Book Readers Central

Book Readers Central Has Moved to Novel Books!

2011-05-14T03:01:00.000-07:00

I'm thrilled to announce that Book Readers Central is in the process of transforming into Novel Books (for novel readers).

Reasons for this change include limitations in Blogger which caused a great deal of maintenance on my part. In addition, the Novel Books site optimizes Web site traffic, which is important to myself as blog owner and to the authors I interview.

I think you'll like the gorgeous new theme. I've imported all the Book Readers Central posts, plus included several book lists and added a book shop to the site for easy browsing of recommended favorites. In the future, I plan to include pages for book videos.

I hope you will check out Novel Books and let me know your suggestions for improvement.

Unfortunately, I've been unable to import my Google Friends, although I may be more successful with Networked Blogs. I'll sort those things out in the near future. Meanwhile please consider signing up for email delivery of posts. You'll find a secure form on the site.

Posted by Janalyn Voigt, author of novel books

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Meet and Greet: Angela Breidenbach

2011-05-09T03:00:00.000-07:00

Book Giveaway Drawing!
Read the details later in this post.

Angela Breidenbach is Mrs. Montana International 2009, a multi-award winning inspirational speaker and the author of the Gems of Wisdom: For a Treasure-filled Life from Journey Press, the Creative Cooking Series including the new release of Creative Cooking for Simple Elegance and the new Kindle release, Creative Cooking for Colitis.

Other works by Angela include compilation books and devotionals from Guidepost, Group, and articles in magazines, ezines, and newspapers. She connects missions to her work with Hope’s Promise Orphan Ministries and the Jadyn Fred Foundation.

Angela also teaches online classes and coaches one-on-one in courageous confidence, personal growth, and powerful living. She’s certified in mentor/peer counseling as a Stephen Minister and life coach. Angela serves as an assisting minister for her congregation in Missoula, MT. She volunteered as the American Christian Fiction Writer's publicity officer for two years. Not only did she walk the hard line of deciding to donate her mom's brain for the study of schizophrenia, but she’s also on the brain donation list at the Brain Bank-Harvard McLean Hospital. Angela is married with a combined family of six grown children and two grand children.

Gems of Wisdom: For a Treasure-filled Life releases May 2011 from Journey Press, a Sheaf House imprint.

BRC: Welcome, Angie! What brings you to Book Readers Central?

Angie: I'm hoping to really reach out to women who want to overcome negative attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors so they can lead an intentional, missional life style. As I spoke more and more on the topics from Gems of Wisdom: For a Treasure-filled Life, I found two surprising results.

First, women love doing this book in small groups. That just blew me away. I had no idea I'd written a small group or personal study. I thought readers would want to work through this privately only. The stunning dynamics have happened in the group settings. The interaction has opened up break-through moments for healing in relationships.

The second unexpected result is the amount of women who harbored misunderstandings and/or anger toward their own moms. I really want to offer freedom from the burdens of buried issues and empower people to live the calling God has placed on their lives.

BRC: What type of books do you write?

Angie: I'm an eclectic writer. I write Christian fiction, devotionals, cookbooks, and this one (Gems of Wisdom: For a Treasure-filled Life) is considered Christian Living/Women's Issues. I also write articles and have a monthly feature in the Christian Fiction Online Magazine.

BRC: Why do you write?

Angie: My mind is full of questions and stories. I really want to help people heal from the past and grow into their life purpose. I think God just made me to write and speak. I describe it as having a busy bee buzzing around in my head. She has to get out and pollinate the keys on my laptop to tell her stories. ;-) My husband says it's just because I'm full of awe attacks and can't keep quiet about it, lol.

BRC: How would you describe your newest release?

Angie: Gems of Wisdom: For a Treasure-filled Life is very transparent. I use real historical pirates to embody negative attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors. Then the gemstones are gems of wisdom God uses to help us live fulfilled and valuable lives in His will.

About the book: In Gems of Wisdom: For A Treasure-Filled Life you'll embark on a treasure hunt for God's unique gems of wisdom. Be empowered, learn to influence through your own life lessons, and preserve important relationships. Gems of Wisdom invites the reader on a treasure hunt to find important life concepts represented by the beautiful stones God created. Excellent for small groups as well as individual study. Tracie Peterson, best-selling inspirational author of over 80 books says, “Angela’s book is thoughtful, insightful, and heart touching.”

BRC: What do you hope the reader takes away after reading it?

Angie: If I could tell you one thing? It's that all of our experiences, negative and positive, help us to really change the world and leave a legacy. It's those experiences that God uses to shine His strength in our weaknesses. We naturally want to hide, forget, or avoid those moments we wish never happened. But when we go on the treasure hunt, God shows us His wisdom and fills our treasure chest with gems of wisdom that overflow to touch other people's lives.

BRC: Which is your favorite character from your book?

I really love Cookie Smythe. He's a funny old pirate that embodies the sense of God bringing good out of our shameful moments.

BRC: Do you have a funny or touching story that relates to your book?

Angie: During interviews with volunteers, one of the most poignant stories belongs to my friend Rachel. She had the "perfect" mom while I didn't. But as we told one another our stories and bonding at a writers retreat in front of a roaring, crackling fire, a sense of grace and mercy changed both of our lives. Because of that profound experience, I share that specific story in Chapter 1. It was that powerful to me.

BRC: Tell us about your writing process.

Angie: I tend to have a fiction and non-fiction happening at the same time because the different styles feed my creativity. I do a lot of marketing though and break up the day with important details to promote my work. Both have to be in each day for my career goals. If it's not in your daily schedule, it's not attainable.

BRC: What will you write next?

Angie: I'm currently working on a 365 day devotional and an inspirational historical trilogy. But every now and then I pull out a contemporary romantic comedy to tickle my funny bone. I am getting some questions about the next Gems of Wisdom book, but I have some requests I need to fulfill first.

BRC: Which books do you recommend to readers?

Angie: Tracie Peterson used Gems of Wisdom: For a Treasure-filled Life to research her upcoming trilogy from Bethany House. The House of Secrets first book in the series will be coming out this fall. Tracie and I plan to do some speaking events together and co-promote because our books are not competitive, but rather build and deepen the experience for the reader. I'm just so excited because I've had the honor of pre-reading quite a bit of the first book as Tracie went through her writing process. I've also had the honor of having Tracie read mine. I can't wait for her series to release!

BRC: Where can readers find you online?

Readers can interact with or learn more about me at the following links:

AngelaBreidenbach.com

MyGemofWisdom.com

GodUsesBrokenVessels.com

ColitisCooking

TheFaithGirls.com (Weekly Wednesdays)

Facebook for Angela Breidenbach

Twitter for Angela Breidenbach

LinkedIn for Angela Breidenbach

Youtube for Angela Breidenbach

BRC: How can readers contact you?

Readers may email me at: angela (at) mygemofwisdom (dot) com

Posted by Janalyn Voigt, author of novel books

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Book Giveaway Drawing:

Angela Breidenbach will give away a free e-book copy of Gems of Wisdom: For a Treasure-filled Life to a reader of this blog. To enter, leave a comment to this post. If you are a follower of Book Readers Central and tell me so in a separate comment, I'll give you an extra chance to win.

Please include a valid email address in an anti-spam format (example: youremailhandle[at]gmail[dot]com]) or your entry will become invalid. Entries will be accepted until this coming Sunday at midnight (Pacific Time/US).

