TAMMY'S BOOK PARLOR

The Imagination Station: Attack at the Arena, Book 2

2011-03-28T07:15:00.000-07:00

Book Description: Lions and tigers and boars, oh my!

“Stop the fighting—in the name of Christ—stop!”

Cousins Patrick and Beth are off on their second Imagination Station adventure. Mr. Whittaker’s mysterious invention takes them to ancient Rome, where they must find a special silver cup. Near the city gate, the cousins are separated when Beth is enslaved to the emperor and Patrick meets a wise monk named Telemachus. All three end up in the famous Roman arena. Telemachus wants to share an important message with the emperor. Beth wants to know how to get the cup. And Patrick just wants to escape with his life!

The key to adventure lies within your imagination! What to join Patrick and Beth on their adventures? Visit www.TheImaginationStation.com. You’ll find out more fun facts about Vikings and the animals of Greenland. Plus you’ll get the scoop on the next book, and much more!

Recommended for ages 7 and up.

My Review: Adventures In Odyssey has been one of my family's favorite ways of storytelling for generations! We began listening to the stories on radio, then VHS came out, finally dvds and now these wonderful books.

Mr. Whitaker has a wonderfully safe place in his soda shoppe where children learn about the Bible and those heroes of faith.

Having read book 1, Voyage of the Vikings, we were thrilled to read the next book, Attack at the Arena.

Book 1 was great but, hands down, we all loved book 2! Attack at the Arena places cousins, Beth and Patrick, in the realm of the christian persecution in Rome.

Patrick and Beth begin the trip together but are separated once they enter the city. Patrick heads into town determined to stay alive. He meets a monk who imparts great wisdom.

Beth, on the other hand, becomes a slave in the emperor's home. Beth also has some moments of fear and learns to rely on God. Beth's story is parallel to Patrick's story but yet they both experience a one.of.a.kind adventure.

The excitement, the adventure and our imaginations took Beth and Patrick through an unforgettable trip that increased our faith.

Short, large font books with pencil like pictures are great reads for those kids (and parents!) who enjoy adventure filled trips that are both faith filled and brings biblical history to life!

*This book was provided for review by Tyndale*

Snow Melts In Spring (Seasons of the Tallgrass, Book 1) by Deborah Vogts

2011-03-28T00:01:00.002-07:00

Book Description: Mattie Evans, a young veterinarian in rural Kansas, saves a horse injured in a terrible accident. But she also finds herself tending the wounded relationship between a prodigal son and his ailing father. Love, conflict, forgiveness, and renewal drive the first book of the Seasons of the Tallgrass series.

My Review: Deborah Vogts brings a fresh new look at rural ranch life in Snow Melts In Spring.

The main character, Mattie Evans struggles with insecurity because she is a young veterinarian trying to prove to the locals that she can and will make a go of this career she loves. Mattie also struggles to prove self worth because her parents lost their ranch in an unscrupulous business deal. Mattie's feelings of inadequacy are clearly portrayed and makes her seem so real.

Then one evening Mattie comes upon a horrible accident where a horse has been severely injured. She wants to leave and not get involved but she finds out that the horse belongs to an older man, John McCray, who is one of Mattie's best friends and supporters. She decides she will save his horse!

Gil McCray, John's son, is having some issues of his own as a famous quarterback. Gil is sent home with an injury and meets Mattie. Not really wanting to enter into the "dark recesses" of his memories....Gil has secrets (but has good reasons for not sharing this info).

Mattie wants Gil and his father, John, to reconcile....to let go of the past and forge a bridge of peace.

This is a fresh new author for me. A delightful, fast, fun read! I truly enjoyed reading about Mattie, Gil and John. My love of horses was ignited by Deborah's vast knowledge.

Faith is not just a sideline but part of the "big picture" for these characters. A truly wonderful, well written read!

*This book was provided for review by Zondervan*

Also check out:

About the Author:

Deborah Vogts' debut release, Snow Melts in Spring, is the first in the Seasons of the Tallgrass series by Zondervan. Deborah and her husband live in SE Kansas and have three daughters. She enjoys reading, gardening, cooking and playing the piano. Some of her favorite activities include taking walks with their two golden retrievers, caring for their American Quarter horses and watching old movies. To learn more about Deborah, please visit her Country at Heart blog or her web site at http://www.deborahvogts.com.

Lion of Babylon by Davis Bunn

2011-03-24T00:00:00.000-07:00

Book Description: Marc Royce works for the State Department on special assignments, most of them rather routine, until two CIA operatives go missing in Iraq--kidnapped by Taliban forces bent on generating chaos in the region. Two others also drop out of sight--a high-placed Iraqi civilian and an American woman providing humanitarian aid. Are the disappearances linked? Rumors circulate in a whirl of misinformation. Marc must unravel the truth in a covert operation requiring utmost secrecy--from both the Americans and the insurgents. But even more secret than the undercover operation is the underground dialogue taking place between sworn enemies. Will the ultimate Reconciler between ancient enemies, current foes, and fanatical religious factions be heard?

My Review: Davis Bunn writes an intriguing thriller that could be ripped from today's news headlines.

First, we meet Sameh who is working on a missing child case in Bagdad. Then we meet Marc who hails from the U.S. Marc and Sameh then meet in Bagdad as Marc is called into duty to find a fellow CIA operative.

Two cases intertwined in the closets of the grand underworld. Two very different men with one common goal-free the captives!

Then we meet Leyla a young widow and mother of precocious, Bisan. Leyla drives Marc around Bagdad. "Leyla's driving was as bad as the traffic. She scooted around a corner, almost taking a cluster of pedestrians off at the knees." Leyla is the kind of woman who isn't afraid to get.it.done!

