FaithfulReader.com Updates

July 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Amy Dupcak) — Mon, 18 Jul 2011 15:22:00 +0000

The following reviews, interviews and features are running on FaithfulReader.com for the month of July.

Faithful Fiction

BROKEN WINGS by Carla Stewart (Fiction)

Everyone believes Brooke Woodson has found the perfect man --- a handsome lawyer with sights on becoming Tulsa's next District Attorney. If only Brooke felt more sure. If only her fiancé could control his anger. If only love didn't come with so many scars. With singer Mitzi Steiner's help, kindness and insight, Brooke will learn how to pick up the broken pieces of her life. Reviewed by Susan Miura.

DOUBLE TAKE by Melody Carlson (Fiction)
Rich city girl Madison Van Buren and plain Amish girl Anna Fisher are unhappy with their lives. When they happen to meet one day and realize how much they look alike, they decide to switch identities for one week. Will becoming someone else provide the contentment they seek? Reviewed by Lynda Schab.

DESERT GIFT by Sally John (Fiction)
Jillian Galloway is an expert on marriage. At least that’s what she thought before her husband announced he wanted a divorce. A trip to the desert gives Jill fresh eyes to see how she might be able to breathe new life into her dried-up marriage. Reviewed by Lynda Schab.

Christian Living

LIVE LOVED: Experiencing God's Presence in Everyday Life by Max Lucado (Devotional)

Bestselling author Max Lucado’s latest release is a collection of brief devotions from six of his previous books. In typical Lucado-style of wisdom, wit and truth, you will discover how you can experience God’s love and presence in your everyday life. Reviewed by Lynda Schab.

HUNGRY FOR GOD: Hearing God’s Voice in the Ordinary and the Everyday by Margaret Feinberg (Christian Life/Spiritual Growth)
With rare insight into Scripture, human nature, and the heart of God, Margaret Feinberg invites you to discover the ways in which God speaks to you --- not from the top of a holy mountain, but in the midst of everyday life. Reviewed by Evelyn Bence.

LET GOD CHANGE YOUR LIFE: How to Know and Follow Jesus by Greg Laurie (Christian Life/Spiritual Growth)
Imagine what it would have been like to be a follower of Jesus; first-century Christians walked away from their old lives just to be where He was. The good news is that we, too, can participate in this lifestyle. Greg Laurie drills it down in three simple ideas: get to know Jesus, follow His plan for discipleship, and use it to tell others what we know. Reviewed by Michele Howe.

THE WAITING PLACE: Learning to Appreciate Life's Little Delays by Eileen Button (Christian Living/Essays)
In this beautiful collection of essays, author Eileen Button takes us on a journey through her life. Along the way, you’ll laugh and cry, but most of all you’ll learn to slow down and appreciate life’s little delays and recognize God’s hand in the waiting places. Reviewed by Lynda Schab.

OVERCOMING ANXIETY, WORRY, AND FEAR: Practical Ways to Find Peace by Gregory L. Jantz, PhD, with Ann McMurray(Self-Help)
A compassionate combination of common sense, biblical wisdom and therapeutic advice will free you from constant worry. Trusted author Dr. Gregory L. Jantz will help you identify the causes of your anxiety, assess the severity of your symptoms, and start down avenues for positive change. Reviewed by Michele Howe.

Special Contests and Features

The deadline for all entries is Wednesday, August 10th at noon ET.

THUNDER OF HEAVEN: The End Series, Book 2 by Tim LaHaye and Craig Parshall (Thriller)
The End Series by New York Times bestselling author Tim LaHaye and Craig Parshall is an epic thrill ride ripped from today's headlines and filtered through Scriptural prophecy. As world events begin setting the stage for the “end of days” foretold in Revelation, Joshua Jordan must weigh the personal price he must pay to save the nation he loves. THUNDER OF HEAVEN appeals to the tens of millions of readers who have already made Tim LaHaye a household name and one of the bestselling authors of all time.

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-Click here to read Tim LaHaye’s bio.
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LION OF BABYLON by Davis Bunn (Thriller)
Marc Royce has been a State Department agent involved in covert operations---that is, until personal issues lead to his dismissal. When Alex Baird goes missing in war-torn Baghdad, State comes calling again. Alex is a CIA agent---and a close friend of Royce. Three others have also dropped out of sight---a nurse, an aid worker, and a wealthy young Iraqi. Are these cases linked? Rumors circulate about a kidnapping conspiracy, yet both American and local officials refuse to pursue it.

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-Click here to read an interview with Davis Bunn.
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SHADOWS ON THE SAND: A Seaside Mystery by Gayle Roper (Mystery)
Carrie Carter’s small café in Seaside, New Jersey, is populated with a motley crew of locals, although Carrie only has eyes for Greg Barnes. He’s recovering from a vicious crime that three years ago took the lives of his wife and children --- and from the year he tried to drink his reality away. While her heart does a happy Snoopy dance at the sight of him, he never seems to notice her, to Carrie’s chagrin. When Carrie’s dishwasher is killed and her young waitress disappears, Greg finds himself drawn into helping Carrie solve the mysteries…and into her life.