I'll announce the winner on Book Readers Central next Monday. The winner must respond within two weeks of notification. Detailed rules of giveaways on Book Reader's Central are located in the footer of this blog.

As an Amazon Associate, Janalyn Voigt benefits when products are purchased on Amazon through links from Book Readers Central.

Whistlestop Book Review: "Elizabeth I" by Margaret George

2011-05-07T03:39:00.000-07:00

Be awed by the presence of Elizabeth Tudor, the woman behind the sovereign, as you explore the humanity of the indomitable Virgin Queen of England through the pages of Elizabeth I. Margaret George’s meticulously researched first person account of the last thirty years of the queen’s life is an enthralling breath of fresh air.

Written with a consistently regal tone, the book gives us a mirror image of Elizabeth, the woman. Glimpses into the brilliance and machinations of Shakespeare, Francis Bacon and Sir Walter Raleigh abound. Skillfully woven into the book are both the human and regal facets of the queen who “ruled as much from the heart as from the head.”

We see Elizabeth’s success and love for her people. Her ability to stand for long periods of time seems a metaphor for her triumph as regent. She manages uprisings in Ireland and continued assaults from Spain. She masterfully chooses advisors for her privy council perfectly suited to their jobs. In a nation beset with famine, the queen imbues calm. In an attempt to keep the plague under control, Elizabeth closes theaters and concerts and sends provisions to survivors. We view her humbly conduct an intimate ceremony of kissing and washing the feet of her subjects on Maundy Thursday (as Jesus did with his disciples) while giving each gifts of food.

No sovereign rules without frustrations. Queen Elizabeth’s include controlling the sulking, deceitful Earl of Essex, stepson of her beloved Leicester. She juggles insufficient resources to provide food for the needy after three years of failed harvests. To provide her kingdom with funds, she must decide which jewels to pawn. She persists in dodging the matter of her successor as she nears the age of seventy, not out of a lack of responsibility but because she wants to settle it in her own way. She watches her most trusted advisors in the Privy Council die off one by one.

The novel brilliantly sheds light on the queen’s humanity without losing any reverence for her scepter. She spends hours in prayer. Called a stingy penny-pincher, Elizabeth I wore elaborate gowns and owned the finest collection of jewels in Europe. Her brave show encouraged the nation she pulled out of poverty. Particularly touching scenes depict her feeding broth and reading the Bible to beloved advisors Walsingham and Burghley on their deathbeds. She gallops on horseback across the fields to be alone and endures hot flashes. Her favorite pastime—translating philosophy from the Latin.

George, a premier historical novelist, is known for her intense and impeccable research. Most interesting is her humble thanks to the queen in her Acknowledgements. “…the spirit of Elizabeth…hovered over the book as it was taking shape and whispered her guidance.”

Penguin Group provided the advance review copy.

Reviewed by Holly Weiss, author of Crestmont

Meet and Greet: Deanna Klingel

2011-05-02T03:00:00.000-07:00

Deanna K. Klingel lives in Sapphire, NC, with her husband and golden retriever. She enjoys family reunions with their seven children and eleven grandchildren. Originally from Michigan, Deanna attended Michigan State University. Though she wrote as a hobby for many years, she turned to writing passionately when all the children had grown and she and her husband retired to the mountains of North Carolina. She enjoys reading, writing, golfing, gardening, and is active in her church. Much of her time is given to therapy dog visitations.

Other works, Rebecca & Heart, and Beth's Backyard Friends can be read as e-books on Storyrealm.com. Just for the Moment: The Remarkable Gift of the Therapy Dog was released last September. Prize-winning short stories can be found on Deanna's website, www.BooksByDeanna.com. Avery's Battlefield, released March 18 from Journey Forth Publishing, the first of a civil war series is for young and young-at-heart readers. Deanna is a member of SCBWI, NCWN, ACFW, CWG.

Dear Reader:

Thanks so much for inviting me. I'm pouring Earl Gray. I'll wait while you get your cup.

I'm Deanna Klingel, writing you from the mountains of Western North Carolina, where spring is creeping up the hillsides, and we'll soon be playing golf. I live here with my husband and our two golden retrievers, Lily and Jessie. Our seven kids are grown and busy raising our eleven grand kids.

I have two books I want to tell you about today. The first is Just for the Moment: The Remarkable Gift of the Therapy Dog. It came out Sept 24 and has been going gang busters. I've had a lot of fun marketing this book because it has such a wide audience. The book appeals to care givers, hospice volunteers, therapists, as well as dog lovers and lovers of dog stories. So Lily & Jessie and I give seminars at independent living facilities, visit yappie hours, attend dog shows, and address Red Hat Societies, book stores, and hospital luncheons. We've had a ball! We've met some really lovely folks across this country that we would never have met if it weren't for this little book.

The book is nonfiction, but is not a memoir nor is it a training book. It is a collection of moments that have made a difference in someone's life, even if it was only for that moment. If there is a theme, I would have to say it is every moment, in every life, matters. The book is available at bookstores or at my website BooksByDeanna. Dogwise and Amazon also carry it. It's $11.95.

Warm up your tea, now, I'm going to tell you about another book. This is Avery's Battlefield, out this month (May) from Journey Forth Publishing, the young reader imprint of BJU Press. This is the first of a middle grade Civil War series. The second book is planned for September. Avery and Gunner, his hound dog, have been the love of my life for about four years, and now they are ready to march out on their exciting journey through the perilous times in Virginia, and what became West Virginia. It's targeted for middle grade, but it won't be the first time adults enjoyed middle grade literature.

I write because I love to write. I wrote Just for the Moment to answer the questions I'm always asked when I'm working with my dogs. 1)What is a therapy dog, 2) How'd they get to be therapy dogs, 3) Can my dog be a therapy dog, too? I wanted to bring therapy dogs to the attention of people and hopefully, as a result, open more doors to therapy dog teams. I wrote Avery and Gunner because Avery told me his story and wanted it written. I like the research involved in historical fiction.

My books will never be the "edgy" books, books with strong language and inuendo, popular in today's market. Mine will be about strong, "square" people struggling to make good decisions and doing the right thing. My kids, my grands, and my mom, and my friends will always be comfortable reading my books. That probably means they'll be difficult to get published. Books that are being "looked at" right now are Cracks in the Ice, Y/A; Bread Upon the Water, MG historical nonfiction; Rebecca & Heart, MG, which can be read on Storyrealm.com; Walker Hound of Park Avenue, chapter book. Beth's Backyard Friends can be read on Storyrealm.com. I'm currently writing Waiting With Elmer for a teen audience. Two short stories can be read on my website.

Speaking of websites, come visit me at www.BooksByDeanna.com. All posts on my comment page during the month of May will go into a drawing for the brand new Avery and Gunner book. You can also reach me at deannaklingel@yahoo.com. I'd enjoy hearing from you.

Thanks for coming by and sharing a cup of tea. I've enjoyed it, and look forward to hearing from you.

Deanna

Posted by Janalyn Voigt, author of novel books

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Whistlestop Book Review: "Finally a Bride" by Vickie McDonough

2011-04-30T16:38:00.000-07:00

Noah, the new preacher in Lookout, Texas, hides a secret that draws investigative reporter, Jack (Jacqueline) like a bee to honey. Or does something else attract her to the handsome man? Jack shies away from that question. Even with the influence of a wonderful stepfather, old hurts inflicted by her biological father still wound Jack. How can she trust any man? And yet, Noah seems kind, gentle and trustworthy. What can he possibly be hiding?

