Book Review and Tour: The Search by Suzanne Woods Fisher

Wednesday 19 January, 2011 By 7 Comments

Title: The Search
Author: Suzanne Woods Fisher
Publisher: Revell
Publication Date: January 1, 2011
Paperback: 298 pages
ISBN: 978-0800733872
Genre: Fiction/Romance/Amish

From the Publisher:

When worlds collide, can the truth set two young women free?

As a child caught up in a crisis, Lainey O’Toole made a split-second decision with far-reaching effects. Fifteen years later, when her car breaks down in Stoney Ridge–the very town in which that decision was made–she is forced to face the past and discover how her decision has impacted so many.

Bess Reihl is less than thrilled to be spending the summer at Rose Hill Farm helping her intimidating grandmother Bertha recover from surgery. It doesn’t take long for Bess to realize that her grandmother coaxed her to Stoney Ridge for an entirely different reason. But once Bess meets hired hand Billy Lapp, the summer starts to hold some promise.

Lainey’s and Bess’s worlds are about to collide and the secrets that come to light will shock them both.

Beautifully written, The Search is a skillfully woven story that takes you through unexpected twists and turns on the long country road toward truth. Immerse yourself in this heartwarming–and surprising–tale of young love, forgiveness, and healing.

My Review:

The Search by Suzanne Fischer Woods is the third book in her series, Lancaster County Secrets, and it reads well as a stand alone book, however I think once the reader gets a taste of the series, the reader may want to read her previous two books, The Choice and The Waiting. In Woods’ third book she focuses on several deep issues including redemption, forgiveness, secrets, love and family. Woods weaves together several lives to create a wonderful, heart-warming story, which keeps the reader actively engaged as well as invested in the characters lives, especially those of Bess Reihl, Billy Lapp and Lainey O’Toole. Through the use of beautiful prose and vivid imagery, the reader is taken the Bertha’s home, Rose Hill Farm and into a world filled with unexpected twist and turns, love, forgiveness, and the search for redemption. I would recommend The Search to anyone who is looking for a delightful afternoon of reading.

About the Author:

Suzanne Woods Fisher is the CBA bestselling author of The Choice, The Waiting, Amish Peace, and Amish Proverbs. Her interest in the Anabaptist cultures can be directly traced to her grandfather, W. D. Benedict, who was raised in the Old Order German Baptist Brethren Church in Franklin County, Pennsylvania. Benedict eventually became publisher of Christianity Today magazine. Suzanne is the host of a radio show called Amish Wisdom and her work has appeared in many magazines. She lives in California.

Please visit the other blog tours for this book.

Suzanne Woods Fisher’s latest installment of the Lancaster County Secrets, The Search,  is just out and to celebrate Suzanne is hosting The Search iPad Giveaway!


One Grand Prize winner will receive an iPad Prize Package worth over $500 and includes:

To enter, simply click on the icons below to fill out the entry form/s, then tell 5 or more friends about the contest. Oh, and enter soon! Winner will be announced on February 3rd at Suzanne’s Everything is Coming Up Roses Facebook Party. (Did you know The Search takes place on a rose farm?)

Enter via E-mail Enter via Facebook Enter via Twitter
Facebook Party:
Join Suzanne for the Everything is Coming Up Roses Facebook Party on February 3rd! She’ll be announcing the winner of the The Search iPad Giveaway, hosting a book club discussion of The Search, giving away copies of all three books and HEAPS of other readerly prizes! Including roses delivered to your door for three months for you AND a friend! Be sure to join us on Thursday, February 3rd at 5:00 PM PST (6:00 MST, 7:00 CST & 8 EST) at Suzanne’s Author Page.

I received a complimentary copy of The Search by Suzanne Woods Fisher from LitFuse Publicity Group. Receiving a complimentary copy in no way reflected my review of aforementioned novel.

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Book Review and Tour: The Clouds Roll Away by Sibella Giorello

Monday 20 December, 2010 By 10 Comments


Title: The Clouds Roll Away
Author: Sibella Giorello
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Publication Date: March 16, 2010
Paperback: 336 Pages
ISBN: 978-1609360252
Genre: Fiction, Christian, Suspense

From the Publisher:

Raleigh Harmon’s life seems as impossible to solve as the high-profile case she’s pursuing.

