I have noticed that a bunch of you have not made the jump over to my new site at http://www.readgreatfiction.com. You have to type the web address into your browser (wordpress won’t let me link. I don’t think they like that I moved to blogger.) Just to let you know I will be hosting a book and amazon giftcard giveaway (2-$20 cards)over on that blog in April, as well as another book and $25 American Express giftcard giveaway on my other blog http://www.Homeschool-Rock.com. Of course you must be a subscriber to these blogs to win any of this.
If you haven’t discovered the Discarded Heroes series yet, then you are in for a real treat.
In this 4th installment of the series things have really blown up–literally. Nightshades headquarters have been breached and destroyed. Griffin (Legend) is set up to be charged with murder and now sits in a federal maximum security prison. With the team all put out of commission and separated to the corners of the globe Nightshade, usually the rescuer, finds itself in dire need of rescue.
Enter Kazi Faron. This young assassin has been tasked with the job of breaking Griffin out and working with him to rescue the rest of the team while finding out who is trying to destroy them. But Kazi has her work cut out for her. Used to working alone and trusting no one but herself, Kazi must learn to put away her fear of betrayal and trust Griffin long enough to finish the job.
As love begins to stir in the hearts of Kazi and Griffin, they race around the globe trying to put the pieces together. Are they one step ahead of the traitor, or one step behind? Are they prepared for the surprise that awaits them at the end of their journey? Is this the end for the Nightshade team we have grown to love?
As with all the books in this series, Firethorn is an absolutely magnificent story. I must say that this is my favorite modern book series. Although this seems to be the last book in the series I hope we will see these characters again. They have become good friends.
One of the themes throughout these books is the difficulty soldiers face with trying to reintegrate themselves into “normal” life. War takes it’s toll on all it touches, and on none more-so than the soldiers who face it’s atrocities for months on end. This book and the whole series gives us a glimpse into the lives of Hero’s who are wounded from within, and their struggle to redefine their life.
5 stars (of course) and 5+ stars for the series as a whole
It’s the only house Libby Sawyer has ever called home, but now Michael Dobrescu has arrived from Romania with his family in tow and seems to hold documents showing that the house was willed to him decades ago. What makes matters worse is that the Dobrescu’s moved into the house while Libby’s family was vacationing.
With neither family willing to give up their claim the legal battle quickly becomes heated. When important documents go missing Libby’s father is determined to have Michael charged with the crime. Libby isn’t sure who is right, but when she realizes she is quickly losing her heart to Michael she despairs at having to choose between him and her family. What can she do when both families seem to have valid claims?
This book is no piece of fluff. It is a thoroughly enjoyable read that is well researched and has a fully developed plot. Although it is a historical romance there is enough mystery and uncertainty to keep the reader turning pages. I was completely drawn into the story. I highly recommend this book and give it 5 stars
This book could be the beginning of an Epic–yeah it was that good. It is classified as a YA book, but even as a 30-something adult I found myself glued to the book.
Here’s what the book is about:
THE ONLY WAY OUT IS TO RUN.
On the eve of his seventeenth birthday, Troy Goggin finds himself inexplicably transported to an impossibly huge, miles-long structure called the Corridor. But what is the Corridor, and why was he brought to it?
It’s a place of mystery, wonder, and heart-stopping danger. It will test him and push him both mentally and physically. His only companion is the girl whose voice he hears inside his head, explaining the rules he must follow if he hopes to escape.
But there is much more to this extraordinary place than Troy could ever imagine. The Corridor’s true purpose — the biggest mystery of all — is revealed only to those who make it to the end.
When I got to the end I was stunned. I thought it was an amazing story while I was reading it, but the end just blew me away–and left me wanting to know more. When a sequel comes out I will be in the front of the line to buy it (Robin Parrish if you read this, notice that I said when, not if).
Even better, is that as of the posting of this review, the book is only 2.99 on kindle.
Definitely a 5 star read, and on my shortlist of recent favorites.
I received a copy of this book from the Author. All opinions rendered are my own.
It is August 1944 and Paris is on the cusp of liberation. As the soldiers of the Third Reich flee the Allied advance, they ravage the country, stealing countless pieces of art. Reichsmarschall Hermann Göring will stop at nothing to claim the most valuable one of all, the Mona Lisa, as a post-war bargaining chip to get him to South America. Can Swiss OSS agents Gabi Mueller and Eric Hofstadler rescue DaVinci’s masterpiece before it falls into German hands?
With nonstop action, Chasing Mona Lisa is sure to get readers’ adrenaline pumping as they join the chase to save the most famous painting in the world. From war-ravaged Paris to a posh country chateau, the race is on–and the runners are playing for keeps.
