The Desire ~ Review

The Desire
The Restoration Series 3
By Dan Walsh and Gary Smalley

The Desire is the third book in The Restoration series.  This series is the joint efforts of two talented writers Dan Walsh and Gary Smalley.  This book builds on the previous books in the series, though it is not necessary to read the first two to enjoy The Desire.

In The Desire Michelle and Allan have been married for about two years and to Michelle's disappointment they have yet to have a baby.  Michelle's longing for a child is starting to take a toll on her marriage.  Meanwhile Allan's been going on mission trips and his heart lies with the poor children in Africa he wants to help.

As Allan and Michelle work through these trials that are weighing on their hearts they learn that marriage is a work in progress and communication is the key to making it work.  Meanwhile Tom and Jean are continuing to work on straightening out their financial woes.  And Marilyn and Jim continue seeing a strengthening of their marriage after their rocky patch.

When a young woman in need comes into contact with the Anderson family her life is about to change as they reach out to her with love and support.

The Desire will take you on a journey of faith and trust as the Anderson family continues to grow in their relationships with God.  They learn to trust on God and to listen for His voice as they confront the issues that come up in their lives.

This is a book that speaks to those who have a desire for their own child and the insensitivity they face in their day-to-day lives both within and without the church.  This is a well thought out book that will make you stop and think.  And if you have someone in your life dealing with this issue, you may be a little more aware of their possible struggles and allow you to be a listening ear.

I was provided a copy of this book through Revell's blogger program in exchange for my honest review.   


Can faith build a bridge between their dreams?

For two years, Allan and Michele have been trying to have a baby. The emotional ride has been taking a toll on their hearts--and their relationship. Michele is obsessed with researching fertility treatments while Allan seems content to spend his time--and their money--on supporting displaced children in Africa. Something's got to give. But they both hope it's not their marriage.

Still, God has a plan for Allan and Michele that they could never have imagined. And all it takes to set it in motion is a change of heart . . .

Feast for Thieves ~ Review with Giveaway

Feast for Thieves
A Rowdy Slater Novel
By Marcus Brotherton

Rowdy Slater can't find work since coming home from the war and he is getting desperate to get some money.  And desperate men sometimes do foolish things to get it - foolish things like robbing a bank.

But during the getaway something happens and Rowdy ends up back in Cut Eye, Texas.  Not only is he back in the community that he helped robbed, Sheriff Barker has somehow managed to make Rowdy the new minister.  Rowdy just may be in over his head when it comes to this preaching business.  But his new job provides a car, sort of.  He has a line of credit at the local store. And his meals are provided at the diner.  All in all a good deal as long as he can figure out how to preach before he gets strung up or run out of town.  If he can convince Bobbie Barker, the missionary who has been filling in as pastor, to help him he just may be able to make this work.

But when Rowdy's past catches up to him, the life of someone who means everything to him is hanging in the balance.  Welcome to Cut Eye, Texas in 1946 - a rough-and-tumble town in need of a preacher.  And Rowdy Slater is in need of a place to sort out and restart his life.

This is a book you'll enjoy.  You will instantly connect with some characters, while others will set your teeth on edge.  And the dialect/speaking voice of Rowdy will take you to Texas.  Marcus Brotherton has a way with words that will take you along with Rowdy as if you are there in the action.

I was provided a copy of the book through Side Door Communications in exchange for my honest review and tour participation.

Be sure to leave a comment below about this post and enter for a 

chance to win a copy of this book!

About the Book:
Chicago, IL – Well-known for his nonfiction books, including the New York Times
bestseller, We Who Are Alive and Remain, journalist and professional writer Marcus
Brotherton is turning to fiction, with his debut historical novel, Feast for Thieves,
scheduled to release September 1, 2014 (Moody Publishers/River North).

“Truth is imbedded in the narrative in fiction,” says Brotherton. “And sometimes, since the truth in fiction comes wrapped around a story that captivates your attention, the truth will be presented so powerfully that it hits you with more impact than if you read the same truth in a nonfiction book.”

Brotheron, who has culled a large online following through his blog, Men Who Lead Well, has authored or co-authored more than 25 books including A Company of Heroes, which ranked No. 1 in the country among World War II/Western Front books, and the widely-acclaimed Shifty’s War, and has partnered with high-profile public figures, humanitarians, inspirational leaders, and military personnel. Now, in Feast for Thieves, he spins a wild tale of barroom brawls, crazy antics, kidnappings, and one man’s search for identity.

