"Carolina Reckoning" by Lisa Carter~Christian Suspense!

SUMMARY :

When 30-something housewife, Alison Monaghan discovers proof of her husband's infidelity in a photograph with a mysterious woman, she must decide how to confront
Frank when he returns home from work. Despite the influence of her best friend
Valerie, a strong Christian, Alison remains aloof from God and is determined to handle this crisis her own way. But Alison may not get that chance. Frank never makes it home. Soon his body is found on a lonely back-country road in antebellum
Weathersby Historic Park where Frank served on the board of directors and where
Alison, with a degree in landscape design, was a volunteer garden docent. Homicide detective Mike Barefoot, a Cherokee native from the Blue Ridge Mountains of North
Carolina, immediately puts Alison at the top of his suspect list. He finds himself drawn to her--and not just because she had motive for the crime. As an army veteran,
Mike usually keeps his emotional walls high. And as a detective, he knows not to get involved with murder suspects. So why he is so attracted to Alison? Can he fight his feelings for her--and the stirrings in his heart toward God?


PARTICULARS OF THE BOOK :

Published by:  Abingdon Press
Pages:  320
Genre:  Christian/Suspense/Thriller
Author:  Lisa Carter
Website:  http://www.lisacarterauthor.com


ABOUT THE AUTHOR :

 

 

 

I am a wife and mother
My husband and I have two daughters and make our home in the beautiful state of North Carolina.
I am a teacher
With a Master’s degree in history, I have taught at the university, high school and middle school levels. After years of church involvement as a soloist, choir member and worship leader, I also teach music.
I am a writer
Delighted by the rhythm and musicality of words, I have been writing since childhood. In 2001, I won the Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS) Story Writing Contest that re-ignited a lifelong love of writing.
I am on a journey of faith
My ultimate desire through my life and my writing is to proclaim the truth of God’s Word, His redeeming love as seen in the life of Jesus Christ and to help others know for themselves this great, awesome God of all comfort and wisdom. He is enough for every need.

 

 Check out this video about the main character Alison:

 

THE BOOKISH DAME REVIEWS :

This is a murder mystery/suspense novel with a Christian theme encasing it.  I thought it was a good book for the genre, and sometimes enjoyed the read, but felt the spiritual subtext was too prominent.  It became taxing toward the middle and I struggled to get to the end because of it.

Lisa Carter does a good job of creating her characters, although I found them all a bit sanguine.  Even the "bad guys" were likable to a certain degree.  It gave the book an over all sugar-coating that made the intensity of the murder mystery fall flat for me.   Sort of like reading a "Miss Marple" in a Southern, modern context...

I found the book a vehicle for proselytizing more than anything.  Though it was fairly well-written, it was too over-bearing in its constant "preaching" about God.  And, this said from the perspective of a Christian...which I am.

The book would have been much more successful with less spiritual pushiness, and more realism of mystery and suspense with a touch of God's workings within the context.

I would say this is a book targeted to a specific reading group:  those very strongly interested in Christian literature.  This is not a book that the average person interested in a mystery/suspense/thriller would particularly enjoy.

3 stars               Deborah/TheBookishDame

"River's End" by Melody Carlson ~ Inspired Fiction

SUMMARY :

Anna’s dream of a successful river inn is fully realized, but her family is still fractured—until forgiveness, patience, and unfailing love merge their lives back together again.

Long Description:

In the final story of the Inn at Shining Waters, Anna’s granddaughter Sarah is struggling to find herself. And in an attempt to escape her parents’ dysfunctional lives, Sarah travels away from all that is familiar. But her grandmother’s love and the pull of the river draw Sarah back. Still it’s not an easy journey to find the healing and forgiveness that’s needed to reunite and strengthen this broken family together again.

288 pages

You can visit Melody online at www.melodycarlson.com.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR :

I was recently honored in Chicago with the Romantic Times Career Achievement Award. Receiving this award made me stop and look back over my writing “career” and I found it hard to believe that I’ve been writing (professionally) for more than twenty years. How is that even possible? Before I got serious about writing I tended to flit from one “career” to the next. I never lasted at one thing for more than a few years. Although I learned a lot of interesting things in my diverse occupations, I could never find something I loved doing enough to imagine doing it for the rest of my life. However, I had always loved writing. I just never dreamed I could make a career of it. And even now—with more than 200 books published and more than five million books sold—I am more amazed than anyone. How did that happen?

One book at a time. Just like so many other things in life, one step at a time, one day at a time, this writing career happened one book at a time for me. And it continues to do so.

