Refresh: Spiritual Nourishment for Parents of Children with Special Needs

Refresh:
Spiritual Nourishment for Parents
of Children with Special Needs
Kimberly M. Drew &
Jocelyn Green
(Kregel)
ISBN: 978-0825444036
256 pages/September 2016/$15.99
More than one-fifth of US households with children have at least one child with special needs. Raising a child with special needs is spiritually, emotionally, mentally, and physically challenging. Parents of these children need encouragement to restore hope and a passion for God in their lives—but the realities of having to be parent, nurse, therapist, and caregiver make it difficult to find the time or initiative to seek encouragement.

Packed with encouragement from parents who understand this complicated balancing act, Refresh is designed to provide just what these parents need. The devotional guides parents to spiritual truths that can be applied to the demands they face every day. It offers perspective and hope through the varying stages and phases families experience, from diagnosis to loss and grief.

Each day's devotional includes a reading from Scripture, as well as stories and testimonies from parents who intimately know the struggle readers face. Their children represent a wide range of special needs, including autism, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, genetic disorders, chronic illness, and more. Drew and Green show how the truths of God's Word are relevant, regardless of the diagnosis. Their devotional illuminates the unique lessons and perspectives to be gained as a result of raising a child with special needs.

Insightful and powerful, Refresh will help weary parents grow spiritual roots and turn toward the Light that never fades.


Read an excerpt.


ABOUT THE AUTHORS

Kimberly Drew is a graduate of Taylor University, with a degree in elementary education. She and her college sweetheart, Ryan, have been married since 2000 and live with their four children. They also have a son who is waiting for them in heaven. Kimberly developed a passion for children with special needs and their parents after their firstborn daughter suffered a traumatic birth which resulted in multiple disabilities, including cerebral palsy, a seizure disorder, hearing loss, and microcephaly. From these experiences, and a heart to see and know Christ more, came the desire to help other parents grow in their Christian walk through their own experience raising a child with special needs. In 2016, she and Ryan adopted their fourth child, a baby girl with special needs. Kimberly has been serving alongside Ryan in full-time youth ministry since they were married. She blogs at promisesandperspective.blogspot.com.

Award-winning author Jocelyn Green inspires faith and courage in her readers through both fiction and nonfiction. A former military wife herself, she offers encouragement and hope to military wives worldwide through her Faith Deployed ministry. Her novels, inspired by real heroines on America’s home front, are marked by their historical integrity and gritty inspiration.

Jocelyn graduated from Taylor University in Upland, Indiana, with a B.A. in English, concentration in writing. She is an active member of the Evangelical Press Association, Christian Authors Network, the Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, American Christian Fiction Writers, and the Military Writers Society of America.

She loves Mexican food, Broadway musicals, Toblerone chocolate bars, the color red, and reading on her patio. Jocelyn lives with her husband Rob and two small children in Cedar Falls, Iowa.

Visit her at www.jocelyngreen.com or join her on Facebook.

MY THOUGHTS

This book is aptly titled, for it will indeed Refresh parents of children with special needs. I love the devotional format and the anecdotes and testimonies from Kimberly Drew and other parents who share their experiences, struggles, and challenges. Drew and Green present Biblical truth and encouragement, giving hope and strength to weary parents. Each devotional ends with a prayer and a few practical questions that give the reader ways to apply that day's discussion. Refresh is an instantaneous, 24/7 support group that can sit on a bedside table--or anywhere it is needed! Most importantly, parents will be introduced to Jesus, or reminded of his presence on their journey. I recommend this book not only for those who parent these special children but for their friends, as the insights will equip others to come alongside in support. I also suggest Refresh as an excellent resource for children's ministers and churches. Give one or several as gifts this season!


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book free from Kregel Publications for 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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The Most Wonderful Time of the Year - with Giveaway!

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year:
A Countdown to Christmas
Ace Collins
(Abingdon Press)
ISBN: 978-1501822605
October 2016/224 pages/$16.99
Celebrate 31 days of a Christ-filled Christmas season.

For Christians worldwide, the month of December is filled with joy and wonder as we anticipate the celebration of Christ’s birth. There is no other time of the year that can compare to the Christmas season for both the young and young at heart.

