YOU DON'T KNOW ME by Susan May Warren

ABOUT THE BOOK

A Deep Haven Novel

Sometimes the secrets we keep to protect ourselves can be our undoing.

To all who know her, Annalise Decker is a model wife and mother. She’s a permanent member of the PTA, never misses a sporting event, and is constantly campaigning for her husband’s mayoral race.

No one knows that Annalise was once Deidre O’Reilly, a troubled young woman whose testimony put a dangerous criminal behind bars. Relocated through the Witness Security Program to the quaint harbor town of Deep Haven, Deidre received a new identity and a fresh start, which began when she fell in love with local real estate agent Nathan Decker.

Twenty years later, Annalise couldn’t be more unprepared for her past to catch up with her. When Agent Frank Harrison arrives with news that the man she testified against is out on parole and out for revenge, Annalise is forced to face the consequences of her secrets. Will she run again, or will she finally find the courage to trust those she loves most with both her past and her future?

ABOUT SUSAN

Susan May Warren is the RITA award-winning novelist of over thirty novels. A five-time Christy award finalist, a two-time RITA Finalist, she’s also a multi-winner of the Inspirational Readers Choice award, and the ACFW Carol Award.

A seasoned women’s events speaker, she’s a popular writing teacher at conferences around the nation and the author of the beginning writer’s workbook: From the Inside-Out: discover, create and publish the novel in you!.

Find out more about Susan May at http://www.susanmaywarren.com/

READ AN EXCERPT HERE! 

http://www.susanmaywarren.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/You-Dont-Know-Me-First-Chapter.pdf

BUY THE BOOK HERE!

http://ow.ly/e6zml

 

MY PERSONAL REVIEW

Do you really know the person you are married to? What secrets are you harboring that may affect the ones you love? Susan May Warren addresses these questions in her novel You Don't Know Me by telling a compelling story of the life of Annalise Decker.

From a conversation Susan had with a woman on an airplane, the story of Annalise was born. Placed in Deep Haven, Annalise begins her new life. 

I was happy to return to Deep Haven and meet Annalise and her husband, Nathan Decker. Deep Haven is a wonderful little town. The first time I read about it was in Susan's novel My Foolish Heart. So it was great meeting the folks of Deep Haven again. Hmmm... I think I will have to read that book again!

I found the story of Annalise to be heartbreaking in so many ways. She lived in constant fear that the person she testified against would find her. She couldn't contact any of her family. She was afraid to tell her husband who she really was because she was worried he would hate her.

Her teenage daughter was heading down the same path that she took and yet she couldn't really tell her daughter why the fella she was interested in was bad news.

Nathan had secrets of his own that he was afraid to share with Annalise. It had to do with his campaign for the mayoral office. Also, he wanted to erase the bad taste the name Decker created in his own mind and as he perceived it, in the minds of those in Deep Haven.

Secrets and fear of rejection bound this family in so many ways.

Susan wrote another great novel and through the telling she shows her readers the necessity to be truthful and honest with the ones we love and if we are honest with others we will be surprised with the outcome.        

This review was made possible through Litfuse Publicity Group. They provided me with a free review copy.

READ MORE REVIEWS HERE!

http://litfusegroup.com/campaigns/you-dont-know-me-by-susan-may-warren-200-weekend-getaway-giveaway-and-facebook-party-1023 

Win a $200 Weekend Getaway from @SusanMayWarren! RSVP for Facebook Author Chat Party on Oct. 23rd!

Welcome to the campaign launch for Susan May Warren’s latest offering in her beloved Deep Haven series, You Don’t Know Me. Susan is celebrating with a $200 Weekend Getaway Giveaway and hosting a fun video Author Chat Party!

 

One fortunate winner will receive:

• A $200 Visa Gift Card (Use that to catch up with a loved one and “Get to Know” your spouse, friend, sister, mom…whomever!)
• The entire set of Deep Haven Books

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on October 22nd. Winner will be announced at the ”You Don’t Know Me” Author Chat Facebook Party on 10/23. Connect with Susan for an evening of book chat, Deep Haven trivia, and a live video chat! There will also be info about Susan’s BookShout read-along and a chance to win gift certificates, books, and other fun prizes!

So grab your copy of You Don’t Know Me and join Susan on the evening of the October 23rd for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven’t read the books – don’t let that stop you from coming!)

