Jeremy Camp's Reckless and a Giveaway (CLOSED!)

Jeremy Camp's newest album...

RECKLESS

Reckless is the latest full-length record from Jeremy Camp, which will be released on February 12, 2013. Reckless features the single and title track 'Reckless,' which is already making waves at radio. Jeremy Camp has been incredibly successful at retaining fans, and this release will be no different. New and old fans alike will find 'Reckless' to be as heart-felt and passionate as ever.


Jeremy Camp has had a stellar 10-year career, earning accolades that most artists only dream of including 5 RIAA certified Gold-selling records, over 3.5 million records sold to date, a GRAMMY nomination for his 2010 album Speaking Louder Than Before, and a total of 32 No. 1 Radio hits across all formats (AC, CHR, Rock, & Inspo). In 2010 Jeremy Camp released We Cry Out: The Worship Project, which featured the still-charting single 'Overcome.' Jeremy then went on to release a greatest hits collection in 2012, I Still Believe: The Number Ones Collection, which featured 14 of Jeremy s best tracks. He also released his first Christmas album, Christmas: God With Us in September 2012.


Review

I slipped Jeremy Camp's newest CD into the disc player with the intention of listening to it while I did a little housework.   I immediately recognized the first song, "Reckless", as one that I had been hearing on our local Christian radio station.

As each subsequent song came on I found myself completely absorbed in worship.    All thoughts of housework were gone as the words of the songs washed over me.   Jeremy Camp is someone who has experienced amazing depths of grief with the loss of his wife to cancer and mountain tops of happiness with the birth of his children.    His love of God and spiritual maturity just shows through every line of his songs.



If your commute to and from work is stressful or you walk each day to clear your head or you are looking for new worship music, I highly recommend Jeremy Camp's  Reckless album.

I so appreciate Merge PR for providing me with a complimentary copy to review.   They have also generously offered one of my readers with a copy as well.   If you would like to win a copy of Reckless, please post your name below!

The contest is now CLOSED!   Congratulations to Bettie Ahrend for the complimentary copy of the Reckless CD!

Flora's Wish

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Flora's Wish Harvest House Publishers (February 1, 2013) by Kathleen Y'Barbo

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

RITA and Carol award nominee Kathleen Y’Barbo is the best-selling, award-winning author of more than forty novels, novellas, and young adult books. In all, more than one million copies of her books are currently in print in the US and abroad, and her books have been translated into Dutch, German, and Spanish, to name a few.

Kathleen is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Romance Writers of America. She holds a BBA from Texas A&M University’s Mays Business School and a certification in Paralegal Studies, and is a former member of the Texas Bar Association’s Paralegal Division.

A tenth-generation Texan, Kathleen Y’Barbo has four children of her own as well as seven bonus kids she gladly inherited when she married her own hero in combat boots. Kathleen is proud to be a military wife, even if it did mean giving up her Texas drivers license.



ABOUT THE BOOK

May 1887--Flora Brimm is determined the fifth time is the charm. Back home she has a reputation as "Fatal Flora," a woman whose previous four fiancés died in untimely accidents. Flora is desperate to marry, because producing an heir is the only way she can keep her family's estate. She's confident this visit to Eureka Springs with her grandmother will help her land a husband.

Pinkerton detective Lucas McMinn is hot on the trail of Will Tucker, the thief who broke his sister's heart. When he discovers the slippery fellow with Flora, he thinks they are in on the devious plot together. Will Flora be able to convince Lucas of her innocence? Will Lucas catch the elusive Mr. Tucker?

And, more importantly, will Lucas survive if he pursues Flora's heart?

If you would like to read the first chapter of Flora's Wish, go HERE.

Book Review

Flora Brimm is in a no win situation.   She has to marry and produce an heir or she is going to lose her family's estate.    She has had four fiances die on the way to the alter.     This seems just a little weird to Pinkerton detective Lucas McMinn who determines to find out why these fiances are doomed.   

When Flora becomes engaged for the fifth time to Will Tucker, Lucas McMinn decides it is his opportunity to get to the bottom of things.   Unfortunately for him Flora is a little unsure of people herself and wants to do her own investigating.   

This was such a fun read!

For Love of Eli

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing For Love of Eli Abingdon Press (February 1, 2013) by Loree Lough

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

With more than FOUR MILLION copies of her books in circulation, Loree has 98 books (fiction and non-fiction for kids and adults; four novels optioned for movies; more books slated for release between now and 2014), 68 short stories, over 2,500+ articles in print, and over 19,000 letters from fans!

