Savoring Written Words

Free ebook: "Redeemed Hearts" by Cathy Marie Hake

2016-03-04T20:33:00.004-08:00

Free for download on Amazon.com today. Here's the link:

http://amzn.to/1oX4cku

Free romance ebook: "A Light Among Shadows" by Tamela Hancock Murray

2016-03-04T20:29:00.002-08:00

Free for download on Amazon.com today. Here's the link:

http://amzn.to/1UGHb1D

Book Review: A Sound Among the Trees

2013-01-02T22:37:00.002-08:00

Publisher: Waterbrook Press (October 4, 2011)

After years of looking for the perfect match, an online dating service links Marielle to widowed Carson Bishop and they are soon wed. When she moves across the country to live with Carson, his two children, and Adelaide, the grandmother to his former wife, she agrees to reside with them in the family's historical mansion in Virginia known as "Holly Oak". There she is greeted by Adelaide's fears that the house itself is seeking atonement for the tragic past it's been subjected to, while others share rumors that the ghost of Susannah Page, Adelaide's great-grandmother who was believed by some to be a Civil War spy, are wandering it's halls. Marielle refuses to ignore these strange ideas as Carson encourages her to do, and sets to discover the truth of what exactly happened within the halls of Holly Oak, to forge out a new future for her family.

Meissner writes with beautiful prose, vivid descriptions, words that invoke your emotions. A Sound Among the Trees is a unique story, a blend of contemporary and historical with a hint of the supernatural that makes up an engaging read. The characters are well fleshed out, from Marielle and Carson, to Adelaide and her daughter Caroline, to the young Susannah who lived during the Civil War. I enjoyed the spiritual aspects of the novel, the question of whether ghosts are real, whether they haunt the house or not, or whether they are the product of one's fears.

The book does a tremendous job of illustrating Jesus' words that "the truth will set you free" (John 8:32). How often do we become trapped in our own understanding of a situation, are held captive by our fears of what we hold to be true? I loved the fact that it was Caroline, the formally estranged mentally ill daughter, who swept into the house and illuminated the truth, a truth that helped set the family free and led to a truly satisfying conclusion.

I give this book a solid recommendation of 4.5 out of 5 stars, and believe that readers who have enjoyed Meissner's previous novels will find their time well spent in reading this one.

Book review: The Prophet by Michael Koryta

2012-12-29T22:43:00.000-08:00

about the book....

Adam Austin hasn't spoken to his brother in years. When they were teenagers, their sister was abducted and murdered, and their devastated family never recovered. Now Adam keeps to himself, scraping by as a bail bondsman, working so close to the town's criminal fringes that he sometimes seems a part of them.
Kent Austin is the beloved coach of the local high school football team, a religious man and hero in the community. After years of near misses, Kent's team has a shot at the state championship, a welcome point of pride in a town that has had its share of hardships.

Just before playoffs begin, the town and the team are thrown into shock when horrifically, impossibly, another teenage girl is found murdered. As details emerge that connect the crime to the Austin brothers, the two must confront their buried rage and grief-and unite to stop a killer.

Michael Koryta, widely hailed as one of the most exciting young thriller authors at work today, has written his greatest novel ever-an emotionally harrowing, unstoppably suspenseful novel that Donald Ray Pollock has called "one of the sharpest and superbly plotted crime novels I've read in my life."

my review...

The Prophet grabbed me from the first page with its break-neck pace and well-plotted suspense, and held me captive until the last page. Rarely do I experience those moments near the end of a story where the identity of the murderer is revealed and my jaw literally drops in shock as I think "no way!". But that is precisely what happened with The Prophet, a book that will not only entertain you, but will also leave you thinking about faith and forgiveness, loyalty and family. Koryta takes breathers in the story, moments where he draws you deeper into the character's lives until you can’t keep them off your mind. Brothers Adam and Kent are superbly developed characters, utterly human, prone to make mistakes as they are faced with ethical dilemmas like any of us, and desperate to experience those moments of forgiveness and acceptance that we all long for. Kent especially is a character whose inner thoughts contain gems that I take away from the story, such as when he contemplates, "How much better would the world be if everyone operated under the lights and before the crowd, if they were not granted moments alone in the dark?" The story goes on to explore exactly what happens when both Kent and Adam retreat from that light and are faced with moments of darkness, and let me tell you that it is quite a ride!

