Forget Me Not ~ Favorite Read this week!

About the Author

Vicki Hinze is an award-winning author of twenty-three novels, three nonfiction books, and hundreds of articles. Selected for Who’s Who in America in 2004 as a writer and educator, Hinze is active in Romance Writers of America and serves as a Vice President on the International Thriller Writers Board of Directors. Vicki lives in Florida with her artist husband, a retired Air Force Lieutenant Colonel. Visit www.vickihinze.com to learn more about Vicki’s books, blogs, and writing programs.


About the Book


Crossroads Crisis Center owner Benjamin Brandt was a content man—in his faith, his work, and his family. Then in a flash, everything he loved was snatched away. His wife and son were murdered, and grief-stricken Ben lost faith. Determination to find their killers keeps him going, but after three years of dead ends and torment, his hope is dying too. Why had he survived? He’d failed to protect his family.

Now, a mysterious woman appears at Crossroads seeking answers and help—a victim who eerily resembles Ben’s deceased wife, Susan. A woman robbed of her identity, her life, of everything except her faith—and Susan’s necklace.

The connections between the two women mount, exceeding coincidence, and to keep the truth hidden, someone is willing to kill. Finding out who and why turns Ben and the mystery woman’s situation from dangerous to deadly. Their only hope for survival is to work together, trust each other, and face whatever they discover head on, no matter how painful. But will that be enough to save their lives and heal their tattered hearts?


My Review:

Wow! This book was definately one that I absolutely could not put down! I did not want to quit reading it and stayed up into the wee hours so that I didn't have to put it down!

The mystery and romance along with the Suspense are just such a great combination and this being the first book I have ever read from Vicki Hinze I was greatly impressed!

I found myself thinking of these characters long after I had finished the book! I love the story of Ben and "Karen." I love the struggle Ben faces with his faith, himself, and this woman who appears in his life. He is determined to face each circumstance head on and is like clay in the Lords hands. He may be prideful at moments but he truly desires to do what is best for all involved and after all he had been through I was so pleased with how the author made his character so authentic and yet so willing to do what was right for all involved!

If you are looking for a good Suspense/Mystery Novel....look no further than "Forget Me Not!"



To download and read the first chapter go here

To purchase go here



This book was Complimentary from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for review! Thankyou so very much! Loved it :)

Look for book 2 coming in the series....Deadly Ties

New romantic suspense series: “Women of Justice”
FBI agent Samantha Cash sets out to solve a string of murders in a small Southern town. Troubles arise when the case turns personal…
Lynette Eason debuts a new romantic suspense series that features strong female characters who will stop at nothing to find the criminal: the Women of Justice series.
Too Close to Home is the first novel in this new series, which renowned suspense author Dee Henderson called “a hit” and said that she “enjoyed every minute.”
In this thrilling first book, readers meet Samantha Cash, who is the FBI's secret weapon. Her methods are invisible, and she never stops until the case is closed. When missing teens begin turning up dead in a small Southern town, Samantha is assigned to help the local police chief Connor Wolfe find the killer. And he has two problems with that. There's her faith--in God and herself. And then there's the fact that she looks exactly like his late wife.
As they get close to an answer, the case becomes personal. The killer seems to be taking an interest in Connor's 16-year-old daughter, who thinks her dad is getting way too protective. Can't a girl just have some fun?
Too Close to Home ratchets up the suspense with each page, and will have readers cheering for the characters they love as justice is served and love grows even in the face of danger. Read this one with the lights on!
Lynette Eason is the author of three romantic suspense novels, and a member of American Fiction Christian Writers and Romance Writers of America. A homeschooling mother of two, she has a master's degree in education from Converse College.

Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group, offers practical books that bring the Christian faith to everyday life.  They publish resources from a variety of well-known brands and authors, including their partnership with MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) and Hungry Planet.

For more information, visit www.RevellBooks.com.
Too Close to Home by Lynette Eason
ISBN: 978-0-8007-3369-8
Available April 2010; $14.99



My review:

I really enjoyed this book and found it hard to put down....That being said, I had a small frustration with this book. Connor is a cop through and through, and puts everything to the side including his daughter, so that he can work "the Case." In this book, "the case" happens to be about teenage girls so it struck me odd how clueless/neglectful Connor was towards his daugther. This just didn't make sense with me but other than that it kept me reading long into the night! I have to say I appreciated very much what a fantastic job Lynette did of dealing with the death of a loved who has a relationship with Christ is sooo much easier to cope with than those who do not. She exemplifies that very well in this book.