From December to New Year’s Eve, reawaken the wonder, joy, and magic that is Christmas with daily scripture and inspirational readings of stories behind popular Christmas traditions, carols and movies. Enjoy a wealth of fun activities to help make the most of the season, including heartwarming holiday recipes and homemade gift ideas.

With this soon-to-be-cherished holiday devotional, best-selling author Ace Collins will capture your imagination and help to make each day of December more memorable and meaningful to you, and those you love, by shining a light on the real spirit of the season.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Ace Collins is the best-selling and award-winning author of more than 60 titles, including The Stories Behind The Best-Loved Songs of Christmas, Darkness Before Dawn, and Lassie: A Dog’s Life. Ace frequently speaks across the country and on radio and has appeared on national television shows, including Good Morning America,” “The Today Show,” “CNN,” “Fox and Friends,” “Entertainment Tonight,” “The Early Show” and more. When not writing, he works as a magazine editor and graphic designer, as well as host for a charity organization radio and television broadcast. Ace and his wife, Kathy, are based in Arkadelphia, Arkansas.
Find out more about Ace at http://acecollins.com and connect with him on Facebook and Twitter.


MY THOUGHTS

At a time of year when we are bombarded with activities and To Do Lists that fill our time to overflowing, Ace Collins provides a way to pause and focus on the reason we celebrate. Learning the stories behind the carols and traditions of Christmas enhances their meaning, and simple recipes and gift ideas provide alternatives to extravagant gifts that will soon be tucked in a closet. Each inspirational daily devotion takes just a few minutes to read and is a great way to center one's thoughts on the purpose of Christmas. Perfect for individual or family devotions, The Most Wonderful Time of the Year is sure to become a new tradition in itself!


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book free from Abingdon Press & Litfuse Publicity for 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.”


Make this upcoming Christmas holiday a Christ-filled season of joy and wonder with the help of Ace Collins' new devotional, The Most Wonderful Time of the Year. From December to New Year’s Eve, reawaken the Christmas season with daily scripture and inspirational readings of stories behind popular Christmas traditions, carols and movies. Enjoy a wealth of fun activities to help make the most of the season, including heartwarming holiday recipes and homemade gift ideas. Download a free sampler of the book by clicking here.

Join Ace's Christmas festivities by entering to win the Magic of Christmas Prize Pack. Create new traditions this holiday season with your family and friends with the goodies included in the giveaway.

 

One grand prize winner will receive:

• A copy of The Most Wonderful Time of the Year
• A button-wreath craft kit
• Pass the Ugly Christmas Sweater card game
• A gingerbread tree kit
• An advent calendar

Enter today by clicking the icon below, but hurry! The giveaway ends on November 21. The winner will be announced November 22 on the Litfuse blog.

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ACFW New Releases - November 2016

More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website.

Biblical:

Slender Reeds: Jochebed's Hope by Texie Susan Gregory -- In a deadly race to save her son, a young slave woman dares defy the most powerful man in the world. (Biblical from Barbour Publishing)

Contemporary Romance:

Crazy Woman Christmas by Renee Blare -- A quiet cowboy whisks Bianca to his ranch to ride out the Christmas blizzard where she discovers life is cold but also beautiful in the “Cowboy” state. (Contemporary Romance from Inspired [Prism Book Group])

Other Than a Halo by Valerie Comer -- Even though she’s a new woman in Christ, single mom Bren Haddock was no angel as a teen. Now managing the Hiller Farm for a CSA, life is good until a friend offers to enter her daughter into the Little Miss Snowflake Pageant. Old insecurities flare when she meets the intriguing head of marketing the pageant. Rob Santoro isn’t so sure about handling the pageant portfolio until he meets Bren. Soon he’s fallen for her and her two kids. When a Thanksgiving adventure goes awry, he’s left wondering how to love a woman who refuses to be loved. What will it take for Bren to retire her tarnished halo and move into the future God has for her? (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published)

