"A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver." Proverbs 25:11

Monday, December 17, 2012

TO WRITE A WRONG by Robin Caroll


ABOUT THE BOOK

In Angola State Penitentiary, a man is serving time for a crime he didn’t commit. Riley Baxter is an eager reporter desperate for a story to make a name for herself. When she stumbles upon the daughter of the incarcerated man, Riley sees a little too much of herself in the teen, and vows to help prove her father’s innocence.

At the same time, Hayden Simpson has his hands full with keeping his little sister in line, worrying about his job as Police Commissioner, and dealing with his past emotional baggage. The last thing he needs is someone blowing the lid off his emotional bucket. But when Riley Baxter storms into his life, struggling to understand why God would let bad things happen to good people, Hayden has no choice but to follow his heart.

Now, Riley and Hayden must work together to uncover the truth of the past . . . before someone shuts Riley up for good.

 

ABOUT ROBIN CAROLL

Born and raised in Louisiana, Robin Caroll is a southerner through and through. Her passion has always been to tell stories to entertain others. Robin’s mother, bless her heart, is a genealogist who instilled in Robin the deep love of family and pride of heritage—two aspects Robin weaves into each of her books.

When she isn’t writing, Robin spends time with her husband of twenty-plus years, her 3 beautiful daughters, 2 precious grandsons, and their character-filled pets at home—in the South, where else?  



MY REVIEW

I really enjoy reading Robin's Justice Seekers series and with no exception To Write A Wrong, has got to be one of my favorites. I believe she outdid herself when she 'penned' this one. 

When I started this book, it was difficult to put it down, so.... I didn't. I had to find out what was going to happen. Why was an innocent man put in prison? Why was there a cover-up on the previous crime? Was Hayden going to do something about it? Would Riley be able to complete her articles without someone killing her first?

Oh yeah, this book was exciting, suspenseful, with nail-biting intrigue, and just enough romance to make it all work together. Way to go, Robin. Strong characters coupled with a fantastic plot and Robin's gift of writing create a book that will be read over and over again, at least by me. 

B & H Publishing Group provided me with this free review copy for the purpose of writing this review. 

 

     

THE CRYSTAL SCEPTER by C.S. LAKIN

ABOUT THE BOOK

A new fairy tale in The Gates of Heaven series presents a twist on the Greek legend of Perseus and the Gorgon

Book five in Lakin's series for adults takes you on a magical journey that explores honor, bravery in the face of terrible odds, and loyalty. It spins a tale of Pythius, the wicked king of Paladya, who journeys to the hidden realm of Elysiel to steal the crystal scepter that protects that northern land. But his defiant act unleashes a terrible curse, and the Seer foretells his death one day at the hand of his son. To thwart the prophecy, he attempts to murder his newborn child, but the queen flees and sends the babe off in a trunk across the sea, where he is found and raised by a humble fisherman.
Years later, Perthin, the babe now grown, hears his call of destiny, and is visited by a specter who tells him of the land of Elysiel and of the Gorgon, the evil creature fomenting war in the Northern Wastes. Perthin's village of Tolpuddle is being ravaged by a monstrous sea beast sent by this enemy, and Perthin accepts the challenge to kill the creature by cutting off its head - although anyone who looks upon it turns to stone. With the help of heaven's army, Perthin bests the enemy and returns to stop the sea monster as the beast is ravaging the kingdom of Paladya. Through his heroic efforts he unknowingly fulfills the prophecy foretold by the Seer. He returns to Tolpuddle a hero, where many surprising revelations await him as to his heritage and legacy, for he learns he is not truly a fisherman's son but a king foretold.

ABOUT C.S. LAKIN

C.S. Lakin works professionally in California as a freelance copyeditor and writing coach, and teaches workshops at writing conferences and assists new writers with polishing their books. Her websites for writers www.LiveWriteThrive.com and www.CritiqueMyManuscript.com provide detailed instruction for aspiring novels, and she often guest blogs on top writing site.