A brilliant mix of superbly crafted suspense and profound moments hidden within the story, The Prophet wins a high recommendation from me. 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Book has been provided courtesy of the publisher, Hachette Book Group (Little, Brown & Company), for the purposes of this unbiased review.

about the author...

Michael Koryta (pronounced koreeta) has written nine novels, praised by such authors as Stephen King, Dean Koontz, Michael Connelly and Dennis Lehane, and The Prophet was called "Friday Night Lights meets In Cold Blood...a flawless performance" by Kirkus. His last three novels, The Ridge, The Cypress House, and So Cold The River were all New York Times notable books and nominated for several national and international awards. In addition to winning the Los Angeles Times Book Prize, his novel Envy the Night was selected as a Reader's Digest condensed book. Koryta's work has been translated into more than twenty languages. A former private investigator and newspaper reporter, Koryta graduated from Indiana University with a degree in criminal justice. He currently lives in St. Petersburg, Florida, and Bloomington, Indiana.

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Book review: Queen by Steven James

2012-12-21T22:41:00.000-08:00

Publisher: Revell
Publication date: September 1, 2011

Book Synopsis as provided by the publisher:

While investigating a mysterious double homicide in an isolated northern Wisconsin town, FBI Special Agent Patrick Bowers uncovers a high-tech conspiracy that ties together long-buried Cold War secrets with present-day tensions in the Middle East.

MY REVIEW

The Queen captured me from the first sentence and held me victim until the last page. I literally found myself thinking several times, this book is unbelievably good. James is a master of suspense, and the Patrick Bowers thrillers are some of the best in the genre. The scenes are skillfully written and crackle with tension, and the character of Patrick Bowers is masterfully rendered, with the author probing further into Bowers' personal history in this novel than he has done in previous ones. I love reading about Bowers relationship with his stepdaughter, Tessa, as it is so unique and different than many father-daughter relationships that are often portrayed. Tessa herself is quirky and yet endearing at the same time. And, as in his earlier novels, the author has succeeded at creating fascinating villains, especially in the character of Alexei Chekov, who is brutal and violent and yet an enigma of empathy at the same time. The book concludes with a twist that readers likely won't see coming.

James has a special ability to keep the pages turning at a frantic pace and the rest of my life suffers when one of his books is released, as they are just so difficult to put down! I highly recommend this book, and give it 5 out of 5 stars.

**A word of caution is in order: the books in these series are full of gruesome detail that will definitely turn some readers off. Fans of books or television shows that involve FBI agents and who can handle dead bodies and the portrayal of serial killers will not be impacted, but those expecting a gentle romance should steer clear.

Book Review: "An Unlikely Suitor" by Nancy Moser

2012-12-11T22:39:00.000-08:00

Publisher: Bethany House
Publication Date: May 1, 2011

Synopsis of book as provided by the publisher:

New York dressmaker Lucy Scarpelli befriends socialite Rowena Langdon as she's designing her 1895 summer wardrobe. Grateful for Lucy's skill in creating fashions that hide her physical injury, Rowena invites Lucy to the family mansion in Newport, Rhode Island, encouraging the unusual friendship.

One day Lucy encounters an intriguing man on the Cliff Walk, and love begins to blossom. Yet Lucy resists, for what Newport man would want to marry an Italian dressmaker working to support her family?

Rowena faces an arranged marriage to a wealthy heir she doesn't love, but dare a crippled girl hope for anything better?

And Lucy's teenage sister, Sofia, falls for a man well above her social class--but is he willing to give up everything to marry a woman below his station?

As the lives of three young woman--and their unlikely suitors--become entangled in a web of secrets and sacrifice, will the season end with any of them finding true happiness?

MY REVIEW

Nancy Moser has penned a truly enjoyable read, a tale rich with unconventional characters trying to make their way in a society with clear dividing lines between the haves and have-nots. In Lucy Scarpelli, Moser has created a character that will inspire women of all ages as she refuses to let circumstances define her future and instead lives with courage and determination. She is rendered in sharp contrast to high-born Rowena, who seems destined to follow the path others have set for her, but who manages to grow throughout the story in a way that contributes to a satisfying conclusion. The characters were beautifully developed and their unique stories skillfully woven together.

Moser writes with beautiful prose, and yet the amount of detail was just right as the book flew by and was difficult to put down, with some unexpected surprises. I have to admit that I never grow tired of reading historical novels of people born to poverty who, through their determination and God's grace, manage to rise above their humble beginnings. And, though I would not seek out a purely romantic novel, I enjoyed watching these characters find love in unexpected places and in spite of social mores that forbade that love. I do wonder if, in reality, love really would have conquered all, including greed or the promise of financial security, as is portrayed in this novel. But I am a sucker for a happy ending, so I chose to put aside such cynical thoughts and just enjoy the story that Moser so expertly tells!