Finally a Bride, book three in the Texas Boardinghouse Brides series, is a redemptive love story that entertains and enlightens. With a light touch that makes it seem easy, Vickie McDonough breathes life into believable characters who face realistic difficulties. Lively dialogue, fun scenarios and unexpected action scenes pull the reader along a well-crafted plot. While readers of the previous books in this series will enjoy a look at the continuing lives of characters in the series, Finally a Bride can also stand alone.

I highly recommend Finally a Bride by Vickie McDonough to readers of historical romance. This book is teen approved for its wholesome representation of courtship.

©2011 Janalyn Voigt, author of novel books

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My thanks to the author and publisher for a complimentary copy of this book for purposes of review.

Janalyn Voigt is an Amazon Associate and benefits when products are purchased on Amazon through links from Book Readers Central.

And We Have a Winner!!! "Something Stirs" by Thomas Smith

2011-04-25T18:14:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Linda, who won "Something Stirs" by Thomas Smith. This week Laurie Kingery offers a free copy of "The Sheriff's Sweetheart," so be sure and comment on her interview for a chance to win.

Thanks to all who participated.

Posted by Janalyn Voigt, author of novel books

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Meet and Greet: Laurie Kingery

2011-04-25T03:00:00.000-07:00

Book Giveaway Drawing!

Read the details later in this post.

Laurie Kingery is a central Ohio author and veteran E.R. RN who has written twenty-two historical romances, first as Laurie Grant and now writing Christian historicals under her own name for Love Inspired Historicals. She won the Reader's Choice for short historicals in 1994 and was a finalist in the 2010 Carol Awards in short historicals by the American Christian Fiction Writers for The Outlaw's Lady. Her next release from Love Inspired Historicals is The Rancher's Courtship in November 2011.

Dear Reader,

I want to thank Janalyn Voigt for allowing me to come visit you today. I'd like to tell you how the Brides of Simpson Creek series came about, particularly the fourth book in the series, The Rancher's Courtship.

I am a transplanted Texan living in the north. I get back to Texas as often as I can. When I was looking around for a good place in Texas' Hill Country to site a series about mail-order grooms set in the post-Civil War period, I chose as its place-name a creek that ran into the San Saba River called Simpson Creek and named my town for it. I was fortunate enough to be able to go research the town while I was still writing the first book in the series, Mail Order Cowboy, (Nov. 2010, LIH) and was thrilled to find out that there actually was a community called Simpson Creek there in the 1800's. The creek is beautiful, but it looks nothing like the body of water on the cover of the second book, The Doctor Takes a Wife (Jan. 2011, LIH)—The former looks more like a lake, but artists will take liberties for the sake of beauty—more on that in a moment!

While in San Saba County, my husband and I went to see a huge, historic live oak tree called the "Wedding Oak." It had been used since before the arrival of the Spanish in Texas as a site for Indian weddings, and later by the settlers for the same purpose. Naturally, this fired my imagination and I titled the third book in my "Brides of Simpson Creek" series The Wedding Tree. But the title is now The Rancher's Courtship—my publisher wants to anchor my titles firmly in the west, so they've included Cowboy, Doctor and now Rancher in the title.

Remember how I said artists take liberties? The tree on my book cover is as beautiful as the rest of the cover, but anyone familiar with live oak trees can tell this isn't one, so I've included a picture of the real wedding oak of San Saba, Texas.

But I have to say the hero and heroine on the cover, and the little dog, more than make up for the liberty taken with the tree, in my opinion.

I hope you enjoy The Rancher's Courtship as much as I did writing it. Readers, I look forward to seeing your comments.

Blessings,

Laurie Kingery

Posted by Janalyn Voigt, author of novel books

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Book Giveaway Drawing:

Laurie Kingery will give away a free copy of The Sheriff's Sweetheart. To enter, leave a comment to this post. If you are a follower of Book Readers Central and tell me so in a separate comment, I'll give you an extra chance to win.

Please include a valid email address in an anti-spam format (example: youremailhandle[at]gmail[dot]com]) or your entry will become invalid. Entries will be accepted until this coming Sunday at midnight (Pacific Time/US).

I'll announce the winner on Book Readers Central next Monday. The winner must respond within two weeks of notification. Detailed rules of giveaways on Book Reader's Central are located in the footer of this blog.

Note: Janalyn Voigt is an Amazon Associate and benefits when products are purchased on Amazon through links from Book Readers Central.

Whistlestop Book Review: "The Dawn of a Dream" by Ann Shorey

2011-04-23T12:12:00.000-07:00

After betrayal ruins her reputation, Luellen O'Connell revives a dream she discarded, the opportunity to earn a teacher's certificate. Financial difficulties, family opposition, sickness and even prospects of romance challenge her determination to finish her schooling. As each crisis comes, Luellen draws upon a reserve of strength instilled in her by a wholesome upbringing.

Can anything make her surrender her dream?

The Dawn of a Dream is a gentle story of courage in a time gone by. With fine historic detail, Ann Shorey weaves a vivid tapestry of mid-19th-Century life in America. This novel is written in an excellent style, well-plotted, and provides intimate glimpses into the lives of its characters. I highly recommend The Dawn of a Dream by Ann Shorey to readers who enjoy historical fiction and historical romance set in America.

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My thanks to the publisher and author for a complimentary copy of this book, provided for purposes of reveiw.

Janalyn Voigt is an Amazon Associate and benefits when products are purchased on Amazon through links from Book Readers Central.

And We Have a Winner!!! "Dawn of a Dream" by Ann Shorey

2011-04-18T13:58:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Judy B, who won last week's giveaway of a free copy of Dawn of a Dream by Ann Shorey. Thanks to all who participated.

More about The Dawn of a Dream: Dawn of a Dream, The (At Home in Beldon Grove)

Posted by Janalyn Voigt, author of novel books

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Meet and Greet: Thomas Smith

2011-04-18T03:00:00.000-07:00

Book Giveaway Drawing!!!
Read the details later in this post.

Thomas is an award winning writer, newspaper reporter, TV news producer, playwright and essayist. He writes The Writing Life column for The Christian Communicator magazine. He was named the American Christian Writers Association Writer of the Year in 2004, 2005, and again in 2006. He is a regular faculty member at American Christian Writers Association conferences and also teaches at other writers’ conferences. He was on the writing team responsible for Zondervan's New Men's Devotional Bible. He has written jokes for Joan Rivers, his comedy material has been used on The Tonight Show, and he was a comedy writer for the award-winning Steve & Kathy Show.

An ordained United Methodist Minister, Thomas is a contemporary worship leader/musician, and worship consultant. For 15 years he served churches in North Carolina and North Georgia. While in Georgia he taught a special section of Sermon Preparation and Delivery and co-taught Communication for Ministers at Emory University.

Welcome, Thomas! What brings you to Book Readers Central?

I am drawn to any place that begins with the words book readers.

What type of books do you write?

I have written academic study guides, a coffee table book on the city of Aiken, SC, A women’s Bible study (I’m not allowed to name the publisher because I’m the only male who has ever written for their Women’s Ministry Division), and have contributed to more fiction and non-fiction collections than I can remember. But I am currently writing Christian horror and loving it.

