America The Beautiful: A Book Review and Giveaway

About The Book:


Tackling the issues at the forefront of the American mind—healthcare, education, capitalism, and more America the Beautiful is indispensable reading. From four-time bestselling author, internationally renowned neurosurgeon, and humanitarian Dr. Ben Carson, here is a sobering and inspiring manifesto of America’s greatness, her failings, and the values and changes it will take to carry our country into a brilliant and prosperous future.


What is America becoming? Or, more importantly, what can she be if we reclaim a vision for the things that made her great in the first place? In America the Beautiful, Dr. Ben Carson helps us learn from our past in order to chart a better course for our future. From his personal ascent from inner-city poverty to international medical and humanitarian acclaim, Carson shares experiential insights that help us understand: … what is good about America … where we have gone astray … which fundamental beliefs have guided America from her founding into preeminence among nations Written by a man who has experienced America’s best and worst firsthand, America the Beautiful is at once alarming, convicting, and inspiring. You’ll gain new perspectives on our nation’s origins, our Judeo-Christian heritage, our educational system, capitalism versus socialism, our moral fabric, healthcare, and much more. An incisive manifesto of the values that shaped America’s past and must shape her future, America the Beautiful calls us all to use our God-given talents to improve our lives, our communities, our nation, and our world.


You can read an excerpt of America The Beautiful here, in PDF format

About The Author:


Dr. Benjamin Carson is a Professor of Neurosurgery, Plastic Surgery, Oncology, and Pediatrics, and the Director of Pediatric Neurosurgery at Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions. He is also the author of four bestselling books—Gifted Hands, Think Big, The Big Picture, and Take the Risk. He serves on the boards of the Kellogg Company, Costco Wholesale Corp., and the Academy of Achievement, among others, and is an Emeritus Fellow of the Yale Corporation. He and his wife, Candy, cofounded the Carson Scholars Fund (www.carsonscholars.org), a 501(c)3 established to counteract America's crisis in education by identifying and rewarding academic role models in the fourth through eleventh grades, regardless of race, creed, religion and socio-economic status, who also demonstrate humanitarian qualities. There are over 4800 scholars in forty-five states. Ben and Candy are the parents of three grown sons and reside in Baltimore County, Maryland.


My Review:


America The Beautiful by Ben Carson is one that everyone should read. In a day and time when many people are losing faith in their governments and corruption it was very refreshing to be reminded of the amazing qualities that exsist in America. Topics like racism, health care, the role of religion in politics and more. Ben Carson has a way with words (having read his book, Gifted Hands, previously) and this newest release from him is just phenomonal. With each page you read, you are reminded of the values that shaped the nation in it's past and the need to embrace these same values into the future. 


I highly recommend this book and give it a thumbs up.


America The Beautiful releases this month.




BUY IT: You can purchase America The Beautiful at your favorite bookseller from Zondervan

WIN IT: 

Three (3) 

Readers 

will win 

a copy

 of 

America The Beautiful

MANDATORY ENTRY: Head over to Zondervan and tell me one other book you would love to read


EXTRA ENTRIES: (mandatory entry must be done for extra entries to count, list each entry as a separate comment)


1. Follow A Mom After God's Own Heart via GFC


2. Like A Mom After God's Own Heart on Facebook


3. Follow me on Twitter


4. Subscribe to A Mom After God's Own Heart via email


GIVEAWAY OPEN TO U.S. RESIDENTS ONLY


GIVEAWAY ENDS FEBRUARY 19, 2012


GOOD LUCK TO ALL!


***I received a complimentary copy of this book, courtesy of Zondervan Blogger Club, for the purpose of review on this blog. All opinions expressed are my own, and I have not been compensated in any other manner***

Beyond The Farthest Start: A Book Review and Giveaway

About The Book:


Beyond the Farthest Star tells the tale of a father desperate to reconnect with his daughter and regain the love of his wife. In it he discovers that reconciliation and trust begin, not with words, but with the revelation of the heart.