Loree loves sharing learned-the-hard-way lessons about the craft and the industry, and her comedic approach makes her a favorite (and frequent) guest of writers' organizations, book clubs, private and government institutions, college and high school writing programs both here and abroad.

A writer who believes in "giving back," Loree dedicates a portion of her income to Soldiers' Angels, Special Operations Warrior Foundation, and other worthwhile organizations.

She splits her time between a tiny home in the Baltimore suburbs and an even tinier cabin in the Allegheny Mountains, and shares both with her real-life hero Larry, who rarely complains, even when she adds yet another item to her vast collection of "wolf stuff."

ABOUT THE BOOK

When unspeakable tragedy leaves young Eli an orphan, two families are devastated. But Taylor, Eli’s aunt and legal guardian, vows to help him remember his parents by creating a Memory Quilt. As she begins piecing together the moments of his parents' lives, the story of the young family emerges and Taylor and Eli begin to heal. But Eli’s uncle Reece is slow to let go of the past and still blames Taylor’s brother for his sister’s death. So, although he has long been attracted to Taylor, Reece keeps a safe distance away. Can their shared love for Eli pave the way to forgiveness or will Taylor and Reece be separated by pain?


If you would like to read a first chapter excerpt of For Love of Eli, go HERE.

Deeply Loved... Diving In

Today is Ash Wednesday.  It starts the season of Lent.    I have been asked by one of my publishers to spend the next forty days studying a new devotional book, Deeply Loved: 40 Ways in 40 Days to Experience the Heart of Jesus.    The title of the book was so enticing that I could not resist being involved.   Being able to focus on the deep love of my Savior and all that he has done just drew me like a magnet.   

I was anxious to sit down this morning with Chapter 1 to start this adventure.   This overall theme verse is “Look, I myself will be with you every day until the end of this present age.” (Jesus, in Matthew 28:20)

Every day.   Not just on Sundays like we sometimes treat our relationship with Jesus, but every single day of our life.

Someone once said that if God had a refrigerator there would be a picture of us on it.   I love that image.  I know that I have my sweet boys on my refrigerator.   I have pictures of them all over my home.    I love walking around and seeing their precious faces.     The thought that God thinks of me in the same way that I think of my boys is overwhelming.   

Having my boys has given me more insight into my precious God more than anything else in my life.    All those childhood Sunday School songs I learned transformed from just words to true meaning once I had my own children.   "Praise him!  Praise him!  All ye little children.  God is LOVE!"   Is there any better love than your children wrapping their arms around you and hugging you and saying "I love you?"   I know God feels the same way about me.

My favorite paragraph from today's reading is...

Today, take some time to sit quietly. Invite Jesus to be with you as you let your mind and heart settle down. Take a few deep, cleansing breaths just to slow your body down. When you feel as though you are ready, ask yourself the question my friends asked their foster child: what does God say when he looks at you?
What a beautiful way to spend Ash Wednesday and to start the Lent season.

If you are interested in joining me in this 40 day journey, Deeply Loved is on sale for Kindle right now for half price!   

Daybreak

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Daybreak Avon Inspire; Original edition (February 12, 2013) by Shelley Shepard Gray

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Since 2000, Shelley Sabga has sold over thirty novels to numerous publishers, including HarperCollins, Harlequin, Abingdon Press, and Avon Inspire. She has been interviewed by NPR, and her books have been highlighted in numerous publications, including USA Today and The Wall Street Journal.

Under the name Shelley Shepard Gray, Shelley writes Amish romances for HarperCollins’ inspirational line, Avon Inspire. Her recent novel, The Protector, the final book in her “Families of Honor” series, hit the New York Times List, and her previous novel in the same series, The Survivor, appeared on the USA Today bestseller list. Shelley has won the prestigious Holt Medallion for her books, Forgiven and Grace, and her novels have been chosen as Alternate Selections for the Doubleday/Literary Guild Book Club. Her first novel with Avon Inspire, Hidden, was an Inspirational Reader’s Choice finalist.

Before writing romances, Shelley lived in Texas and Colorado, where she taught school and earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education. She now lives in southern Ohio and writes full time. Shelley is married, the mother of two children in college, and is an active member of her church. She serves on committees, volunteers in the church office, and currently leads a Bible study group, and she looks forward to the opportunity to continue to write novels that showcase her Christian ideals.

When she’s not writing, Shelley often attends conferences and reader retreats in order to give workshops and publicize her work. She’s attended RWA’s national conference six times, the ACFW conference and Romantic Times Magazine’s annual conference as well as traveled to New Jersey, Birmingham, and Tennessee to attend local conferences.