Closing her assignment with the FBI’s Seattle office, forensic geologist Raleigh Harmon returns to her hometown of Richmond, Virginia, expecting a warm welcome. Instead she finds herself investigating an ugly cross burning at a celebrity’s mansion and standing in the crosshairs of her boss at the Bureau. And the deeper Raleigh digs into the case, the murkier the water becomes…until she’s left wondering who the real victims might be.

To make matters worse, Raleigh’s personal life offers almost zero clarity. Her former confidant is suddenly remote while her former boyfriend keeps popping up wherever she goes. And then there’s her mother. Raleigh’s move home was supposed to improve Nadine’s fragile sanity, but instead seems to be making things worse.

As the threads of the case begin crossing and double-crossing, Raleigh is forced to rely on her forensic skills, her faith, and the fervent hope that breakthrough will come, bringing with it that singular moment when the clouds roll away and everything finally makes sense.

My Review:

The Clouds Roll Away by Sibella Giorello is the third book in her Raleigh Harmon series and is an interesting mixture of Christian fiction and suspense. Giorello’s writing is quite vivid and descriptive, making it easy for readers to imagine themselves in the story. The characters are flawed just enough to make them realistic and Giorello takes a long and hard look at the heart and mind of humans and what makes one hate when another does not. The book moves along at a fast clip and the action will keep the reader engaged throughout the book. Giorello gives the reader a brilliant heroine who is being pulled in all directions and at the end of her tether, yet her faith guides her through. In theory, The Clouds Roll Away could read well as a stand alone book, yet I think it would be best for the previous books, The Stones Cry Out and The Rivers Run Dry to have been read first to truly understand the main characters, their personal struggles and the intricacies of their lives. For those who enjoy an excellently written Christian fiction book and enjoy suspense, I would definitely recommend reading The Clouds Roll Away.

About the Author:

Sibella Giorello began writing as a features reporter for newspapers and magazines. Her stories won numerous awards, including two nominations for the Pulitzer Prize. She recently won a Christy award for her novel Stones Cry Out. She lives in Washington state with her husband and family.

Sibella’s celebrating the release of The Clouds Roll Away by giving away a KINDLE prize pack worth over $150.00!

One Grand Prize winner will receive:
Latest Generation KINDLE with Wi-Fi
$25 gift certificate to Amazon.com

To enter visit Sibella Giorello’s Blog and click the button is on the right hand side. Good Luck!

Follow the blog tour and read other reviews.

I received a complimentary copy of The Clouds Roll Away by Sibella Giorello from LitFuse Publicity Group. Receiving a complimentary copy in no way reflected my review of aforementioned novel.

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Book Review and Tour: Nightingale by Susan May Warren

Friday 19 November, 2010 By 1 Comment


Title: Nightingale (Book 2 in the Brothers In Arms series)
Author: Susan May Warren
Publisher: Summerside Press
Publication Date: November 1, 2010
Paperback: 320 Pages
ISBN: 978-1609360252
Genre: Historical Fiction, Romance

About the book:

Esther Lange doesn’t love her fiancé—she’s trapped in an engagement after a mistaken night of passion.

Still, she grieves him when he’s lost in battle, the letters sent to her by the medic at his side giving her a strange comfort, so much that she strikes up a correspondence with Peter Hess, an Iowa farmboy. Or is he? Peter Hess is not who he seems. Indeed, he’s hiding a secret, something that could cost them both their lives, especially when the past comes back to life. A bittersweet love song of the home front war between duty and the heart…a battle where only one will survive.

My Review:

A beautiful, touching and sweetly innocent romance, Nightingale by Susan May Warren is a book about redemption and finding one’s way home. Set during WWII, the reader is introduced to Peter Hess and Ester Lange an ocean apart, yet two kindred souls who find solace in the letters that they write to each other. Warren captures the feel of the latter half of the 1940s and writes a moving, mysterious, and beautiful story of romance, salvation, and forgiveness through letters and through the eyes of mainly Ester, Peter and Rachel. Nightingale is not a typical WWII romance novel, nor a strictly Christian novel, but rather Warren blends together an extraordinary mixture of belief, faith, feelings of unworthiness, and the despairs of those in the war along with those who risk everything to make things better. I have always enjoyed Susan May Warren’s books and expected from the synopsis to like the book, but it turned tout to be far better than I even thought it would be. I would recommend Nightingale to any reader.