Do You Know What I Know? by Becky Melby -- What if a phone call from the obstetrician’s office went to the wrong person? Elizabeth Schmidt can’t figure out why her husband doesn’t seem excited about the news she’s sure he heard. Is he unhappy? Or is James cheating on her? Pastor Jay Davidson is in shock. Bethany Schmidt, the woman he’s in love with, is pregnant. Should he walk away, or is God asking him to play the part of Joseph in real life and not just in the church Christmas program? Bethany can’t figure out why Jay is acting so weird. Has he figured out one of the two secrets she’s keeping until after Christmas? Can a ponytailed itinerant carpenter with a pet chicken help unravel the confusion? (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published)

How to Charm a Beekeeper's Heart by Candice Sue Patterson -- Weddings are the last thing beekeeper Huck Anderson wants to be associated with, considering his past. So when he inherits a building occupied by a bridal boutique, he aims to evict the failing business and open a sporting goods store. That is until his tenant ends up being Arianne Winters, a woman he’s indebted to from a mistake made years ago. When a life-threatening injury derails Huck entirely, Arianne offers to aid in his lengthy recovery if he’ll allow her to remain in his building. But nursing her adversary proves challenging when her adolescent crush resurfaces. (Contemporary Romance from White Rose Publishing [Pelican])

A Portrait of Emily Price by Katherine Reay -- After a whirlwind romance and marriage, Emily Price returns home to Italy with her new husband and learns that life at its richest is only found when she accepts its chaotic beauty. (Contemporary Romance from HarperCollins Christian Publishing [Thomas Nelson and Zondervan])
(My review is here.)

Contemporary Women's Fiction:

Forgiveness by Marianne Evans -- Country music bad boy, Chase Bradington is on the comeback trail. Fresh from rehab for alcohol addiction and transformed by the power of Christ, Chase is battling to rediscover the music he loves and a career he nearly ruined. Then he meets up-and-comer, Pyper Brock and instantly sparks ignite. Despite her rampant attraction to the handsome and talented icon, Pyper knows of Chase’s reputation and soundly dismisses his romantic overtures. No way will Pyper repeat the mistake of trusting a man whose done battle with the bottle. Can a sin-damaged past be released in favor of forgiveness? (Women’s Fiction from Harbourlight Books [Pelican])

Historical:

Beneath a Golden Veil by Melanie Dobson -- As elegant as the Sacramento residence she operates, Isabelle Labrie keeps her past concealed, like the treasure she hides under the Golden Hotel. Then, unexpected guests—fugitive slaves seeking safe passage to the North—force her to confront her past and reconsider her path. (Historical from Waterfall Press)

Forest Child by Heather Day Gilbert -- Historically based on the Icelandic Sagas, Forest Child brings the memorable, conflicted persona of Freydis Eiriksdottir to life. (Historical from Elk Lake Publishing Inc.)

The Lost Generation by Erica Marie Hogan -- On August 5th 1914, the world changed forever. For John and Beth Young, it meant the happiness they finally achieved was snatched out from under them. For Emma Cote, it meant that her husband Jared would do his duty, despite her feelings. For Christy Simmons it meant an uncertain future with the boy she loved. The lives of six people, spread across the British Empire to America were changed forever. (Historical from Elk Lake Publishing Inc.)

Historical Romance:

The Blue Ribbon Brides Collection by Jennifer AlLee, Angela Breidenbach, Darlene Franklin, Cynthia Hickey, Carrie Fancett Pagels, Amber Stockton, Niki Turner, Gina Welborn, and Becca Whitham -- Meet nine men and women whose competitive goals take them to state and county fairs between 1889 and 1930. From baking pie to polishing pigs, from sculpting butter to stitching quilts, everyone has something to prove to themselves and their communities. But in going for the blue ribbon, will nine women miss the greatest prize of all—the devoted heart of a godly man? (Historical Romance from Barbour Publishing)

Left at the Altar by Margaret Brownley -- In the wild and untamed West, time is set by the local jeweler...but Two-Time Texas has two: two feuding jewelers and two wildly conflicting time zones. Meg Lockwood's marriage was supposed to unite the families and finally bring peace until she's left at the altar by her no-good fiancé. Hired to defend the groom against a breach of promise lawsuit, Grant Garrison quickly realizes that the only thing worse than small-town trouble is falling for the jilted bride. But there's something about Meg's sweet smile and determined grit that draws him in...even as the whole crazy town seems set on keeping them apart. (Historical Romance from Sourcebooks)