I highly recommend this novel for those who enjoy historical fiction. I always look forward to reading a book by Nancy Moser, and this one is absolutely another winner. 4.5 out of 5 stars.

2 free ebooks: Things Left Unspoken & Asking for Trouble

2012-12-01T19:55:00.002-08:00

Free for download today are two fiction ebooks from Barnes & Noble & Amazon.com:

My review of "Placebo" by Steven James

2012-11-30T20:03:00.000-08:00

about the book...

While covertly investigating a controversial neurological research program, exposé filmmaker Jevin Banks is drawn into a far-reaching conspiracy involving one of the world's largest pharmaceutical firms. After giving up his career as an escape artist and illusionist in the wake of his wife and sons' tragic death, Jevin is seeking not only answers about the questionable mind-to-mind communication program, but also answers to why his family suffered as they did.

Rooted in ground-breaking science and inspired by actual research, Placebo explores the far reaches of science, consciousness, and faith. Readers will love this taut, intelligent, and emotionally gripping new thriller from master storyteller Steven James.

my review....

Steven James has earned a place on my list of "totally awesome authors", and Placebo is another winner! Just when I was wondering how on earth he could come up with a character as appealing and heroic as Patrick Bowers from the Bowers Files series, along comes Jevin Banks, a former magician/illusionist turned exposé filmmaker, and someone who just happens to be trained in martial arts as well. The opening scenes of the book immediately cause you to empathize with Jevin, and things only get more compelling and intense from there as you watch him in action, encountering far more than he bargained for in his latest investigation. I always appreciate when authors can come up with a conceivable plot that allows character to legitimately be in the midst of crime, and Jevin is a man of many talents who is is just real enough to seem believable in his role. The potential love interest in the book is well-handled with a light touch, and I must say that the characters portrayed as psychopaths are truly chilling to encounter!

I enjoyed this story from start to finish, both loving the characters and being mesmerized by the intricate and fascinating plot. Elements of faith are cleverly woven into the story without coming across as being preachy, and as such the book is sure to appeal to a large variety of audience. If you are looking for a top-notch, suspenseful read, then Placebo is what you've been waiting for. 5 out of 5 stars.

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

about the author...

Critically acclaimed author Steven James has written more than thirty books, including Story, A Heart Exposed, and the bestselling Patrick Bowers thriller series. He is considered one of the nation's most innovative storytellers and versatile authors, and is a contributing editor to Writer's Digest. Steven lives in Tennessee with his wife and three daughters.

Buy the Book

Free ebook "Angels, Miracles and Heavenly Encounters"

2012-11-29T20:00:00.000-08:00

Free for today is a download from Bethany House publishers

From Barnes & Noble:

From Amazon.com:

An awesome book! My review of "Fire of the Raging Dragon"

2012-11-19T19:58:00.000-08:00

about the book...

In the very near future, China, now the world's largest industrial producer and consumer of Mideast Oil, passes a law that all new cars manufactured in that nation will be operated on natural gas. Beneath the floor of the South China Sea, around the contested Spratly Islands, billions of gallons of natural gas wait to be mined. But at the center of the Spratlys, the remote but strategic island of Itu Aba is occupied by China's historic enemy, Taiwan.

When the new, power-hungry Chinese President, Tang Qhichen, orders Chinese Naval forces to attack Taiwanese forces on Itu Aba, U.S. President Douglas Surber responds, ordering the U.S. Seventh Fleet to try and quell a burgeoning naval showdown between the two Chinas.

Aboard the submarine tender U.S.S. Emory S. Land, one of the first ships in the naval war zone, is Ensign Stephanie Surber, a recent Naval Academy graduate who is also the First Daughter of the United States. As the Emory S. Land steams into harm's way, Ensign Surber's life is gravely threatened. The President must make a decision. Will he take a stand against evil? Or will he save the life of his daughter?

my review....

"Fire of the Raging Dragon" is a riveting, absorbing read, one that had me clutching the pages tightly as the plot unfolded at a breakneck pace. The plot seems all too real - what if the uneasy stalemate between the 2 Chinas truly was to explode and catch America in the fall-out? What if China was to exercise it's economic might and power over the trillions of dollars of American debt it holds? I enjoyed this second installment in the Pacific Rim Series even more than the first, finding it to be a book that is tightly plotted and filled with suspense. The story line of Stephanie, the US President's daughter, was intense indeed, and I could barely contain my urge to skip to the end of the book to see how things would resolve!

