Litfuse Blog Tour Review and GIVEAWAY! “You Don’t Know Me” by Susan May Warren

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?

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/.

GIVEAWAY:

Win a $200 Weekend Getaway from @SusanMayWarren! RSVP for Facebook Author Chat Party on Oct. 23rd! “You Don’t Know Me” by Susan May Warren

LAST FEW DAYS TO ENTER FOR A CHANCE TO WIN!

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 book – 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!

My Review:

Do you know who your neighbors are?  I mean, REALLY know who they are?

Susan May Warren has woven an intricate, intriguing story about a young woman, Annalise Decker, who is in the Witness Security Program after testifying again drug lord, Luis Garcia. Her life became established like any normal family life would in Deep Haven.  Except she has secrets.  Secrets she’s told no one, not even her husband and children.  However, secrets usually come back to haunt you one way or another.  This happens to Annalise when Garcia jumps parole and strikes out to find and kill her twenty years later.

Susan’s superb suspense book starts out with the typical heart-warming and sometimes tense Decker family issues ranging from cancer, other-side-of-the-track boyfriend, small family arguments, and a husband running for mayor.  Nathan’s issues of trying to better himself, Annalise’s multiple activities in the community and family, children in school and doing well academically, and both Nathan and Annalise involved in campaigning for Nathan as Deep Haven’s mayor sets the typical family scene.

Enter Agent Frank Harrison, aka Uncle Frank, and typical family life flies out the door.  The chatter between Frank and Annalise raises suspicions, but not enough to divulge the “secret.”  Plus, the romance between Frank and Nathan’s mother, Helen Decker, has a life of its own, and Nathan isn’t so sure he likes it!  It’s important that an agent stays neutral in his cases, but Frank oversteps those lines and makes a dangerous situation worse.

The author’s multiple twists keep you hanging onto your seat.  You think you have it figured out, and she throws a wrench into the plot!  It ain’t over till it’s over. Just the way I like a great suspense story!

The issue of God and His loving care is carried through the doubts of Annalise as things keep falling apart.  Will she learn to accept God’s love despite the circumstances?  She’s been running and hiding for years.  Will she run again when the Garcia gets close?  Or will she trust God, her agent and her family?    You can find out by picking up Susan’s book, You Don’t Know Me.  A suspense and romance reader’s delight!

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

“Wednesdays Were Pretty Normal: A Boy, Cancer, and God” by Michael Kelley (A FIRST Blog Tour)

It is time for a FIRST Wild Card Tour book review! If you wish to join the FIRST blog alliance, just click the button. We are a group of reviewers who tour Christian books. A Wild Card post includes a brief bio of the author and a full chapter from each book toured. The reason it is called a FIRST Wild Card Tour is that you never know if the book will be fiction, non~fiction, for young, or for old…or for somewhere in between! Enjoy your free peek into the book!

You never know when I might play a wild card on you!

Today’s Wild Card author is:

Michael Kelley

and the book:

Wednesdays Were Pretty Normal:
A boy, cancer and God

B&H Books (March 1, 2012)

***Special thanks to Haverly Pennington of Lifeway for sending me a review copy.***

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Michael Kelley is a Bible study writer and editor whose previous works include Holy Vocabulary and The Tough Sayings of Jesus. He holds a Master of Divinity degree from Beeson Divinity School in Birmingham, Alabama. Michael and his wife have three children and live in Nashville, Tennessee.

Visit the author’s website.

SHORT BOOK DESCRIPTION:

“Wednesdays were pretty normal,” writes Michael Kelley, looking for a bright spot amidst the chemotherapy routine brought on by his two-year-old son Joshua’s cancer diagnosis. His book of the same name offers much to anyone who’s tired of prescriptive spirituality and would rather acknowledge and work through the difficulties of faith with some transparency.

Joshua battled and beat the disease, but not before his family had to reconcile what it means to believe in God despite a broken world. His dad’s personal account of that fight to survive sparks a larger discussion of how Christians must learn to walk in the light of Christ’s promises despite the dark shadows of earthly pain. Indeed, it’s pain that sometimes opens the door to a deeper experience with Jesus, an authentic relationship that holds steady even when life loses the comfort of normalcy.
Endorsements:

“Get ready to go on a remarkable journey . . . Faith is more than a gift we’re given; it’s a tool we must exercise and use in order to experience its supernatural power. Michael Kelley poignantly illustrates the process of turning faith from a noun to a verb and how it can transform and shape our ability to persevere. Everyone needs to read this book.” –Pete Wilson, author of Plan B

