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!
***Special thanks to Krista Ocier of Zondervan for sending me a review copy.***
ABOUT THE AUTHORS:
Stan and Jan Berenstain introduced the first Berenstain Bear books in 1962. Mike Berenstain grew up watching his parents work together to write about and draw these lovable bears. Eventually he started drawing and writing about them too. Mike is married to Andrea, and they have three children. They live in Pennsylvania, in an area that looks a lot like Bear Country.
What a Wonderful book this is! I have enjoyed sitting down time after time with Rylee and reading this wonderful book that teaches on Courage! She is completely attentive to the words and pictures and when we get to the end she looks @ me and says "Again Noni, Again!"
These two are review books and either Jenna or myself will be reading them:
I loved Delia's last book "Hearts Awakening" so I am really looking forward to this one for sure!
I am really looking forward to Dr. Richard L. Mabry's books: I bought this one "Code Blue" and then am reviewing "medical Error" next week. Don't they look good!
What about you guys? What are you reading? Join in with Sheila and let us know!!
And no sign of any forthcoming babies to rock in ol' Georgebury, Vermont. For Callie Grey, turning thirty means coming to grips with the fact that her boss (and five-week fling) is way overdue in his marriage proposal. And way off track, because Mark has suddenly announced his engagement to the company's new Miss Perfect. If that isn't bad enough, her mom decides to throw her a three-oh birthday bash in the family funeral home.
Bad goes to worse when she stirs up a crazy relationship with the town's not so warm and fuzzy veterinarian, Ian McFarland, in order to flag Mark's attention. So Ian is more comfortable with animals. . . . So he's formal, orderly and just a bit tense. The ever-friendly, fun-loving and spontaneous Callie decides it's time for Ian to get a personality makeover. But, dang, if he doesn't shock the heck out of her, she might actually fall for Vermont's unlikeliest eligible bachelor. . .
This is the first book by Kristin Higgins for me. The storyline is good and I found myself laughing out loud @ times and yet grabbing a tissue @ others. Callie has Loved Mark for a very long time and is devastated that he is dating someone else. Heartbreak? YES! Then she finds out her mom is throwing her big 30 bash @ a funeral home! Crazy huh!!
While I did enjoy this book I have to be honest and say there is ALOT of Foul Language and I found this really frustrating. It didn't contribute to the story line or situations at all and therefore I must give this book only 3 stars.
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!
***Special thanks to Christy Wong of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. for sending me a review copy.***
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Rebecca Nichols Alonzo
Becky Alonzo never felt safe as a child. Although she lived next door to the church her father pastored, the devil lived across the street. This tormented man terrorized her family with rifle shots and ten bombings. When these violent acts didn't scare them away, he went even further. During dinner one evening, seven-year-old Becky and her younger brother watched as their parents were gunned down. Today Becky speaks about betrayal and the power of forgiveness. She is a graduate of Missouri State University and has been involved in ministry, including a church plant, youth outreach, and missions, for thirteen years. She and her husband, along with their two children, live in Franklin, Tennessee.
Product Details:
List Price: $14.99 Paperback: 288 pages Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. (July 2, 2010) Language: English ISBN-10: 1414326599 ISBN-13: 978-1414326597
AND NOW...THE FIRST CHAPTER:
Walking, Crawling, Dead or Alive
I ran.
My bare feet pounding the pavement were burning from the sunbaked asphalt. Each contact between flesh and blacktop provoked bursts of pain as if I were stepping on broken glass. The deserted country road, stretching into the horizon, felt as if it were conspiring against me. No matter how hard I pushed myself, the safe place I was desperate to reach eluded me.
Still, I ran.
Had a thousand angry hornets been in pursuit, I couldn’t have run any faster. Daddy’s instructions had been simple: I had to be a big girl, run down the street as fast as my legs could carry me, and get help. There was nothing complicated about his request. Except for the fact that I’d have to abandon my hiding place under the kitchen table and risk being seen by the armed madman who had barricaded himself with two hostages in my bedroom down the hall. I knew, however, that ignoring Daddy’s plea was out of the question.