Check out Shelley's Facebook Fan page

ABOUT THE BOOK

When Viola Keim starts working at a nearby Mennonite retirement home, she strikes up an unlikely friendship with resident Atle, whose only living relative, son Edward, is living as a missionary in Nicaragua. Viola understands the importance of mission work, but she can’t imagine leaving her father in the hands of strangers. Even though her family is New Order Amish, it’s not the Amish way, and though she doesn’t know Ed, she judges him for abandoning his father.



But when Ed surprises his father with a visit, Viola and Ed both discover an attraction they never expected. Despite her feelings, choosing Ed would mean moving to a far-off country and leaving her family behind. She can’t do that. Her twin sister, Elsie, is going blind and will need someone to care for her all her life. Her family is reeling with the recent discovery that her grandmother hid her past as an Englischer. Her father seems forgetful and distracted—and to be harboring some secrets of his own. Does Viola dare leave them all behind and forge her own life? Or will family ties mean her one chance at love slips away?

If you would like to read a first Chapter excerpt from Daybreak,go HERE.

Redeeming Grace

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Redeeming Grace Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas;
1st edition (February 28, 2013) by Ward Tanneberg

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Ward Tanneberg is a pastor/writer/novelist who has given more than 50 years to evangelism, youth, college and pastoral ministry, including two Pacific Northwest churches and 23 years as the senior pastor at Valley Christian Center in Dublin, CA. In 2008, he was named President/Executive Director of The CASA Network. Ward speaks extensively at 50+ retreats and ministry leadership events in the USA and elsewhere. When at home he meets weekly with a group of business and professional leaders. He and Dixie have 2 children, 3 grandchildren, 4 step-grandchildren and a great grandson.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Seven years ago, Grace Grafton died in a boating accident while partying on the Georgia, South Carolina coast. Was her death the result of alcohol and drugs or something more sinister? Nobody knows: her body was never recovered. Now years later, a woman reads in disbelief the note addressed to her: Hello Grace, did you think we wouldn't find you?

Those nine chilling words end Grafton's self-imposed sanctuary of witness protection. Now she and everyone she loves are in grave danger. Long believed dead, she has a secret that can change the world. She knows the man running for president is guilty of a double murder! But who will believe her?

If you would like to read the first chapter of Redeeming Grace, go HERE.

A Little Update

"Mom, could you update the pics on your blog header?   Those are like 4 years old!"

So, that is what I did.   I created a new collage with more recent pics of the boys for my header.    I can't believe how much my boys are changing.   I took this pic at a wedding of some friends this weekend.

Look how TALL both of my boys are standing next to my husband.   Hubs is 6 foot 2 inches!

Unbreakable

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Unbreakable Bethany House Publishers (February 1, 2013) by Nancy Mehl

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Nancy Mehl lives in Wichita, Kansas with her husband Norman and their dog, Watson. She’s authored thirteen books and is currently at work on her newest series for Bethany House Publishing.

All of Nancy’s novels have an added touch – something for your spirit as well as your soul. “I welcome the opportunity to share my faith through my writing,” Nancy says. “It’s a part of me and of everything I think or do. God is number one in my life. I wouldn’t be writing at all if I didn’t believe that this is what He’s called me to do. I hope everyone who reads my books will walk away with the most important message I can give them: God is good, and He loves you more than you can imagine. He has a good plan especially for your life, and there is nothing you can’t overcome with His help.”

She and her husband attend Believer’s Tabernacle in Wichita.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Mennonite Romantic Suspense Sure to Thrill Readers

Gentle and unassuming Hope Kauffman has never been one to question or try to make changes. She quietly helps her father run Kingdom Quilts and has agreed to the betrothal her father arranged for her with the devout but shy Ebbie Miller.

Despite Hope's and other Kingdom residents' attempts to maintain the status quo, changes have already begun to stir in the small Mennonite town. The handsome and charismatic Jonathon Wiese is the leader of the move to reform, and when one of Kingdom's own is threatened by a mysterious outsider, Jonathon is one of the first to push for the town to arm itself. Hope's fiance, Ebbie, is at the forefront of those demanding the town stay true to its traditions of nonviolence.

When strange incidents around town result in outright attacks on several townspeople, Hope can't help but question what she's always been taught. As the town that's always stood so strong together is torn apart at the seams, Hope is caught between opposing sides, both represented by those she has come to care for. With tensions high and lives endangered by an unknown threat, Hope fears Kingdom can never survive in one piece.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Unbreakable, go HERE.