In short, Don Brown's books simply keeping getting better and better. With the exception of an overuse of exclamation marks throughout some scenes of the book, this book is well-written and seems well-researched and realistic. Fire of the Raging Dragon is sure to please fans like myself, who eagerly anticipate Brown's latest release, and equally sure to earn new fans as well. I highly recommend this book and award it 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Book has been provided courtesy of the publisher, Zondervan, for the purposes of this unbiased review.

about the author...

Don Brown is the author of Malacca Conspiracy, The Navy Justice Series and Black Sea Affair, a submarine thriller that predicted the 2008 shooting war between Russia and Georgia. Don served five years in the U.S. Navy as an officer in the Judge Advocate General's (JAG) Corps, which gave him an exceptional vantage point into both the Navy and the inner workings of 'inside-the-beltway' as an action officer assigned to the pentagon. He left active duty in 1992 to pursue private practice, but remained on inactive status through 1999, rising to the rank of Lieutenant Commander. He and his family live in North Carolina, where he pursues his passion for penning novels about the Navy.

Find more information about "Fire of the Raging Dragon" at Zondervan's product description page:

http://zondervan.com/9780310330158

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My review of "The Christmas Pony"

2012-11-15T19:57:00.000-08:00

about the book...

With Christmas around the corner, the Turnbull family is in need of a few small miracles.

It is 1937, and Lucy Turnbull knows better than to wish for a pony this Christmas. Her mother has assured her in no uncertain terms that asking for a pony is the same as asking for the moon. Besides, the only extra mouths they need at their boarding house are the paying kind. Then an interesting pair of strangers comes to town, and Lucy's world changes forever.

my review....

I absolutely love stories written from the perspective of a child, and 8-yr-old Lucy Turnbull is as precious as they come! "The Christmas Pony" is chock-full of charm, and viewing life through Lucy's eyes reveals a heart-warming story of faith and hope and love. Within pages of beginning the story, I was swept up into her innocence and naivety as she encounters 2 strangers who arrive into town, strangers who she soon convinces to move into her mother's boardinghouse. As she discovers more and more about the newcomers, she also discovers more about herself and her family, and she realizes that though she wishes more than anything for a pony, what she most wishes for is her mother to smile again.

Melody Carlson absolutely lives up to her award-winning reputation with her latest Christmas offering, with wonderful characterization and a story that pleases in every way. Though the story may seem somewhat predictable, predictable is just what's needed when you are getting ready for Christmas and for the warm feelings that you hope will arrive along with your favorite songs and snowy weather. I put down the book feeling like I was ready for the Christmas season to arrive!

I highly recommend this story for anyone looking for a cozy book to keep them company this season. 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

about the author...

Melody Carlson is the award-winning author of over two hundred books with sales of more than five million. She is the author of several Christmas books from Revell, including the bestselling The Christmas Bus, The Christmas Dog, and Christmas at Harrington's, which is being considered for a TV movie. She is also the author of many teen books, including Just Another Girl, Anything but Normal, Double Take, and the Diary of a Teenage Girl series. She is the winner of a Romantic Times Career Achievement Award in the inspirational market for her many books, including the Diary of a Teenage Girl series and Finding Alice. Melody and her husband live in Oregon.

For more information about Melody visit her website at www.melodycarlson.com.

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My review of "The Sanctuary" by Ted Dekker

2012-10-29T19:59:00.000-07:00

about the book...

THE SANCTUARY is the gripping story of vigilante priest, Danny Hansen, who is now serving a fifty year prison term in California for the murder of two abusive men. Filled with remorse, Danny is determined to live out his days by a code of non-violence and maneuvers deftly within a ruthless prison system.

But when Renee Gilmore, the woman he loves, receives a box containing a bloody finger and draconian demands from a mysterious enemy on the outside, Danny must find a way to escape.

They are both drawn into a terrifying game of life and death. If Renee fails, the priest will die; if Danny fails, Renee will die. And the body count will not stop at two.

my review...