Susan May Warren is the award-winning author of seventeen novels and novellas with Tyndale, Steeple Hill and Barbour Publishing. Her first book, Happily Ever After won the American Fiction Christian Writers Book of the Year in 2003, and was a 2003 Christy Award finalist. In Sheep’s Clothing, a thriller set in Russia, was a 2006 Christy Award finalist and won the 2006 Inspirational Reader’s Choice award. A former missionary to Russia, Susan May Warren now writes Suspense/Romance and Chick Lit full time from her home in northern Minnesota. Learn more about Susan on her website. For more information please visit: http://brothersinarms.susanmaywarren.com.

The Letters From Home Giveaway!
Enter the Contest: Nightingale is about letters, the power of written correspondence to convey thoughts and emotions to those far away. And sometimes near. Letters are forever, they are something we savor and pull out to read again and again. They are often cherished and kept in a special place.

To celebrate the release of Nightingale, Susan would like you to write a letter. One grand prize winner will receive a Flip HD Camcorder. 5 runner’s up winners will win a signed copy of Nightingale. There are two ways to enter the contest by writing letters.
1. Write a letter to a soldier. At the end of the contest we’ll print out and mail your letter for you.
2. Write a letter to a friend, loved one, family member, enemy. Tell them something you wished you’d told them before. Tell them you love them, or maybe how they touched your life. Perhaps an apology is in order or a thank you. Or perhaps you’d like to relate a funny tale or just share life. Whatever it is, submit it here along with your email address and we’ll send it for you. Enter here or at the SHARE page on the Brothers in Arms website.

Follow the blog tour and read other reviews.

I received a complimentary copy of Nightingale by Susan May Warren from LitFuse Publicity Group.   Receiving a complimentary copy in no way reflected my review of aforementioned novel.

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Book Review and Tour: The Waiting by Suzanne Woods Fisher

Tuesday 12 October, 2010 By 3 Comments

Title: The Waiting
Author: Suzanne Woods Fisher
Publisher: Revell
Publication Date: October 1, 2010
Paperback: 311 pages
ISBN: 978-0800733865
Genre: Fiction/Romance/Amish

From the Publisher:

She was waiting for love–and found it in the most unexpected place.

Jorie King’s life is on hold. She has been waiting for Ben Zook to return to Lancaster County. Waiting for him to settle down and join the church. Waiting to marry him.

But when news arrives that Ben has been killed, Jorie is devastated. She finds unlikely comfort in the friendship of his brother Caleb. Friendship ripens into love, and two broken hearts plan for a life filled with the promise of a fresh beginning–until their worlds are turned upside down.

With her realistic characters whose weaknesses develop into strengthes, Suzanne Woods Fisher offers a reading experience that rises above the others. You will love growing in spirit with these complex people living the simple life as The Waiting transports you into a world where things aren’t as simple as they seem.

My Review:

An absolutely charming and delightful read, The Waiting by Suzanne Fisher Woods is the second book in the Lancaster County Secrets series, the first being The Choice and each can be read independently of the other.  Woods has set up a unique stage for an Amish story in The Waiting, which occurs during the Vietnam War and opens with a fair share of tragedy both within the close-knit Amish community and overseas.  Woods’ characters are exceptionally well developed and one cannot help but be drawn into their way of life, their hopes, dreams, desires, as well as the deep sadness that is experienced in this book.  The Waiting is a book of love, family, and choices with a beautifully described backdrop, lovely narration, and exceptional characters, especially Jorie King and the Zook family.  Whether or not one is new to Amish fiction or has read a lot of it, I strongly recommend The Waiting to anyone looking for a delightful and sweet book to curl up with.

About the Author:

Suzanne Woods Fisher is the CBA bestselling author of The Choice, The Waiting, Amish Peace, and Amish Proverbs. Her interest in the Anabaptist cultures can be directly traced to her grandfather, W. D. Benedict, who was raised in the Old Order German Baptist Brethren Church in Franklin County, Pennsylvania. Benedict eventually became publisher of Christianity Today magazine. Suzanne is the host of a radio show called Amish Wisdom and her work has appeared in many magazines. She lives in California.

Please visit the other blog tours for this book.

Suzanne Woods Fisher is holding a contest.

Suzanne will announce the winner during her FB party on October 28, 2010.

I received a complimentary copy of The Waiting by Suzanne Woods Fisher from LitFuse Publicity Group. Receiving a complimentary copy in no way reflected my review of aforementioned novel.