And so I ran.
Even though Daddy struggled to appear brave, the anguish in his eyes spoke volumes. Splotches of blood stained his shirt just below his right shoulder. The inky redness was as real as the fear gnawing at the edges of my heart. I wanted to be a big girl for the sake of my daddy. I really did. But the fear and chaos now clouding the air squeezed my lungs until my breathing burned within my chest.
My best intentions to get help were neutralized, at least at first. I remained hunkered down, unable to move, surrounded by the wooden legs of six kitchen chairs. I had no illusions that a flimsy 6 x 4 foot table would keep me safe, yet I was reluctant to leave what little protection it afforded me.
In that space of indecision, I wondered how I might open the storm door without drawing attention to myself. One squeak from those crusty hinges was sure to announce my departure plans. Closing the door without a bang against the frame was equally important. The stealth of a burglar was needed, only I wasn’t the bad guy.
Making no more sound than a leaf falling from a tree, I inched my way out from under the table. I stood and then scanned the room, left to right. I felt watched, although I had no way of knowing for sure whether or not hostile eyes were studying my movements. I inhaled the distinct yet unfamiliar smell of sulfur lingering in the air, a calling card left behind from the repeated blasts of a gun.
I willed myself to move.
My bare feet padded across the linoleum floor.
I was our family’s lifeline, our only connection to the outside world. While I hadn’t asked to be put in that position, I knew Daddy was depending on me. More than that, Daddy needed me to be strong. To act. To do what he was powerless to do. I could see that my daddy, a strong ex–Navy man, was incapable of the simplest movement. The man whom I loved more than life itself, whose massive arms daily swept me off my feet while swallowing me with an unmatched tenderness, couldn’t raise an arm to shoo a fly.
To see him so helpless frightened me.
Yes, Daddy was depending on me.
Conflicted at the sight of such vulnerability, I didn’t want to look at my daddy. Yet my love for him galvanized my resolve. I reached for the storm-door handle. Slow and steady, as if disarming a bomb, and allowing myself quick glances backward to monitor the threat level of a sudden ambush, I opened the storm door and stepped outside. With equal care, I nestled the metal door against its frame.
I had to run.
I shot out from under the carport, down the driveway, and turned right where concrete and asphalt met. The unthinkable events of the last five minutes replayed themselves like an endless-loop video in my mind. My eyes stung, painted with hot tears at the memory. Regardless of their age, no one should have to witness what I had just experienced in that house—let alone a seven-year-old girl. The fresh images of what had transpired moments ago mocked me with the fact that my worst fears had just come true.
I had to keep running.
Although I couldn’t see any activity through the curtains framing my bedroom window, that didn’t mean the gunman wasn’t keeping a sharp eye on the street. I hesitated, but only for a moment more. What might happen gave way to what had happened. I had to get help. Now, almost frantic to reach my destination, I redoubled my efforts.
I ran on.
To get help for Momma and Daddy. To escape the gunman. To get away from all the threatening letters, the sniper gunshots, the menacing midnight phone calls, the home invasions—and the devil who seemed to be behind so many of them.
But I’m getting ahead of the story.
MY REVIEW:
WOW! WOW! WOW! This has got to be one of the most AMAZING books I have EVER read! I truly cannot grasp having to live through all that the Nichols family had to endure. Not only did they endure far too much, but the Grace in which they lived their lives year after year and torment after torment is something that ONLY GOD could do in and through them! The Devil in Pew Number Seven will astound you in ways I can't share without spoiling the story but suffice it to say, it is an unbelievable, true account of Gods amazing Grace and One families dedication to serve God & their church family.
This is a MUST READ book ~ a Powerful testimony!!! It will challenge you on soo many levels and for me....I questioned myself over and over...Could I endure, forgive, and stand strong the way Rebekah did and has continued to do! Truly, she and her family provide a powerful lesson on the "language of Heaven" and the Gospel of Jesus Christ!
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!