The Sands of Ethryn, the sixth installment in the seven-book fairy tale series, will release in fall 2013. In addition to writing her fantasy series, she has penned a teen sci-fi adventure called Time Sniffers and has written five contemporary drama/mysteries, including Someone to Blame, winner of the 2009 Zondervan First Novel Contest (released October 2010). You can learn more about her writing and editing at www.cslakin.com.

MY REVIEW

I am such a huge fan of Susan and to have the opportunity to review book five of this wonderful series is such a treat. I look with much anticipation for her review copies so when this one came in the mail, I immediately began to read it.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It has sea monsters, the Gorgon, trolls, and more. Her characters are flawless and her plot is superb. I know she based this book on Greek legend but I also couldn't help but see biblical characters in her allegories. Baby Moses in the ark, young David facing Goliath and well, you will just have to read the book to see what I mean.

I also appreciate how though each book in this series can stand alone, every one of them has something in them that reveals more about the Gates of Heaven and explains a bit more about a previously written book in this series. Like the scarlet thread that weaves its way throughout the Bible, there is a thread of truth that weaves throughout each one of these books that points us to the King of kings.

The Crystal Scepter is worthy to be added to the Gates of Heaven series; and may I say, this series is a worthy addition for all of those who collect great works of writers.

Many thanks to C.S. Lakin and AMG Publishers who provided me with this free review copy.




Tuesday, November 27, 2012

THE BREATH OF DAWN by KRISTEN HEITZMANN And PAPERWHITE KINDLE GIVEAWAY!


ABOUT THE BOOK

"Heitzmann weaves a many-layered tale keep[ing] readers entertained and wondering when the next bit of drama will occur." -Publishers Weekly

Corporate turnaround specialist Morgan Spencer, dubbed the "success guru," has a Midas touch in business. But losing his wife sent him to the brink, and his two-year-old daughter, Livie, is all he's living for-until they encounter a woman whose trouble just might draw him out of his own.


Four years ago Quinn Reilly did the right thing. Now the man her testimony put in jail is getting out. Though she has put up barriers to protect herself and those around her, she has come to care for the Spencer family, especially the winsome Livie and her mercurial father. Unwilling to put them at risk when the threats begin, she requests something she hopes the super-successful Morgan might be able to deliver.


Fixing problems is what Morgan does best, but his counterproposal takes them in a direction neither is equipped to handle. Determined to confront the past, will they survive to build a future?

ABOUT KRISTEN

Kristen Heitzmann is the bestselling author of over a dozen novels, including "Freefall", "Halos", "A Rush of Wings", and the Christy Award winner "Secrets". She and her husband, Jim, and their family live in Colorado Springs, Colorado, where she serves as worship leader in their church. 

 

 

 

MY REVIEW

From the beginning I was hooked in this book. I just couldn't stop reading it. Quinn is such a strong woman, meaning she has inner strength. She testified against a con-artist, even though it meant she would lose her family. She has her own business. She even does what she can to help out someone she really doesn't know.

Then there's Morgan and his precious little girl. He has basically put life on hold to care for his little girl. 

Kristen has written another winner for me. I so enjoy going back to places I've been and visiting people I've met so reading about Rick and Noelle and Morgan was almost like old home week. 

Kristen's characters are so full of life that you can't help but feel the joys and pain and get caught up in their healing. Watching how she brings Quinn and Morgan together was almost like listening to a symphony. Two strong but wounded people who are attracted to one another, yet they know they aren't ready for any relationship, then circumstances cause them to throw their lots together. 

Then the suspense.... who is this nutcase that is determined to destroy Quinn? Will he succeed? Who else will he destroy in the process?

A wonderfully well-written story, this one is worth reading a few times more. And what makes it so marvelous is it's available in e-book format as well has paperback!

Litfuse Publicity Group provided me with a free e-book for review purposes.



