CFBA Presents In The Field of Grace by Tessa Afshar

This week, the

Christian Fiction Blog Alliance

is introducing

In The Field of Grace

River North; New Edition edition (July 1, 2014)

by

Tessa AfsharABOUT THE AUTHOR:

TESSA AFSHAR was voted “New Author of the Year” by the Family Fiction sponsored Reader’s Choice Award 2011 for her novel Pearl in the Sand. She was born in Iran, and lived there for the first fourteen years of her life. She moved to England where she survived boarding school for girls and fell in love with Jane Austen and Charlotte Bronte, before moving to the United States permanently. Her conversion to Christianity in her twenties changed the course of her life forever. Tessa holds an MDiv from Yale University where she served as co-chair of the Evangelical Fellowship at the Divinity School. She has spent the last thirteen years in full-time Christian work.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Destitute, grief-stricken, and unwanted by the people of God, Ruth arrives in Israel with nothing to recommend her but Naomi’s, love. Her loftiest hope is to provide enough food to save Naomi and herself from starvation.

But God has other plans for her life. While everyone considers Ruth an outcast, she is astounded to find one of the most honored men of Judah showing her favor. Long since a widower and determined to stay that way, Boaz is irresistibly drawn to the foreign woman with the haunted eyes. He tells himself he is only being kind to his Cousin Naomi’s chosen daughter when he goes out of his way to protect her from harm, but his heart knows better.

Based on the biblical account of Ruth, In the Field of Grace is the story of a love that ultimately changes the course of Israel’s destiny and the future of the whole world.

If you would like to read the first chapter of In The Field of Grace, go HERE.

End of the Trail by Vickie McDonough by River North

End of the Trail

by

 Vickie McDonough

ABOUT THIS BOOK

End of the Trail is part of a six-book series about four generations of the Morgan family living, fighting, and thriving amidst a turbulent Texas history spanning from 1845 to 1896.

Brooks Morgan left home 11 years earlier and is just too stubborn to return home.  In 1896 he pulls into the town of Shoofly to take refuge from a storm and befriends John Langston in the local cafe. A high stakes poker game ends with Brooks holding the deed to John’s ranch with one condition – Brooks must promise to take care of Keri. Brooks agrees, assuming that Keri is a horse.

Overcome by guilt, Brooks return to the cafe to give back the deed but finds John on the floor dead. Brooks heads off to take care of John’s ranch and is ambushed. With a noose around his neck, hands tied behind his back he offers a prayer up to God.  A stunning shot is delivered from the rifle of a lady on horseback that breaks the noose and frees Brooks. But could this lady – Keri – be an enemy, too?

MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK

This is the sixth and last book in The Texas Trail Series, and I have really enjoyed all six of them! The End of the Trail tells Brooks Morgan’s story. Brooks has been gone from his home for eleven years, and finds himself about to hang, that is until he hears a shot from a strange woman that frees him. What will she ask for in return for saving his life?

I really liked Brook and the feisty Keri Langston, they made this book  very fun and humorous to read! Brook won property in a poker game, property that suppose to belong to Keri, and she is not happy, needless to say. This series is written by a series of authors, and Vickie McDonough did an amazing job of writing the ending, I really enjoy her work. The historical details were vivid and I easily found myself living the story with these solid and interesting characters. I highly recommend this if you enjoy a good clean fiction, and especially if you enjoy Historical fiction. You will find The End of the Trail by Vickie McDonough very delightful!

I received this book from River North, a part of Moody Publishers 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 Shades of Mercy by Anita Lustrea and Caryn Rivendara

This week, the

Christian Fiction Blog Alliance

is introducing

Shades of Mercy

River North; New Edition edition (September 1, 2013)

by

Anita Lustrea
and
Caryn Rivendara ABOUT THE AUTHORS:

Authentic. That’s the word heard over and over when women describe Anita Lustrea. She is a popular speaker at women’s conferences and retreats, and an amazing communicator as co-host of the award winning Midday Connection radio broadcast. Her deep desire is to communicate freedom to women and help them nurture and care for their soul.

