Always the Baker Finally the Bride

ALWAYS THE BAKER FINALLY THE BRIDE
Another Emma Rae Creation, Book 4
Sandra D. Bricker
(Abingdon Press)
ISBN: 978-1426732270
April 2013/352 pages/$14.99
In the first book, readers fell in love with Emma Rae and Jackson, and they’ve gotten more acquainted with them in the two books that followed. But now it’s time for the diamond to meet the road as Jackson fields an offer to sell The Tanglewood, a move that will uproot this high-flying family act once and for all. Get reacquainted with all of the lovable and quirky characters from the first three books as your favorite diabetic baker figures out if she’ll achieve her greatest goal of all: Will Emma, at last become FINALLY the Bride?

Purchase your copy:
AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Sandra D. Bricker was an entertainment publicist in Los Angeles for 15+ years. She is now a best-selling, award-winning author of laugh-out-loud fiction for the inspirational market, and the mastermind behind the Another Emma Rae Creation series that started with Always the Baker Never the Bride. As an ovarian cancer survivor, she gears time and effort toward raising awareness and funds for research, diagnostics and a cure.

Visit her Web site at www.SandraDBricker.com and her blog at http://sandradbricker.blogspot.com.

MY THOUGHTS

This is only the second book of this series that I've read, but I definitely want to go back and catch up! Emma Rae and Jackson and all the others at The Tanglewood are such a fun bunch of folks. They make me want to go back and get married all over again! Sandra D. Bricker has created the perfect recipe for a thoroughly satisfying read: heaping cups of love, generous splashes of humor, a dash of spice, and a few surprises combine to make this a delectable romance. And for the icing on the cake, a few recipes are even sprinkled among the chapters. Just don't dismiss this novel as being only for starry-eyed bride-to-be's: tender and amusing moments abound with characters of all ages, from Emma's Aunt Sophie to a ragamuffin eleven-year-old hotel "guest." I highly recommend this book and this series. You can read this one as a stand-alone, but I bet you'll go back and get the others!


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book from Abingdon Press and Pump Up Your Book Promotions as part of a blog tour. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

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NIV Real Life Devotional Bible for Women

It is time for a FIRST Wild Card Tour book review! If you wish to join the FIRST blog alliance, just click the button. We are a group of reviewers who tour Christian books. A Wild Card post includes a brief bio of the author and a full chapter from each book toured. The reason it is called a FIRST Wild Card Tour is that you never know if the book will be fiction, non~fiction, for young, or for old...or for somewhere in between! Enjoy your free peek into the book!

You never know when I might play a wild card on you!

Today's Wild Card Insight Notes author is:

Lysa TerKeurst

and the book:

NIV Real-Life Devotional Bible for Women,
Insights for Everyday Life

Zondervan; Special edition (March 19, 2013)

***Special thanks to Rick Roberson for sending me a review copy.***

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Lysa TerKeurst is a New York Times bestselling author and national speaker who helps everyday women live an adventure of faith. She is the president of Proverbs 31 Ministries, author of 15 books, and encourages nearly 500,000 women worldwide through a daily online devotional. Her remarkable life story has captured audiences across America, including appearances on Oprah and Good Morning America. She lives in North Carolina with her husband and five children.

Visit the author's website.

SHORT BOOK DESCRIPTION:

This Bible will help you live up to your God-given potential. Insightful daily devotions written by the women at Proverbs 31 Ministries help you maintain life's balance in spite of today's hectic pace. Dive into the beauty and clarity of the NIV Bible text paired with daily devotions crafted by women just like you---women who want to live authentically and fully grounded in the Word of God.

MY THOUGHTS:

Lysa TerKeurst is known for her authenticity in ministry, so "Real-Life" is an appropriate descriptor within the title of this devotional Bible. Lysa and the other members of Proverbs 31 Ministries, which she leads, provide 366 devotionals which are sprinkled throughout the pages of this Bible. The devotionals can be read in three ways: 1) starting with the first one and continuing in order until the final devotional, 2) utilizing the Topical Index in the back to focus on a particular subject, or 3) reading the devotions by author as listed in the Index of Devotions by Author. However you choose to read them, these down-to-earth words from women who face the same struggles and triumphs as you do will encourage and inspire you.

