Can I just use this as an example of how amazing and thoughtful reviewers are about A Healing Heart? This is from Amazon and the reviewer was so very thoughtful and thorough. Thank you to this reviewer and to all who are taking time out of their lives to read and review A Healing Heart! Angie
This review is from: A Healing Heart: Quilts of Love Series (Paperback)
This book will speak to your heart. It spoke to mine in several ways. As I watch my quilting mother's health decline, it spoke to me about pouring my love into my family. It spoke to me about not getting so caught up in my circumstances that I forget to enjoy those around me. It spoke to me about never forgetting that God has a grander plan than I could ever think or imagine for myself. It spoke to me about allowing God to heal hurts and wounds that have cut into my inner core. A Healing Heart will do just that--heal your heart. Sometimes we can see ourselves through a character even when the story is different than ours, and we can learn through their lessons even when the lesson that needs to be learned is a little different. Because truly, the only lesson we need to learn is to allow God to heal us in His time and His way. We may make some bad choices in our quest for healing, and we may need to voice a couple of "I'm sorry" phrases along the way, but God has a master plan for piecing our lives back together and making them beautiful just as Mara pieced together that wonderful quilt. ... Angela Breidenbach will keep you turning the pages to see how Mara's story unfolds.
Angie's Take: What a treat to read this book by authors, Tricia Goyer and Oceanna Fleiss. I'm impressed by the seamless story telling between the two partner writers. I also really enjoyed their character, Ginny Marshall, as she listened to her heart to take a risk at a major crossroad in her life. That spoke to me because often we rush into the dream we think we have and miss the part where God said to take a turn on our journey to His plan for our lives. A great story question is raised though. Does a skewed childhood perception still rule our adult world? Another great story question: Would you be willing to give up a dream for love? Great things to explore in the lovely story of Ginny Marshall in Love Finds You in Glacier Bay Alaska.
In Glacier Bay, Ginny discovers a box of old letters and is swept up in the love story between Clay, an early missionary to Alaska Territory, and Ellie, the woman who traveled there to be his children's governess. When Ginny is reunited with Brett in Glacier Bay, will she discover-as Ellie did-that healing and love are sometimes found in the most unexpected places?
Meet the Authors:Tricia Goyer is the award winning author of over thirty books including Beside Still Waters, Remembering You, and the mommy memoir, Blue Like Play Dough.
Tricia is a regular speaker at conventions and conferences and is the
host of Living Inspired. She and her family make their home in Little
Rock, Arkansas where they are part of the ministry of FamilyLife.
Find out more about Tricia at http://triciagoyer.com.
Ocieanna Fleiss is a published author
and editor. She lives with her husband and their four children in the Seattle area.
Celebrate with Tricia and Ocieanna by entering their "Glacier Bay" Giveaway and RSVPing for their Facebook Party on Feb. 12th!
One fortunate winner will receive:
A gorgeous handmade “Glacier Bay” bracelet
A handmade cowl in "Glacier Bay" blues and greens
A bottle of custom-made "Glacier Bay" sparkle polish in blue
Love Finds You in Glacier Bay, Alaska by Tricia Goyer and Ocieanna Fleiss and their two other “Love Finds You” titles {Love Finds You in Lonesome Prairie, Montana, and Love Finds You in Victory Heights, Washington}
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on February 11th. Winner will be announced at the "Glacier Bay" Author Chat Party on February 12th. Connect with authors Tricia and Ocieanna, get a sneak peek of their new book projects, try your hand at the Alaska trivia contest, and chat with readers just like you. There will also be great giveaways—gift certificates, books, and more!
So grab your copy of Love Finds You in Glacier Bay, Alaska, and join Tricia and Ocieanna on the evening of February 12th for a chance to connect with the authors and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book, don't let that stop you from coming!)
Don't miss a moment of the fun, RSVP today. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning.
Path of Freedom, Angie's Take: I'm on a quest to read all of the Quilts of Love Books in the line. This is my third book and it's written by my friend and Faith Girls blog partner for over six years, Jennifer. Not having a peek prior, I didn't know more than it was an historical set with the Underground Railroad amongst the Quakers. I enjoyed the story very much. One thing really stood out to me about the heroine, Flora Saferight. How bullied she was as a child and how that affects a person into their adulthood. Flora's choices and personal thoughts really reflected a true sense of name calling and the struggle she had to overcome and forgive the behavior of others. I loved this look inside Flora because I think it's much more common than we realize in everyone's life.