Why do you write?

I write because (1) I love the process of writing and (2) I want to. And please understand, with that second point I’m not being facetious or flippant. Often you’ll hear writers being overly dramatic and making grandiose statements like, “If I don’t write, I’ll explode.” “I need to write or I’ll die.” Fooey. I need to eat. I need to breathe. I need shelter, love, water and sanitary living conditions. Those are necessary for our survival. But I don’t need to write.

However … if I don’t write, I feel like a part of me is not functioning properly. I get a nagging feeling that all is not right, sort of like the feeling you get when you leave for a vacation and are sure you forgot something. Why? Because the desire to write, whether it is an article on my trip through the jungle searching for Mayan ruins, a dry press release for a PR company, or my current novel, is strong.

I also love the physical act of writing. I love the research, the thinking process, the market research and the hours sitting behind a keyboard. It is a part of what I am. It’s what I’ve wanted to do since I was in the third grade. And I am indeed blessed because God has given me the opportunity to do something I love.

Well put! How would you describe your newest release?

Something Stirs is a Christian horror novel. And as far as I have seen, it is the first haunted house novel for the Christian market. Granted, Ted Dekker and Frank Peretti wrote HOUSE, but that house magnified the sins of those trapped within it, and the action is driven by an outside force. And other Christian authors have written about houses or other buildings in which strange things happen. But in Something Stirs, there is something in the house itself. Something trapped within the very stone and wood of the house. An evil entity that wants the family dead and has the ability to manipulate the house to get what it wants.

What do you hope the reader takes away after reading it?

Two things actually. One, sometimes a “Sunday School” faith is not enough. Faith is often refined and strengthened in the fires of adversity. And two, the love of Christ can heal the broken places in any life if He is allowed to do so.

Which is your favorite character from your book?

Stacy Chalmers. She is Ben and Rachel Chalmers’ five year old daughter and that little girl is a hoot. She is funny without being disrespectful and she has an absolute zest for life. Plus, she has some of the funniest lines in the book.

Do you have a funny or touching story that relates to your book?

The publisher had six different people read the manuscript before they made an offer. At one point the office manager said she had read part of it while she was making copies and was getting hooked. So, they told her to make another copy and let them know what she thought.

About two-thirds of the way through she said she couldn’t finish it because she was an animal lover and I killed a dog in the story (it is an integral part of the plot … sorry). When the editor e-mailed that bit of information to me, I responded, “If it is any consolation, I am a dog lover and while I was writing that scene, my two Springer Spaniels were looking at me as if to say, ‘You could have killed a canary you know.’”

When the editor told the office manager about the email, the editor finally had to forward a copy of it to her to convince her that “someone who writes something scary really does have a sense of humor.”

Tell us about your writing process.

I get up, go to the gym, come home, put on a pot of coffee, and park myself behind my desk until anywhere between noon and 2:00 in the afternoon. Then after lunch I’m back at my desk until at least 5:00. I start by editing whatever I did the day before. Then, I work on whatever projects are on deadline. Then I spend an hour or so sending out query letters and proposals. After that I work on my novel. I usually update my social networking sites and write blog entries while I’m working on my first cup of coffee 2-3 days a week.

That sounds like a productive day. What will you write next?

I am working on a book titled, Stranger. And while I can’t say much about the plot without giving away some really important information, think about this question. What would you do if you suddenly realized the stranger sitting next to you was Satan?

Which books do you recommend to readers?

A Big Little Life by Dean Koontz. Deception by Randy Alcorn. A Disciple’s Profile of Jesus by William R. Cannon. The Doc Savage novels by Kenneth Robeson (actually ghostwritten by Lester Dent and a couple of other folks). Admission by Travis Thrasher. Boy’s Life and any of the Matthew Corbett series books by Robert McCammon. A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens. Letting Go by Michelle Sutton. Any book by Charles L. Grant or Mike Dellosso. The Travis McGee novels by John D. McDonald.

That's quite a list. Thanks. Where can readers find you online?

My website: www.thomassmithonline.com
Twitter: www.twitter.com/tsmithwriting
Facebook: http://profile.to/thomassmithwriting
Scribd: http://www.scribd.com/thomass_41

Posted by Janalyn Voigt, author of novel books

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Book Giveaway Drawing:

Thomas Smith will give away a free copy of Something Stirs, available upon release. To enter, leave a comment to this post. If you are a follower of Book Readers Central and tell me so in a separate comment, I'll give you an extra chance to win.

Please include a valid email address in an anti-spam format (example: youremailhandle[at]gmail[dot]com]) or your entry will become invalid. Entries will be accepted until this coming Sunday at midnight (Pacific Time/US).

I'll announce the winner on Book Readers Central next Monday. The winner must respond within two weeks of notification. Detailed rules of giveaways on Book Reader's Central are located in the footer of this blog.

Note: Janalyn Voigt is an Amazon Associate and benefits when products are purchased on Amazon through links from Book Readers Central.

Whistlestop Book Review: "The Invisible World" by Anthony Destefano

2011-04-16T03:00:00.000-07:00

The title of Anthony Destefano's new release, The Invisible World: Understanding Angels, Demons and the Spiritual Realities That Surround Us would seem to make a grandiose claim. Does this book deliver on its promise?

With an undeniably engaging style, the author gives his take on subjects like premonitions, angels, demons, spiritual warfare, grace, suffering, heaven and hell. While on the whole, this book may inform readers who need to be made aware of spiritual realities (and some points of apologetics were well-stated) it raised some concerns for me. First, let me state that my remarks should be taken with the understanding that I don't need convincing of the validity of the spiritual world or the viability of miracles. I agree with Mr. Destefano on these points.

I appreciate the author's intelligence, which is evident in the unique perspective he brings to his subjects. He'll make you think. However, examples are often given without documentation. In the opening chapter, for example, the author cites the case of a little girl who, while ready to undergo risky brain surgery, receives a visit from a pretty nurse who tells her she's all healed. And she is. An MRI shows no trace of the brain tumor the doctors plan to remove. No one knows who the mysterious nurse was. That's an impressive story but it would have been more powerful had the author included documentation.

The reader is asked to embrace some radical ideas. Here's a quote from the chapter entitled "Invisible Helpers." "Right now, as you're reading these words, there is an angel right next to you." The author goes on to state that "throughout sacred Scripture we find it implied that each of us has our own angel watching over us in a highly unique and personal manner." I won't argue for or against the existence of guardian angels here. Rather, I wonder why the author gave no Scriptures to back up his point. In fact, throughout most of the book the reader is asked to accept the author's remarks as fact with little to no substantiation. Am I the only one who finds this a potentially-dangerous practice?

I don't want to cast aspersions on Mr. Destefano's intentions or doctrine, although I don't always agree with what he says. I just wish he would have more clearly labeled his opinions as opinion. He does do this occasionally but not nearly enough. I like that he presented the gospel message in a unique and beautiful way.

If you are spiritually mature and able to measure what you read against Scripture, I think you can benefit from reading The Invisible World. The author's remarks on heaven are worth the purchase price of the book. However, a reader who is uncertain of Biblical truth would be better off to read the Bible itself.

©2011 Janalyn Voigt, author of novel books

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My thanks to the publisher for a complimentary copy of this book given for purposes of review.

Meet and Greet: Ann Shorey

2011-04-11T03:00:00.000-07:00

Book Giveaway Drawing!
Read the details later in this post.

