. Below, the Rift Valley slashes across Africa like a scar. Decades of conflicts, droughts, and natural disasters have left their mark.

Dispatched to audit a relief organization, Royce is thrust into the squalor and chaos of Kenyan refugee camps. But his true mission focuses on the area's reserves of once-obscure minerals now indispensable to high-tech industries. These strategic elements--called rare earth--have inflamed tensions on the world's stage and stoked tribal rivalries. As Royce prepares to report back to Washington, he seizes on a bold and risky venture for restoring justice to this troubled land.

But this time, Royce may have gone too far.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Rare Earth, go HERE.

 

Teaser Tuesday ~ Healthy Hair Rehab Now

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along, so I thought I would play for fun! Just do the following:

• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

Truly healthy hair depends largely on your changing hormones, the pills you pop, and the foods and beverages you eat or don't eat.

~ taken from p. 2 of Healthy Hair Rehab Now by Jacqueline Tarrant

Almost Amish by Kathryn Cushman

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Almost Amish Bethany House Publishers (July 1, 2012) by Kathryn Cushman

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Kathryn Cushman is a graduate of Samford University with a degree in pharmacy, but all her life she knew that she wanted to write a novel “some day”. For her, “some day” came in 2003, when she started writing and never looked back.

Her first two manuscripts remain firmly ensconced in the back of her closet (the dust bunnies tell her they really are terrific!). Her third attempt became her first published novel.

A Promise to Remember and Leaving Yesterday were both finalists for the American Christian Fiction Writers Carol Award, and Waiting for Daybreak was a finalist in Women’s Fiction for the Inspirational Reader’s Choice Award.

On the homefront, she has been married to the wonderful and handsome Lee for nearly twenty-five years now, and their two daughters are currently braving the worlds of high school and college.

They’ve lived in Santa Barbara for over twenty years. It’s a beautiful place and Kathryn feel blessed to be there (although a seventy degree Christmas still leaves her dreaming of a white one—or at least a colder one!)

When she's not writing or reading or braving seventy degree holidays, you’ll find her trying her best to keep up with her daughters in their various theater, softball, dance, and filled-with-activity lives.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Proving the Simple Life Isn't So Simple After All

Overcommitted and overwhelmed, Julie Charlton is at the breaking point. She knows she should feel blessed as a mother and wife--but she just feels exhausted. And then, the miraculous happens. Her sister-in-law Susan, a Martha Stewart-in-training, lands the chance to participate in a reality TV series about trying to live like the Amish and needs another family to join her. It's just the break Julie needs.

But the summer adventure in simple living soon proves anything but simple. With the camera watching every move, Susan's drive for perfection feels a lot like what they left behind, while Julie suddenly finds herself needing to stand up for slowing down. Whether it's cooking, cleaning, or dressing differently, each new Amish challenge raises new complications...and soon each woman learns unexpected lessons about herself and her family.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Almost Amish, go HERE.

Mailbox Monday ~ July 16, 2012

 Join Mailbox Monday meme

@ The Printed Page

July's host is: 
Mrs.Q:  Book Addict & Avid Reader
(I will be hosting sometime in 2013 she is that far booked ahead)

Butterfly Swords by Jeannie Lin
Mrs. Tuesday's Departure by Suzanne Anderson 
Real Dogs Don't Whisper by Kelly Preston & Mr. MaGoo

Starlette Universe book: 1 'CAT'ASTROPHE by Kathy Johnson

The author uses word play and catchy rhymes to grab savvy chicky girls into her new series: Starlette Universe  good vs. evil in this first book:  'CAT' ASTROPHE by Kathy Johnson.  Johnson weave in good advice and character lessons in this very different form of book.  There is not a real religious element just elements from religion, fantasy and adventure.  This book introduces readers to gentle Jinnie, brainiac Bekka, fashiony Ashlee, rapper Sallee, foodie Lizzie, 'punny' Skylar and her blogging German schnauzer pet, Punkin. United by friendship, fashion, boys and a strong sense of right and wrong, these girls disdain cliques and anyone who doesn't treat them and others nicely. The Starlettes encounter their nemesis Eva the Evil, who uses an innocent kitten to create danger and horror for the girls.  Along with the fun and humor, girls can learn new vocabulary, the joy of wordplay, and serious messages for living. The narrative contains rhyme, verse, pun and prose that uses hyphens and mash-ups to add new meaning to words and phrases.