I’m the first one to admit that it’s amazing to do what you love for a living. And I feel very blessed that I can do that. But it’s only because of you (my readers) that I’m able to write as a livelihood. The connection we have—and I experience this connection regularly through the fabulous emails and letters I receive—is what really keeps me going. I love hearing your reactions to my stories and characters, and I so appreciate you taking the time to write to me. Thank you—thank you—thank you! On the same token, I want to thank every single one of you (even the ones who don’t write to me) for reading my books. That too is part of our connection. And I hope in the next twenty years that we will continue to stay connected.

I try to keep up with the emails and letters and facebook messages, but because I’m always working on a new book, it’s very easy to get behind. Like right now...I am way behind. But I hope you know that as I write new books, creating new characters with new problems, I am thinking of you and I’m hoping that I’m making something you’ll enjoy reading as much as I enjoy writing.

 

 

Visit her website at www.melodycarson.com.

 

 

Ms Carlson Visits A Bookish Libraria with a Guest Post :

Question:                       Does life imitate art?

 

I love how my art sometimes imitates life and life imitates art, and I’m surprised at how many times I write a book and later on find almost the exact things occurring in my own life. Or occasionally they are happening even before, but I just never put two and two together. I experienced this recently in the book River’s End.

 

While writing the final book in my Inn at Shining Waters trilogy, which is inspired by a real location (the Siuslaw River in Oregon) I was trying to find out where the coastal river had originally entered the ocean (back before the late 1800’s when the river’s jetties were built to make smoother passage for ship traffic). I wanted to know where the ‘river’s end’ had been because something very special was happening in the book at the river’s end. I’d tell you, but that would give away part of the story.

 

Anyway, I drove up and down the road that goes along the river and the jetties, but the best I could do was guess. Then shortly after I finished the book, I was privileged to enjoy a biplane ride and while in the air, the pilot was pointing out various spots of geographical interest. And straight out of the blue (literally) he showed me where the original route of the river had traveled to the sea—and I could see it from the air. To my delighted surprise, I discovered that the river used to end right beside where our little beach cabin is located—right where I’d written most of River’s End.

 

At the time my husband, who had completely rebuilt this cabin, was just finishing up an addition (a small sunroom) and I decided to call that space the River’s End. To honor the Siuslaw (both the river and tribe) I used Native American inspired décor and photographs to complete the room. Now I don’t want to give too much away, but if you read River’s End, you’ll discover how spot-on that was to the story—and yet I missed it while writing. But there it was life imitating art imitating life....

 

Thank you for sharing this insight into your writing, Melody!

 

More About Melody: 

Melody Carlson is one of the most prolific novelists of our time. With around 200 books published and sales topping 5 million, she writes primarily for women and teens. She’s won numerous honors and awards, including The Rita, The Gold Medallion and Romantic Times Career Achievement Award. Some of her books are being considered for TV movies and film.

 

Find another of her books in this series called "River's Call"

 

 

 

Pick up your copy of River’s End at Amazon:  http://www.amazon.com/Rivers-End-Shining-Water-Series/dp/142671274X/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1346430774&sr=8-4&keywords=melody+carlson

 

Pick up your copy directly from the publisher:  http://abingdonpress.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=7212

 

Book Excerpt:

Despite halcyon skies and only a slight sea breeze, the air felt chilly today. Or maybe it was just her. Anna pulled her cardigan more tightly around her as she looked out over the sparkling river. Perched on the hand-hewn log bench, she stared blankly toward the river and surveying her old faithful dugout canoe, let out a long weary sigh. She’d gotten up extra early this morning. Planning to paddle the Water Dove upriver, she’d wanted to soak in the sunshine, breathe the fresh summer air, clear the cobwebs from her head, and gather her strength for the day.
She’d imagined paddling hard and steady upstream and finally, after her arms grew tired, she would turn the canoe around and allow the river’s current to carry her back home…back to Clark and Lauren and the Inn at Shining Waters. But now she felt it was useless…futile even. She simply didn’t have the strength to pull the dugout down the riverbank and into the water. Planting her elbows on her knees she leaned forward and buried her face in her hands. A praying position, and yet she had no words. Nothing left to pray. Already she felt emotionally drained and it was still early morning. How would she ever make it through this painful day…her beloved granddaughter’s eighteenth birthday? It didn’t seem possible that Sarah would’ve been eighteen by now.
More than two years had passed since Sarah had vanished from their lives. As far as they knew she’d run off with her boyfriend Zane. She’d only been sixteen—just a child—and yet old for her years. Anna had tried to appear strong, hoping that eventually Sarah would return to them. In the meantime, she put her energies into working hard alongside Clark and Lauren. The three of them, connected in their silent grief, cooperated with each other as they kept the inn going and thriving, making constant improvements, increasing the business, faithfully serving the never-ending roster of eager guests.
It was for the sake of these guests, and even more so for her family, that Anna had maintained a positive outlook as she went through her daily routines. But beneath her veneer of hopeful confidence, the concerns for her granddaughter’s welfare had dwelled in the shadows. How was it possible that Sarah had so completely disappeared? Without a word—not a single letter or phone call—the sixteen year old had seemingly vanished from the face of the earth. And for two years, despite her family’s best efforts to locate her, Sarah was not to be found. What did it mean?
Anna’s unspoken fear was that Sarah had come to serious harm…that perhaps she was even dead. Otherwise, she surely would’ve contacted them. At least, Clark had said early on, she would’ve contacted Anna. Because, as he pointed out, the bond between Anna and her granddaughter had always been a strong one—symbiotic. Besides that, Anna felt it uncharacteristic for Sarah to be so selfish and inconsiderate to cut them off so completely. Even in adolescence and amidst her parents’ marital troubles, Sarah had been thoughtful and mature. She wasn’t the sort of person to intentionally put others through such pain and misery. As hard as it was to face it, the only logical explanation was that something had happened to the girl. Something tragic.
Still, no one ever voiced these mute terrors. Saying the words out loud would make it seem too real. And so Anna and the others had clung to the hope that Sarah was alive…that she had simply chosen to separate herself from her family and that someday she would return. But as months passed, and as one year slipped into the next, Sarah’s name was spoken much less frequently. And if her name was mentioned, there was always an uncomfortable pause that followed…a quiet awkward moment would linger before the conversation resumed itself.
But realistically—as painful as it would be—it might be easier if they were informed Sarah was actually deceased. At least they could properly grieve for her then. They could hold a memorial service to remember her and to celebrate the years of her life that had been so sweet…so innocent…so pure. Perhaps they might even build a monument of sorts…at the very least a special plaque or carved stone—they could set it right here by the river and it would be a quiet place where they could come to think and to grieve and to remember Sarah’s short but beautiful life in their midst.
Anna sat up straight now, gazing out over the river again. But in lieu of the crisp and clear diamond sparkles on the surface, she now saw a blurry watercolor image instead. It all looked murky and distorted…and hot tears ran freely down her cheeks. She hated to be weak like this…to give into this kind of sadness and despair. But it all seemed so senseless…so unfair…that a grandmother should outlive her granddaughter. It was just wrong. She pressed her lips together, using the palms of her hands to wipe away her tears. This would not do. She had to remain strong today.

"With Every Letter" by Sarah Sundin~WWII Romance

SUMMARY :  Book 1 in the Wings of the Nightingale series

Lt. Mellie Blake is looking forward to beginning her training as a flight nurse. She is not looking forward to writing a letter to a man she’s never met–even if it is anonymous and part of a morale-building program. Lt. Tom MacGilliver, an officer stationed in North Africa, welcomes the idea of an anonymous correspondence–he’s been trying to escape his infamous name for years.
As their letters crisscross the Atlantic, Tom and Mellie develop a unique friendship despite not knowing the other’s true identity. When both are transferred to Algeria, the two are poised to meet face-to-face for the first time. Will they overcome their fears and reveal who they are, or will their future be held hostage by their pasts?
Combining a flair for romance with excellent research and attention to detail, Sarah Sundin vividly brings to life the perilous challenges of WWII aviation, nursing–and true love.

 

Particulars of the Book:

Published by:  Revell/Baker Publishing Group

Pages:  419

Genre:  Christian Fiction/Inspirational

Author:  Sarah Sundin

Find out more about the book and Ms Sundin:  http://www.sarahsundin.com

A BIT ABOUT THE AUTHOR :

Sarah Sundin received the 2011 Writer of the Year Award from the Mount Hermon Christian Writers Conference, and her second novel A Memory Between Us is a finalist for an Inspirational Readers’ Choice Award. Her stories are inspired by her great-uncle who flew with the U.S. Eighth Air Force in England during World War II. Sarah lives in California with her husband and three children.


