Saving Parker

Saving Parker
A Forever Home Novel, Book 3
Dan Walsh
(Bainbridge Press)
ISBN: 978-0997983722
November 2017/338 pages/$13.99
After years of abuse and neglect, Parker is found chained in a junk-filled backyard after a drug bust. The little guy’s terrified of people. Officer Ned Barringer brings him to a nearby shelter for medical care. When Ned learns how hard it is for dogs like Parker to get adopted, he must do more. He’s also instantly taken with Kim Harper, one of the shelter managers. She offers to train Parker for free. Ned instantly accepts. That same day, he meets his next-door neighbor, a ten-year-old boy named Russell. Russell is hiding a black-eye, compliments of two bullies at school. This angers Ned. He suffered the same fate as a child. It’s the main reason he became a cop. But what can he do? When a near-death tragedy occurs, what role might Parker play in bringing these three lives together?


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dan Walsh is the bestselling author of several books, including The Unfinished Gift and The Restoration Series with Gary Smalley. He has won three Carol Awards, and three of his novels were finalists for the RT Book Reviews Inspirational Book of the Year. A member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Dan served as a pastor for twenty-five years. He lives with his wife in the Daytona Beach area, where he's busy researching and writing his next novel. Learn more at www.danwalshbooks.com.


MY THOUGHTS

Considering I'm not an animal lover, I have thoroughly enjoyed this series, and Dan Walsh saved the best for the last. Saving Parker is a complete delight. My heart broke at the abuse and neglect Parker suffered, and I applauded Ned's immediate, albeit somewhat reluctant, devotion to him. Walsh broadens the story with the introduction of Russell, who immediately wrapped himself around my heart as he valiantly attempted to outsmart his tormenters. This novel touches on issues relevant to many, such as bullying, animal abuse, and relational issues. Well-balanced and thoroughly engaging, Saving Parker alternately made me laugh, cry, and sigh. Don't miss this heartwarming story!


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a digital copy of this book free from Dan Walsh. I was not required to write a 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.”



FOREVER HOME NOVELS - CLICK ON THE TITLES FOR MY REVIEWS


Rescuing Finley
Finding Riley
Saving Parker

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Finding Riley

Finding Riley
A Forever Home Novel, Book 2
Dan Walsh
(Bainbridge Press)
ASIN: B01LBNE66I
ISBN: 978-0997983708
October 2016/242 pages
An unexpected surprise brings the Mitchell family of Savannah a chance to experience the Christmas trip of their dreams. An unexpected disappointment threatens to turn it into the worst Christmas ever.

John Finch and his friend Alfred live in the woods. Been doing it for decades. He likes wintering in Florida, but this year’s been particularly harsh. Between the cold, freezing rain and terrifying lightning storms, John’s starting to wonder how much more of this lifestyle he can take. A new friend enters the picture and changes everything.

Kim Harper, the dog trainer introduced in Rescuing Finley, is contacted by a billionaire philanthropist seeking her help with a new dog training project that will help the homeless. Is he for real? And is her co-worker right: does this rich handsome man’s interest in Kim go far deeper than her dog-training skills?

Bestselling author Dan Walsh is known for page-turning, character driven novels. Fans of Dan’s other novels, especially Rescuing Finley, as well as dog-lovers everywhere will love Finding Riley.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dan Walsh is the bestselling author of 17 novels and 1 nonfiction devotional, including The Unfinished Gift, The Reunion, and When Night Comes. He has won 3 ACFW Carol Awards (finalist 6 times), 3 Selah Awards, and 3 times his novels have been named as finalists for RT Reviews Inspirational Novel of the Year. For those who haven't read Dan's books, reviewers often compare him to Nicholas Sparks and Richard Paul Evans, although recently Dan has also started to pen suspense novels (such as What Follows After and When Night Comes). Dan has been writing full-time since 2010. He and his wife, Cindi, have been married 39 years and have 2 grown children and 2 grandchildren. They live in the Daytona Beach area, where Dan grew up. You can follow him on Facebook or Twitter, read his blog, or preview all his books by visiting his website at danwalshbooks.com.