Unraveling clues to find the missing is hard to do in a land filled with danger at every turn. But Marc feels that he has come back to life for the first time since his beloved wife has passed away. He also feels an obligation to help Sameh. Sameh feels an obligation to

find the missing child(ren). Integrity is not a by-word in this novel. It is the essence of true men and women.

The history of Muslims in this fiction read is phenomenal. Learning that the word Imam means the head of the Muslim community; the title is used in the Qurʾān several times to refer to leaders and to Abraham. Since 911 I've heard some of these terms but never, really, caught their true meaning. Reading this novel gave me a better "picture" of the Muslim world and of the Christians who live amongst the Muslims. Courage to face the impossible, prayer to see the mission through.

This is a great read filled with danger, intrigue and most of all Christ centered people in a land that seems Godless.

Click HERE to view trailer to Lion of Babylon!

*This book was provided for review by Bethany House Publishers*

{WOW! Warm Oven Wednesday} Cinnamon Dessert Enchiladas

2011-03-23T00:01:00.001-07:00

Dessert Enchiladas
1- 21oz can pie filling (your choice...tonight I am using apple)
6- 8inch flour tortillas
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/3 c. margarine
1/2 c. white sugar
1/2 c. brown sugar (packed)
1/2 c. water
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spoon pie filling evenly onto all tortillas. Sprinkle with cinnamon and roll up. Place on lightly greased 8x8 pan seam side down. Bring the margarine, sugars and whater to a boil in a medium saucepan. Reduce heat and simmer, stirring constantly for 3 minutes. Pour sauce evenly over tortillas, sprinkle with extra cinnamon. Bake for 20 minutes.

The Grandfathers DVD EGMfilms

2011-03-22T00:01:00.000-07:00

From Sacrifice to Reconciliation, a young Man

Discovers his Heritage in The Grandfathers.

Description: EGM Films is pleased to announce the release of The Grandfathers, a motion-graphics film about the struggle and influence of a young man’s heritage. The Grandfathers completes a trilogy that includes End of the Spear and Beyond the Gates of Splendor. These first two films, also from award-winning director Jim Hanon and producer Mart Green, tell the unforgettable and inspiring story of the killing of five missionaries by an indigenous tribe, deep in the Amazon jungle. The impact of this tragic event lives on today, in the families of these slain men and among those responsible for their deaths.

My Review: The Grandfathers is the third dvd in the mission trilogy that chronicles the lives of the five missionaries who gave their lives to reach the Waodani tribe.

I've had the privilege of viewing End of the Spear and Beyond the Gates of Splendor. So was happy to review the third and final dvd in this trilogy. All of the dvds have been inspiring and informative. If you read the book, Through the Gates of Splendor, like me, you may have followed the lives of the five missionary families who went on to follow through in the work of reaching the Waodani tribe.

This dvd The Grandfathers was a grand conclusion. The word, forgiveness, stands out in this dvd. This is not a story it is a documentary given mainly by Jesse Saint the grandson of Nate Saint, the airplane pilot whom the Waodani speared to death. Jesse is the son of Steve Saint who encouraged his family to continue to interact with the Waodani tribe.

The word grandfather is basically "nonexistent" in the Waodani tribe . . . in this dvd the word grandfathers is explained and the usage of 'grandfathers' is used by the Waodani tribe. I found this explanation fascinating!

This faith lifting "story" gives new meaning to reaching out to people for Christ. Jesse tells of the life of his aunt Rachel Saint and of her continued work with the Waodani peoples.

The journey, the struggle, the legacy. . . don't miss this inspiring conclusion!

*This dvd was provided for review by B & B Media Group*

Click HERE to view the trailer and purchase the dvd!

When Sparrows Fall by Meg Moseley

2011-03-21T09:26:00.000-07:00

Book Description: Freedom. Safety. Love. Miranda vows to reclaim them--for herself, and for her children.

A widow and mother of six, Miranda Hanford leads a quiet, private life. When the pastor of her close-knit church announces his plans to move the entire congregation to another state, Miranda jumps at the opportunity to dissolve ties with Mason Chandler and his controlling method of ruling his flock. But then Mason threatens to unearth secrets from her past, and Miranda feels trapped, terrified she’ll be unable to protect her children.

College professor Jack Hanford is more than surprised when he gets a call from his estranged sister-in-law’s oldest son, Timothy, informing him that Miranda has taken a serious fall and he has been named legal guardian of her children while she recovers. Quickly charmed by Miranda’s children, Jack brings some much-needed life into the sheltered household. But his constant challenging of the family’s conservative lifestyle makes the recovering mother uneasy and defensive—despite Jack’s unnerving appeal.

As Jack tries to make sense of the mysterious Miranda and the secrets she holds so tightly, Mason’s pressure on her increases. With her emotions stirring and freedom calling, can Miranda find a way to unshackle her family without losing everything?

My Review: Wow! Imagine never watching a dvd or shopping at Wal-Mart! Welcome to Miranda's world. She and her six children have led very conservative lives not necessarily because they chose this way of life but because Miranda's husband, Carl, and the pastor of their church insisted on these "rules of life."

When Miranda is badly hurt after a fall her oldest son, Timothy, contacts his uncle Jack (half brother to his late dad) to come and help his family while his mom recuperates.

Jack drops everything to go and help Miranda and her children. Jack's easy going ways and challenges aren't the perfect way to help but Miranda with her defensive ways begins to question "the why of her conservative living."