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Book Review: A Memory Between Us by Sarah Sundin

Monday 4 October, 2010 By 8 Comments

Title: A Memory Between US
Author: Sarah Sundin
Publisher: Revell
Publication Date: September 1, 2010
Paperback: 439 pages
ISBN: 978-0800734220
Genre: Fiction, Historical Romance

From the Publisher:

Can they overcome the past to find a brighter future together?

Major Jack Novak has never failed to meet a challenge–until he meets army nurse Lieutenant Ruth Doherty. When Jack lands in the army hospital after a plane crash, he makes winning Ruth’s heart a top-priority mission. But he has his work cut out for him. Not only is Ruth focused on her work in order to support her orphaned siblings back home, she also is determined not to give her heart to any man.

As the danger and tension of World War II rise to a fever pitch, Jack and Ruth will need each other more than ever. Can Jack break down her defenses? Or are they destined to go their separate ways?

From the English countryside to the perilous skies over France, A Memory Between Us takes you on a journey through love, forgiveness, and sacrifice.

My Review:

A Memory Between Us by Sarah Sundin, the second book in the Wings of Glory series, takes place during WWII, and follows the lives of three brothers beginning with A Distant Melody.  A Memory Between Us is a beautiful, gripping and heartfelt story of army nurse Ruth Doherty and Major Jack Novak.  With detailed descriptions ranging from makeshift hospitals to B-17 Bombers, Sundin deftly takes the reader back in time to the dangers, shortages, fear, and pride in those fighting and assisting in WWII.  Sundin’s characters are expertly created, flawed, imperfect and extremely relatable.  Ruth is courageous and full of spirit even while working amidst fighting and fearing for the safety of those left at home.  Jack will win the readers hearts, but will he win Ruth’s?  There is a gentle underlying Christian theme to Sundin’s series and I hope those who shy away from Christian novels give A Memory Between Us a chance, for I believe it just may change the perception some have of Christian books.  A Memory Between Us is a riveting historical fiction novel, filled with WWII facts intermingled with fictitious characters and life-changing questions taking the reader through a wide range of emotions and experiences as the characters learn about love, hope, how to let go of guilt and to find redemption.  I would recommend A Memory Between Us to any reader looking for a nice historical fiction book to read as well as recommend it to book discussion groups.

About the Author:

Sarah Sundin is an on-call hospital pharmacist and holds a BS in chemistry from UCLA and a doctorate in pharmacy from UC San Francisco. Her great-uncle flew with the US Eighth Air Force in England during WWII. Sarah lives in California with her husband and three children. This is her first novel. For more info please visit her website.

Follow the blog tour here.

Contest:
Sarah Sundin presents The Movies and Memories Giveaway in honor of book 2 in the Wings of Glory series. To celebrate Sarah is giving one lucky winner A Movie and Memory Prize
Package!

One grand prize winner will receive:

* Make-your-own-photo book from Mypublisher.com (Capture your own
Memories)

* Netflix Subscription (New or Nostalgic Movies delivered right to your house)

* Starbucks gift card (To keep your engine revvin’)

*Gourmet chocolate (A favorite in the 1940’s and now)
* British specialty teas in carved wooden box (Timeless tradition)

* Miniature model of a B-17 Flying Fortress bomber & C-47 cargo plane
(Everyone needs a few toy planes)

*Big Band music CD (Break out your dancing shoes)

* WWII authentic poster playing cards (Cards – a perfect game for two)

* Keep Calm and Carry On (Uplifting sayings WWII, a boost for troubled times)

To enter simple click on the icons below (contest runs 9/27 – 10/17!)

I received a complimentary copy of A Memory Between Us by Sarah Sundin from Litfuse. Receiving a complimentary copy in no way reflected my review of aforementioned novel.

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Book Tour & Review: Life, In Spite of Me! by Kristen Jane Anderson and Tricia Goyer

Saturday 22 May, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Title: Life In Spite of Me: Extraordinary Hope After a Fatal Choice
Author: Kristen Jane Anderson and Tricia Goyer
Publisher: Multnomah Books
Publication Date: May 4, 2010
Hardcover: 224 pages
ISBN: 978-1601422521
Genre: Inspirational/Non-Fiction

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About the Book:

After her fatal choice… extraordinary hope.