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Features

LOOK TO THE EAST: The Great War Series, Book 3 by Maureen Lang (Historical Romance)
At the dawn of the First World War, the French provincial village of Briecourt is isolated from the battles, but the century-old feud between the Toussaints and the de Colvilles still rages in the streets. When the German army sweeps in to occupy the town, families on both sides of the feud must work together to protect stragglers caught behind enemy lines.

-Click here to read an excerpt.
-Click here to read Maureen Lang’s bio.

FREEDOM’S STAND by Jeanette Windle (Fiction)
Jamil renounced a life of jihad when he encountered the life-changing message of Jesus Christ, but villagers and authorities in the hills of Afghanistan respond with skepticism…and even violence. Relief worker Amy Mallory is shocked by the changes in her organization --- changes with dire implications for the women and children under her care. And concern for her former assistant, Jamil, weighs heavily on her heart.

-Click here to read an excerpt.
-Click here to read Jeanette Windle’s bio.

GROWING UP AMISH: A Memoir by Ira Wagler (Memoir)
One fateful starless night, 17-year-old Ira Wagler got up at 2 AM, left a scribbled note under his pillow, packed all of his earthly belongings into a little black duffel bag, and walked away from his home in the Amish settlement of Bloomfield, Iowa. Now, in this heartwarming memoir, Ira paints a vivid portrait of Amish life --- from his childhood days on the family farm, his Rumspringa rite of passage at age 16, to his ultimate decision to leave the Amish Church for good at age 26.

-Click here to read an excerpt.
-Click here to read Ira Wagler’s bio.

PATTERN OF WOUNDS: A Roland March Mystery by J. Mark Bertrand (Mystery)
It's Christmas in Houston, and homicide detective Roland March is on the hunt for a killer. A young woman's brutal stabbing in an affluent neighborhood bears all the hallmarks of a serial murder. The only problem is that March sent the murderer to prison 10 years ago. Is it a copycat---or did March convict the wrong man?

-Click here to read an excerpt.
-Click here to read J. Mark Bertrand’s bio.

Study Guides

CHASING SUNSETS: A Cedar Key Novel by Eva Marie Everson (Romance)
Kimberly Tucker's life hasn't turned out the way she thought it would. While her ex is living it up, she struggles to understand what went wrong. When her two sons end up spending five weeks of summer vacation with their father, Kim plans a respite at the family vacation home on tiny Cedar Key. As she revisits the long-forgotten past, she discovers that treasures in life are often buried, and sometimes you do get a second chance at love.

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-Click here to read Eva Marie Everson’s bio.

THE BLESSED by Ann H. Gabhart (Historical Romance)
It is 1844 and Lacey Bishop’s life is a tangled mess. Estranged from her own family and married to a man she can never love, Lacey’s only comfort is being mother to a little girl who was left on the doorstop. When her husband decides to move the family to a Shaker village, Lacey is not prepared for the new life that awaits her. In the midst of her deep loneliness, Lacey finds herself drawn to a young Shaker man. But of course any notion of love between them is only a forbidden dream. Not only is she already married, but the Shakers believe marriage is a sin. Will Lacey ever find true happiness in this strange place?

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-Click here to read Ann H. Gabhart’s bio.

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February 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Elizabeth Bruce) — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 19:53:00 +0000

The following reviews, interviews and features are running on FaithfulReader.com for the month of February.

Faithful Fiction

A BILLION REASONS WHY by Kristin Billerbeck (Romance)
Her head tells her to marry Dexter, the safe and practical choice. Her heart pulls her towards Luc, who rejected her eight years ago and is anything but practical. The question is: Will Katie McKenna follow her heart, or opt for the safer route? Reviewed by Lynda Schab.

THE INHERITANCE OF BEAUTY by Nicole Seitz (Fiction)
An elderly couple spends their final days in a cheerful nursing home, cherishing their waning hours and reliving moments from the past. The arrival of a gift, however, propels them into a final mystery that returns them both in spirit to childhood haunts in rural South Carolina. Reviewed by Melanie Smith.

THE CHASM: A Journey to the Edge of Life, by Randy Alcorn (Fiction)
He found himself a traveler in a strange land. Where invisible secrets come to light, and fair companions lead towards unsuspected darkness. Where so much is grasped...and so much more seems unattainable. Driven by a yearning he doesn't understand, the traveler navigates a hostile landscape with determination and hope --- despite the obstacles that block his path. Reviewed by Michele Howe.

DEADLY TIES by Vicki Hinze (Romantic Suspense)
Lisa Harper has repressed memories of a traumatic childhood event involving her father's murder and her own abduction. The past is now quickly catching up as Lisa finds herself in the middle of a human trafficking ring, a vicious vendetta, and a plot more sinister than anything she could have imagined. Reviewed by Lynda Schab.

LARKSPUR COVE by Lisa Wingate (Fiction)
Social worker Andrea Henderson has lost faith in God after a difficult divorce. She moves back to her hometown to begin a new life for herself and her son. But circumstances involving a mysterious little girl, the town recluse, and a handsome game warden cause Andrea to realize that God has been ordering her steps all along. Reviewed by Lynda Schab.

SAVE THE DATE by Jenny B. Jones (Romance)
When funding for Lucy's non-profit is pulled, she wants to find out why. Enter Alex Sinclair Enterprises, her organization's primary donor. Alex has it all...except the votes to win his bid for Congress. So Alex makes an offer: pose as his fiancée in return for the money she needs. Bound to a man who's not what he seems, Lucy finds her heart --- and her future --- on the line. Reviewed by Susan Miura.