MY THOUGHTS

I always enjoy Dan Walsh's books, and I loved Rescuing Finley, so I was thrilled to have the opportunity to review Finding Riley. Walsh once again captivated my heart in spite of my lack of affection for dogs in real life. The fact that it is a Christmas novel only adds to the charm. As usual, Walsh creates authentic characters that seem as if they are in my living room as I read. The Mitchell family is every family, right down to Lisa's annoying big sister impatience and condescending comments to her brother, Jeffrey. The interactions and experiences of the men and women in the homeless camp are well-balanced, neither over-simplifying the situation nor vilifying those in such circumstances. Including Riley's "thoughts" and point of view adds a charming touch to an already delightful story. While Finding Riley is easily read as a stand-alone, I enjoyed reconnecting with Kim as well as Amy, who were featured in Rescuing Finley. Finding Riley makes a great gift for yourself or someone you know. I'm already watching for Book 3, Saving Parker, coming in 2017!


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a digital copy of this book free from Dan Walsh. 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.”



FOREVER HOME NOVELS - MY REVIEWS
Rescuing Finley
Finding Riley

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Remembering Dresden

Remembering Dresden
(Jack Turner Suspense Series, Book 2)
Dan Walsh
(Bainbridge Press)
ASIN: B01DOEPPKS
May 2016/282 pages/828 KB/$4.99
Young history professor Jack Turner takes a retreat at a lakeside cabin just outside of Culpepper, Georgia to work on his doctoral dissertation. The cabin is owned by an ambitious state senator, an inheritance from his father. Inside, everything is exactly the way it was when the old man died ten years ago. While taking a break from his research, Jack snoops through the father’s books and finds an old photo album filled with black-and-white pictures of orphaned children. Intrigued, he continues searching and finds what appears to be evidence of murder and an old leather journal, handwritten entirely in German. Rachel Cook, Jack’s girlfriend, translates the journal for him. What it reveals instantly puts both of their lives in mortal danger.

Besides his bestselling inspirational novels, Dan Walsh is quickly becoming known for "unputdownable" novels of suspense.

Read the first two chapters.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dan Walsh is the bestselling, award-winning author of more than a dozen novels including The Unfinished Gift, The Discovery and What Follows After. His books have been highly reviewed by USA Today and in magazines such as Publishers Weekly, RT Book Reviews and Library Journal. Dan lives and writes in the Daytona Beach area with his wife, Cindi. They have 2 grown children and 3 grandchildren. Learn more at his website.


MY THOUGHTS

Few authors can straddle multiple genres successfully but Dan Walsh is proving that he is in that elite group as he releases his second suspense novel while continuing to write heartwarming stories for Revell Publishers. Remembering Dresden gripped me from start to finish. Once again, Walsh weaves together historical and contemporary events, resulting in a compelling tale that sheds light one of many dark moments in World War II. An expert at character development, he fills the book with believable personalities well-suited to the story, as well as a plethora of heart-wrenching and heart-pounding moments, making it impossible to set aside. Remembering Dresden is available now as an ebook, with a paperback version to follow later. Grab your copy of this riveting book today!


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received an advanced digital copy of this book from Dan Walsh. 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.”


CLICK FOR MY REVIEW OF BOOK 1

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Rescuing Finley

Rescuing Finley
A Forever Home Novel
Dan Walsh
(Bainbridge Press)
November 2015/250 pages
Amy Wallace has made plenty of mistakes in her young life, but she didn’t see this one coming. Chris Seger is a marine serving in Afghanistan. His life is forever altered by a single, fateful step. A mother of another Afghan war vet suffers a devastating loss, which changes the course of Finley’s life for good. Finley is a mostly golden retriever, who suddenly finds himself alone and confused in a dog shelter. Later, he’s brought to a local prison to be trained in a special program for female inmates. Could this prison actually become the place where Finley finally finds his freedom? Rescuing Finley tells the story of how one rescue dog powerfully impacts three tragic lives and puts all of them on a road toward redemption and healing.