Product Details:

List Price: $34.99
Hardcover: 1536 pages
Publisher: Zondervan; Special edition (March 19, 2013)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0310439361
ISBN-13: 978-0310439363

AND NOW...SOME SAMPLE PAGES (CLICK ON PAGES TO ENLARGE):

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Once Upon a Prince

Once Upon a Prince
(Royal Wedding Series)
Rachel Hauck
(Zondervan)
ISBN: 978-0310315476
May 2013/352 pages/$14.99
Susanna Truitt never dreamed of a great romance or being treated like a princess—just to marry the man she has loved for twelve years. But life isn’t going according to plan. When her high-school-sweetheart-turned-Marine-officer breaks up instead of proposing, Susanna scrambles to rebuild her life.

The last thing Prince Nathaniel expects to find on his American holiday to St. Simon’s Island is the queen of his heart. A prince has duties, and his family’s tense political situation has chosen his bride for him. When Prince Nathaniel comes to Susanna’s aid under the fabled Lover’s Oak, he is blindsided by love.

Their lives are worlds apart. He’s a royal prince. She’s an ordinary girl. But everything changes when Susanna receives an invitation to Nathaniel’s coronation.

It’s the ultimate choice. His kingdom or her heart? God’s will or their own?




ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Rachel Hauck is an award-winning, best selling author of critically acclaimed novels such as RITA-nominated The Wedding Dress and RITA-nominated Love Starts with Elle, part of the Lowcountry series, the Nashvegas series and the Songbird Novels penned with multi-platinum recording artist, Sara Evans. Their novel Softly and Tenderly was one of Booklist's 2011 Top Ten Inspirationals. A graduate of Ohio State University with a degree in Journalism, she worked in the corporate software world before planting her backside in an uncomfortable chair to write full time in 2004. Rachel serves on the Executive Board for American Christian Fiction Writers and leads worship at their annual conference. She is a mentor and book therapist at My Book Therapy, and conference speaker. Rachel writes from her two-story tower in an exceedingly more comfy chair. She is a huge Buckeyes football fan. Visit her webiste at rachelhauck.com/.

MY THOUGHTS

Once Upon a Prince is an endearing and delightful novel that tugged at my heart from the first scene when Susanna's long-time boyfriend breaks up with her. Rachel Hauck has created a winsome cast of characters who are easy to like--with a couple of necessary exceptions, that is! I loved watching Susanna and "Nate" meet and see their friendship develop, especially since she had no idea that he was a prince, and some of the situations that resulted are quite entertaining! As charming as this story is, its deeper beauty is woven throughout as Susanna and Nate grapple with the issue of who God created them to be and seek a greater Kingdom than the earthly one whose crown Prince Nathaniel will wear. Put this one on your summer reading list - highly recommended!


Rachel Hauck is celebrating the release of Once Upon a Prince with a fun "Royal Wedding" Giveaway and connecting with readers at her May 28th Facebook Party.

One "royal" winner will receive:

• A Kindle Fire
• Once Upon a Prince by Rachel Hauck
  

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on May 27th. Winner will be announced at the "Once Upon a Prince" Facebook Author Chat Party on May 28th. Connect with Rachel for an evening of book chat, wedding trivia, laughter, and more! Rachel will also be sharing a sneak peek at the next book in the series and giving away books and fun gift certificates throughout the evening.

So grab your copy of Once Upon a Prince and join Rachel on the evening of May 28th for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book, don't let that stop you from coming!)

Don't miss a moment of the fun; RSVP today.Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning.
Hope to see you on the 28th!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book from Zondervan and Litfuse Publicity as part of a blog tour. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

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There's No Place Like the Hodgepodge

Another week, another Hodgepodge. Or in my world, another week, another set of "lasts" for my graduating senior.

1. May is National Blood Pressure Month...what sends yours soaring, either literally or figuratively? What calms you down? When did you last have your BP checked?