THE RHYTHM OF SECRETS by Patti Lacy (Historical Romance)
Sheila Franklin has lived three separate lives. Now a conservative pastor's wife, she's skilled at hiding things. But when the son she bore at 18 comes to her for help, her greatest secret is revealed. Now Sheila is faced with an impossible decision. And as she struggles to reclaim both her son and her identity, she realizes that God's grace is all she really needs. Reviewed by Michele Howe.

Christian Living

AN ANCHOR FOR THE SOUL: Help for the Present, Hope for the Future, by Ray Pritchard (Christian Life)
People have honest doubts about God that deserve solid answers. How do we explain the Gospel in a way we can all understand? AN ANCHOR FOR THE SOUL is written with doubters, seekers and skeptics in mind. By answering important questions through stories and illustrations, Pastor Ray Pritchard gently challenges readers with the Good News of Jesus Christ. Reviewed by Michele Howe.

PUTTING YOUR PAST IN ITS PLACE: Moving Forward in Freedom and Forgiveness, by Stephen Viars (Christian Living)
Lives grind to a halt when people can't relate to their past. Some believe "the past is nothing," while others make it more important than their future. Neither leads toward healing or hope. But in PUTTING YOUR PAST IN ITS PLACE, pastor and biblical counselor Stephen Viars introduces a third way to look at things: by exploring the role of the past as God intended. Reviewed by Michele Howe.

SOULS IN FULL SAIL: A Christian Spirituality for the Later Years, by Emilie Griffin (Christian Living/Spirituality)
"We do not set out to become old.... This change has occurred, it seems, without preparation, without fair warning." So Emilie Griffin writes, taking us on a spiritual exploration of life's later years. In a book filled with rich story, spiritual exercises and wisdom, Griffin explores relocation, vocational changes, losing her mother, negotiating relationships with grown children, and more. Reviewed by Evelyn Bence.

SAME KIND OF DIFFERENT AS ME: A Modern-Day Slave, an International Art Dealer, and the Unlikely Woman Who Bound Them Together, by Ron Hall and Denver Moore with Lynn Vincent (Memoir)
A dangerous, homeless drifter who grew up picking cotton in virtual slavery. An upscale art dealer brokering the sale of masterpieces. And the unlikely woman who bound them together. A story so incredible no novelist would dare dream it. Reviewed by Evelyn Bence.

Special Contests and Features

GETTING TO HEAVEN: Departing Instructions for Your Life Now, by Don Piper and Cecil Murphey (Christian Living)
Since publishing his inspirational bestseller in 2004, Don Piper has traveled the world spreading his message of faith --- certain faith --- in the promise of Heaven. In HEAVEN IS REAL, Piper shared how life's trials can be turned into spiritual lessons, when we are open to the certainty of God's grace and love. Now, in his first new book in four years, Piper draws on his own firsthand experiences with the joys of Heaven --- as well as the lessons found in the Gospel --- to offer a set of "departing instructions," helping readers face the inevitable battles ahead, prepare for eternal life, and, starting today, live a happy, fulfilling, purposeful life on Earth while preparing for the glories of Heaven.

-Click here to read all the contest details.

-Click here to read more about GETTING TO HEAVEN.

-Click here to read an excerpt from GETTING TO HEAVEN.

-Click here to read Don Piper's bio.

-Click here to read Cecil Murphey's bio.

THE AMISH MIDWIFE: The Women of Lancaster County, Book 1 by Mindy Starns Clark and Leslie Gould (Fiction)
A dusty carved box containing two locks of hair and a century-old letter regarding property in Switzerland, and a burning desire to learn about her biological family, lead nurse-midwife Lexie Jaeger from her home in Oregon to the heart of Pennsylvania Amish country. There she meets Marta Bayer, a mysterious lay-midwife who desperately needs help after an Amish client and her baby die. Lexie steps in to assume Marta's patient load even as she continues the search for her birth family, and from her patients she learns the true meaning of the Pennsylvania Dutch word "demut," which means "to let be" as she changes from a woman who wants to control everything to a woman who depends on God.

-Click here to read all the contest details.

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-Click here to read Mindy Starns Clark's bio.

-Click here to read Leslie Gould's bio.

BLOOD COVENANT: Mission Hope Series, Book 2 by Lisa Harris (Romantic Suspense)
When fighting erupts between government forces and renegade Ghost Soldiers deep within the Republic of Dhambizao, thousands are forced to leave their homes. Dr. Paige Ryan is sent to lead a team to set up a refugee transit site. Nick Gilbert joins the team to help fly supplies in and out of the area. With the refugee camp already experiencing overcrowding, raids and uprisings, a group of American mountain climbers is attacked by the Ghost Soldiers. Paige's medical team rescues survivors and takes them into the camp. When it's discovered that one of the trekkers is carrying an infectious disease, the harrowing conditions of the camp are forgotten.

-Click here to read all the contest details.

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-Click here to read an excerpt from BLOOD COVENANT.

-Click here to read Lisa Harris's bio.