I enjoyed reading this book, although it took a little longer than usual to really get to know all the characters and plot. Don’t expect to breeze through the book–it is very meaty but worth the time you will invest. I give it a 4 star rating.
Win an iTouch SPY Pack in the Chasing Mona Lisa Giveaway from @triciagoyer @mikeyorkey!
Chasing Mona Lisa is the continuing tale of Gabi Mueller and Eric Hofstadler (first introduced in The Swiss Courier). This time the due are on a relentless quest to save the most famous painting in the world – the Mona Lisa. You can help Gabi and Eric with your very own spy pack when you enter The Chasing Mona Lisa Giveaway!Preview
One passionate protector will receive:
iTouch (The must-have device for any spy. Camera, Maps & Music.)
Starbucks Gift Card (For all those late nights.)
Moleskin Notebook (For those important notes.)
Invisible Ink Pen (Don’t want anyone reading those important notes.)
Chasing Mona Lisa by Tricia Goyer & Mike Yorkey (Great handbook and intriguing tale for any spy-in-training!)
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends at noon on January 31st. The winner will be announced at the Chasing Mona Lisa Facebook Party on 1/31. Tricia and Mike will be hosting an author chat (on Facebook and Live from Tricia’s website) and giving away their books and a Book Club prize pack! (Ten copies of the book for your small group or book club AND a LIVE Author Chat for your group with Tricia and Mike.)
So grab your copy of Chasing Mona Lisa and join Tricia and Mike on the evening of the 31st for an author chat, spy training (do you know how to pick a lock?) and lots of giveaways.
Don’t miss a moment of the fun. RSVP today and tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 31st!
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions rendered are my own.
Do the lies you believe define who you are? Death has followed Marny Toogood from birth, snatching those closest to him and seemingly proving grandfather’s prediction. He is cursed.
Despite the curse, every night Marny holds to the promise his mother told him until she died: Behind every rain cloud is the sun, just waiting to shine. Then he falls asleep and succumbs to the only place more dark and foreboding than his life.
We enter Marny’s life the day his nightmares and cursed life collide. Living life in a tiny apartment above the station where he pumps gas, Marny tries to keep his involvement in the lives around him to a minimum–after all potential friends are potential victims of his curse.
But today there’s just something about the girl in the backseat of the old Ford Taurus that pulls in for a fill-up. She speaks to him through her eyes, and through his own experiences he recognizes the message of sorrow and doom.
As the car pulls away Marny bends to pick up a piece of wadded paper. Opening it he reads five words that have the potential to change his life forever: HE’S GOING TO KILL ME.*
If there ‘s ever been a book that could be considered aerobic exercise its this one. The plot twists, surprises, and races while keeping the reader turning pages frantically trying to find out what happens next. The strong plot doesn’t sacrifice character depth. The book will pull you in from the first page and keep you hanging on each word til the very end. I will warn you it’s hard to put down.
Upon picking up a copy of a lasting impression by Tamera Alexander I was immediately impressed by the intensely beautiful cover work. Turning the cover over and reading the back, I was equally intrigued and eager to begin reading.
A Lasting Impression brings us into the life of Claire Laurent, a talented artist who’s father has forced her to be a copyist–a forger of master artists. More than anything Claire dreams of painting her own masterpieces, but her father forbids her from following her dream. Over and over he tells her that she has no talent of her own, and that this life is the best she can hope for.
When Claire is forced to flee New Orleans after her father is robbed and wounded, she ends up in Nashville, and her path collides with attorney Sutton Monroe. She considers him a godsend for not turning her in to the authorities when he finds her just waking up from spending the night sleeping on a church pew. But after he later refuses to come to her aid, Claire fears she’s sorely misjudged the man.
A year after the war between the states has ended, Nashville is still reeling from the impact of the war. When opportunity befalls Claire to become personal liaison to Mrs. Adelicia Acklen, one of the only Nashville citizens to make it through the war relatively better off than she entered it, Claire believes her dreams may one day come true. Adelicia is an art enthusiast and collector of highest regard. She even hosts an art auction that includes place for new artists to showcase their work each year. If only Claire can find time to create a worthy painting and enter it without the truth of her past coming to light.
When Claire finds a forgery among the master paintings to be sold she faces her worst nightmare. Does she let the painting go unnoticed, or will she risk losing the love and friendship she has found to admit that the painting is a forgery–and that she knows because she’s the one who painted it.
A sweeping love story about a nation mending after war, the redemption of those wounded, and the courage of a man and woman to see themselves–and each other–for who they really are, A Lasting Impression is a one of a kind read and fully worthy of 5 stars.