“I sat down to skim this and instead read every word start to finish. Reader, please listen to me: If you have ever suffered, struggled, doubted, wrestled with a God who allows hunger and disease and two-year-old boys to get cancer, if you have attempted to believe God in the midst of devastation or fear, please devour this book like the gift it is. Thank you, Michael, for not only honestly sharing your story with us but drawing us deeper into the true, rich, genuine love of Jesus who cries with us, stays by us, and redeems us.” –Jen Hatmaker, author of 7

“Anyone who has ever had a sick child will find much needed words of comfort, encouragement, and a powerful reminder that you’re not alone. Whether for yourself or your friends, you’ll discover divine solace in these pages.” –Margaret Feinberg, author of Scouting the Divine and Hungry for God

“A huge man and a tiny child walk hand in hand through these pages, then right out of the book and into your heart. Read it for your own edification, if you wish! But be alert, there are other parents you may not have noticed, who grieve quietly and are much afraid . . . They need this book.” –Calvin Miller, author of The Singer trilogy

“In the midst of a battle no wants to face, Michael wrestled issues about God and faith and the difficulty of life that most of us will in some way. Honest, heart breaking but beating loudly with hope, Wednesdays were pretty normal is a beautiful book.”–Jon Acuff, author of Quitter and Stuff Christians Like

“Michael points back to a God that is deeper than the pain and doubts, and guides us beyond Christian platitudes to genuine rest in the arms of our heavenly Father. I look forward to recommending this book to people in our church.” –J.D. Greear, author of Gospel

“Michael Kelley is a gifted communicator and offers the church in this generation much promise. I am pleased not only to recommend this book, but also to commend this faithful servant of the Lord.” –Thom S. Rainer, president and CEO of LifeWay Christian Resources

“This is not a sentimental memoir or another theoretical look at suffering. Instead, Michael leads us to the intersection of faith and life, of God’s love and our pain, of God’s plan and our questions.” –Trevin Wax, author of Counterfeit Gospels and Holy Subversion


“I feel very strongly that this story is one that must be shared again and again. You’ll find yourself seeing faith, hope, and ultimately, God, in a much more intimate way than you have before.” –Mark Batterson, author of In a Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day

“. . . It is also a story about hope and the God whose love reaches us in the deepest depths, the God whose middle name is Surprise! You must read this book!”–Timothy George, founding dean, Beeson Divinity School of Samford University

Product Details:

List Price: $14.99

Paperback: 264 pages

Publisher: B&H Books (March 1, 2012)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 1433671697

ISBN-13: 978-1433671692

AND NOW…THE FIRST CHAPTER (Please click the cover below to LOOK INSIDE!):

Used by permission Excerpt taken from Wednesdays Were Pretty Normal; A boy, cancer and God /Michael Kelley/c. 2012/B&H Publishing Group

My Review:

Two-year-old Joshua Kelley was diagnosed with leukemia.  Michael Kelley, his father, wrote Wednesdays Were Pretty Normal, looking for a bright spot in the course of Joshua’s chemotherapy routine for three years.

This is a book that takes you through the throes of anger at seeing your child suffer, questioning God, disillusionment, depression, loss of faith, recapturing faith, hope, trust, love, and everything else you can imagine that parents go through when their child receives the C-diagnosis.

Though this is a fallen world of sin, sickness and loss, Michael does not leave you aloft with these struggles. He shows you how God takes you through the process of working through you as the parent(s), the trust and hope that He provides for you to sustain you through the horrendous ordeal, the gift of friends and family so you aren’t alone, and the promises in His Word.  You can choose to allow the journey to leave you angry at God or lead you to a closer relationship with Jesus, one that holds you together while you traverse this world that lacks normalcy.

Michael Kelley’s book is transparent.  He unabashedly opens up every avenue and frustration within himself during those difficult years.  His personal story will let you know that what you think and/or say isn’t out of the ordinary. But most of all, he leaves you with hope and trust in Jesus, regardless of the circumstances, the dark days of cancer and the possibilities of a relapse.  Michael’s book will minister to you and help you through the rough times.  It’s part of God’s gift to you.  (See 2 Corinthians 1:3-7)

“These things I have spoken to your, that in Me you may have peace.  In this world you will have tribulations, but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” John 16:33.  And my favorite, “In the multitude of my anxieties with in me, Your comforts delight my soul.” Ps. 94:19.

Though this book is about family stress, strain and struggling with God’s intervention of childhood cancer, it can also be used for other areas of life where normalcy has been disrupted.  I found it useful for my own situation as well.

