Hidden Agenda by Lisa Harris, from Revell

Hidden Agenda by Lisa Harris His cover is blown. Now his enemies are on his heels and closing in. Presumed dead by friends and family, Michael Hunt is alive–and on the run. Presumed dead by friends and family, the undercover assignment he’s been working for the past eight months has just been blown. With a hit out on his life and corruption inside the Atlanta police department, Michael finds himself hunted by both the cartel and the law. His only hope is Olivia Hamilton–the daughter of the man who wants him dead. This nonstop chase from Christy Award-winning Lisa Harris will leave you breathless. .. MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK Hidden Agenda will have you sitting on the edge of your seat throughout the entire book! Michael Hunt is alive and well, but no one know that, because Michael has been working undercover but he can’t tell because he doesn’t know who to trust. There is clearly some dirty cop stuff going on, and he would be dead if anyone found out! Through all of the twists and turns in this story, Michael ends up with the daughter and son of the man who has a hit on his life. But is this enough to save Michael’s life, and reveal everything he has learned while undercover? You will be thrilled, and will not put this awesome book down, as you read Lisa Harris’ new book, Hidden Agenda. I love, loved this book, and I can’t wait for the next book from Ms. Harris! I received this book from Revell to read and review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 55. Praise for Lisa Harris’s Southern Crimes Series “Readers looking for a strong female protagonist and a unique murder mystery will find much to admire in Harris’s work.”–Publishers Weekly on Dangerous Passage “Harris takes you on a trail that leads straight to the worst kind of evil–and the lives of those who are determined to stop it.”–bestselling author Lynette Eason on Dangerous Passage “A thrill ride from start to finish. Full of twists and turns, this exciting story will keep readers enthralled.”–RT Book Reviews on Fatal Exchange Lisa Harris is the award-winning author of more than twenty books, including the Christy Award winner Dangerous Passage and Fatal Exchange. Winner of the Best Inspirational Suspense Novel for 2011 from Romantic Times, Harris has spent over ten years living with her family as missionaries in Mozambique, where she leads a women’s group and runs a nonprofit organization that works alongside their church-planting ministry. Visit www.lisaharriswrites.com for more.

Romancing You Better Half by Rick Johnson

Romancing You Better Half

by Rick Johnson

Romancing Your Better Half by Rick Johnson Expert advice to keep the fire burning in your marriage If you’ve been married more than a few years, you probably know how it goes. You start out in the throes of passionate romance only to have the fire cool over the years–especially when kids come along or life gets too busy. But keeping the romance alive is easier than most people think. Now the author of Becoming Your Spouse’s Better Half shares the secrets of pursuing romance that won’t quit. With wit and wisdom, Rick Johnson shows you how to communicate effectively with your spouse, recapture the feeling of young love, incorporate romance and intimacy into everyday life, understand each other’s unique sexual needs, and more. The useful insights and solid advice in this practical book will strengthen your marriage now and into the future. “I loved this book. It’s practical, insightful, and most importantly, motivating to draw closer to our spouses. Rick is a wonderful writer who inspires.”–Jim Burns, PhD, president, HomeWord, author of Creating an Intimate Marriage, Closer, and Getting Ready for Marriage “Full of not just wise advice but ultra-practical steps for how to ensure your marriage continues to be something that you will enjoy and treasure for a lifetime.”–Shaunti Feldhahn, social researcher and bestselling author of For Women Only, For Men Only, and The Surprising Secrets of Highly Happy Marriages “Romancing Your Better Half is going to reignite and, very likely, rescue thousands of marriages. It’s brilliant! Suddenly the secrets to romance and intimacy aren’t secret anymore.”–Jay Payleitner, producer, speaker, and bestselling author of 52 Things Husbands Need from Their Wives Rick Johnson is a bestselling author of Becoming Your Spouse’s Better Half, How to Talk So Your Husband Will Listen, That’s My Son, Becoming the Dad Your Daughter Needs, and Better Dads, Stronger Sons. He is the founder of Better Dads and is a sought-after speaker at many large parenting and marriage conferences across the United States and Canada. Rick, his wife, Suzanne, and their grown children live in Oregon. To find out more about Rick Johnson, visit http://www.betterdads.net.   MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK Rick Johnson has been married for many years, and to the same woman. And it is from his marriage experience that he writes this book, Romancing Your Better Half. Mr. Johnson writes this book from a man’s perspective, but women will find tons of helpful information in this book as well. This would be a wonderful book for the couples thinking about marriage as well as those already married. Mr. Johnson’s ideas in this book is to teach couples how to have a better relationship with your spouse. As well as how to take the marriage you have to the next level. I would encourage anyone getting married, or already married to pick up a copy of this book! And that takes in a lot of people here! I received this book from Revell to read and review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 55.

