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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Carol Award Finalists 2014

I don't know how I missed posting the ACFW Carol Award Finalists back in June when I was at ICRS, except to say it was just a whirlwind trip! The Carol Awards will be presented at ACFW's Gala Dinner tomorrow night in St. Louis. I am not there this year - at least not physically! I have been vicariously enjoying everyone's FB posts and smiling as I picture in my mind the fun, laughter, and learning that has been occurring since Thursday. I'm working all weekend but I'll be checking to see who won when I get home late Saturday night and plan to post an update Sunday!

Here are this year's finalists, with books that I have reviewed linked to those reviews:


Debut Novel

The Heiress of Winterwood by Sarah Ladd (HarperCollins Christian Publishing, editor Natalie Hanemann)

Jasmine by April McGowan (WhiteFire Publishing, editor Roseanna White)

Dear Mr. Knightley by Katherine Reay (HarperCollins Christian Publishing, editors Becky Monds, Natalie Hanemann, L.B. Norton)

Contemporary

The Language of Sparrows by Rachel Phifer (David C. Cook, editor Tonya Osterhouse)

Dear Mr. Knightley by Katherine Reay (HarperCollins Christian Publishing, editors Becky Monds, Natalie Hanemann, L.B. Norton)

The Dance by Gary Smalley and Dan Walsh (Revell – A Division of Baker Publishing Group, editor Andrea Doering)

Historical

When Mountains Move by Julie Cantrell (David C. Cook, editors Ingrid Beck, John Blase)

Snow on the Tulips by Liz Tolsma (HarperCollins Christian Publishing, editors Becky Philpott, Julee Schwarzburg, Jodi Hughes)

Claudia, Wife of Pontius Pilate by Diana Wallis Taylor (Revell - A Division of Baker Publishing Group, editor Lonnie Hull Dupont)

Historical Romance

Into the Whirlwind by Elizabeth Camden (Bethany House [Baker] Publishing, editor Raela Schoenherr)

A Noble Groom by Jody Hedlund (Bethany House [Baker] Publishing, editor Dave Long)

The Governess of Highland Hall by Carrie Turansky (Waterbrook Multnomah [Random House], editors Shannon Marchese, Karen Ball)

Mystery/Suspense/Thriller

Truth Stained Lies by Terri Blackstock (HarperCollins Christian Publishing, editors Dave Lambert, Sue Brower, Ellen Tarver)

Dark Justice by Brandilyn Collins (B&H Publishing, editors Karen Ball, Julie Gwinn)

Fear Has a Name by Creston Mapes (David C. Cook, editors L.B. Norton, Jack Campbell)

Novella

An Ever After Summer from A Bride for all Seasons by Debra Clopton (HarperCollins Christian Publishing, editor Ami McConnell)

Love by the Letter by Melissa Jagears (Bethany House [Baker] Publishing, editor Raela Schoenherr)

A Christmas Prayer by Linda Wood Rondeau (Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas, editor Amberlynn Noelle)

Romance

Silver Bells by Deborah Raney (Summerside Press [Guideposts], editor Rachel Meisel)

Catch a Falling Star by Beth K. Vogt (Howard [Simon & Schuster], editor Jessica Wong)

Undeniably Yours by Becky Wade, Bethany House [Baker] Publishing, editors Sarah Long, Charlene Patterson)

Romantic Suspense

Trapped by Irene Hannon (Revell – A Division of Baker Publishing Group, editor Jennifer Leep)

Vanished by Irene Hannon (Revell – A Division of Baker Publishing Group, editor Jennifer Leep)

Jungle Fire by Dana Mentink (River North [Moody Publishers], editor Deb Keiser)

Short Novel

Seaside Blessings by Irene Hannon (Love Inspired [Harlequin], editor Melissa Endlich)

The Doctor’s Family Reunion by Mindy Obenhaus (Love Inspired [Harlequin], editor Melissa Endlich)

Mending the Doctor’s Heart by Tina Radcliffe (Love Inspired [Harlequin], editor Rachel Burkot)