Dan Walsh is known for page-turning, character driven novels. Fans of Dan’s other novels, as well as dog-lovers everywhere will especially enjoy Rescuing Finley. Available in print and ebook on November 19.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dan Walsh is the bestselling author of several books, including The Unfinished Gift and The Restoration Series with Gary Smalley. He has won three Carol Awards, and three of his novels were finalists for the RT Book Reviews Inspirational Book of the Year. A member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Dan served as a pastor for twenty-five years. He lives with his wife in the Daytona Beach area, where he's busy researching and writing his next novel. Learn more at www.danwalshbooks.com.


MY THOUGHTS

I'm not a fan of dogs but I love Dan Walsh's books, so I immediately jumped at the chance to review his new novel, Rescuing Finley. While you shouldn't always judge a book by its cover, I can vouch for the fact that the story is as heartwarming as the outside of this novel. The initial chapters are a bit disjointed, the result of introducing the characters in their separate environments before their lives intertwined, but once the story picks up speed, the continuity smooths out and I was completely engrossed in the tale. This is a tug-at-your-heart book which will leave you smiling and even shedding a tear or two along the way. Walsh is an expert at crafting stories that warm your heart and touch your soul without being syrupy and overly sentimental. I look forward to the next two Forever Home novels, Saving Parker and Finding Riley, coming in 2016. Don't miss Rescuing Finley!


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a digital copy of this book free from Dan Walsh. 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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Keeping Christmas

Keeping Christmas
Dan Walsh
(Revell)
ISBN: 978-0800721190
August 2015/224 pages/Hardcover/$14.99
Stan opened the ugly ornaments box and pulled out the top three ornaments, the ones wrapped in green paper, the kids' favorites, and set them on the coffee table. He picked up the first one, the biggest one--Anna's blue pinecone--and began to unwrap it. Without thinking, Judith walked up, stopped him, and gently took it out of his hand. She wrapped it back up, set it carefully in the box. Then picked up the other two ornaments, put them in the box, and closed the flaps.

"What's the matter?" Stan said. "Did I do something wrong?"

"I don't think I can do this."

Nothing is more beautiful than family

For the first time since their children were born, empty nesters Judith and Stan Winters spent Thanksgiving without the kids, and it's looking like Christmas will be the same. Judith can't bring herself to even start decorating for the holiday; her kids always hung the first ornaments on the tree, ornaments they had made each year since they were toddlers. Sure, the ornaments were strange-looking--some were downright ugly--but they were tradition.

With Judith refusing to decorate the bare spruce tree in their living room, Stan's only hope for saving the holiday is found in a box of handmade ornaments . . .

Read an excerpt.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dan Walsh is the bestselling author of several books, including The Unfinished Gift and The Restoration Series with Gary Smalley. He has won three Carol Awards, and three of his novels were finalists for the RT Book Reviews Inspirational Book of the Year. A member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Dan served as a pastor for twenty-five years. He lives with his wife in the Daytona Beach area, where he's busy researching and writing his next novel. Learn more at www.danwalshbooks.com.



MY THOUGHTS

Dan Walsh is known for well-crafted books that touch the heart, and Keeping Christmas continues to meet that description. Expert character and story development results in authentic personalities and situations that will resonate with many in the empty-nester years, as well as serve as a cautionary tale for those with children still at home. (In fact, at times, I became a bit annoyed with Judith's despair and complete obsession over her children's absence and the fact that she had developed no interests outside of her family. I only get annoyed with realistic people in the books I read!) Walsh skillfully highlights the different perspectives and reactions of Judith and Stan as they approach the upcoming holidays: Judy laments, paralyzed by grief, and Stan continues his normal routine, secretly enjoying the peace and quiet. From the beautiful cover to the final page, Keeping Christmas is a wonderful way to start the holiday season. Don't miss it.


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book free from Revell Publishing. 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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ACFW 2015 Carol Award Finalists

Earlier this week at ICRS, ACFW announced the finalists for the 2015 Carol Awards. It's always fun to see what novels are on the short list for this annual award. The Carol Awards will be announced on September 19, 2015 at the ACFW Annual Conference Gala Dinner. I'm so happy to be attending this year!

Also at the gala, the Editor of the Year, Mentor of the Year, and Agent of the Year will be recgonized and the Genesis Awards will be presented. The Lifetime Achievement Award will be presented to Francine Rivers. It's going to be a wonderful evening!