Ann Shorey has been a story collector for most of her life and a full-time writer for over 20 years. Her writing appeared in Chicken Soup for the Grandma's Soul and the Adams Media Cup of Comfort series. She made her fiction debut the The Edge of Light. Book one in the At Home in Beldon Grove series released in January 2009. The third book in the series, The Dawn of a Dream, will release in April of 2011.

Ann says she's tempted to thank Peet's coffee and Dove chocolates when she writes the acknowledgements for her books.

When she's not writing, Ann teaches historical research, story arc, and other fiction fundamentals at regional conferences. Ann lives with her husband in southern Oregon.

Hi! I’m Ann Shorey. It’s a pleasure to visit here on Book Readers Central! Let me have a sip of my coffee, and I’ll tell you about my latest release.

The Dawn of a Dream is the story of a young woman who battles huge roadblocks to reach a goal that has long been a dream. The tagline on my website is “Yesterday’s women—today’s issues.” My books are historical fiction, but when I plot a story, the issues facing my protagonist have to be situations to which women today can relate.

Luellen McGarvie is the main character in The Dawn of a Dream. I don’t want to spoil the story for you, so I won’t tell you her specific circumstances. Needless to say, they’re daunting. Her goal is to get an education so she can obtain a teaching certificate.

Sounds basic, but The Dawn of a Dream is set in 1857, when education was considered wasted on women. Married women couldn’t be teachers, and it was assumed that all women would get married, so why waste the schooling?

I chose this plot theme because I see so many young women in my community today who give up too soon when it comes to reaching their goals. Personally, I didn’t attend college immediately after graduating from high school because I was afraid. Plain and simple. I didn’t think I could do it.

At this point in my life it’s easy to look back and condemn my decision, and that’s the point I hope to make in The Dawn of a Dream. Don’t be afraid—reach for your goals, no matter what you see as barriers.

I’ll get off my soapbox and sip some more coffee now—better make it decaf!

The Dawn of a Dream is a fun read, not a lecture. I had fun writing about Luellen! Those of you who’ve read The Edge of Light and The Promise of Morning will recognize Luellen McGarvie as Molly McGarvie’s daughter. In this book, she’s all grown up and has become a spunky young woman. And the man she meets . . .

Well, I’ll let you read the book for yourself.

Posted by Janalyn Voigt, author of novel books

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Book Giveaway Drawing:

Ann Shorey will give away a free copy of The Dawn of a Dream. To enter, leave a comment to this post. If you are a follower of Book Readers Central and tell me so in a separate comment, I'll give you an extra chance to win.

Please include a valid email address in an anti-spam format (example: youremailhandle[at]gmail[dot]com]) or your entry will become invalid. Entries will be accepted until this coming Sunday at midnight (Pacific Time/US).

I'll announce the winner on Book Readers Central next Monday. The winner must respond within two weeks of notification. Detailed rules of giveaways on Book Reader's Central are located in the footer of this blog.

Note: Janalyn Voigt is an Amazon Associate and benefits when products are purchased on Amazon through links from Book Readers Central.

Whistlestop Book Review: "An Uncommon Crusade" by Caron Guillo

2011-04-09T03:00:00.000-07:00

Janalyn Voigt

Simon, who has left his training as a monk, carries stolen parchments containing the Word of God.

Hugo is a cottager eager to escape the bondage of servitude.

Golden and beautiful, Kateline wears rags with the grace of a noblewoman.

Elizabeth, a victim of rape condemned by her village’s priest, believes she must reach the Holy Land and fight for Christ to exonerate herself. When things start to go wrong, she’s certain it’s a result of her “curse.”

An Uncommon Crusade tells the story of these and ten thousand other children who, in 13^th Century Europe, were coaxed to join a Children’s Crusade by Nicholas of Cologne and, in a simultaneous movement, by Stephan of Cloyes.

Written by former world history teacher, Caron Guillo, the story is well-researched. It is also well-plotted and written in exquisite style. An Uncommon Crusade by Caron Guillo will not disappoint.

I highly recommend this book to readers who enjoy historical fiction.

©2011 Janalyn Voigt, author of novel books

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Meet and Greet: Laura V. Hilton

2011-04-04T06:00:00.000-07:00

Laura Hilton, her husband, Steve, and their five children make their home in Horseshoe Bend, Arkansas. She is a pastor’s wife, a stay-at-home mom and home-schools her children. Laura is also a breast cancer survivor.

She is the author of Hot Chocolate and Shadows of the Past from Treble Heart Books and a devotional in a compilation from Zondervan. The first book “Patchwork Dreams” in her Amish of Seymour series from Whitaker House will release in April 2011, the second book in September 2011, and the third in April 2012. Laura has her business degree from Ozarka and is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers. As a professional book reviewer for the Christian market, Laura has over a thousand book reviews published at various online review sites.

Laura is represented by Tamela Hancock Murray at Hartline Agency.

BRC: What brings you to Book Readers Central?

I’m hoping to promote my first book in the Amish of Seymour series, Patchwork Dreams. It releases April 5, 2011 from Whitaker House

BRC: That's tomorrow! Much success to you. Tell us a little about Patchwork Dreams.

This first contemporary Amish romance series is set in Seymour, Missouri, and it’s about a man swap that the Amish do to get new blood in different communities, to hopefully keep genetic disorders at a minimum.

BRC: That sounds intriguing. Care to give a plot summary for Patchwork Dreams?

Becky Troyer has committed the ultimate sin, and finds herself on the edge of her Amish community. Jacob Miller believes he was sent to the Old Order Community in Missouri to help out a distant cousin. Instead, he discovers he was part of an arranged swap--sending men from his Pennsylvania district to the Missouri district to bring new blood into the Amish community. Becky dreams of marriage, but doesn't dare hope that anyone would choose her--not with her history. Can God use the lies that have affected Becky and Jacob to bring them together? Or will Jacob rebel and head home to his first love?

BRC: What do you hope the reader takes away after reading it?

God is the God of second chances.

BRC: Which is your favorite character from your book?

Oh, that’s hard. I fell in love with Becky, Jacob, and Becky’s dad, Daniel. They were all so special in different ways. Becky is sweet, quiet, and hurting. Jacob is compassionate, caring, and confused. Daniel tries to stay out of it, but gently guide…

BRC: Do you have a funny or touching story that relates to your book?

No, not really. My family is so supportive of my writing – they are so proud of me. And they know when I’m buried deep in the story that if they want to eat, they cook whatever I put on the menu. And my husband is working forty hours a week, plus going to college but yet he takes the time to read each chapter as I write it, and then the whole manuscript at the end.

BRC: What a wonderful family you have. Tell me, why do you write?

Because I have to. It’s a sanity saver. I have all these voices living in my head and its either I let the characters “live” on the pages of a book or I get admitted to a mental hospital. J

BRC: Describe your writing process.

I’m what they call a “seat of the pants” writer. Which means there is no plan. J I let the idea stew awhile until I “dream up” a good starting scene and then I let the characters take over and sometimes I’m surprised where they take me!

BRC: What will you write next?

I just turned in the second book in this series to the publisher, and so I’ll start book three soon.

BRC: Which books do you recommend to readers?

Writing books? I love my Flip Dictionary and I found Susan May Warren’s books From the Inside Out and Deep and Wide helpful.

