The Judgement Stone by Robert Liparlu

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing The Judgment Stone Thomas Nelson (May 14, 2013) by Robert Liparulo

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Former journalist Robert Liparulo is the best-selling author of the thrillers Comes a Horseman, Germ, Deadfall, Deadlock, and The 13th Tribe, as well as The Dreamhouse Kings, an action-adventure series for young adults. He contributed a short story to James Patterson’s Thriller, and an essay about Thomas Perry’s The Butcher’s Boy to Thrillers: 100 Must Reads, edited by David Morrell and Hank Wagner. He is currently working on the sequel to The 13th Tribe, as well writing an original screenplay with director Andrew Davis (The Fugitive).

When not writing, Liparulo loves to read, watch (and analyze) movies, scuba dive, swim, hike, and travel. He lives in Monument, Colorado, with his wife Jodi and four children: Melanie, Matthew, Anthony, and Isabella.

 ABOUT THE BOOK

What if praying became a curse instead of a blessing?

Former Army Ranger Jagger Baird thought he had his hands full with the Tribe—the band of immortal vigilantes fighting to regain God’s grace by killing those opposed to Him. But that was before he encountered the ruthless group of immortals called the Clan. The Clan is after a prize that would give them unimaginable power—a piece of the Ten Commandments known as the Judgment Stone.

Those who touch the Stone can see into the spiritual world: angelic warriors, treacherous demons, and the blue threads of light that signal the presence of believers in communion with God.

By following the blue beam radiating from those closest to God, the Clan plans to locate His most passionate followers and destroy them.

Jagger quickly realizes his high-tech gadgetry and training are no match for these merciless immortals. But how can he defeat an enemy who hunts believers through their prayers . . . and won’t stop until they’ve annihilated all those close to Him?

In this high-action thriller, best-selling author Robert Liparulo examines the raging battle between good and evil on earth . . . and beyond.

If you would like to read the first chapter of The Judgment Stone, go HERE.

My Review:

The Judgement Stone is book two in Robert Liparulo The Immortal File's series and continues on from the first book. I would highly recommend reading the first book, The 13th Tribe as this book carries on the story and it would be confusing on its own. I easily enjoyed this book and found myself reading late into the night as well as the first and can not wait to find out how it will all conclude in the final book.

This book is full of action and will keep you on the seat of your pants as Robert Liparulo presents a battle of good versus evil and how the power of prayer can change so much. If you have enjoyed any of Robert's book then this is a must to read and those new to him may just find a new author that they love.

* I received this book from CFBA for the purpose of this review.

Once Upon A Prince by Rachel Hauck

About the Book:

Susanna Truitt never dreamed of a great romance or being treated like a princess---just to marry the man she has loved for twelve years. But life isn't going according to plan. When her high-school-sweetheart-turned-Marine-officer breaks up instead of proposing, Susanna scrambles to rebuild her life.
The last thing Prince Nathaniel expects to find on his American holiday to St. Simon's Island is the queen of his heart. A prince has duties, and his family's tense political situation has chosen his bride for him. When Prince Nathaniel comes to Susanna's aid under the fabled Lover's Oak, he is blindsided by love.
Their lives are worlds apart. He's a royal prince. She's a ordinary girl. But everything changes when Susanna receives an invitation to Nathaniel's coronation.
It's the ultimate choice. His kingdom or her heart? God's will or their own?

My Review:

5 Stars

Oh my what a wonderful book this was. I just loved every minute of it, such a sweet story with tender moments and so much more. From the first page I just knew this book would find a home on my book shelves for years to come. 

Rachel Hauck has done a fantastic job with this book and I just loved Susanna and Prince Nathaniel. Both characters were so much fun to read about and they really complemented each other well. I felt like this would make such a fun movie it really truly is a chick flick in a book form but so much better. I really can't wait to see what Rachel Hauck has up her sleeves for the next book in this series and I hope I don't have to wait to long.

*I received this book through LitFuse for the purpose of this review. Thank you!

Secrets Over Sweet Tea by Denise HIldreth Jones

About the Book:

Secrets can be funny things. We think they keep us safe, but more often than not, they spill out when we least expect and make a mess out of everything. It’s a truth Scarlett Jo Newberry knows all too well—a truth Grace Shepherd and Zach Craig are about to learn the hard way. As the lives of this boisterous pastor’s wife, polished news anchor, and beleaguered divorce attorney intersect in the tree-lined streets of Franklin, Tennessee, scandal threatens to topple their carefully constructed worlds. Grasping at survival, they embark on a journey of friendship and courage, desperate to find a way back to laughter, love, and life.