Speculative

A Cast of Stones by Patrick W. Carr (Bethany House [Baker] Publishing, editors Dave Long, Karen Schurrer)

The Hero’s Lot by Patrick W. Carr (Bethany House [Baker] Publishing, editors Dave Long, Karen Schurrer)

The Sinners Garden by William Sirls (HarperCollins Christian Publishing, editors Natalie Hanemann, Lisa Bergren)

Young Adult

A Simple Song by Melody Carlson (Revell – A Divison of Baker Publishing Group, editors Lonnie Hull Dupont, Wendy Wetzel)

Captives by Jill Williamson (HarperCollins Christian Publishing, editors Jacque Alberta, Jeff Gerke)

Project Gemini by Jill Williamson (Marcher Lord Press, editor Jeff Gerke)

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Atlanta!

Good morning from ICRS in Atlanta! I'm hitting the ground running after arriving yesterday afternoon and in spite of too little sleep Saturday night and last night. I had a wonderful time meeting and interviewing Angela Hunt yesterday. She has been in my top five favorite authors for years and we have communicated via blog and email, but I had never had the opportunity to meet her in person until yesterday. What a delight she was, as I knew she would be!

Later in the evening I ran into Brandilyn Collins and she invited me to join her, Angie Hunt, Cheryl Hodde (who writes as Hannah Alexander), and Lisa Wingate for dinner. Of course, I couldn't pass that up! Another couple, Dave & Cindy Lambert, also joined us. (They are active in the publishing world via their company Somersault.) It was a delightful time of conversation filled with laughter and good food.

I had peach cobbler with Georgia peaches for the first time (warm from the oven and topped with vanilla bean ice cream), and it was delicious. But I must say it doesn't top one made with Central Texas peaches and topped with Blue Bell! You can take the girl out of Texas...!

This morning I had breakfast with Philip Yancey. He was three tables over from me, but why quibble over such details?!

Lots of interviews today and tonight...the Christy Awards!

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Get Sidetracked!

Sidetracked
Brandilyn Collins
(Christian Writers Guild)
ISBN: 978-0578137063
May 2014/255 pages/$14.99
If you had to choose between protecting all you hold dear in your own life or saving an innocent person from going to prison—what would you do?

Thirty-four-year-old Delanie Miller has fled her dark past and is now settled into a quiet life in small-town Redbud, Kentucky. She has friends, a faux "family" who lives in her house, and a loving boyfriend who may soon ask her to marry him. Her aching dream of a husband and future children are about to come true. But protecting this life of promise means keeping a low profile and guarding the truth of her past—from everyone.

The town's peace is shattered when Delanie's friend, Clara, is murdered, and Delanie finds her body. The police chief quickly zeroes in on Billy King, a simple-minded young man whom Delanie knows would never hurt Clara. She can hunt down evidence and speak out publicly against the chief—only at great risk of her own exposure. But how can Delanie, who suffered such injustice in her past, keep silent now? She must find a way to uncover the real murderer yet save the life she’s created—the deceit-ridden life that will forever distance her true self from others and God.

With page-turning intensity, Sidetracked hurtles between Delanie’s trauma in Redbud and the chaos of her past. Those experiences forced Delanie to reinvent her present—but at what cost to her future?


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Brandilyn Collins is a best-selling novelist known for her 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 (true crime), 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, and Romantic Times Reviewers' Choice.

MY THOUGHTS

When you live a lie for so long, it becomes a part of you. Like clothing first rough and scratchy, it wears down, thins out. Sinks into your skin.

Wow. Brandilyn Collins writes suspense like no one else. Which is probably a good thing for my heart! This novel is aptly named because once you begin reading, you will remain Sidetracked from any other obligations until you turn the final page. I certainly couldn't put it down and read it in a day. Collins's expertise at character and plot development shines as she intersperses the horrific events of Delanie's past with her current ordeal. The escalating intensity of the dilemma Delainie faces in Redbud is compounded by the threat of her past catching up to her, making it clear why Collins's trademark is Seatbelt Suspense®. Beyond a good mystery, however, Sidetracked contains important faith elements that are seamlessly and naturally woven into the story. This one's definitely going on my keeper shelf!