Fiction books? That is harder. Depends on your favorite genre. Amish books – I LOVE Beverly Lewis. Newer favorites in this genre are Mary Ellis and Susanne Fisher Woods. Contemporary romantic suspense, I love Susan May Warren.

I could list many many favorite authors from every genre out there. Too many to go into. So it depends on my mood and the genre.

BRC: Where can readers find you online?

I’m on Facebook – Laura Vernet Price Hilton. Or my blog is http://lauravhilton.blogspot.com/ or http://lighthouse-academy.blogspot.com/

Posted by Janalyn Voigt, author of novel books

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And We Have a Winner!!! "An Ocean Away" or "Blood Covenant by Lisa Harris

2011-04-02T14:07:00.000-07:00

Congratulations go to Lisa Nelson, who won her choice of either An Ocean Away or Blood Covenant by Lisa Harris.

Thanks to all who participated. Be sure and stop by again next week!

Posted by Janalyn Voigt, author of novel books

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Whistlestop Book Review: "A Place of Healing" by Joni Earkeckson Tada

2011-04-02T03:00:00.000-07:00

Holly Weiss, author of Crestmont

Why does God allow pain? Is God concerned with suffering and involved in it? Plato, C.S. Lewis, Rabbi Harold Kushner, Henri Nouwen, the apostle Paul and others have all addressed these age-old questions.

Instead of focusing on how God is involved in the problem of pain, Joni Eareckson Tada chooses instead in her book, A Place of Healing, to examine how God can use pain to draw her closer to Himself and lift her above her human sufferings.

Joni, left a quadriplegic from a diving accident four decades ago, is the author of over fifty books and founder of Joni and Friends, an organization devoted to accelerating Christian outreach among those with disabilities. She will serve as the Honorary Chairman of the 2011 National Day of Prayer, held on the First Thursday of May. In addition to coping with the struggles of living from a wheelchair, Joni now has new challenges. She is assaulted with unrelenting, chronic pain and has been diagnosed with cancer.

Her reactions? “Suffering may be a part of God’s…mysterious plan, but God’s intention is always to demonstrate compassion and unfailing love.” Joni illustrates over and over in her book how powerfully God’s love touches her at her deepest point of need.

The chapter headings ask difficult questions:

What Benefit is there to My Pain?
How Can I Go On Like This?
How Can I Bring Him Glory?
How Do I Regain My Perspective?

This devout, genuine woman answers each question with tender, heartfelt examples from her walk in faith. Suffering can make us bitter or compassionate. Suffering can drive us away from God or make us fly into His arms. A Place of Healing is her testament to the restorative power of loving, committed service to God, no matter what our circumstances. She rejoices in the fact that God had plans for her life much wider, higher and more profound than she ever could imagine. Her last chapter entitled, “Thank you, God, for this Wheelchair” demonstrates that because of her circumstances, not in spite of them, she is happier as a child of God than she ever dreamed possible.

Do you have a friend or relative struggling with grief, financial loss, health issues or physical pain?
Give them a copy of A Place of Healing. May they find comfort in the profound testimony of someone who treads where they walk, albeit, in a wheelchair.

Posted by Janalyn Voigt, author of novel books

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Meet and Greet: Lisa Harris

2011-03-28T06:00:00.000-07:00

Book Giveaway Drawing!
Read the details later in this post.

Lisa Harris is an award-winning author who has over 20 novels and novella collections in print. She and her husband, Scott, along with their three children, live near the Indian Ocean in Mozambique as missionaries. As a homeschooling mom, life can get hectic, but she sees her writing as an extension of her ministry, which also includes running a non-profit organization. The ECHO Project works in southern Africa promoting Education, Compassion, Health, and Opportunity and is a way for her to “speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves…the poor and helpless, and see that they get justice” (Proverbs 31:8).

When she’s not working Lisa loves hanging out with her family, cooking different ethnic dishes, and heading into the African bush on safari.

Dear Reader,

I’m thrilled for the opportunity to stop by and visit Book Readers Central! I’m an author and homeschooling mom, living in Mozambique, Africa with my husband and three children where we minister as church planters and discipleship makers. I currently write romantic suspense and love the challenge of creating paging-turning adventures.

Last month, Zondervan released book two in my Mission Hope series, Blood Covenant. While the first book dealt with the very real issue of today’s human trafficking problems, the second is another fast-paced suspense set in a refugee camp.

In this story, Paige Ryan and Nick Gilbert are trapped in an overpopulated African refugee camp where an outbreak of measles erupts and renegade soldiers block their only way out. Desperate for vaccines, they must put their own lives in the hands of God as they fight for the safety of the refugees under their protection.

If you enjoy historicals with a strong thread of adventure and romance, I have a second book, An Ocean Away that is being released this month from Summerside Press. Half of the story is set in Northern Rhodesia (Africa) while the other half is set in New York City in the early 1920s. This was definitely one of the most fascinating, but also research-intense books I have ever written. With two settings and a 1920’s time frame, I wanted to bring that period--from sides of the world--to life and show the stark contrast between the two continents.

Another thing I love about writing is the chance to learn from the characters I create. In Blood Covenant, my main character, Paige comes to the realization that she has to admit her weaknesses and fears and rely only on God’s strength. There are numerous examples in the Bible of men and women who God called to serve Him in an extraordinary way through His power. Gideon was victorious with only three hundred men, a handful of trumpets, jars, and torches. Esther saved her people from the threat of death, David was a shepherd boy who became king of a nation, and I could go on and on.

As I wrote the story, I was reminded again and again how God calls us in the middle of our ordinary, run-of-the-mill, take-out-the-trash- and drive-the-kids-to-school routine. He’s the one who gives us the strength to live daily for Him.

Because let’s be honest, life has its constant ups and downs just like the writing life has its ups and downs. For those of you who are writers, you already know that writing is hard work. I’ve learned and studied and continued to write for over a decade, always aware that there is more to learn. It takes perseverance to keep writing after receiving a rejection from an editor or a bad review which isn’t always easy.

On the positive side, I love getting to know these characters and what makes them tick, because as a writer, when I spend months creating characters they come to life in my mind. I also love it when they don’t act the way I expected them to. Often, I find that when this happens, the story ends up coming together stronger because of it.

For more information about my books and life in Africa please stop by my website, Lisa Harris Writes or My Blog In the Heart of Africa. We’ve also just started a non-profit to help address the physical needs of people we work with. You can find out more about that project at The Echo Project.

Thanks again for letting me drop by!

Be blessed,

Lisa Harris

Blood Covenant Book Trailer from Lisa Harris on Vimeo.

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Janalyn Voigt is an Amazon Associate and benefits when products are purchased on Amazon through links from Book Readers Central.

Book Giveaway Drawing: Lisa Harris will give away a free copy of the winner's choice of either Blood Covenant or An Ocean Away. To enter, leave a comment to this post. If you are a follower of Book Readers Central and tell me so in a separate comment, I'll give you an extra chance to win.

Please include a valid email address in an anti-spam format (example: youremailhandle[at]gmail[dot]com]) or your entry will become invalid. Entries will be accepted until this Thursday at midnight (Pacific Time/US).

I'll announce the winner on Book Readers Central on Friday. The winner must respond within two weeks of notification. Detailed rules of giveaways on Book Reader's Central are located in the footer of this blog.