The mystery involving Pastor Mason and even the secrets Miranda harbors are intriguing as well as hard to guess why it all happened.

This book brings out some hard to answer questions: Why do some people follow the Law but forget about the Grace? Is it right for a pastor to "rule" his flock? Are people who follow pastors who require more than God requires just part of a cult?

This was a truly interesting read. There are slow parts but I likes the way the author pulls the reader into the "fray." I found myself rooting for Jack to help Miranda and the children pull away from their pastor. But found that pulling away from a cult leader is about like pulling a tooth. A lot of pain, some tears but healing as the end result.

This is an enjoyable read! God sees every sparrow that falls and He knows just how to help His "sparrows" regain life again!

*This book was provided for review by Waterbrook/Multnomah*

Be sure to check out Amazon.com and Barnes & Noble.com

for book purhase.

Finding Hollywood Nobody by Lisa Samson

2011-03-21T00:01:00.000-07:00

Book Description: Scotty and Charley are headed for Marshall, Texas, with Biker Guy once more close on their trail. As Scotty tries to come to terms with the reality of her parents’ deaths, she grows friendly with the locals. That makes staying hidden challenging.

But there’s got to be more to life than fear, and through new friendships, Scotty learns that this prayer thing might work after all. Will prayer be enough when the situation is life and death? What happens when Biker Guy finally catches up to her?

My Review: After reading Hollywood Nobody the first book in this series I was hooked! There's just something about Scotty and even Charley that makes want to know more. As we found out in book one Charley is not Scotty's mom but her grandma!

This story begins right where Hollywood Nobody left off. Charley and Scotty are headed to Marshall, Texas. Sweet! Having been to Marshall, Texas quite a few times the story seemed "real" to me. So now Scotty and Charley are on their way Marshall, Texas, where Charley can work and Scotty finds more interests.

Scotty is a unique girl. She finds friends at the drop of a hat. She befriends a pregnant teen mom who has been in an abusive relationship. Not one to just leave a friend, Scotty, tries to help her but is it enough? Scotty learns about prayer. How God works through those who pray!

And why are she and Charley being stalked by the mysterious biker man? What does he want and who is he?

Scotty matures more in this book. She uses the slang word "crap" a couple of times and it seems that Seth is having "inappropriate relations" with Karissa.

Growing up is not easy and Scotty is dealing with the issue of her parent's deaths, her friend Seth's relationship with Karissa and not being who she thought she was.

This book was okay but I really liked the first book better. I guess there were a few too many issues for me. However, the book is a fast read . . . at times funny and light-hearted. A nice 4 star read!

*This book was provided for review by NavPress*

{LitFuse Blog Tour} the mountains bow down by Sibella Giorello

2011-03-19T00:01:00.000-07:00

Book 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-perpetual ladies man 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 such a jerk after all.

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 situation so steep and so complex that even the mountains might bow down.

My Review: Having read the third book in this series, The Clouds Roll Away, I was thrilled to read this fourth book, the mountains bow down.

Raleigh Harmon is a sweet but tough.as.nails type of investigator . She has a way of getting to the root of the problem. Ferreting out the bad until the problem arises and the mystery can be solved.

Raleigh, her mom, aunt and a guest are on an Alaskan cruise when one of the passengers goes missing. She is found. Dead. Hanging! And to make matters worse she is the beloved wife of the movie star on the ship.

This turns out to be a "messy" case for Raleigh. Then Agent Jack Stephanson shows up to help Raleigh. Raleigh is not too excited for Jack to come for she and Jack have a long not-so-good history. hmmmm! This is where the story really began for me!

Raleigh believes that the woman who died did not commit suicide but was murdered! She sets out to prove that the poor woman was used and then murdered-not an easy task!

Jack wants to believe Raleigh but some of the evidence points to suicide.

The "romance" between Jack and Raleigh is interesting since Raleigh is engaged to another man. But Raleigh's heart is not with the other man when she is far from him. She seeks to find the meaning of her heart and learns that sometime feelings are not true love!
The only character I disliked was Claire. Her new age views just plain got on my nerves. Claire seems to be a catalyst for a greater means.

There are four books but each book stands alone. I must say though that the mountains bow down is my all time favorite read of this series. And I am hoping there is another book to tie up the loose ends of Raleigh's mom, Claire and Jack!

A read worthy of 5+ stars!

If you love great suspense then grab this book!

*This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity*

One Grand Prize winner will receive:

A $500 gift certificate toward the cruise of their choice from Vacations To Go AND The entire set of the Raleigh Harmon series.

To enter click one of the icons below. Then tell your friends. And enter soon – the giveaway ends on 4/1! The winner will be announced at Sibella’s Raleigh Harmon Book Club Party on FB April 5th, 2011! Don’t miss the fun – prizes, books and gab!

About the Facebook Party: Join Sibella and fans of the Raleigh Harmon series on April 5th at 5:00 pm PST (6 MST, 7 CST & 8 EST) for a Facebook Book Club Party. Sibella will be giving away some fun prizes, testing your trivia skills and hosting a book chat about the Raleigh Harmon books. Have questions you’d like to chat about – leave them on the Event page.
Link to the Blog Tour

To read an exercpt from The Mountains Bow Down, click here.

For details about The Mountains Bow Down cruise giveaway, click here.

About the author: Sibella Giorello grew up in Alaska and majored in geology at Mount Holyoke College. After riding a motorcycle across the country, she worked as a features writer for the Richmond Times-Dispatch. Her stories have won state and national awards, including two nominations for thePulitzer Prize. She now lives in Washington state with her husband and sons. Find out more about Sibella and her other books at her website:www.sibellagiorello.com.