When a nativity display on public property is torched by a former US Senator, the media spotlight falls on the forgotten small town of Leonard, Texas, and the new pastor of its only church—Adam Wells. Emboldened by the prospect of leading his tiny congregation in a nationally-televised, first amendment debate that he considers to be a “fight for the heart and soul of America,” Pastor Wells determines not to let anything or anyone, including his wife and his rebellious sixteen-year old daughter, stand in his way. But when an old high school friend unexpectedly shows up in their small town and a past secret is revealed, Pastor Wells’ constitutional crusade collides with an even greater fight—the fight for the heart and soul of his marriage, his daughter, and, even his own life. In this modern-day story of betrayal, forgiveness, and finally redemption, Adam Wells discovers, for the first time, the meaning of the story he’s been preaching all his life…and his desperate daughter understands what really is beyond the farthest star. Award-winning authors, Bodie and Brock Thoene, have written an emotional and authentic drama based on a screenplay by Andrew Librizzi and now a major motion picture.


About The Author:


Bodie and Brock Thoene (pronounced Tay-nee) are bestselling authors of over sixty-five works of historical fiction. Their timeless classics have sold more than thirty-five million copies and won eight ECPA Gold Medallion Awards. The Thoenes have four grown children and eight grandchildren. They divide their time between Hawaii, London, and Nevada.


My Review:


Beyond The Farthest Star was a fast paced book, that takes you into the world of being a Pastor's Kid (PK) and Pastor's Wife. The characters are charming and real, giving the reader an authentic look at their experiences without being overly cheesy. The storyline was great and the book flowed nicely. It will be interesting to see how the film adaptation of the book turns out when the movie releases later this year in theatres.


There is definitely not a dull moment in the book, and it will appeal to those who like romance and mystery genres of literature, with a little politics thrown in for good measure. Themes such as domestic violence, infidelity, teen emotions, and broken expectations are woven throughout the read. It will keep you reading and intrigued until the very last pages.


I highly recommend this book and give it a huge thumbs up.


BUY IT: You can purchase Beyond The Farthest Star at your favorite bookseller from Zondervan

WIN IT: 

Three (3) readers 

will win 

a copy 

of 

Beyond The Farthest Start

MANDATORY ENTRY: Head over to Zondervan and tell me one other book you would love to read


EXTRA ENTRIES: (mandatory entry must be done for extra entries to count)


1. Follow A Mom After God's Own Heart via GFC


2. Subscribe to A Mom After God's Own Heart via email


3. Like A Mom After God's Own Heart on Facebook


4. Follow on Twitter


GIVEAWAY OPEN TO U.S. ONLY


GIVEAWAY ENDS FEBRUARY 20, 2012


GOOD LUCK TO ALL


****I received a complimentary copy of this book, courtesy of Zondervan Blogger Club, for the purpose of review on this blog. All opinions expressed are my own, and I have not been compensated in any other manner***

Chicken Soup For The Soul - Find Your Happiness - A Book Review

About Chicken Soup For The Soul:


After 17 years of bringing real people and their stories together to touch the lives of others, Chicken Soup for the Soul® has gone beyond the bookstore to become a world leader in life improvement. Chicken Soup for the Soul is home to the largest catalog of user-generated, life-changing stories. Through books, movies, DVDs, online resources and other partnerships it brings hope, courage, inspiration and love to hundreds of millions of people around the world. Chicken Soup for the Soul authors and readers belong to a one-of-a-kind global community that shares advice, support, guidance, comfort, and knowledge.


Chicken Soup for the Soul Publishing, LLC, publishes all the latest titles in the famous Chicken Soup for the Soul book series which are distributed through Simon and Schuster, Inc. Since 1993, books in the Chicken Soup for the Soul series have sold more than 112 million copies, with titles translated into more than 40 languages. Chicken Soup for the Soul Publishing also licenses the right to use its famous trademark to high quality licensees. The company is currently implementing a plan to expand into all media, is working on several TV shows and is developing a major Internet presence dedicated to life improvement, emotional support, inspiration and wellness. In 2007, USA Today named Chicken Soup for the Soul one of the five most memorable and impactful books in the last quarter century. For more information visit: www.chickensoup.com


About Find Your Happiness:

101 Stories about Finding Your Purpose, Passion, and Joy

Others share how they found their passion, purpose, and joy in life in these 101 personal and exciting stories that are sure to encourage readers to find their own happiness. Stories in this collection will inspire readers to pursue their dreams, find their passion and seek joy in their life. This book continues Chicken Soup for the Soul's focus on inspiration and hope, reminding readers that they can find their own happiness.

