Finalist announced for the 2012 Inspirational Readers Choice

2012 Inspirational Readers Choice Award Finalists Announced



Long Contemporary -- a tie for 3rd place

A Time to Heal by Barbara Cameron (Abingdon)
The Amish Midwife by Mindy Starns Clark and Leslie Gould (Harvest)
The Amish Nanny by Mindy Starns Clark and Leslie Gould (Harvest)
Chasing Sunsets by Eve Marie Everson (Revell)

Long Historical

Deeply Devoted By Maggie Brendan (Revell)
The Doctor’s Lady by Jody Hedlund (Bethany House)
Maid of Fairbourne Hall by Julie Klassen (Bethany House)

Short Contemporary -- a tie for 1st place

A Place to Belong by Linda Goodnight (Love Inspired)
The Caregiver by Shelley Shepherd Gray (Avon Inspire)
Love Finds You in Sunset Beach, Hawaii by Robin Jones Gunn (Summerside)
Light the Fire by Mary Manners (White Rose)

Short Historical

Frontier Father by Dorothy Clark (Love Inspired)
The Earl’s Mistaken Bride by Abby Gaines (Love Inspired)
Belonging by Robin Lee Hatcher (Zondervan)

Romantic Suspense

A Killer Among Us by Lynette Eason (Revell)
Shadows on the Sand by Gayle Roper (Multnomah)
Murder at Granite Falls by Roxanne Rustand (Love Inspired)

Women’s Fiction

The Fine Art of Insincerity by Angela Hunt (Howard)
Forever After by Deborah Raney (Howard)
Broken Wings by Carla Stewart (FaithWords)

Novella

The Gentleman Takes a Bride by Louise M. Gouge (Love Inspired)
A Perfect Plan by Beth Wiseman (Thomas Nelson)
The Christmas Singing by Cindy Woodsmall (Waterbrook)

Congrats to all!!!

The Anniversary Waltz

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing The Anniversary Waltz Realms (May 15, 2012) by Darrel Nelson



ABOUT THE AUTHOR: A Word from the author:

I am a schoolteacher by profession and have taught school for (thir—ahem!) years. I grew up in Raymond, Alberta, and attended the University of Lethbridge after graduating from high school and serving a two-year mission to Japan. During university, I met and married Marsha Smith, and we are the parents of four children, which has grown to include their spouses and our ten grandchildren.



I have always loved to write. I started writing stories before I was old enough to realize I was writing stories. It seemed a natural thing to pick up a pencil and paper and create a world simply by using words—worlds of adventure in steaming jungles (Tarzan was an early influence on me) or realms of adventure in outer space (Buck Rogers). But as I have grown older, I have discovered that the real inspiration for me is exploring the theme of love and how it can make such a difference in the world.



I’ve had an article published in Lethbridge Magazine and have written several dramatic plays, two of which won provincial recognition and were showcased at a drama festival. I won the CJOC radio songwriting contest two years running, and have had one of my songs receive international airplay. I have written four novels intended for the juvenile market. They are unpublished as yet, but I read them annually to my fourth grade students and my students tell me they love them, the darlings.



ABOUT THE BOOK

At their sixtieth anniversary party, Adam Carlson asks his wife, Elizabeth, for their customary waltz. After the dance they gather the family and share their story—a story of love and courage overcoming adversity and thriving in the face of overwhelming odds.



It’s the summer of 1946, and Adam has just returned from the war to his home in Reunion, Montana. At a town festival he meets Elizabeth Baxter, a young woman going steady with his former high school rival and now influential banker, Nathan Roberts.



When Adam and Elizabeth share a waltz in a deserted pavilion one evening, their feelings begin to grow and they embark on a journey, and a dance, that will last a lifetime.



If you'd like to read the first chapter excerpt of The Anniversary Waltz, go HERE.


Sadly, I have not received this book yet! I will come back & share my review once it arrives :)


Happy reading!

Don't Panic- Quick, Easy, and Delicious Meals for your Family - Review

About the Book:



Your family can have great meals even when you are on the run. The ladies who brought you Don't Panic--Dinner's in the Freezer now offer busy cooks Don't Panic--Quick, Easy, and Delicious Meals for Your Family. From quick meals made on the grill or in the sauté pan to crockpot dishes that require little prep and cook while you're out for the day, the recipes in this cookbook are tasty, nutritious, and require less hands-on preparation than traditional meals. Easy appetizers and desserts, one-dish casseroles and pastas, simple soups, salads, and side dishes, and even fast breakfasts round out the selections. Meals that are freezer-friendly are marked for those who want to make ahead.