It’s 1946 and Zearl “Rowdy” Slater, an elite incorrigible paratrooper is returning home from World War II, seeking to find his place in the world. But for a man with no money, no job, a record, and a personality that tends to be, well, a little on the eccentric side, settling down presents a bit of a challenge.

Desperate to scrap together some cash, Rowdy robs a bank alongside his friend, Crazy Ake, in the backwoods—and backwards—town of Cut Eye, Texas. But, after nearly getting caught, something changes inside and he finds himself walking into the sheriff’s office to return the money, but never admitting his role in its disappearance.

Suspicious that Rowdy had more to do with it than he admits, the sheriff gives him a crazy proposal—serve one year as the minister at the Cut Eye Community Church or head for the slammer.

Seeing it’s either the ministry or a jail cell, Rowdy gets to work. But he soon discovers that there’s more to being a minister than meets the eye. Between learning about the work from the former pastor, the beautiful Bobbie Barker, visiting parishioners, fist fighting with the bar crowd to get more men to attend, and trying to figure out how to write a sermon (his first—how to skin a squirrel—didn’t go over very well), Rowdy is in over his head but working hard

But escaping the past is hard and when Crazy Ake shows up, looking for his cut of the money from the robbery, and Rowdy is desperate for cash, he finds himself at a crossroads over his newfound faith and his desire to save the one person he loves the most in the world.

About the Author:
Marcus Brotherton is a journalist and professional writer known
internationally for his books and literary collaborations with high-profile public
figures, humanitarians, inspirational leaders, and military personnel. He has
authored or coauthored more than 25 books.

Collaborative works include projects with Lt. Buck Compton (one of the original Band of Brothers), apologist Dr.Ravi Zacharias, NFL quarterback Colt McCoy, psychologist Dr. Nancy Heche, fashion journalist Lauren Scruggs, Austin Stone pastor Matt Carter, Bronze Star winner Colonel Susan Luz, Alabama restaurateur Martha Hawkins, humanitarian Susan Scott Krabacher, speaker Dr. Bruce Wilkinson, youth ministry expert Doug Fields, radio show host Steven Arterburn, First Place weight loss program CEO Carole Lewis, musician Tommy Walker, youth speaker Ryan Dobson, university chancellor Rev. Wayne Cordeiro, and more.

Born in Canada in 1968, Marcus earned a bachelor’s degree in biblical education and journalism from Multnomah University in Portland, Oregon, and a master’s degree in practical theology and writing from Talbot Seminary at Biola University in Los Angeles, where he graduated with high honors.

Marcus lives with his wife and children in Washington State. More information about Marcus can be found online at www.marcusbrotherton.com.

US and Canadian residents can enter for a chance to win a copy of this book

Enter to have a chance at winning a copy of Marcus Brotherton's book Feast for Thieves! Contest runs September 13 - September 20, 2014! Open to US and Canadian residents only. 

Winner will be contacted on September 21 and need to respond with shipping info within 48 hours or an alternate will be picked.

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Movie Producers appeal to movie goers

I've actually seen The Identical and really liked it, so I thought I'd pass on this email I received this evening. It includes a link to see the first 15 minutes of the film. which is a great way to get an idea about the movie...

Mainstream Critics Were Unkind, But Christian Filmgoers and Audiences Adored It! The Identical released into theaters this weekend and hasn’t gotten the support that was hoped for from Christian moviegoers. Mainstream critics gave the film a 5% approval rating, while audiences rated the film "A" or "B"! Yes, the critics panned it. But they also slammed God's Not Dead , Mom's Night Out and Son of God . And let's not forget that The Wizard of Oz , Star Wars , and Gone With the Wind also were rated poorly. Sometimes the critics can get it wrong. The feedback from audiences is they loved the movie and would recommend it to their family and friends. They loved the wholesome story, family-friendly and faith-affirming themes in the film. TIME FOR YOU TO MAKE THE DECISION FOR YOURSELF! The producers have released the first 15 minutes of the film on www.theidenticalmovie.com for you to decide for yourself. Watch the intro for the film yourself and make the decision to see the film THIS WEEKEND!!! Go to www.theidenticalmovie.com POST YOUR OPINION and COMMIT TO SUPPORTING THE FILM in theaters this weekend.