And We Have a Winner!!! "Abigail's New Hope" by Mary Ellis

2011-03-26T11:05:00.000-07:00

Congratulations go to Dawn, who won a free copy of Abigail's New Hope by Mary Ellis. Thanks, everyone, for participating. Stay tuned for more great interviews, giveaways and reviews on Book Readers Central. To stay informed, sign up for the blog feed or to receive posts by email.

See you again soon!

Posted by Janalyn Voigt, author of novel books

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Whistlestop Book Review: "Kaydie" by Penny Zeller

2011-03-26T10:14:00.000-07:00

Janalyn Voigt

Pregnant and widowed in the Wild West, Kaydie would seem to need a husband. That's not how she sees it, though. After a bad marriage to an abusive man, she wants nothing more to do with romantic love.

But then there's her sister's ranch hand, Jonah. With an unloving father and a mother who abandoned him in boyhood, Jonah has never had good family ties. He decides to keep it that way.

Can they ignore the growing attraction between them?

Kaydie brings us a beautiful story of redeeming love. This tale is not dark, despite it's subject matter. Although it delves into the pain of abandonment and abuse, the story focuses on the healing power of love.

I recommend Kaydie by Penny Zeller to women who enjoy historical romance set in the Wild West.

©2011 Janalyn Voigt, author of novel books

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My thanks to the author for a complimentary copy of this title, given for purposes of review.

Janalyn Voigt is an Amazon Associate and benefits when products are purchased on Amazon through links from Book Readers Central.

Meet and Greet: Mary Ellis

2011-03-21T06:31:00.000-07:00

Book Giveaway Drawing!
Read the details later in this post.

Mary Ellis

Mary Ellis grew up close to the eastern Ohio Amish community, Geauga County, where her parents often took her to farmer’s markets and woodworking fairs. She loved their peaceful, agrarian lifestyle, their respect for the land, and their strong sense of Christian community. She met her husband in college and they married six days after graduation.

She, her husband, dog and cat now live in Medina County, close to the largest population of Amish in the country—a four-county area in central Ohio. They often take weekend trips to purchase produce, research for her best-selling books, and enjoy a simpler way of life.

Mary enjoys reading, traveling, gardening, bicycling and swimming. Before “retiring” to write full-time, Mary taught Middle School in Sheffield Lake, Ohio and worked as a sales rep for Hershey Chocolate for twenty years—a job with amazingly sweet fringe benefits. All three of her Miller Family series, A Widow’s Hope, Never Far from Home, and The Way to a Man’s Heart have made the CBA and CBD bestseller lists. A Widow’s Hope was a finalist in the ACFW Carol Awards for 2010 in the long contemporary category, and a runner-up in the 2010 Holt Medallion Awards.

BRC: What brings you to Book Readers Central?

I am pleased to announce my latest release from Harvest House Publishers, Abigail’s New Hope, the first in the Wayne County series.

BRC: What type of books do you write?

I write Amish inspirational romances.

BRC: Why do you write?

I couldn’t keep from writing. Writing is my passion, my creative outlet, and my personal ministry. I love creating stories about faith-based people that, hopefully, will inspire others.

BRC: How would you describe your newest release?

My latest release, Abigail’s New Hope, deals with growth within a marriage, grief after a suffering a loss, and reaching beyond your comfort zone to bring a “handicapped” person into the Christian fold. I use the italics because we are all “handicapped” in some fashion—some personal challenges are more easily recognized than others.

BRC: What do you hope the reader takes away after reading it?

My heroine relies on her Christian faith to carry her through an unbelievably difficult period in her life. We all face challenges in our lives. Hopefully, my readers will be inspired by Abigail’s level of commitment to her personal code of ethics.

BRC: Which is your favorite character from your book?

Without a doubt, it is Abigail, my midwife.

She deals with her husband’s initial lack of support marvelously—far better than I probably would have. She is an inspiration to me to be more patient as a wife when things don’t always go my way.

BRC: Do you have a funny or touching story that relates to your book?

When my innkeeper and I visited the Amish & Mennonite birthing center, the midwife in charge looked at us and scratched her head—neither of us was Amish and neither of us was pregnant. They don’t get many walk-in visitors.

BRC: Tell us about your writing process.

I just love this question! It forces me to formulate a “process” and stick to it. All joking aside, I am a morning person. So after 2 cups of coffee I sit down to write. I usually write out scenes longhand on a yellow tablet. Yes, that’s right…longhand.

When the chapter is done, I type it and edit it and proofread it before moving on to the next chapter. The longhand stage allows me to create a closer-to-finished book by the time it’s done. (Did I mention I’m a dinosaur?) It takes me approx. 5 months to create a 95,000-word book in this fashion.

BRC: What will you write next?

I am about to finish the second in the Wayne County series, called A Marriage for Meghan. It deals with a former problem student who’s trying to live down her past reputation and become the permanent head teacher. As a former problem-child and a former middle school teacher, I am writing on themes near-and-dear to my heart.

BRC: Which books do you recommend to readers?

There are so many great works of Christian fiction out there that I couldn’t possibly narrow the field to one or two suggestions. Everyone’s personal taste in books is different. But I will say this: Don’t discount the “classics.” They are classics for a very good reason. When I want something special, I re-read something by Louise May Alcott.

BRC: Where can readers find you online?

My readers can find me at my blog site: www.maryeellis.wordpress.com And I’d love to hear from them!

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**Janalyn Voigt is an Amazon Associate and benefits when products are purchased on Amazon through links from Book Readers Central.

Book Giveaway Drawing: Mary Ellis will give away a free copy of Abigail's New Hope to a reader of this blog. To enter, leave a comment to this post. If you are a follower of Book Readers Central and tell me so in a separate comment, I'll give you an extra chance to win.

Please include a valid email address in an anti-spam format (example: youremailhandle[at]gmail[dot]com]) or your entry will become invalid. Entries will be accepted until this Thursday at midnight (Pacific Time/US).

I'll announce the winner on Book Readers Central on Friday. The winner must respond within two weeks of notification. Detailed rules of giveaways on Book Reader's Central are located in the footer of this blog.

And We Have a Winner!!! "Yesterday's Tomorrow" by Catherine West

2011-03-19T14:42:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Linda, who won the giveaway drawing for a free copy of Yesterday's Tomorrow by Catherine West. Thanks to those who participated. Stop by again for more interviews, giveaways and book reviews. To stay informed, sign up for feed or email delivery of posts. I hope to see you
next week!

Posted by Janalyn Voigt, author of novel books

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Janalyn Voigt is an Amazon Associate and benefits when products are purchased on Amazon through links from Book Readers Central.

Author Trivia Quiz: Who Said This? (Ten Quotes About Reading)

2011-03-19T06:00:00.000-07:00

Janalyn Voigt

Surprise Pop Quiz!

Name the quoted author. Answers follow, below.

'Classic.' A book which people praise and don't read.
Read every day, something no one else is reading. Think, every day, something no one else is thinking. Do, every day, something no one else would be silly enough to do. It is bad for the mind to continually be part of unanimity.
To learn to read is to light a fire; every syllable that is spelled out is a spark.
The good of a book lies in its being read. A book is made up of signs that speak of other signs, which in their turn speak of things.
The only books that influence us are those for which we are ready, and which have gone a little farther down our particular path than we have yet got ourselves.
We read fine things but never feel them to the full until we have gone the same steps as the author.
No one who can read, ever looks at a book, even unopened on a shelf, like one who cannot.
When I look back, I am so impressed again with the life-giving power of literature. If I were a young person today, trying to gain a sense of myself in the world, I would do that again by reading, just as I did when I was young.
The printing press is either the greatest blessing or the greatest curse of modern times, sometimes one forgets which it is.
A book is good company. It is full of conversation without loquacity. It comes to your longing with full instruction, but pursues you never.