You don't have to settle for feeding your family commercially packaged meals full of sodium and preservatives or fat-laced fast food. Serve them quick and healthy meals from your very own kitchen with this easy-to-use cookbook.


When I learned I had the opportunity to review this book, I was so excited! Our family menu needed some new recipes, add to that, quick & easy, and OH MY! You are talking my language :)

Great meals for your busy family!
We're all busy, but that doesn't mean we have to eat like we are. You don't have to settle for feeding your family commercially packaged meals full of sodium and preservatives or fat-laced fast food. Quick and healthy meals from your very own kitchen are easy with delicious recipes like


Southwestern Baked Cheese Dip 􏰀 Thai Chicken Wraps
Walnut Spinach Salad
Homestyle Mac & Cheese
Slow Cooker Pork Chops
Oven Roasted Orange Chicken
Grilled Flat Iron Steak Sandwiches
Spicy Shrimp and Asparagus Stir-Fry 􏰀 Fruit Pizza
Mexican Chocolate Mousse
and many more


From quick meals made on the grill or in the sauté pan to crockpot dishes that require little prep and cook while you're out for the day, the recipes in this cookbook are tasty and nutritious--and require less hands-on preparation than traditional meals. Easy appetizers and desserts; one-dish casseroles and pastas; simple soups, salads, and side dishes; and even fast breakfasts round out the selections. Meals that are freezer-friendly are marked for those who want to make ahead.
Give your family the best--the easy way!


MY Thoughts:

I love this cookbook! Since there are three authors, each one of them share their favorite dish in each section. They also share if the recipe has a lower number of ingredients, if it is a low fat recipe, and if it is good for entertaining!

Our whole family together, so I thought, "Hmmm, this would be a great time to use this cookbook..." I chose the Chicken fettucine alfredo dish. It was sooooo super easy and absolutely delicious! Some of the comments I heard the kids say were...

MMM, this is good! Kind of like Olive Garden's but honestly, it tastes better than Olive Garden!" WOW- great compliment!
Man Mom, this is sooo good! and It really was fabulous!

My ingredients for the Chicken Alfredo

mmmmmm mmmmmm mmmmm GOOD!

The next recipe I chose to make was flavored butter to go on our corn-on-the-cob: Let me just say.... This was delicious! and talk about EASY!!!! It was super easy :)

If this doesn't say it all, I don't know what would :) My granddaughter loved it! cleaned her corn, her plate and pretty much- cleaned the cob LOL

Thank you Donna for the complimentary copy of this issue in exchange for my honest review!! I love this cookbook and would definitely recommend it!!

FOREVER HILLTOP ~ REVIEW

ABOUT THE BOOK:
The charming and often hilarious Forever Hilltop series follows the experiences of former city dweller Alex Armstrong as he settles into his new role as pastor of a Scandinavian community in rural North Dakota. Alex is sometimes baffled by his parishioners and their colorful ways, but he comes to appreciate their simple wisdom. One thing's for sure -- life in Hilltop Township is never dull! This new two-in-one format features An Unlikely Blessing along with its sequel, Surprising Grace.

In An Unlikely Blessing, Alex Armstrong is a former city dweller who has just accepted his first parish assignment to a small community in the wilds of North Dakota. In Hilltop Township, Pastor Alex becomes familiar with the residents and their odd traditions, from julebukking to King Oscar's fish balls. And then there's the excitement the single pastor creates among the unmarried women in the community! Alex soon discovers that his new church home has as much to teach him as he has to teach them.

In Surprising Grace, Alex Armstrong is settling into his new role as pastor of Hilltop Church, and he's even starting to understand the strange ways of the people who populate this barren stretch of North Dakota prairie. But he also finds that his flock needs help and counsel like he never imagined. In this cozy and entertaining read, Alex must choose between the woman he once loved -- and the home he's come to love.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Judy Baer was born and grew up on a farm on the prairies of North Dakota, experiencing many of the same things as her Hilltop characters. An only child, she spent most of her days with imaginary people-either those she read about or those she made up in her head.

Baer graduated from Concordia College with majors in English and education and a minor in religion. While at the time, she was simply studying what interested her, Baer later realized that she was educating herself for her future career as a Christian writer. She certainly put her education to use as she is the author of more than 75 books.

A certified professional life coach now certified in three coaching disciplines, Baer coaches primarily professional and aspiring writers. She is also a faculty advisor in the Department of Human Development at St. Mary's University in Minneapolis, MN. Baer has two daughters and three step children. She and her husband live in Minnesota.