My Review:

5 Stars

I just love Denise Hildreth Jones' books, I have read many of them and find them to have so much depth and character development that  I am just drawn into the stories and find myself sad when they end and I have to leave the people behind. I absolutely love how real her stories are and feel like they can actually happen and this book is no exception.

I loved all the characters in this book, they each carried their own personality. Scarlett Jo would crack me up all the time, she is the type of person that would intimidate me in real life but on the pages of a book she is just plain funny. There are characters I loved from the beginning and others that took some time for them to grow on me.  It was such a journey seeing their lives intersect and see how they can be there for each other. This book is truly southern fiction at its best.

I think this is one of Denise's best books yet and thoroughly look forward to reading more in the future. This is a great book to thoughs that love southern fiction, lots of drama, and real raw emotion.

*I received this book from Tyndale through RadiantLit for the purpose of this review. Thank you!

Follow the Heart by Kaye Dacus

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Follow the Heart B&H Books (May 1, 2013) by Kaye Dacus

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Humor, Hope, and Happily Ever Afters! Kaye Dacus is the author of humorous, hope-filled contemporary and historical romances with Barbour Publishing, Harvest House Publishers, and B&H Publishing. She holds a Master of Arts in Writing Popular Fiction from Seton Hill University, is a former Vice President of American Christian Fiction Writers, and currently serves as President of Middle Tennessee Christian Writers. Kaye lives in Nashville, Tennessee, where she is a full-time academic advisor and part-time college composition instructor for Bethel University.

Kaye Dacus (KAY DAY-cuss) is an author and educator who has been writing fiction for more than twenty years. A former Vice President of American Christian Fiction Writers, Kaye enjoys being an active ACFW member and the fellowship and community of hundreds of other writers from across the country and around the world that she finds there. She currently serves as President of Middle Tennessee Christian Writers, which she co-founded in 2003 with three other writers. Each month, she teaches a two-hour workshop on an aspect of the craft of writing at the MTCW monthly meeting. Kaye lives in Nashville, Tennessee, where she is an academic advisor and English Composition instructor for Bethel University.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Set during the Industrial Revolution and the Great Exhibition of 1851, Follow the Heart is a “sitting-room romance” with the feel of a Regency-era novel but the fashions and technological advances of the mid-Victorian age.

Kate and Christopher Dearing’s lives turn upside down when their father loses everything in a railroad land speculation. The siblings are shipped off to their mother’s brother in England with one edict: marry money.

At twenty-seven years old, Kate has the stigma of being passed over by eligible men many times—and that was before she had no dowry. Christopher would like nothing better than to make his own way in the world; and with a law degree and expertise in the burgeoning railroad industry, he was primed to do just that—in America.

Though their uncle tries to ensure Kate and Christopher find matrimonial prospects only among the highest echelon of British society, their attentions stray to a gardener and a governess.

While Christopher has options that would enable him to lay his affections where he chooses, he cannot let the burden of their family’s finances crush his sister. Trying to push her feelings for the handsome—but not wealthy— gardener aside, Kate’s prospects brighten when a wealthy viscount shows interest in her. But is marrying for the financial security of her family the right thing to do, when her heart is telling her she’s making a mistake?

Mandates . . . money . . . matrimony. Who will follow the heart?

If you would like to read the first chapter of >Follow the Heart, go HERE

My Review:

I found this to be a sweet story with interesting history. I loved how it dealt with both the brother and sisters romance stories, something that is not done much. It made it like two stories in one but both had the depth and detail needed to make them enjoyable. I did find the book to move kind of slow and was a little hard to get into, but in the end it was an enjoyable read.

* I received this book from B&H Books through CFBA for the purpose of this review.

NIV Real Life Devotional Bible for Women

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

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

Today's Wild Card Insight Notes author is:

Lysa TerKeurst

and the book:

NIV Real Life Devotional Bible for Women,
Insights for Everyday Life Notes

Zondervan; Special edition (March 19, 2013)

***Special thanks to Rick Roberson for sending me a review copy.***

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Lysa TerKeurst is a New York Times bestselling author and national speaker who helps everyday women live an adventure of faith. She is the president of Proverbs 31 Ministries, author of 15 books, and encourages nearly 500,000 women worldwide through a daily online devotional. Her remarkable life story has captured audiences across America, including appearances on Oprah and Good Morning America. She lives in North Carolina with her husband and five children.