Revell Blog Tour: “The BLESSED” by Ann H. Gabhart

Bestselling Author Ann Gabhart Writes A Novel of Forbidden Love
In the Shaker Village of Harmony Hill

“Let the child go, Lacey. Right now! We’ve come into this community to leave things of the world behind and do as they say” said Preacher Palmer. “But she needs me.” She spoke barely above a whisper. “She needs discipline. And so do you…” he said.

There is an intrigue and enigma with the Shakers and their way of life. Award-winning author Ann Gabhart weaves a heartrending novel of the Shakers in her latest Shaker novel, The Blessed (ISBN: 978-08007-3454-1, $14.99, 416 pages, July 2011). It is a time of spiritual revival in the mid-1840’s when the Shakers worship services received many spiritual messages from Mother Ann and other Shaker leaders. Harmony Hill was a place offering a different way of life from the world. This village was a place where the people were dedicated to community, hard work, practicing their worship, and engaging in long hours of worship each week.

It is 1844. In her twenty years, Lacey Bishop has endured hard times including the death of her mother and her father’s remarriage to a woman with no love for his children. When she was thirteen, Lacey went to live with the preacher and his wife. Upon the sudden death of the preacher’s wife, difficult times return for Lacey. The preacher convinces Lacey to marry him so she can continue to act as a mother to the little girl who was left on the preacher’s doorstop. But Lacey never expected he would decide to take all of them to a Shaker village. At the village her marriage is still legal to the outside world but living in a Shaker community, they believed marriage is a sin. Lacey finds herself drawn to Isaac Kingston, a man who came to the Shakers after his young bride died. Confused and her heart torn between right and wrong, Lacey must choose what to do. Discover how the Shakers lived in The Blessed and if truth, love and forgiveness become reality for Lacey.

Ann Gabhart is the award-winning, bestselling author of several books about the Shakers, including The Believer, The Outsider and The Seeker. Living just thirty miles from a restored Shaker village and one mile from the place she was born in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky, she has walked the same paths that her characters might have walked in generations past. For more information about Ann visit her website at http://www.annhgabhart.com

Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group, offers practical books that bring the Christian faith to everyday life. They publish resources from a variety of well-known brands and authors, including their partnership with MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) and Hungry Planet.

Endorsements:

“When you step into the world of Ann Gabhart’s The Blessed, you’ll find it inhabited by a truly delightful cast of characters. Theirs is a multileveled love story . . . between a man and a woman, yes, but also between a woman and a child not her own. Certainly, a tender and inspiring read.”–Ann Tatlock, award-winning novelist

“Ann H. Gabhart takes us on a remarkable journey into the lives of the Shakers and their community. With a compelling style, she weaves a story of love, compassion, and a young woman’s determination to find God’s truth. From cover to cover, The Blessed captivates and challenges–an absolutely wonderful read.”–Judith Miller, author of A Bond Never Broken

“A heartwarming story of second chances, The Blessed takes readers on an unforgettable journey of love, self-sacrifice, and learning to trust God in seemingly impossible circumstances. Skillful research and a well-woven story make for a genuine page-turner!”–Lorna Seilstad, author of the Lake Manawa Summers series

“A thoughtful exploration of a young woman’s coming of age in a Shaker Community, The Blessed is a satisfying, joyful read.”–Jan Watson, author of the award-winning Troublesome Creek series

“Readers will love The Blessed . . . Ann H. Gabhart weaves a tender story of forbidden longing and loyalty, and her deep understanding of the Shaker historical setting rings true.”–Marta Perry, author of Sarah’s Gift

“Ann Gabhart has written a fine and fair rendering of the Shaker ways and how the beliefs of this communal society touched the lives of those within the community and those without. As someone interested in the history of communal societies, I often wondered how the Shakers saw their world and faith and how their neighbors might have responded. Ann has shown us through distinctive and fallible characters how easily one can be led astray by doctrine not infused with God’s grace.”–Jane Kirkpatrick, award-winning author of The Daughter’s Walk

My Review:

The Blessed is my first introduction into the world of the Shakers.  Not what I expected, but author Ann H. Gabhart kept my interest throughout the complete book!   Ann, as an accomplished writer, brought out characters that you can relate to in this historical romance.  The sorrow, pain, joy, compassion, and love is palpable in each of the specific characters.   The love between mother and daughter is so tender and joyful.

The secret, forbidden love interests were heartbreaking at one point and exciting on the other hand.  How each character handled the issues is eye-opening, yet very human.

The truth-seeking on the part of the some of the characters is inspiring and encouraging.   What makes one person believe and another doubt?  It’s a question you will be asking throughout the story.

For a great historical romance, with a peek into the world of the Shakers, this is a book I would highly recommend!