Mail Order Mommy by Christine Johnson -- Nursing a broken heart, Amanda Porter had answered a frontier mail-order bride ad placed by Garrett Decker's children—only to find the groom-to-be didn't want a wife. But his adorable children are determined she'll be their mother by Christmas… His wife's betrayal and tragic death demolished Garrett's life. Now he can't even look at another woman, let alone marry Amanda, who resembles his first love. But with his daughter convinced Amanda is the perfect mother, will Garrett realize she's also his perfect match? (Historical Romance from Love Inspired [Harlequin])

Hope's Design by Dawn Kinzer -- An independent city girl aspiring to be a fashion designer falls for a stubborn artist from the country who wants to keep his talent a secret. (Historical Romance, Independently Published)

A Hobo’s Wish by Connie Lounsbury — Pete Walters, a young, widowed, veterinarian, struggles for a new start while he is homeless and penniless, riding the rails to find enough work to survive. And dare he even hope that he might find love again? (Historical Romance, Mantle Rock Publishing)

Brides of Wyoming by S. Dionne Moore -- Roam the Wyoming range alongside three couples who meet under danger from bands of outlaws. Renee escapes a gang of outlaws and lands in the arms of a sheepherder. Olivia’s sleuthing upturns secrets key to solving the murder of a reluctant rancher’s father. Maira is trying to keep her ranch running alone when a drifting cowboy offers a hand. Can love develop where suspicion and greed roam the range? (Historical Romance from Barbour Publishing)

The Negotiated Marriage by Christina Rich -- When the railroad pushes to buy her land, orphaned Cameron Sims will do anything to keep the only home she and her sisters have ever known. Even if she must marry a stranger. Duncan Murray doesn’t want a wife. He wants Sims Creek, a sanctuary that can help him forget a troubled childhood. But his reluctant, and captivating, bride-to-be is key to making his dreams a reality. And despite their business arrangement, Camy and Duncan might be signing on the dotted line for true love… (Historical Romance from Love Inspired [Harlequin])

Love in the Seams by Jodie Wolfe -- A little girl on a quest for a new mama has the local seamstress in her sights. (Historical Romance, Independently Published)

Romantic Suspense:

His Perfect Love by Sharon K. Connell -- On the run from a hit man, Patricia Campbell is unaware of the FBI’s search for her to learn what information she might hold, so she continues to hide out. Then she meets a persistent computer technician, a charming philanthropist, and a handsome, wealthy businessman who wants to marry her. But her fears resurface, and she wonders if she can trust any of them. Can she survive long enough to find peace…and perfect love? (Romantic Suspense, Independently Published)

Counter Point by Marji Laine -- Her dad's gone, her diner's closing, and her car's in the lake. Cat McPherson has nothing left to lose ... except her life. And a madman, bent on revenge, is determined to take that, as well. Her former boyfriend, Ray Alexander, returns as a hero from his foreign mission, bringing back souvenirs in the form of death-threats. When several attempts are made on Cat’s life, she must find a way to trust Ray, the man who broke her heart. (Romantic Suspense from Write Integrity Press)

Speculative:

The Flaming Sword by Heather L.L. FitzGerald -- When evil joins forces in the Tethered World, Sadie Larcen must risk all to protect the Flaming Sword and her family...even if it takes her life. (Speculative Young Adult from Mountain Brook Ink)

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A Portrait of Emily Price - Releases TODAY!

A Portrait of Emily Price
Katherine Reay
(Harper Collins/Thomas Nelson)
ISBN: 978-0718077914
November 2016/368 pages/$15.99
Art restorer Emily Price has never encountered anything she can’t fix—until she meets Ben, an Italian chef, who seems just right. When Emily follows Ben home to Italy, she learns that his family, however, is another matter . . .

Emily Price—fix-it girl extraordinaire and would-be artist—finds herself in Atlanta, repairing objects damaged in a house fire. As she works to restore the home and dreams of one family, she strives to keep the pieces of her own life in perfect order and secure her own happy ending—a gallery show of her own. There is no time for distractions, especially not the ultimate distraction of falling in love.