Check out the first three stories in the Raleigh Harmon Series.

Start the series fresh with this great deal! Pick up a copy of Book 1 for your Kindle or Nook for only $2.99! The Stones Roll Away is the critically acclaimed award winner that kicked off the Raleigh Harmon series. Click here to purchase a copy for your kindle. Or if you have a nook you can check it out here!

{Zondervan Blog Tour} Heart of Lies (Irish Angel Series) by Jill Marie Landis

2011-03-18T00:01:00.000-07:00

Book Description: Raised in a tribe of street urchins, Maddie Grande was taught to be a thief and beggar on the streets of New Orleans. But Maddie doesn't know her real name or where she came from. Raised by Dexter Grande, Maddie and her twin 'brothers' have recently left New Orleans and moved to the bayou. The twins are rarely there, but Maddie has come to love the swamp. She has learned to fish and trap and sell pelts at the local mercantile. Maddie longs to change her life but knows that her brothers will never give up their lawless ways. When they kidnap the daughter of a wealthy carpetbagger, the twins force Maddie to hide the precocious eight-year-old while they return to New Orleans to wait for notice of a reward. Pinkerton agent Tom Abbott is assigned to the kidnapping case in which Maddie has become an accomplice. In a journey that takes them to Baton Rouge, a mutual attraction becomes evident, but Tom and Maddie cannot trust each other. Will Maddie and Tom listen to their hearts or will they choose honor over love? Will Maddie ever discover who she is? Will her real family ever find her?

My Review: Having read Heart of Stone I was thrilled to read Heart of Lies. And I must confess that this is such an engrossing book that I was truly captivated!
Maddie Grande is an orphan and has spent most of her life in the street gangs of New Orleans. She now lives in the bayous with her twin "brothers" who are always on the prowl for trouble and a quick buck.

The twins bring home an eight year old girl, Penelope, that they have kidnapped from a wealthy family in hopes of gaining a big reward. Maddie is torn-should she take matters into her own hands and return the precocious child, Penelope, or keep peace in the "family" and help bring in the reward?

In the meantime, a Pinkerton agent, Tom Abbott, has been hired by a woman to find her long lost sister. Tom's investigation brings him into Maddie's territory. Not only is Tom looking for a long lost sister but also for the missing child, Penelope. Ahh! This where the story really begins and the plot thickens! This plot has more twists and turns than a Colorado mountain road! But the suspense and page turning will keep the reader on the edge~turning each page and wondering what will happen next.

A fantastic adventurous read that is well written! If I had one disappointment about this Christian read it would be that I expected a more spiritual renewal from the heroine as she comes to "know" her wrong doings. But that fact doesn't make this any less of a grand-tastic read.
Looking forward to reading her next book, Heart of Glass, due out in 2012.

*This book was provided for review by Zondervan*

Check out Jill Marie Landis Blog HERE!

The first Irish Angel Book

2011-03-17T00:05:00.000-07:00

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

DRAGONS Legends & Lore of Dinosaurs

2011-03-17T00:01:00.000-07:00

Book Description: Explore the links between dragon myths and the reality of dinosaurs through vivid illustrations, interactive pages, and fascinating insights!

Did you know?

There are dragon legends in nearly every culture, from China to Australia, India to Europe, and Persia to the kingdoms of the fiercest Norse warriors.

Eyewitnesses to these last dinosaurs include Job in the Bible, Alexander the Great, and Marco Polo.

Drawings on cave walls and on ancient art show images that closely resemble beaked dinosaurs and flying pterosaurs.

Re-visit history as you trace the tracks of these creatures throughout cultures in Asia, the Americas, Europe, and more, learning the facts, and revealing the fallacies of dragons. Whether battling saints or terrorizing medieval castles, these creatures provide a fascinating link to man's earliest history, as well as a shadowy mystery now found only in the pages of ancient texts.

My Review: DRAGONS Legends and Lore of Dinosaurs is an interactive book with beautiful, colorful multi-page layouts, neat lift-up-flaps, and informational envelopes that inform the reader of the history of dragon lore and legends. This includes proof of dragon existence from real-life witness accounts and scriptural references.

Many recognized men of ancient times from Roman Philosopher and Statesman, Marcus Cicero (45 BC) to 17th Century Jesuit, Athansius Kircher, have give written accounts of these creatures as well. Ancient artists have recorded similar creatures in picture form on ancient artifacts and petroglyphs.

This is a wonderful.from.a.christians.presective book of the accounting of dragons, dinosaurs and like creatures. This is not for the evolution minded reader for these accounts are taken from a creationists point-of-view and from the biblical standard.

WOW! What a book! We discovered that the original biblical Hebrew text included the word "tannin" (land or seas monsters or serpents); in Greek, "drakon" was used.

The comparisons made from legend to lore and myth or legend give the reader an accurate account of God's creation.

My ten year old son loved the page entitled "Legends from around the Globe." Miniature envelopes with note sized paper detail the country and then informs the reader of what happened with dragons in said country. My ten year old was fascinated with Babylon which then told of 'Daniel and the Dragon.' This is a legend but gave new meaning to Daniel In the Lion's Den.

I wish there were words to describe how absolutely terrific this book is made! Our whole family is enthralled with the pictures, as well as, the writings.

This is one of those rare books that any christian school or homeschool teacher should own because children (and maybe adults) are highly interested in this subject. So, why not read it from the biblical point of view!

*This book was provided for review by Master Books/New Leaf Publishing*

{WOW! Warm Oven Wednesday} Homemade Popovers!