Another thing I really enjoyed about Path of Freedom was the decisions the characters made to take on the adventure. Most of us do not leap into change. We struggle with the decision. I loved that Ms. Taylor allowed her characters to naturally engage in the process. The beauty in this book is how the characters responded to a calling on their lives even in the face of insecurity. That's true courage and a lovely fictional example of how we should respond in our lives. Bravo, Jennifer, for an engaging story that enriched my life for reading it.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Jennifer Hudson Taylor is an award winning author of historical Christian fiction set in Europe and the Carolinas and a speaker on topics of faith, writing and publishing. Her debut novel, Highland Blessings, won the 2011 Holt Medallion award for Best First Book. Jennifer's work has appeared in national publications, such as Guideposts, Heritage Quest Magazine, Romantic Times Book Reviews, and The Military Trader. She serves as the in-house Publicist at Hartline Literary Agency and co-owns Upon the Rock Publicist. Jennifer graduated from Elon University with a B.A. in Communications. When she isn't writing, she enjoys spending time with family, long walks, traveling, touring historical sites, hanging out at bookstores with coffee shops, genealogy, and reading.
ABOUT THE BOOK
3rd in the Quilts of Love series
When Quakers Flora Saferight and Bruce Millikan embark on the Underground Railroad, they agree to put their differences aside to save the lives of a pregnant slave couple. With only her mother’s quilt as a secret guide, the foursome follows the stitches through unknown treachery.
As they embark on their perilous journey, they hope and pray that their path is one of promise where love sustains them, courage builds faith, and forgiveness leads to freedom.
Angie's Take: I'd heard a lot about this author, Kristin Heitzmann, but never read her work before. A friend of mine told me on many occasions this writer was her very favorite. Now hearing those words, very favorite, made me curious. I had to read her work and find out why. The Breath of Dawn sounded intriguing. The first page told me. The skilled writing unrolled images of a movie screen from the first sentence. Okay, my friend is right. Kristen is a great writer. I'm not finished, but I can tell you I'm looking forward to immersing myself in Ms. Heitzmann's book.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
From the time my dad taught me to read at sit-on-the-floor school when I was four—launching me past kindergarten into 1st grade—I have loved learning and expressing what I know through art, music, and especially writing. Education came easily, and I grew accustomed to having my work read and displayed. But breaking out of the family mold, I left college to marry my husband Jim (celebrating our 29th this year.) Since then, life and all kinds of research have provided the grist for my stories. We have three awesome adult kids, and one incredible teenager. (You might think I’m biased, but ask anyone who knows them.)
While home schooling my four kids, I wrote my first novel. I pitched it for publication, and it became the first of a five book historical series. Since then, I have written three more historical novels and nine contemporaries. The Still of Night was nominated for the Colorado Book Award. The Tender Vine was a Christy Award finalist and Secrets won a Christy in 2005.
People often ask why I started writing, and I say to get the stories out of my head. Some say they’d like to write a book, but I say if you’re not wracked with labor pains, there are easier ways to express yourself. Being a writer is a solitary, eccentric, and often compulsive path. But I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
ABOUT THE BOOK
Kristen Heitzmann Delivers Powerful New Romantic Suspense
Morgan Spencer has had just about all he can take of life. Following the tragic death of his wife, Jill, he retreats to his brother's Rocky Mountain ranch to heal and focus on the care of his infant daughter, Olivia. Two years later, Morgan begins to make plans to return to his home in Santa Barbara to pick up the pieces of his life and career.
Quinn Riley has been avoiding her past for four years. Standing up for the truth has forced her into a life of fear and isolation. After a "chance" first meeting and a Thanksgiving snowstorm, Quinn is drawn into the Spencer family's warm and loving world, and she begins to believe she might find freedom in their friendship.
The man Quinn helped put behind bars has recently been released, however, and she fears her past will endanger the entire Spencer family. As the danger heightens, she determines to leave town for the sake of the people who have come to mean so much to her.
Fixing problems is what Morgan Spencer does best, and he is not willing to let Quinn run away, possibly into the clutches of a man bent on revenge. But Morgan's solution sends him and Quinn on an unexpected path, with repercussions neither could have anticipated.
Oh, oh, oh what a delightful read! Liz Curtis Higgs delivers a holiday delicacy in A Wreath of Snow. Perfect Christmas reading with the theme of forgiveness. But even more fun is getting to know the characters in their setting. Be sure to pop over to Liz's Pinterest page for her research trip photos of Stirling (in Scotland).--Angie
A Summary of A Wreath of Snow:
It’s Christmas Eve 1894 and all Meg Campbell wants for Christmas is a safe journey home. When her plans for a festive holiday with her family in Stirling crumble under the weight of her father’s harshness and her brother’s bitterness, the young schoolteacher wants nothing more than to return to the students she loves and the town house she cherishes in Edinburgh. Then an unexpected detour places her in the path of Gordon Shaw, a handsome newspaperman, who struggles under a burden of remorse and shame. These two stranded travelers discover they have previously crossed paths and both are seeking peace and redemption.
Liz Curtis Higgs:
A master storyteller Liz’s talent shines in this seasonal novella. A New York Times bestselling author, Liz has written more than 30 books with 3 million copies in print, including the her most recent non-fiction The Girls Still Got It (July 2012/WaterBrook Press) and her popular Bad Girls of the Bible. Liz has done hundreds of radio interviews and appeared on national television shows such a “LIFE Today.” A popular Bible teacher, Liz is currently touring with Women of Faith.