What is Growing Out of Your Ear ~ Book Blast with Giveaway

Title: What is Growing Out of Your Ear
Author: Angela Graham
Publisher: AuthorHouse
Pages: 24
Genre: Children’s Fiction
Format: Ebook

Purchase at AMAZON

ABOUT THE BOOK:

It is summer and Angela eats a bowl of cherries. After she swallows some cherry pits, her Grandpa warns what will happen — “A cherry tree will grow out of your ear.” Angela thinks that is silly. Do you believe a cherry tree can grow out of Angela’s ear?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

 Angela Graham lives in Ottawa, Canada with her husband, two lively children and their dog.
She has enjoyed writing stories for her children since they were young to inspire the love
of reading. Angela’s stories add a humourous twist to real life. This story is motivated from
Angela’s own childhood.

Angela is giving away a $25 Amazon Gift Card!

Terms & Conditions:
By entering the giveaway, you are confirming you are at least 18 years old.
One winner will be chosen via Rafflecopter to receive one $25 Amazon Gift Certificate
or Paypal Cash.

This giveaway begins September 1 and ends on September 13.
Winners will be contacted via email on Monday, September 16.
Winner has 48 hours to reply.
Good luck everyone!

ENTER TO WIN!

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Revolutionary ~ Review

Revolutionary
Anomaly series 3
By Krista McGee

Revolutionary picks up where Luminary left us. Thalli has been recaptured by the State.  After months living above ground Thalli, Alex and Kristie are now at the mercy of the State and all the technology they have at their disposal.  The State and Dr Loudin are determined to bring the outside world under their control and Thalli, Alex, and Kristie are the means to his end.

But Loudin has a special interest in Thalli.  An interest that can't Thalli can't understand, until she learns that the very fact she has always been an anomaly is why she is so important.  But Loudin has discovered Thalli's weakness and he is going to use it against her and those he brought back with her.

The fate of the entire world may very well rest upon the shoulders of Thalli and her friends.  And Thalli will need to use everything she ever learned if she hopes to out-think Loudin.  And she'll need everything that John taught her about Designer to help her through it.

Revolutionary is the exciting conclusion to the Anomaly trilogy.  If you've read the first two books you have to read the conclusion.  Secrets about Thalli are revealed.  And we get to meet John's son James, who just may grow on you, unlike Loudin who just sinks deeper into the evilness that seems to permeate his entire being.  And Loudin is prepared to take lives if that means breaking Thalli's will to fight - the question is whose...

Just be prepared - you may need some tissues - as sacrifices are made.

I was provided a copy of this book through the BookLook blogger program in exchange for my honest review.

About the Book:

All her life Thalli thought she was an anomaly. 

Now she must use her gifts to fulfill the role she was called to play: Revolutionary.

Back in the hands of the State after months above ground, Thalli, Berk, Alex, and Kristie find themselves caught in a horrible game of power . . . with consequences reaching farther than they ever imagined.

After months in New Hope and Athens, Thalli had almost forgotten what living in the State was like. Programmed to be without emotions or curiosity, she was always an anomaly there. Too emotional. Too curious. Citizens of the State should behave exactly the way the Scientists designed them to behave: working in their assigned fields, maintaining productivity.

Thalli’s entire genetically engineered generation has been eradicated by a scientocracy that believes human life is expendable. Now, a pawn in a mad game of manipulation, held hostage and tortured in the name of the State, Thalli can barely summon the strength to hope that the future of humanity could be any better.

She clings to her new faith in the Designer. But when Thalli discovers that even the surviving above ground villages are in danger of State domination, her fragile faith begins to crumble.

As Thalli, Berk, and Alex make plans to overthrow the evil Dr. Loudin, a chilling secret explains why they have been left alive at all . . . a personal secret that will haunt Thalli forever. And as she struggles with this new truth, she also struggles with decisions of the heart.

Can the State’s expansion be stopped? Or will humanity—above and below the surface—be irreparably damaged?  Thalli is faced with a purpose both overwhelming and undeniable: to assume the role of a Revolutionary.