Kristen Heitzmann is celebrating The Breath of Dawn by giving away one of the new Paperwhite Kindles and hosting a fun Author Chat Party on Facebook. (11/27)



One fortunate winner will receive:
  • A Kindle Paperwhite
  • The Breath of Dawn by Kristen Heitzmann
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on November 26th. Winner will be announced at the "The Breath of Dawn" Author Chat Facebook Party on 11/27. Connect with Kristen, get a sneak peek of her next book, try your hand at the trivia contest, and chat with readers just like you. There will also be gift certificates, books and a Book Club Prize Pack to be won (10 copies for your book club or small group)!

So grab your copy of The Breath of Dawn and join Kristen on the evening of the November 27th for a chance to connect with Kristen and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book - don't let that stop you from coming!)

Don't miss a moment of the fun, RSVP todayTell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 27th!


 

Monday, November 26, 2012

THE WEIGHT OF MERCY: A NOVICE PASTOR ON THE CITY STREETS by Deb Richardson-Moore




ABOUT THE BOOK



Ministry can be messy, complicated, and bewildering. Whether responding to the church alarm mysteriously and repeatedly going off in the middle of the night, firing a kitchen assistant with a habit of buying drugs from parishioners, or interacting with the Chicken-Eatin' Preacher from West Greenville, pastor Deb Richardson-Moore quickly admits that there is a great deal they do not teach you in seminary. 

In this frank and engaging account of answering a call later in life, Richardson-Moore brings the reader into the world of her work at the Triune Mercy Center in Greenville, South Carolina. The result is an honest look at the complications and difficulties surrounding her first years of ministry to homeless men and women suffering from mental illness, crack addictions, and alcoholism. At the same time, it is a humorous and deeply touching account of God's grace manifested in the most remarkable of ways, whether in the inadvertent befriending of a mugger or in the unexpected witnessing of an addict tenderly washing another's wounded foot. 

In The Weight of Mercy, Richardson-Moore weaves a story that is difficult to forget, due both to its engaging characters and also its radical vision of what the Christian church could look like if it truly lived out Christ's command to welcome the stranger.

READ A CHAPTER HERE! 

ABOUT DEB RICHARDSON-MOORE

 


Deb Richardson-Moore is pastor of the non-denominational Triune Mercy Center--a mission church that ministers to and alongside the homeless in Greenville, South Carolina. Her congregation consists of street people who live in Greenville's "homeless triangle," as well as city dwellers and suburbanites who believe that the kingdom of God is widely and wildly inclusive.  

She is a native South Carolinian and a graduate of Wake Forest University and Erskine Theological Seminary. Prior to becoming a pastor, she was an award-winning writer for The Greenville News, covering art, theater, religion and unconventional features. Her stories on a losing soccer team and on the lost art of clothes ironing won national awards, as did her body of work on religion. 

Under Deb's leadership, Triune has been transformed from a dying church and crowded soup kitchen into a vibrant worship community whose parishioners mingle freely across socioeconomic lines. She has introduced international opera and Broadway stars to the homeless, and in return, introduced homeless musicians and visual artists to the Greenville community. Using art, music, drama and gardening along with more traditional programming such as mental health counseling, computer training, employment help, and drug rehabilitation, Triune has become known as a ministry that practices and preaches. 

Deb believes that living in solidarity with the impoverished, homeless, and mentally ill who make their way to Triune doesn't have to be grim. Nor ugly. Therefore, all comers are invited to share their gifts and to serve each other--from running the laundry room to serving communion to leading tours in which they are the experts on homelessness. Many of their efforts have gone into beautifying the building and grounds and making the inner-city church a sunny, cheerful place to be. 

But it wasn't always so. When Deb stepped into the Triune pastorate as an inexperienced, middle-aged seminary graduate, she was overwhelmed by the need and the grime, the demands and the dirt, the hidden horrors of a population she didn't know existed. She was determined not to forget those early years, and out of that determination came The Weight of Mercy. Deb is married to Vince Moore, who is director of media relations for Furman University. They have three grown children--Dustin, 29, Taylor, 27, and Madison, 22. The Weight of Mercy is her first book.
 