A Wreath of Snow is a tender story of love and forgiveness, as warm as a woolen scarf on a cold winter’s eve. It is a celebration of all things Scottish, all things Victorian and all things Christmas. Check out Liz’s new website: www.myscottishheart.com
Praise for A Wreath of Snow
“I loved it. A Wreath of Snow is a wonderful story of redemption and restoration that will warm your heart during the Christmas season—or any time of year!” —Francine Rivers, author of Redeeming Love
“When A Wreath of Snow arrived at my doorstep, I settled down to read just a few lines and instead devoured it. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys heart-tugging stories of forgiveness and grace.” —Tracie Peterson, author of the Land of the Lone Star series
“A Wreath of Snow charms from first page to last, and Gordon and Meg will capture your heart. The story might even make you long for snow. Don’t miss this delightful novella. It’s a keeper!” —Robin Lee Hatcher, author of Betrayal
Angie's Take: I love history, foreign settings, and soaking up the ambiance of another time and place. I also love learning about world religions and their affect on people and cultures. Throw in my deep belief that God has a plan for every life and you have a recipe for a book I will adore. It's absolutely fascinating to me that Kay Strom could write a novel that connects with me on so many levels. What could be better than an historical book set in India with characters facing massive revolutionary change both internally and externally? This book is a sigh-and-curl-up-on-the-couch-with-a-cup-of-tea-kind-of-book. You know? And if a chocolate chip cookie showed up, would it be a teaser for heaven?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
A word from Kay:
Kay Marshall Strom… who am I? Well, I’m a traveler… a railer against social injustice… a passionate citizen of the world. I’m a follower of Jesus Christ. I’m a 21st century abolitionist who speaks out against slavery of all kinds. I am a beach walker and a gardener and the off-key singer of songs. I’m a wife… a mother… a sister… a daughter… a friend.
Most people, though, know me as a writer and a speaker. So here is a bit more about that part of my life: Of my 39 published books, seven have been book club selections, twelve have been translated into foreign languages, and one has been optioned for a movie. My writing credits include numerous magazine articles, books for children, short stories, television scripts and two prize-winning screenplays. Along with my husband Dan, I also have produced a series of booklets for writers. My writing has appeared in a number of volumes including three versions of the NIV Devotional Bible and the devotional book My Heart—Christ’s Home, Through the Year.
I love to write, and I love to share about topics close to my heart. I speak at seminars, retreats, writer’s conferences, and special events throughout the country. And because I do enjoy travel, I even speak on cruise ships!
ABOUT THE BOOK:
The Blessing in India series is a saga set in India’s heartbreaking history and breathtaking present that points toward a future of hope. Along the way, name-only Christianity collides with Hinduism, and then is confronted by an entirely new understanding of the call to follow Christ.
India: 1946. For forty-eight years, Ashish and his family toiled as slaves in the fields of the high-caste Lal family, and all because of one small debt. At fifty-four, Ashish was old and worn out. Every day was a struggle to survive for his family including his only daughter.
His wife had named the girl Shridula—Blessings. “Perhaps the name will bring you more fortune than it brought me,” Ashish told his daughter. His words proved to be prophetic in ways he could never have imagined. And when the flames of revolt brought independence to India, they seared change into the family of Ashish.
Angie's Take: Ruth's Redemption is a love story, action adventure, and historical saga based on the lifestyle of both slaves and freemen. Marlene Banks takes us on emotional highs and lows as we live through a treacherous time in history through the eyes of Ruth, a breeding slave. From destruction of her innocence to horribly difficult choices, Ruth battles against the corruption of sinful men and disbelief in God's love to find survival. I hope you'll read this novel and come to feel the depth of historical significance in the roots of our country, but more I hope you'll find out God loves you too despite all the circumstances that make you think otherwise. Sometimes intense, sometimes sweet, always captivating.
About Ruth's Redemption by Marlene Banks:
Set in the 1800s, Ruth's Redemption, is an unusual depiction of the lives of slaves and free blacks in pre-Civil War America. Bo, a main character, was educated while a slave. He was given his freedom and now owns a farm buying slaves for the sole purpose of giving them their freedom.
Bo is also a man of God and widower whose life is destined to change when he meets the proud and hard-hearted slave girl, Ruth. Ruth has known nothing but servitude and brutality since being separated from her mother at age thirteen. Purchased and sold primarily for breeding, Ruth struggles to adjust to life outside of bondage. She wants no part of Bo's Godly devotion. Yet Bo is unlike any man she's known and her experiences with him will leave her forever changed.
A gripping slave era novel, Ruth's Redemption is a story of love, forgiveness, and redemption. Set against the backdrop of the Nat Turner Rebellion in Tidewater, Virginia, this novel shines the light of God's unconditional love in the darkness of a culture's cruel socially accepted inhumanity.