Mark Twain
Christopher Morley
Victor Hugo
Umberto Eco
John Keats
E.M. Forster
Charles Dickens
Maya Angelou
Sir James Barrie
Henry Ward Beecher

Meet and Greet: Catherine West

2011-03-14T06:00:00.000-07:00

Book Giveaway Drawing!
Read the details later in this post.

Catherine West

Educated in Bermuda, England and Canada, Catherine holds a degree in English from the University of Toronto. When she’s not at the computer working on her next story, you can find her taking her Border Collie for long walks or tending to her roses and orchids. Catherine and her husband live on the beautiful island of Bermuda, with their two college-aged children. Catherine is a member of Romance Writers of America, and American Christian Fiction Writers, and is a founding member of International Christian Fiction Writers. Catherine’s debut novel Yesterday’s Tomorrow, will release in March 2011, through Oak Tara Publishers.

BRC: Welcome! What brings you to Book Readers Central?

I’m a new author, my debut novel, Yesterday’s Tomorrow, releases on March 15^th!

BRC: What genres do you write?

I write contemporary romance and women’s fiction. I love my books to have a spiritual theme woven into the plot, and of course I’m big on romance, so that’s definitely in there!

BRC: Why are you an author?

I write because I love it! There’s something very satisfying about creating a story, watching characters come alive on the page, and then later, hearing feedback from readers who really resonated with the themes in the book.

BRC: How would you describe your book?

Yesterday’s Tomorrow is an Inspirational Contemporary Romance. Here’s the blurb:

It’s 1967 and Kristin Taylor wants to go to Vietnam to report on the war, and honor her father’s memory by becoming an award-winning journalist like he was. But no editor will send her. So she strikes out on her own and steps into a world more terrifying than she’d imagined.

As she encounters the horrors of war, Kristin struggles to report the truth while desperately trying to keep tabs on her only brother who enlisted some time ago, but both tasks seem impossible.

When she meets photographer Luke Maddox, Kristin knows she’s found a story. The mystery beneath his brooding eyes triggers her curiosity. She’s convinced he’s hiding something and determines to discover his secrets. The only trouble is, he won’t let her within three feet of him.

In an unexpected twist, Kristin and Luke are forced to work together. With war raging all around them, they engage in their own tumultuous battle of emotions. Headstrong and willing to risk it all for what they believe in, they’ll do whatever it takes to fulfill their own private agendas. Kristin is after a story that might get her the Pulitzer. Luke wants retribution from the enemy that took away his family. In the face of death, Kristin and Luke must decide if they’re willing to set aside selfish ambition for the love that seems to have ambushed them and captured their hearts.

BRC: What do you hope the reader takes away after reading it?

I would love for readers to gain a better understanding of that tumultuous time period and the hard decisions people had to make. Also, I hope they receive the underlying message that God is there through the hard times, even when we don’t think He is, and that He’s working for good in our lives.

BRC: Which is your favorite character from your book?

Luke. J He’s gone through some really horrendous things, yet he refuses to give in to the pain. And I love his sense of commitment to his country and the ones he loves.

BRC: Do you have a funny or touching story that relates to your book?

Researching Yesterday’s Tomorrow was a time-consuming process. Admittedly, I really knew very little about The Vietnam War. Once I was immersed in the research and writing of this book, my whole outlook on war and the men and women on the frontlines had changed. I have a deep admiration and utmost respect for those who serve their country and lay down their lives in the name of freedom. I had to think about those who protest war as well, because they also believe in what they stand for. I’m not sure I’ll ever make sense of it all, just like my heroine, Kristin, didn’t, but I do know that we all need to honor our Veterans and never forget the price they paid.

BRC: Good thoughts.

Tell us about your writing process.

I’m a Seat-of-the-Pantser, meaning I don’t plot. I try to come up with a bit of an outline once I have a story idea taking shape in my head. I spend a lot of time working on my characters first, and then go from there. I also tend to edit as I go, which is time consuming and a habit I’d like to break, but it’s pretty ingrained in me now!

BRC: What will you write next?

I’m working on a family saga type novel called Reprisal. It’s about five estranged siblings who reunite to decide what to do with their family estate in Nantucket that they can no longer afford, and their elderly father who is showing signs of dementia.

BRC: Which books do you recommend to readers?

I think if readers are looking for good quality fiction, any book in *CBA fits the bill, and we have plenty of genres to choose from! Outside of *CBA my favorite authors are those who write in a similar vein – Lisa Wingate, Debbie Macomber, I love Maeve Binchy and Rosamunde Pilcher.

BRC: Where can readers find you online?

Visit my website: http://www.catherinejwest.com

Blog: http://www.catherinewestblog.blogspot.com

Twitter @CathWest

Facebook Author Page

Posted by Janalyn Voigt, author of novel books

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Book Giveaway Drawing: Catherine West will give away a free copy of Yesterday's Tomorrow to a reader of this blog. To enter, leave a comment to this post. If you are a follower of Book Readers Central and tell me so in a separate comment, I'll give you an extra chance to win.

Please include a valid email address in an anti-spam format (example: youremailhandle[at]gmail[dot]com]) or your entry will become invalid. Entries will be accepted until this Thursday at midnight (Pacific Time/US).

I'll announce the winner on Book Readers Central on Friday. The winner must respond within two weeks of notification. Detailed rules of giveaways on Book Reader's Central are located in the footer of this blog.

Whistlestop Book Review: "Lady in the Mist" by Laurie Alice Eakes

2011-03-12T12:12:00.000-08:00

Janalyn Voigt

Set in Virginia during a time of strained relations between America and Britain, Lady in the Mist tells the story of a midwife caught between a past love and a British bondsman who is not all he seems.

It's a midwife's job to keep secrets, but one in particular puts Tabitha in danger. Raleigh, the fiance who abandoned her, and Dominick, a servant with aristocratic manners, also carry secrets. Do their secrets have something to do with the disappearance of young men from the village? And can Tabitha discover the truth in time to save the two men she loves?

Laurie Alice Eakes shines as a gifted storyteller in Lady in the Mist. It's a must-read for those who enjoy historical romance filled with intrigue. This story is teen approved for its realistic portrayal of the consequences of immorality.

©2011 Janalyn Voigt, author of novel books

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*My thanks to the author and publisher for a complimentary copy of this title for purposes of review.

**Janalyn Voigt is an Amazon Associate and benefits when products are purchased on Amazon through links from Book Readers Central.

And We Have a Winner!!! "Code of Justice" by Elizabeth Johnson

2011-03-12T11:48:00.000-08:00

Congratulations go to Linda, who won a free copy of Code of Justice by Elizabeth Johnson.

Thanks to all who participated! Be sure and stop by next week, when we'll introduce another author and hold a new book giveaway drawing.

Posted by Janalyn Voigt, author of novel books

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**Janalyn Voigt is an Amazon Associate and benefits when products are purchased on Amazon through links from Book Readers Central.