Don't miss a moment of the fun, RSVP today. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 23rd!

 

 

FLAME OF RESISTANCE by Tracy Groot

Christy Award Winner Tracy Groot Revitalizes World War II History with “Impressionistic Retelling” of the Story of Rahab

Tyndale House Releases Flame of Resistance in June.

Nazi occupation has stolen much from Brigitte Durand. Family. Freedom. Hope for a future, especially for a woman like her. Forced to turn her home into a Germans-only brothel to survive, Brigitte clings to patriotism by sneaking bits of food to the French Resistance and the downed airmen they’re hiding nearby.

When American fighter pilot Tom Jaeger is shot down over France and picked up by the Resistance, he becomes the linchpin in their plan to leverage Brigitte’s sympathy. By posing as a German officer, Tom can smuggle out critical intel she acquires from other soldiers about the nearby bridges, whose capture and defense will be crucial to Allied forces.

D-Day looms, and everyone knows invasion is imminent. But so is treachery. When loyalties are betrayed, the life of one American pilot unexpectedly jeopardizes everything. He becomes more important than the mission to a man who cannot bear to lose another agent . . . and to a woman who is more than just a prostitute, who finally realizes her courage could change the course of history.

Tyndale House Publishers presents Flame of Resistance, a stand-alone novel by Christy Award winner Tracy Groot. The novel, set in Normandy on the brink of D-Day, is an “impressionistic retelling” of the story of Rahab from the Bible (Joshua 2). Spies, prostitutes, Nazis, and Milice (the French equivalent of Gestapo) mix with calls of duty, crises of conscience, romance, and bombs bursting in air for a story centered on D-Day’s spearhead action: the Allied capture of Pegasus Bridge. A series of events calls forth depth of character, demonstrating that “people come forward to show who they are in war.” As the anniversary of D-Day approaches on June 6, Tracy Groot presents a moving work of historical fiction.

About the Author

Tracy Groot lives in Michigan with her husband and three sons. She is the author of The Brother’s Keeper and Stones of My Accusers—which both received starred Booklist reviews—and Madman, a Christy Award winner that also received a starred Publishers Weekly review. Luckily, she and her husband own a coffee shop in Holland, Michigan, where a caffeine junkie can find acceptability and safe haven. Visit Tracy online at www.tracygroot.com.

Don't forget to "like" her on Facebook! http://www.facebook.com/tracy.groot

Praise for Tracy Groot

“Beautifully written. . . . [An] entertaining and compelling book.” Publishers Weekly, starred review of Madman “A gripping tale. . . . Her characters are exquisitely drawn, and the complex and convincing plot will mesmerize readers.” Library Journal on Madman “Lyrical and affecting . . .” Booklist, starred review of The Brother’s Keeper “Allusive and thoughtful. . . . A subtle tale that cleverly avoids retelling New Testament stories, instead forming a sort of commentary by telling parallel stories.” Booklist, starred review of Stones of My Accusers

Read the first chapter! You'll be hooked! 

http://files.tyndale.com/thpdata/FirstChapters/978-1-4143-5947-2.pdf

My Review

Can I say riveting? awesome? exciting? suspenseful? How about Don't start this book unless you have time to finish it in one reading; because once you start you won't be able to put it down!

Tracy Groot had me spell-bound from the first page and kept me that way until the end. Her characters are powerful, alive and breathing. Brigitte Durand and Tom Jaeger are so realistic that you almost expect to go back in your history books and find them listed with other heroes of WWII. 

I have been reading a lot of historical fictional works based on WWII and I have to say this is one of the best ones I have read. Well.... next to Tracy Goyer's work. Okay, okay, they are equally wonderful.

I wonder if I would perform as admirably as Brigitte does in a difficult time and situation, minus the brothel. She really stands up in the face of danger and possible death to help out Tom Jaeger secure vital information that will help the resistance against the Nazis. 

All of the other supporting characters are strong and realistic as well, without being over-powering. They help round out the story with their personal stories and emotions that bring to life the French resistance against the Nazis and their pride in their beloved country. A simple wedge of cheese not only brings tears to the eyes of those who are going to partake of it but help bring unity to the most unlikely group of individuals. (You will just have to read the book to know what I'm talking about.)