CFBA Presents Blind Trust by Sandra Orchard

This week, the

Christian Fiction Blog Alliance

is introducing

Blind Trust

Revell (June 17, 2014)

by

Sandra OrchardABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Sandra Orchard is a multi-award-winning author of mysteries and romantic suspense with Revell Publishing and Harlequin’s Love Inspired Suspense imprint. She is an active member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Romance Writers of America and The Word Guild (Canada). A mother of three grown children, she lives in Niagara, Canada with her real-life-hero husband and writes full time . . . when not doting on her young grandchildren.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Kate Adams had no idea she was carrying counterfeit money, and she can’t believe that it came from her sweet neighbor. Or that it lands her in the middle of another one of Detective Tom Parker’s investigations. Determined to prove her neighbor’s innocence, Kate stumbles into a pit of intrigue that is far deeper than a two-bit counterfeit operation–and strikes too close to home for comfort. As family secrets come to light, her world–and her budding romance with Tom–begin to crumble. To Kate, it’s clear that she won’t be safe until she uncovers all of Port Aster’s secrets. But is it too late for her and Tom?

If you would like to read the first chapter of Blind Trust, go HERE.

MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK

Sandra Orchard is a new favorite author for me. This was such an enjoyable read! I love the suspense throughout the book, and I just couldn’t figure out why this little old lady had counterfeit bill! A lot of things going on in this story, which kept me glued to the page! If you enjoy a good clean read that will keep you on your toes, I highly recommend Blind Trust! I promise you wont be able to put it down.

Litfuse presents The Case of the Jewel Covered Cat Statues

Litfuse presents

The Case of the Jewel Covered Cat Statuesut the Book

Buckley and Bogey, Cat Detectives, find their next big case with the Buckley and Bogey Cat Detective Agency to be their most complicated ever! It all starts when someone hides a mysterious package in their Mom’s antique store – in the middle of the night! Of course, the boys find it, and put it in a nice, safe place, until they can open it . . . and, find the rightful owner. But that’s when a whole bunch of suspicious people show up in St. Gertrude, and every single one of them seems to be after that package! Holy Catnip! Plus, everything happens just when a priceless, jeweled statue collection goes on display at the St. Gertrude Museum. Missing from that collection are two jewel covered cat statues that disappeared almost a hundred and fifty years ago.

But soon Buckley and Bogey wonder how long those statues will stay missing. Because this is one case that really keeps them on their paws! From a trip to the Museum, and to an old church for the Blessing of the Animals; and from dinosaurs to diamonds, they end up dodging shady suspects the whole time. It sure helps to have their friends with them, especially when the bad guys make a beeline for boys. That’s because it becomes very clear, very quick — the priceless cat statues aren’t the only cats those crooks are after! Holy Mackerel!

Find out more about the series and purchase a copy here.

MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK

I really enjoyed this detective story written for young readers! But not only the younger generation will love Buckley and Bogey, so will everyone of all ages! Right now the detective cat team are having the crime of their life, because this is a much more complicated case than any they have had before. This time their job was to protect their own house. Job tensions soared when a mysterious package was dropped at their  moms business and their job was to hid the package until they found out what was going on.

This is such a fun and entertaining story for young readers, and the detectives Buckley and Bogey will have them laughing and waiting for their next move. I know your child will love reading this really good adventurous tale and the pages full of laughs that await them. I highly recommend this sweet little book!

I received this book from Litfuse to read and review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 55.

Cindy Vincent

Cindy Vincent was born in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, and has lived all around the US and Canada. She holds an M.A.Ed, and is the creator of the Mysteries by Vincent murder mystery party games and the Daisy Diamond Detective Series games for girls. She is also the award-winning author of the Buckley and Bogey Cat Detective Caper books, the Daisy Diamond Detective book series, and the “Cats are Part of His Kingdom, Too: 33 Daily Devotions to Understanding God’s Love.” She lives with her husband and the real, live Buckley and Bogey, who run surveillance on her house each and every night.