She invites you to visit her at her web site www.judykbaer.com for more information on her and her


Link To Buy Forever Hilltop: go here

There is a Contest going on as well!!!! WOOHOO :) YOU can win a KINDLE!! How Awesome is that! To learn all about it you can go here


My Thoughts:

Forever Hilltop is first of all, 2 books in 1. I think it is so awesome when authors do this, don't you ?!?! :) The first book is titled "An Unlikely Blessing" and the second is "Surprising Grace."

In An Unlikely Blessing you meet Alex Armstrong. He is the new Pastor @ Hilltop Church. He is single and coming from Chicago, he could definitely be described as a city boy. Moving to a small community, he learns, is quite the adjustment and not necessarily the quiet slow paced way of life he was expecting. On top of all that, meeting all of the church's members and learning their ways is at times quite humorous! He also learns of the division of two of the churches and wonders if he is doing the right thing!? Being single brings out the available women as well as food! LOL, these women bring Pastor Alex dish after dish. (One little side note here is that the recipes are included! So awesome don't you think!!) There is never a dull moment for this town and all the wonderful people who live here! You will love some and want to give others a swift kick sometimes :)

In "Surprising Grace" we see Pastor Alex really settling in. However, his ex fiancé' has come to try and rekindle their relationship and he is not sure if that will happen. As he wonders if she will be happy to live in this small community, he is growing to love it more and more. Will he have to choose? As he helps those in his church, he finds they are teaching him lessons as well.

I loved meeting all of the people of Hilltop and there are quite a few to say the least! I love this quaint little town and am so hoping this series continues!

Thank you Litfuse for allowing me this complimentary copy in exchange for my honest review! Thank you Judy Baer, for taking us to such a sweet place, in the town of Hilltop and allowing us to meet so many awesome, funny and even ornery people! I loved every minute of it :)

DON'T FORGET the CONTEST and your chance to win a KINDLE!!!

Stardust ~ Review

Anytime I'm given the opportunity to help promote a fellow Okie, especially one who has such an awesome gift of writing, you can bet I will!!

Carla Stewart is the author of Stardust! She takes us back in time and introduces us to Georgia and her two daughters. Georgia learns her husband has been cheating on her and then she learns her husband has died. Can you even imagine?? Georgia has quite the journey as she first learns of the motel she has inherited. She is such a strong woman, a loving woman too. As new "guests" come and go at the Stardust, one day she is faced with a decision... to forgive and move on, or not. From grief and betrayal to forgiveness and peace, Stardust is a wonderful read and if you are like me, you will fall in love with the characters and will hate to turn that last page!!

I must warn you, when you pick up Stardust, you may NOT be able to put it down! or at the very least it will be attached to your arm and will go everywhere with you until you finish it :)


Here is Author, Carla Steward!! You can find her here

Stardust and it's video

Happy reading :)

My Stubborn Heart ~ Review

I LOVE THIS BOOK! I just HAD to share my review FIRST, so that, as you are looking at the book cover, because hey - let's face it, we ALL look at the cover and decide if this is a book we might want to read ;) Let me just tell you guys This is MUST READ! I absolutely fell in love with Kate! She is smart & sensitive, puts people at ease, and is adorably quirky in a good way! She has prayed and prayed for a husband and has yet to find that perfect Man, God has made just for her.


Matt Jarreau, a young man who is a Hockey Legend in his home town of Rosebud PA. His story is a sad one. Matt fell in love and married and within a short time his wife was diagnosed with cancer and died. Matt, heartbroken, has all but given up, in fact, he really just stopped living. He has no social life to speak of, but he works very hard and does an excellent job, especially when it comes to restoring houses. He has NO DESIRE to date anyone ever, that is, until he meets Kate. But, if he can keep declining those dinner offers from Kate and Gran, he won't even have to wonder about the adorable red head who is so persistent! Gran has made one thing clear to Kate before she ever met him... Our Contractor, Matt Jarreau, is a HUNK! I would totally have to agree with Gran! :)

Gran is PRECIOUS! Having moved home to Rosebud, she is able to reconnect with her childhood friends, whom she calls "the girls." These ladies are just a hoot! Gran is witty and wise I think you will love her to pieces! I sure did!

I had never heard of author Becky Wade, but this is her debut novel, so I don't think she will be an unknown author for long I simply cannot wait to read her next book! If you are looking for a great book, My Stubborn Heart, is just that and much more!!

Thank you CFBA for allowing me this complimentary book in exchange for my honest review! It is a ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥'s from Heart of a Bookworm!!

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing My Stubborn Heart • Bethany House Publishers; Original edition (May 1, 2012)

by Becky Wade



ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Becky Wade is a graduate of Baylor University. As a newlywed, she lived for three years in a home overlooking the turquoise waters of the Caribbean, as well as in Australia, before returning to the States. A mom of three young children, Becky and her family now live in Dallas, Texas.