Anita is the co-author of “Come to Our Table: A Midday Connection Cookbook” and “Daily Seeds from Women Who Walk in Faith”, a Devotional for women. Her first solo venture as an author releases in November, 2010, “What Women Tell Me: finding freedom from the secrets we keep.”

Anita and her husband, Mike Murphy, a pastor, along with her teenage son John live in the Chicago suburbs. When she’s not traveling or speaking, you can find her reading and drinking a venti hot tea at her local Starbucks.

*******

Caryn is a sought-after writer and speaker. She’s the author of four books—Shades of Mercy: A Maine Chronicle (River North, September 2013), Known & Loved: 52 Devotions from the Psalms (Revell, April 2013), Grumble Hallelujah (Tyndale House, September 2011), and Mama’s Got a Fake I.D. (WaterBrook Press, March 2009)–and a regular contributor to Christianity Today’s Her.Meneutics as well as columnist for Re:Frame Media’s ThinkChristian blog. She has written dozens of magazine article. Her work has appeared in such publications as Christianity Today, Relevant, FamilyLife, and Engineering and Mining Journal (you read that right).

Caryn leads workshops and speaks at conferences and church groups across the country. She’s also a regular guest on Moody Radio’s Midday Connection with Anita Lustrea and Melinda Schmidt and has been featured on such radio shows as The John and Kathy Show, Changing Worldviews/WOMANTalk with Sharon Hughes, I Thought She Said with Faith Daly, The Paul Edwards Program with Paul Edwards, and Talk from the Heart with Rich Buhler, among many others. Caryn also appeared on The Harvest Show.

Caryn earned a B.A. in English from Calvin College and attended the University of Chicago’s publishing program. She lives in the western suburbs of Chicago with her husband, Rafael, her three kids, a rescued pit bull terrier, two hermit crabs, and several tank fulls of who-knows-what-kind-of fish. Caryn and her family are members of Elmhurst Christian Reformed Church in Elmhurst, Illinois, where Caryn recently joined the worship staff.
ABOUT THE BOOK

It’s 1954 and the world-even the far Northwoods of Maine-is about to change. But that change can’t happen soon enough for fourteen-year-old Mercy Millar. Long tired of being the “son” her father never had, Mercy’s ready for the world to embrace her as the young woman she is-as well as embrace the forbidden love she feels.
When childhood playmates grow up and fall in love, the whole community celebrates. But in the case of Mercy and Mick, there would be no celebration. Instead their relationship must stay hidden. Good girls do not date young men from the Maliseet tribe. At least, not in Watsonville, Maine. When racial tensions escalate and Mick is thrown in jail under suspicion of murder, Mercy nearly loses all hope-in love, in her father, and in God himself.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Shades of Mercy, go HERE.

CFBA Presents Widow of Gettsburg…by Jocelyn Green

This week, the 

Christian Fiction Blog Alliance 

is introducing 

Widow of Gettysburg 

River North; New Edition edition (April 12, 2013) 

by 

Jocelyn GreenABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Jocelyn Green is a child of God, wife and mom living in Cedar Falls, Iowa. She is also an award-winning journalist, author, editor and blogger. Though she has written nonfiction on a variety of topics, her name is most widely recognized for her ministry to military wives: Faith Deployed. Her passion for the military family was fueled by her own experience as a military wife, and by the dozens of interviews she has conducted with members of the military for her articles and books, Faith Deployed: Daily Encouragement for Military Wives and its sequel, Faith Deployed…Again: More Daily Encouragement for Military Wives. She is also co-author of both Stories of Faith and Courage from the War in Iraq & Afghanistan and Stories of Faith and Courage from the Home Front (forthcoming, May 2012). Her Faith Deployed Web site and Facebook page continue to provide ongoing support, encouragement and resources for military wives worldwide.

ABOUT THE BOOK

When a horrific battle rips through Gettysburg, the farm of Union widow Liberty Holloway is disfigured into a Confederate field hospital, bringing her face to face with unspeakable suffering–and a Rebel scout who awakens her long dormant heart.