This book was provided by Donna Hausler, Publicity Assistant for the Baker Publishing Group in exchange for my honest review and participation in this blog tour.

“The Art of Romance” by Kaye Dacus

MISCONCEPTIONS and MEDDLING MATRIARCHS!

Sassy Evans and Perty Bradley are determined to get their older grandchildren married off, when twenty-eight-year-old Dylan comes home after being fired from his teaching position because of the betrayal of his ex-girlfriend.  Perty knows her grandson has more important issues to deal with first.

Sassy understand her friend’s reservations about timing, but she also sees so many ways in which Dylan would be the perfect match for her thirty-four-year-old granddaughter Caylor.  With his record of acclaimed paintings and Caylor’s bestselling novels, they could complement each other’s talents and provide each other support and encouragement.  And there’s no denying the spark of attraction between the English professor with the untamed red hair and the painter with the unusual tattoos.

But neither grandmother realizes the  secrets both Caylor and Dylan are keeping from each other.  Will pain and embarrassment from the past keep Caylor and Dylan apart, or will they develop the courage to be truthful with each other and discover the true art of romance?

Kaye Dacus is an author and editor who has been writing fiction for more than twenty years. Pursuing her passion for writing, she earned a Master of Arts in Writing Popular Fiction from Seton Hill University. She is a former Vice President and long-time member of American Christian Fiction Writers, and is also a founding member of Middle Tennessee Christian Writers. Kaye lives in Nashville, Tennessee, and writes contemporary and historical romances. To find out more about Kaye and her books, please visit her online at kayedacus.com.

(Photo and Bio from here.)

My Review:

The Art of Romance by Kaye Dacus is a humorous story about two conniving matriarchal match-makers.  It’s a wonderful romance story, but not the gushy, unrealistic type.  It’s based on real issues that are current to today’s culture.

Dylan has been fired from his position as an art professor due to a betrayal by his ex-girlfriend and colleague, is currently unemployed and living in his grandparents’ loft in their old carriage house, and is definitely not ready for a new relationship.  When he moves back to his home town, there are rules behind his living with his grandparents, and he tries to abide by them.

Caylor is a tenured English professor and established romance writer who lives with her grandmother, escorting her to events and shopping after her husband passed away.  Due to her living arrangements and a past relationship, she, too, is not in any hurry to get married.

Sassy Evans and Perty Bradley have different plans for Dylan and Caylor.  However, they don’t know the painful and embarrassing secrets both Dylan and Caylor are hiding.

This is my first book by Kaye, and it was an absolutely delightful read.  The issues she brings about are so relevant for today’s culture.  She paces the drama and character information in a manner that keeps the pages flying.  The romantic sparks and conversations between Dylan and Caylor are very realistic–the shyness of flirting without trying to overdo or pushing the relationship.  The age factor comes into play as well, which society relates to differently.  That issue is handled very well, whether you agree or disagree.

The relationships of friends and siblings really touched my heart, especially those of Dylan’s.  You’ll find that love, trust and faith in each other and God are the building blocks of the relationships and marriages, young and old, with a few exceptions.

For a fun read about conniving matriarchs and the hearts of two broken people being mended, this is a book you will not want to miss.  But don’t be fooled, this book is not a simple plot of boy meets girl.

This book was provided by the author in exchange for my honest review.  My gracious thanks for a delightful read!

This book can be purchased here.

KINDLE CONTEST/Blog Tour: “The SUMMIT: Faith Beyond EVEREST’S Death Zone” by Eric Alexander

We all have an Everest~What’s yours?

Book and calendar blurb:

It’s one of the greatest challenges one can face on earth–an ascent to the top of the world on the slopes of Mt. Everest .  Eric Alexander experienced grace and a faith-empowering journey he will never forget as part of a record-setting team, who on May 25, 2001, scaled the heights of Mt. Everest, while guiding his friend, blind climber Erik Weihenmayer, to a lofty height of 29,035 feet!  In 2002, the pair traveled to Russia and climbed Mt. Elbrus at 18,500 feet, and again found success on Mt. Kosciusko, Australia.

Along with this exciting adventure, you will experience some of the most dangerous locations in the world, including ‘abject terror’ on Ama Dablam, a blind ski descent of Russia’s 18,500-foot Mt. Elbrus in 2002. and climb up Kilimanjaro in Africa with four blind teens.

Climb in Eric’s footsteps as he guides people with disabilities to the most perilous places in the world and conquers what seems impossible!  Eric is a skier, climber, and mountaineer, achieving his goals while playing an instrumental role in helping others to achieve their own.