But Chef Benito Vassallo’s relentless pursuit proves hard to resist. Visiting from Italy, Ben works to reconnect with his brother and breathe new life into his aunt and uncle’s faded restaurant, Piccolo. And soon after their first meeting, he works to win Emily as well—inviting her into his world and into his heart.

Emily astonishes everyone when she accepts Ben’s proposal and follows him home. Upon landing in Rome, she is enchanted with Italy. But instead of allowing the land, culture and people to transform her, Emily imposes her will upon everyone and everything around her, alienating Ben’s tightly knit family. Only Ben’s father, Lucio, gives Emily the understanding she needs to lay down her guard. Soon, Emily’s life and art begin to blossom, and Italy’s beauty and rhythm take hold of her spirit.

Yet when she unearths long-buried family secrets, Emily wonders if she really fits into Ben’s world. Will the joys of Italy become just a memory, or will Emily share in the freedom and grace that her life with Ben has shown her are possible?


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Katherine Reay has enjoyed a life-long affair with the works of Jane Austen and her contemporaries—who provide constant inspiration both for writing and for life. She is the author of three previous novels, and her debut, Dear Mr. Knightley, was a 2014 Christy Award Finalist, winner of the 2014 INSPY Award for Best Debut, and winner of two Carol Awards for Best Debut and Best Contemporary. Katherine holds a BA and MS from Northwestern University and is a wife, mother, runner, and tae kwon do black belt. After living all across the country and a few stops in Europe, Katherine and her family recently moved back to Chicago. Visit her online at katherinereay.com, Facebook: katherinereaybooks, Twitter: @Katherine_Reay, and Pinterest.

MY THOUGHTS

Bellisimo! What a beautiful story! Katherine Reay has once again crafted an irresistible tale that begs to be lingered over like one of Benito's culinary creations. Normally a fast reader, I slowed and savored the many nuances of this novel. With characters so real they could walk into the room, dual-culture settings, and Reay's stunning gift of story, A Portrait of Emily Price ignites the senses and stirs the heart. Emily and Benito, Lucio and even Donata have stayed with me long after I turned the final page. So many rich lessons are packed into this endearing story of love, restoration, and healing. Highly recommended!


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book free from Harper Collins/Thomas Nelson for 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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The Candidate

The Candidate
A Newsmakers Novel, #2
Lis Wiehl with Sebastian Stuart
Harper Collins/Thomas Nelson
ISBN: 978-0718037680
October 2016/352 pages/$26.99 Hardcover

How far will a candidate go to become president? Erica Sparks—America’s top-rated cable-news host—is about to find out.

Mike Ortiz is a dynamic war hero favored to win the White House. Standing by his side is his glamorous and adoring wife, Celeste. But something about this seemingly perfect couple troubles Erica. Is Celeste really who she seems? And most importantly, what really happened in that squalid Al-Qaeda prison where Mike Ortiz spent nine months?

But more than the nation’s future is at stake. Erica’s relentless search for the truth puts the life of her preteen daughter Jenny in danger, even as Erica’s own dark past threatens to overtake her.

In her latest Newsmakers thriller, New York Times bestselling author and Fox News legal analyst Lis Wiehl weaves a taut and chilling story. The Candidate is packed with political intrigue and media manipulation as the lust for power turns deadly indeed.


ABOUT THE AUTHORS

Lis Wiehl is the New York Times bestselling author of over a dozen novels. She is a Harvard Law School graduate and has served as a federal prosecutor in the state of Washington and as a tenured faculty member at The University Washington School of Law. She is currently a popular legal analyst and commentator for the Fox News Channel. Visit her online at liswiehlbooks.com, Facebook: Lis Wiehl, Fox News Legal Analyst and Author, and Twitter: @LisWiehl.

Sebastian Stuart has published four novels under his own name, including The Hour Between, winner of the Ferro-Grumley Award and an NPR Season’s Readings selection. He has also co-written national and New York Times bestselling books. As senior editor of e-book publisher New Word City, Stuart has written over two dozen original non-fiction e-books.