THE PRODIGAL GOD: Recovering the Heart of the Christian Faith, by Timothy Keller (Christian Living)
Newsweek called New York Times bestselling author Timothy Keller a "C.S. Lewis for the twenty-first century" in a feature on his first book, THE REASON FOR GOD. In that book, he offered a rational explanation for why we should believe in God. Now, in THE PRODIGAL GOD, Keller takes his trademark intellectual approach to understanding Christianity and uses the parable of the Prodigal Son to reveal an unexpected message of hope and salvation.

-Click here to read all the contest details.

-Click here to read more about THE PRODIGAL GOD.

-Click here to read an excerpt from THE PRODIGAL GOD.

-Click here to read Timothy Keller's bio.

Study Guides

BAKE UNTIL GOLDEN: The Potluck Catering Club, Book 4 by Linda Evans Shepherd and Eva Marie Everson (Fiction)
The ladies of the Potluck Catering Club may have thought that competing on "The Great Party Showdown" reality show in New York City would be the biggest adventure of their lives. But they weren't counting on the strange goings-on they would confront when they returned to Summit View, Colorado. Will old friends stick together through their trials? Or will they be torn apart by tragedy?

-Click here to read the study guide for BAKE UNTIL GOLDEN.

-Click here to read more about BAKE UNTIL GOLDEN.

-Click here to read Linda Evans Shepherd's bio.

-Click here to read Eva Marie Everson's bio.

BATHSHEBA: The Wives of King David, Book 3 by Jill Eileen Smith (Historical Romance)
Bathsheba is a woman who longs for a loving touch. With her husband away fighting the king's wars, loneliness claws at her soul --- and makes it frighteningly easy to succumb to the advances of King David. Will one night of unbridled passion destroy everything she holds dear? Can she find forgiveness at the feet of the Almighty? Or has her sin separated her from God --- and David --- forever?

-Click here to read the study guide for BATHSHEBA.

-Click here to read more about BATHSHEBA.

-Click here to read Jill Eileen Smith's bio.

LOVE AMID THE ASHES by Mesu Andrews (Historical Romance)
When scandal and murder rock the life of Dinah, the daughter of the great patriarch Jacob, she is sent away to Job's household. After Job's own world comes crashing down, Dinah finds herself drawn to this great man brought low. What will she risk to fight for his survival? LOVE AMID THE ASHES breathes life, romance and passion into the classic biblical story of suffering and steadfast faith.

-Click here to read the study guide for LOVE AMID THE ASHES.

-Click here to read more about LOVE AMID THE ASHES.

-Click here to read Mesu Andrews's bio.

Features

THE BROTHERHOOD: A Precinct 11 Novel, by Jerry B. Jenkins (Thriller)
Boone Drake has it made. He's a young cop rising rapidly through the ranks of the Chicago Police Department. He has a beautiful wife and a young son, a nice starter house, a great partner, and a career plan that should land him in the Organized Crime Division within five years. Everything is going right. Until everything goes horribly, terribly wrong. His personal life destroyed and his career and future in jeopardy, Boone buries himself in guilt and bitterness as his life spirals out of control. But when he comes face-to-face with the most vicious gang leader Chicago has seen in decades, he begins to realize that God is a God of second chances and can change the hardest heart...and forgive the worst of crimes.

-Click here to read more about THE BROTHERHOOD.

-Click here to read an excerpt from THE BROTHERHOOD.

-Click here to read Jerry B. Jenkins's bio.

A TRAIL OF INK: The Third Chronicle of Hugh de Singleton, Surgeon by Mel Starr (Historical Mystery)
Some valuable books have been stolen from Master John Wyclif, the well-known scholar and Bible translator. He calls upon his friend and former pupil, Hugh de Singleton, to investigate. Hugh's investigation leads him to Oxford where he again encounters Kate, the only woman who has tempted him to leave bachelor life behind. As Hugh's pursuit of Kate becomes more successful, mysterious accidents begin to occur. Are these accidents tied to the missing books, or to his pursuit of Kate?

-Click here to read more about A TRAIL OF INK.

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DIGITALIS: Discarded Heroes, Book 2 by Ronie Kendig (Romantic Suspense)
Colton "Cowboy" Neeley is a Marine trying to find his footing as he battles flashbacks now that he's back home. Piper Blum is a woman in hiding --- from life and the assassins bent on destroying her family. When their hearts collide, more than their lives are at stake. Will Colton find a way to forgive Piper's lies? Can Piper find a way to rescue her father, trapped in Israel? Is there any way their love, founded on her lies, can survive?

-Click here to read more about DIGITALIS.

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-Click here to read Ronie Kendig's bio.

JOURNEY TO RIVERBEND by Henry McLaughlin (Historical Romantic Suspense)
Michael Archer is nothing if not a man of his word. Though he was unable to save Ben Carstairs, Michael is determined to carry out Ben's dying wish: to be reconciled with his father. Unfortunately, Sam Carstairs, one of the most ruthless businessmen on the frontier, has no use for his own son, much less a man of God seeking reconciliation. Soon after arriving in Riverbend, Michael meets and falls for the stunning Rachel Stone while waiting for Sam to return from a business trip. Beautiful yet guarded, Rachel seems to be running from a past as dark as Michael's.

-Click here to read more about JOURNEY TO RIVERBEND.

-Click here to read an excerpt from JOURNEY TO RIVERBEND.

-Click here to read Henry McLaughlin's bio.