ABOUT THE BOOK

A Sensational CBA Debut in Contemporary Romance!



This summer author Becky Wade makes her CBA debut with a fun -- and funny -- contemporary romance. Amidst the light-hearted banter and laugh-out-loud moments is a compelling spiritual journey of one woman's choice to listen to God and wait on him.  Filled with humor and authentic romance, My Stubborn Heart is shaping up to be the hit of the summer.



Kate Donovan is burned out on work, worn down by her dating relationships, and in need of an adventure. When Kate's grandmother asks Kate to accompany her to Redbud, Pennsylvania, to restore the grand old house she grew up in, Kate jumps at the chance.



Yet, she discovers a different kind of project upon meeting the man hired to renovate the house. ;Matt Jarreau is attractive and clearly wounded -- hiding from people, from God, and from his past.  Kate can't help but set her stubborn heart on bringing him out of the dark and back into the light... whether he likes it or not.



If you would like to read the first chapter of My Stubborn Heart, go HERE.

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing The Soul Saver • Barbour Books (May 1, 2012) by Dineen Miller



ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Dineen Miller readily admits that one of the greatest lessons she’s learning about life is that there’s purpose in our trials. It’s all about trusting God and putting our hope in Him. Her favorite stories are of the miracles God has wrought in the lives of her family.



Through this lens she also believes her years as a youth counselor, a Stephen Minister, a women’s ministry leader, and a small group leader fuel her desire to ignite the souls of others through words of truth.



In addition to writing for Spiritually Unequal Marriage, Dineen has won several prestigious awards for her fiction, and her devotional writing has been featured in Our Journey and Christian Women Online Magazine. She’s also a C.L.A.S.S. Communicator and has been featured on the Moody Radio Network, Family Life and Focus on the Family Radio.



Married for 24 years to a guy who keeps her young, she lives in the Bay Area with her husband and two adult daughters, who surprise her daily with their own creativity.



She is the co-author of Winning Him Without Words: 10 Keys to Thriving in Your Spiritually Mismatched Marriage and the author of The Soul Saver.







ABOUT THE BOOK

When Trusting God Is the Only Way Out



On an average day, God started her missions in her sculpting studio, revealing the face of the person she would meet at the grocery store, bank, or playground. The goal was always the same. Reach the lost, bring someone back to God, restore hope. But then came the tough missions—the ones that sent Lexie Baltimore into real battle. And she had a few battle scars to show for it.



Tormented that she can’t reach the one person she loves the most—staunch atheist and husband Hugh—Lexie finds her own hope waning when the battle comes to her doorstep in the shape of a pastor who represents everything she wants and everything her husband is not—a godly man.



Then false accusations and rumors spin her husband and family into a precarious position, and the only way out is to trust God. But how can she convince her husband when she’s struggling to trust God herself?



This time Lexie is the mission.



ENDORSEMENTS:

“Never before have I felt as if I were seeing someone’s life play out across a page until I read Soul Saver. Dineen Miller's prose had me sighing at the beauty of her word pictures. This is not a book to be missed – Life changing!”

— Robin Caroll, author of the Evil series and Injustice For All

“When you combine stellar writing, intriguing characters, and a fascinating plot the result is a story like Soul Saver. It’s the kind of novel I wish I had written.”

— James L. Rubart, bestselling author of ROOMS, Book of Days, and The Chair

If you would like to read the first chapter of The Soul Saver, go HERE.

The Soul Saver

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing The Soul Saver • Barbour Books (May 1, 2012) by Dineen Miller



ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Dineen Miller readily admits that one of the greatest lessons she’s learning about life is that there’s purpose in our trials. It’s all about trusting God and putting our hope in Him. Her favorite stories are of the miracles God has wrought in the lives of her family.



Through this lens she also believes her years as a youth counselor, a Stephen Minister, a women’s ministry leader, and a small group leader fuel her desire to ignite the souls of others through words of truth.



In addition to writing for Spiritually Unequal Marriage, Dineen has won several prestigious awards for her fiction, and her devotional writing has been featured in Our Journey and Christian Women Online Magazine. She’s also a C.L.A.S.S. Communicator and has been featured on the Moody Radio Network, Family Life and Focus on the Family Radio.



Married for 24 years to a guy who keeps her young, she lives in the Bay Area with her husband and two adult daughters, who surprise her daily with their own creativity.



She is the co-author of Winning Him Without Words: 10 Keys to Thriving in Your Spiritually Mismatched Marriage and the author of The Soul Saver.







