Emily of Deep Valley ~ Review by Jenna

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Emily of Deep Valley Harper Perennial Modern Classics; Reprint edition (October 12, 2010) by Mitali Perkins





ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

A word from Mitali: Who In The World Is Mitali Perkins?



That's a good question. I've been trying to figure it out myself, spending most of my life crossing borders.



I was born Mitali Bose in Kolkata (Calcutta), India, and always tried to live up to my name—which means “friendly” in the Bangla language. I had to! Because my family moved so much, it was the only way I could make new friends.



By the time I was 11, I'd lived in Ghana, Cameroon, London, New York and Mexico before settling in California just in time for middle school. Yep, I was the new kid again, in seventh grade, the year everybody barely makes it through.



My biggest lifeline during those early years was story. Books were my rock, my stability, my safe place as I navigated the border between California suburbia and the Bengali culture of my traditional home.



After studying political science at Stanford and public policy at U.C. Berkeley, I taught in middle school, high school and college. When I began to write fiction, my protagonists were often—not surprisingly—strong female characters trying to bridge different cultures.



Mitali Perkins is the author of several books for young people, including SECRET KEEPER (Random House), MONSOON SUMMER (Random House), RICKSHAW GIRL (Charlesbridge), and the FIRST DAUGHTER books (Dutton).



ABOUT THE BOOK

Often cited as Maud Hart Lovelace’s (of Betsy-Tacy fame) best novel, Emily of Deep Valley is now back in print, with a new foreword by acclaimed young adult author Mitali Perkins and new archival material about the characters’ real lives.



Emily Webster, an orphan living with her grandfather, is not like the other girls her age in Deep Valley, Minnesota. The gulf between Emily and her classmates widens even more when they graduate from Deep Valley High School in 1912. Emily longs to go off to college with everyone else, but she can’t leave her grandfather. Emily resigns herself to facing a “lost winter,” but soon decides to stop feeling sorry for herself. And with a new program of study, a growing interest in the Syrian community, and a handsome new teacher at the high school to fill her days, Emily gains more than she ever dreamed...



In addition to her beloved Betsy-Tacy books, Maud Hart Lovelace wrote three more stories set in the fictional town of Deep Valley: Winona’s Pony Cart, Carney’s House Party and Emily of Deep Valley. Longtime fans and new readers alike will be delighted to find the Deep Valley books available again for the first time in many years.



If you would like to browse inside Emily of Deep Valley, go HERE.

Review by Jenna:
emily of deep valley was hard for me to get into. i'm not very into classics, unless it's pride and prejudice. which i loved.
BUT. it turned into a good story. she's a girl unlike the others, but at the same time just like them. she wants to go to college, but knowing her grandfather is home alone, she doesn't want to leave him. her kind heart repay her, with another......
but you'll have to read!
i wouldn't recommend this book if you judge by the first couple of chapters, but if you can stick it out, it's a pretty good read.

thanks guys!

Those Silly Sisters ~ Swimming in the Rain

About the Book:
Katie and Claire absolutely love adventures. But even more than adventures, they adore being silly. Thankfully for them, their Mommy loves that too! In their first adventure, Katie and Claire wake up excited for one of Mommy's special "promise days". Unfortunately, they quickly discover that a cloudy, rainy day has put a stop to their plans.

Luckily, Katie quickly thinks of a way to turn the day into one of their most memorable ever! Be sure to join the silly sisters as they embark on many more amazing adventures!


Erica is a mom to two beautiful little girls and also happens to be an author of this adorable childrens book! Just seeing the cover makes me smile and want to read it, doesn't it you!!?? This is the first book for Erica and she already has a 2nd book in mind. (Those Silly Sisters ~ Comfy Cozy Tea Party) She is walking this one step at a time with the Lord and bringing glory and honor to HIM first and foremost! If you would like to purchase this adorable book you can do so here Today Erica will be hosting a giveaway in honor of her daughters birthday. She will be drawing around 7:29 pm. since that is when her precious Brea was born :) How cool is that! If you would like to enter hurry on over to Erica's blog and enter


Happy Reading!