2011-03-16T00:01:00.001-07:00

Ingredients:
3/4 cup flour

1 cup milk, room temperature
3T (salted) butter
2 eggs, room temperature
1/4 tsp salt

Directions:
Preheat oven to 450. Divide butter into 12 even slices, placing one slice in each well of a 12 cup muffin pan. Whisk together remaining ingredients just until they're mostly mixed. Small lumps are ok. *Place buttered muffin tin into preheated oven (DO NOT add batter yet!) and bake until butter is a light golden brown and bubbly (approx. 2 mins). Remove pan from oven. Fill each of the 12 wells about 1/2 way with batter, using all of it. Place back in oven for approx. 15 minutes, or until golden brown and puffy. Do not open oven until the baking time is almost up. Serve immediately.

*Preheat oven to 450. Divide butter into 12 even slices and place one slice in each well of a 12 cup muffin pan. Like so:

Whisk together remaining ingredients just until they're mostly mixed. Small lumps are ok.

Place buttered muffin tin into preheated oven (DO NOT add batter yet!!) and bake until butter is a light golden brown and bubbly (approx. 2 mins.)

Remove pan from oven (careful, it's hot!!) and NOW it's time to use the batter. Fill each of the 12 wells about 1/2 way with batter, using all of it.

Back into the oven they go for approx. 15 minutes, or until golden brown and puffy. **Important: NO PEEKING until the baking time is almost up!!

Depression Cookies by Tia Silverthorne Bach & Angela Beach Silverthorne

2011-03-15T00:01:00.000-07:00

Book Description: Abby needs some magic in her life, along with a white knight, respectful children, and an exciting career plan. Instead she is drowning in unfulfilled expectations, disappointments, and unmet needs. What she doesn't expect is to find the true essence of magic in the strength, friendship, power, and energy of the female spirit found in her mother and her mother's zany group of friends. Krista cannot believe it's happening again. Her father waltzes in and announces another move. And what does her mother do? Nothing. Don't they realize she's almost thirteen, and this could mean the end of her life? In the midst of teenage melodrama, she is determined to survive a new school, defeat the annoyances of two scene-stealing sisters, and deal with out-of-touch parents. Yet she quickly realizes the double-edged sword of growing up. Depression Cookies Two distinct voices, two stories interwoven within the walls of family and love.

My Review: This read centers around the facets of a girl growing up and a mother who longs for more than just.the.mudane.

Growing up can be tough and at times it seems to be too hard for those kids who feel that they don't have "roots." Such is the case of Abby. Thirteen that "magical" age where every pimple, every hair out of place and every move makes life seem too tough.

Abby longs/wants to be accepted and is trying to find her place in this world. Of course, teen age drama comes with girls at age thirteen. Abby feels that her two sisters get all the attention and that she comes in last. . . way last! She also feels that her parents are out of tune with life. How can they just pack up and move to another place when her life is just about to begin.

But Abby moves on with the family hoping that she will survive a new school and new friends.

Then the mom voice comes in...to be honest at times I was slightly confused by the mom's views.

This is a lengthy book coming in at 553 pages. Curse words are interwoven in this read. It's not a christian read even though God is mentioned and how He created her being and how He can help her.

The gist of this read is about a girl growing up, family dynamics and a lot of views from a thirteen year olds perspective.

This is not a great read in my opinion. I felt that the story line was well thought out but I simply could not get involved in the story. The use of curse words did not endear me to the read either but because the authors tried I give this 3 stars!

*This book was provided for review by Readers Favorites.com*

A Cowboy's Touch by Denise Hunter

2011-03-14T00:02:00.001-07:00

Book Description: Wade's ranch home needs a woman's touch. Abigail's life needs a cowboy's touch.

Four years ago, rodeo celebrity Wade Ryan gave up his identity to protect his daughter. Now, settled on a ranch in Big Sky Country, he lives in obscurity, his heart guarded by a high, thick fence.

My Review: Abigail Jones is on an "errand" for her mom to check on her great aunt, Lucy. And to give Abigail a much needed rest.

Abigail writes as a columnist for her mother's failing magazine, The Truthseeker. In seeking truth Abigail also finds adventure and a love interest.

She also meets Maddy, an eleven-year-old in need of a nanny and Maddy's dad, Wade, who is in need of a woman's touch at his fenced-in-ranch somewhat true about his fenced-in-heart.

Wade is a former World Rodeo champion turned quiet rancher. School is about to dismiss for the summer and Wade needs a nanny for his sweet daughter, Maddy. He also harbors a few secrets about his past.

Wade and Abigail meet . . . sweet romance with July Fourth fireworks sparks between the two! Somehow, in short order, Abigail goes from big-city columnist to small-town nanny, but her new charge is growing on her, to say nothing of her ruggedly handsome boss. Love blossoms between Abigail and Wade--despite her better judgment.

Wade didn't ask questions of Abigail's past or present when he "hired" her since she was Lucy's great niece. Now Abigail has "found" information about Wade that would make an award winning article for the magazine and probably make a name for Abigail herself!

But as secrets go . . . will writing an article of this nature bring Truth or will it bring death to Wade and Abigail's budding relationship? And in seeking truth will Abigail find God the author of all Truth? Will the secrets of the past separate the Truth of the present?

This is a clean romance where church attendance is mentioned and Abigail seeks and "sees" Truth but that's about all this read brings from the Christian sector. It is a fast, fun read that will hold one's interest and attention. A definite 4 star read for every one who enjoys a good.down.home.story laced with romance and good deeds.

*This book was generously provided for review by Thomas Nelson/BookSneeze*

Winner is . . .