My Review:


I am so excited to share with you all another fantastic edition of Chicken Soup for the Soul. This time you will be encouraged as you read 101 feel-good stories from people of all ages and stages, with all types of life experiences. If you are looking for a book that will help you on your darkest days to smile, and to remember that life is great, and that our attitude and reaction to our experiences is so important, then you must read this book. You will be reminded of all the blessings you have in your life, I know I was.


I highly recommend this book and give it a huge thumbs up.


BUY IT: You can purchase Chicken Soup For The Soul - Find Your Happiness at your favorite bookseller


***I received a complimentary copy of this book, courtesy of Shelton Interactive and the Chicken Soup for the Soul Blog Network, for the purpose of review on this blog. All opinions expressed are my own, and I have not been compensated in any other manner***

Chicken Soup for the Soul - O Canada: A Book Review

About Chicken Soup for the Soul:


Chicken Soup for the Soul Publishing, LLC, publishes all the latest titles in the famous Chicken Soup for the Soul book series which are distributed through Simon and Schuster, Inc. Since 1993, books in the Chicken Soup for the Soul series have sold more than 112 million copies, with titles translated into more than 40 languages. Chicken Soup for the Soul Publishing also licenses the right to use its famous trademark to high quality licensees. The company is currently implementing a plan to expand into all media, is working on several TV shows and is developing a major Internet presence dedicated to life improvement, emotional support, inspiration and wellness. In 2007, USA Today named Chicken Soup for the Soul one of the five most memorable and impactful books in the last quarter century. For more information visit: www.chickensoup.com


After 17 years of bringing real people and their stories together to touch the lives of others, Chicken Soup for the Soul® has gone beyond the bookstore to become a world leader in life improvement. Chicken Soup for the Soul is home to the largest catalog of user-generated, life-changing stories. Through books, movies, DVDs, online resources and other partnerships it brings hope, courage, inspiration and love to hundreds of millions of people around the world. Chicken Soup for the Soul authors and readers belong to a one-of-a-kind global community that shares advice, support, guidance, comfort, and knowledge.


About Chicken Soup O Canada:

101 Heartwarming and Inspiring Stories by and for Canadians

For Canadians and by Canadians, this book will delight and amuse Canadian readers with its 101 new stories about the great northern country. Full of inspirational, amusing, and encouraging stories, this collection will touch the heart of any Canadian readers. Stories include a wide range of topics written by Canadians, from daily life and family to Canadian holidays and history, along with tales from tourists and visitors.

My Review:


The Chicken Soup for the Soul books are some of my favorite uplifting, encouraging and inspiring books to read when I only have a few minutes. With 101 short stories, there is a little bit of something for everyone. In this newest release from the Chicken Soup family, you will find tales of hockey, Tim Horton's, holidays and traditions and more. As I read each story, my heart was filled with recollections of growing up in Manitoba, and later living in Saskatchewan, and now in Southern Alberta. I have had the blessing of living in Canada my whole life and am proud to be a Canadian. These stories were cute, and made me laugh and cry more than once. If you are looking for a great pick-me-up, I highly recommend Chicken Soup for the Soul O Canada.


I give this book a thumbs up!


BUY IT: You can purchase Chicken Soup for the Soul O Canada at your favorite bookseller 


***I received a complimentary copy of this book, courtesy of Shelton Interactive and the Chicken Soup for the Soul Blog Network, for the purpose of review on this blog. All opinions expressed are my own, and I have not been compensated in any other manner***

From Santa To Sexting: A Book Review

About The Book:

It's a rough, tough world for middle schoolers. Yet the decisions they face are pivotal, affecting the whole of life. FROM SANTA TO SEXTING discusses the myriad of pressures middle schoolers face and empower parents to guide and protect their children during these important years.