I'm excited to see and interview Brandilyn Collins at ICRS in Atlanta later this month. Watch for my interview coming here!

I purchased this book and reviewed it because I love Brandilyn Collins's books.

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Dark Justice

This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingDark JusticeB&H Books (October 1, 2013)byBrandilyn Collins
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Brandilyn Collins is a best-selling novelist known for her trademark Seatbelt Suspense®. These harrowing crime thrillers have earned her the tagline "Don't forget to b r e a t h e . . ."® Brandilyn's 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, and Romantic Times Reviewers' Choice.

Brandilyn is also known for her distinctive book on fiction-writing techniques, Getting Into Character: Seven Secrets a Novelist Can Learn From Actors (John Wiley & Sons). The Writer magazine named Getting into Character one of the best books on writing published in 2002.

When she's not writing, Brandilyn can be found teaching the craft of fiction at writers' conferences.

ABOUT THE BOOK

If I’d had any idea what those words would mean to me, to my mother and daughter, I’d have fled California without looking back.

While driving a rural road, Hannah Shire and her aging mother, who suffers from dementia, stop to help a man at the scene of a car accident. The man whispers mysterious words in Hannah’s ear. Soon people want to kill Hannah and her mother for what they “know.” Even law enforcement may be involved.

The two women must flee for their lives. But how does Hannah hide her confused mother? Carol just wants to listen to her pop music, wear her favorite purple hat, and go home. And if they turn to Hannah’s twentyseven- year-old daughter, Emily, for help, will she fall into danger as well?

Pressed on all sides, Hannah must keep all three generations of women in her family alive. Only then does she learn the threat is not just to her loved ones, but the entire country . . .

If you'd like to read the first chapter of Dark Justice, HERE.

MY THOUGHTS

Oh. My. Goodness. Brandilyn Collins just about did me in with this one! Dark Justice may be her most chilling book yet, probably because the scenario is far too easy to imagine in today's world of terrorism and cyber attacks. Collins is a brilliant author who crafts her characters with care, from Hannah and her mother, whose increasing dementia adds a layer of complexity to the danger descending on them, to the law enforcement officers to the perpetrators--if you can figure out who they are! Then she unfolds the plot and paces it perfectly, switching scenes and points of view with precision and escalating the tension until the pages practically turn themselves. I absolutely inhaled this book and read it in one evening, staying up into the wee hours to finish it and occasionally reminding myself, "Don't forget to b r e a t h e . . ."® (Collins's trademark tagline). Don't miss Dark Justice. Just be grateful it's fiction!

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That Dog Won't Hunt - a Must-Read!

I have adored Brandilyn Collins since meeting her a couple of years ago finally managed to read her newest release, That Dog Won't Hunt, which came out in April. What a treat! As I'll mention in the "official" review below, those who have only read her infamous Seatbelt Suspense® and have seen the more "sinister" side of her mind and imagination have no idea that she can be an absolute hoot! She has a brilliant wit and a streak of mischief, and in a large gathering you usually can tell which group she's in by the peals of laughter emanating from that area! She also is an incredible prayer warrior and has a huge heart for God and for others. While I'm glad she's still writing suspense, (her next book, Dark Justice, is coming in October!), I'm thrilled that she is writing a women's fiction series. She wasn't able to be at ICRS but we have plans for an email interview, so be watching for that, hopefully coming soon!

That Dog Won't Hunt
(The Dearing Family #1)
Brandilyn Collins
(Challow Press)
ISBN: 978-0989240611
April 2013/254 pages/$10.99/(Kindle $2.99)
Meet the Dearings, a crazy, loving, boisterous family in small-town Mississippi. There's mom and dad, three daughters and their families, and the youngest—twenty-five-year-old Ben. Oh, and the family dog, a Yorkie who thinks she's royalty.

"This one's perfect," Ben says about his new fiancée, Christina, when he brings her home for a family reunion. Ben is just sure everyone will love Christina, and she'll fit right in.

He always did tend to wear rose-colored glasses.