About the author:
Marlene Banks has worked 30+ years combined in nursing and the business arena. Her goal as a writer is to create inspiring, gripping and realistic stories with an emphasis on African American literature. She believes her gift and desire to write is from God and desires to use it to fulfill His purposes. Marlene lives in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania where she is a member of Bethel Deliverance International Church.
Book review of Already Compromised by Ken Ham and Greg Hall:
Master Books, New Leaf Publishing Group, http://www.masterbooks.com
I've been reading Already Compromised on my Kindle. One thing that stood out to me was the open-ended questions the authors asked of different departments in various Christian colleges. These open-ended questions allowed for answers beyond the standard yes or no. It surprised me to see how easily misunderstood an answer could be. Not because of the question, but because the answer could use the same words and mean something completely different in definition. For example: Can you define the word "science"?
From page 48: "The primary dictionary definiton of the word science is basically "knowledge." However, this knowledge is based on certain assumptions about the past. If the assumptions are wrong, the conclusions reached will likely be wrong and we will misunderstand history. Understsanding te assumptions used to build historical knowledge is extremely important.
But knowledge gained by observation (five senses) and based on the repeatable test (empiricism) is called "observational science." This is the knowledge tha enables us to build our technology, understand how a cell works, and develop medicines.
When most people use the word science today, they are usually thinking in terms of "operational science". This becomes very confusing when secularists use the word science when talking about aspects of genetics that can be examined in a lab, and then turn around and use the word science when discussing the topic of nonobservable aspects of evolutionary ideas (e.g., life from nonlife, reptiles evolving into birds, etc.). Knowing that mutations in DNA can occur and be measured is not the same as asserting that we know how those mutations occurred in various populations over millions of years."
Another interesting help aid in Already Compromised is the scan seals. You can use your smart phone to scan on varioius pages to check out the study on Christian colleges. It's helpful because if you are interested in a college that earned higher marks on actual Christian theoligical teaching, they're harder to find than you think. But the scan tags inside the book help you do exactly that. Remember, as this book ages, you'll need to be more careful in ferreting out the information. But having this book as a college search manual will help you do that job successfully.
What I didn't like: I felt the diagrams with the percentages were too simplistic. They fit for a chalkboard style classroom, but for a book I'd like to see more precise diagrams. Personal preference here.
I really enjoyed exploring the differences in operational science and historical science. Great explanations to help us have a more concrete understanding of the misunderstood study of our past. Recognizing that starting at different points brings us to different conclusions is brilliant. Science guy 1 starts at a non-biblical point A. He cannot get to a biblical point because he's never understood the same starting spot. So even though science guy 1 is talking the same lingo with science guy 2, they may never be talking apples to apples. Fascinating concept as to why evolutionists cannot understand creationist. They're not on the same road because they're not using the same map.
I feel this book, Already Compromised, offers an excellent opportunity to look at the education system and gives excellent information on the degrading faith of our schools. I hope it will help you find the educational institution to build your faith or your child's while avoiding the pitfalls of those schools that will harm the future of our country. But even more important is that you now have at your fingertips, the opportunity to hold schools accountable for faithless education.
Angie's Take: What's not to love? I have a fascination with Pompeii since I was a child, a love of history, and an action packed novel. What are we really chasing during our lifetime? Is it vengeance or love or freedom? Come enjoy the battle for all of these including a race for survival and eternal life.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
A fiction aficionado since grade school, T.L. Higley, author of Pompeii: City on Fire (B&H Publishing House, June 2011) started her first novel at the age of eight.
Now the author of nine historical fiction novels, including the popular Seven Wonders series, Higley isn’t just transporting readers: She’s transporting herself, too.
“My Iifelong interest in history and mythology has taken me to Italy, Greece, Egypt, Rome, Turkey, Jordan and Israel, where I’ve gotten to study those ancient cultures in rich detail,” says Higley. “It’s my desire to shine the light of the gospel into the cultures of the past, and I figure what better way to do that than to visit the cultures themselves?”
In addition to her accomplished novelist career, Higley is a business entrepreneur and a mother. In fact, for Pompeii, she brought her daughter along with her to Italy for the research trip.
“We gave it to her as a graduation present, not only because Italy is terrific, but because I believe in exposing children to global cultures,” says Higley, who became a student herself again this year. She’s now a graduate student at American Public University, earning her master’s degree in Ancient and Classical Studies.
When Higley isn’t traveling on research trips, writing her novels, or studying for class, she operates four online retail companies, including KoolStuff4Kids.com – a family-run business that began as a way for her oldest daughter to make some extra money for camp. Today, it is a go-to site for parents, children and teachers all over the country, looking for beads and other kid-friendly craft supplies.