Here are this year's Carol Award Finalists. Hyperlinked titles will take you to my reviews. Add these books to your summer reading list!


CONTEMPORARY:

Last Family Standing by Jennifer AlLee, Abingdon Press, editor Ramona Richards

Lizzy & Jane by Katherine Reay, HarperCollins Christian Publishing, editors Becky Monds, L.B. Norton

The Story Keeper by Lisa Wingate, Tyndale House, editors Sarah Mason, Jan Stob

HISTORICAL:

Chateau of Secrets by Melanie Dobson, Howard (Simon & Schuster), editor Beth Adams

Saving Amelie by Cathy Gohlke, Tyndale House, editors Sarah Mason, Stephanie Broene

What Follows After by Dan Walsh, Revell – A Division of Baker Publishing Group, editor Andrea Doering

HISTORICAL ROMANCE:

For Such a Time by Kate Breslin, Bethany House (Baker) Publishing, editors Raela Schoenherr, Luke Hinrichs

With Every Breath by Elizabeth Camden, Bethany House (Baker) Publishing, editor Raela Schoenherr

While Love Stirs by Lorna Seilstad, Revell – A Division of Baker Publishing Group, editors Andrea Doering, Jessica English

MYSTERY/SUSPENSE/THRILLER:

Poison Town by Creston Mapes, David C. Cook, editor L.B. Norton

A Way of Escape by Serena B. Miller, independently published, editor Connie Troyer

A Cry from the Dust by Carrie Stuart Parks, HarperCollins Christian Publishing, editors Amanda Bostic, Natalie Hanemann

NOVELLA:

An October Bride by Katie Ganshert, HarperCollins Christian Publishing, editor Becky Philpott

I’ll be Home for Christmas from Where Treetops Glisten by Sarah Sundin, Waterbrook/Multnomah (Random House), editor Shannon Marchese

A Cowboy Unmatched by Karen Witemeyer, Bethany House (Baker) Publishing, editor Karen Schurrer

ROMANCE:

The Wishing Season by Denise Hunter, HarperCollins Christian Publishing, editors Ami McConnell, L.B. Norton

Love Redeemed by Kelly Irvin, Harvest House Publishers, editor Kathleen Kerr

Somebody Like You by Beth K. Vogt, Howard (Simon & Schuster), editor Jessica Wong

ROMANTIC SUSPENSE:

Under a Turquoise Sky by Lisa Carter, Abingdon Press, editor Ramona Richards

No One to Trust by Lynette Eason, Revell – A Division of Baker Publishing Group, editor Andrea Doering

Deceived by Irene Hannon, Revell – A Division of Baker Publishing Group, editor Jennifer Leep

SHORT NOVEL:

Second Chance Summer by Irene Hannon, Love Inspired (Harlequin), editor Melissa Endlich

Rescuing the Texan’s Heart by Mindy Obenhaus, Love Inspired (Harlequin), editor Melissa Endlich

The Wyoming Heir by Naomi Rawlings, Love Inspired (Harlequin), editor Elizabeth Mazer

SPECULATIVE:

Orphan’s Song by Gillian Bronte Adams, Enclave Publishing, editor Steve Laube

A Time to Die by Nadine Brandes, Enclave Publishing, editors Jeff Gerke, Karen Ball

Jupiter Winds by C.J. Darlington, independently published, editor Carol Kurtz Darlington

YOUNG ADULT:

This Quiet Sky by Joanne Bischof, independently published, editors Amanda Dykes, Denise Harmer

Samantha Sanderson at the Movies by Robin Caroll, HarperCollins Christian Publishing, editors Kim Childress, Mary Hassinger

Storm Siren by Mary Weber, HarperCollins Christian Publishing, editor Becky Monds

DEBUT NOVEL:

Playing Saint by Zachary Bartels, HarperCollins Christian Publishing, editor Amanda Bostic

For Such a Time by Kate Breslin, Bethany House (Baker) Publishing, editors Raela Schoenherr, Luke Hinrichs

The Hesitant Heiress by Dawn Crandall, Whitaker House, editor Courtney Hartzel

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