Mocha with Linda: June 2016

Thursday, June 30, 2016

Vain Empires

Vain Empires
Brandilyn Collins
(Challow Press)
ISBN: 978-0692723111
June 2016/338 pages/$14.99
They were stuck on this remote island, all of them. Trapped in this reality show. No way to stop whatever came next. No way at all.

Six people arrive on a remote island--contestants in the “reality show of the century,” Dream Prize. The winner will be the person who learns the most facts about the others and gains the most viewer votes. Sounds simple. But the three men and three women soon discover nothing is as expected.

They are alone on the island. Cameras surround them, filming twenty-four hours a day. And their challenge? Discover which of the Seven Deadly Sins each contestant, including themselves, represents.

Turns out each person has a damning secret--one that could ruin his or her life. Those secrets are about to be revealed on live television.

And this is only the beginning of the twists in the game.

Multilayered in plot and rich with meaning, Vain Empires is a strong choice for book clubs. Discussion questions included.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Brandilyn Collins is a best-selling novelist known for her trademark Seatbelt Suspense®--fast-paced, character-driven suspense with myriad twists and an interwoven thread of faith. She also writes insightful contemporary novels, often laced with humor. Her first book, A Question of Innocence, was a true crime published by Avon in 1995. Its promotion landed her on local and national TV and radio, including the Phil Donahue and Leeza talk shows. Brandilyn's awards for her novels include the ACFW Carol Award (three times), Inspirational Readers' Choice, the Inspy, Christian Retailer's Best Award (twice), and Romantic Times Reviewers' Choice. Learn more on her website and connect with her on Facebook.

MY THOUGHTS

I am not a fan of reality shows, but I am a fan of books written by Brandilyn Collins, so I absolutely had to buy a copy of Vain Empires. Collins is a brilliant novelist who always impresses me with her ability to create a spellbinding tale filled with hidden layers and complex characters. As captivating as the story is from a suspense angle, the portrayal of human nature and behavior is even more compelling as the characters endeavor to protect their own secrets while attempting to identify each of the other contestants' Deadly Sin. I am a pretty astute reader but I was caught completely off guard by the twist at the end. A great book to read, reread, ponder, and discuss, Vain Empires belongs at the top of your summer TBR list! Don't miss it!

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Wednesday, June 29, 2016

ACFW Carol Award Finalists

On Monday, ACFW announced the finalists for the 2016 Carol Awards. You may recognize several of these as Christy Award winners! These are a great group of books! Linked titles will take you to my review of that book. The winners will be announced August 27 during the gala awards dinner in Nashville as part of ACFW’s annual conference, and I am eagerly anticipating attending the conference and the awards dinner!

CONTEMPORARY

Finding Me by Kathryn Cushman, Bethany House (Baker) Publishing, editors David Long, Charlene Patterson
The Art of Losing Yourself by Katie Ganshert, Waterbrook/Multnomah (Random House), editors Shannon Marchese, Lissa Halls-Johnson
As Waters Gone By by Cynthia Ruchti, Abingdon Press, editors Ramona Richards, Jamie Chavez

HISTORICAL

Shadows of Ladenbrooke Manor by Melanie Dobson, Howard (Simon & Schuster), editors Beth Adams, Jenny Baumgartner
Secrets She Kept by Cathy Gohlke, Tyndale House, editors Stephanie Broene, Sarah Riche
Luther and Katharina by Jody Hedlund, Waterbrook/Multnomah (Random House), editor Shannon Marchese

HISTORICAL ROMANCE

Beyond All Dreams by Elizabeth Camden, Bethany House (Baker) Publishing, editor Raela Schoenherr
Through Waters Deep by Sarah Sundin, Revell – A Division of Baker Publishing Group, editor Vicki Crumpton
A Worthy Pursuit by Karen Witemeyer, Bethany House (Baker ) Publishing, editors Dave Long, Charlene Patterson

MYSTERY/SUSPENSE/THRILLER

The Aleppo Code by Terry Brennan, Kregel Publications, editors Dawn Anderson, Jannelle Tromp
Blessings in Disguise by Nancy Mehl, Guideposts Publications, editors Susan Downs, JoAnne Simmons
Finding Amanda by Robin Patchen, ACFW QIP (Independently Published), editor Holly Lorincz

NOVELLA

A Bride for Bear from The Convenient Bride Collection by Erica Vetsch, Barbour Publishing, editor Rebecca Germany
A Palace on the Plains from The Most Eligible Bachelor Romance Collection by Erica Vetsch, Barbour Publishing, editor Rebecca Germany
The Archaeologist’s Find from The Homestead Brides Collection by Erica Vetsch, Barbour Publishing, editor Rebecca Germany

ROMANCE

The Beekeeper’s Son by Kelly Irvin, HarperCollins Christian Publishing, editor Becky Monds
Until the Harvest by Sarah Loudin Thomas, Bethany House (Baker) Publishing, editor David Long
Crazy Little Thing Called Love by Beth K. Vogt, Howard (Simon & Schuster), editors Jessica Wong, Beth Adams

ROMANTIC SUSPENSE

No Place to Hide by Lynette Eason, Revell – A Division of Baker Publishing Group, editor Andrea Doering
Submerged by Elizabeth Goddard, Love Inspired (Harlequin), editor Elizabeth Mazer
Miracle Drug by Richard L. Mabry, M.D., Abingdon Press, editor Ramona Richards