Tamera Alexander is a best-selling novelist whose deeply drawn characters, thought-provoking plots, and poignant prose resonate with readers. Having lived in Colorado for seventeen years, she and her husband now make their home in Nashville Tennessee, along with their two adult children who live near by. And don’t forget Jack, their precious–and precocious–silky terrier.
Enter to win one of Tamera’s fabulous prizes and RSVP for Facebook Party on 11/15!
Kindle Fire Giveaway and Facebook Party from Tamera Alexander!
While Tamera and her book, A Lasting Impression, are traveling across the country virtually
(with a few international stops as well!), she will be hosting a Kindle
Fire Giveaway (11/4 – 11/15) and preparing for a lavish Southern-Style Facebook Party(11/15) (dripping
with hospitality, of course). She will be giving away Southern Food
Baskets, books, and an array of other fabulous freebies! Don’t miss a
minute of the fun. Swoon!
A Brand New Kindle Fire (shipped as soon as it releases)
A copy of A Lasting Impression and 3 other special books Tamera wants you to have (for Kindle)
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends at noon on November 15th. Winner will be announced at A Lasting Impression Facebook Party on the 15th. Tamera will be wrapping up the A Lasting Impression celebration
with an author chat and giving away Southern Food Baskets (Loveless
Cafe Food Baskets, books, Amazon & Starbucks gift certificates, and
copies of Christy Jordan’s Southern Plate cookbook), six gift certificates to Starbucks and Amazon.com, and copies of A Lasting Impression! So grab your copy of A Lasting Impression (it’s
okay if you don’t have one yet- you might win one!) and join Tamera on
the evening of November 15th for an author chat, a trivia contest (How
much do you know about the 1860’s?) and lots of Southern-inspired
giveaways (complete listing here).
Don’t miss a moment of the fun. RSVP today and tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER. Hope to see you on the 15th!
Thank you to all of you who entered the Deliver Me From Evil book Giveaway. The winner’s name has been drawn the old fashioned way (I wrote all the names on paper and allowed my daughter to pull the winner).
Congratulations go out to Amanda Claire. I will contact you about sending the book shortly.
To everyone who participated, thank-you. Look for another give away coming soon.
Read to the end for your chance to win a copy of this book.
Deliver me From Evil by Kathi Mathias puts a human face on a seldom talked about worldwide atrocity: human trafficking. It follows the interconnected story from three vantage points.
Mara, a six year old Mexican girl, was taken from her desperately poor family by her uncle who promised to care for her in America. Now eighteen, she has lived twelve years as part of his violent prostitution ring in the heart of San Diego.
Jonathan, also eighteen is a college senior planning to head to Bible College in the fall, mostly because he feels it’s what is expected of him. Working a job selling pizzas to save the funds he needs, he inadvertently stumbles upon Mara and another young captive who has been recently snatched off the streets of the city.
Jolene and Jasmine are captive a word away. Their captors see them as a commodity not even worthy of the basics of human comforts. When a girl in their situation has outlived her usefulness, she is simply disposed of.
Where is the hope for these young slaves of human trafficking–is there any hope? How far are Jonathan and his family willing to step outside of their comfort zone? How far would you be willing to step?
A beautiful, yet horrifying tale with a clear challenge and message to the reader. If you dare to read it, it will leave an indelible imprint on your heart. Will you be one of those who dares to open your eyes to these forgotten children of God?
5 Stars.
Kathi, how did you come up with the idea for Deliver Me From Evil and the Freedom series?
Kathi–It actually came out of a phone conversation withAndrea Mullins, the publisher at New Hope. We were discussing the Extreme Devotion series (about the persecuted Church), which I was still working on at the time, and we began to consider topics for a second series. Andrea was the one who suggested human trafficking, and it really struck a chord with me. The more I researched it and worked on the proposal, the more excited I became about joining forces with others working to abolish modern-day slavery, which is exactly what human trafficking is.
What was your favorite scene to write in Deliver Me From Evil?
Kathi–This book/series has been the most difficult I’ve ever written, simply because the subject matter is so dark and heavy. More than once I had to walk away and clear my thoughts before moving on from one scene to another. But interspersed between the heartache and tragedy are several lighter scenes (written and incorporated into the book out of necessity), dealing with a pastor’s family and their Bible college-bound son who inadvertently discovers the human trafficking ring and becomes involved in the heroic and dramatic rescue attempt. Any scenes revolving around the absolutely functional and loving life of the Flannery family are my favorites.
What was the most difficult scene, and why?