Visit the author's website.

SHORT BOOK DESCRIPTION:

This Bible will help you live up to your God-given potential. Insightful daily devotions written by the women at Proverbs 31 Ministries help you maintain life's balance in spite of today's hectic pace. Dive into the beauty and clarity of the NIV Bible text paired with daily devotions crafted by women just like you---women who want to live authentically and fully grounded in the Word of God.

Product Details:
List Price: $34.99
Hardcover: 1536 pages
Publisher: Zondervan; Special edition (March 19, 2013)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0310439361
ISBN-13: 978-0310439363

AND NOW...SOME SAMPLE PAGES (CLICK ON PAGES TO ENLARGE):

Book Trailer:

When Love Calls by Lorna Seilstad

About the Book:

When romance calls, will she choose to answer?

Hannah Gregory is good at many things, but that list does not include following rules. So when she must apply for a job as a switchboard operator to support her two sisters, she knows it won't be easy. Hello Girls must conduct themselves according to strict-and often bewildering-rules, which include absolutely no consorting with gentlemen while in training.

Hannah doubts it will be difficult to keep that rule-until a handsome young lawyer starts getting under her skin.

With historic details that bring to life the exciting first decade of the twentieth century, Lorna Seilstad weaves a charming tale of companionship that blossoms into sweet romance.

My Review:

5 Stars

This is a fantastic book!!! After reading Lorna Seilstad first series I knew I couldn't wait to read more from her. I personally think this is her best book yet and I can't wait to for the next two books to come out. 

I just loved the setting off this book! Lorna did a great job of bringing to life what it was like to be a Hello Girl (switch board operator) for the telephone company. Hannah Gregory learns what it is like and how hard it is to follow all the silly rules. For example, a Hello Girl can't itch with out permission and must remain facing forward with both feet flat on the ground at all times, any glances away were recorded. All the little rules and life that they lived was fascinating to read about and also crazy to think of how times have changed in the world of telephones. 

I truly loved this book and can't recommend it enough to fans of Lorna Seilstad and Historical Romance readers in general. This book is a page turner with loveable characters and history that is just interesting. Great Job Lorna on a great book.

*I received this book from Revell for the purpose of this review. Thank You!

The Judgement Stone by Robert Liparulo

About the Book:



What if praying became a curse instead of a blessing?

Former Army Ranger Jagger Baird thought he had his hands full with The Tribe—the band of immortal vigilantes fighting to regain God’s grace by killing those opposed to Him. But that was before he encountered the ruthless group of immortals known as The Clan. The Clan is after a prize that would give them unimaginable power—a piece of the Ten Commandments known as the Judgment Stone.

Those who touch the Stone can see into the spiritual world: angelic warriors, treacherous demons, and the blue threads of light that signal the presence of believers in communion with God.
http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=5248157894298003307#editor/target=post;postID=5656304647817052253
By following the blue beam radiating from those closest to God, the Clan plans to locate His most passionate followers and destroy them.

Jagger quickly realizes his high-tech gadgetry and training are no match for these merciless immortals. But how can he defeat an enemy who hunts believers through their prayers . . . and won’t stop until they’ve annihilated all those close to Him?

In this high-action thriller, best-selling author Robert Liparulo examines the raging battle between good and evil on earth . . . and beyond.

My Review:

The Judgement Stone is book two in Robert Liparulo The Immortal File's series and continues on from the first book. I would highly recommend reading the first book, The 13th Tribe as this book carries on the story and it would be confusing on its own. I easily enjoyed this book and found myself reading late into the night as well as the first and can not wait to find out how it will all conclude in the final book.

This book is full of action and will keep you on the seat of your pants as Robert Liparulo presents a battle of good versus evil and how the power of prayer can change so much. If you have enjoyed any of Robert's book then this is a must to read and those new to him may just find a new author that they love.

* I received this book from booksneeze for the purpose of this review.

Ring the Bell DVD + Giveaway

About the Movie:


Slick, big-city sports agent Rob Decker has it all. But on his latest mission to sign a high school baseball superstar, Rob becomes stranded in a small town where the simplicity of life—and the faith of the people—stands in stark contrast to his own fast-paced, win-at-all-costs mindset. Torn between these two worlds, will Rob have the courage to let faith transform his life? Sometimes the next big thing isn't what you expect.