Revell Presents….Emissary by Thomas Locke

Emissary

by Thomas Locke

Emissary by Thomas Locke With his twenty-first birthday, Hyam begins a journey that will lead him to his destiny–or his doom. Hyam has always shown a remarkable ability to master languages, even those left unspoken for a thousand years. But now the shadow of suspicion that was cast upon him as a child prodigy at Long Hall is lengthening, and he must keep his identity hidden–or face annihilation. As Hyam’s mother slips toward death, she implores him to return to Long Hall before he settles down to farm his land. This journey born from duty becomes an impassioned quest for the truth. War is coming swiftly, and Hyam must rely upon his newfound powers and the friends he meets along the way in order to unravel the puzzling past and ensure that he–and the realm–will have a future. In a world where magic has been outlawed for centuries, one young man discovers that he possesses powers beyond his wildest dreams. But he does not realize how pivotal this gift will be in the days to come. Except for the healing arts, magicking is a punishable offense in the realm. The only places it is still practiced are the Long Halls scattered throughout the land–isolated haunts of wizards called mages and their long-suffering students. But hidden rivers of power course deep beneath the earth, and not everyone has obeyed the edict banning magic. Vixens lie in wait on the Galwyn road. A mysterious race of telepaths comes and goes invisibly. It is even rumored that Elves still hide among the wizened trees. And somewhere beyond the badlands, a growing menace threatens the hard-won peace of the realm. This young man could stem the ominous tide . . . but only by turning away from everyone and everything he has ever known. And facing dangers he cannot fathom. Thomas Locke is a pseudonym for Davis Bunn, the award-winning novelist with total worldwide sales of seven million copies. His work has been published in twenty languages, and critical acclaim includes four Christy Awards for excellence in fiction. He divides his time betweenguy Oxford and Florida and holds a lifelong passion for speculative stories. Davis’s screenplay adaptation of Emissary is currently under development as a feature film with a British production company. Learn more at http://www.tlocke.com. MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK I am not really in to fantasy, and I should have realized this book is fantasy. It did take me a while to get into the story, trying to figure out what was going on. After a little while I realized what a great story this is. The characters are phenomenal and I enjoyed watching them learn through their take on life.  And as any book written by Davis Bunn, Emissary was an amazingly written book, and the professional writing of Thomas Locke, aka Davis Bunn shines through clearly. So if you enjoy Fantasy, You will enjoy this book! So I encourage you to pick up your copy and give it a try! You will not be disappointed! I received this book from Revell to read and review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 55.

Litfuse Presents Masterpiece Marriage by Gina Welborn

About the Book

New from Abingdon Press’ Quilts of Love series | Masterpiece Marriage

He wants to save his business. She wants to be a professor. But are they asking for more than they can really have?

After a flood damages the looms at Zenus Dane’s Philadelphia textile mill and the bank demands loan payment, Zenus turns to his aunt for help repurposing his textiles. Trouble is . . . his aunt has already been hired by the lovely yet secretive Englishwoman Mary Varrs.

Eager to acquire his aunt’s quilt patterns, Zenus attends the summer Quilting Bee, a social event his aunt has uniquely designed with the secret purpose of finding Zenus a wife. However Zenus only has eyes for Mary, but Mary has no such desire for him.

Though his aunt is determined to design a masterpiece marriage, both Zenus and Mary will have to overcome their stubborn ways. Can he realize that love requires stepping out of his routine? And will she recognize that following her heart doesn’t mean sacrificing her ambition?

Find out more and purchase a copy at the Quilts of Love website.

MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK

As with all of the Quilts of Love Series from Abingdon, Masterpiece Marriage centers around a special quilt. I have really enjoyed all the books in this series, each one is so different, yet each one captures your attention, drawing you into the story.
Zenus and Mary were characters that I quickly fell in love with. And I loved the aunt and the way she put the pieces of the quit together, all the while trying to draw Zenus and Mary together. But they were so stubborn!! But all in all, Masterpiece Marriage turned out to be a sweet romance, full of love, friends and tension and a lot of adjustments in personalities, bringing this quilt together and a story that is sure to warm your hearts.