RAIDER'S HEART: Backwoods Brides, Book 1 by Marcia Gruver (Historical Romance)
Steal away to the Old South with Marcia Gruver'sBackwoods Brides series. Two brothers --- one violent and one gentle --- belong to a family of bandits. While Duncan McRae can hardly stomach their raids, his brother Hooper revels in the violence perpetrated by the band of thieves. When they meet mild-mannered Dawsey Wilkes, the competition steps up a notch as the brothers vie for her hand. Which marauder will steal Dawsey's heart? Meanwhile, Dawsey holds the key to Dilsey McRae's past. What will Dilsey do when she discovers the truth?

-Click here to read more about RAIDER'S HEART.

-Click here to read an excerpt from RAIDER'S HEART.

-Click here to read Marcia Gruver's bio.

THE CROSSING: The Last Cavaliers, Book 1 by Gilbert Morris (Historical Romance)
From the beloved author of the bestselling House of Winslow series comes a new trilogy about the Civil War. Join Gilbert Morris as he explores the life of General Stonewall Jackson through the story of the fictional Yancy Tremayne. Raised among the Cheyenne, Yancy rejects the Amish community his father rejoins and instead studies under Thomas Jackson, a professor at the local military school. When war breaks out, will Yancy further distance himself from the pacifist community and join the fighting? And can he find a home for his heart?

-Click here to read more about THE CROSSING.

-Click here to read an excerpt from THE CROSSING.

-Click here to read Gilbert Morris's bio.

LOVE ME BACK TO LIFE by Missy Horsfall and Susan Stevens (Fiction)
Mallory Carlisle has her hands full dealing with financial troubles she's determined to hide, an absentee husband, two active daughters, and a family whose demands for loyalty border on the obsessive. Yet the most devastating secret of all --- the one her family is desperate to keep buried --- is the one that lurks in Mallory's subconscious. One day at a family gathering, long-suppressed memories come to the surface --- forcing her, at last, to confront unbearable pain from her childhood.

-Click here to read more about LOVE ME BACK TO LIFE.

-Click here to read an excerpt from LOVE ME BACK TO LIFE.

-Click here to read Missy Horsfall's bio.

-Click here to read Susan Stevens's bio.

FOUND IN TRANSLATION: An Unforgettable Mission Trip Where Faith, Obedience, and Forgiveness Intersect: An Altered Hearts Novel, by Roger Bruner with Kristi Rae Bruner (Young Adult Fiction)
When Kim Hartlinger--- 18 and spoiled --- arrives on a mission trip to Mexico and discovers, to her chagrin, that she'll be doing construction in a remote village without plumbing and electricity, rather than evangelism in a medium-sized town with a fast food joint, she has only two choices: "Rough it" (which isn't exactly what Kim had in mind when she signed up for this trip) or turn around and head home. Will Kim be able to touch the villagers' hearts with the Gospel? Or will her time in Mexico be up before she gets the chance?

-Click here to read more about FOUND IN TRANSLATION.

-Click here to read Roger Bruner and Kristi Rae Bruner's bio.

About the Books

IN A HEARTBEAT: Sharing the Power of Cheerful Giving, by Leigh Anne and Sean Tuohy with Sally Jenkins (Memoir)
IN A HEARTBEAT takes readers on an extraordinary journey of faith and love, and shares unforgettable lessons about the power of giving. The Tuohys' deeply inspiring memoir offers readers a detailed picture of a family that makes giving a way of life, the huge blessings that decision has brought to them, and the ways we can all make a difference in our own communities.

-Click here to read more about IN A HEARTBEAT.

-Click here to read Leigh Anne Tuohy's bio.

-Click here to read Sean Tuohy's bio.

Click here to read the full newsletter.

January 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Elizabeth Bruce) — Tue, 01 Feb 2011 19:36:00 +0000

The following reviews, interviews and features are running on FaithfulReader.com for the month of January.

Faithful Fiction

SOFTLY AND TENDERLY by Sara Evans with Rachel Hauck (Fiction)
A happily married business owner, Jade longs to start a family with her husband --- until she finds out that he wants her to help raise an illegitimate son. She flees to her childhood home, and as the tug of her first love grows, Jade starts to question everything. Reviewed by Susan Miura.

MAY COOLER HEADS PREVAIL: Hometown Mysteries, by T.L. Dunnegan (Mystery)
Psychologist Dixie Tanner quickly gets sucked into her wacky relatives’ amateur sleuthing efforts. As they get closer to the truth, will their crazy antics get them all killed or be just the thing to solve a murder? Reviewed by Lynda Schab.

Christian Living

SOULPRINT: Discovering Your Divine Destiny, by Mark Batterson (Christian Life)
Having an identity crisis? Trying to figure out your life’s purpose? Mark Batterson’s new book will help you discover who --- and whose --- you are so you can realize your divine destiny and glorify God, the creator of your unique soulprint. Reviewed by Lynda Schab.

A COLLECTION OF WEDNESDAYS: Creating a Whole from the Parts, by Amy Gaither Hayes (Christian Life/Spiritual Growth)
Amy Gaither Hayes, the daughter of Bill and Gloria Gaither, opens up her journal, written on Wednesday mornings, sharing prose and poetry that connect the threads of her heritage, faith, and love of the arts with her life as mother, drama teacher and house-church leader. Reviewed by Evelyn Bence.