Christina loves Ben but secretly fears their relationship will never work. They've only known each other ten weeks. She hasn't told him about her horrific past as an only child—the beatings, the neglect, and verbal abuse. Christina doesn't know how to trust or be honest about her feelings. Being thrust into the middle of a tight-knit family like the Dearings is sure to send her over the edge.

With poignancy and humor, That Dog Won't Hunt explores the complexities of relationships and the inner strength needed to overcome a difficult childhood. The Dearings are no perfect family, but they know how to love—if only Christina will accept it.

Read an excerpt.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Brandilyn Collins is a best-selling novelist known for her trademark Seatbelt Suspense®. These harrowing crime thrillers have earned her the tagline "Don't forget to b r e a t h e . . ."® Brandilyn's 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, and Romantic Times Reviewers' Choice.

Brandilyn is also known for her distinctive book on fiction-writing techniques, Getting Into Character: Seven Secrets a Novelist Can Learn From Actors (John Wiley & Sons). The Writer magazine named Getting into Character one of the best books on writing published in 2002.

When she's not writing, Brandilyn can be found teaching the craft of fiction at writers' conferences. She and her family lives in northern Idaho.

MY THOUGHTS

Brandilyn Collins is widely known for her heart-pounding suspense novels, but she is equally adept at writing women's fiction. That Dog Won't Hunt introduces the fun-loving and energetic Dearing clan, whose lively annual reunions overflow with good-natured teasing, a bit of bickering, and a whole lot of love. Collins's expertise at character development shines as she creates unique and step-off-the-page authentic personalities for each member of this gregarious family-including Lady Penelope, the dog!-and then deposits emotionally-scarred Christina smack-dab in the middle of it. Some novels addressing such difficult relational issues can tend to be a bit oppressive and full of angst, making the story drag a bit. Brandilyn Collins avoids this by infusing the story with the humorous moments that often occur in the chaos of extended family gatherings. Readers who only know the more serious, suspenseful side of Collins's imagination will delight in experiencing her wit while at the same time gleaning the important truths from this wonderful tale. I can't wait to see what happens next with the Dearing family. (A bonus at the end from Brandilyn explaining where she came up with some of the shenanigans situations in the book was an utter delight, especially the one that explains a precious tradition between Mama Ruth & Sy/Dad Dearing!) I'm so glad I bought this book and highly recommend it!

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Double Blind

Double Blind
Brandilyn Collins
(B&H Publishing)
ISBN: 978-1433671647
October 2012/352 pages/$14.99

Twenty-nine-year-old Lisa Newberry can barely make it through the day. Suddenly widowed and a survivor of a near-fatal attack, she is wracked with grief and despair. Then she hears of a medical trial for a tiny brain chip that emits electrical pulses to heal severe depression. At rope’s end, Lisa offers herself as a candidate.

When she receives her letter of acceptance for the trial, Lisa is at first hopeful. But—brain surgery. Can she really go through with that? What if she receives only the placebo?

What if something far worse goes wrong?

Written in the relentless style for which Brandilyn Collins is known, Double Blind is a psychological thriller with mind-bending twists. Lisa faces choices that drive her to the brink, and one wrong move could cost the lives of many.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Brandilyn Collins is a best-selling novelist known for her trademark Seatbelt Suspense®. She is a three-time American Christian Fiction Writers Carol Award winner and has also won the Inspirational Readers’ Choice and Romantic Times Reviewers’ Choice awards. Brandilyn and her family live in Idaho.



MY THOUGHTS

Brandilyn Collins once again has written a book that kept me absolutely glued to the page. In fact, I read it in one evening, staying up way too late until I finished it because I just couldn't put it down. As she typically does in her novels, Collins masterfully spins a plot with numerous twists and turns, making it impossible to figure out the resolution. Secondary storylines of relational dynamics, such as those between Lisa and her mother, are equally compelling. While I normally wouldn't be drawn to a book tagged as a "psychological thriller," the events portrayed are not beyond belief in today's rapidly advancing medical technology. I definitely recommend this one!


I purchased this book for my reading pleasure. I was not asked to write a review.

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