While Liberty’s future crumbles as her home is destroyed, the past comes rushing back to Bella, a former slave and Liberty’s hired help, when she finds herself surrounded by Southern soldiers, one of whom knows the secret that would place Liberty in danger if revealed.

In the wake of shattered homes and bodies, Liberty and Bella struggle to pick up the pieces the battle has left behind. Will Liberty be defined by the tragedy in her life, or will she find a way to triumph over it?
Widow of Gettysburg is inspired by first-person accounts from women who lived in Gettysburg during the battle and its aftermath.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Widow of Gettysburg, go HERE.

Cowgirl Trail by Susan Page Davis

Cowgirl Trail

by Susan Page Davis

RIVER NORTH PUBLISHING

 

ABOUT THIS BOOK

Cowgil Trail is part of a six-book series about four generations of the Morgan family living, fighting, and thriving amidst a turbulent Texas history spanning from 1845 to 1896.  Although a series, each book book can be read on its own.

In 1884 Maggie Porter returns to the Rocking P Ranch. The sanatorium was not able to save her mother and now her father’s health is failing. When the cowboys walk off the job leaving no one to drive the cattle to market, head ranch hand, Alex Bright, cannot convince the men to stay. How could Alex let this happen?

Maggie is desperate to save the ranch and she turns to the town’s women for help. The new cowgirls must herd, rope, and drive the cattle to market. With only two days left, outlaws charge the small band of cowgirls in an effort to start a stampede. The cattle begin to scatter. Will they lose everything? Where will their help come from?

 

MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK

Growing up on the Rock P Ranch, Maggie Porter never thought she would one day be the one to save her father’s ranch by driving a herd of cattle to market. But that’s just what happened, along with all of the other women around, in this River North fiction by Susan Page Davis. Imagine what ranch manager Alex Bright and his men thought about women taking over their job?

 

I found this book a wonderful and interesting historical read. Maggie was a daddy’s girl, but she was also strong-willed and determined. She always had her eye on Alex from the first day he came to work for her dad, and after returning home from two years away from the ranch, Alex is as handsome as ever, but Maggie can’t believe he decides to side with the other ranch hands against her father. With realistic and interesting characters, Cowgirl Trail captured my interest from the beginning. Having read all of the Texas Trails series about the Morgan family, I was excited to be able to read this book as well, and it didn’t disappoint.

 

I highly recommend Cowgirl Trail for a fun, light and interesting read. You will be glad you picked up a copy of this book!

 

I received this book from River North Publishers. I was not required or expected to write a positive review. The opinions in this review are my own

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

About Susan Page Davis

SUSAN PAGE DAVIS is an award winning author who has published more than thirty novels in the historical romance, suspense, mystery, and romance genres. She’s a past winner of the American Christian Fiction Writers’ Book of the Year Contest and a two time winner of the Inspirational Readers’ Choice Contest. Susan is a longtime homeschooler and former school teacher. A Maine native, she now resides in Kentucky with her husband Jim. They have 6 children and 6 grandchildren. Visit Susan at her website:www.susanpagedavis.com.

CFBA Presents Walk With Me….by Annie Wald

This week, the 

Christian Fiction Blog Alliance 

is introducing 

Walk with Me 

River North; New Edition edition (September 1, 2012) 

by 

Annie WaldABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Along with being the author of Walk With Me (forthcoming September 2012, River North/Moody), my fiction has been published in numerous journals including Image, The Southern Review and The North American Review and included in the anthology series, Not Safe But Good, edited by Bret Lott and published by Thomas Nelson. I’m also the author of a young adult novel, The Counterfeit Collection (Tyndale) and I’ve written feature articles for many publications such as Guideposts, Leadership, and Partnership.

Before writing full-time, I worked in book publishing as an acquisitions editor and then as Editor-in-Chief at Princeton University Press. Since 2000, I’ve lived in Morocco where my husband is the pastor of Rabat International Church. We have two married daughters and four delightful grandchildren.

A Word from Annie:

If you still want to know more about me, you may be interested to learn:
On the Myers-Briggs scale, I’m not an I for introvert. I’m an H for hermit.