SOUL SHAPING: A Practical Guide for Spiritual Transformation, by Stephen W. Smith (Christian Life/Spiritual Growth)
A guide to spiritual transformation, SOUL SHAPING is anchored in scripture and filled with practical exercises. Challenging readers to look backward and forward, inward and outward, this book is an invitation to see yourself as you are and imagine who you can become --- an opportunity to explore the hands of God that shape your life. Reviewed by Michele Howe.

ALWAYS TRUE: God’s 5 Promises When Life is Hard, by James MacDonald (Christian Life)
2 Peter 1:13 refers to certain portions of God’s Word as exceedingly great and precious promises. Great promises reveal hope in the midst of difficult times, and precious promises hold us up enough to get us through. Digging into theology, Pastor James MacDonald points you to promises that arealways true. Reviewed by Michele Howe.

Marriage and Family Life

WHEN COUPLES WALK TOGETHER: 31 Days to a Closer Connection, by Cindi and Hugh McMenamin (Love & Marriage/Devotional)
Everyday life almost always pulls husbands and wives in different directions. And when they’re together, work, children and other duties make it hard to find quality time alone. In this 31-day devotional, you’ll find fun and meaningful ways to nourish closeness and intimacy, interwoven with prayer, scripture and anecdotal tips. Reviewed by Maggie Harding.

BECOMING YOUR HUSBAND’S BEST FRIEND: Secrets to Loving the Man You Married, by Lisa and David Frisbie (Love & Marriage)
Do you want to help your husband be more loving and attentive? Do you long for a new level of partnership and fun? You can make a difference yourself by inviting God to be the change in you. These inspiring stories and insights reveal how it happens --- and how you can become a better friend than he ever imagined. Reviewed by Michele Howe.

Special Contests and Features

WHEN ALL MY DREAMS COME TRUE Book Giveaway
We are celebrating the release of WHEN ALL MY DREAMS COME TRUE by Janelle Mowery --- an adventurous novel of faith, hope and love in the Wild West --- with a special contest. Seventy-five readers will have the opportunity to each win a copy of this first installment in the Colorado Runaway series. The deadline for entries is Monday, February 28th at noon ET.

WHEN ALL MY DREAMS COME TRUE: Colorado Runaway Series, Book 1 by Janelle Mowery (Historical Romance)

Bobbie McIntyre dreams of running a ranch of her own. Raised without a mother and having spent most of her time around men, she knows more about wrangling than acting like a lady. The friendship of her new employer awakens a desire to learn more about presenting her feminine side, but ranch life keeps getting in the way. Ranch owner Jace Kincaid figures the Lord is testing his faith when a female wrangler shows up looking for work. Bobbie has an uncanny way of getting under his skin, though, and he’s surprised when she finds a home next to his heart. But when his cattle begin to go missing and his wranglers are in danger from some low-down cattle thief, can Jace trust God, even if it may mean giving up on his dreams?

-Click here to read all the contest details.

-Click here to read more about WHEN ALL MY DREAMS COME TRUE.

-Click here to read an excerpt from WHEN ALL MY DREAMS COME TRUE.

-Click here to read Janelle Mowery's bio.

Study Guides

THE SEARCH: Lancaster County Secrets, Book 3 by Suzanne Woods Fisher (Romance)
As a child caught up in a crisis, Lainey O'Toole made a split-second decision with far-reaching effects. Fifteen years later, when her car breaks down in Stoney Ridge --- the very town in which that decision was made --- she is forced to face the past and discover how her decision has impacted so many. Bess Reihl is less than thrilled to be spending the summer at Rose Hill Farm helping her intimidating grandmother Bertha recover from surgery. It doesn't take long for Bess to realize that her grandmother coaxed her to Stoney Ridge for an entirely different reason. But once Bess meets hired hand Billy Lapp, the summer starts to hold some promise. Lainey's and Bess's worlds are about to collide, and the secrets that come to light will shock them both.

-Click here to read the study guide for THE SEARCH.

-Click here to read more about THE SEARCH.

-Click here to read Suzanne Woods Fisher's bio.

FATAL JUDGMENT: Guardians of Justice, Book 1 by Irene Hannon (Romantic Suspense)
U.S. Marshal Jake Taylor has seen plenty of action during his years in law enforcement. But he'd rather go back to Iraq than face his next assignment: protection detail for federal judge Liz Michaels. His feelings toward Liz haven't warmed in the five years since she lost her husband --- and Jake's best friend --- to possible suicide. How can Jake be expected to care for the coldhearted workaholic who drove his friend to despair?

-Click here to read the study guide for FATAL JUDGMENT.

-Click here to read more about FATAL JUDGMENT.

-Click here to read Irene Hannon's bio.

ANGEL SISTER by Ann H. Gabhart (Historical Fiction)
It is 1936, and Kate Merritt, the middle child of Victor and Nadine, works hard to keep her family together. Her father slowly slips into alcoholism and his business suffers during the Great Depression. As her mother tries to come to grips with their situation and her sisters seem to remain blissfully oblivious to it, it is Kate who must shoulder the emotional load. Who could imagine that a dirty, abandoned little girl named Lorena Birdsong would be just what the Merritts need?