2011-03-12T14:02:00.001-08:00

Congratulations to

Emily

Winner of

COTT: Clash Of The Titles

2011-03-12T00:01:00.002-08:00

Shake It Up Baby, Now

Clash of the Titles loves to shake things up. Recently, things have gotten fun with the opening of the sparring arena to self-published authors (leading to a quick victory for Elaine Cooper's The Road To Deer Run), and currently with a month-long Clash among six pre-published writers. (Stop by next week for Round 3). But did you know that YOU now have control? Yep, that's right.

Readers, want some say in what kind of excerpts COTT features? Well, now you can send in nominations and share your favorite reads. For doing so, you receive three free entries into any of our book drawings. Awesome, right? We thought so!

And authors, we've given you more control as well. Now you can send us any 500-word excerpt from your book in the new Author's Choice category. Visit our Upcoming Clashes page for details.

Also, please remember that following our blog, facebook, or twitter account lands you an extra entry in any drawing you enter. Just be sure to mention it in your comment.

And now we bring you the newest face on the team, Gail Pallotta...

Clash of the Titles Welcomes New Staff Member

It's my extreme pleasure to introduce to you today the newest COTT staff member, author Gail Pallotta. Gail also happens to be a previous Clash of the Titles Champion! Last November, she took the cyber-laurel for best description of nature. Go, Gail!!

Let's take a moment to get to know this special lady...

Gail’s husband, Rick, says she’s the only person he knows who can go in the grocery for a loaf of bread and come out with someone’s life story. That’s probably because she inherited her mother’s love of people and enjoys talking to them. Working as an editor and freelance writer, Gail published a couple hundred articles.

To continue reading the interview, click here.

Article by Michelle Massaro

Deeper into the Word {New Testament} by Keri Wyatt Kent

2011-03-11T00:01:00.000-08:00

Book Description: A fresh look at the words within the Word. Words matter. God cares about them and so should we. Going a little deeper into the Bible's words can make an old passage new again, enriching your understanding of God's message to his children. Why was this word chosen rather than that one? What does it imply in its original language that you can't see in English? And without knowing Greek, how can you learn to explore the details of God's Word for yourself? Keri Wyatt Kent provides a fresh encounter with the most important words of the New Testament.

My Review: A great resource for delving deeper into the meanings of the New Testament. Kerri Wyatt Kent clearly presents 100 words from the New Testament that will help to deepen the readers understanding of biblical passages. The words are listed alphabetically with insightful entries. Also included is an appendix of helpful websites for those who wish to dig deeper, as well as an alphabetical index to the Greek words, together with the page(s) on which they are found in this book.

One does not have to be a theologian to dig deeper into God's Word. This book is not a controversial study; instead, Keri gently leads the reader and provides insights into relevant texts during each word study. Deeper into the Word is an encouragement to all readers who seek to glean more from God's Word.

I like the "readability" of this book. Also, the definitions of Greek words help to give clarity to the scripture. Keri also points out that the most important Bible study tool is prayer. The entries are short but packed with knowledge and meaningful application.

This is a great companion to Bible and it is also a great asset for your personal library or church library.

This is one of those 5 star reads that needs to be used/read over and over again! This book would make a great gift for that high schooler/college student or for anyone who is studying the New Testament.

*This book has been provided courtesy of Bethany House a division of Baker Publishing Group*

Keri Wyatt Kent is the author of seven previous books.

She speaks at churches and retreats and frequently appears on Christian radio programs.

Keri lives with her husband and two children in suburban Chicago.
For more information about Keri, check her website, http://www.keriwyattkent.com/.

You may also follow her on Facebook.

{LitFuse Blog Tour} A Trail of Ink-The Third Chronicle of Hugh de Singleton by Mel Starr

2011-03-10T00:01:00.000-08:00

Book Description: An excellent medieval whodunit by the author of The Unquiet Bones and A Corpse at St Andrew's Chapel

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, but Kate has another serious suitor. 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?

One of the stolen books turns up alongside the drowned body of a poor Oxford scholar. Another accident? Hugh certainly doesn t think so, but it will take all of his surgeon's skills to prove.

So begins another delightful and intriguing tale from the life of Hugh de Singleton, surgeon in the medieval village of Bampton. Masterfully researched by medieval scholar Mel Starr, the setting of the novel can be visited and recognized in modern-day England. Enjoy more of Hugh s dry wit, romantic interests, evolving faith, and dogged determination as he pursues his third case as bailiff of Bampton.

My Review: Mel Starr is a brand new author for me even though he has been writing for a few years.

A Trail of Red Ink is the third chronicle of Hugh de Singleton, surgeon and bailiff. Hugh is on the case to find twenty-two books that were stolen from John Wyclif, the 14th century theologian, church reformer and Hugh's mentor at Oxford.

Books were a rare commodity in the 1300's. A scholar might acquire 20 books in his lifetime.

Hugh always gives credit to the Lord when he stumbles upon a clue (Hugh is somewhat timid and a little clumsy). But he is a lovable, well rounded character. And the reader finds himself rooting for Hugh to solve the case.

The setting of this book is in the 1300's, Medieval Times. The cases of surgery and investigation skills used in this read are interesting. Of course, the investigation skills seems so primitive but, as that is all that Hugh has to work with it does take him time and knowledge to solve this case.

The primitive conditions of surgery did make me cringe. Mr. Starr does an incredible job of describing the surgery process as one would think it would actually have happened in the Medieval Ages.

The story had a slow start but after chapter two I was hooked. Of course, I have read some of John Wyclif. The history and what went into the making of God's Word is like a wonderful history lesson.