Stupid school rules and bad decisions raise my BP. LOL Piano music, a shoulder massage, or a hug calm me down.

I run a pretty low blood pressure, so I only get mine checked at doctor's appointments. I think the last time was back in December.

2. You just found $1-what do you spend it on? How about $10 $ $100?

I'd just put the $1 in my wallet. The $10 - I might go to lunch. And $100? I don't even know. A fun outfit, maybe?

3. Mandatory labeling of genetically engineered (GE) food has been proposed, but not enacted in the US. How much attention do you give food labels before you buy? Are you in favor of labeling if it means an increase in food prices? Is this an issue you've been following and feel strongly about, or is this the first you've heard of the controversy?

We were talking about this just this weekend. I do look at labels if I'm buying something new - mostly checking things like sugar, fiber, etc. I've been mildly following it.

4. May 15th marks the birthdate of Frank Baum, author of The Wizard of Oz. At this point in time, are you more in need of brains, courage, heart, or a trip back home? Explain.

I guess I would say brains, because I have way too many things to juggle. Although what I really need is a nap.

5. "There's no place like home" is an oft repeated line from Baum's book. When was the last time you felt the truth of that statement?

Any time I come home from a trip.

6. Steak...yes please or no thank you? What cut do you prefer and how do you like yours cooked? Sauce or no sauce? Besides your own kitchen, where's a place you like to go to get a great steak?

YES! I am a Texas gal, after all! My fave is a 6 oz. filet, medium well, bacon-wrapped. No sauce - I want to taste that good ol' Angus beef! Roaring Fork, Salt Grass and Taste of Texas are my favorites.

7. When was the last time you were in a genuine hurry?

Trying to think of an answer to this question!

8. Insert your own random thought here.

Some friends were stopping by last night with a gift for my girl so I made a Toll House Chocolate Chip Pie. Haven't had one in years. Oh. My. I had forgotten how delectable that is, especially warm with a scoop of Blue Bell Homemade Vanilla on top and a drizzle of chocolate syrup. Ooh-la-la!

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A Mortifying Mistake

One of the things I "got" from my mom was a love of poems. She memorized a lot of them as a child, and I remember her saying them through the years as I grew up. I eventually learned a few of the ones which were my favorites. One of those is below:

A Mortifying Mistake
By Anna M. Pratt
I studied my tables over and over, and backward and forward, too;
But I couldn’t remember six times nine, and I didn’t know what to do,
Till sister told me to play with my doll, and not to bother my head.
“If you call her ‘Fifty-four’ for a while, you’ll learn it by heart,” she said.

So I took my favorite, Mary Ann (though I thought ’twas a dreadful shame
To give such a perfectly lovely child such a perfectly horrid name),
And I called her my dear little “Fifty-four” a hundred times, till I knew
The answer of six times nine as well as the answer of two times two.

Next day Elizabeth Wigglesworth, who always acts so proud,
Said, “Six times nine is fifty-two,” and I nearly laughed aloud!
But I wished I hadn’t when teacher said, “Now, Dorothy, tell if you can.”
For I thought of my doll and—sakes alive!—I answered, “Mary Ann!”

(Anna M Pratt taught school in Cleveland, Ohio for several years. She published Little Rhymes for Little People in 1896.)

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The Face of the Earth

The Face of the Earth
Deborah Raney
(Howard Books)
ISBN: 978-1416599975
May 2013/368 pages/$14.99
What if she never came home. . . ?

When Mitchell Brannon’s beloved wife sets off for home after a conference, he has no idea that his life is about to change forever. Mitch returns from work early that evening, surprised Jill’s car isn’t in the garage. Her conference in Kansas City is only a few hours’ drive from their little town of Sylvia, Missouri. But her voice on the answering machine makes him smile. “Hey, babe, I’m just now checking out of the hotel, but I’ll stop and pick up something for dinner. Love you.”

Mitch sets the table with their best china and lights some candles, looking forward to their first weekend as empty nesters.

