“The Reunion” by Dan Walsh (A Revell Blog Tour)

EVERYTHING LOST CAN BE FOUND

The Discovery By Dan Walsh
978-0-8007-2121-3/$14.99 Paperback/304 pages/
Pub Date: September 2012/

Expert storyteller Dan Walsh pens a new tale filled with the things his fans have come to love – forgiveness, redemption, love and that certain bittersweet quality that few authors ever truly master. Fans old and new will find themselves drawn into this latest story about restoration for the broken and ignored.

Walsh brilliantly weaves together two stories of men embroiled in turmoil – Aaron Miller a Vietnam vet who returned from war only to lose everything and of Dave Russo, a writer unable to love again. The Reunion opens with Aaron, 40 years after the war, slowly putting his life back together. Dave uncovers his heroic actions during the war, leading both men to find a second chance in life and love – if they’re willing to take a risk.

Walsh captures genuine emotion in his writing, and according to RT Book Reviews, he “demonstrates that, like Nicholas Sparks, men are capable of writing romantic fiction.”

Walsh has mastered telling stories set in separate time periods. The Reunion is a contemporary story with flashbacks to Vietnam. When Walsh was young, he hated history until he discovered a few non-fiction history books that read like page-turning novels. “They made history come alive,” says Walsh. “Reading became a joy. That’s my goal now, to create that same experience for my readers. I hope they get inspired and thoroughly enjoy themselves.”

BIO:

Dan Walsh is the award-winning author of The Unfinished Gift, The Homecoming, The Deepest Waters and Remembering Christmas. He lives with his family in the Daytona Beach area, where he’s busy researching and writing his next novel.

Visit www.danwalshbooks.com for more information.

Praise for Dan Walsh:

“Dan’s books grab your heart and don’t let you go until the last page.” –Dr. Gary Smalley, bestselling author and speaker

“Walsh [makes] the reader feel like a dear old friend.” –RT Book Reviews

“Dan Walsh’s novel-within-a novel is rich with the intrigue, history and romance.  Character-driven and wistful…a sublime delight that shouldn’t be missed.” –USA Today on The Discovery

My Review:

Aaron Miller is a Vietnam veteran who’s lost love, respect, his job and his family–barred, even, from seeing his two children.  Suffering from what we now know as PTSD, shame, and guilt, he became a homeless drunk.   Once honored for receiving the Congressional Medal of Honor for his heroism in war, he’s now a simple handyman in a trailer park, clean and sober.

Unbeknownst to Aaron, one of his fellow servicemen, John Lansing, now a multimillionaire, is searching for him to thank him properly for all he did for him and his two buddies in Nam.  The three men had a reunion every few years, but had lost track of him.  Without Aaron’s intervention in Nam, they wouldn’t be alive today, have good jobs, or their families.

Dave Russo, a wire editor for a local Florida newspaper, is writing a book on Vietnam in honor of his father, who had died in the war.  One of the people he’s interviewing is John Lansing.  But instead of talking about his war times, John talked about Aaron Miller.  John then made Dave “an offer he couldn’t refuse”–find Aaron Miller in exchange for a large chunk of change.  Dave takes leave from his job and pursues any and all leads in his search for Aaron Miller.

For anyone who’s never served in war, you will get an eyeful.  It’s not pretty and it’s anything but safe, and I’m sure that’s only the tip of the iceberg.  But you will come to understand how some men come home with PTSD.  Dan Walsh doesn’t mince words when it comes to the descriptions of the war.  It’s heart-wrenching to read about those who were killed and those who suffer from physical and mental health issues due to the war.

This is one author I’ve come to thoroughly enjoy as a writer.  He’s engaging in his storyline, but he’s also realistic in his portrayals of the characters.  He has a sense of warmth and empathy that hooks you emotionally into the circumstances and lives of each character.  His inclusion of a gentle romance helps compensate for some of the harsher realities of life.

Though Aaron lived a humble life, he was also self-deprecating.  But God had a purpose for his life that would show him who he is in His sight and the sight of others.   The author demonstrates how God is intertwined in his life whether he realized it or not.  It’s the same for you, if you are willing to look for Him.

For an emotional, yet heart-warming look at how important God, friends and family are, this is one book for you to pick up and savor.

This book was provided by Donna Hausler, Publicity Assistant at Baker Publishing Group in exchange for my honest review.  No monetary compensation was exchanged.

“Yesterday’s Tomorrow” by Catherine West

VIETNAM 1967

She’s after the story that might get her the Pulitzer.

He’s determined to keep his secrets to himself.

Independent, career-driven journalist Kristin Taylor wants two things: to honor her father’s memory by becoming an award-winning overseas correspondent and to keep tabs on her only brother, Teddy, who signed up for the war against their mother’s wishes.

Brilliant photographer Luke Maddox, silent and brooding, exudes mystery. Kristin is convinced he’s hiding something.