MY REVIEW

I wasn't exactly sure what I would be getting into when I decided to review this book. Sometimes when you read memoirs/biographies they can be hard to relate to. However, The Weight of Mercy: A Novice Pastor on the City Streets is a real eye-opener not to mention encouraging, and heart-wrenching at times.
Extremely well written, Deb lays bare her heart for the ministry God put into her hands. Through her words I could see in my minds-eye Triune Mercy and those who came to find a hot meal, counseling, and hope. 

She openly shares the triumphs, the loses, the frustrations and the joys of stepping outside of her comfort zone to minister to those who may or may not care. 

Having personally been involved in a similar ministry, I could well-relate to her battles because it is war. It is a war between hope and hopelessness. It is a war between adiction and being set free. It is a war between loving those who hate everyone. Yet in spite of it all, it is the insurmountable joy of watching and sharing in the life that rises from the grave (so to speak) to becoming someone brand new in Christ. 

Through Deb's book I was encouraged and reminded that no matter how hopeless a situation may seem, when God places you there, He will bring you through to the end and He is the one who will receive the glory and praise. 

I highly recommend this book to anyone who needs encouragement in their ministry and to those who are trying to decide if inner-city ministry is where God really wants them. It's worth it.
 
Kregel Publications provided me with a free review copy in order for me to write this review. 
 

 


Tuesday, November 20, 2012

RESURRECT by DAVID E. STEVENS



ABOUT THE BOOK

Book 1 in the Resurrect Trilogy.

Preventing his burning fighter from crashing into a neighborhood, Navy Commander Josh Logan ejects ... too late.


Critically injured, he's offered a new life and mission exploit highly classified military technology to stop a global cataclysm. The price? He'll be dead to everyone he knows.


He wakes in a city hospital with a genetically enhanced body and no identity. With the help of his brilliant, Neuro ICU nurse, and guided by nothing but a voice, he must infiltrate the military-industrial complex to develop the world's most powerful weapon ... to protect humanity?


Link to buy the book: http://ow.ly/faaOD

ABOUT DAVID E STEVENS





A Navy fighter pilot with hundreds of aircraft carrier landings, Commander David E Stevens holds degrees from Cornell and the University of Michigan with graduate work in astrophysics. He test piloted new fighters and received an aviation patent. With a Top Secret clearance, Dave served as Strike Operations Officer for the Persian Gulf during Desert Storm and led classified defense programs. He's traveled to over two dozen countries.

Find out more about David E. at http://www.resurrecttrilogy.com/

MY REVIEW

I always enjoy the opportunity to read a book by an author I am unfamiliar with and this book was no exception. The fact this is book one of a trilogy is also exciting because that means there will be more to learn about Commander Josh Logan and what is going to happen next.

David is an exceptional writer. His characters are strong and his plot is suspenseful. I was captured from the beginning and found myself caught up in the story.

Set in current times with futuristic concepts, Commander Logan is faced with following the instructions from a voice only he can hear and try to save the world or not existing. 

Throughout the book Commander Logan has to deal with his faith in something he can't see, only hear; try and figure out answers to questions that we all ponder at one time or another.

Stevens draws on his own experience in the military to write a novel that exciting, thrilling and yet philosophical at the same time. Though his primary target reader is men, I believe this is something women, especially those of us who enjoy a good Clancy novel, will also like.

Litfuse Publicity Group provided me with a free copy of this book in order to write a review.

Read more reviews here: http://litfusegroup.com/author/DStevens

 


To celebrate the release of Resurrect, David E. Stevens has teamed up with his publisher, Kregel Publications, for a Kindle Fire Giveaway and Facebook Author Chat Party {12/4}.


One "thrilling" winner will receive:
  • A Kindle Fire
  • Resurrect by David E. Stevens
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on December 3rd. Winner will be announced at the "Resurrect" Author Chat Facebook Party on 12/4. Connect with David, get a sneak peek of the next book in the Resurrect Trilogy, try your hand at the trivia contest, and win some great prizes—gift certificates, books and a Book Club Prize Pack (10 copies for your book club or small group)!