Not long ago most kids believed in Santa Claus. Now barely on the cusp of adolescence, they are thrust into an adult world stripped bare of the parental protections afforded previous generations. Under greater pressure than ever before—from the culture, school, and parental expectations—middle schoolers are growing up at warp speed. Their loss of innocence has been profound.

Parents need to reclaim their God-given authority in their children’s lives. FROM SANTA TO SEXTING, which includes interviews with experts, parents, and the kids themselves, will arm parents with the practical information, inspiring stories, and resources they need to keep kids safe and strong in middle school. Parents have enormous power to guide and protect their children in a culture that forgot long ago the fences and guardrails which make childhood possible.

About The Authors:

Brenda Hunter, PhD, is a psychologist and internationally published author. Educated at Wheaton College and Georgetown University, she has served on two presidential commissions and written numerous books, including Home by Choice, In the Company of Women, and The Power of Mother Love. She has appeared on NBC’s Today Show(Weekend), Larry King Live, and Focus on the Family radio. Dr. Hunter lives, and works as a psychotherapist, in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.


Kristen Blair education columnist and writer. She has written for such newspapers as the Charlotte Observer, Durham Harald-Sun, and the Carolina Journal. She has worked on family and educational policy at the national level for the government, a presidential commission, and Empower America. She is the mother of a tween and a middle school graduate. She, her husband Greg, and her children in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.

My Review:

As a child care provider and parent I am always keeping an eye out at the latest trends and issues that concern children and youth. Although I don't have to deal with sex, drugs, social networking, etc, I have a lot of family and friends with children in the middle school age group. Looking back on my own life, this was a difficult time of year (and it statistically is for most children). There are not only hormonal changes, but school and friendship changes too that can make some serious impacts on kids. 

When I look at the news or read articles online or in the paper about middle school children, it saddens me. The things that children of this age range deal with and engage in is simply scary. Where does a parent turn to for advice, tips and information about how to deal with the likes of modesty, sex, drugs, online safety, and bullying (among other issues)? I cannot simply believe our children have to deal with such adult issues at such young ages. It can simply be overwhelming for them, never mind us as adults and parents. But there is hope, God gives us all the guidance to deal with our children. And He has guided two authors to write a book that will give you the tools you, and your child, need to make it through these years.

From Santa to Sexting covers so many topics, but does so in a no-holds barred, easy-to-read book that will not discourage, but encourage you. We, as parents (both Christian and not), want to believe the best in our kids, and pray and hope that they will not get involved in things like sexting, drugs, bullying and the like. Unless you are homeschooling (which is not a bad thing by the way), or you live under a rock, you have to admit that your child may have been exposed to these issues. The more parents are informed of the issues, the easier it will be to deal with it if your family has to. 

Both Hunter and Blair use real life experiences from themselves and others they have interviewed, to express just how real these issues are. The stats are scary but dealing with it doesn't have to be. The authors give fantastic ideas like not allowing your child to be on Facebook or other Social Networking sites until after middle school age (which would align with Facebooks Terms of Service that you must be over 13 to have an account), to limit time on video games, internet and limiting the use of a cell phone. 

Here are a few quotes that especially caught my eye as I read From Santa to Sexting:

"It is from us that our children either develop warmly human capacities or learn to be grotesquely inhuman. If you're a parent, the buck stops with you" (p. 72)

"Raising kids to possess greatness of heart, compassion and empathy matters enormously...Raising  a child with a great heart can mean the difference between life and death for a neighbor. Or if we rear a child without empathy, he or she can create a lifetime of scarring and deep emotional pain for another human being. Which will it be?" (p. 83)

"Play, as the famous psychologist Piaget said, is the work of childhood. Our children are forgetting how to interact casually wiht friends and instead turn to solo activities, like gaming, social networking, or television, while mom cobbles together a fast-food meal of frozen pizza and bagged salad. But something precious is quietly vanishing in all this frenetic activity: not only are parents losing touch with their children because their lives are simply put, crazy, but women are missing out on the healing power of friendship. Men are too. Moreover, children are failing to experience childhood. That's a whale of a lot to lose" (p. 105)

""Many of our children have every gadget known to modern man - but do they have us? Do they own our hearts? Our time?" 