A family home turned into a brothel for German officers becomes a place of espionage and danger for those who are part of the French resistance group Flame. And Brigitte finds help from those she never expected help from. 

Flame of Resistance is truly a wonderful novel well worth reading over and over again. The discussion questions in the back of the book are great as well. They are a wonderful way to not only discuss the characters of the book but talk about personal reactions with your book club. 

This review was made possible by Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. They freely provided me with this review copy. I am under no obligation to write a positive review.

 

 

THE CALL TO WONDER: Loving God Like a Child by R.C. Sproul Jr.

Every once in a while it happens. In the stack of books I have the privilege to review I miss one. Not that I didn't read it. I just didn't get the review posted. Such is the case with this book. However, I am rectifying that today.

A bit about the book:

Jesus encourages us to become like children in order to inherit God's Kingdom. Childlike faith is not an option. R. C. Sproul Jr. explores in depth what it means to accept Jesus' invitation to practice a childlike faith. As the father of eight children, R. C. Sproul Jr. watches how his own children approach every day, buoyed by trust, hope, and joy. Through their eyes, the world is fresh and brand-new. Everything is an invitation to express astonishment and wonder at the great gift of life—and, the great Giver. The Call to Wonder is an invitation to rest in childlike joy and peace built on a deep trust in the living God. Like a child, you, too, can rest in God's almighty arms and gasp at the fireworks of his glory exploding around you every day in his creation.

Read the First Chapter here


About R.C. Sproul Jr.

 R.C. Sproul Jr. served for eleven years as editor-in-chief of TableTalk magazine. In 1996 he began Highlands Ministries and planted Saint Peter Presbyterian Church in southwestern Virginia. He is editor of Every Thought Captive magazine, a teaching fellow at Ligonier Ministries, a visiting faculty member of Ligioner Academy of Biblical and Theological Studies. He and his wife, Denise, live in Orlando, Florida, with their eight children.

Now my review.....

At first reading, I had to keep looking at the author's name to be sure I was reading something by R.C. Sproul Jr. and not his father. If you have ever read any of R.C. Sproul's works, then when you read this book, you will know what I mean.

Sound teaching, love for the Bible and especially a deep love for the Lord, comes through clearly as Sproul Jr. writes his heart and thoughts into this small book.

Though it is a small book, only 172 pages long, it is packed full of wonderful biblical and life examples on how to love God like a child, taking delight in obeying His commands, standing in awe of His handiwork, trusting Him to not only provide our daily bread but to guide and direct our very footsteps. We are shown how pleasing our heavenly Father in all that we do because we know He loves us, is loving Him as our children love us.

With a clear look at how his own children respond to the wonders of God and their response to their earthly father, Sproul Jr. directs, leads and shows by example how we adults can develop that child-like quality Jesus commands. 

This is a book worth reading, sharing, and reading again. I can see it becoming a classic that our children's children will find and read for themselves on day.


This review copy was provided by Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. for the purpose of review free of charge. I am under no obligation to write a positive review.

 

Journey to Christmas

Journey to Christmas is a fascinating new reality DVD series that invites you to explore Jesus’ birth through five modern-day explorers. Shot on ultra-high-definition film and packaged as a four-part DVD church curriculum, this unique study series chronicles the experiences of five very different people—a messianic Jew, a First Nations woman, a poet, a Christian radio personality, and an agnostic lawyer—as they journey through the Holy Land to discover the true meaning of Christmas. Guided by a local historian (Nizar Shaheen) with on-camera commentary from a team of Bible experts (astronomer Dr. Hugh Ross, ancient history expert Dr. Paul Maier, archeologist and New Testament scholar Dr. Craig Evans, Biblical times culture expert Claire Pfann, and others), viewers will see the Christmas story unfold though the eyes of each member on this unique pilgrimage. Journey to Christmas lets you immerse yourself in the culture, places, and people surrounding the Nativity. Stunning photography, a reality show format, exotic locations, and fascinating commentary from a team of Bible experts make this an unforgettable Bible learning experience!

I decided to review this DVD because I thought it would be interesting and I couldn't pass up seeing some great sights of the Holy Land. 

The five explorers: Kim, Rory, Nazreth, Drew and Dusty, were pretty much every-day people coming from different backgrounds with similar questions about the true meaning of Christmas. I think I understood Drew best, having been a cynic for much of my life. 