But I’ve been known to say, “We’re having a small gathering; only 10 people.”

I love Easter sunrise services in cemeteries.

I live on the west coast — of Africa.

My favorite Moroccan meal: Zahara’s beef couscous with raisin sauce, and tchouchouka.

J’adore le francais.

I once told God I’d marry anyone except the man who became my husband.

I prefer to make things up rather than do research, although I have been described as an ‘infomaniac’.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Peter and Celeste choose to travel as one on the lifelong journey to the King’s City

. They are blissfully in love and bound to each other by the Cords of Commitment.

Shortly after visiting the Moon of Honey they discover that the journey proves

much more difficult than they expected. When they find themselves laboring

through the Swamp of Selfishness, crossing the dismal Plains of Distance, and

nearly becoming separated by the River of Unfaithfulness, their love for each

other and for the King is challenged. They must choose whether to continue on

together, not knowing if they can be warmed again by the Kindling of Affection,

or visit the Valley of Cut Cords to journey alone once more.

If you’d like to read a chapter excerpt of Walk with Me, go HERE

 

MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK

On the front of this book it says, “Pilgrim’s Progress for Married Couples” and that’s just what this book is. Showing two different people, with completely different backgrounds, along with different expectations of each other, but they are determined to be committed to each other and make a go of their marriage.  And author Annie Wald writes this book in such and interesting, unique and compelling way, couples will look at their marriage journey in a totally different way. This would be an awesome wedding gift, or a gift for someone even thinking about marriage. Which is just what I will do with this book. Give it to my son, who is getting pretty serious with a lovely young lady who loves the Lord, yet their worlds are so different, their expectations are so different, yet they love each other and say their relationship just feels right, just feels like it is what the Lord wants of them. This book is just what they need….so they will be getting it now, not later, to help them work through their differences, and and realize what marriage is really about.

This book was provided by the publisher River North through CFBA for me to read and review. I was not expected or required to write a positive review. The opinions in this review are mine only.

 

CFBA and River North presents Wedded to War….by Jocelyn Green

This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingWedded to War• River North; New Edition edition (July 1, 2012)

byJocelyn GreenABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Jocelyn Green is a child of God, wife and mom living in Cedar Falls, Iowa. She is also an award-winning journalist, author, editor and blogger. Though she has written nonfiction on a variety of topics, her name is most widely recognized for her ministry to military wives: Faith Deployed. Her passion for the military family was fueled by her own experience as a military wife, and by the dozens of interviews she has conducted with members of the military for her articles and books, Faith Deployed: Daily Encouragement for Military Wives and its sequel, Faith Deployed…Again: More Daily Encouragement for Military Wives. She is also co-author of both Stories of Faith and Courage from the War in Iraq & Afghanistan and Stories of Faith and Courage from the Home Front (forthcoming, May 2012). Her Faith Deployed Web site and Facebook page continue to provide ongoing support, encouragement and resources for military wives worldwide.

MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK!

Still reading this….will finish shortly and post reveiw asap after that….blessings…Joy
ABOUT THE BOOK

When war erupted, she gave up a life of privilege for a life of significance.

Tending to the army’s sick and wounded meant leading a life her mother does not understand and giving up a handsome and approved suitor. Yet Charlotte chooses a life of service over privilege, just as her childhood friend had done when he became a military doctor. She soon discovers that she’s combatting more than just the rebellion by becoming a nurse. Will the two men who love her simply stand by and watch as she fights her own battles? Or will their desire for her wage war on her desire to serve God?

Wedded to War is a work of fiction, but the story is inspired by the true life of Civil War nurse Georgeanna Woolsey. Woolsey’s letters and journals, written over 150 years ago, offer a thorough look of what pioneering nurses endured. This is the first in the series “Heroines Behind the Lines: Civil War,” a collection of novels that highlights the crucial contributions made by women during times of war.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Wedded to War, go HERE.

A Ranger’s Trail by Darlene Franklin

A Ranger’s Trail

by Darlene Franklin

About This Book

This is the fourth book in a six-book series about four generations of the Morgan family living, fighting, and thriving amidst a turbulent Texas history spanning from 1845 to 1896. Although a series, each book can be read on its own.