So grab your copy of Resurrect and join David on the evening of December 4th for a chance to connect with David and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book - don't let that stop you from coming!)

Don't miss a moment of the fun, RSVP todayTell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 4th!

 

 

NO SAFE HARBOR by Elizabeth Ludwig and KINDLE FIRE GIVEAWAY


ABOUT THE BOOK


She came to America searching for her brother. Instead all she's found is a web of danger.
Cara Hamilton had thought her brother to be dead. Now, clutching his letter, she leaves Ireland for America, desperate to find him. Her search leads her to a houseful of curious strangers, and one man who claims to be a friend-Rourke Walsh. Despite her brother's warning, Cara trusts Rourke, revealing her purpose in coming to New York.
She's then thrust into a world of subterfuge, veiled threats, and attempted murder, including political revolutionaries from the homeland out for revenge. Her questions guide her ever nearer to locating her brother-but they also bring her closer to destruction as those who want to kill him track her footsteps.
With her faith in tatters, all hope flees. Will her brother finally surface? Can he save Cara from the truth about Rourke... a man she's grown to love? 

ABOUT ELIZABETH 


Elizabeth Ludwig is an award-winning author whose work has been featured on Novel Journey, the Christian Authors Network, and The Christian Pulse. Her first novel, Where the Truth Lies, which she co-authored with Janelle Mowery, earned her the 2008 IWA Writer of the Year honors. This book was followed in 2009 by “I’ll Be Home for Christmas,” part of a Christmas anthology collection called Christmas Homecoming, also from Barbour Publishing. 

In 2010, her first full-length historical novel Love Finds You in Calico, California earned Four Stars from the Romantic Times. Books two and three of Elizabeth’s mystery series, Died in the Wool (Barbour Publishing) and Inn Plain Sight (Spyglass Lane), respectively, released in 2011.

Coming in 2012 is Elizabeth’s newest historical series from Bethany House Publishers. No Safe Harbor, the first book in the Edge of Freedom Series, will release in October, with two more books following in 2013 and 2014.

Elizabeth is an accomplished speaker and teacher, and often attends conferences and seminars, where she lectures on editing for fiction writers, crafting effective novel proposals, and conducting successful editor/agent interviews. Her popular literary blog, The Borrowed Book, enjoyed a wide readership in its first full year, with more than 17,000 visitors in 2011. Along with her husband and two children, Elizabeth makes her home in the great state of Texas.


MY REVIEW 

I was trying to remember if I had read any of Elizabeth's books, but I don't think I have. However, that is going to change.

Elizabeth is a wonderful writer. I truly enjoyed her characters in this book, No Safe Harbor. They are dynamic and personable. They hum with the life Elizabeth has given them.

Cara is an amazing young woman in search for her brother. Crossing the Atlantic ocean in those times was a difficult journey at best if not harrowing for a young woman alone. It showed her moxie and determination to locate her brother in a foreign land.

The story, set in a time of chaos and subterfuge for many in Ireland, revealed how that unrest came to the shores of America. Between the potato famine, the battling between Catholics and Protestants and the hapless caught in between, those seeking refuge in the arms of Lady Liberty came accompanied with those seeking Cara's brother and his death.

Cara finds her faith tested on many levels and her heart opens to a man that she isn't sure she can trust. In spite of her naivety, she searches for answers in order to find her brother. She is such an awesome young woman.

Rourke is one of those looking for her brother, as well. Only he doesn't intend to hug him. Strong, handsome, and secretive, he finds himself caught in the web that was suppose to trap Cara's brother. His desire for truth has him rethinking some things.

This is a wonderful story worth reading again and again, at least until the next one of the series is available. I for one am looking forward to reading the next book from The Edge of Freedom series.

READ MORE REVIEWS HERE


I received this review copy from Litfuse Publicity Group for the purpose of writing this review.