This is not a fast read but a read to be savored. Hugh has a dry wit which I found to be quite funny.

Of course, there is some romance thrown in which creates a mystery in itself.

At times I thought of the Hounds of Baskerville as I read this book...not that the two books are anything alike but just the mention of beasts, the table set with food and the dark nights.

This is not a mayhem and murder mystery but more of a work.it.out.suspense read.

A definite 5 star read! And not having had the chance to read the first two books in this series I would say that this book can definitely be read as a stand alone read.

However, it would be great to read the series in order: (1) Unquiet Bones, (2) A Corpse at St. Andrew's Chapel and (3) A Trail of Ink.

*This book was provided for review by the publisher for LitFuse Group*
See what other bloggers are saying about this book~Click HERE.

WOW {Warm Oven Wednesday} Crockpot Chicken

2011-03-09T00:01:00.000-08:00

4-6 Chicken Breasts (frozen or thawed)
2 Cans Whole New Potatoes, drained (I used 4 regular potatoes, diced)
1/2 Bag Baby Carrots
1 Can each – Cream of Chicken and Cream of Mushroom Soup
Salt, Pepper, Garlic and Onion Powder to taste (I used one packet of Onion Soup instead!) and layered it like this:

4 cubed raw potatoes
carrots
chicken
packet of Onion Soup
Cream of Chicken/Cream of Mushroom Soups stirred together
Stir, set to high for 4-5 hours or low for 6-8 hours.
MMMM! Wonderful!

The Imagination Station: Voyage of the Vikings {Book 1}

2011-03-06T00:01:00.001-08:00

Adventures In Odyssey: Focus On The Family Presents The Imagination Station

Book Description: While visiting Mr. Whittaker at Whit's Soda Shoppe, Beth and Patrick find a mysterious letter in the Imagination Station requesting a Viking sunstone. The letter is old and says that someone named Albert will be imprisoned if the sunstone isn't found. Mr. Whittaker sends cousins Patrick and Beth to Greenland circa 1000. On their quest for the sunstone, the cousins meet Vikings Erik the Red and Leif Eriksson--and find the sunstone as they join Leif on his first voyage to North America. But the adventure is just beginning, for when they return to Mr. Whittaker's workshop with the sunstone, there is another note waiting for them, requesting a silver goblet.

Join Patrick and Beth as they continue their travel to various lands and time in the Imagination Station book series.

My Review: Beth and her cousin Patrick are at Mr. Whitaker's Soda Shoppe (i.e. Whit's End). Whit's End is one of those places that kids love to visit and have a treat. Beth and Patrick are enjoying some good old fashioned ice cream. After finishing their treat they are off to the Bible Room. Patrick is a first time visitor to Whit's End and wants to play video games. Beth informs that there are no video games but something called the Imagination Station. Patrick's curiosity is piqued because he likes the words Imagination Station.

But the Imagination Station is missing! Off the two go to find Mr. Whitaker the owner of Whit's End. He informs the two that the Imagination Station is not working; however, after a few twists and turns of a few knobs Whit (Mr. Whitaker) thinks the kids can have a go. First, they go to the costume closet and dress up for their adventure. Then Whit asks them to look for Viking Sunstone....as the two climb into the machine they find a note that tells them, "To save Albert I need a Viking Sunstone before the new moon or Lord Darkthorn will lock him inside the tower."

So the adventure begins!

This is a great adventure story for dyed-in-the-wool Adventures in Odyssey fans! Even if your child isn't familiar with Odyssey this is a wonderful 5 star read full of action, adventure and learning to rely on God! "The key to adventure lies within your imagination!"

*This book was provided for review by Tyndale*

Can buy at Christian Book (CBD.com)

A Daughter's Walk by Jane Kirkpatrick

2011-03-06T00:01:00.000-08:00

Book Description: A mother's tragedy, a daughter's desire and the 7000 mile journey that changed their lives.

In 1896 Norwegian American Helga Estby accepted a wager from the fashion industry to walk from Spokane, Washington to New York City within seven months in an effort to earn $10,000. Bringing along her nineteen year-old daughter Clara, the two made their way on the 3500-mile trek by following the railroad tracks and motivated by the money they needed to save the family farm. After returning home to the Estby farm more than a year later, Clara chose to walk on alone by leaving the family and changing her name. Her decisions initiated a more than 20-year separation from the only life she had known.

Historical fiction writer Jane Kirkpatrick picks up where the fact of the Estbys’ walk leaves off to explore Clara's continued journey. What motivated Clara to take such a risk in an era when many women struggled with the issues of rights and independence? And what personal revelations brought Clara to the end of her lonely road? The Daughter's Walkweaves personal history and fiction together to invite readers to consider their own journeys and family separations, to help determine what exile and forgiveness are truly about.

My Review: The year is 1896 and this is an incredible story of a Norwegian-American immigrant named Helga Estby who with her 19-year-old daughter walked from Spokane, Washington to New York City. Her family had suffered from hard times and their farm was in imminent danger of foreclosure. The purpose of the walk was an attempt to win a $10,000 prize that would save their farm.

What an incredible journey! First of all, Clara is a somewhat unwilling participant (I say somewhat because we all truly do what we want). Then secondly the weather conditions described are not always applicable for walking . . . rain, hard winds, cold, sleeping outside unless a stranger took pity on them and allowed them to rest for the night in the shelter of their home.

After all the hardships of travel. Helga and Clara must return home empty handed. Then instead of being commended for trying to save the farm Helga is accused of abandoning her family and her neighbors think of her as a scandalous woman for going off to win the prize.