Destined for Doon ~ Review

Destined for Doon
A Doon Novel 2
By Carey Corp and Lorie Langdon

Ten months have passed since MacKenna left Doon behind, since she left Duncan behind.  But she had a dream of a career on Broadway.  Stardom is now seemingly within her reach when Duncan comes to her with a summons from her BFF Vee. But Duncan refuses to tell her what Vee needs until they are on their way.

Doon is under attack and only Kenna can see the darkness encroaching and encircling Doon.  Time is a luxury that Vee, Kenna, and the princes of Doon don't have if they want to save this village that exists out of time.

But there is unrest in Doon that is threatening Vee's reign as queen.  And there are little issues in her relationship with Jamie that are troubling.

Duncan seems less than thrilled that Kenna is back in Doon (though it has been considerably less than 10 months since she left him behind).  And though she doesn't want to fall for him again she is hurt by his indifference and even coldness at times.  But a broken heart is not easily mended and when a happily ever after is in the balance mending is imperative.

But unless they stop the darkness that is threatening Doon no one will have a happily ever after ever again!

Those who read book 1 Doon will be delighted that Kenna and Duncan have a chance for a second chance.  And we get an opportunity to see how Veronica handles being Queen of Doon with the pressures of everyday ruling added to the threat of utter destruction.  And of course our favorite MacCrae princes are back in all their Doonian glory.

This book has moments of fun especially where some of Kenna and Vee's modern world clothing is concerned.  And if you like a little bit of romance in your life and death struggles against black petunias this is the book for you.  But be warned happy endings don't always work out just how we want them to...

I was provided a copy of the book through the BookLook blogger program in exchange for my honest review.

Book Description

In this sequel to Doon, Mackenna Reid realizes she made a horrible mistake - choosing to follow her dreams of Broadway instead of staying in the enchanted land of Doon. To make everything worse, she's received her Calling - proof she and Duncan are each other's one true love - and it's pure torment, especially when visions of the very alluring Scottish prince appear right before she goes on stage. So when Duncan tells her an ancient curse threatens to overtake Doon and the new queen needs her to return, Kenna doesn't have to think twice. With darkness closing in on all sides, Kenna and Vee must battle a world of nightmares in order to protect the kingdom. But it will take the ultimate test of courage for Kenna to salvage her happily ever after.

Captured by Love ~ Review

Captured by Love
By Jody Hedlund

Angelique MacKenzie has been promised to Jean Durant, but when the British took Michilimackinac Island he was among those expelled for loyalties with the Americans.  Since the expulsion of the men the remaining residents of Michilimackinac have been suffering because their farms haven't been worked properly.  And the British are more than willing to take what little there is.

But spring has finally come and with it the promise that things could get better.  And in her heart Angelique hopes that her childhood friend Pierre Durant will return.  But Pierre left in anger years ago to pursue his desire for adventure as a fur trader. But the time has come for Pierre to return home, but home is not how he remembers it.  Can he give up the life he's been living and care for the mother he left behind?  Or will the call of adventure draw him back?

Angelique is torn between her promise to Jean and her heart's yearning for Pierre.  But she is determined to be a woman of honor.  And meanwhile the two men who hold her heart stand on opposite sides of the conflict, or do they?
  
Captured by Love is a look at the War of 1812 that is often overlooked in the history books.  The war isn't the main focus of the book, but rather a background setting that unfolds around the story.  If you like historical romances you just may want to turn the pages of Captured by Love.

I was provided a copy of this book by Bethany House in exchange for my honest review.

About the Book:

Michigan Territory, 1814
A voyageur and a young woman swept up in a time of upheaval and danger
discover firsthand the high price of freedom.
The British Army has taken control of Michilimackinac Island and its fort, forcing the Americans to swear an oath of loyalty to the crown in order to retain their land. Pierre Durant is a fur trader who returns after being away from the island for years, only to find the family farm a shambles and those he cares about starving and at the mercy of British invaders.

Torn between the adventurous life of fur trading and guilt over neglecting his defenseless mother, Pierre is drawn deeper into the fight against the British--and into a relationship with Angelique MacKenzie, a childhood friend who's grown into a beautiful woman. She now finds herself trapped by the circumstances of war and poverty, and the cruelty of her guardian, Ebenezer Whiley.

As tensions mount and the violence rages on, Pierre and Angelique must decide where their loyalties rest and how much they'll risk for love.