Starring Ryan Scharoun and Ashley Anderson McCarthy, RING THE BELL features Christian music artists Casting Crowns, Steven Curtis Chapman, and Matthew West, along with baseball legends Rick Sutcliffe, John Kruk, and Ben Zobrist. This heartwarming story of redemption will entertain and inspire the whole family.

Trailer:

My Review:

Welcome to small town USA Rob Decker where your life is about to change! Rob Decker is a fast talking, fancy suit wearing, wealthy many who thinks he has it all. When he is sent to a small town to sign a high school baseball player (who doesn't want to go into the pros yet) he finds that there just may be more to life than he thought and maybe he really doesn't have it all.
 I found this movie to be rather enjoyable. At a PG rating it is something the whole family can enjoy and you don't have to worry about language and such.  I really enjoyed the setting of the small town and find it sad that it so hard to find a community like that anymore. A community where faith and family mean more than money and careers. I loved the music in this filmed, but that is in part because Casting Crown stars in it.

If you are looking for a clean movie for your next family night consider checking this one out!

* I Received this from DVD from Fly By Promotions for the purpose of this review.

Giveaway Info:

1. Ends May 24th at Noon EST.
2. Must have a US address.
3. Leave a comment AND your email to be eligible.

Love At Any Cost by Julie Lessman

About the Book:

He’s looking to take care of his family. She’s looking to take care of her heart. Trouble is . . . love’s looking to take care of them both.

Cassidy McClare is a spunky Texas oil heiress without a fortune who would just as soon hogtie a man as look at him. Jilted by a fortune hunter, Cassidy travels west hoping a summer visit with her wealthy cousins in San Francisco will help her forget her heartache. But no sooner is she settled in beautiful California than Jamie McKenna, a handsome pauper looking to marry well, captures her heart. Can love prevail when Jamie discovers that Cassidy is poorer than he is? And can Cassidy ever learn to fully trust her heart to a man?

Bestselling author Julie Lessman brings the delectable Gilded Age to life in this sumptuous new series. Join your favorite romantic storyteller as she moves to the hills of San Francisco for more romance, passion, and surprising revelations.

My Review:

4.5 Stars

Fans of Julie Lessman will delight in her newest book, Love at Any Cost, which is the first book in her new series (The Heart of San Francisco). Unlike her previous books that all centered around the passionate O'Connor's in Boston this series moves over to San Francisco and tells the stories of the McClare cousins. 

I really found this book fun to read, it is a lot lighter than her previous books but the character development is still great and the attention to details is great. I enjoyed the setting of San Francisco, especially since I was just there this past fall. Cassidy really makes this story fun and I thoroughly enjoyed her. I am looking forward to reading about the other cousins in the coming books and know waiting for them to each release will not be fun.

This book I would recommend to fans of Julie Lessman and those who love historical romance with a flair for drama!

*I received this book from Revell for the purpose of this review.

When A Secret Kills by Lynette Eason

About the Book:

She's come home to put a killer behind bars.
But the killer plans to put her six feet under.

Investigative reporter Jillian Carter knows it's time to put the past to rest. She's tired of looking over her shoulder, letting a killer go free. She's no longer the scared kid who changed her name and disappeared. Now, no matter what the cost, Jillian must do what she is trained to do-find the truth and expose it. And the truth is that Senator Frank Hoffman committed murder ten years ago-and Jillian watched it happen.

Didn't she?

Get ready for the spine-tingling, nail-biting conclusion to this explosive series.

My Review:

4.5 Stars

A fantastic conclusion to Lynette Eason's Deadly Reunions series. Finally, the answers to all the questions brought up in the first two books, and more are revealed and they just might surprise you, I know they did for me. This is a great series that really needs to be read in order and all at once. It was hard having to wait on each book to read them because I really wanted to know what happened.

I really liked Jillian, I think she is my favorite character from the series. I will have to say I can't imagine what it would be like to be her, to be always looking over your shoulder and hoping someone isn't trying to kill you or your friends. She is a brave strong woman now, not the 18 year old that bolted from witnessing a murder. 

This is a great series for romance and suspense lovers alike. You really can't go wrong picking up this series. Each book is action packed and will keep you turning the pages late into the night. I am looking forward to reading more from Lynette Eason in the future.