MY THOUGHTS

I was mildly disappointed with Lis Wiehl's first novel in this series, but she is back on her game with this gripping story that is perfectly timed for this turbulent political season. Wiehl crafts a tale containing frighteningly realistic circumstances and events. As in the first novel, Erica garnered my admiration and sympathy as she strove to uncover the truth behind the public facade of the Ortiz political machine while simultaneously dealing with challenging personal situations. Integrity and truth clash with power, manipulation, and greed in this political thriller that I read almost non-stop, eagerly turning pages as the story built to its heart-pounding climax. Don't miss this compelling novel.



Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a digital copy of this book free from Harper Collins/Thomas Nelson for 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.”


THE NEWSMAKERS NOVELS - MY REVIEWS
The Newsmakers
The Candidate

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Another Day, Another Dali

Another Day, Another Dali
A Serena Jones Mystery
Sandra Orchard
(Revell)
ISBN: 978-0800726690
October 2016/352 pages/$14.99
The world of art theft can be a deadly game--one that Serena Jones understands all too well.

When FBI Special Agent Serena Jones takes on the case of a forged Dali painting as a favor to her grandmother, she assumes it will be a typical investigation. Hopefully collaring the thief will also mean finally measuring up in her grandmother's eyes. But the deeper she delves into the forgery and the suspects surrounding it, the less typical it becomes.

The Dali isn't the only painting that's fallen prey to the forgery-replacing thief, raising the possibility of a sophisticated theft ring--one with links to dirty cops, an aspiring young artist, and the unsolved murder of Serena's grandfather. To make matters worse, someone connected to the forgeries seems to be determined to stop Serena's investigation--no matter the cost.

Another Day, Another Dali gives the plucky Serena Jones--and readers--a new high-stakes case to crack. You won't want to miss a single brushstroke!


Read an excerpt.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Sandra Orchard is the award-winning author of several books, including the Port Aster Secrets series. The winner of five Canadian Christian Writing Awards and a Romantic Times Reviewers' Choice Award, Sandra has also received a HOLT Medallion Award of Merit, a National Readers' Choice Award, and a Daphne du Maurier Award. She lives in Ontario, Canada. Learn more at www.sandraorchard.com.


MY THOUGHTS

I thoroughly enjoyed the first book in this series, A Fool and His Monet and was delighted to review this one. Easily read as a stand-alone, Another Day, Another Dali plunged me into the world of art theft committed via swapping with forgeries. Once again, Sandra Orchard has penned a lively novel full of twists and turns that keep both heroine Serena Jones and the reader on their toes! As in the previous story, Serena's family adds charm and humor, with her mother begging her to find a safer job and her aunt acting as a self-appointed sleuthing assistant! Orchard weaves in a thread of romance as Serena juggles the friendships and tries to decipher the intentions of Tanner--her partner and mentor--and Nate, her building superintendent and all-round nice guy. Don't miss this fast-paced, action-packed novel.


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book free from Baker/Revell Publishing for 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.”



SERENA JONES MYSTERY SERIES - MY REVIEWS

A Fool and His Monet
Another Day, Another Dali

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Waves of Mercy

Waves of Mercy
Lynn Austin
(Bethany House Publishers)
ISBN: 978-0764217616
October 2016/384 pages/$15.99
Haunted by the Unknowns of Their Pasts, Two Women Search for Answers Along the Shores of Lake Michigan

Chicago socialite Anna Nicholson retreats to the Hotel Ottawa in Holland, Michigan, after breaking her engagement with her wealthy fiancé. Filled with questions about her newfound faith and troubled by a recurring nightmare, Anna finds solace in Derk Vander Veen, a seasonal hotel worker who plans to go into the ministry.

Prompted by a request from her son, Geesje de Jonge begins to sift through memories of emigrating from the Netherlands almost fifty years ago. As she writes them down for the Semi-Centennial anniversary of the town's settlement, her story takes on a life of its own as she honestly and painfully recalls her regrets, doubts, hardships, and joys. Her story captivates Derk, who sees similarities between Geesje and Anna, and wishes to bring the two together.

Past and present collide as Anna and Geesje seek clarity, but neither expects the revelations that await them.