"Moms, we need to ask you: Are you complicit in the sexualization of your daughter through the messages you give her about physcial attactiveness and what she should wear? Do you place a high premium on being thin and popular? Many of the people we interviewed reminded us that it is the mother who generally buys her daughters clothes. Dannah Gresh, founder of the ministry Pure Freedom, writes...Since the girls do not have jobs, its the moms who willingly fork out their credit cards to buy the tools of destruction for their daughters. Of course, marketers and retailers want you to whip out your credit card, since girls 8-12 years old spend 500 million dollars a year, and tweens have 43 billion dollars of spending power nationwide....."

Seriously this book is loaded with amazing info! I cannot recommend it highly enough. If you are a parent of a middle or high school student you NEED to read this book and get a copy for each of your friends or family with children this age. Don't waste your time...your kids are too important to not read this book.

I give From Santa to Sexting a HUGE thumbs up!

BUY IT: You can purchase From Santa to Sexting: Helping Your Child Safely Navigate Middle School and Shape the Choices that Last a Lifetime online from Leafwood Publishers.

***I received a complimentary copy of the above book, courtesy of Leafwood Publishers, for the purpose of review on this blog. All opinions expressed are my own, and I have not been compensated in any other manner***

ERV Children's New Testament: A Review

About The Book:

This complete New Testament in an Easy-to-Read™ translation contains 20 full-color illustrations. It provides an ideal way for parents to read God's Word to their children, and for elementary school-aged children to read God's Word for themselves.

The Easy-to-Read™ Illustrated New Testament was designed to give families and churches a way to introduce God's Word to children, so they can understand the plan Jesus Christ has for their lives. As parents and their children read from these pages, the simple words and colorful illustrations will open up the truths of the New Testament. Children will both see and hear many of the great stories of the Bible.

Use this Easy-to-Read™ New Testament in your home, your church, and as a gift. The easy reading and captivating pictures will help children keep these stories and divine truths in their hearts and minds for a lifetime.

About the Easy-to-Read Version™ (ERV)

The ERV was translated from the original Greek text of the New Testament by a team of Greek scholars aided by reading specialists at the World Bible Translation Center, Forth Worth, Texas. It offers a simple and easy reading experience suitable for people of all ages. Whether they are beginning English readers, know English as a second language, children, or people who prefer being read to, the ERV makes God's Word directly accessible at any level.

• The complete New Testament at a level that children can read for themselves
• Ideal for parents to read to their children
• A perfect tool for Sunday schools, churches, and Vacation Bible Schools
• An ideal gift for children and families

My Review:

The ERV Children's New Testament is the perfect gift for the young girl or boy in your life. The illustrations that are in the Bible are randomly placed throughout and are beautiful, brightly colored and will attract immediate attention by whoever sees them. I love that even though it is a children's Bible, it includes a Word List (mini concordance), and maps, both black/white and full color. This is perfect for giving your child a head start on learning Bible study skills. Also included is a brief history of both the Old and New Testaments. The ERV Children's New Testament is the perfect gift for the 8-12 year old in your life. A great idea for a first Bible, whether for birthday, Christmas or any other occasion.

I highly recommend this Bible and give it a huge thumbs up.

BUY IT: You can purchase The ERV Children's New Testament online through its publisher Leafwood

***I received a complimentary copy of the above Bible, courtesy of Leafwood Publisher, for the purpose of review on this blog. All opinions expressed are my own, and I have not been compensated in any other manner***

A Child Is Born: Graphic Book Review

About The Book:

Eisner Award-nominee Billy Tucci faithfully depicts the Christmas story as never seen before in Billy Tucci’s A Child is Born. Adapted from the Gospels of Matthew and Luke, and painstakingly researched with Nativity scholars, Tucci’s beautiful artwork brings forth a stunning rendition of the events surrounding the birth of Jesus Christ.