***Special thanks to Krista Ocier of Zondervan for sending me a review copy.***
ABOUT THE AUTHORS:
Stan and Jan Berenstain introduced the first Berenstain Bear books in 1962. Mike Berenstain grew up watching his parents work together to write about and draw these lovable bears. Eventually he started drawing and writing about them too. Mike is married to Andrea, and they have three children. They live in Pennsylvania, in an area that looks a lot like Bear Country.
Nancy Moser is the award-winning author of over twenty inspirational novels. Her genres include contemporary stories including John 3:16 and Time Lottery, and historical novels of real women-of-history including Just Jane(Jane Austen) and Washington's Lady (Martha Washington). Her newest historical novel is Masquerade. Nancy and her husband Mark live in the Midwest. She’s earned a degree in architecture, traveled extensively in Europe, and has performed in numerous theaters, symphonies, and choirs. She gives Sister Circle Seminars around the country, helping women identify their gifts as they celebrate their sisterhood. She is a fan of anything antique—humans included. Find out more at
They risk it all for adventure and romance, but find that love only flourishes in truth...
1886, New York City: Charlotte Gleason, a rich heiress from England, escapes a family crisis by traveling to America in order to marry the even wealthier Conrad Tremaine.
She soon decides that an arranged marriage is not for her and persuades her maid, Dora, to take her place. She wants a chance at "real life," even if it means giving up financial security. For Charlotte, it's a risk she's willing to take. What begins as the whim of a spoiled rich girl wanting adventure becomes a test of survival amid poverty beyond Charlotte's blackest nightmares.
As for Dora, it's the chance of a lifetime. She lives a fairy tale complete with gowns, jewels, and lavish mansions--yet is tormented by guilt from the possibility of discovery and the presence of another love that will not die. Is this what her heart truly longs for?
Will their masquerade be discovered? Will one of them have second thoughts? There is no guarantee the switch will work. It's a risk. It's the chance of a lifetime.
If you would like to read the first chapter of Masquerade, go HERE.
View the book trailer:
My Review: Two women, a Spoiled rich girl and her maid decide they are going to switch their identities! Will they be able to convince everyone? Is it all they thought it would be? Will they be able to pull off living the complete opposite of all they know?
This is an amazing book! One that I believe you will want to read! To see Gods hand in the lives of these women is very inspirational! The Romance, The Fashion, The Struggles....THIS BOOK ~ It's a Must Read for SURE!
ABOUT THE HOP: Hosted by Jennifer @ crazyforbooks if you would like to join in :)
In the spirit of the Twitter Friday Follow, the Book Blogger Hop is a place just for book bloggers and readers to connect and share our love of the written word! This weekly BOOK PARTY is an awesome opportunity for book bloggers to connect with other book lovers, make new friends, support each other, and generally just share our love of books! It will also give blog readers a chance to find other book blogs to read! So, grab the logo, post about the Hop on your blog, and start HOPPING through the list of blogs that are posted in the Linky list below!!
The Hop lasts Friday-Monday every week, so if you don't have time to Hop today, come back later and join the fun! This is a weekly event! And stop back throughout the weekend to see all the new blogs that are added! We get over 300 links every week!!
Your blog should have content related to books, including, but not limited to book reviews.
RULES:
1. Enter your book blog link in the Linky List below In your link, please state the main genre that you review: eclectic, contemp. fiction, ya, paranormal, mystery, non-fiction, etc. Please do not list every genre you review - if you are review a variety, please put eclectic! The Hop gets jumbled up if the title is too long, so please limit to one genre. I will be limiting the number of characters in the title to ensure the Hop doesn't look messy! Thank you! Example: Crazy-for-Books (literary fiction) NOTE: You no longer have to enter the length of time you've been blogging, but do let us know if this is your first time hopping with us!
2. Post about the Hop on your blog. Spread the word about the book party! The more the merrier! In your blog post, answer the following question (new question each week!). If you have a question that could be used in a future Hop, leave it in the comments! Thanks!
This week's question comes from Libraryscatbooks!
How many blogs do you follow?