Higley lives with her husband and her three other children (aforementioned daughter now in college) just outside Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
ABOUT THE BOOK
Pompeii, a city that's many things to many people. For Cato, it's the perfect escape from a failed political career in Rome. A place to start again, become a winemaker. But when a corrupt politician wrongfully jails Cato's sister, he must oust the man from power to save her.
For Ariella, Pompeii is a means to an end. As a young Jew, she escaped the fall of Jerusalem only to endure slavery to a cruel Roman general. She ends up in Pompeii, disguised as a young man and sold into a gladiator troupe. Her anger fuels her to fight well, hoping to win the arena crowds and reveal her gender at the perfect time. Perhaps then she will win true freedom.
But evil creeps through the streets of Pompeii. Political corruption, religious persecution, and family peril threaten to destroy Ariella and Cato, who are thrown together in the battle to survive. As Vesuvius churns with deadly intent, the two must bridge their differences to save the lives of those they love, before the fiery ash buries Pompeii, leaving the city lost to the world.
Watch the book trailer:
If you would like to read the Prologue of Pompeii, go HERE.
Angie: I wanted to share with you a unique style of book for young adult readers. Nicole O'dell first dedicates the book to her own children because she wants them to have the influence of good books as they grow up. But the way Nicole writes the stories is exactly what young adult readers will love. She lets them explore ideas through friendship with the characters. These characters explore both good and not so good choices. The interactive concept comes into the story in the last three chapters where the reader gets to live out an opposite ending to the books. Just love this. I think the stories are fun, interesting, and with well developed story lines. YA readers will love the ability to peek into an alternate reality when they read through to a different outcome. Fun, fun, fun with a bit of maturation tossed in the mix. Swept Away is the book I had the opportunity to review and present to you, but the publisher has also provided a little teaser for the other books in the series as well as a question/answer section with Nicole. Read on. I hope you'll enjoy :-)
Introducing Nicole O'dell
Author bio:
She writes. She talks. She reads. She changes diapers. Nicole O'Dell is a mom of six--including a set of toddler triplets who may or may not be potty trained sometime in 2011. Jury's still out on that one. She is the author of a bunch of YA books, including the popular Scenarios for Girls interactive fiction series and the upcoming Diamond Estates Series, 10/11. She's also the host of Teen Talk Radio at www.choicesradio.com. You can find her books and links to all the fun social stuff at www.nicoleodell.com.
About the book:
Swept Away
In High Stakes, seniors and best friends, Amber and Brittany, are neck and neck in a good-natured com- petition for a car being given away by a local business. In Essence of Lilly, sophomore Lilly Armstrong is always looking for ways to escape the confines of her unhappy home. She “invents” youth group activi- ties just so she can hang out with her boyfriend, Jason—the only one in Lilly’s life who makes her feel special. What happens when Amber and Lilly are faced with making difficult choices? How will they handle the risky business? Readers help Amber and Lilly make the difficult decisions and see how their choices create consequences with life-altering results.
Risky Business:
In Magna, Molly Jacobs gets hired at the ultimate girls’ clothing store and her friends—even the popu- lar girls in school—are envious. In Making Waves, sophomore Kate Walker has decided to try some- thing new this year. She secures a spot on her school’s swim team but soon becomes obsessed—with practice and making it through the championships with flying colors. What happens when Molly and Kate are faced with making difficult choices? How will they handle the risky business? Readers help Molly and Kate make the difficult decisions and see how their choices create consequences with life- altering results.
Dare to be Different:
In Truth or Dare, Lindsay Martin and her friends begin playing a game at sleepovers, and it all starts as harmless fun. . .until the dares become more and more risky. In All That Glitters, high school fresh- man Drew Daniels wants to be as different from her twin sister as possible—new haircut, new clothes, new friends. . .and a boyfriend. What happens when Lindsay and Drew are faced with making difficult choices? Will they dare to be different? Readers help Lindsay and Drew make the difficult decisions and see how their choices create consequences with life-altering results.
Love endures all things... What a perfect theme for this novel. As Raquel continues toward her dream of Broadway, her lost love tumbles in the gutters off broadway. But God's plan is a bit more than Broadway for both of them. Eddie Snipes offers us the opportunity to travel with Michael from lost to redeemed and to understand that God's love is never too far away and we are never too bad for God to love us. You'll love I Called Him Dancer.
Wow, where was this book when I was a teen? Where was it when I was raising six kids?
Starting a Micro Business for Teens is the best thing to hit the market for parents since...well, you get the picture. I'm so sold on this book by Carol Topp! She's got a quick, easy to read and easy to understand style. It pops off the page with fun examples of what a normal American teen can do to earn extra money. But what it really does is set up a teen for success.
I found a workbook on Amazon too. She also has a Micro Business for Teens website. I'm so impressed at all the tools she's put in the hands of our smart, capable, and able young people. I'm also thrilled because I don't think it's a book a teen would toss aside as too complex or even boring. It's such a fast read. It drew me in and surprised me. I really did expect a dry litany. Instead I found vibrant ideas and excellent advice.