SHORT NOVEL

Covert Justice by Lynn Huggins Blackburn, Love Inspired (Harlequin), editor Elizabeth Mazer
The Christmas Family by Linda Goodnight, Love Inspired (Harlequin), editor Allison Lyons
The Doctor’s Second Chance by Missy Tippens, Love Inspired (Harlequin), editor Emily Rodmell

SPECULATIVE

Vinnie’s Diner by Jennifer AlLee, Abingdon Press, editors Ramona Richards, Katherine Johnson
Heir of Hope by Morgan L. Busse, Enclave Publishing, editor Karen Ball
The Five Times I Met Myself by James L. Rubart, HarperCollins Christian Publishing, editors Amanda Bostic, Erin Healy

YOUNG ADULT

Angelhood by A.J. Cattapan, Vinspire Publishing, editor Jessica Damien
The Golden Braid by Melanie Dickerson, HarperCollins Christian Publishing, editor Becky Monds
Dauntless by Dina L. Sleiman, Bethany House (Baker) Publishing, editor Karen Schurrer

DEBUT

The Thornbearer by Pepper Basham, Vinspire Publishing, editor Jessica Damien
The Calling of Ella McFarland by Linda Brooks Davis, Mountainview Books LLC, editor Carol Kurtz Darlington
The First Principle by Marissa Shrock, Kregel Publications, editor Dawn Anderson

Congratulations to all the finalists!

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Tuesday, June 28, 2016

Almost Like Being in Love

Almost Like Being in Love
A Destination Wedding Novel
Beth K. Vogt
(Howard Books)
ISBN: 978-1476789804
June 2016/384 pages/$14.99
From the author of Somebody Like You, a RITA finalist, and one of Publishers Weekly’s top ten books of 2014, comes the story of a woman who has everything for a perfect wedding—except the groom!

Winning an all-expenses paid Colorado destination wedding might seem like a dream come true for some people—but Caron Hollister and her boyfriend Alex Madison aren’t even engaged. How is she supposed to tell him she’s won their wedding and honeymoon when he hasn’t asked her to marry him? Being “perfect for one another” seems like the absolute best reason to get married. But what if their supposedly faultless relationship is merely a safe place to protect his secrets and a way to keep their families happy? After quitting her job, Caron accepts her best friend’s offer to visit Colorado. She needs to catch her breath. Who knows, maybe visiting the destination wedding site will make a future with Alex seem like a reality.

Kade Webster just landed the biggest deal of his life with his company, Webster Select Realty, participating in the Colorado Springs Tour of Homes. He never imagined he would run into the woman who broke his heart—Caron Hollister—right when his career is taking off. Seeing her again, Kade can’t help but wonder why Caron walked away from him years ago, leaving him with no explanation. When Kade learns his home stager won’t be able to help with the Tour of Homes, he vaults past all the reasons he should stay away from Caron, and offers her a temporary job helping him on the project. This time, their relationship is purely business.

Spending time with Kade has Caron questioning everything. The man intrigues her—at times infuriates her—and reminds her of what she lost. Has she been settling for what everyone expects of her? Just because others believe she and Alex are an ideal couple, does that mean they should get married? And how can Caron say “I do” to one man when she’s wondering “what if?” about another?

Read an excerpt.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Beth K. Vogt is a non-fiction author and editor who said she’d never write fiction. She’s the wife of an Air Force family physician (now in solo practice) who said she’d never marry a doctor—or anyone in the military. She’s a mom of four who said she’d never have kids. Now Beth believes God’s best often waits behind the doors marked “Never.” Beth is a 2016 Christy Award ~~finalist~~ winner, as well as a 2015 RITA® finalist, and two-time ACFW Carol Award finalist. She continues her destination wedding series with You Can’t Hurry Love (May 2016) and Almost Like Being in Love (June 2016). Beth enjoys writing contemporary romance because she believes there’s more to happily-ever-after than the fairy tales tell us. Find out more about her books at bethvogt.com.

MY THOUGHTS

I thoroughly enjoyed Beth K Vogt's previous Destination Wedding novel, Crazy Little Thing Called Love, (which won a 2016 Christy Award yesterday!), and this is a fun read as well. Vogt does a wonderful job keeping the novel upbeat and positive, no small feat considering the baggage weighing down the characters. (And I don't mean the bags Caron packed for her trip to Colorado!) She delicately addresses such issues as grief, alcoholism, and the sometimes unhealthy need for parental approval. My heart ached for all that Caron and Alex, as well as Kade, experienced prior to and during the time frame of the novel's setting, and I cheered as they began to question if the easy path is the right path. Romantic tension sears the pages, making this a wonderful summer read. And the ending is just perfect. Don't miss Almost Like Being in Love!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book free from Simon & Schuster/Howard Books. 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.”

MY REVIEW OF BETH VOGT'S DESTINATION WEDDING NOVELS
Crazy Little Thing Called Love

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Monday, June 27, 2016

2016 Christy Award Winners!

The Christy Awards Advisory Board announced the 2016 Christy Award Winners today. This award honors excellence in Christian fiction. What a great group of winners! Click on the linked titles for my reviews.

BOOK OF THE YEAR