Ted Dekker is at the top of his game with "The Sanctuary", delivering a masterfully written read that unfolds at a breakneck pace. I was immediately drawn back into the world of Danny and Renee, the characters first introduced in "The Priest's Graveyard", and Dekker cleverly interchanges between the points of view of Danny and Renee, while hurtling the reader towards the exciting conclusion. As with the prior book involving these characters, I am again blown away by Dekker's ability to take two characters who I should feel only disgust for due to their horrific deeds, and yet instead I find myself sympathetic to their plight and absolutely rooting for them. Danny utterly intrigues me as a character, a former priest who killed those whose crimes were escaping notice of the justice system, and someone who has now taken a vow of non-violence. The way that he is tested in this book is simply fascinating, and I should note that some of the scenes involving him are totally gruesome (especially regarding how he's tested) and will turn off some readers. But for those readers who don't have as sensitive of stomachs, this book should be at the top of their "must read list". It is completely entertaining, while leaving you thinking about human nature, about whether our justice system actually rehabilitates criminals, about our flaws as human beings and how we all have the capacity to be driven to act in ways we hope we never will. This book makes me thankful for God's grace, as we try to navigate an evil world and how to respond to it.

This is truly one of my favourite books from Ted Dekker thus far, and I give it my highest recommendation and 5 out of 5 stars.

Book has been provided courtesy of the publisher, Hachette Book Group/Center Street, for the purposes of this unbiased review.

about the author....

TED DEKKER is a New York Times bestselling thriller author. Heralded as a "master of suspense" by Library Journal, Dekker has sold millions worldwide, establishing himself as one of the most widely recognized author brands. He began his career writing fantasy novels that explored spirituality (Black, Red and White) and has since become a major force in the mainstream fiction arena with his recent thrillers, "Adam," "Thr3e," "Skin," "Obsessed," "BoneMan's Daughters," which landed in the #10 on the New York Times hardcover bestseller list in 2009, and "The Bride Collector". Dekker has been honored with a Christy Award as well as a Gold Medallion Award for Best Fiction. "Thr3e" and his novel "House" became feature films.

Ted Dekker's fans are comprised of readers of all ages, backgrounds, and belief systems who love his compulsively readable stories, authentic characters, and universal and relatable themes that he explores from a unique point of view. He resides in Austin, Texas with his wife and children. You can find him at Teddekker.com and Facebook.com/teddekker.

My book review of Heaven is for Real by Todd Burpo with Lynn Vincent

2011-10-11T14:17:00.000-07:00

Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Publication Date: November 1, 2011 (deluxe edition).

Approximately 8 years ago, little Colton Burpo had an incredible experience where, during emergency surgery for a burst appendix, he journeyed to heaven. He recovered from the surgery, and upon waking started sharing clear details about what occurred. Heaven is for Real documents this true story of what occurred, as told by his father Todd, but also including Colton’s own words of what he saw, everything from seeing the horse Jesus rode to the people that he met while in Heaven.

Heaven is for Real is well-written, conveying an almost unbelievable story that some may be sceptical to trust. I encourage people to put aside their scepticism until the end and simply soak in the truths that are conveyed by this book, about God’s love for his children and the awesome place that God is preparing for us. I did not read anything that disagreed with what the Bible speaks of about heaven, although there are some details that we will just have to wait to find out if they are true or not, such as whether we will have wings or not! Todd writes with a refreshing honesty about his struggles and his reactions to the circumstances that he experienced, and readers are sure to relate to his story while being intrigued by Colton’s words.

The message of this book is one of hope and comfort, and it would be difficult to read this book and not come away inspired and excited to be in Heaven. So many people have the wrong view of heaven, as if it is a place where we will sit around bored playing our harps. People with this view should definitely consider reading this book to stretch their minds and their imaginations and their faith to consider all that God has in store for them. The deluxe edition contains all the great material as the original book, but adds to that a 16-page color photo section and a “Reflecting on Heaven” guide.

I highly recommend this book, as it has the potential to change the lives of those who read it, and give it 5 out of 5 stars.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. 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.

My review of Thank you God for loving me

2011-10-04T15:24:00.000-07:00

Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Publicaton Date: October 4, 2011

Hermie and Wormie are two caterpillars who have been the focus of many children's books and dvd's written by Max Lucado. They are now pictured in a board book, Thank you, God, for loving me, where Little Hermie talks to God about all the different ways that God loves him, such as the fact God takes care of him every day, is with him when he's afraid, and helps guide him to know what it is right and wrong.