Do you have a teen who wants to show what they're capable of achieving? Do you have a school library you could share this book with to help kids? Let's do all we can to prepare the next generation of leaders by feeding their curiosity and ambition in a healthy way now.
Thank you, Carol Topp, for taking the time to care enough to write this book.
Stop by tomorrow (4/11/11) for some tips, Carol's bio, and comment to be in a contest for a grand prize give away.
Book Review: Also, I'll choose a winner on Friday of this book and send it out. Post a comment. Make sure I have a way to contact you :-)
Best –selling author Linda Dillow offers up a challenge to Christian women everywhere. Asking honest and real questions such as:
What’s really important to me? What does it feel like to be my husband? What’s it like to make love with me? Am I willing to change my attitude? Why do I want to stay mad at him?
A book every married woman should own, mark up, and reread. Loved the practical advice and the direct actions I can take as a married woman to improve my marriage. What's It Like To Be Married To Me? gave me a sense of empowerment, not failure. I started to understand those things I had not been taught. Becoming a godly wife is not simple. It's a journey. But having Linda Dillow's book helps that journey become an easier trek. I loved page 181where Natalie asks God if she can leave her husband. I think so many of us go through difficult marriages and then want to give up. But what if we do what Natalie did when she heard God say, "But I wonder, Natalie, if you'd be willing to stay and see what I will do?"
I think it's hard to be married. I think it's harder to be married in this time because the definition of marriage is changing and it doesn't seem to matter anymore. But it does. And we all instinctively know it does. Broken marriages cause broken hearts in the people, their children, and extended family. Those broken hearts wear that pain for their lifetime. Are you close to a broken marriage? Would you read just one more book? If you have nothing to lose, then why not? What if a little thing changed from reading this book? Would that give you hope to try one more? A bunch of little things strung together create huge change when you look back. Come on, give it a try. You just might have a different choice to make than you thought originally. You might be choosing a second honeymoon.
~Angie
About the book:
Women everywhere wonder if there is more to marriage than what they have. Best-Selling author Linda Dillow, helps women shape their marriage by design rather than letting circumstances shape it by default. What's It Like to Be Married to Me? And Other Dangerous Questions, is a book about knowing the difference between having a desire for a better marriage and setting the goal of having a better marriage—as women look in the mirror to see how theycan change. Extremely intimate and honest, Dillow shares the best and worst things she has done in her nearly fifty years of marriage, guides women to make their own Marriage Purpose Statement, and leads them into God’s heart for what their marriage could be.
About the author: Linda Dillowis no stranger to publishing and adventure. She's the author of Creative Counterpart, Calm My Anxious Heart, The Blessings Book, Satisfy My Thirsty Soul, and co-author of the Best-Selling book Intimate Issues. Linda and her husband Jody lived in Europe and Asia for 17 years training Christian leaders in closed countries with Biblical Education by Extension, during this time, Linda traveled extensively in Romania, Russia, Hungary, Poland and Asia. She taught women and helped them launch women's ministries. She is a mother of four children, as well as a grandmother.
Yesterday's Tomorrow is a book that pulled me into the story of Vietnam through Kristin Taylor's eyes. A female war correspondant on a mission to discover the missing elements in her life from spiritual to relational. Ms. West has a powerful sense of place in her writing that envelopes the reader completely into the sights, sounds, and experience of Vietnam and the war from a unique angle. I love the mix of action, adventure, mystery, and romance. In her book, Catherine West has the makings of a great movie because that's exactly what it was in my head as I read it. Bravo! ~Angie Breidenbach
About the book:
Yesterday’s Tomorrow It’s 1967 and Kristin Taylor wants to go to Vietnam to report on the war, and honor her father’s memory by becoming an award-winning journalist like he was. But no editor will send her. So she strikes out on her own and steps into a world more terrifying than she’d imagined.
As she encounters the horrors of war, Kristin struggles to report the truth while desperately trying to keep tabs on her only brother who enlisted some time ago, but both tasks seem impossible.
When she meets photographer Luke Maddox, Kristin knows she’s found a story. The mystery beneath his brooding eyes triggers her curiosity. She’s convinced he’s hiding something and determines to discover his secrets. The only trouble is, he won’t let her within three feet of him.
In an unexpected twist, Kristin and Luke are forced to work together. With war raging all around them, they engage in their own tumultuous battle of emotions. Headstrong and willing to risk it all for what they believe in, they’ll do whatever it takes to fulfill their own private agendas. Kristin is after a story that might get her the Pulitzer. Luke wants retribution from the enemy that took away his family. In the face of death, Kristin and Luke must decide if they’re willing to set aside selfish ambition for the love that seems to have ambushed them and captured their hearts.
About the author:
For longer than she can remember, Catherine dreamed of being a writer.Blessed with a vivid imagination that sometimes got her into trouble as a child, she began to see her dreams take shape as a young adult when she began writing seriously, and her first few books were birthed.