For more information visit the web site here.

A copy of this book was provided by the author and Bostick Communications for the purpose of this review.

The Deposit Slip by Todd M. Johnson

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing The Deposit Slip Bethany House Publishers (July 1, 2012)
by Todd M. Johnson

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Todd M. Johnson has practiced as an attorney for over 30 years,
specializing as a trial lawyer.

A graduate of Princeton University and the University of Minnesota
Law School, he also taught for two years as adjunct professor of
International Law and served as a US diplomat in Hong Kong.

The Deposit Slip is his debut novel. He lives outside Minneapolis,
Minnesota, with his wife Cathy, and children Ian and Libby.

ABOUT THE BOOK

$10,000,000 Is Missing.

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. Only the bank claims they have no record of the money, and trying to hire a lawyer has brought only intimidation and threats. Erin's last chance is Jared Neaton.

How Far Will One Lawyer Go to Find the Money?

When Jared wearied of the shady ethics of his big law firm and started his own, he never expected the wheels to fly off so quickly. One big loss has pushed him to the brink, and it's all he can do to scrape by.

And How Far Will Someone Go to Stop Him?

He's not sure if Erin's case is worth the risk, but if the money is real, all his problems could vanish. When digging deeper unleashes something far more dangerous than just threats, both Jared and Erin must decide the cost they're willing to pay to discover the truth.

If you would like to read the first chapter of The Deposit Slip, go HERE.

I Thought I saw a Dragon Late Last Night! by Clayton J. Liotta

Though the little boy's name isn't mentioned he has an imagination in this rhyming sing-song story, I Thought I saw a Dragon Late Last Night.  The little boy thinks he saw a dragon so the next morning he goes out to find the dragon.  Oh, the places he goes and the fun he has along the way will capture any child as they go along to help him find the dragon.  This is a very cute book.  The author is the illustrator as well.  Illustrations are done in pencil and very well.  A cute book that 3-6 year olds would have fun with. 

You may learn more about this book by visiting the web site here. 

Clayton Liotta is an Author, Illustrator, Cartoonist, and Film Maker with quite a background. As a boy, a band of gypsies found him living under a squashed cabbage leaf. They whisked him away, and made him part of their roving caravan, where he learned the ancient art of broom making. He spent countless hours weaving straw into brooms and listening to stories told by tribal elders. Sitting around the campfire, Clayton was fascinated by the gypsies' ancient tales. Soon, he found himself sketching in the dirt with leftover pieces of straw. Once they saw his interpretive drawings, the gypsies realized that they should preserve their unique stories on paper- along with Clayton's sketches. An illustrator was born. Until now, Clayton's work was known only in gypsy caravans. (And how many gypsy caravans do you see these days???) Clayton has since left the simple gypsy lifestyle for bright lights, big cities, cheeseburgers, fries, and cable TV.....Where he lives quietly!

Visit the author on his web site here.


A copy of this book was provided by the author and Bostick Communications for the purpose of this review.

The Amazing Adventure of Paddy Platypus by Tom de Paolo

This is the cutest story about a platypus that has amazing speed. Sir Hugh, a self-appointed important man of Tasmania, talks Paddy into representing their nation in Los Angeles in a championship swimming competition. Paddy doesn't like all the lime-light of winning that is shown to him. He just wants to go back home and be with his family and live life in the slow lane.

This book would be good for reinforcing that home is really where the heart is while introducing young readers to a new animal, platypus. The platypus, with its unique characteristics, is an unusual and unfamiliar animal to most children. Even the country of Tasmania would be a good geographic study for kids. It too isn't a common country that most kids are aware of. children.

For more information about this book visit here.

Tom de Paolo, a native of Hollywood, California, graduated from the University of Southern California where he studied film. Upon graduation he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and was able to contribute his talents to a movie crew documenting World War II. Now retired from the television industry and from being a marketing consultant for Disneyland, he resides in Laguna Beach where he writes and enjoys golf. De Paolo has also published four cookbooks and a fitness book for senior citizens.

A copy of this book was provided by the author and Bostick Communications for the purpose of this review.

Teaser Tuesday ~ The Brave

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along, so I thought I would play for fun! Just do the following:

• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

The Brave have no respect for the feelings that threaten their belief, but all the faith imaginable in the power and the love of their God. 