Why does my life have to be so painful?
What’s wrong with me?
It’s not going to get better.
It could all be over soon, and then I won’t hurt anymore.

Kristen Anderson thought she had the picture perfect life until strokes of gray dimmed her outlook on life. Once a happy child, Kristen’s world darkened after three friends and her grandmother died within two years. Still reeling from these losses, she was raped by a friend she thought she could trust. She soon spiraled into a depression that didn’t seem to have a bottom.

One January night, the seventeen-year-old made a decision: She no longer wanted to deal with the emotional pain that smothered her. She lay down on a set of cold railroad tracks and waited-for a freight train to send her to heaven…and peace.

Fear coursed through me. I squeezed my eyes tighter.
It’s going to be over now. The pain is going to end. I’ll be in heaven soon.
As the train whistle blew, the vibration of my body stilled.
The sound stopped. The wind stopped. The train stopped.
Am I dead yet?

Amazingly, Kristen survived her suicide attempt… but the 33 freight cars that ran over her severed her legs. Now she not only had to deal with depression; she also had to face the physical pain and life without legs.

But Kristen’s story didn’t end there. After her darkest days Kristen discovered a real purpose for living. Now, in her compelling book Life, In Spite of Me, Kristen shares her journey from despair to hope.

Includes letters from Kristen that share messages she wishes someone would have told her-when she was depressed and struggling with loss, shame from sexual abuse, and suicidal thoughts.

My Review:

Grab a box of tissues prior to settling in to read Life In Spite of Me by Kristen Jane Anderson and Tricia Goyer. Kristen was a healthy active 17-year-old with a loving family when a series of events beyond her control began to cascade down upon her making her feel no longer in control, no longer worthy, tired, and longing to go to Heaven. Life In Spite of Me speaks openly and candidly to the reader about Kristen’s experience, her thoughts on the evening she decided to end her life, the immediate hospitalization afterwards, and a flash back to what brought her to that terrible day by the train tracks and the rocky road to her physical, mental, emotional and spiritual recovery. Interspersed throughout the book are notes written by Kristen, speaking directly to the reader trying to reach out to those who despair, to let the reader know she understands as others do and it will be alright, but one must talk about their feelings and seek help. Life In Spite of Me is an extraordinary book about an amazing teenager who faced what many of us thankfully never shall, who overcame the obstacles and who grew to become a better person through her struggles and now reaches out to help others. I highly recommend Life In Spite of Me to all readers.

About the Author:

Tricia Goyer is the author of twenty-four books including Songbird Under a German Moon, The Swiss Courier, and the mommy memoir, Blue Like Play Dough. She won Historical Novel of the Year in 2005 and 2006 from ACFW, and was honored with the Writer of the Year award from Mt. Hermon Writer’s Conference in 2003. Tricia’s book Life Interrupted was a finalist for the Gold Medallion in 2005. In addition to her novels, Tricia writes non-fiction books and magazine articles for publications like MomSense and Thriving Family. Tricia is a regular speaker at conventions and conferences, and has been a workshop presenter at the MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) International Conventions. She and her family make their home in Little Rock, Arkansas where they are part of the ministry of FamilyLife. For more info, please visit www.triciagoyer.com

Follow the blog tour here.

Watch the Video Trailer.

Enter the contest:

Tweet this: Don’t miss Life, In Spite of Me by @TriciaGoyer! The amazing story of #KristenAnderson journey back from #suicide! http://bit.ly/98PKmo
(must use both hashtags #kristenanderson and #suicide)
For a chance to win a 5 book Tricia Goyer library – any five books of your choice!

And/or

Leave a comment here for a chance to win 1 of 5 copies of Life, In Spite of Me.

I received a complimentary copy of Life, Inspite of Mee by Kristen Jane Anderson and Tricia Goyer from LitFuse Publicity. Receiving a complimentary copy in no way reflected my review of aforementioned novel.

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Book Tour & Review: A Distant Melody by Sarah Sundin

Sunday 11 April, 2010 By 2 Comments

Title: A Distant Melody
Author: Sarah Sundin
Publisher: Revell
Publication Date: March 1, 2010
Paperback: 422 pages
ISBN: 978-0800734213
Genre: Historical Romance

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About the book:

Never pretty enough to please her gorgeous mother, Allie will do anything to gain her approval–even marry a man she doesn’t love.