Digitally painted by Paul Mounts and lettered by Bill Tortolini, this 32-page graphic novella is the perfect Christmas gift.

About The Author:

Billy Tucci is an award-winning illustrator, writer, and filmmaker. A graduate of New York's Fashion Institute of Technology, Tucci has sold more than three million comic books worldwide. An avid hunter and outdoorsman, he lives with his wife and two sons on Long Island, NY.

My Review:

Billy Tucci's graphic novel A Child is Born is stunningly beautifully and captures the essence of the traditional Christmas story from the very first pages. Although Christmas has come and gone, I just did not get to this review in time. But the story of Christ's birth is one that should be revisited throughout the year, not just in December. 

This is the perfect way to read and remember the birth of Christ for fans of comic books. I loved the detail in the book and it is a fantastic way to bring the gospel to a culture that embraces comic books or is not ready to read an actual Bible. 

I highly recommend this graphic novella and give it a huge thumbs up.

BUY IT: You can purchase A Child Is Born Graphic Novel at your favorite bookseller from Apostle Arts

***I received a complimentary copy of this book, courtesy of Lovell-Fairchild Communications Inc., for the purpose of review on this blog. All opinions expressed are my own, and I have not been compensated in any other manner***

The Accidental Bride: A Book Review

About The Book:

When a wedding reenactment turns real, Shay finds she’s an accidental bride.

Shay Brandenberger is raising her daughter in Moose Creek, Montana, on her childhood ranch, nestled against the Yellowstone River. Despite the hard work, she can’t seem to keep her head above water—and now the bank is threatening to foreclose. She prays for a miracle, but the answer she receives is anything but expected.

Having agreed to play the bride in the Founders’ Day wedding reenactment, Shay is mortified to be greeted at the end of the aisle by none other than Travis McCoy, her high-school sweetheart—the man who left her high and dry for fame and fortune on the Texas rodeo circuit.

Then the unthinkable happens. Thanks to a well-meaning busybody and an absentminded preacher, the make-believe vows result in a legal marriage. But before Shay can say annulment, Travis comes up with a crazy proposal. If she refuses his offer, she may lose her home. If she accepts, she may lose her heart.

Shay isn’t sure if the recent events are God’s will or just a preacher’s blunder. Will trusting her heart to the man who once shattered it be the worst mistake of her life? Or could their marriage be the best accident that ever happened?

You can also check out a great Reading Group Discussion guide here.

Buy		Read

About The Author:

Denise Hunter is the best-selling author of many novels, including The Convenient Groom and Driftwood Lane. She lives in Indiana with her husband Kevin and their three sons. In 1996, Denise began her first book, a Christian romance novel, writing while her children napped. Two years later it was published, and she's been writing ever since. Her books contain a strong romantic element, and her husband Kevin says he provides all her romantic material, but Denise insists a good imagination helps too! Visit her website at www.DeniseHunterBooks.com

An Interview with the Author:

Q: In The Accidental Bride, your main character, Shay is continually concerned with what others might think. Worrying about the opinions of others is a common malady in today’s society. What made you decide to write about it?

As you say, it’s so common to be worried about what others think of us. I love that quote by Eleanor Roosevelt, “You wouldn't worry so much about what others think of you if you realized how seldom they do.” So true! Shay needed to realize that it’s God’s opinion that really matters. When we focus on pleasing people, we tend to make poor decisions.

Q: This isn’t your first novel based on the cowboy lifestyle. What drew you to this particular lifestyle as the backdrop for your writing?

I’m drawn to the rugged appeal of the cowboy lifestyle. Even though I live in a city, I’m a country girl at heart, and I especially love the mountains; that’s why I was drawn to Montana for this series. There’s something simple and beautiful about living off the land that I think appeals to readers right now. Things are tough for so many people—and though the cowboy lifestyle is a hard one—it’s also very organic, a back to our roots kind of thing.