Were their questions completely answered? Well, you will have to watch the DVD to find out. 

I went through the provided study material and found it good. It leaves enough room to bring about discussion on not just the explorers but also about who Jesus is, the archeological findings and what the true meaning of Christmas is to each person.

The scenery and places where the series was shot was wonderful and only heightened my desire to go to the Holy Land. But, I might have to pass on riding on a camel.

This is a beautifully filmed series that will be worth reviewing over again. It is suited for a small group study and will not only delight the viewers but will also bring them to a better understanding of why we celebrate the birth of our Savior.

List Price:

19.99 

ISBN:

978-1-4143-6508-4 

Trim Size:

 

Binding:

2 DVDs 

Release:

December 2011 

 

This complimentary DVD series was provided by Tyndale House Publishers for review purposes. 

UNPLANNED DVD and GIVEAWAY!

 Abby Johnson thought she was helping women in crisis. She was about to learn the truth . . . and facing the secrets of her own painful past would be the toughest truth of all. In this documentary based on the book Unplanned, learn how Abby Johnson went from Planned Parenthood clinic director to leading voice for life and women in crisis.

MY Review -

When I saw this DVD was available for review, I jumped on the opportunity to watch it. I already knew a little bit about Mrs. Johnson; her leaving Planned Parenthood was all over the news. It was kind of strange to see some of those newscasts in the documentary. 

As a documentary, this is a great documentary. It got my attention and held it from the opening scene to the last. 

What Abby went through to get to the truth is heart-wrenching. Yet we all have to come face to face with truth some day. What Planned Parenthood was and is doing needed to be brought in the light. Abby Johnson had to face what was really happening there in order to face the truth and become the spokeswoman God has called her to be.

After seeing what an unborn child goes through during an abortion, Abby eyes and heart are wide open. Remembering the kindness of a young lady who use to come and pray at the clinic Abby worked at, she contacted the group the young lady was with. From that point on, Abby's life wouldn't be the same.

You can see the trailer for Unplanned here

This documentary is moving, insightful, eye-opening and a wake-up call for everyone who has any concern for our country, families and the unborn child. 

Abby Johnson is going to be speaking for the Unite For Life webcast. Here is some more information:

The Unite for LIFE webcast is a free webcast featuring Abby Johnson that will benefit pregnancy care organizations. You can sign up to participate on May 17 at 8:00 p.m. (in all time zones) at www.uniteforlifewebcast.org

. Unplanned the book and the DVD will be available for purchase as a package deal and 33% of each purchase will go to crisis pregnancy centers like CareNet, the National Institute of Family & Life Advocates, and Heartbeat International. 

GIVEAWAY! GIVEAWAY! GIVEAWAY!

If you would like to receive your own copy of the DVD Unplanned to share with your friends and family..... Well, I have a certificate for a free DVD. All you have to do is leave a comment at the end of this review with your name and email address. Don't forget to leave your email in a non-spam manner like this: email at address dot com

I will draw the winner on Monday, May 9, 2011. I will contact the winner through their email address. So don't forget to leave your email address in the comment with your name!

Now about Abby Johnson

Abby Johnson holds a B.S. in psychology from Texas A&M University and an M.A. in counseling from Sam Houston State University. She was hired by Planned Parenthood in 2005 and progressed to the position of community services director and health educator, where she served as liaison between the community and Planned Parenthood as media correspondent. Later promoted to health center director, Johnson ran both the family planning and abortion programs. In 2009 she left Planned Parenthood and joined the local Coalition for Life as a volunteer. Johnson now serves as Chief Research Strategist for Live Action and works on projects with the national 40 Days for Life campaign. She and her husband, Doug, have a young daughter and live in Texas.

Abby's website
unPlanned Book site
Abby at Walk For Life 2011
Abby's Facebook Page

Remember, get your free copy of the DVD Unplanned by leaving your name and email address at the end of this review. Be sure to sign up for the Unite for Life webcast and invite your friends and family to view it as well.

This review was made possible by Tyndale House Publishing. They provided me with a copy of the DVD for the purpose of reviewing it and then writing a review about it. I am under no obligation to write a positive review. Everything I have said is of my own opinion.