A CAST OF STONES: The Staff and the Sword #1 by PATRICK W. CARR

ABOUT THE BOOK

The Fate of the Kingdom Awaits the Cast of Stones

In the backwater village of Callowford, roustabout Errol Stone is enlisted by a church messenger arriving with urgent missives for the hermit priest in the hills. Eager for coin, Errol agrees to what he thinks will be an easy task, but soon finds himself hunted by deadly assassins. Forced to flee with the priest and a small band of travelers, Errol soon learns he's joined a quest that could change the fate of his kingdom.

Protected for millennia by the heirs of the first king, the kingdom's dynasty nears its end and the selection of the new king begins--but in secret and shadow. As danger mounts, Errol must leave behind the stains and griefs of the past, learn to fight, and discover who is hunting him and his companions and how far they will go to stop the reading of the stones.

READ AN EXCERPT HERE!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Patrick W. Carr teaches high school math and makes his home in Nashville, Tennessee, with his incredible wife, Mary, and their four awesome sons, Patrick, Connor, Daniel, and Ethan. Learn more at patrickwcarr.com.

MY REVIEW

I like a good fantasy, especially one that takes me to a different place and time. I also like to read and review new books by debuting authors. So writing this review is going to be fun and I hope you will find it more than helpful.

Now, when I read a subtitle that has a number one in it that tells me there are going to be more books in that particular series, therefore, that book better be a great book for me to consider reading any more of that series.

Well, let me tell you... A Cast of Stones is not only a great book, it is absolutely fantastic. Fantasy is not an easy genre to write in, there are few, in my humble opinion, who can really do it justice. To name three of my favorite fantasy writers, J.R.R. Tolkien, C.S. Lewis (for the classic fantasy) and C.S. Lakin (The Gates of Heaven Series - the current); if you have read anything by any one of these mighty authors, then like me, you have a high standard. It makes it difficult for those breaking into the genre.

Carr has not only broken into it by this extremely well-written tale that takes place in medieval time, but he delivers a story that will capture your imagination. His characters are flawless, strong, and his hero is someone anyone can relate to. Errol Stone starts out his life with nothing, an orphan, no ambition other than to earn enough to "stay in the cups." Little does he know, there is something special about himself and he has to go through many trials to determine what it is.

The plotting is superb. Carr's attention to detail in his plotting, characters, and places paints a vivid picture in the reader's mind. I was totally captured in the story, experiencing what Errol was going through, emotionally.

This book is going to sit next to my The Gates of Heaven Series, The Chronicles of Narnia and The Lord of the Rings. I am going to make room for the rest of this new author and his wonderful saga. Might I suggest, you better make room on your bookshelves for this saga, as well.

Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group, provided me with a free review copy for the purpose of writing this review. I am not obligated to write a positive review. 

 

 

UNENDING DEVOTION by Jody Hedlund AND GIVEAWAY!

 

ABOUT THE BOOK

Michigan, 1883

In Her Darkest Hours, Is He the Man She Needs?

Lily Young longs to find her lost sister or will die trying. Heedless of any danger, she searches logging camps and towns, posing as a photographer’s assistant. And then she arrives in Harrison, Michigan–and the sights of Connell McCormick.

Connell is determined to increase the fortune of his lumber-baron father and figures as long as he’s living an upright life, that’s what matters. But when Lily arrives in town she upends his world, forcing him to confront the truth that dangerous men have gained too much power while good men turn a blind eye.

Vexing but persuasive, Lily soon secures Connell’s help, drawing them ever closer to each other. Will standing for what’s right cost them both everything?

LINK TO BUY THE BOOK

http://ow.ly/dihgn 

ABOUT JODY HEDLUND

Jody Hedlund is the bestselling author of "The Doctor's Lady" and "The Preacher's Bride". She won the 2011 Inspirational Reader's Choice Award, the 2011 Award of Excellence from the Colorado Romance Writers and was a finalist for Best Debut Novel in the 2011 ACFW Carol Awards. Currently she makes her home in central Michigan, with her husband and five busy children. She loves hearing from readers on Facebook and on her blog.