My children enjoyed looking at the pictures in this book, and they have long been fans of Hermie, though this is the first time they've been read a book in this series about "Little Hermie". The book contains God's truth about His amazing love for us, a truth that is a foundation that any child needs to learn. The pictures are bright and interesting, and the rhyme that is used is catchy. I have no doubt I’ll be reading this book numerous times in the future!

Parents who are looking for board books for their toddlers should be sure to add this book to their list, as should grandparents or aunts or uncles who are looking for the perfect gift for the little one in their life. Even through reading this book to someone else, we as adults are sure to be reminded of the wonder of God’s love and of his promises. I give this book 5 out of 5 stars and give it a high recommendation.

Book has been provided courtesy of the publisher, Thomas Nelson, through their booksneeze program, for the purposes of this review.

11 MORE FREE christian fiction ebooks!

2011-10-01T21:15:00.000-07:00

Check out the following ebooks newly made free for your Kindle, Nook, Kobo, Sony ereader, etc.:

or NOOKBOOK or EPUB from Christianbook.com
or NOOKBOOK or EPUB from Christianbook.com
or NOOKBOOK or EPUB from Christianbook.com
or NOOKBOOK or EPUB from Christianbook.com
or NOOKBOOK or EPUB from Christianbook.com

Christianbook.com also has several more ebooks made free today (and some are free as Nook books and Kindle ebooks as well). They are:

Not yet available as NOOKBOOK or Kindle
Hero's Ransom - eBook

Diane Munson, David Munson

Micah House Media / 2010 / ePub

Nookbook Kindle

Maid to Match - eBook

Deeanne Gist

Bethany House / 2010 / ePub

Only free on Christianbook.com as of today.

Imaginary Jesus - eBook

Matt Mikalatos, George Barna

BarnaBooks / 2010 / ePub

Only free on Christianbook.com as of today (and Amazon tomorrow).

The Brotherhood - eBook

Jerry B. Jenkins

Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. / 2011 / ePub

Nookbook Kindle

When All My Dreams Come True - eBook

Janelle Mowery

Harvest House Publishers / 2011 / ePub

Only free on Christianbook.com as of today (and Amazon tomorrow).

Prairie Rose - eBook

Catherine Palmer

Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. / 2009 / ePub

Book Review: Forbidden by Ted Dekker & Tosca Lee

2011-09-29T20:20:00.000-07:00

Publisher: Center Street

Publication Date: September 13, 2011

Book Synopsis as provided by the publisher:

New York Times bestselling author Ted Dekker teams with Tosca Lee to create this gripping thriller set in a desolate future.

Many years have passed since civilization's brush with apocalypse. The world's greatest threats have all been silenced. There is no anger, no hatred, no war. There is only perfect peace... and fear. But a terrible secret has been closely guarded for centuries: Every single soul walking the earth, though in appearance totally normal, is actually dead, long ago genetically stripped of true humanity.

Fleeing pursuit, with only moments to live, a young man named Rom stumbles into possession of a vial of blood and a piece of cryptic writing. When consumed, the blood will bring him back to life. When decoded, the message will lead him on a perilous journey that will require him to abandon everything he has ever known and awaken humanity to the transforming power of true life and love.

But the blood will also resurrect hatred, ambition, and greed.

Set in a terrifying, medieval future, where grim pageantry masks death, this tale of dark desires and staggering stakes peels back the layers of the heart for all who dare to take the ride.

My Review:

What a FANTASTIC read! I was swept up by the story from the very first sentence as I considered this scary world where all emotions except fear have been stripped away. I cannot imagine what that would be like - the inability to love or feel empathy or sorrow or any of these emotions that God has given us. Each of the characters was well-portrayed and Rom was both likable and needed a smack upside the head at the same time for some of the choices that he made. My pulse was literally racing as I read through the book, and I can barely wait for the second book to continue this powerful story.

I truly loved this book and give it a full 5 out of 5 stars.

3 free christian ebooks from Abingdon Press and Authors Debbie Viguie, Ronie Kendig, and Jennifer Hudson Taylor

2011-09-28T08:00:00.000-07:00

3 more Christian Fiction ebooks have become FREE for a limited time, from publisher Abingdon Press.
Here they are:

For your Amazon Kindle, click on the following links:

Barnes & Noble and Christianbook are also offering these ebooks for free as well if you do a quick search on their websites. If you download the epub from Christianbook.com then you can put it onto your Kobo or Sony Ereaders.

Enjoy!