But at eight o’clock, the candles have burned to stubs and Jill still hasn’t shown up. Mitch tries her cell phone only to get her voice mail over and over again. Their two college kids haven’t heard from their mom either.

At midnight, Mitch’s irritation turns to dread. And later, when the police and Missouri Highway Patrol have turned up nothing, the Kansas City hotel calls to say they’ve found property belonging to Jill in a hotel maid’s possession.

Mitch enlists the help of their next-door neighbor, Jill’s best friend, Shelley, and together they search for clues to Jill’s disappearance. As days turn into weeks and weeks into months, Mitch and Shelley’s friendship grows ever closer—and decidedly complicated with Jill as the tie that binds them together. Just when Shelley decides to finally reveal her feelings for Mitch, a clue to Jill’s whereabouts is uncovered. But every lead seems to be a dead end, and Mitch wonders how he can honor the vows he made to a woman who has seemingly disappeared off the face of the earth.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Deborah Raney is the award-winning author of several novels, including “A Nest of Sparrows” and the RITA award winning “Beneath a Southern Sky” and its sequel, “After the Rains.” Deborah’s first novel, “A Vow to Cherish,” was the inspiration for World Wide Pictures’ highly acclaimed film of the same title, which in December 2004 aired on prime time network TV for the second time. Deb’s novella, “Playing by Heart,” was a National Readers Choice Award winner and a 2004 Christy Award finalist. Her novel for Howard/Simon & Schuster, “Yesterday’s Embers,” appeared on the ECPA Christian fiction bestseller list. Known for her sensitive portrayal of family struggles and relationships, Deb has also written nonfiction books and articles and often speaks at women’s retreats and writers’ conferences around the country. She and her husband, illustrator/author Ken Raney, have four children and make their home in Kansas. Find out more at http://deborahraney.com.

MY THOUGHTS

The Face of the Earth is the latest reason that Deborah Raney is a must-read author for me. I don't just read her books; I experience them. And what a heart-rending experience this novel was! With a scenario that is completely realistic and devastating, as well as characters so authentic I felt as if I might encounter them at the grocery store, The Face of the Earth tugged at my heart. At times, I almost couldn't bear to keep reading it, but I couldn't put it down, either! While I empathized with Shelley, my heart truly ached for Mitch as his life and marriage were essentially placed on hold indefinitely and he mourned Jill's disappearance, not knowing if he was mourning her death, mourning the death of his marriage, or simply waiting on God. In her signature style, Raney does more than provide a great story; she compels the reader to confront an issue right along with the characters, which in this novel is "what do marriage vows really mean in such a situation?" I appreciated her portrayal of Mitch as he grappled with this issue and sought God's guidance; he is neither unrealistically pious nor completely driven by his physical needs and desires. I heartily recommend this book and think it would be a great resource as a teaching tool and cautionary tale for small groups. Just be sure to provide some tissues!


Deborah is celebrating with a fun "Date Night" Giveaway (win a $200 Visa Cash Card!) and an Author Chat Party on Facebook! {5/30}

 One winner will receive:

• A $200 Visa Cash Card (Use that to catch up with a loved one – your spouse, friend, sister, mom…whomever!)
• The Face of the Earth by Deborah Raney
  

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on May 29th. Winner will be announced at the "The Face of the Earth" Facebook Author Chat Party on May 30th. Connect with Deborah for an evening of book chat, trivia, laughter, and more! Deborah will also be sharing a sneak peek of her next book and giving away books and fun gift certificates throughout the evening.

So grab your copy of The Face of the Earth and join Deborah on the evening of May 30th for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book, don't let that stop you from coming!)

Don't miss a moment of the fun; RSVP today.Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 30th!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book from Howard Books/Simon & Schuster and Litfuse Publicity as part of a blog tour. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

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Her Restless Heart Women's Bible Study

Her Restless Heart:
A Woman's Longing for Love and Acceptance
A Faith and Fiction Bible Study
(Participant's Guide)
Barbara Cameron
(Abingdon Press)
ISBN: 978-1426761706
March 2013/208 pages/$14.99
Explore the world of the Amish in Bible study with fiction author Barbara Cameron.