-Click here to read the study guide for ANGEL SISTER.

-Click here to read more about ANGEL SISTER.

-Click here to read Ann H. Gabhart's bio.

STARS COLLIDE: Backstage Pass, Book 1 by Janice Thompson (Romance)
Kat Jennings and Scott Murphy don't just play two people who are secretly in love on a television sitcom --- they are also head over heels for each other in real life. When the lines between reality and TV land blur, they hope they can keep their relationship under wraps. But when Kat's grandmother, an aging Hollywood starlet with a penchant for wearing elaborate evening gowns from Golden Age movies, mistakes their on-screen wedding proposal for the real deal, things begin to spiral out of their control. Will their secret be front-page news in the tabloids tomorrow? And can their budding romance survive the onslaught of paparazzi, wedding preparations, and misinformed in-laws?

-Click here to read the study guide for STARS COLLIDE.

-Click here to read more about STARS COLLIDE.

-Click here to read a review of STARS COLLIDE.

-Click here to read an excerpt from STARS COLLIDE.

-Click here to read Janice Thompson's bio.

LADY IN THE MIST: The Midwives, Book 1 by Laurie Alice Eakes (Historical Romance)
By virtue of her profession as a midwife, Tabitha Eckles is the keeper of many secrets: the names of fathers of illegitimate children, the level of love and harmony within many a marriage, and now the identity of a man who may have caused his wife's death. Dominick Cherrett is a man with his own secret to keep: namely, what he, a British nobleman, is doing on American soil working as a bondsman in the home of Mayor Kendall, a Southern gentleman with his eye on a higher office. By chance one morning before the dawn has broken, Tabitha and Dominick cross paths on a misty beachhead, leading them on a twisted path through kidnappings, death threats, public disgrace, and…love?

-Click here to read the study guide for LADY IN THE MIST.

-Click here to read more about LADY IN THE MIST.

-Click here to read an excerpt from LADY IN THE MIST.

-Click here to read Laurie Alice Eakes's bio.

A SEASON OF MIRACLES by Rusty Whitener (Fiction)
Looking back on the 1971 Little League season, Zack Ross relives the summer that changed his life…

Gunning for the championship is all that matters until 12-year-old Zack meets Rafer, a boy whose differences make him an outcast but whose abilities on the baseball field make him the key to victory. Admired for his contribution to the team, Rafer turns everyone’s expectations upside down, bestowing a gift to Zack and his teammates that forces them to think --- is there more to life than winning or losing? And what is this thing called grace?

-Click here to read the study guide for A SEASON OF MIRACLES.

-Click here to read more about A SEASON OF MIRACLES.

-Click here to read an excerpt from A SEASON OF MIRACLES.

-Click here to read Rusty Whitener's bio.

Features

POSSESSION by Rene Gutteridge (Suspense)
In the aftermath of investigating the D.C. sniper case, police detective Vance Graegan is burned out on life and love. Hoping to save his marriage, he quits the force and moves his wife and son to the other side of the country. But when the movers decide to hold his belongings for ransom, Vance is determined to ensure that his family’s new beginning is not ruined. Soon, though, losing his possessions becomes the least of his problems as everything they are fighting for begins to unravel in the hands of Vance’s past.

-Click here to read more about POSSESSION.

-Click here to read a review of POSSESSION.

-Click here to read an excerpt from POSSESSION.

-Click here to read Rene Gutteridge's bio.

THE RHYTHM OF SECRETS by Patti Lacy (Historical Fiction)
Sheila Franklin has masqueraded as the precocious daughter of avant-garde parents in colorful 1940s New Orleans, a teen desperate for love and acceptance, and an unwed mother sent North with her shame. After marrying Edward, Sheila artfully masks her secrets, allowing Edward to gain prominence as a conservative pastor. When one phone call from a disillusioned Vietnam veteran destroys her cover, Sheila faces an impossible choice: save her son and his beloved…or imperil Edward’s ambitions.

-Click here to read more about THE RHYTHM OF SECRETS.

-Click here to read an excerpt from THE RHYTHM OF SECRETS.

-Click here to read Patti Lacy's bio.

Click here to read the full newsletter.

December 2010

noreply@blogger.com (Elizabeth Bruce) — Tue, 21 Dec 2010 13:38:00 +0000

The following reviews, interviews and features are running on FaithfulReader.com for the month of December.

Faithful Fiction

IN THE COMPANY OF OTHERS: A Father Tim Novel, by Jan Karon (Fiction)
Retired Episcopalian clergyman Father Tim Kavanaugh and his wife Cynthia are visiting Ireland for what is intended to be a restful vacation at a quaint fishing lodge. Unfortunately, Cynthia injures her ankle when a stranger jumps out of an armoire and startles her, and a treasured family painting is stolen. All the while, the inn's owners and assorted family members have plenty of deep, dark secrets. Reviewed by Carole Turner.

LOVE, CHARLESTON by Beth Webb Hart(Fiction)
St. Michael’s bell ringer Anne Brumley’s dreams of love are beginning to fade. Widower Roy Summerall --- a reverend with a red neck and a simple faith --- is suddenly called to the church. And Anne’s sister and cousin struggle with their marriages. Family, friendship and faith converge, as God's love transforms the city of Charleston. Reviewed by Michele Howe.