Free christian non-fiction ebook for Kindle, Nook, and Kobo from author Matt Sorger

2011-09-27T13:37:00.000-07:00

Grab this newly made free ebook entitled "Power for Life", currently available for free from Amazon, Christianbook.com, and Barnes & Noble:

Or for a universal epub go to: Christianbook
Or for a nook book follow this link: Nook Book

Enjoy!

Free non-fiction Christian ebook for Kindle, Nook, and as a universal EPUB for Kobo, Sony

2011-09-26T16:20:00.000-07:00

Today another nonfiction Christian book became free for a temporary time from Publisher NavPress. The book is available on Amazon.com, Barnes&Noble.com, and on Christianbook.com.

Amazon.com

NOOK

If you download the book from Christianbook as an epub, you can put the ebook on your Kobo or Sony or other ereader device.

Happy Monday!

2 free ebooks for your Kindle

2011-09-24T20:19:00.000-07:00

Summerside Press is currently offering 2 ebooks for free on Amazon.com in kindle format. Get them while you can as these offers are always time limited!

Enjoy!

Book Review: The Mountains Bow Down by Sbiella Giorello

2011-09-22T09:21:00.000-07:00

Publisher: Thomas Nelson
2011

Product Description
Everything's going to work out. Time away always makes things better . . .

That's what FBI Special Agent Raleigh Harmon believes as she boards a cruise to Alaska. A land of mountains and gems and minerals, the Last Frontier is a dream destination for this forensic geologist who's hoping to leave behind a hectic work schedule and an engagement drained of romance.

But when a passenger goes missing and winds up dead, Raleigh's vacation suddenly gets lost at sea. The ship's security chief tries to rule the death a suicide, but Raleigh's forensics background points to a much darker conclusion: Somewhere onboard, a ruthless murderer walks free.

Engulfed by one of her toughest cases yet, Raleigh requests assistance from the FBI and receives her nemesis-handsome Special Agent Jack Stephanson. As the cruise ship sails through the Inside Passage, Raleigh has five days to solve a high-profile murder, provide consultation for a movie filming onboard, and figure out her increasingly complicated feelings for Jack-who might not be as arrogant as she originally thought.

And that's only her work life. Family offers even more challenges. Joined on the cruise by her mother and aunt, Raleigh watches helplessly as disturbing rifts splinter her family.

Like the scenery that surrounds the cruise ship, Raleigh discovers a mystery so daunting that even the mountains might bow down before it.

MY REVIEW

There is definitely a reason that Giorello has won a Christy award. Her character of Raleigh is one of the most interesting and enjoyable characters to read about in a long time, and I have enjoyed the entire series so far. In The Mountains Bow Down, the author's descriptions are bang on, her dialogue fast-paced and often humerous, and the plot is solid. I found myself laughing out loud on several occasions, and yet this book also had well-crafted suspense. The author has added a host of supporting cast who were unique and likeable. Jack is definitely a fun addition in this book, and the author unveils a whole new side to his character that wasn't viewed in the previous book he was a part of. Raleigh's relationship with her mom is especially well-done and is heart-breaking to watch unfold as Raleigh has to make difficult choices due to her mom's mental illness. Raleigh's spiritual journey is also deftly handled.

I loved this book from start to finish, and highly recommend it to reader's who enjoy FBI thrillers. 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Sweet! Free Ebooks for Kindle, Kobo, Nook

2011-09-21T21:07:00.000-07:00

I'm always so excited when ebooks become free temporarily!

Check out the following options available on amazon.com, christianbook.com, and barnes&noble.com:

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I myself am always so excited to download some ebooks from Christianbook.com and then save them for reading onto my Kobo. I hope you enjoy these books!

Book Review: Over the Edge by Brandilyn Collins

2011-09-02T08:35:00.000-07:00

B&H Publishing
Publication Date: May 1, 2011

Product Description

Janessa McNeil’s husband, Dr. Brock McNeil, a researcher and professor at Stanford University's Department of Medicine, specializes in tick-borne diseases—especially Lyme. For years he has insisted that Chronic Lyme Disease doesn't exist. Even as patients across the country are getting sicker, the committee Brock chairs is about to announce its latest findings—which will further seal the door shut for Lyme treatment.

One embittered man sets out to prove Dr. McNeil wrong by giving him a close-up view of the very disease he denies. The man infects Janessa with Lyme, then states his demand: convince her husband to publicly reverse his stand on Lyme—or their young daughter will be next.

But Janessa's marriage is already rocky. She's so sick she can hardly move or think. And her husband denies she has Lyme at all.