Kathi–There were many difficult scenes in this book due to the subject matter, but the hardest had to be when the main character, 18-year-old Mara, realizes that one of the younger girls is being tortured and killed in an effort to extract information and punish her. Though the actual violence is done offstage, Mara experiences each blow and muffled scream, as does the reader.
Did you always know you wanted to be a writer? If not, how did you catch the writing bug?
Kathi–Oh yes, I never wanted to be anything else. From the time I discovered the power and allure of words, I was hooked! I was an avid reader before I started kindergarten. A short story I wrote in the third grade was turned into a play for the entire PTA, and I won all sorts of awards for poetry in high school. I even told my then boyfriend (now husband) Al when we were in our early teens that I was going to be a writer one day.
How do you go about writing your fiction books? Which comes first for you, plot, characters, and/or theme?
Kathi–I usually get what I call “a niggling in my soul,” which eventually emerges into the very basic theme of the book. I hate outlining and writing proposals because I do NOT develop plots or even characters ahead of time. I start with a couple of main characters, a starting and ending point for my story, and just let the rest unfold as I go. I know. We’re not supposed to do it that way, but it works for me, and I so enjoy the surprises as the story develops and my characters take over. So much fun! So long as they don’t try to lead me away from my pre-determined ending. Then I have to reign them back in a bit.
How do you get your ideas for your books?
Kathi–I have ideas coming out of my ears! I am a seriously addictive idea person. You want ideas? You can have my overflow! My challenge is to figure out which ones are worth pursuing. Not every cute or fun or even meaningful idea that pops into our head is meant to be a book. I pray, think, study, bounce them off people, etc., before committing to moving ahead with one of them. For the most part, however, nearly all my book ideas are, to one degree or another, born out of some moral or social issue that I care about.
How can we find out more about you, The Freedom Series, and other books you are writing?
I was given a complimentary copy of this book from the author in exchange for posting the author’s interview on my blog. This blog tour is managed by Christian Speakers Services (ChristianSpeakersServices.com).
Now for what you’ve been waiting for: your chance to win a copy of this book.
Here’s how to do it.
1. “Like” ReadGreatFiction on facebook, and leave a comment on the link to this book= one entry (if you already “like” ReadGreatFiction just leave a comment)
2. Get your friends to “like” ReadGreatFiction. For each friend that leaves a comment and mentions your name you will receive another entry.
The drawing will be held on October 31, at which time I will announce the winner on this blog and at ReadGreatFiction on Facebook.
Welcome back to Bright’s Pond where the residents make even your strangest relatives seem normal.
What’s going on at the Greenbriar Nursing home? Resident’s riding trikes down the halls? Seniors making out in the gazebo? This is strange even by Bright’s Pond standards. Who or what could be responsible? Is it the fault of the new gazeebo, or the strange elusive man who built it for the residents? Maybe it’s drugs or something in the water. Police chief Mildred Blessing has her hands full trying to solve this one.
Meanwhile elsewhere in Bright’s Pond folks must contend with a luau thanksgiving, a Christmas pageant with live camels and the on again off again romance between Griselda and Zeb. Do I hear wedding bells?
Though lighthearted, this book is no ball of fluff. It is well written and entertaining. It will leave you laughing, and feeling just a little bit better about your own life. The delightfuly quirky characters, like none you’ve ever imagined, are so real you’ll feel like you’ve always known them.
As with the first three books in this series, this is a 5 star read. If you haven’t read the others (The Prayers of Agnes Sparrow, Charlotte Figg Takes Over Paradise, and Griselda Takes Flight), you must do so. You’r life will be fuller from having read them.
I received this book from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions rendered are my own.
James Rubart has done it again. The Chair is a magnificient creation, a definite “edge of my seat” (pun intended) read. Unpredictable up to the very end, this book deserves a very strong 5 star rating.
Corin Roscoe thinks the old lady who dropped off an even older chair at his antique shop is nuts. Though he tries to refuse the chair, she insists he take it–claiming that it was meant to go to him.
Taking a closer look after she leaves, he realizes the chair is very well made in it’s simplicity. Putting it off to the side, since he has an overabundance of furniture in his store right now, he figures it’s something he might take a look at later, if he has the time.
When a young boy is miraculously healed in his store after sitting in the chair, and word of it spreads, Corin realizes that maybe he has come across something special. Could this chair possibly heal his brother–and his guilt?
When a well known mega-church pastor begins to manipulate Corin into selling the chair, he decides to lock it up for safekeeping. Corrin, needing advice, confides in an old trusted friend, a college professor, who shares with him the history and legend behind the mysterious chair.
Does the chair really posses power? There are those who will stop at nothing to get it–and that puts Corin, and those he loves at the center of their cross-hairs.