 

Elizabeth Ludwig is celebrating her new book with a Kindle Fire Giveaway and connecting with readers at a Facebook Author Chat party on 12/6.


One winner will receive:
  • A Kindle Fire
  • No Safe Harbor by Elizabeth Ludwig
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on December 5th. Winner will be announced at the "No Safe Harbor" Author Chat Facebook Party on 12/6. Connect with Elizabeth, get a sneak peek of the next book in the Edge of Freedom series, try your hand at the trivia contest, and win some great prizes—gift certificates, books and a Book Club Prize Pack (10 copies for your book club or small group)!

So grab your copy of No Safe Harbor and join Elizabeth on the evening of the December 6th for a chance to connect with her and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book, don't let that stop you from coming!)

Don't miss a moment of the fun, RSVP todayTell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 6th!

 

 

Monday, November 12, 2012

NOT THIS TIME by Vicki Hinze

 

 ABOUT THE BOOK

 A BLOOD-SOAKED MATTRESS. A TERRORIST ATTACK.  AMONG THEM, A TRAITOR.
BETH DIDN’T TRUST ROBERT.  NOW HE’S MISSING AND BETH IS BEING BLAMED.
 
Sara and Beth built a multi-million dollar business and act as anti-terrorism consultants.  Now their business and friendship are strained because Beth is leery of Sara’s husband.  When he goes missing and is verified kidnapped, authorities consider Beth their prime suspect.
Then their hometown, Seagrove Village, Florida, is rocked by an act of terrorism, and Beth doesn’t know who to trust. Someone close to her is connected to the attack, but who? Is there a connection to Crossroads Crisis Center? In the midst of the confusion and fear, Beth finds herself attracted to a man from her past, the former Shadow Watcher, Joe. She knows she shouldn’t fall in love with him–she can’t resist or even explain their bond. And as her world unravels around her, she wonders…
Will the truth set her free or ruin her life?  Is it possible to be pushed beyond redemption?

“Vicki Hinze has… talent for transforming the unlikely into something beautiful.” –Publishers Weekly

 ABOUT VICKIE HINZE






Vicki’s first published novel, a romantic suspense, was a bestseller that sold in nearly a dozen foreign countries. Since then, she’s shifted writing focus several times. After co-creating the first single-title open-ended continuity series, she turned to military life and has been credited with a Career Achievement Award for being one of the first to write military romantic suspense, military romantic intrigue, and military romantic thrillers. Recently, she has shifted focus to Christian fiction. Her willingness to take risks and blaze trails has won her many prestigious nominations and awards, including:

About



Over 1 Million Books In Print

Vicki’s first published novel, a romantic suspense, was a bestseller that sold in nearly a dozen foreign countries. Since then, she’s shifted writing focus several times. After co-creating the first single-title open-ended continuity series, she turned to military life and has been credited with a Career Achievement Award for being one of the first to write military romantic suspense, military romantic intrigue, and military romantic thrillers. Recently, she has shifted focus to Christian fiction. Her willingness to take risks and blaze trails has won her many prestigious nominations and awards, including:

RT Reviewer’s Choice:

•Best Faith-Affirming Thriller of the Year (Forget Me Not)
•Best Romantic Suspense Novel of the Year (Lady Justice,
•Shades of Gray, Duplicity )
•Best Romantic Intrigue Novel of the Year (Lady Liberty)
•Best Romantic Adventure Novel of the Year (Her Perfect Life)
•Best Mainstream Suspense Novel of the Year (All Due Respect)
•Best Time-Travel Novel of the Year (Festival)
•Career Achievement Award for Best Series Storyteller of the Year (Lady Liberty)
•Career Achievement Award for Best Romantic Adventure of the Year (Her Perfect Life)
•RT Gold Medal Awards (Lady Liberty, Acts of Honor, All Due
•Respect, Shades of Gray)
•RT Top Pick Awards (Shades of Gray, Duplicity, Acts of Honor, All Due Respect, Lady Liberty, Lady Justice, Her Perfect Life)
And
•RITA™ Award Finalist–Best Mainstream (HER PERFECT LIFE)
•RITA™ Award Finalist–Best Romantic Suspense (BODY DOUBLE)
•Blether Gold Awards (LADY JUSTICE)
•Blether Silver Awards (ACTS OF HONOR)
•The Beacon Award (LADY LIBERTY, BODY DOUBLE)
•The Golden Quill Award, Best Mainstream/Single Title Contemporary Novel of the Year (DUPLICITY)
•The Maggie Award of Excellence (MIND READER, ACTS OF HONOR, BEYOND THE MISTY SHORE)
•Holt Medallion Award (BODY DOUBLE, (HER PERFECT LIFE)
•Daphne du Maurier Best Contemporary Novel of the Year (DUPLICITY, ACTS OF HONOR, ALL DUE RESPECT)
•Daphne du Maurier Best Suspense/Mystery Novel of the Year (ACTS OF HONOR, LADY LIBERTY, ALL DUE RESPECT, DUPLICITY)
•Outstanding Achievement Award, Affaire de Coeur
•Best Science Fiction Novel of the Year, Affaire de Coeur (UPON A MYSTIC TIDE)
•Laurel Leaf Award, (MAYBE THIS TIME))

Vicki holds a Master of Arts in Creative Writing and a Doctorate in Philosophy, Theocentric Business & Ethics. She actively lectures on writing craft and technique and philosophy.

Her articles have appeared many respected publications and ezines (Novelists, Inc., Romantic Times, Romance Writers’ Report, The Outreacher, The Rock and others) and have been extensively reprinted in as many as sixty-three foreign markets. She has coordinated and/or judged national and international writing competitions, served on various writers’ association committees, has been honored by Romance Writers of America with their National Service Award and in 2004 was named the first PRO Mentor of the Year.

Vicki is a charter sponsor of International Thriller Writers (ITW) and served on its Board of Directors. She’s a member of The Authors Guild, American Christian Fiction Writers, Novelists Inc., Romance Writers of America, Mystery Writers of America, Published Authors Network, Emerald Coast Writers, ACRA, Deep South Christian Writers and other writing organizations. She’s also a member of As a Mom: Sisterhood of the Mommy Patriots and Book Club Network.

VISIT HER WEBSITE TO LEARN MORE!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Not This Time the last of this great series by Vicki and it's a great book. Very suspenseful and one great ride! I really try to figure out who the bad guy is before he or she is revealed and I was unprepared for this one. With strong characters, as usual, Vicki led me on the merry chase of catching the wrong-doer and cheering on the those who were going after him/her.

I love visiting Seagrove Village and all of it's charming characters and when the story opens with a terrorist attack there I was as shocked as the rest of them. Who would harm those lovely people?

Beth, one of the main characters is one of my favorite people. Probably because I could relate to her dilemma. She didn't trust her best friend's husband and that put a huge strain on their relationship. I didn't trust my best friend's husband either. But when Sara starts getting all cryptic and weird... well that didn't help things at all, especially with all of the crazy stuff happening there in Seagrove village.

And who wouldn't wish for someone like Joe in their life? Strong, mysterious, and compassionate. He sounds almost better than my favorite dark chocolate truffles. I say almost because it takes a lot to beat out my dark chocolate truffles.

Not This Time is a great story to end the series. Or is it really at an end? Well, you will just have to read it and find out for yourself. You won't be disappointed and may find yourself revisiting the series again. 

I received this book for free from Waterbrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.



  



Friday, November 9, 2012

SOUL'S GATE by Jim Rubart and iPAD MINI GIVEAWAY




ABOUT THE BOOK

Book 1 in the Well Spring series.

“Every now and then we get a break from reality. A glimpse into the other world that is more real than the reality we live in 99 percent of our days. The Bible is about a world of demons and angels and great evil and even greater glory.”