Lt. Walter Novak–fearless in the cockpit but hopeless with women–takes his last furlough at home in California before being shipped overseas. Walt and Allie meet at a wedding and their love of music draws them together, prompting them to begin a correspondence that will change their lives.

As letters fly between Walt’s muddy bomber base in England and Allie’s mansion in an orange grove, their friendship binds them together. But can they untangle the secrets, commitments, and expectations that keep them apart?

A Distant Melody is the first book in the WINGS OF GLORY series, which follows the three Novak brothers, B-17 bomber pilots with the US Eighth Air Force stationed in England during World War II. 



My Review:

A Distant Melody is the first novel in Sarah Sundin’s Wings of Glory series and what an extraordinary beginning. Sundin takes the reader back to the 1940s with her masterful command of lyrical prose and strong characters.
Allie Miller is taking her first trip north, a trip she is looking forward to, to her friend Betty’s wedding. Alone without the disapproving eye of her mother or her boyfriend Baxter Hicks, her parents adore him and expect Allie to marry him. In the same station, Lt. Walter Novak is departing for his last furlough home and is happy to soon be heading off to fly, to be useful, yet like Allie he feels as though he does not measure up. Walter and Allie meet on the train and soon learn they are going to the same city. Allie and Walter are drawn together during the delightful week leading up Betty’s wedding, and Allie assumes Walter knows about Baxter and thinks she is only risking her heart. Allie and Walter stay in contact through letters and their relationship continues to flourish, as do their lives. Allie begins to emerge into her own, but will she be able to grow or marry Baxter to please her parents? Buried secrets and mystery surround them both which lends toward a sweet and delightful plot which allows the reader to view the war from both sides of the ocean and what struggles each faced during those difficult years. A Distant Melody makes for a delightful, intriguing, and at times emotional read, which is rich with historical details, delightful characters and emotionally charged from fun and innocent flirtations to the grim realities of war. I would recommend A Distant Melody to anyone, especially those interested in historical novels, for Sundin has definitely done her research and takes the reader back to the time and climate of the 40′s. A Distant Melody would be an excellent choice for a discussion group.

About the Author:

Sarah Sundin is an on-call hospital pharmacist and holds a BS in chemistry from UCLA and a doctorate in pharmacy from UC San Francisco. Her great-uncle flew with the US Eighth Air Force in England during WWII. Sarah lives in California with her husband and three children. This is her first novel. For more info please visit her website.

Follow the blog tour here.

I received a complimentary copy of A Distant Melody by Sarah Sundin from LitFuse Publicity Group. Receiving a complimentary copy in no way reflected my review of aforementioned novel.

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Book Tour & Review: Songbird Under A German Moon by Tricia Goyer

Wednesday 24 March, 2010 By 4 Comments

Title: Songbird Under A German Moon
Author: Tricia Goyer
Publisher: Summerside Press
Publication Date: February 1, 2010
Paperback: 320 Pages
ISBN: 978-1935416685
Genre: Fiction

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About the book:

The year is 1945. The war is over and 21-year-old Betty Lake has been invited to Europe to sing in a USO tour for American soldiers who now occupy Hitler’s Germany. The first nights performance is a hit. Betty becomes enthralled with the applause, the former Nazi-held mansion they’re housed in and the attention of Frank Witt, the US Army Signal Corp Photographer. Yet the next night this songbird is ready to fly the coop when Betty’s dear friend, Kat, turns up missing. Betty soon realizes Franks photographs could be the key to finding Kat. Betty and Frank team up against post-war Nazi influences and the two lovebirds’ hearts may find the answers…in each other.
But will they have a chance for their romance to sing? The truth will be revealed under a German moon. 



My Review:

Songbird Under A German Moon by Tricia Goyer is set in post-war Germany. WWII ended 5 months ago and Germany is occupied by the allied troops to restore peace. 20-year-old Betty Lake has recently arrived on her USO tour and is stationed in Bayreuth, Germany and singing in Festspielhaus. Frank Witt an Army Air Corps photographer as well as an OSS agent has been assigned to cover Festspielhaus, which allows him a reason to be near Betty, whom he recently met but instantly fell for. Rumours have been going around that Festspielhaus is unsafe, some say haunted, for none can account for the mysterious things that occur there, especially in the evenings. Dierk has been sneaking into old ammunitions buildings to collect pieces he needs to stop the town of Bayreuth and Wagner from further being disgraced. Tricia Goyer has woven together a brilliant story told through the narratives of Betty, Frank, and Dierk. Songbird Under A German Moon will take the reader back to post-war Germany, combining historical accuracy with a sweet romance as well as a well laid out mystery, steeped in historical information. Goyer covers many areas superbly with her beautiful prose, historical accuracy and well designed plots making Songbird Under A German Moon a delightful and thoroughly enjoyable novel to read, reminding the reader that even under some of the most horrific circumstances, good does indeed prevail.