In 1875 Buck Morgan rode into Mason County with the Texas Rangers to quell the violence stirred up by the actions a vigilantly mob. The Hoo Doo (or bad luck) War erupted as suspected cattle rustlers were murdered by an angry mob.  Former ranger, Scott Cooley, gathers a gang to seek vengeance for the murders.
Suspected of cattle rustling, Leta Derrick’s husband was murdered by the mob a year earlier. Now she is siding with the rogue ranger, Scott Cooley and refuses to help Buck Morgan stem the tide of violence.
Will their actions fuel the fire of vengeance? Or will Buck and Leta strike an accord that leads to more than just peace?

MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK

Buck Morgan enjoyed his family, but he just couldn’t see himself tied down to ranch life, even though that’s what his family wanted. Being a Texas Ranger was in his blood, and nothing else would satisfy that longing.

Leta Denning would forever be angry at the Germans because they killed her husband in cold blood with her watching. Now she is left running the ranch with her teenage brother Andy and her young son Ricky.

As Buck spends more and more time at the Denning ranch, he realizes that Leta couldn’t run the ranch without help, so along with his duties as Texas Ranger, he also does everything he can to help around the ranch, without Leta’s knowing, that is.  But Buck also knows someone needs to protect Leta because of the wrath and fighting among the people. Things get a bit nasty, and someone needs to step in and gain control.

I am thoroughly enjoying this Texas Trails, Morgan Family series from River North. Book four, A Ranger’s Trail continues the Morgan family story. I have enjoyed getting to know Texas a bit better, even though the setting is years earlier. It is interesting to see how folks lived in those early days.

I really like Leta. She was strong, yet sometimes she showed weakness, but after seeing her husband murdered, how else could she be! Buck was just the right person for her. The attraction was so subdued at first, it just made things sweet between them. And as usual, there are the bad guys, and they didn’t care who they shot, young or old. The Texas Rangers were on the case though, and everything would turn out right? Wouldn’t it?

This is a great series and a very good read to continue the Morgan Family saga. I strongly encourage you to grab a copy of this book, along with the first three books and enjoy the journey of the Morgan’s.

This book was provided by River North Fiction
for me to read and review. I was not required or expected to write a positive
review. The opinions in this review are mine only.

&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&

 

About   Darlene Franklin

DARLENE FRANKLIN is the author of fourteen contracted books and novellas as well as several hundred short pieces. Two of her books have been finalists in ACFW’s Book of the year contest: Dressed in Scarlet and A String of Murders. Darlene lives in Oklahoma near her son’s family. Visit her website www.darlenefranklinwrites.blogspot.com for information on upcoming titles.

Captive Trail by Susan Page Davis Book 2 in Texas Trails Series

Captive Trail

 by Susan Page Davis

ISBN: 978-0-8024-0584-5

Publish date: August,  2011

Count: 304

Dimensions: 5.5 x 8.5

Format: Paperback

Weight: .81 LBS

ABOUT THIS BOOK

The Captive Trail is part of a six-book series about four generations of the Morgan family living, fighting, and thriving amidst a turbulent Texas history spanning from 1845 to 1896.  Although a series, each book can be read on its own.

Taabe Waipu has run away from her Comanche village and is fleeing south in Texas on a horse she stole from a dowry left outside her family’s teepee. The horse has an accident and she is left on foot, injured and exhausted. She staggers onto a road near Fort Chadbourne and collapses.

On one of the first runs through Texas, Butterfield Overland Mail Company driver Ned Bright carries two Ursuline nuns returning to their mission station. They come across Taabe who is nearly dead from exposure and dehydration and take her to the mission.

With some detective work, Ned discovers Taabe Waipu’s identity. He plans to unite her with her family, but the Comanche have other ideas. Through Taabe and Ned we learn the true meaning of healing and restoration amid seemingly powerless situations.