What if you could travel inside another person’s soul? To battle for them. To be part of Jesus healing their deepest wounds. To help set them free to step boldly into their divinely designed future.
Thirty years ago that’s exactly what Reece Roth did. Until tragedy shattered his life and ripped away his future.

Now God has drawn Reece out of the shadows to fulfill a prophecy spoken over him three decades ago. A prophecy about four warriors with the potential to change the world . . . if Reece will face his deepest regret and teach them what he has learned.

They gather at a secluded and mysterious ranch deep in the mountains of Colorado, where they will learn to see the spiritual world around them with stunning clarity—and how to step into the supernatural.

Their training is only the beginning. The four have a destiny to pursue a freedom even Reece doesn’t fully fathom. But they have an enemy hell-bent on destroying them and he’ll stop at nothing to keep them from their quest for true freedom and the coming battle of souls.

Buy a copy here!

ABOUT JIM RUBART

James L. Rubart is a professional marketer, speaker, and writer. While being the owner of Barefoot Marketing certainly keeps him on his toes, his passion is writing fiction.

Rubart is an ECPA best-selling author who has been positively reviewed by both Publisher’s Weekly and Romantic Times. His first novel, Rooms, won a Best Books 2011 award from USA Book News, as well as a Romantic Times Book Reviews Reviewers Choice Award. His debut release was followed by Book of Days and The Chair. Soul’s Gate is Rubart’s fourth release.

In addition to being an author, Rubart is also a photographer, guitarist, professional speaker, golfer and semi-pro magician. With all of this, he says that he barely sleeps. Rubart lives with his wife and sons in the Pacific Northwest. To keep up with James L. Rubart, visit www.jimrubart.com.


CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE EXCITING BOOK TRAILER!

MY REVIEW!

Since I really enjoyed Rooms by Jim Rubart I was excited to review his new book Soul's Gate. Let me just say, I wasn't disappointed. 

This book is full of intriguing characters; Reece Roth, the leader of his band of warriors; Brandon, a popular Christian singer; Marcus, a professor, and Dana, a sales manager. Then there is of course the bad guys. Brrrr, they are chilling and very scary.

I really like Rubarts' style of writing and his ability to bring his characters to life. There was so many things about each member of this band of warriors that I could relate to. Take Dana for instance, because she had been hurt so bad she put up huge barriers to keep others out of her heart, including the healing touch of God. Then Brandon lost his true love of singing for the Lord and well.... I can't tell you more because you need to read this book!

James brought out some very intriguing thoughts about various gifts and abilities from God, including being able to be in one place then another in a blink of an eye. Hmmmm..... he definitely caused me to think.

He also showed the importance of praying for one another, not just a "Lord bless so and so;" but going to battle in prayer for the souls of those we know and don't know. 

But I think one of the best parts about this book is James' ability to reveal through his characters God's desire for restoration and wholeness in His children.

Since this is the first book of the Wellspring series, I am excited to see what else is going to happen in the other books.

If you are looking for a great work of Christian fiction that has strong characters then this series is for you!   

Read more reviews here!



I received this free review e-book copy from Litfuse Publicity Group for the purpose of writing this review.

Win an iPad Mini from @JimRubart and RSVP for his Live Video Chat {11/13}!

The first book in best-selling author Jim Rubart's new series, Soul's Gate, releases on November 6th! To celebrate, Jim has teamed up with his publisher, Thomas Nelson, for a virtual book tour, iPad Mini giveaway and a Live Video Author Chat {11/13}. Watch the video trailer for the book here.








One "soulful" winner will receive:


  • A brand new iPad Mini

  • Soul's Gate by Jim Rubart {Be caught up in this captivating series.}


Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on November 12th. Winner will be announced at the "Soul's Gate Author Chat Party on 11/13. Connect with Jim for an evening of book chat, trivia, and a live video chat! There will also be a chance to win gift certificates, books, and other fun prizes!






So grab your copy of Soul's Gate and join Jim on the evening of the November 13th for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book - don't let that stop you from coming!)





Don't miss a moment of the fun; RSVP todayTell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 13th!