I received this book from Litfuse to read and review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 55.

ABOUT THIS AUTHOR

Gina Welborn

Gina Welborn is the author of several novels and novellas, including “The Heiress’s Courtship.” She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers; the president of Faith, Hope and Love; and a founding member of InkwellInspirations.com. She lives in Cache, Oklahoma, with her pastor husband and their five children. Visit her online at GinaWelborn.com.

The Financially Confident Woman by Mary Hunt

The Financially Confident Woman

by Mary Hunt

You have what it takes to take control of your money Have you ever felt that you lack the know-how to take control of your financial life? You’re not alone. But it’s not a lack of savvy that’s the problem, says personal financial expert Mary Hunt; it’s a lack of confidence. And Hunt is here to help you develop a can-do attitude toward money so that you can take control of your finances. Using the lessons she’s learned from her own hard-fought battle with debt, Hunt empowers you to cultivate nine essential money habits, including · giving · saving · investing · rejecting unsecured debt · preparing for emergencies · getting what you pay for · and more She also includes a six-week action plan to help you get started right away. You’re smart, you’re capable, and you’re just a few steps away from a positive, confident financial future. Mary Hunt is an award-winning and bestselling author, a syndicated columnist, and a sought-after motivational speaker who helps men and women battle the epidemic of consumer debt. She is founder and publisher of the interactive website Debt-Proof Living, which features financial tools, resources, and information for her online members. Her books have sold more than a million copies, and her daily newspaper column, Everyday Cheapskate, is nationally syndicated through Creators Syndicate. Hunt speaks widely on personal finance and has appeared on shows such as NBC’s TODAY and Dr. Phil. She and her husband live in Colorado. Find out more at http://www.debtproofliving.com. MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK I have read several of Mary Hunt’s Books are they are all so very good! In this book, she teaches you how you can get a handle on giving saving money, getting started with investing money, preparing for emergencies, rejecting unsecured debt, getting what you pay for, and many more valuable tips and much info on so many topics. And I like that she doesn’t just teach you and leaves you hanging, she gives you a 6 weeks action plan to put what you have learned from her book into action. If you are struggling with your finances, I highly recommend you pick up this book for help! And Mary Hunt has several more amazing books out there as well, so check those out too! I received this book from Revell to read and review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 55.

CFBA Presents Soul Painter by Cara Luecht

This week, the

Christian Fiction Blog Alliance

is introducing

Soul Painter

WhiteFire Publishing (March 15, 2014)

by

Cara LuechtABOUT THE AUTHOR:

A Word from the Author:

I never planned to be a writer. In fact, it took me a while to finish college. But I did, and here I am. And I now I can’t imagine not being a writer.

By day, I am an English Instructor at MATC, Marketing Manager for Degnan Design Builders, Inc., mother to four amazing children, wife to an eternally patient and supportive husband, and Worship Leader for Living Hope Fellowship in Sun Prairie, WI. In the evening, when I can squirrel away some quiet time, I read and write historical fiction.

I have a B.A. in English Lit. from UW Whitewater and an M.F.A in Creative Writing from Fairleigh Dickinson University in Madison, NJ.

If you have a question for me, or if you are local and would like me to stop by your book club or writer’s group, please drop me a line via the “Ask the Author” tab. I always love the opportunity to meet with others who share my love of books.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Miriam paints the future…but can she change it?

Chicago – 1890

Miriam watches the people jostle their way below the windows of her warehouse home, never thinking to look up at her as she paints their faces. But Miriam’s gift as an artist goes beyond a mere recording of what is: Miriam paints their futures. Only once was she wrong. One woman doesn’t match the future Miriam saw. The bright girl was supposed to grow into a respected businesswoman. Instead, Ione disappears nightly into the shadowed alley next to the cathedral with the other prostitutes. Then one night, while walking through the city fog, Miriam finds Ione broken and beaten. Miriam is forced to open her home to the stranger whose face she knows so well and open her life to change she never could have foretold. Women are missing—some found floating in the river, some never seen again. The deacon from the cathedral is the first to help. Soon Miriam’s solicitor, Michael, aids her in rejoining society so they might uncover the evil at work in the corrupt city…and awakens feelings she had never considered before. Finally engaged with the world she has so long observed, finally stirred by love and friendship, Miriam realizes the responsibility of her gifting. No longer can she just paint what will be. She must now help Ione find the future she is meant to have…and find her own along with it.