Read an excerpt.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Lynn Austin has sold more than one and a half million copies of her books worldwide. A former teacher who now writes and speaks full-time, she has won eight Christy Awards for her historical fiction and was named to the Christy Award Hall of Fame in 2013. One of those novels, Hidden Places, has also been made into an Original Hallmark Channel movie. Lynn and her husband have raised three children and make their home in western Michigan. Learn more at lynnaustin.org.

MY THOUGHTS

Multi-award winner Lynn Austin has penned yet another enthralling novel that was impossible to put down. I love how she intertwined the past and the "present" (this is a historical novel, but portions are flashbacks to a more distant past) and juxtaposed Geesje's memories with Anna's story. Both women immediately endeared themselves to me: Netherlands emigre Geesje as she reminisced about her life with its heartaches and joys, difficulties and triumphs, and Anna as she searched for the reasons for her troubling nightmares and longed to learn more about faith and God. Austin unfolds the story perfectly, and while I guessed how the story might end, that did not diminish my enjoyment at all. And I would be remiss if I didn't mention Derk and the wonderful role he plays in the story. Such a gentleman and friend he is to Anna, and not deserving of the scorn and derision directed at him by Anna's rigid and socially conscious mother. Aptly titled, Waves of Mercy is a pure delight. Grab your copy today!


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Baker/Bethany House 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.”


QUESTIONS & ANSWERS WITH LYNN AUSTIN

1. You grew up in New York, lived in Canada, South America, Connecticut, Illinois and now western Michigan. So, after all the places you’ve lived, how and why did you decide to write about Holland, MI? What inspired you or piqued your curiosity?
I grew up in the area of New York State that was originally owned and settled by the Dutch, and I visited Holland for the first time when I attended Hope College. I was immediately impressed by how proud the community was of their faith and their Dutch heritage. My husband grew up in Holland, so when we decided to move back there two years ago, I began researching Holland’s history to see if it would make a good novel. It intrigued me to learn that the first Dutch settlers came here in 1846 for religious freedom after suffering persecution in the Netherlands. Since that’s true of so many other immigrant peoples over the years, I knew the story would resonate with many readers. I was very surprised to learn how much hardship these early settlers suffered in the process of founding this community. If nothing else, their story taught me not to take our religious freedom or the American Dream for granted.

2. Are the events included in your book historically accurate?
I tried hard to keep the dates and circumstances I portray in the novel as accurate as I possibly could. But Waves of Mercy is a novel and not intended to replace all of the history books about Holland. My main characters—Maarten, Geesje, and her family—are products of my imagination. No one by those names immigrated with the original settlers. But I relied on first-person accounts and diaries written by Holland’s original settlers for accurate details of their life in Holland. Some excellent books have also been written about Reverend Van Raalte and his vision for this community, which helped me bring his part of the story to life. My “Author’s Note” at the end of the novel explains what dates and events are true and what ones I tweaked for plotting purposes.

3. What did you find most interesting about the Dutch community as you did your research?
I was amazed by how committed the members of the Dutch community were to each other and to God. The Christian faith that the settlers shared is still very strong and vibrant in Holland, which has more than seventy churches in a population of 33,000. As I researched the many hardships the original settlers faced—famine, sickness, shipwreck, fire, war—I found it amazing that their faith in God never seemed to falter. And it’s still being passed down to the next generation today.

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Wild Montana Skies

Wild Montana Skies
Montana Rescue
Susan May Warren
(Revell)
ISBN: 978-0800727437
October 2016/352 pages/$14.99
The last thing Search and Rescue helicopter pilot Kacey Fairing needs upon returning home to Mercy Falls, Montana, is to run into her mistakes. After a devastating crash during her recent military tour in Afghanistan, she is emotionally broken but ready to start putting her life back together. She just wants to reconnect with her teenage daughter and spend the summer working as the new lead pilot of PEAK Rescue in Glacier National Park.

But her mistakes aren't so easily forgotten. Because Ben King is also back in town.

Country music star Ben King abandoned his past when he moved to Nashville thirteen years ago to start his career. He hoped to heal his broken heart, caused by losing the woman he loved. But when his father is injured, Ben is called home to help manage PEAK Rescue during his recovery. He doesn't realize his father has ulterior motives until his old flame, Kacey, walks into his house and back into his heart.