This is my first book from Lynette Eason and I will definately be reading the next book in the series!

Thankyou Baker Publishing for this complimentary copy!

Imaginary Jesus

Honestly, I had no idea what to expect when I requested this book. I am happy to say this book was quite a wonderful and laughter filled surprise! Seriously, I laughed out loud sooo many times and would even call my husband at times and read to him on quite a few occasions!

Matt Mikalatos does a fabulous job with this "not-quite-true" story.... You will laugh, be entertained, and most importantly you will think ~ think about Jesus and what we, in our human minds, make Him out to be? Who do we seek? and Who do you follow after? Do you have an Imaginary Jesus? (Matt gives you quite a few to choose from) I truly appreciated how Matt was so tender and genuine when pointing the reader to the "REAL JESUS"

I look forward to much more from Matt Mikalatos! Imaginary Jesus is a book I recommend! Here is a video for your preview :) Enjoy





I want to thank Tyndale Publishers for complimentary book! I am so thankful to have received this book for sure!

Words of Comfort Review

For everytime you've wished for
the right words to say...

About the book:

Through great personal loss, authors Cecil Murphey and Liz Allison have gained insight to share with others who are going through uncertainty, depression, and loneliness after losing a loved one. They also offer advice for those comforting someone who is grieving.

Among comforting paintings by artist Michal Sparks, brief stories, personal experiences, and prayers offer a meaningful path toward healing for readers when they:
feel alone and lost in their grief and want to reconnect with others and to life
seek to make sense of their loss alongside their sense of faith, purpose, and God
want to honor their loved one without clinging to the past in unhealthy ways
Readers are given gentle permission to grapple with doubt, seek peace, and reflect on loss in their own way without judgment and with understanding and hope. A perfect gift for a loved one dealing with loss and grief.


About the Authors:

Liz Allison was married to NASCAR driver Davey Allison until his tragic death in 1993. Widowed at 28 with two young children to raise, Liz faced the long journey of pain, loss, and grief with great faith. Committed to encouraging others, she returned to her work in TV reporting, has published eight books, and hosts a weekly radio show. Please visit www.lizallison.com



Cecil Murphey is an international speaker and bestselling author who has written more than 100 books, including New York Times bestseller 90 Minutes in Heaven (with Don Piper). No stranger himself to loss and grief, Cecil has served as a pastor and hospital chaplain for many years, and through his ministry and books he has brought hope and encouragement to countless people around the world.
Please visit www.cecilmurphey.com




Why We Write About Loss

On the morning of July 12, 1992, my husband, Davey, left home like any other morning—he kissed my forehead and hugged our kids.That afternoon I answered a knock at the door, sensing something wasn’t quite right. When I glimpsed the faces of Davey’s two best friends—they didn't have to speak—the looks on their faces said it all.

That day, after lunch with his race team, Davey had hopped into his helicopter and taken an unplanned trip to the nearby Talladega Superspeedway to watch a buddy practice. Attempting to land in the infield, he had lost control of his helicopter and crashed. Although paramedics airlifted Davey to a Birmingham hospital, sixteen hours later he was pronounced dead.

Immediately following Davey’s death, I had to work through my grief enough to plan his funeral and make hundreds of small-but-significant decisions, all while maintaining the time and energy to care for our two young children, ages one and three. Well-wishing friends hovered around me and frequently asked, “What can I do for you?

Most of the time, I could only respond with a blank stare. Looking back, my friends could have done many things for me, but they didn’t know what to do, and I didn’t know what to tell them.

I hope the insights I have gained during the aftermath of Davey’s death will help you as you struggle with your own grief.


—Liz

---------------------------------------

Two weeks after my father suffered a ministroke, a massive stroke took his life. On the day of his funeral, my older brother, Ray, died of cancer. Over the next eighteen months, I lost two brothers-in-law and my mother.

On the Sunday after Dad’s and Ray’s funerals, a parishioner rushed up to me, hugged me, and said, “Pastor, I heard about the deaths. Were they saved?”

I honestly don’t remember what I answered, but I wanted to shout, “Does it matter right now? I hurt. I’m so filled with pain that I’m not sure I can handle the worship service today!”

In 2007, our house burned down. Our son-in-law, Alan, died in the fire. The next day, a neighbor pulled up in front of our burned house, got out of his car, and started to look around. “Where did he die?” he asked.