I received this book from the publisher through Netgalley. All opinions rendered are my own.
Ann dreams of a marriage proposal from her poetic suitor, Eli-until Will Hanby shows her that nobility is more than fine words.
On a small farm in 19th-century Ohio, young Ann Miller is pursued by the gallant Eli Bowen, son of a prominent family. Eli is the suitor of Ann’s dreams. Like her, he enjoys poetry and beautiful things and soon, he will move to the city to become a doctor.
Ann travels to Pittsburgh, accompanying her father on business. There she meets Will Hanby, a saddle-maker’s apprentice. Will has spent years eking out an existence under a cruel master and his spirit is nearly broken. But Ann’s compassion lights a long-dark part of his soul. Through his encounters with Ann’s father, a master saddler, Will discovers new hope and courage in the midst of tremendous adversity.
When the Millers must return to Ohio and their ministry there, Will resolves to find them, at any cost. If Will can make it back to Ann, will she be waiting?
This book is a wonderful debut novel from Rosslyn Elliott. It is well written and researched and makes for a delightful read. If you enjoy historical romance, you will love this book. 5 Stars
About Rosslyn: Rosslyn Elliott grew up in a military family and relocated so often that she attended nine schools before her high school graduation. With the help of excellent teachers, she qualified to attend Yale University, where she earned a BA in English and Theater. She worked in business and as a schoolteacher before returning to study at Emory University, where she earned a Ph.D. in English in 2006. Her study of American literature and history inspired her to pursue her lifelong dream of writing fiction. She lives in the Southwest, where she homeschools her daughter and teaches in children’s ministry. For more about Rosslyn, visit her website: http://rosslynelliott.com
To celebrate the release of her debut novel, Fairer Than Morning, Rosslyn Elliott is giving away two fabulous prize packages. The first is brand new KINDLE in her Fairer Than Morning Kindle Giveaway. Then on September 20th she’s giving away a $200 gift certificate toward a Custom-Made Historical Reproduction Dress (from Recollections) during the Fairer Than Morning Book Club Chat Party on Facebook! Sigh…romantic.
Fairer Than Morning is receiving wonderful reviews – Library Journal said, “A well-written historical series debut…”. Read more reviews here.
Be sure to join the fun and enter the Kindle contest –
One winner will receive:
* Kindle with Wi-Fi
* Fairer Than Morning (for Kindle)
To enter just click one of the icons below. But, hurry, giveaway ends on 9/19. Winner will be announced on 9/20 at Rosslyn’s Book Club Facebook Party. Details and official rules can be found when entering the contest.
Then be sure to RSVP forRosslyn’s Facebook Party! During the party Rosslyn will be chatting with guests, hosting a book chat about Fairer Than Morning (don’t worry if you haven’t read the book yet – you could win a copy!) & historical Fiction, testing your trivia skills. She’ll also be giving away that $200 gift certificate toward a FABULOUS custom-made period dress from Recollections!
Six days in the Sonoran desert…six days without food…with barely any water…six days since Skylar Grady’s been left for dead with no idea who even wanted her that way.
This was supposed to be such a simple assignment. Just locate the deadbeat dad so the authorities could have him arrested and brought to justice. She hadn’t even found him, yet here she is, pretty sure she’s only hours away from certain death.
If anyone else had asked Jonas Sampson to track someone lost in the desert (and believe me, they had) he never would have done it. But his old college friend Kane Dougherty was someone he’d do almost anything for–especially since Cane assured him that this woman was too stubborn to die. Now that he’s found her, getting her home safely is going to be a whole other battle–both because of the dozen or more men tracking her with an intent to kill, and because she fight’s him almost every step of the way.
This is the best Love inspired Suspense book I’ve read in a long time. Shirley McCoy doesn’t waste any time getting to the meat of the story. The action begins with the first sentence, and keeps the reader on the edge of their seat til the very end. The characters are real. They draw you in till you feel yourself longing to see their hopes and dreams fulfilled, and cheering them on every step of the way. There is really a lot of punch in this little book. It is a great value, and worth every one of the 5 stars I’m giving it.
This book was provided to me by the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions rendered are my own.
I have noticed that a bunch of you have not made the jump over to my new site at http://www.readgreatfiction.com. You have to type the web address into your browser (wordpress won’t let me link. I don’t think they like that I moved to blogger.) Just to let you know I will be hosting a book and amazon giftcard giveaway (2-$20 cards)over on that blog in April, as well as another book and $25 American Express giftcard giveaway on my other blog http://www.Homeschool-Rock.com. Of course you must be a subscriber to these blogs to win any of this.
, 
readgreatfiction 