Visit her website: http://jodyhedlund.com

MY REVIEW

I really enjoy historical novels. So reading Unending Devotion by Jody Hedlund was a treat indeed. I had read a previous book by her, The Preacher's Bride, and enjoyed it as well.

One of things I like about how she writes, is the research she does for her books. Having grown up in the Pacific Northwest, timber country, I was aware of some of the things she talked about in Unending Devotion, but not to the extent she brought out in her book. 

The opening of the story is what caught my attention. Lily Young, the main character, is on her way to rescue a young girl caught in prostitution in one of the logging towns. She wasn't the first girl Lily rescued.

Lily and her friend, Oren travel from one logging town and logging camp to another, taking pictures of the men who work in them and hopefully, find her missing sister, Daisy.

The conditions are not just rough, they are dangerous, especially for a young, pretty girl, like Lily. If it wasn't for Oren, her friend, protector and father-figure, she wouldn't have gotten very far.

Strong characters and real stories interwoven in this fictional piece make for a fascinating story. Then throw in Connell McCormick, son of a lumber-baron, things really get interesting.

Connell knows things aren't good in Harrison, yet, he doesn't dare rock the boat against the man who has the law in his pocket. However, Lily challenges his fence-riding. Will he stand up to one of the most evilest men in the state? Will he stand up for what he knows is right? Will Lily find her sister? You will just have to read the book to find out!

Unending Devotion isn't just about a missing sister, or Lily's unending love for her. Nor is it just about the wretched conditions of the logging camps and towns filled with the depravities of man. Throughout it all, we see the unending devotion God has for each one of us. Though we may try to run and hide and even try to do things our way, He still loves us. He loves us enough to let us come to the end of ourselves, so we will turn to Him. That is unending devotion. 

This review was made possible through Litfuse Publicity Group. They freely provided a review copy for reviewing only. I am under no obligation to write a positive review. 

READ MORE REVIEWS HERE!

http://litfusegroup.com/author/JHedlund

UNENDING DEVOTION BY JODY HEDLUND / NIKON CAMERA GIVEAWAY AND FACEBOOK PARTY 9/18/2012! ENTER AND RSVP TODAY!

Celebrate with Jody by entering to win a Nikon Camera Prize Pack!

See what folks are saying about Unending Devotion!

One “devoted” winner will receive:

• A Nikon COOLPIX Digital Camera
• $25 Shutterfly gift certficate
• Unending Devotion by Jody Hedlund

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on September 17th. Winner will be announced at the “Unending Deovtion” Author Chat Facebook Party on 9/18. Connect with Jody, get a sneak peek of her next book, try your hand at a trivia contest, and chat with readers just like yourself. 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 Unending Devotion and join Jody on the evening of the September 18th for a chance to connect with Jody 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 RSVP today. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 18th!

Song of My Heart by Kim Vogel Sawyer

About the book:

Sadie Wagner has always been devoted to her family. So when her stepfather is injured and can't work, she decides to leave home and accept a position as a clerk at the mercantile in Goldtree, Kansas. Goldtree also offers the opportunity to use her God-given singing talent--though the promised opera house is far different from what she imagined. With her family needing every cent she can provide, Sadie will do anything to keep her job.

McKane comes to Goldtree at the request of the town council. The town has been plagued by bootlegging operations, and Thad believes he can find the culprit. 

After he earns enough money doing sheriff work, he wants to use it to pay for his training to become a minister.

Thad is immediately attracted to the beautiful singer who performs in Asa Baxter's unusual opera house, but when he hears her practicing bawdy tunes, he begins to wonder if she's far less innocent than she seems. And when Sadie appears to be part of the very crimes he's come to investigate, is there any hope the love blossoming between them will survive?

Here's Kim!