Q: The premise of The Accidental Bride is both interesting and unique. What inspired your decision to involve your hero and heroine in an “accidental” marriage?

I was watching a TV movie in which the actors were getting married, and I wondered, “What if the actor playing the preacher was an ordained minister? Would the couple be legally married?” Turns out, it’s not quite that simple to become accidentally married. There’s the matter of a marriage license that the pastor has to sign and mail to the proper government agency. So the good news is, it’s not likely to happen to you or anyone you know. But it sure was fun instigating such an event in a novel!

Q: Before she could forgive him, Travis had to rebuild Shay’s trust. Is this a necessary step, or do you believe we should forgive even those who may never be trustworthy again?

Trust and forgiveness are two different things. Forgiveness is something God commands us to do—regardless of circumstances like whether or not the offender is apologetic or has changed, etc.

Trust is different; it’s earned. And unfortunately, it takes a long time to build trust and only one bad decision to wreck it. We forgive the offender, but if he or she doesn’t change, we aren’t required to trust the person again. It’s the offender’s responsibility—if he or she wants to be trusted again—to earn back that trust.

Q: As an award-winning romance novelist you are, no-doubt, a role model for many would-be writers. What advice would you give to those who dream of one day being published? What’s an absolute must for a great romance?

• First of all, I recommend aspiring writers to study and practice. Writing is a craft to be honed, and no matter how much natural talent you have, it takes both of those things to become a good writer.
• Also, write the book you want to read. If you want to read that kind of book, there will be others who want to read it too.
• Study the market, not so that you can jump on every trend, but so that you know how your story fits into the market.
• Join a writers group so you can meet other writers—iron sharpens iron.
• Once you have a marketable manuscript, go to conferences. The American Christian Writers Conference is the best out there in my opinion (www.acfw.com). At conferences, you will learn from some of the best in the industry and get a chance to pitch your work to agents and editors.
• E-publishing is becoming huge, but don’t put a sub-par manuscript out there where it will only flounder. Hone the craft, write the best story you can, and learn to re-write. Then hire an editor. Every published author has one for a reason!
• Getting published can be a long, uphill climb, but persistence pays off.

My Review:

I have been a fan of Denise Hunter's work for a while now, and so when the opportunity to review her most recent release, The Accidental Bride, came about, I jumped at the chance. I am so glad that I did.

The Accidental Bride is full of fun, whimsical characters that you would find in any city or town in society today. They all live life like we do, and I would bet that any one of us that reads this book would relate to at least one of the characters. I loved the story line, as you follow the ups and down of the two main characters. It was a fun, easy read that will keep your attention to the very end.

I highly recommend this read, and give it a huge thumbs up!

BUY IT: You can purchase The Accidental Bride at your favorite bookseller from Thomas Nelson

***I received a complimentary copy of this book, courtesy of Thomas Nelson and The B and B Media Group, for the purpose of review on this blog. All opinions expressed are my own, and I have not been compensated in any other manner***

The Emancipation of Robert Sadler: A Book Review

About The Book:

A Gritty, Raw Real-Life Tale That Will Both Shock and Inspire You

So many thoughts twirl in my head...I want to think back as far as I can remember--think on things I had long ago buried and let stay buried. There were things I never told anyone. Now is the time to tell it, though. Help me remember it, Lord, so I can tell it just the way it was.

Over fifty years after the Emancipation Proclamation, Robert Sadler was sold into slavery at the age of five--by his own father. Originally published in 1975, this is the no-holds-barred tale of those dark days, his quest for freedom, and the determination to serve others borne out of his experience. You won't forget this poignant true story of good triumphing over evil, of God's grace, and of an extraordinary life of ministry.

The Emancipation of Robert Sadler

About The Authors:

Marie Chapian is a Christian counselor and author or coauthor of more than thirty books, including the bestsellers Telling Yourself the Truth and Free to Be Thin. She founded Marie Chapian Ministries in 1982 to teach and equip the body of Christ. She lives in Southern California.