Her Restless Heart is the second study in the Faith and Fiction Bible study series that uses Christian fiction as a backdrop for exploring biblical themes. Just as Jesus used stories (parables) to teach important principles, inspirational fiction can open readers to greater understanding of themselves and spiritual themes.

Based on a novel of the same name by acclaimed Christian fiction author Barbara Cameron, this six-session Bible study explores the heart’s longing for love and acceptance and the Bible’s answer to this universal human need. The Participant Book has five daily readings per week, each including Scripture, reflections on the day’s topic with questions and space for writing responses, prayer, and a suggestion for the day—a question to ponder, Scripture to consider, or action to take.

ALSO AVAILABLE:
Leader Guide (ISBN: 978-1426761737)
DVD (ISBN: 978-1426761447)



Check out the online Bible Study hosted by author Barbara Cameron, including video clips, currently taking place on Facebook.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Barbara Cameron is the author of more than 35 fiction and non-fiction books, three nationally televised movies, and is the winner of the first Romance Writers of America Golden Heart Award. She currently resides in Edgewater, Florida. Find out more about Barbara at BarbaraCameron.com, AmishHearts.com, and AmishLiving.com.

MY THOUGHTS

I really like the fact that Abingdon is using their women's fiction to springboard into Bible Studies. This study covers a topic that is relevant for so many women. It is not necessary to read the novel to participate in the study since focal excerpts are included in the participant's guide. And for those who might wonder, this is definitely a Bible study, not just a book study. Bible passages and individual verses are prominent in the daily assignments, and the story is used to illustrate and support the Scriptural truths. For those who enjoy discussing novels at Book Club but want to go a little deeper, this is a good "next step" and would be an especially useful outreach tool to draw in women who are hesitant about being in a heavy Bible Study.


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book from Abingdon Press. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

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Dead Lawyers Tell No Tales - but Randy Singer Sure Can!

Dead Lawyers Tell No Tales
Randy Singer
(Tyndale House Publishers)
ISBN: 978-1414375588
May 2013/448 pages/$13.99

Landon Reed is an ex-quarterback convicted of organizing a points-shaving scheme. During his time in prison, he found forgiveness and faith and earned his law degree. Now he longs for an opportunity to prove his loyalty and worth. Be careful what you ask for.

Harry McNaughton is one of the founding partners of McNaughton & Clay—and the only lawyer willing to take a chance employing an ex-con-turned-lawyer. Though Landon initially questions Harry’s ethics and methods, it’s clear the crusty old lawyer has one of the most brilliant legal minds Landon has ever encountered. The two dive into preparing a defense for one of the highest-profile murder trials Virginia Beach has seen in decades when Harry is gunned down in what appears to be a random mugging. Then two more lawyers are killed when the firm’s private jet crashes. Authorities suspect someone has a vendetta against McNaughton & Clay, leaving Landon and the remaining partner as the final targets.

As Landon struggles to keep the firm together, he can’t help but wonder, is the plot related to a shady case from McNaughton & Clay’s past, or to the murder trial he’s neck-deep in now? And will he survive long enough to find out?


Read an excerpt.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Randy Singer is a critically acclaimed, award-winning author and veteran trial attorney. He has penned more than 10 legal thrillers and was recently a finalist with John Grisham and Michael Connelly for the inaugural Harper Lee Prize for Legal Fiction sponsored by the University of Alabama School of Law and the ABA Journal. His previous novel, The Last Plea Bargain is a finalist for a 2013 Christy Award. Randy runs his own law practice and has been named to Virginia Business magazine's select list of "Legal Elite" litigation attorneys. In addition to his law practice and writing, Randy serves as teaching pastor for Trinity Church in Virginia Beach, Virginia. He calls it his "Jekyll and Hyde thing"—part lawyer, part pastor. He also teaches classes in advocacy and civil litigation at Regent Law School and, through his church, is involved with ministry opportunities in India. He and his wife, Rhonda, live in Virginia Beach. They have two grown children. Visit his website at www.randysinger.net.