Now, with Mercy Falls in a state of emergency due to flash floods, Kacey and Ben will have to work together to save lives. But when secrets are uncovered and old hurts rise to the surface, will they walk away again? Or can they find a different ending to their country love song?


"In Warren's true-to-form brand of mixing romance, danger, and adventure, Wild Montana Skies will hold you hostage till the very end!"--Ronie Kendig, bestselling author of the Quiet Professionals series


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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Susan May Warren is the ECPA and CBA bestselling author of over fifty novels with more than one million books sold. Winner of a RITA Award and multiple Christy and Carol Awards, as well as the HOLT and numerous Reader's Choice Awards, Susan has written contemporary and historical romances, romantic suspense, thrillers, romantic comedy, and novellas. She can be found online at www.susanmaywarren.com, on Facebook at SusanMayWarrenFiction, and on Twitter @susanmaywarren.


MY THOUGHTS

Susan May Warren kicks off her new Montana Rescue series with a great story that already has me clamoring for more of these characters. Warren packs the pages of Wild Montana Skies with a multi-faceted story rife with action, danger, and romance. I love how the characters--Ben, Kacey, and others--are courageous and determined when on their SAR missions yet they harbor doubts and insecurities inside. I ached for Kacey and Ben, not only for the wrong choices they had made fourteen years previously, but for the outside forces that contributed to the diverging of their paths. Disasters and danger add additional drama to this gripping tale, and I was breathless when I reached the end. Add Wild Montana Skies to your fall reading list, as well as the FREE digital prequel, If Ever I would Leave You.


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book free from Baker/Revell Publishing for 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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Tangled Webs

Tangled Webs
Men of Valor, Book 3
Irene Hannon
(Revell)
ISBN: 978-0800724542
October 2016/368 pages/$14.99
Finn has packed away his combat instincts--but he may need them again when danger begins to stalk his quiet hideaway . . .

After a disastrous Middle East mission ends his six-year Army Ranger career, Finn McGregor needs some downtime. A peaceful month in the woods sounds like the perfect way to decompress. But peace isn't on the agenda once he crosses paths with publishing executive Dana Lewis, a neighbor who is nursing wounds of her own. Someone seems bent on disrupting her stay in the lakeside cabin she inherited from her grandfather. As Finn and Dana work together to discover who is behind the disquieting pranks, the incidents begin to take on a menacing tone. And when it becomes apparent Dana's foe may have deadly intent, Finn finds himself back in the thick of the action--ready or not.

Bestselling author and three-time RITA Award winner Irene Hannon draws readers into a web of psychological suspense where danger lurks in dark corners . . . and keeps them captive until the very last page.


Read an excerpt.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR
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Irene Hannon is the bestselling and award-winning author of more than fifty novels, including Buried Secrets, Thin Ice, and the Heroes of Quantico, Guardians of Justice, and Private Justice series. In addition to many other honors, she is a seven-time finalist for and three-time winner of the prestigious RITA Award from Romance Writers of America. She is also a member of that organization's elite Hall of Fame. Learn more at www.irenehannon.com.

MY THOUGHTS

Whew! Irene Hannon has done it again--written another spine-tingling, impossible-to-put-down suspense as she completes her Men of Valor series. Hannon opens with a rather unsettling prologue, then moves right into a heart-pounding opening scene and keeps the action and adrenaline soaring throughout the story. Such a great group of characters populate the pages of this novel. The romantic interest between Dana and Finn balances well with the suspense, resulting in riveting, heart-stirring scenes. Hannon provides glimpses of the perpetrator and insight into the motivation that prompts his (or her!) actions while at the same time adding twists that provide a few surprises along the way. The final novel focusing on each of the three McGregor brothers, Tangled Webs can easily be read as a stand-alone, although I can't imagine anyone wanting to miss any of this series! Grab your copy of Tangled Webs today!



Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book free from Baker/Revell Publishing for 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.”


MEN OF VALOR series - MY REVIEWS

Buried Secrets
Thin Ice
Tangled Webs

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