Kim Vogel Sawyer is the author of nineteen novels, including several CBA and ECPA bestsellers. Her books have won the ACFW Book of the Year Award, the Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence, and the Inspirational Readers Choice Award. Kim is active in her church, where she leads women's fellowship and participates in both voice and bell choirs. In her spare time, she enjoys drama, quilting, and calligraphy. Kim and her husband, Don, reside in central Kansas, and have three daughters and six grandchildren. 

She invites you to visit her Web site at www.kimvogelsawyer.com

Click here to buy the book: http://ow.ly/9uLOD

MY REVIEW:

Song of My Heart, set in the late 1800's, is a warm, heartfelt story that immediately drew me in to Sadie Wagner's life. In her desire to help her family she moves to another state, takes a clerking job in Goldtree, Kansas, and has the opportunity to sing in an opera house. 

Choices and decisions lead to all types of repercussions and consequences and Sadie made choices that will lead to some hard consequences. 

I could see where trouble would begin for her, unfortunately she didn't see it. She just wanted to make enough money to send back home. Because of that desire to help her family, she gets caught in the worst of all traps. Then she tries to balance what she is doing by what she is trying to do, take care of her family.

Kim Vogel Sawyer kept me turning the pages so I could find out if Sadie would be able to get out of the mess she found herself in.

I couldn't help but fall in love with Sawyer's characters, including Mr. Asa Baxter. The innocence of Sadie, her misguided cousin, Sid, the twins, Miss Shelva and Melva and the sheriff, Thad McKane are all strong and colorful characters that make Song of My Heart a story well worth reading over and over again.

BLOG TOUR SCHEDULE! http://litfusegroup.com/blogtours/text/13461539/kimvogelsawyer

This book was provided freely from Litfuse Publicity and Bethany House for the purpose of review. I am under no obligation to present a positive review.

Win a Nook Tablet and RSVP for FaceBook Party!

Win a Nook Tablet from Kim Vogel Sawyer and RSVP for her "Song of My Heart" Facebook Party {3/29}! Celebrate with Kim by entering to win a Nook Tablet and connecting with her at the Book Chat Party on 3/29!

One "songbird" winner will receive:

• A Nook Tablet
• Song of My Heart by Kim Vogel Sawyer

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends 3/28/12. Winner will be announced at Kim's Book Chat Facebook Party on 3/29. Kim will be hosting an evening of chat, fun trivia and more! She'll also be giving away some GREAT prizes: gift certificates, books, and much more!

So grab your copy of Song of My Heart and join Kim and friends on the evening of March 29th for an evening of fun.

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 29th!

The Maid of Fairbourne Hall by Julie Klassen and Kindle Fire Giveaway

A Little About The Book, THE MAID OF FAIRBOURNE HALL:

To escape a scheme to marry her off to a dishonorable man, Margaret Macy flees London disguised as a housemaid. If she can remain unwed until her next birthday, she will receive an inheritance, and with it, sweet independence. But she never planned on actually working as a servant. And certainly not in the home of Nathaniel and Lewis Upchurch--both former suitors.

As she fumbles through the first real work of her life, Margaret struggles to keep her identity secret when suspicions arise and prying eyes visit Fairbourne Hall. Can she avoid a trap meant to force her from hiding?

Here is some information about the author, Julie Klassen:

Julie Klassen loves all things Jane--Jane Eyre and Jane Austen. A graduate of the University of Illinois, Julie worked in publishing for sixteen years and now writes full time. She has won the Christy Award: Historical Romance for The Silent Governess (2010) and The Girl in the Gatehouse (2011) which also won the 2010 Midwest Book Award for Genre Fiction. Julie and her husband have two sons and live in a suburb of St. Paul, Minnesota.

For more information, visit www.julieklassen.com

Want to buy the book? Click here:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/0764207091/ref=as_li_ss_til?tag=sprightly-20&camp=0&creative=0&linkCode=as4&creativeASIN=0764207091&adid=1TCYV1DRSTV23NKEQ170


My Review:

This is the first time I have ever read one of Julie Klassen's books, so I was pleased with The Maid of Fairbourne Hall. 