About the Author:

Tricia Goyer is the author of twenty books including From Dust and Ashes, My Life UnScripted, and the children’s book, 10 Minutes to Showtime. She won Historical Novel of the Year in 2005 and 2006 from ACFW, and was honored with the Writer of the Year award from Mt. Hermon Writer’s Conference in 2003. Tricia’s book Life Interrupted was a finalist for the Gold Medallion in 2005. In addition to her novels, Tricia writes non-fiction books and magazine articles for publications like Today’s Christian Woman and Focus on the Family. Tricia is a regular speaker at conventions and conferences, and has been a workshop presenter at the MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) International Conventions. She and her family make their home in the mountains of Montana. Find out more about her and her books at her website.

Follow the blog tour here.

WHAT ERA? CONTEST
! (this contest is not being hosted by me or my blog Rundpinne)
Enter to win one of three signed copies of Songbird Under a German Moon.
*Leave a comment on Tricia’s blog or send an email through her website CONNECT page and answer this question: “What era in history do you wish you’d lived in and why?”
*Earn extra entries:

  • Sign up for Tricia’s Newsletter here.
  • Become a Fan on Facebook.
  • Tweet about the contest on Twitter (use hashtag #songbird)!

I received a complimentary copy of Songbird Under A German Moon by Tricia Goyer from LitFuse Publicity Group. Receiving a complimentary copy in no way reflected my review of aforementioned novel.

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Book Tour & Review: Sons of Thunder by Susan May Warren

Tuesday 9 March, 2010 By 1 Comment

Title: Sons of Thunder
Author: Susan May Warren
Publisher: Summerside Press
Publication Date: February 1, 2010
Paperback: 320 Pages
ISBN: 978-1935416678
Genre: Fiction

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About the book:

Sophie Frangos is torn between the love of two men and the promise that binds them all together. Markos Stavros loves Sophie from afar while battling his thirst for vengeance and his hunger for honor. Dino, his quiet and intelligent brother, simply wants to forget the horror that drove them from their Greek island home to start a new life in America. One of these sons of thunder offers a future she longs for, the other the past she lost. From the sultry Chicago jazz clubs of the roaring twenties to the World War II battlefields of Europe to a final showdown in a Greek island village, they’ll discover betrayal, sacrifice and finally redemption. Most of all, when Sophie is forced to make her choice, she’ll learn that God honors the promises made by the Sons of Thunder. 



My Review:

Two brothers sharing a terrible past, faced with different views of the future, and both yearning for the same woman is just the beginning of Susan May Warren’s epic Brother In Arms novel, Sons of Thunder is a deeply heart-wrenching and astonishingly beautiful novel filled with tragedy, betrayal, love, hope and redemption. Markos and Dinos Stavros are being sent to America in the aftermath of their brother Theo’s tragic wedding reception. Their mother has chosen to stay behind in Greece and live with Theo’s widower Zoë on Ramone Island. Meanwhile, for their safety, Markos and his younger brother Dino must be sent off to America to live with their uncle in Chicago. Faius Frangos and Sophia escort the boys to America. Once in America Markos and Dino desperately try to put the past behind them. Markos, Dinos and Sophia capture the readers heart in Susan May Warren’s Sons of Thunder . Warren’s novel is so achingly beautiful and masterfully written one cannot help but read from cover to cover without end. I sincerely enjoyed reading the three-part epic novel, Sons of Thunder, the lives of the characters, the lessons this story has taught as well as astonishingly vivid prose. I cannot praise Warren’s Sons of Thunder enough and strongly recommend it to anyone who enjoys a beautiful, suspense-filled romance in a time long past.