Educated in Bermuda, England and Canada, Catherine is married, the mother of two almost grown children, and spends her time at home writing, gardening and playing with her Border Collies, one of whom she is training for Agility Competitions. Catherine enjoys an active life in the church and community. She volunteers at Windreach, Bermuda’s Theraputic Riding organization.She and her family live on the beautiful island of Bermuda.
As a writer of Christian romance, she hopes not only to entertain her readers, but also to share the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ through her books. Catherine is a proud member of American Christian Fiction Writers, and is currently serving as the Beyond the Borders Zone Director.
Catherine is represented by Rachelle Gardner of Wordserve Literary.
I'm excited to try this new television format on the web. We'll be using Skype. I worked on my connection today with my daughter-in-law and grandsons. Found out that I can't have my email running in the background because it slows down the camera and causes freezing. I'm so glad we had the time to figure that all out.
So all should be well for a show all about Creative Cooking for Simple Elegance: How to create simple, elegant, and inexpensive meals on webtv! It just blows my mind that this is possible.
Angie's Take:
I am really enjoying Hatteras Girl. About 18 years ago my family took a wonderful week at the outerbanks of North Carolina. Finding a book that let's me re-experience that time on the beach is pure fun! This locale is unique, quirky, and peaceful--well it's supposed to be peaceful. Then comes along Jackie and her dream to own a bed and breakfast. A seemingly perfect dream in a perfect place. But it all takes the most imperfect detour so not in Jackie's plans to help her find the substance of her dream. A delightful book. I'm thrilled with the recipes at the back too. Having just published Creative Cooking for Simple Elegance, I could see these recipes would fit right into my kitchen. Alice Wisler met me as a reader on so many levels--fun, old memories, food, friends, and how to get to a dream even though it feels like an ocean away. Loved the romp on the beach and the depth of life in Hatteras Girl.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Alice J. Wisler is an author, public speaker, advocate, and fundraiser. She has been a guest on several radio and TV programs to promote her self-published cookbooks, Slices of Sunlight and Down the Cereal Aisle. She graduated from Eastern Mennonite University and has traveled the country in jobs that minister to people. Alice was raised in Japan and currently resides in Durham, North Carolina.
Facts about Alice
* Born in Osaka, Japan and lived in Japan for 18 years
* Went to Kyoto International School and Canadian Academy
* Majored in Social Work and graduated in 1983 from Eastern Mennonite University
* Worked at a group home for disadvantaged kids outside of Philadelphia
* Taught English and Culture Orientation at a refugee camp in the Philippines
* Taught English as a Second Language in Japan
* Speaks and teaches on Writing the Heartache
* Has three kids on earth, and one in Heaven
* Recently got married to Carl on 2/7/09
ABOUT THE BOOK
There are two things twenty-nine-year-old Jackie Donovan asks God for: an honest, wonderful man to marry, and to own a bed-and-breakfast in the Outer Banks region. In the meantime, Jackie works for Lighthouse Views magazine, writing articles about other local business owners, and intrepidly goes on the blind dates set up by her well-meaning but oh-so-clueless relatives.
There's one specific property Jackie dreams of purchasing: the Bailey Place, a fabulous old home where Jackie spent many happy childhood afternoons, a place that has now fallen into disrepair because of its outrageous price tag.
When Jackie meets handsome Davis Erickson, who holds the key to the Bailey Place, Jackie is sure God has answered both her prayers. But as Jackie learns some disturbing details about Davis's past, she begins to question her own motivation. Will she risk her long-held dreams to find out the truth?
If you would like to read the first chapter of Hatteras Girl, go HERE.
Angie's Take: I loved reading about the faith of this wonderful Chinese Christian, Zhen-Li, and how it affected the world around her, even from the darkest prison. I struggled with her and with the women who prayed all the way across the ocean.
As Maggie is drawn into a world she doesn't expect, I understood. I understood how women and children can be so tricked by those they learn to trust. I followed the thought process of the guard, Tong, and the thought process of Jake. From the outside looking in, I wish many more women could read Red Ink and understand the manipulation and greed that men like this use to turn their victims into objects. Kathi Macias has written a book that reveals how love can change people and how Jesus really is different than a religious teacher.
The sex trafficking crimes are rampant and the harm done to women and children is too horrible. Thank you, Kathi, for writing a story to show the way some young women are tricked into this slavery.
Thank you for sharing the story of Chinese Christians and the battle they face in their society, families, and government. Reminiscent of Bonhoefer's experience during WWII, this modern story shows Christ's love even in prison to enemies.
Beautiful stories entwined to show us that prayer really does matter.
About the book:
A young Chinese woman, Zhen-Li—raised to observe the party line, including its one-child-per-family doctrine—falls in love with and marries a Christian, and adopts his faith. Though the couple downplays their Christianity in an effort to survive, Zhen-Li’s family is appalled, and she and her husband are ostracized. When she becomes pregnant for the second time and refuses to have an abortion, the persecution begins in earnest. Zhen-Li’s parents, under pressure from the government, pay to have Zhen-Li kidnapped and the baby aborted.