Extra Extra ~ Read all about it!! Booksigning Bash

Hey all you Book Lovers!! Have you heard about the Christmas Book Signing Bash going on Christian Review of Books? The event starts today and goes through December 7th! The books are separated into genres so you can easily go to your favorite and order the book you want or want to send as a gift! They sign and ship them! How awesome is that!!

Happy Reading :)

Divine Appointments ~ Review

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Divine Appointments WaterBrook Press; Reprint edition (September 21, 2010) by Charlene Baumbich



ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Charlene Ann Baumbich is the author of the previous three books in the Partonville series. A popular speaker, journalist, and author, for several years she has lectured to women’s groups and retreats. Baumbich is also an award-winning journalist whose work has appeared in the Chicago Tribune, Today’s Christian Woman, and numerous other publications. She is the author of six nonfiction books of humor and inspiration.



Charlene says: For over two decades of writing and speaking, my passionate pursuit to entertain and rejuvenate using humor (I love to laugh-especially at myself), uncommon wisdom, and passionate insights has been affirmed through countless calls, letters, and evaluation sheets. A reader recently e-mailed, "There is so much depression and sadness in this world. I applaud you for reminding all of us to treasure the moments in our lives, and for encouraging us to find joy in the little things. What you do helps so many to rise above the heaviness of life and live, and laugh, and face another day, so thanks!!!!" That is exactly why I keep doing what I do.



I am a firm believer in the power of story (short or book-length, funny or insightful, real or fiction, on stage or page) to accomplish my purpose, which is to remind you: Don't Miss Your Life! Whether you're tuning into me live or in print, fasten your seatbelt. I promise you a wild, fun, provocative, heart-warming ride.



ABOUT THE BOOK

Josie Brooks, at the age of 47, thought she was leading an enviable single life. A successful consultant, she calls her own shots, goes where the money is, and never needs to compromise. But her precisely managed world begins to falter during a Chicago contract when an economic downturn, a bleeding heart boss, and the loyalty and kindness between endangered employees ding her coat of armor.



Throw in hot flashes, a dose of loneliness, a peculiar longing for intimacy, an

unquenchable thirst—not to mention a mysterious snow globe with a serene landscape, complete with a flowing river and lush greenery that seems to be beckoning her in—and Josie’s buttoned-up life is on the verge of coming completely undone.



Maybe her solitary existence isn’t as fulfilling as she has convinced herself to believe. It will take a few new friends, a mystical encounter, and an unexpected journey to set Josie on her own path to “right-sizing” and making the life changes that really matter. Filled with laugh-out loud moments and a gentle dash of inspiration, Divine Appointments is another heartwarming charmer from a master storyteller.



If you would like to read the first chapter of Divine Appointments, go HERE.

Under The Overpass ~ Review

About the Book:
Mike Yankoski did more than just wonder. By his own choice, Mike's life went from upper-middle class plush to scum-of-the-earth repulsive overnight. With only a backpack, a sleeping bag, and a guitar, Mike and his traveling companion, Sam, set out to experience life on the streets in six different cities: Denver; Washington D.C.; Portland; San Francisco; Phoenix; and SanDiego.

For more than five months the pair experienced firsthand the extreme pains of hunger, the constant danger of living on the streets, exhuastion, depression, and social rejection---all by their own choice. They wanted to find out if their faith was real, if they could actually be the Christians they said they were apart from the comforts they'd known....to discover what it feels like to be homeless in America.

Mike and Sam's story is gritty, challenging, and utterly capitvating. What you encounter in these pages will radically alter how you see your world--and may even change your life.

My Review:

I anxiously awaited the arrival of Under the Overpass by Mike Yankoski. I sat down in my chair with my warm blanket and cup of coffee and began reading. Very quickly into the book I realized this was a book that would prove to be quite a convicting read.

One Sunday morning Mike Yankoski was in church listening to his pastor preach the Sermon and felt very convicted. Was he really the Christian he claimed to be? Did he ever really fully rely on Christ for EVERYTHING? Was he like Paul...content in all circumstances? So within that hour an idea began to form in Mike's mind. One that would prove to change his life forever!