*I received this book from Revell for the purpose of this review.

Duchess by Susan May Warren

About the Book:

The Golden Age of Hollywood is in the business of creating stars. Rosie Worth, now starlet Roxy Price, has found everything she’s wanted in the glamour of the silver screen. With adoring fans and a studio-mogul husband, she’s finally silenced the heartache of the past. Her future shines bright—until the fated Black Friday when it all comes crashing down.

When Roxy loses everything, she finds herself disgraced and penniless. Her only hope is to join forces with Belgian duke Rolfe Van Horne, a longtime film investor. But Rolfe is not who he seems, and he has other plans for Roxy and her movies—plans to support a growing unrest in Europe, plans that could break her heart and endanger her life.

When her country needs her, will Roxy have the courage to surrender her glittering world and her one true love?

About the Author:

 

Susan May Warren is the bestselling, RITA Award-winning author of more than forty novels whose compelling plots and unforgettable characters have won acclaim with readers and reviewers alike. She served with her husband and four children as a missionary in Russia for eight years before she and her family returned home to the States. She now writes full-time as her husband runs a lodge on Lake Superior in northern Minnesota, where many of her books are set. She and her family enjoy hiking, canoeing, and being involved in their local church. Several of her critically acclaimed novels have been ECPA and CBA bestsellers, were chosen as Top Picks by Romantic Times, and have won the RWA's Inspirational Reader's Choice contest and the American Christian Fiction Writers Book of the Year award. Five of her books have been Christy Award finalists. In addition to her writing, Susan loves to teach and speak at women's events about God's amazing grace in our lives. She also runs a writing community for authors. Visit MyBookTherapy.com to learn more. For exciting updates on her new releases, previous books, and more, visit her website at www.susanmaywarren.com

My Review:

5 Stars!

Wow! What a fantastic conclusion to the Daughters of Fortune series by Susan May Warren. I absolutely loved this book, as well as the whole series. After finishing this book it made me think it will be hard to read another book since it was that good. Susan May Warren did a fantastic job at drawing me into 1930's and 40's, an era of Hollywood, Glitz and glam with WWII overshadowing all of life. The minute I started the book I knew it was going to be as good as the first two and I found myself having a hard time putting it down. One thing I will say is that this book is not stand alone and the series really needs to read in order.

I just loved following Rosie's story through the great Depression, trying to figure it out on her own to ultimately realizing she needed redemption and that Christ is what she really needed. Rosie did not have it easy, she made some bad decisions at times and was constantly trying to find happiness and worth but with faith she finally does. She learns who she it, the girl she was trying to run from. I really liked Rosie a lot even when she was hard to love.

I highly recommend this whole series to those who love Susan May Warren as well historical romance lovers. You really can't go wrong with the books and they will easily draw you into the time periods and make you really feel for the characters. Great job Susan on an outstanding series.

* I received this book through Litfuse for the purpose of this review.

The Whale Tells His Side of the Story Review + Giveaway

Oh sure, we'll all heard the story of Jonah and the Whale a hundred times. But have we heard it from the perspective of the whale who experienced that history-making event?

Hey God, I've Got Some Guy Named Jonah in My Stomach and I Think I'm Gonna Throw Up! imagines how that great sea creature from the incident might tell his side of the story, helping kids ages 4 to 8 discover a creative way of learning about that guy who was supposed to go to Ninevah.

The "Parent Connection" feature will help moms and dads take the story further with scripture references and tips on how to talk with their children about what really happened. There's even a free online app to make this bright retelling even more animated and interactive.




Book Trailer:

My Review:

This is brightly illustrated book, with a comic book feel that is targeted for kids 4-8. The author takes a look at the story of Jonah from the whales side. This time the whale is telling his story of Jonah being inside him. This is a clever story and is the first in the series.

I personally am not sure how I feel about the book. Comic book feels are not really my thing, but for some kids they are great and what gets them to read. I think in some ways this book will appeal to boys more than girls, but that is only my opinion. 

The included parent connection is a neat way to help teach the lesson of obedience to our children.

This book will make a great addition to many children's book collections and church libraries also.

Giveaway Info:

Fly By Promotions is giving away a copy of this book to one my readers and here is the info to enter.

Ends May 10th at Noon, EST.

Must be a resident of the US

Must leave a comment and an email address

"Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."