DINING WITH JOY: A Lowcountry Novel, by Rachel Hauck (Romance)
Joy Ballard may be the first television cooking-show host who doesn’t know how to cook. When talented and handsome chef Luke Redmond becomes her co-host, sparks fly in and out of the kitchen. But Joy refuses to open her heart, afraid that her secret will scare Luke away. Will Joy risk getting burned in order to learn the recipe for love? Reviewed by Lynda Schab.

SNOW DAY by Billy Coffey (Fiction)
Peter is a simple man who lives by a simple truth: A person gains strength by leaning on his constants. And his are the factory where he works, the family he loves and the God who sustains him. But when news of job cuts comes against the backdrop of an unexpected snowstorm, his life suddenly has far more doubts than certainties. Reviewed by Susan Miura.

THE CAMERA NEVER LIES: Hometown Mysteries, by Elizabeth Goddard (Mystery)
When Polly Perkins agrees to photograph her friend’s wedding, she doesn’t expect to stumble onto a murder. As she tries her hand at amateur sleuthing and puts together the pieces of the puzzle, one thing becomes clear: the camera never lies.Reviewed by Lynda Schab.

Christian Living

THE CONFIDENT WOMAN DEVOTIONAL: 365 Daily Inspirations by Joyce Meyer (Devotional)
Confidence may be something many women struggle with, but it doesn’t have to be. Bestselling author and Bible teacher Joyce Meyer offers 365 practical devotions on rising above the insecurities that weigh them down and help them to become the confident women God intends. Reviewed by Lynda Schab.

ALL THAT JESUS ASKS: How His Questions Can Teach and Transform Us, by Stan Guthrie (Christian Living)
Looking at nearly 300 questions asked by Jesus in the New Testament, award-winning journalist Stan Guthrie uncovers who Jesus is by examining what was important to Him and what He wants us to believe. This unique and comprehensive look at Jesus can encourage faith and challenge the faithful. Reviewed by Evelyn Bence.

POWER TO REINVENT YOURSELF: How to Break the Destructive Patterns in Your Life, by Jason Frenn (Christian Living)
Evangelist Jason Frenn details five steps to access Christ and break the destructive patterns that afflict generation after generation. In this book, readers experience the story of the author and his family, and how he was rescued from destruction. There is a power that can set you free --- and change your future. Reviewed by Michele Howe.

Marriage and Family Life

GOD LOVES SINGLE MOMS: Practical Help for Finding Confidence, Strength, and Hope by Teresa Whitehurst (Parenting)
Written by a psychologist who has successfully navigated single motherhood herself, this book helps single moms believe they deserve the best life has to offer. Packed with practical tips and smart strategies, it shows single moms that God loves them and wants to guide them every step of the way. While they may get weary, they need never feel alone. Reviewed by Michele Howe.

Special Features

Holiday Books

In anticipation of Christmas, we at FaithfulReader.com have assembled a number of inspirational titles that are sure to remind you of “the reason for the season.” In this roundup, you’ll find heartwarming and original tales of both fiction and nonfiction. There are snow-day revelations, Yuletide mysteries and romances, daily devotionals for Advent preparation, and guides to holiday hymns. Whether you share these books with your loved ones or use them for your own spiritual nourishment, we hope they will warm your heart and renew your spirit as you get ready to celebrate the birth of our Savior.

-Click here to read our 2010 Christmas roundup.

Features

SARAH’S CHOICE: Brides of Lehigh Canal, Book 3 by Wanda E. Brunstetter (Historical Romance)
Slip into romance in this eagerly anticipated book three of bestselling author Wanda E. Brunstetter’s Brides of Lehigh Canal series. Widowed Sarah Turner has her hands full, raising three young children, tending the lock on the canal, baking bread, and washing clothes for boatmen. Although she’s not looking for love, she’s vowed not to lose her heart to a boatman. Yet she didn’t count on meeting Captain Elias Brooks. Will she follow her heart where it leads or accept the proposal of a handsome land-loving blacksmith?

-Click here to read more about SARAH'S CHOICE.

-Click here to read an excerpt from SARAH'S CHOICE.

-Click here to read Wanda E. Brunstetter's bio.

SIMPLE DECEIT: A Mennonite Community's Way of Life Is Threatened by Outsiders: The Harmony Series, Book 2 by Nancy Mehl (Mystery/Romance)

In the sequel to SIMPLE SECRETS, watch how a raging current of deceit runs through the once peaceful Mennonite community of Harmony, Kansas. As soon as Gracie decides to stay in town and take freelance work involving a local land developer, the townspeople blame her for bringing on this change that could ruin life as they know it. Gracie’s motives in romance with Sam, in helping an oppressed teenager, and in trying to make a living are all suddenly drawing suspicion. Should she leave or stay and fight for what she has come to love?

-Click here to read more about SIMPLE DECEIT.

-Click here to read an excerpt from SIMPLE DECEIT.

-Click here to read Nancy Mehl's bio.

The Interviews of 2010
As 2010 comes to a close, we invite you to take a look at the author interviews that were featured throughout the year on FaithfulReader.com. This is a great way to catch up on the discussions you may have missed --- and to re-read what some of your favorite authors had to say about their books.

-Click here to see our roundup of 2010 interviews.

Click here to read the full newsletter.