I follow quite a bit of book blogs and enjoy meeting new friends and seeing all the books they read! I have enjoyed getting to know sooo many people and am blessed each day by this bloggy world!
Thanks everyone for visiting today! I pray you have a blessed weekend
If you want to know a people," says Suzanne Woods Fisher, "know their proverbs." These small, concentrated packages of insight allow outsiders to peek into a fascinating closed community. In Amish Proverbs, Fisher collects more than 200 proverbs to uncover the rich heritage, folklore, faith, values, history, and essence of the Amish people. These proverbs serve as teaching tools and maxims for right living for the Amish and can also inform the lives of anyone who seeks peace and simplicity in life. Ranging from the simple to the profound, from the serious to the humorous, these sayings will stick with readers through life's joys and sorrows. The perfect gift for any occasion, Amish Proverbs is sure to become an instant classic.
The Author: Suzanne Woods Fisher’s interest in the Anabaptist cultures can be directly traced to her grandfather, W. D. Benedict, who was raised in the Dunkard Brethren Church in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. Benedict eventually became publisher of Christianity Today magazine. Suzanne’s work has appeared in many magazines. She has contributed to several nonfiction books and is the author of Amish Peace and the novel The Choice.
I was soooo very blessed to receive a copy of "Amish Proverbs ~ Words of Wisdom from the Simple Life" for review! This book is one that will bless you, speak to you, and in some instances just help you melt away the stress level from 10 to 2 :)
There are over 200 collection of Proverbs and 11 chapters ~ Some of the Proverbs you will find are Time, Money, Work Ethic, Handling Adversity, and many more!! Each one speaks volumes. Each chapter begins with something unique to the Amish along with their Proverb. Some I really enjoyed were:
Sometimes we are climbling mountains when we ought to be quietly resting. If You're careful with your pennies, the dollars will take care of themselves. It is better to give others a piece of your heart than a piece of your mind. God won't lead you where HIS grace can't keep you.
I am sooo excited to be able to giveaway a copy of Amish Proverbs. Thank you Revell for allowing me this complimentary copy as well as providing this giveaway copy for one of my readers! Now: to enter the Giveaway 1) You must be a follower of this blog
2) Leave me a separate comment sharing your favorite Proverb
3) Blog or Facebook about this giveaway
4) Tweet this giveaway
I will announce the winner of Amish Proverbs on Monday Aug. 23rd
You can also enter the authors contest with a KINDLE as a prize!! Check out the details here @ Suzanne Woods site You can also participate in a Live Chat with Suzanne on Facebook! on Sept 1st @ 7pm Central. This is where she will announce the Kindle winner!
There'sABook hosts this fun meme that helps us get to know one another just a bit better :) If you want to join in on the fun go here Here's a bit more about it:
We all leave our “footprint” on the world, in one way or another. We each, individually, do something or are someone that makes the world a little better just by being here. I created this weekly meme to get to know the blogging community I love just a bit better. To know what makes them tick, outside of books, that is. Each week I will post a question to be answered in the following week’s “A Bit of Me(Me)”. Check back each Saturday to get the info for next week’s post and link up with your current post right here.
So, let’s get started!
This Weeks Question: If you could travel anywhere in the world for 24 hours, where would you go? (Logistically, this could be more than one place, so be creative!)
Italy ~
My husband and I would LOVE to go to Italy! Both of my parents have been and said the Food is to die for! Wouldn't it be a wonderful to ride in a Gondola under the moonlight??!!
Greece
Ok, I think If I was able to go to Greece that I may just STAY!! :) (If all of my family was with me of course!) The Beauty is just breathtaking. Take a bike ride and see the village in Zakynthos or visit Athens and see all the amazing Architecture and Greek gods. For me, I would love to take a stroll on ANY one of their Beautiful Beaches!
Canada
This one is for my Son! :) He wants to go to Canada SOOOO BADLY! He even celebrates Canada day LOL!!