Mike felt a calling to leave his comfortable life (and bed) and set out to live as a homeless man. During the beginning stages of this "IDEA" he felt it was VERY IMPORTANT to have a "plan." So Mike surrounded himself with mentors, prayer warriors, and met with many people who worked with the homeless as well as those who are addicted to drugs and alcohol. He had the support of his Family, well, after much talking and planning, and friends too. One last wish was that he would find someone to take on this journey with him. So he began to pray and ask the Lord for this. He met a man named Sam and instantly felt a connection. Within a short time they both felt the Lord had brought them together to take this journey and so it began.

Both men learned VERY QUICKLY about entitlement, pride and learning what it meant to be really hungry. They said prayers they never imagined before. But more than any of this they learned how to live day to day or even hour to hour relying on Christ and Christ alone. They gained a heart for these men and women who smelled worse than you could ever imagine, spoke more expletives and profanities than they had ever heard one person say in one sentence before. They leaned on Scripture like never before in their lives.

If you think you have a heart for the homeless, this is a must read. If you are feeling called to step up and deepen your Faith this is the book! It will convict you in ways, and inspire you as well! Mike and Sam are two men that have been forever changed. I have been changed just by hearing their story and seeing their hearts for the men and women who were made in our Fathers image!


Thank you Waterbook Mutnomah and the blogging for books program for allowing me this complimentary copy in exchange for this honest review.

Silent Order ~ Review

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing The Silent Order Summerside Press (November 1, 2010)by Melanie Dobson



ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Melanie Dobson is the award-winning author of The Black Cloister; Love Finds You in Liberty, Indiana; and Together for Good.



Prior to launching Dobson Media Group in 1999, Melanie was the corporate publicity manager at Focus on the Family where she was responsible for the publicity of events, products, films, and TV specials. Melanie received her undergraduate degree in journalism from Liberty University and her master's degree in communication from Regent University. She has worked in the fields of publicity and journalism for fifteen years including two years as a publicist for The Family Channel.



Melanie and her husband, Jon, met in Colorado Springs in 1997 at Vanguard Church. Jon works in the field of computer animation. Since they've been married, the Dobsons have relocated numerous times including stints in Virginia, Tennessee, North Carolina, Colorado, Berlin, and Southern California. These days they are enjoying their new home in the Pacific Northwest.



Jon and Melanie have adopted their two daughters —Karly (6) and Kinzel (5). When Melanie isn't writing or entertaining their girls, she enjoys exploring ghost towns and dusty back roads, traveling, hiking, line dancing, and reading inspirational fiction.





ABOUT THE BOOK

Rural America - 1928. After the murder of his partner, Detective Rollin Wells hides away in an Amish home near Sugarcreek, Ohio, to find out who in the police force is

collaborating with Cleveland’s notorious mob. While Rollin searches for answers to his partner’s death, he befriends an elusive young Amish woman named Katie and her young son. As Rollin learns about Katie’s past, he’s shocked at the secret Katie is hiding - a secret that has haunted Rollin for eight years.



If you would like to read the first chapter of The Silent Order, go HERE.

Christmas at Harringtons ~ Review

About the Book:

Christmas is coming, but Lena Markham isn't looking forward to it. After being imprisoned on false charges, she's released---penniless and friendless. When her secondhand red coat lands her a job as Mrs. Santa, she thinks her luck is changing. But can she keep her past a secret? A delightful story about fresh starts! 192 pages, hardcover from Revell.


My Review:

This is such a delightful book! Lena Markham has gone to Prison and has lost all hope. Upon her release she learns she has a voice, she has a bright future and a new home but will her past ruin it all? Will she lose her new job as Mrs. Santa and all of her new friends too? Christmas at Harringtons is a precious story of new beginnings and will leave you filled with joy and happiness! Lena's acts of kindness throughout the book will inspire you in so many ways! Even though Lena has little she always found ways to give whether it be her time, her wisdom, her love and even what little amount of money! She was so frugal yet lived so meaningfully! I love all of the characters and how the Lord worked in such wonderful ways through this story! Life in a small town is at times simply wonderful but there can be certain times in which people will be judgmental and it can spread throughout. I love how everyone learned in Christmas at Harringtons about judging one another and appreciated how Melody Carlson wrote this! I really believe this is a book for all ages and wonderful to read during the Christmas Holidays!

Thank you Donna @ Revell for getting those extra copies! Thank you for allowing me to be one of the blessed readers of this book! It in NO WAY altered my opinion. This is my honest review in return of this complimentary book!



Happy Reading