~taken from p. 17 of The Brave by Hayley & Michael DiMarco

Inescapable by Nancy Mehl

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Inescapable Bethany House Publishers (July 1, 2012) by Nancy Mehl

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Nancy Mehl lives in Wichita, Kansas with her husband Norman and their dog, Watson. She’s authored thirteen books and is currently at work on her newest series for Bethany House Publishing.

All of Nancy’s novels have an added touch – something for your spirit as well as your soul. “I welcome the opportunity to share my faith through my writing,” Nancy says. “It’s a part of me and of everything I think or do. God is number one in my life. I wouldn’t be writing at all if I didn’t believe that this is what He’s called me to do. I hope everyone who reads my books will walk away with the most important message I can give them: God is good, and He loves you more than you can imagine. He has a good plan especially for your life, and there is nothing you can’t overcome with His help.”

She and her husband attend Believer’s Tabernacle in Wichita.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Lizzie Engel is used to running away. At eighteen, she left her Mennonite hometown, Kingdom, Kansas, with plans never to return.

But five years later, the new life she built is falling apart. Lizzie knows she's being followed, and she's certain the same mysterious stranger is behind the threatening letters she's received. Realizing she'll have to run again, the only escape Lizzie can manage is a return to the last place she wants to go.

Once she arrives in Kingdom, Lizzie is confident she'll be safe until she comes up with a new plan. In reacquainting herself with the town and its people--especially her old friend, Noah Housler--she wonders if she judged her hometown and her Mennonite faith too harshly. However, just as she begins to come to terms with her roots, Lizzie is horrified to discover the danger she ran from is closer than ever.

No longer sure who to trust and fearful for her life and the lives of those around her, Lizzie finds she has only one place left to run--to the Father whose love is inescapable.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Inescapable, go HERE.

Mailbox Monday ~ July 9, 2012

 Join Mailbox Monday meme

@ The Printed Page

July's host is: 
Mrs.Q:  Book Addict & Avid Reader
(I will be hosting sometime in 2013 she is that far booked ahead)

Fiction

A Sweethaven Homecoming by Courtney Walsh

Inescapable by Nancy Mehl

I want to fly by Allel Kheroufi

Enough – Finding More By Living With Less by Will Davis, Jr.

You might be surprised at how little you really do need to live.  Will Davis' book , Enough, will help you put it all into perspective.  Davis is very thorough with helping the reading discover that they can really live with a whole lot less than they have.  The author uses statistics, scripture and stories to help the reader really see if they could truly live for less.  I'm sure if we were all honest with ourselves we say, "Yes, we could live with less".  You gain a new perspective of your possessions, time, money and talents and how to better use them to honor God.  Each chapter concludes with a section on Moving toward enough and some further reflection items.  Here is the table of contents...

If you'd like to read a few sample pages go to CBD here and then click on additional views link that appears right under the book cover.

For more information about this book click here.

A copy of this book was provided in exchange for my honest review by... 

Serpent of Moses by Don Hoesel

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Serpent of Moses Bethany House Publishers (July 1, 2012) by Don Hoesel

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Don Hoesel is a Web site designer for a Medicare carrier
in Nashville, TN. He has a BA in Mass Communication from
Taylor University and has published short fiction in Relief
Journal. He was born and raised in Buffalo, NY but lives in
Spring Hill, Tennessee, with his wife and two children. The
Serpent of Moses is his fourth novel.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Moses built and lifted up the brass serpent,
healing the afflicted Israelites of snakebites.

King Hezekiah called the serpent Nehushtan.
Long thought destroyed, it's been buried for
millennia, secreted under the region's shifting sands.

Now the Israeli government wants it back and they
will stop at nothing to get their hands on it. Yet
they're not the only ones who covet the Nehushtan.

Archaeologist Jack Hawthorne travels to Libya intent
on recovering the sacred object, but one does not
cross the Mossad and expect to walk away without a
fight. Jack and his friends must find the priceless
"snake of brass upon a pole" before those who are
also hunting it find them...and silence them forever.

If you would like to read the first chapter of
Serpent of Moses, go HERE.

Narnia Challenge

Ready. Set. Go.  OK this year I think we are going to take this challenge.  My daughters are after me to watch the movies so I believe that will be our challenge for July.  Let me tell you it will definitely be a challenge with everyones' schedules. That is over 7 hours of challenging time to juggle between three work schedules.