Bodie and Brock Thoene (pronounced Tay-nee) have written over 50 works of historical fiction. Over twenty million of these best-selling novels are in print. Eight ECPA Gold Medallion Awards affirms what millions of readers have already discovered—the Thoenes are not only master stylists but experts at capturing readers’ minds and hearts.
Bodie began her writing career as a teen journalist for her local newspaper. Eventually her byline appeared in prestigious periodicals such as U.S. News and World Report, The American West, and The Saturday Evening Post. She also worked for John Wayne’s Batjac Productions (she’s best known as author of The Fall Guy) and ABC Circle Films as a writer and researcher. John Wayne described her as “a writer with talent that captures the people and the times!” She has degrees in journalism and communications.
Brock has often been described by Bodie as “an essential half of this writing team.” With degrees in both history and education, Brock has, in his role as researcher and story-line consultant, added the vital dimension of historical accuracy. Due to such careful research, The Zion Covenant and The Zion Chronicles series are recognized by the American Library Association, as well as Zionist libraries around the world, as classic historical novels and are used to teach history in college classrooms.
Bodie and Brock have four grown children—Rachel, Jake, Luke, and Ellie—and seven grandchildren. Their sons, Jake and Luke, are carrying on the Thoene family talent as the next generation of writers, and Luke produces the Thoene audiobooks.
Bodie and Brock divide their time between London and Nevada.
ABOUT THE BOOK
As Nazi forces tighten the noose, Loralei Kepler, daughter of a German resistance leader, must flee her beloved Germany. But is any place safe from Adolf Hitler's evil grasp? Loralei's harrowing flight leads her into the arms of needy child refugees, who have sacrificed everything in exchange for their lives, and toward a mysterious figure, who closely guards an age-old secret.
Explore the romance, the passion, and the danger of the most anticipated series of the last twenty years.
Born from the highly acclaimed and best-loved novels of three generations of readers -- The Zion Covenant series and The Zion Chronicles series -- Zion Diaries ventures into the lives of the inspiring and intriguing characters who loved intensely, stood up for what was right, and fought boldly during Hitler's rise to power and the dark days of World War II.
This is my first book from the Thoene's and I have to say.... WOW!! I am so thankful this is the first book in the Zion Series and I am anxiously awaiting the 2nd book but in the meantime I will most definitely be looking into other books by these two!
If you are a WWII lover or historical fiction this is a MUST READ for sure! You will not be disappointed!
Judy Christie, after working as a journalist for twenty-five years, left the daily news business to open a consulting firm that works with individuals, businesses, and churches on strategies for meaningful life and work, including goal-setting, living fully, and balancing personal and professional lives. She is the author of Gone to Green, the first in a three-part fiction series, Hurry Less, Worry Less; Hurry Less, Worry Less at Christmastime; and co-author of Awesome Altars. Judy and her husband live in northwest Louisiana. You can learn more about her at: www.judychristie.com.
My Review:
Lois Barker decides to stay in Green, but did she make the right choice? As she begins her 2nd year in Green, she has come to love the people and the community! She really enjoys being the owner of the Paper and is really falling for her neighbor Chris! To say that Lois faces a few trials is not saying enough! Is someone trying to keep Lois from being successful in her business and home life? How many attempts will they make setting the Newspaper office on fire? Well, like any good investigator you will have to pick up Goodness Gracious Green to find out these answers and many more! You will fall in love with Lois and all of those who live in this wonderful community, Green!
The Wonderful people at Abingdon Press would love to share a complimentary copy with the first 5 followers who leave me a comment and tell my why you would like to read Goodness Gracious Green! Also, please leave your email so that I can contact you and find out how to get you your copy !!! Ok :)
For more information about Goodness Gracious Green or the first book in the Series or other Awesome books go here to visit Abingdon Press :) Thank you Abingdon for providing me with this complimentary copy in exchange for this review!
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!
Mike Berenstain grew up watching his parents work together to write about and draw these lovable bears. Eventually he started drawing and writing about them too. Mike is married to Andrea, and they have three children. They live in Pennsylvania, in an area that looks a lot like Bear Country. 