Welcome to the Lyme wars, Janessa.

MY REVIEW

A fantastic new novel from one of my favorite authors, Over the Edge was simply amazing. This is one of my favourite Brandilyn Collins books so far! The plot raced along, the dialogue was crisp, the writing is stellar. I can't think of a single thing I would want to improve about this book. Most interesting of all was the information about Lyme disease and the emotions the author was able to bring out in Janessa due to the author's own experience of having Lyme disease. As I imagined no one believing there was anything wrong with you, I couldn't help feeling sympathy for the real sufferers of Lyme disease out in the world.

I highly recommend this book and give it 5 out of 5 stars.

Wow! Many free ebooks for kindle, nook, and epubs for the kobo!

2011-09-01T14:11:00.000-07:00

Wow! A whole bookcase full of free ebooks, both fiction and non-fiction, have been released today on Amazon.com, Barnes&Noble, and Christianbook.com. Here's what's available, for a limited time:

My Heart Remembers - eBook

Kim Vogel Sawyer

Bethany House / 2008 / ePub

Always the Baker, Never the Bride - eBook

Sandra D. Bricker

Abingdon Press / 2010 / ePub

Hope Undaunted, A: A Novel - eBook

Julie Lessman

Revell / 2010 / ePub

No Place for a Lady: A Novel - eBook

Maggie Brendan

Revell / 2009 / ePub

Stars Collide: A Novel - eBook

Janice Thompson

Revell / 2011 / ePub

Preacher's Bride, The - eBook

Jody Hedlund

Bethany House / 2010 / ePub

The Choice, Lancaster County Secrets Series #1 - eBook

Suzanne Woods Fisher

Revell / 2010 / ePub

Powerful Prayers for Troubled Times: Praying for the Country We Love - eBook

Stormie Omartian

Harvest House Publishers / 2011 / ePub

The Applause of Heaven - eBook

Max Lucado

Thomas Nelson / 1999 / ePub

Daughter's Inheritance, A - eBook

Tracie Peterson, Judith Miller

Bethany House / 2008 / ePub

I Shall Not Want: Psalm 23 Mysteries Book Two - eBook

Debbie Viguie

Abingdon Press Fiction / 2010 / ePub

Download these while you can for your kindle, nook book, or kobo!

Book Review: Her Daughter's Dream by Francine Rivers

2011-08-12T21:25:00.000-07:00

Publisher: Tyndale House

Product Description

In the dramatic conclusion to the New York Times best seller Her Mother’s Hope, Francine Rivers delivers a rich and deeply moving story about the silent sorrows that can tear a family apart and the grace and forgiveness that can heal even the deepest wounds. Growing up isn’t easy for little Carolyn Arundel. With her mother, Hildemara, quarantined to her room with tuberculosis, Carolyn forms a special bond with her oma Marta, who moves in to care for the household. But as tensions between Hildie and Marta escalate, Carolyn believes she is to blame. When Hildie returns to work and Marta leaves, Carolyn and her brother grow up as latchkey kids in a world gripped by the fear of the Cold War. College offers Carolyn the chance to find herself, but a family tragedy shatters her newfound independence. Rather than return home, she cuts all ties and disappears into the heady counterculture of San Francisco. When she reemerges two years later, more lost than ever, she reluctantly turns to her family to help rebuild a life for her and her own daughter, May Flower Dawn. Just like Carolyn, May Flower Dawn develops a closer bond with her grandmother, Hildie, than with her mother, causing yet another rift between generations. But as Dawn struggles to avoid the mistakes of those who went before her, she vows that somehow she will be a bridge between the women in her family rather than the wall that separates them forever. Spanning from the 1950s to present day, Her Daughter’s Dream is the emotional final chapter of an unforgettable family saga about the sacrifices every mother makes for her daughter—and the very nature of unconditional love.

MY REVIEW

Francine Rivers is one of my favorite authors, writing both historical fiction and contemporary fiction that I find engaging and impossible to put down. Her Daughter's Dream is no exception, and I absolutely loved this book! The characters are realistically portrayed, and the family tensions are ones that we all can relate to, men or women. Who of us doesn't have disagreements with our parents, differences of opinions on how to live life, misunderstandings between us? As with the first story in this series, my emotions were readily engaged, and I even had some tears in my eyes! The story is skillfully written, and brought to life God's truth, his forgiveness, the power of reconciliation.

I highly recommend this book, and give it 4.5 out of 5 stars.