Robert Sadler (1911–1986) was born near Anderson, South Carolina, in 1911. He was sold into slavery at the age of five and escaped at fourteen. Eventually he moved to Ohio but traveled extensively sharing the gospel and ministering to others at every opportunity.

My Review:

The Emancipation of Robert Sadler is one of the hardest books I have had the opportunity to read in a while. It was a beautifully written, yet heartbreaking to read about the life that Robert Sadler lived as a youngster in the height of the slave trade. To read about his life had me in tears, yet I ended up crying joyful tears as I read of his ministry later in life. Slavery is still going on strong in today's society and The Emancipation of Robert Sadler is a strong reminder of that fact. It is a great reminder that we can all help fight human trafficking and bring an end to this horrible situation. The book is definitely not for young eyes, due to some of the graphic details in it, and the subject matter, but would be more appropriate for adults. A definite eye-opener to be sure. 

I highly recommend this book and give it a thumbs up.

BUY IT: You can purchase The Emancipation of Robert Sadler at your favorite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group

***I received a complimentary copy of this book, courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications Inc., for the purpose of review on this blog. All opinions expressed are my own, and I have not been compensated in any other manner***

The Captive Heart: A Book Review

About The Book:

The Epic Story of an Amish Community in Peril

Ravaged by disease, preyed upon by ruthless bandits, the Bender family's second year in Mexico has taken a grievous turn. Faced with impossible choices, the expatriate Amish discover, more than ever before, what it means to live by faith and not by sight

But it's Miriam who must make the hardest choice as her heart takes her on a new and dangerous course. Domingo. "He is gentle," his sister said, "until someone he loves is threatened." Is Miriam that someone?

"Cualnezqui," he often calls her--the Nahuatl word for Beautiful one. The chiseled native has proven himself a man of principle, grace and power, yet is he the pearl of great price for whom Miriam would sacrifice everything, or is he merely a friend? Tormented by conflicting emotions, she's haunted by vivid dreams: Dressed in the coarse cotton pants and shirt of a peasant, she stands on the precipice of a sun-washed ridge searching desperately for Domingo. Domingo the fierce. Domingo the protector.

Domingo the forbidden.

Inspired by Actual Events!

About The Author:

Dale Cramer is the author of the bestselling and critically acclaimed novel Levi's Will, based on the story of Dale's father, a runaway Amishman. Dale's latest series, THE DAUGHTERS OF CALEB BENDER, is based on an Amish colony in the mountains of Mexico where three generations of his family lived in the 1920s. He currently lives in Georgia with his wife of 36 years, two sons and a Bernese Mountain Dog named Rupert. Visit him on his Web site atwww.dalecramer.com

My Review:

As many of you know, Amish Fiction is one of my favorite Christian Fiction genres currently. I have read many authors of this genre and all have captured my attention and brought me to a whole different and simpler life as I have read each book. Dale Cramer is no different. I absolutely loved his first book of the Daughters of Caleb Bender, Paradise Valley, and so was extremely excited to read book two, The Captive Heart recently.

The Captive Heart is full of action, romance, mystery and more. You will laugh, love, cry and be angry as you read each page. There is a little something for everyone in this book. You will be pulled in from the very first pages until the very last page. A heart-warming book that I absolutely loved. And I am very excited to say that book three (and the final one of this series) is coming out in December 2012. It is a long wait for the final book, but based on Paradise Valley and The Captive Heart, book three is going to awesome. I can't wait to see how all the loose ends from Book two wind up in Cramer's next work. 

The Captive Heart was so good, I read it in one sitting, I just could not put it down. Now you know it's a great book when you can't put it down. Good thing I had a patient husband that day:)

I highly recommend this book and give it a huge thumbs up.

BUY IT: You can purchase The Captive Heart at your favorite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group

***I received a complimentary copy of this book, courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, for the purpose of review on this blog. All opinions expressed are my own, and I have not been compensated in any other manner***