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

MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK

This is my first book by this author, and I thoroughly enjoyed reading Soul Painter. It is very well written, the characters are unique and very interesting, and I enjoyed getting to know them more as the story unfolded. This was a very different genre for me to read, but I am so glad I gave it a try. I look forward to reading more from Ms. Luecht!

CFBA Presents Masterpiece Marriage by Gina Welborn

This week, the

Christian Fiction Blog Alliance

is introducing

Masterpiece Marriage

Abingdon Press (December 16, 2014)

by

Gina WelbornABOUT THE AUTHOR:

After Gina Welborn earned a Communications degee from an Oklahoma university, she thought the perfect career choice was working at a news radio station writing commercial copy, public service announcements, and news reports. A PSA writer, sadly, can only be so creative when describing ketchup and Geronimo’s grave. (No, she never combined those two elements in the same script, but now that she thinks about it, she wishes … ) Thus Gina “retired” to focus on goal, motivation, and conflict within her family before discovering her niche in writing romances. A member of RWA and ACFW, Gina has four published novellas, including one in the ECPA-bestselling Mistletoe Memories, and three short historical romances: The Heiress’s Courtship, The Marshal’s Pursuit, and Masterpiece Marriage. A moderately obsessive fan of Community, Once Upon a Time, and Chopped, Gina lives in Oklahoma with her pastor husband, their five Okie-Hokie children, a box-lab, two rabbits, four guinea pigs, and a fancy Russian dwarf hamster named Tom Bob Deucalion. Gina is represented by the Steve Laube Agency.
ABOUT THE BOOK

After a flood damages the looms at Zenus Dane’s Philadelphia textile mill and the bank demands loan payment, Zenus turns to his aunt for help repurposing his textiles. Trouble is . . . his aunt has already been hired by the lovely yet secretive Englishwoman Mary Varrs. Eager to acquire his aunt’s quilt patterns, Zenus attends the summer Quilting Bee, a social event his aunt has uniquely designed with the secret purpose of finding Zenus a wife. However Zenus only has eyes for Mary, but Mary has no such desire for him. Though his aunt is determined to design a masterpiece marriage, both Zenus and Mary will have to overcome their stubborn ways. Can he realize that love requires stepping out of his routine? And will she recognize that following her heart doesn’t mean sacrificing her ambition?

If you would like to read the first chapter of Masterpiece Marriage, go HERE.

MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK

Another awesome book in Abingdon’s Quilts of Love Series. And another very special quilt surrounded around a special story. I really liked Zenus’ aunt and the place she has in this story. I was so intrigued with her quilt, and the story behind it, and fell in love with these characters. I encourage you to pick up a copy of Gina Welborn’s Masterpiece Marriage, it will sure give you many hours of entertainment!

Les Misérables by Victor Hugo and Jim Reimann

Les Misérables

by Victor Hugo and Jim Reimann

ABOUT THIS BOOK

Here’s the epic story that spawned Hollywood films and Broadway musicals—in a condensed and updated version perfect for the twenty-first century reader seeking its redemptive message. Born of the unrest that pervaded France after the failure of its eighteenth-century revolution, Les Misérables follows the journey of Jean Valjean from depravity and corruption to grace and redemption. The eclectic cast of characters accompanying Valjean causes us to empathize with the condition of the human spirit—from Fantine, the desperate single mother, to the cold justice of Javert, to the passion of Cosette, to the revolutionary spirit in Marius. This retelling of Hugo’s epic 1862 novel retains the richness that is Les Mis, in approximately one-fifth of the original wording.

MY THOUGHS ON THIS BOOK

Wow there is so much to this book. I had never read this book, nor watched movies or anything, so I was in awe of the entire story.  This story follows Jean Valjean from depravity and corruption to grace and redemption, with the most amazing wide range of characters, I simply didn’t want the book to end. I will have to say that sometimes the book was kinda of complicated to read, and I would find my self shifting away from the story for a while, but then I was right back into it. But the message is the main thing, and that is the redemption and grace of Jean Valjean. From a life of corruption to the face of redemption, you will be in awe of this story. A story that everyone should read at some point in their lives!

I received this book from Barbour Books to read and review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 55.