Julie's characters are strong without being overwhelming. Her plot was solid and I was easily caught up in the story. Using just the right amount of details and historical background, I could "see" Margaret and her fellow servants in Fairbourne Hall. 

I enjoyed how at the beginning of each chapter and throughout the book, Julie used various quotes from Jane Austin (one of my favorite authors) and various sources that were apropos to the time of the story. One of my favorite quotes she used was:

"A good character is valuable to everyone, but especially to servants. For it is their bread and butter and without it they cannot be admitted into a creditable family, and happy it is that the best of characters is in everyone's power to deserve."    [pg 86]

In following the story, I watched a spoiled girl in a bad situation change into someone who was deserving of a good character. I found myself cheering Margaret on when she was faced with difficult situations in her new position as a maid. 

Filled with danger and romance, The Maid of Fairbourne Hall, opened to doors to the belowstairs world of a 19th century English manor. Julie wrote a wonderful book that kept me intrigued and hopeful and rooting for Margaret. 

Julie Klassen is a fine writer and I will be looking forward to more of her work. If you are looking for a book similar to Jane Austin's style, then you definitely won't be disappointed in Julie Klassen and her work.

This book was provided free to me for the purpose of review through Litfuse Publicity and Bethany House.  

CONTEST INFORMATION!

Don't miss the perfect blend of Regency-era romance and mystery in The Maid of Fairbourne Hall! Grab a copy and then be sure to enter Julie's Kindle Fire Giveaway and RSVP for her Author Chat party on Facebook! Swoon.

One fortunate winner will receive:

*A brand new Kindle Fire

*A Julie Klassen Library (The Maid of Fairbourne Hall, The Girl in the Gatehouse, and The Silent Governess)

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends 3/14. Winner will be announced at Julie's "Fairbourne Hall" Facebook Party on 3/15 . Julie will be hosting an evening of chat, trivia and a sneak peek at her next book - bring your friends! She'll also be giving away some GREAT prizes: gift certificates, books, and a Downton Abbey Prize Pack!

So grab your copy of The Maid of Fairbourne Hall and join Julie and friends on the evening of March 15th for an evening of fun.

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 15th!

Blog Tour Schedule:  http://litfusegroup.com/blogtours/text/13456522/julieklassen

 

THE GOOD NEWS ABOUT WORRY by Dr. William Backus

The Good News About Worry by Dr. William Backus is just the book I needed to read.

I don't know about any of you, but I worry. Often about things I probably don't need to worry about. I worry about my job, my health, the health of my husband, my kids, my finances, you name it and I probably worry about it. I even worry about this computer and wonder if it will continue to work!

Dr. Backus wrote this book I think just for me. Well, maybe for you too, if you worry.

Inside you will find yourself. He takes the time to get to the heart of your worries and explains the why. He shows how avoiding something that may make you anxious is actually making you more anxious. He uses biblical principles and points us in the right thinking. Because let's face it, it's all in our head and how we think determines how we act.

There is a page that helps you to see your personal anxieties and then throughout the rest of the book he gives you exercises to help you to biblically overcome those anxieties.

This is a easy book to read and comprehend. Dr. Backus doesn't use a lot of psychological words that are difficult to understand. He writes just like he is talking to you and me.

The only part I had a difficult time with was with the relaxation/meditaion. It's very important that when we try these exercises that our mind doesn't "go blank" but rather we meditate on a particular bible verse or passage. Leaving the mind blank opens doors that are better left closed. It's a open invitation for the enemy of our soul to enter.  So my suggestion in this portion of the book and exercise is to meditate on the word of God.

Other than that, I think this book will be extremely helpful for all of us who deal with high anxiety, getting to the root of that anxiety, looking at practical biblical application and becoming the person God wants us to be and be able to use for His glory.

This book was provided to me by Baker Publishing Group with no expectations of a positive review. Everything expressed in this review is of my own opinion.