MY THOUGHTS

Randy Singer is on my short list of must-read authors. His legal thrillers are riveting and thought-provoking and among the best books I've read in any genre. I knew from the title and the blurb that Dead Lawyers Tell No Tales would pack plenty of punch and Singer delivers in spades! Intriguing characters and an intricate plot riveted me from the opening pages and I was oblivious to all around me as I read. "Fascinating" doesn't even begin to do justice as a descriptor of this novel. It is prudent to read it as carefully as one might pore over a legal brief, as Singer adeptly weaves seemingly innocuous details into the story that become "aha moments" once the story is completed. The ending was perfection, and the epilogue. . .well, when you read it you'll know why I consider Randy Singer to be such a brilliant author! Don't miss this brand-new release!


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book from Tyndale House Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

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The Mother of All Hodgepodge?

Mother's Day is rapidly approaching, so variations of the word mother will be found throughout this week's Hodgpodge!

1. When the children of today grow up, what do you think they'll say about this period in time? What do you most hope they remember?

I'm sure they'll call these "the good ol' days!" I hope my kids remember happy times at home, laughter, and being taught about God.

2. National Teacher's Day is celebrated in the US of A on the first Tuesday in May, this year May 7th...share how a particular teacher positively impacted you.

I had several really good teachers. I shared about a couple of them back when I was doing my weekly Flashback Friday meme. One of them was my English teacher when I was a junior in high school. About 18 months ago on a trip to Houston, I was able to meet her and another friend from that class at Starbucks and we had such a fun "reunion" 33 years after our class! It was wonderful to share memories and tell her what an impact she still has on my life.

3. What's a dish your mama made, that if set in front of you today would whisk you right back to childhood?

Welsh rarebit, which we just called cheese gravy. My mom would make it for breakfast, often on Sunday mornings, and we would eat it on toast. She also made "ham gravy," which was a white cream gravy into which she stirred chopped up pieces of that really thin Buddig ham. We'd put that over toast for breakfast, too. I haven't had either of those in years!

4. Mother May I was a game we played when I was growing up...no pieces, parts, or plugs required. What games from childhood do you remember loving that were also pieces, parts, and plug-free?

The Alphabet Game on car trips. I Spy. And Hopscotch.

5. Besides your own mother, tell us about a woman who influenced you as a child?

There were several ladies at church, particularly young married gals in their twenties (who seemed so old when I was in elementary and junior high school!) who had an impact on me. They were really sweet to me and I adored being with them. When I was in junior high school, two of them buried babies: one baby died two days after birth, and our youth pastor's baby died of SIDS on the day he turned four months old. I was close to both families and those deaths, and seeing how they dealt with it, had a bit impact on me. Tiny caskets are heartbreaking.

6. Mamma Mia! What's the best play or musical you've ever seen?

Wicked, hands down!

7. What are three smells that make you feel nostalgic?

Freshly mowed grass, lighter fluid and charcoal, and crayons or markers, especially the old Marks-A-Lot felt markers!

8. Insert your own random thought here.

This is one of my favorite songs from Wicked.

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When a Secret Kills

When a Secret Kills
(Deadly Reunions #3)
Lynette Eason
(Revell)
ISBN: 978-0800720094
April 2013/352 pages/$14.99
She's come home to put a killer behind bars.
But the killer plans to put her six feet under.

Investigative reporter Jillian Carter knows it's time to put the past to rest. She's tired of looking over her shoulder, letting a killer go free. She's no longer the scared kid who changed her name and disappeared. Now, no matter what the cost, Jillian must do what she is trained to do-find the truth and expose it. And the truth is that Senator Frank Hoffman committed murder ten years ago-and Jillian watched it happen.

Didn't she?

Not even the enigmatic and attractive Colton Brady, her ex-boyfriend and nephew of the killer, will be able to make her leave this alone. Get ready for the spine-tingling, nail-biting conclusion to this explosive series.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Lynette Eason is the bestselling author of several romantic suspense novels, including When the Smoke Clears, When a Heart Stops, and the Women of Justice series. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Romance Writers of America. Find out more at www.lynetteeason.com.