Willing to risk it all for what they believe in, Kristin and Luke engage in their own tumultuous battle until, in an unexpected twist, they’re forced to work together. Ambushed by love, they must decide whether or not to set aside their own private agendas for the hope of tomorrow that has captured their hearts.

A poignant love story set amidst the tumultuous Vietnam War.

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

View the book trailer ‘here’:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=vVQUMRlYhkM

Read an Excerpt from Yesterday’s Tomorrow.

Endorsements:

”This compelling love story set against the backdrop of the Vietnam War transported me through recent history. Cathy West’s debut novel is beautifully crafted and thoroughly engaging!”  ––Deborah Raney, author of the Clayburn Novels and Almost Forever

”YESTERDAY’S TOMORROW is filled with action, emotion and splendid imagery which captivates the reader from the get-go. ” –Don Brown, Author of Zondervan’s NAVY JUSTICE SERIES http://www.donbrown.com

”Heartwrenching! Powerful! In Yesterday’s Tomorrow, Catherine West spans seas and generations to report on the Perfect Love Who will never let go.
Don’t miss this poignant debut novel.”–Patti Lacy Author of The Rhythm of Secrets http://www.pattilacy.com

My Review:

In light of just celebrating Veteran’s Day on 11/11/11, Yesterday’s Tomorrow by Catherine West gives credence to Vietnam Veterans, a group of veterans who have mostly been forgotten or ridiculed.  They gave their lives for a cause, put themselves in personal danger, and suffered mentally, spiritually, physically, and emotionally.  PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) was identified from this war.  Schnurr, Lunney, and Sengupta^[46] identified risk factors for the development of PTSD in Vietnam veterans. (Source:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Posttraumatic_stress_disorder)

Catherine weaves a thread of romance in her book through the eyes of independent, career-driven journalist, Kristin Taylor, out to finish a job her father had started, and superb photographer, Luke Maddox, silent and brooding, seemingly holding out on a secret mission that needed exposing.  Their romance helped to alleviate some of the trauma of reading about the horrors and atrocities of the war.

The romance itself was traumatic, too, due to the circumstances, but also the brooding and hot temper of the characters.  Lack of sleep added to the tension, which was palpable in Catherine’s characters.  The full breath of their relationship is heartrending at times.

Personally knowing men who have come back from Vietnam, I am acquainted with the stresses of the war and the resulting turmoil, especially those in combat, search and rescue, and physicians and their nurses.  Catherine did an excellent job of describing the horrifying experiences of the war and its toll on the men and women serving, as well as the war correspondents.  It made me think about whether I would have the courage to engage in war as they did.  Personally convicting.

Catherine’s inclusion of humor was appreciated to lower the emotional trauma of reading about the wartime circumstances and to bring some sanity into the midst of the insanity of the war.  The web of faith spread by the ‘Preacher’ ultimately kept many of the men and women striving for resolution and hope for healing.  In fact, I just heard this week that they are providing ‘stick Bibles’ (technological forms of the New Testament) for the men and women overseas today, giving them hope through Christ during their stressful times.

A great book to help understand PTSD in loved ones and encouraging them to receive help for their very real symptoms.

This book was provided by Catherine West through This Is A Blog About Books in exchange for my honest review.  No monetary compensation was exchanged.

Litfuse Blog Tour: “My Foolish Heart” by Susan May Warren

What’s the most foolish advice you have followed regarding romance?

Book Blurb: My Foolish Heart:  Unknown to her tiny town of Deep Haven, Isadora Presley spends her nights as Miss Foolish Heart, the star host of a syndicated talk radio show. Millions tune in to hear her advice on dating and falling in love, unaware that she’s never really done either. Issy’s ratings soar when it seems she’s falling in love on-air with a caller. A caller she doesn’t realize lives right next door.

Caleb Knight served a tour of duty in Iraq and paid a steep price. The last thing he wants is pity, so he hides his disability and moves to Deep Haven to land his dream job as the high school football coach. When his beautiful neighbor catches his eye, in a moment of desperation he seeks advice from My Foolish Heart, the show that airs before his favorite sports broadcast.

Before he knows it, Caleb finds himself drawn to the host—and more confused than ever. Is his perfect love the woman on the radio . . . or the one next door?

Read an excerpt here: http://www.susanmaywarren.com/novels/contemporary-romance/

Bio:  Susan May Warren is an award-winning, best-selling author of over twenty-five novels, many of which have won the Inspirational Readers Choice Award, the ACFW Book of the Year award, the Rita Award, and have been Christy finalists. After serving as a missionary for eight years in Russia, Susan returned home to a small town on Minnesota’s beautiful Lake Superior shore where she, her four children, and her husband are active in their local church.

Susan’s larger than life characters and layered plots have won her acclaim with readers and reviewers alike. A seasoned women’s events and retreats 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!. She is also the founder of www.MyBookTherapy.com, a story-crafting service that helps authors discover their voice.