Through the years, I’ve met many like those two people. Maybe they didn’t know what to say. Perhaps they were so focused on what they cared about that they were unaware of my pain. Instead of helping me, those comments made me feel even worse. What I needed was compassion. I didn’t get that from either of them, but I can offer it to you.

That’s why we’ve written this book.



—Cec


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MY REVIEW:

This book spoke Volumes to me personally! Not only in dealing with the grief of losing my Daddy in December but also in dealing with the loss of our Ministry, Church, and Friendships. I say this so much but everytime it is soo true! The Lord brings things into my life at JUST THE RIGHT MOMENT! This book made me realize how much I have held in the grief. Yes, when I cry at the silliest thing..... like having to tell our Orthodontist we won't be using them for my Sons braces because we won a certificate worth $1000 towards his braces with another Orthodontist and she was so happy for us and said it would all be ok. Yep ~ I cried. Why? I have no idea. But that was just one of the many ephiphanies I had in reading this book. I am learning to give myself permission to grieve and not expect myself to move forward at the rate others think I should but to take it one day at a time. I know grieving is a season and joy will return. I love how this book is so simple yet so very powerful. Recognizing when Christ is comforting you and cherishing those moments has truly been my greatest lesson from this book!

I will keep this book and refer to it often because there is always someone who is grieving and as the Lord tells us in HIS Word....rejoice with those who rejoice and mourn with those who mourn. Someday my grieving will be over but this book will remind me and I pray that I can bless someone with compassion and understanding knowing how they might be feeling!

Kathy Carlton Willis Communications is offering a Giveaway on April 9th. I will be able to submit one name from someone who comments on this post and is also a follower of my blog and you will be entered into the Grandprize giveaway!! details of the giveaway are just below :)
Grand Prize Giveaway includes:


Words of Comfort for Times of Loss
Heaven Is Real
Gift Edition, 90 Minutes in Heaven
Journal
Pens
Potato soup
Oyster crackers
Dove silky smooth milk chocolate
Dove silky smooth dark chocolate
Ultra-plush spa socks
Large gel eye mask


This special grandprize giveaway is designed especially for someone going through a difficult time. The winner can keep or pass along to someone who could use the pick-me-up.

For other great tips on helping those who might be grieving ~ this is a wonderful article from the authors, go here

Thankyou Kathy Carlton Willis Communications for this complimentary book! I will cherish it!
IN HIM,
Loren

The Flowering Cross by Beth Ryan

I am sooo happy to share this review with you! This book "The Flowering Cross" by Beth Ryan is one of the sweetest books with such a powerful message! The author was inspired by the book Won by Love in which God used a 7 year old little girl to win the heart of Norma McCorvey (Roe vs Wade). Beth shares the story of Katie and her family and how they love their neighbor even when no one else will. Along with the precious tale you have Scripture verses and a wonderful Easter story that will become a wonderful tradition to read in the years to come! She also shares how to make your own Flowering Cross if you so wish to. This book is great for elementary age children but can also be condensed with young ones as well! I highly recommend this and wish to thank Thomas Nelson for allowing me the complimentary issue in return for my humble opinion.

This Scripture comes to mind when I read this and one that is so important for young children to know!
1 Timothy 4:12
Don’t let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity.

Love,
Loren

5 stars for "Once in a Blue Moon!"

This week, the

Christian Fiction Blog Alliance

is introducing

Once in a Blue Moon

B&H Books (March 1, 2010)

by

Leanna Ellis





ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Leanna's sister recommended that she write, since she ‘wrote in her journal all the time.’ The idea took root and began to grow. So after five years of teaching, she quit and started writing, with no clue about the book business. Ignorance is bliss. If she’d known the odds against her, she might not have ever started writing.



For about three years, she wrote with a collaborator, but because she had so many ideas she began to write more stories on her own. She suffered numerous rejections. Deservedly so. But she was growing as a writer and learning. She went to as many conferences as she could manage. During that time, she met her future husband, fell in love and became engaged. She also began to final in contests and then actually began to win! The contests helped her get noticed by editors and agents. In March, the year Braveheart won the Best Picture Oscar, Victor/Victoria opened on Broadway, she sold her first book. It was her Cinderella year. She sold her book, got married and won RWA’s Golden Heart Award in Hawaii.