Visit Captive Trail  on Amazon

MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK

Susan Page Davis continues the Morgan family story in this second book of Texas Trails. Billie Morgan and her horse were taken by the Comanche’s and thought to be dead. And that did almost happen, but Billie, or Taabe Wiapu escaped from the Indian reservation and was almost dead when Ned found her. He takes her to a convent of Nuns for her safety, and families came to see if she was their long lost daughter, and that’s how the Morgan family found Billie. What a reunion that was!

Susan Page Davis is a wonderful writer and she did not disappoint in this story. I thoroughly enjoyed the continuation of the Morgan’s story, though a little flavor was added with the nuns and getting to know more about the Comanche Indians. This book deals with a lot of interesting issues that captivate you and just won’t let you put the book down. We get a lot of history, learn a little about the ways on Indians, a little of what goes on in a nun setting, (though these nuns faced some interesting situations that most probably don’t), faith, trust and leaning on God, and of course a little romance to spice things up.

I highly recommend Captive Trail as well as the other books in the Texas Trails, Morgan family Series. There are six in all, so you have some reading to do. Go to River North, the fiction division of Moody Publishers and check out this wonderful series written by three different and awesome authors.

A copy of this book was provided by River North. I was not expected or required to write a positive review of this book. The opinions in this review are mine only.

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

SUSAN PAGE DAVIS is an award winning author who has published more than thirty novels in the historical romance, suspense, mystery, and romance genres. She’s a past winner of the American Christian Fiction Writers’ Book of the Year Contest and a two time winner of the Inspirational Readers’ Choice Contest. Susan is a longtime homeschooler and former school teacher.  A Maine native, she now resides in Kentucky with her husband Jim. They have 6 children and 6 grandchildren.  Visit Susan at her website: www.susanpagedavis.com.

Visit SusanPageDavis.com to learn more

Texas Trails Series…..The Long Trail Home by Vickie McDonough

 

Book Blurb

Long Trail Home is part of a six-book series about four generations of the Morgan family living, fighting, and thriving amidst a turbulent Texas history spanning from 1845 to 1896.  Although a series, each book can be read on its own.

When Riley Morgan returns home after fighting in the War Between the States, he is excited to see his parents and fiancee again. But he soon learns that his parents are gone and the woman he loved is married.

Riley takes a job at the Wilcox School for the blind just to get by. He keeps his heart closed off but a pretty blind woman, Annie, threatens to steal it.

Through painful circumstances, Riley and Annie learn that the loving and sovereign hand of God cannot be thwarted.

 

MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK

Long Trail Home by Vickie McDonough

Texas Trails Series from River North….Moody Publishers

The Morgan family saga continues with Riley Morgan returning to his home in Waco, Texas, excited about seeing his mom and dad, and wanting forgiveness from him for leaving like he did. It just didn’t happen that way though. Riley returned to find an empty house, no one too welcome him home or tell him what happened.

Riley ends up helping out a friend that is in charge of a school that takes care of blind children. He is happy to live in a room in the barn, do repairs and upkeep to the badly need buildings and such around the farm in exchange for room and board, and of course the wonderful meals he would enjoy.

What Riley didn’t anticipate was falling for one of the ladies at the school. Annie, who was also blind or so he thought. Was she?

I have thoroughly enjoyed each book in this series, and this one didn’t disappoint. Vickie McDonough brings her expert writing skills to the series with a story that will capture your being and keep you instilled into the pages until the very end. The characters are truly believable and realistic, giving you the feeling that you’ve known them for a very long time!

I really encourage you to visit River North, the fiction division of Moody Publishers, and check out the Six books in this series. I will assure you, if you read one, you will have to read them all!

This book was provided by River North Fiction for me to read and review. I was not required or expected to write a positive review. The opinions in this review are mine only.

Check the book out on Amazon

About the Author

About   Vickie McDonough

VICKIE MCDONOUGH is the author of over twenty books including the Texas Boardinghouse Brides series. Vickie’s books have won the Inspirational Reader’s Choice Contest, Texas Gold, and the ACFW Noble Theme contest. Vickie lives in Oklahoma and is a wife of 35 years. She has 4 grown sons and one granddaughter. Visit Vickie’s website: www.vickiemcdonough.com.