The 1896 woman was under her husband's rule. So, after the trial of the walk Helga becomes a woman who gives up all her "rights." Whatever he says she agrees. However, Clara for all her disagreements with her mother learned more than she realized and refuses to allow her father to rule her life.

This is one of those stories that should be in our history books! Incredible is the only word I can think of to describe this awe inspiring read!

It's an intense but I must finish it kind of read. Don't miss this fantastic historical one of a kind read!

*This book was provided for review by WaterBrook Press/Multnomah*

Clash of the Titles (COTT)

2011-03-05T05:09:00.000-08:00

Clash of the Titles: Unpublished is a State of Mine by Lisa Lickel

Click here to read this week's excerpts.

Unpublished is a State of Mind by Lisa Lickel

Here in Clash of the Titles World we believe in you. We are authors in various stages of publication ourselves. We believe in the process of creating a gripping read, getting it published and introducing it to readers.

Although I'm multi-published, I still get turned down quite a bit. I get turned down because I keep submitting, and yes it's disappointing when I get that note that says, "Hmm, just didn't grab me," but that's what I have to do order to chance an acceptance.

I learn.

Why didn't the story grab the editor? What is he or she looking for? Usually the answer has something to do with "Make Me Care."

What makes us care? And the most important answer is: Creating that Intense Moment of no return – the one that makes you turn the page.

I tend to start out slow and build up to a crescendo of incidents. It might work for opening credits of a movie, but not with readers who aren't on a date in a dark theater. It's easier to put a book down than get up and leave a movie. So, multiple comments from publishers, agents, and editors taught me to make an opening commitment to the reader that promises an unforgetable experience.

What do you care about? Intense emotions tend to fall into positive and negative; neutral only rarely.

Pain

Fear

Joy

Love

The reactions these emotions evoke are symptoms. For example, why do you cry? What makes you angry? When are you sad? How do you show love?

Pain can be emotional or physical – my reaction to it can be anger, tears, inward focus, lashing out, among others. Oddly enough, desire, lust and greed are results of pain and fear.

Fear often also elicits an anger response. My anger-elevated heart rate, intense desire to cause pain, unhappiness that a situation did not go as planned, helplessness and tears are common reactions.

Joy can also be the wellspring of a tearful reaction, as well as feelings of relief, release from fear and pain

Love, pure love, is commonly as empathetic emotion, bonding one to another in achieving common good.

Desires are outside of self-gratification. Occasionally love is characterized as a result; people act out the desire to achieve common benefit, but actions are not mindless or instinctive in humans. They are the result of internal reasoning based in part on experience.

Readers, what makes you turn the page?

How do you empathize with the characters?

Every reader empathizes with different emotions. Some people prefer thrilling experiences of danger; some enjoy traveling the winding path of adversity toward inevitable marriage; some prefer the mind games of clue masters; others prefer the intricacies of world building.

In our examples this week, the first CLASH is between a first-person account depicting fear and pain while being held against his or her will that makes the reader wonder how the person came to be in the predicament; the other except is from a woman also in fear and pain, but outside in a forest with a stranger who can do even stranger things. An element of trust is added in this excerpt. Stay tuned: Our second CLASH features no-win situations. The stakes are high. Guilt is a powerful tool of an author.

I hope you enjoy these samples, and be sure to leave these authors an encouraging message, as well as join in our discussion today about what keeps you, the reader, engaged in a book. Thank you for coming by.

GIVEAWAY! Springtime of the Spirit by Maureen Lang

2011-03-04T00:01:00.000-08:00

Another great read and GIVEAWAY!

Rules for Giveaway (Please leave separate comments for each):
1. Mandatory~Must be a follower of this blog
Please leave your email address with your comment.
2. Facebook about this contest (2 entries)
Contest ends March 11, 2011!

Yesterday, Today, and Forever by Maria von Trapp

2011-03-03T00:01:00.000-08:00

Book Description: A warm and intimate look into the spiritual life of Maria von Trapp's famous Sound of Music family. In this best-selling works, Maria takes you beyond the thrilling story of her family's desperate and determined flight from Austria to her new life in America, as well as providing:

A personal and profound insight into this extraordinary woman and her life

An inspiring look at the constancy of the Savior in our lives

A wealth of insight and faith from years spent in study, devotion, and worship

Maria von Trapp shares how she and her husband told their children about the life of Jesus and how His story entered into their lives and imaginations. Be enriched and inspired as you enjoy this beloved classic.

My Review: Having seen the movie The Sound of Music countless times I was thrilled to read this book, Yesterday, Today, and Forever. An autobiographical account of the von Trapp family. This read takes up where The Sound of Music left off. After leaving occupied Austria at the onset of WWII Maria writes of Jesus and His saving power. How the lives of the von Trapp family were saved by the help of so many wonderful and unselfish people but more than that Maria writes of Jesus.

Personal stories are included of the von Trapp children and of Maria and her husband, too. Maria writes of her family, the von Trapps, retracing the steps of Jesus from His birth to His death. How they learned where and why He went. Maria makes a comparison between Jesus' steps and her steps in life. Maria points out that "This book really does not want to become a 'life of Christ.' It only wants to serve as a stimulus to all families to reconstruct their own 'life of Christ,' parents and children together, simply by telling what we did."

If you've always been curious, as I have, about what happened to the von Trapp family after their escape then you'll want to read this wonderful 5 star book.

This is a read unlike any of read recently. A non-preachy book with a look at a family with ups and owns like many of our families who love Jesus and are trying to live according to His Word.

*This book was provided for review by New Leaf Publishing*