Susan makes her home in northern Minnesota, where she is busy cheering on her two sons in football, and her daughter in local theater productions (and desperately missing her college-age son!)

A full listing of her titles, reviews and awards can be found at:www.susanmaywarren.com.

Link to buy the book: http://www.amazon.com/My-Foolish-Heart-Deep-Haven/dp/1414334826/ref=sprightly-20

My Review:

Since a tragic car accident took the life of her mother, Isadora (Issy) Presley has been home-bound due to debilitating panic attacks.  She secretly holds down the job of a talk show host on her program, ‘My Foolish Heart,’ giving romantic advice, though she’s never been on one single date.  Her shows’ mantra is ‘Your perfect love could be right next door,’ despite the fact that she can’t appropriate that ideal for herself.

Caleb Knight, an Iraqi war survivor with disabilities, moves next door to Issy, hoping to capture a new life teaching and coaching.  When he spies his next-door beauty, he calls the ‘My Foolish Heart’ radio program for advice in claiming her for his true love.

Susan writes a witty, humorous romance story that is filled with hope for healing and a chance for a new life.   She aptly describes Issy’s life of an agoraphobic lifestyle caused by a former trauma, while showing the power of God in extracting a new life for Caleb despite former trauma.  Issy’s outlook on life is a stark contrast to Caleb’s viewpoint, which Susan plays on throughout the book.

Issy’s initial impression of Caleb as having Neanderthal manners and a very unruly dog brings out the misconceptions we make of people before getting to honestly know them.  The whole of the story is the unraveling of such misconceptions, and presents as a fun, romantic read.  The characters are very real, and the conversations bring a lilt to the story, even as they touch on hard issues and how to deal with them with forgiveness.

Susan’s book will entertain while exposing you to issues you may not have dealt with in your own personal life.  God’s truth and faithfulness comes full round, though maybe not necessarily as one might think it should happen.

This book was provided by Amy Lathrop of Litfuse Publicity Group in exchange for my honest review.  No monetary compensation was exchanged.

“Angel Sister” by Ann H. Gabhart~~Revell Blog Tour (with review)

Perseverance, True Love, and Forgiveness in Troubling Times

Book Blurb:

It is 1936, and Kate Merritt works hard to keep her family together.  Her father has slipped into alcoholism, her mother is trying to come to grips with their dire financial situation, and her sisters seem to remain blissfully oblivious to all of it.  Kate could never have imagined that a dirty, abandoned little girl named Lorena Birdsong would be just what her family needs.

In this richly textured novel, award-winning author, Ann H. Gabhart, reveals the power of true love, the freedom of forgiveness, and the strength to persevere through troubled time, all against the backdrop of a sultry Kentucky summer.

Bio:

Ann H. Gabhart is the bestselling author of several novels, including The Outsider, The Believer, and The Seeker.  Angel Sister was inspired in part by the many stories her mother and three aunts told her of growing up in small-town Kentucky during the 1930s.  Gabhart lives with her husband in Kentucky, a mile from where she was born.

(Photos were retrieved here for the express purpose of reviewing this book.)

Endorsement:

“What a jewel of a story.  Like a Kentucky summer, Angel Sister stars slow and easy, but by the end, roars along, leaving the reader breathless and wanting more.”  –Lauraine Snelling  Author of the Red River series, Daughters of Blessing series, and One Perfect Day.

My Review:

Not ever hearing anyone personally share the difficult times of the 1930s, I found Ann H. Gabhart’s book, Angel Sister, one extremely interesting and touching book.

I was so moved by the issues (what we now call PTSD) that Victor struggled with, and how he used alcohol to drown out the horrors from war and the rejection of his father, though he hated himself while doing it.  I could empathize with the distress that Nadine, his wife, went through with his bouts of alcoholism.  Though her love didn’t seem to waver, the relationship was strained.  Katie, the middle daughter, takes on the brunt of the issues, while her older and younger sisters seem more oblivious to the turmoil. How Victor and Nadine tenderly nurtured their children in midst of the difficult circumstances really touched my heart.  That does not always happen in difficult times!

I, personally, had to question my own faith when the faith of each main character was severely challenged in ways that would make them either call out to God or walk away.  The faithful prayers of friends and family, along with gentle confrontation, showed the changes only God could produce.  Was it then all rose-colored glasses and happily-ever-after?  No, but deep character, true love, the process of forgiveness, and the ability to persevere through difficult circumstances were honestly displayed.

The day Katie finds abandoned, five-year-old Lenora Birdsong on the steps of the church, life for the Victor Merritt family changes–some for the better and others in heartbreaking, tumultuous decisions.  Ann had me rooting for our modern-day rules to override what actually takes place.

Although Angel Sister is an emotionally-charged book to read, Ann shares  how to handle life’s difficult challenges through love and prayer.  Definitely a great book for anyone to read!

This book was provided by Donna Hausler, Publicity Assistant at Baker Publishing Group, in exchanged for my honest review.

You can purchase this book here or here.