Susan May Warren is the award-winning author of seventeen novels and novellas with Tyndale, Steeple Hill and Barbour Publishing. Her first book, Happily Ever After won the American Fiction Christian Writers Book of the Year in 2003, and was a 2003 Christy Award finalist. In Sheep’s Clothing, a thriller set in Russia, was a 2006 Christy Award finalist and won the 2006 Inspirational Reader’s Choice award. A former missionary to Russia, Susan May Warren now writes Suspense/Romance and Chick Lit full time from her home in northern Minnesota. Learn more about Susan on her website.

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  • Contest: You can be entered to win a copy of Sons of Thunder by helping us Spread the Word during the blog tour!

TWEET THIS:(must use hashtag #SonsofThunder to be entered – no limit on entries! Tweet away!) Please RT! @susanmaywarren launches new Romantic Suspense #SonsofThunder. Share your story 2 win a fab prize pack! http://ow.ly/1digM

I received a complimentary copy of Sons of Thunder by Susan May Warren from LitFuse Publicity Group. Receiving a complimentary copy in no way reflected my review of aforementioned novel.

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Book Review and Tour: Life Lessons From A Horse Whisperer by Lew Sterrett

Monday 1 March, 2010 By 1 Comment

Title: Life Lessons From A Horse Whisperer
Author: Lew Sterrett
Publisher: Monarch
Publication Date: January 12, 2010
Paperback: 192 pages
ISBN: 978-0825463167
Genre: Inspirational/Christian

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About the Book:

A champion trainer and true horse whisperer, Dr. Lew Sterrett has used patience and a firm but gentle hand to earn the trust of more than 3,500 horses. In this book, Lew tells the stories of his work with these horses and the lessons each one has taught him. Sometimes heartbreaking and often uplifting, Lew has condensed his lifetime of learning into messages for the Christian life. Today, Lew shares these messages with more than 50,000 people each year through horse training presentations at Miracle Mountain Ranch and nationally through his Sermon on the Mount Ministry.

The author’s engaging style and adroit mixture of well-tested anecdotes and thoughtful instruction make this a winning read-and not just for horse lovers.

My Review:

When I began reading Life Lessons From A Horse Whisperer I had not only not heard of the author but also had no idea he counseled and had a ministry. Dr. Sterrett uses his experiences with horses as an example of how humans can help one another and get through those rough times life has a way of throwing each and every one of us. As the beginning of the book mentions, Life Lessons From A Horse Whisperer is not simply a novel about horses. I was fortunate enough to read this book while watching a loved one die and the underlying theme of hope and inspiration helped bring me solace at a time when I did not think I could find much good in the situation I was facing. This compact novel is filled with inspirational and uplifting tales as well as valuable lessons on how each person can live a better life. Whether looking for suggestions on how to have better relationships, an uplifting novel, or direction in life, Life Lessons From A Horse Whisper is an excellent choice.

A champion trainer and true horse whisperer, Dr. Lew Sterrett has used patience and a firm but gentle hand to earn the trust of more than 3,500 horses. Dr. Lew Sterrett (Ph. D) had little idea that his boyhood interest in horses would open doors internationally for speaking and training. During his years in 4-H, he savored many opportunities to train and show horses and earn national recognition. As a student leader at Penn State University he benefited from many mentoring relationships from which he received valuable training, experience and honors. This foundation provided a basis for an extensive horse career with a unique emphasis on training youth and community leaders.

Lew has served as the Executive Director of Miracle Mountain Ranch Missions, Inc. (MMRM) since 1977. MMRM, located in northwestern Pennsylvania, is home for a summer youth camp, and a leadership training center for youth, adult, and family groups. He has also promoted safety in public riding programs, serving as President of the Certified Horse Association for 7 years. A licensed pastor, certified Youth, Marriage and Family Counselor, he earned his PhD from North Tennessee Seminary in 2007.

  • Find out more about Dr. Lew Sterrett on his website: http://www.sermononthemount
  • Read an excerpt from the book.
  • Enter the contest:Tweet the following to be entered to win a $50 Amazon gift card & signed copies of Lew’s book! TWEET THIS: (must use hashtag #lewsterrett to be entered – no limit on entries! Tweet away!) Life Lessons from a Horse Whisperer: not just for horse lovers! http://ow.ly/169ym RT to win $50 to @amazon #LewSterrett
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I received a complimentary copy of Life Lessons From A Horse Whisperer by Lew Sterrett from LitFuse Publicity Group. Receiving a complimentary copy in no way reflected my review of aforementioned novel.

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CymLowell

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