She wrote six books between her first baby’s birth and when the second baby turned one. Then she hit a wall. Not literally. But creatively. It’s not that she didn’t have any ideas, but her ideas didn’t fit the romance market. These new characters, random and weird as they were, began to take over the part of her brain that wasn’t domesticated. These stories were about all types of women, and so she began to let her writing grow in new and different ways.



Leanna Ellis sold more than 1.3 million romantic novels writing as Leanna Wilson, winning a Readers’ Choice award and the Romance Writers of America Golden Heart award for her work. Elvis Takes a Back Seat is the first book published under her married name, marking a new creative direction in her writing. Like Francine Rivers before her, Leanna has left behind a successful career as an author of secular romances to write novels of faith that glorify God. A former schoolteacher, Leanna is now a homeschool mom and lives with her husband and children in Keller, Texas.







ABOUT THE BOOK

Bryn Seymour was nine years old when her mother died under mysterious circumstances on the same day Apollo 11 made its historic lunar landing. Forty years later—divorced, working as an obituary writer, and duly cynical—she meets Howard, a conspiracy theorist who knew her mom and believes a small Texas town may hold clues to what really fueled her demise. Seeking closure, Bryn goes along for this men-in-black ride. But upon meeting Howard’s son Sam, an outspoken Christian, she can’t decide whose beliefs are more pie-in-the-sky.



The gravity of life has pulled Bryn down for decades. But a perfect love could be her first step to soaring. It only happens once in a blue moon.



If you would like to read the first chapter of Once in a Blue Moon, go HERE



Watch the book trailer:






I HIGHLY recommend this book!! Because I was on a trip with my Daughter and my MOM I was forced LOL to put it down but otherwise I would have read this book in one sitting!!! IT.WAS.THAT.GOOD! You will Laugh and find mystery in these refreshing characters and their funny ways! I found myself thinking of them during the day as I was out and that always tells me I have a really good book waiting on me to come finish it!
Brynn takes a journey to find her mom and she learns alot about herself and forgiveness as well. When an author can do that in this kind of story I know she is one that I will for sure be reading again and again!

Blessings ~
Loren

The Lord is my Shepherd Review

This week, the

Christian Fiction Blog Alliance

is introducing

The Lord Is My Shepherd

Abingdon Press (March 2010)

by

Debbie Viguie





ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Debbie Viguié has been writing for most of her life. She has experimented with poetry and nonfiction, but her true passion lies in writing novels. She obtained her Bachelor of Arts degree in Creative Writing from UC Davis. While at Davis she met her husband, Scott, at auditions for a play.



Debbie's love for writing brought her from working as a church secretary to a successful career writing supernatural fiction. She is the author of Midnight Pearls, Scarlet Moon, and Charmed: Pied Piper, and the young adult Sweet Seasons series. She also is coauthor of the New York Times bestselling Wicked book series.



Debbie and Scott now live on the island of Kauai, Hawaii. When Debbie is not writing and Scott has time off they love to indulge their passion for theme parks.





ABOUT THE BOOK

Cindy’s church is getting ready to celebrate Easter, and Jeremiah’s Temple is preparing for Passover when Cindy literally stumbles over the body of an unknown man lying dead in the sanctuary. The church was locked, and a bloody cross necklace on the floor seems to be the only clue. The killer is likely a member of the congregation, but there are hints that similar deaths have happened in the past. Are Cindy and Jeremiah dealing with a serial killer? They have to unravel the clues before Easter Sunday arrives and more people die.



Cindy and Jeremiah come from two different worlds, even though they work right next door to each other. Cindy is a strong Christian who lives a normal but somewhat dull life, working as a church secretary. Jeremiah is a Reformed rabbi with a mysterious past full of danger and excitement. But one eventful Easter/Passover week, the two find themselves working together to solve a murder and stop a serial killer from striking again. Solving the mystery should put an end to their alliance, but the church secretary and the rabbi quickly find themselves enmeshed in another mystery. Soon the two form a friendly alliance and friendship, exploring personal history and faith and growing closer with each passing adventure. Despite their differences Cindy and Jeremiah find a lot of common ground.



If you would like to read the first chapter of The Lord Is My Shepherd, go HERE.


I enjoyed the suspense of The Lord is my Shepherd! I have never read a book with the theme being an Easter week full of suspense and mystery but this book does an excellent job! This is book 1 in the Series and I look forward to seeing what Debbie will share with us in the books to come!