ABOUT THE BOOK

When Trusting God Is the Only Way Out



On an average day, God started her missions in her sculpting studio, revealing the face of the person she would meet at the grocery store, bank, or playground. The goal was always the same. Reach the lost, bring someone back to God, restore hope. But then came the tough missions—the ones that sent Lexie Baltimore into real battle. And she had a few battle scars to show for it.



Tormented that she can’t reach the one person she loves the most—staunch atheist and husband Hugh—Lexie finds her own hope waning when the battle comes to her doorstep in the shape of a pastor who represents everything she wants and everything her husband is not—a godly man.



Then false accusations and rumors spin her husband and family into a precarious position, and the only way out is to trust God. But how can she convince her husband when she’s struggling to trust God herself?



This time Lexie is the mission.



ENDORSEMENTS:

“Never before have I felt as if I were seeing someone’s life play out across a page until I read Soul Saver. Dineen Miller's prose had me sighing at the beauty of her word pictures. This is not a book to be missed – Life changing!”

— Robin Caroll, author of the Evil series and Injustice For All

“When you combine stellar writing, intriguing characters, and a fascinating plot the result is a story like Soul Saver. It’s the kind of novel I wish I had written.”

— James L. Rubart, bestselling author of ROOMS, Book of Days, and The Chair

If you would like to read the first chapter of The Soul Saver, go HERE.


My review:

Oh MY!! This book is amazing! From start to finish! Dineen Miller has such a heart for those in an un-equally yoked relationship and it is that heart that penned this story! This story shares the importance of our prayers and the warfare that goes on in our lives and in the lives of those we love. Temptation comes in many packages and tempts us regardless of whether we are believers or not. In The Soul Saver, Dineen Miller takes these issues head on and what a journey it is! Truly, this is a must read for all!

Thank you Dineen for sharing your gift of writing with all of us and thank you CFBA for allowing me this complimentary copy in exchange for my honest review!

Traveler's Rest ~ Review

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Traveler’s Rest

Bethany House Publishers; Original edition (May 1, 2012)

by Ann Tatlock



ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Ann Tatlock is the author of the Christy Award-winning novel All the Way Home. She has also won the Midwest Independent Publishers Association "Book of the Year" in fiction for both All the Way Home and I'll Watch the Moon. Her novel Things We Once Held Dear received a starred review from Library Journal and Publishers Weekly calls her "one of Christian fiction's better wordsmiths, and her lovely prose reminds readers why it is a joy to savor her stories." Ann lives with her husband and daughter in Asheville, North Carolina.





ABOUT THE BOOK

A YOUNG WOMAN determined to honor her commitment...



AN INJURED SOLDIER convinced life is no longer worth living...



A RETIRED DOCTOR certain it's too late to be forgiven...



Jane Morrow has a dilemma. She's engaged to Seth Ballantine, a member of the National Guard's 30th Heavy Brigade Combat Team, and he's returned from Iraq severely wounded. Jane hasn't seen him for nearly a year, and with trepidation, she heads to the VA hospital in Asheville, North Carolina, where he is being treated.



Seth isn't happy to see her. He'd asked her not to come. He wants to end the relationship. But Jane loves him, and despite his injury, she's determined to convince him that they can have a life together. Her faith has never been strong, yet she hopes God will answer her prayers and tell her what to do.



Beautifully written, Travelers Rest takes readers on a journey through pain and tragedy to a place of hope and redemption.



If you would like to read the first chapter of Traveler’s Rest, go HERE.


My Review:

Jane & Seth have known each other since they were kids. Jane has loved him as long as she can remember and Seth, well he took a bit longer to reach the "L" word. But when he finally does, he goes all the way and asks for Janes hand in marriage. Of course she said "YES." While Jane prepares for their upcoming nuptials, Seth is serving in Iraq, and they are both waiting til the day he arrives. Arrive it does, and happens sooner than either one of them expected. Seth has been injured and is now paralyzed. Being paralyzed was definitely not a part of their happily ever after.

As Jane and Seth walk day by day in their new way of life, they both learn some of the most important lessons in their life to date. Jane cares for Seth and her love for him never changes, yet She is constantly encouraged by all of those around her to just let go of their engagement. Seth even tells her she deserves better, he doesn't want her to have to live like this, caring for him in every way imaginable. In the hospital, day after day, they meet some of the most amazing people. As they begin to share their lives, past and present, they all begin to learn more about themselves.

Traveler's Rest is a wonderful book, a book that will make you stop and think. To appreciate each and every single day. To be "present" in your life and that when you are faced with difficult choices, it is a must to face them and move forward!

Thank you CFBA for allowing me this complimentary copy in exchange for my honest review!