THE DAME'S REVIEW :

"With Every Letter" is strictly Christian Fiction and I need to say that from the outset of my review.  This is not a book I can recommend to those who are looking simply to read something well written with a WWII love story including women nurses and handsome naval officers.  While it does have all the makings of those things, and while Sarah Sundin does tell that story beautifully, this book has its foundation firmly in the spiritual.  And that's wonderful from my perspective, but it may not be for everyone.  So, I'm stating it from the beginning.

Sundin is a fine writer who easily climbs into your heart with sympathetic characters like Mellie and Tom who are broken by life's hardships and up-hill battles.  They are vulnerable and lonely, which makes them perfect companions for a long distance letter-writing campaign.  Friendless and inept at being comfortable in their own skins, these two walk through the wartime paces of nursing on an aircraft evacuation unit, and a battleship/landing strip command with low self-esteem and the bolsterings of their letters to each other, insistent commanders who push them to reach beyond their comfort levels, and other "friends" they're forced to make.  Circumstances have pushed them together over mail, and their paper encounters become the fuel that eventually ignites a true relationship between them.

The book is about their commonalities: low self-esteem, difficulties making friends, dysfunctional up-bringings, shyness and inability to be able to "be themselves," and their shared faith in a God who hears their prayers and loves them despite it all.  It's through their letters that they find this common bond of prayer, and then a friendship that allows them the anonymity to grow in grace and prepare for real love with another who can accept them as they truly are.

It was a refreshing read filled with surprises and unexpected turns of events.  A book that was uplifting and generous in its characterizations even of secondary characters.  A story that was heart-warming and real.  A book that shares the unfailing connections that God can bring about even in our isolation, and even in the impossible ways we could never imagine...His love can reach us no matter where we are.

I thoroughly enjoyed "With Every Letter," and hope you will have a chance to read it, as well.  This is the first in Ms Sundin's "Wings of the Nightingale" series which I hope to keep reading in the future.  A gentle and time honoring read, I recommend this one to those who love historical fiction and wonder how love can find us out in every corner at any time.

4 stars   Deborah/TheBookishDame

You can purchase your copy here:  Amazon  or Barnes and Noble


I was given a copy of this book by Litfuse Publicity Group in exchange for my honest and thoughtful opinions of it, and no monetary compensation.

You may want to follow other reviews of "With Every Letter" by Sarah Sundin through Litfuse by clicking on this link:  http://litfusegroup.com/campaigns/with-every-letter-by-sarah-sundin-kindlenook-giveaway-facebook-party-and-blog-tour

You will find more information there about a Kindle and Nook Giveaway and a Facebook Party!

Children's Book & Giveaway: "Gabby's Stick To It Day" by Shelia Walsh~An Angelic Splash of Reality!

Gabby is a little guardian angel with a big job to do! Watching over Sophie is hard work, but Gabby knows that God wants her to stick to it.
Gabby, God’s Little Angel, flies to the rescue as Sophie attempts to help others but has a little trouble sticking with things. Sophie tries to be helpful by washing the family dog for her mom, but she gives up when she’s the one who ends up all wet. She then tries to be kind by reading to her little brother, but he has plans of his own, which include a splash of cereal right in Sophie’s face! When Sophie is ready to quit once again, it’s up to Gabby to encourage her to keep trying and to teach her what the Bible says about perseverance: “We must not become tired of doing good. We will receive our harvest of eternal life at the right time if we do not give up.” (Galatians 6:9 NCV)

Join author Shelia Walsh as she hosts a GIVEAWAY

which includes a Kindle Fire

ending 3/31st

For more information: Please click on the Entry button on my sidebar
but here's a run down on the information:

Sheila and her publisher, Thomas Nelson, have put together a "Gabby" prize package worth over $200! Click one of the icons below to enter!

One lucky winner will receive:

    A brand new Kindle Fire with  Wi-Fi

    Gabby, God’s Little Angel

    Gabby's Stick-to-It-Day

But wait! There’s more …

The winner will be announced on the Gabby Landing Page on 4/2/12. In the meantime, enter to win the Kindle Fire then head over to the Tommy Nelson site and download the Gabby coloring sheets, watch Sheila's Gabby video, sign up for updates about upcoming Gabby and Thomas Nelson products, and much more.

IN ASSOCIATION with Litfuse Virtual Tours, I'll be hosting a stop along the tour on Wednesday, March 28th!  Please come back and see my review of this sweet children's book with a moral for kids and parents alike.  :]

Thanks for stopping by!  Deborah/TheBookishDame