MY THOUGHTS

Wow. Lynette Eason's suspense novels always make my heart pound, but she has set a new bar with this conclusion to her Deadly Reunions series. When a Secret Kills opens with a bang-literally!-and about the time I caught my breath, I found myself holding it again as the point of view changed to the one whose vendetta against Jillian kept her in the cross-hairs of his hired killer's gun. Few authors can make me read with one eye open like Eason does. So many elements set this novel apart from the average suspense. I couldn't decide which scenes had more tension - those in which Jillian was desperately trying to stay a step ahead of the killer or the interactions between Jillian and Colton, which were laced with a whole 'nother kind of adrenaline! Be prepared to stay up late to finish this one and then sleep with the light on; just don't miss this gripping novel! I can't wait to see what Lynette Eason has planned for her next series!

Click the titles for my reviews of the first two books in this series, When the Smoke Clears and When a Heart Stops.


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book from Revell Books as part of a blog tour. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

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It Happened at the Fair

It Happened at the Fair
Deeanne Gist
(Howard Books)
ISBN: 978-1451692372
April 2013/432 pages/$15.99

A transporting historical novel about a promising young inventor, his struggle with loss, and the attractive teacher who changes his life, all set against the razzle-dazzle of the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair.

Gambling everything, including the family farm, Cullen McNamara travels to the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair with his most recent invention. But the noise in the Fair’s Machinery Palace makes it impossible to communicate with potential buyers. In an act of desperation, he hires Della Wentworth, a teacher of the deaf, to tutor him in the art of lip-reading.

The young teacher is reluctant to participate, and Cullen has trouble keeping his mind on his lessons while intently watching her lips. Like the newly invented Ferris Wheel, he is caught in a whirl between his girl back home, his dreams as an inventor, and his unexpected attraction to his new tutor. Can he keep his feet on the ground, or will he be carried away?

Read an excerpt.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Deeanne Gist—known to her family, friends, and fans as Dee—has rocketed up bestseller lists and captured readers everywhere with her very fun, very original historicals. She has received numerous RITA nominations, two consecutive Christy Awards, and rave reviews. Deeanne has a background in education and journalism and a degree from Texas A&M. She has written for "People," "Parents," and "Parenting." She lives in Houston, Texas, with her husband and has four grown children. She has a very active online community on her website at IWantHerBook.com.

MY THOUGHTS

I love Deeanne Gist's historical novels, and this is another delightful read. Set in the midst of the 1893 Chicago World's Fair, Gist has crafted a story that is pure fiction but which is infused with painstakingly researched details of the actual event. While Gist does take a bit of literary license with a few details, which she explains in the afterword, I felt as if I had been transported more than a century back in time to view the wonders which displayed the rapidly changing technology as the nineteenth century drew to a close. Photographs of the actual fair are included throughout the novel, providing the reader with an even greater sense of the setting and time period. Cullen and Della both captured my heart from the opening pages. I was fascinated by the attitudes of the general public toward the deaf and even someone like Cullen, whose sense of hearing was only declining, as well as by the vigorous debate between lip-reading and signing. Historical events, a bit of romance, some whimsical moments, are woven together with faith and trust as all of It Happened at the Fair!

Deeanne Gist is celebrating the release of It Happened at the Fair with an iPad Mini Giveaway and a Live Author Chat Webcast event {5/22}!

One "fair" winner will receive:

• An iPad Mini
• A $25 iTunes gift card
  

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on May 21st. Winner will be announced at the "It Happened at the Fair" Live Webcast Event on May 22nd. Connect with Deeanne for an evening of book chat, trivia, laughter, and more! Deeanne will also be taking questions from the audience and giving away books and fun gift certificates throughout the evening.

So grab your copy of It Happened at the Fair and join Deeanne and friends on the evening of May 22nd for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book, don't let that stop you from coming!)

Don't miss a moment of the fun; RSVP today. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 22nd!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book from Howard Books and Litfuse Publicity as part of a blog tour. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

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