It is then Zhen-Li decides she must live up to her name—"Truth"—and take a firm stand for her faith, regardless of the consequences, and so she begins to regularly teach children about Zhu Yesu ("Lord Jesus") and to distribute Christian literature every chance she gets.
Based loosely on the life of Christian magazine editor Li Ying, currently serving a ten-year prison sentence in China, the story of Yang Zhen-Li tells the desperate tale of her incarceration and separation from her family, as she continues to minister to other prisoners, and even to her guards.
About the Author
Award-winning author Kathi Macias has written more than 20 books, including the award-winning devotional A Moment a Day, and the popular "Matthews" mystery novels. One of her recent novels, Emma Jean Reborn, is being put into script form by playwright Barry Scott. Kathi has won many awards, including the Angel Award from Excellence in Media, fiction awards from the San Diego Christian Writers Guild, and the grand prize in an international writing contest. With women’s ministry as her primary interest, Kathi is a popular speaker for women’s retreats, conferences, and churches. A mother and grandmother, Kathi and her husband, Al, call California home.
Angie's Take: Tracie is so careful about her research and it comes across in her work. She's a natural story-teller and one I admire greatly. She's also a fellow Montanan. Adding one more hit book to her long, long list of excellence with Embers of Love. Who wouldn't love a story that starts with a runaway bride and the instigator?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Tracie Peterson is the bestselling, award-winning author of more than 85 novels.
She received her first book contract in November, 1992 and saw A Place To Belong published in February 1993 with Barbour Publishings' Heartsong Presents. She wrote exclusively with Heartsong for the next two years, receiving their readership's vote for Favorite Author of the Year for three years in a row.
In December, 1995 she signed a contract with Bethany House Publishers to co-write a series with author Judith Pella. Tracie now writes exclusively for Bethany House Publishers.
She teaches writing workshops at a variety of conferences on subjects such as inspirational romance and historical research.
Tracie was awarded the Romantic Times Career Achievement Award for 2007 Inspirational Fiction and her books have won numerous awards for favorite books in a variety of contests.
Making her home in Montana, this Kansas native enjoys spending time with family--especially her three grandchildren--Rainy, Fox and Max. She's active in her church as the Director of Women's Ministries, coordinates a yearly writer's retreat for published authors, and travels, as time permits, to research her books
ABOUT THE BOOK
The logging industry in eastern Texas is booming, and Deborah Vandermark plans to assist her family's business now that she's completed college. Unexpectedly, her best friend, Lizzie Decker, accompanies her back home--fleeing a wedding and groom she has no interest in.
Deborah, the determined matchmaker, puts her sights on uniting her brother and dear friend in a true love match. Deborah soon meets Dr. Christopher Clayton, a much-needed addition to the town. As their lives intersect, Deborah realizes that she has a much greater interest in medicine and science than the bookkeeping she was trained in.
But when typhoid begins to spread and Lizzie's jilted fiance returns, Deborah wonders if true love can overcome such obstacles...for those dearest to her, and for herself.
Irene Brand has written Sunday School curriculum, edited a two-year series of mission curriculum, and her works have appeared in five program-material anthologies. Her publishers include Zondervan, Standard Publishing, Thomas Nelson Publishers, Fleming-Revell, Barbour Publishing, Kregel Publications, Steeple Hill (inspirational imprint of Silhouette), and Summerside Press. She has had 4 non-fiction books published, and 43 fiction works. Her first inspirational romance was published in 1984.
Award-winning author, Anita Higman, has twenty-six books published (several coauthored) for adults and children, and she has been honored as a Barnes & Noble Author of the Month for Houston. Anita has a BA degree, combining speech communication, psychology, and art. Her favorite things include exotic teas, movies, and all things Jane Austen.
ABOUT THE BOOK
Two Christmas stories - one historical, one contemporary - under one cover! Love Finds You under the Mistletoe: An Appalachian Christmas
A promise to her dying sister compels Julia Mayfield to take her young nephew to Mistletoe, Kentucky, a tiny town tucked away in the Appalachian Mountains. Sparks fly when she meets David Armstrong, a World War II veteran like herself. Even as shadows from the past weave a dangerous web around Julia and David, will their love flourish like the mistletoe that blankets the nearby hills?
Love Finds You under the Mistletoe: Once Upon a Christmas Eve
Hollie Goodnight's store has just been voted best Christmas shop in America. All the new publicity draws flamboyant novelist Van Keaton to the cozy town of Noel, Missouri, demanding to write Hollie's story - a dramatic tale of misfortune and triumph. She is swept up in his world of beautiful words and fanciful interludes. . .until Owen Quigly, her lifelong best friend, launches a plan to win her back.
This book will speak to your heart., 
!