Eric shares this inspirational story with audiences all over the country, and when he is not traveling, he continues to teach disabled skiers in Vail, Colorado.  He directs Adventures Beyond Limits, an organization that directs and encourages youth with disabilities in the outdoors.

Experience:

-Thrilling, adventure-packed gripping details of journeys around the world

-Inspiring testimony of one man’s blind journey to the top of Mt. Everest and the team who guided him there

-Courageous faith-filled stories with disable teammates

-True-life examples of sacrifice to ensure others attain their goals

-The character and integrity needed to conquer your own ‘Everests’ in life

-Gaining wisdom in the application of trust, courage, innovation, teamwork, leadership, and integrity to overcome your own ‘Everests’

-Discovering practical faith lessons learned on the highest peaks of six continents

Bio:

Eric grew up in the Colorado Rockies and started climbing in his teens.  He was a member of the University of Denver ski team, which led him to pursue work as a Ski Patrolman in Vail and the French Alps, as well as instructing at Beaver Creek Resort.  Eric has successfully climbed the highest point on six of the seven continents and led expeditions throughout Europe, North America, South America, the Himalayas and other mountainous regions of the globe.

My Review:

If you want the experience of a lifetime, read Eric Alexander’s book, The Summit, his account of climbing Mt. Everest while guiding his blind friend, Erik Weihenmayer.  Only thing better would be to do the climb yourself!

Eric’s book is full of the excitement, dangers, health issues, blinding snowstorms, etc., all while out on the ledges of Mt. Everest and other mountains, either walking, climbing, or tented down in camp.   This experience is not for the timid, faint-of-heart, or those terrified of heights.

Eric talks about the trial run the team goes through, feeling out the abilities, shortcomings, disappointments, and camaraderie of each team member to see if they are compatible for the trip.   Team members have to work as a team or fail.  They find themselves a fit!

As treacherous as it is climbing Mt. Everest to the highest point of 29,035 feet, there are  “Everest’s” in everyone’s life.  The goal of the ‘Everests’ in your lives is to focus on what God is trying to teach you through it all–trust, faith, prayer, depending on God, and perseverance.

Eric helps you achieve these goals through his  Deadpoint Reflections: 1) the Crux (struggle examples), 2) the Hold (an answer to the Crux), and 3) the Anchor (the Support, should the Hold fail).  These sections are at the end of each chapter with the purpose of supplying you with the ‘how-to’ applications to your own life’s “Everests.”

Climbing mountains–what a high-test way to teach us Spiritual truths!  Yet this is Eric’s goal as a believer in Jesus.  It’s not enough just to climb the mountains, it’s to learn to trust God for our lives here on earth and eternally, attaining the likeness of His Son.

Eric’s book is a wonderful tool to inspire leadership teams, men’s groups, youth, and anyone who wants to grow in their faith and conquer what seems impossible with the help of Christ. Eric addresses commitment, priorities, vision, and servant leadership in the book.

Just as a climb to the top of Mt Everest is a step-by-step process, I’ve found that walking with the Lord is a similar step-by-step process, one I need to keep learning until my life here is over.  The main goal is trusting the Lord for each step.

The photography is exhilarating, somehow making me wish I could do this, as I love hiking and climbing.  It’s that snow, ice and steep, almost vertical climbs that make me think otherwise!  How about you?

Share the Summit Video Contest:

New Leaf Publishing Group is giving away 2 Kindles, both with The Summit already on it.

Share the excitement of the new book,The Summit:Faith Beyond Everest’s Death Zone!Post the Video Book trailer on facebook, twitter, your blog, etc. Each time you report your post at this link, you will be entered to win a Kindle with The with The Summit already on it.

The winner will be chosen and announced at HigherSummits.com on November 23rd.

One Kindle will go to a blogger/book reviewer who generates the most social media posts of the video book trailer.  The other Kindle will go to one randomly selected person who posts the video.

To enter the contest, please complete this form each time you post.  Post the video in as many places as possible and often.

• Connect with Eric Alexander at  www.highersummits.com
• The book is published by New Leaf Press, an imprint of New Leaf Publishing Group
• Share The Summit Video contest

**Radio guest interview:

Eric Alexander, the author of The Summit, was featured was the guest of Ryan Dobson & Toben Heim on Grounded Talk Radio.

Here’s a link to his interview. http://www.oneplace.com/ministries/grounded/listen/grounded-with-ryan-dobson-143080.html

Link for Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7yRiFcpKACg.
Link to enter to win: http://bit.ly/isharedthesummit

**Future interview:

Eric will be a guest on the 700 Club program on January 4th which will air at