tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-50752218206116077502024-03-12T19:42:48.140-05:00PASSING IT FORWARDAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14882288703593261021noreply@blogger.comBlogger421125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5075221820611607750.post-84106266107185090802015-07-04T16:48:00.000-05:002015-07-04T16:48:28.451-05:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b><span style="background-color: #cfe2f3; color: #20124d; font-size: large;">MY HUSBAND WENT TO BE WITH THE LORD</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="background-color: #cfe2f3; color: #20124d;">Dewey Jack Shelton, 79, peacefully went to be with the Lord
Saturday, June 6, 2015, at his home in Arlington. Jack, as he was referred to
during his lifetime, was born in McAlester, Oklahoma. He entered the Army at
the young age of 18 and successfully became an officer retiring as a Major. He
served in Korea, two tours in Vietnam as a pilot, as well as Panama. Upon his
retirement from the Army (20 years), he was employed by the City of Dallas Love
Field Airport as an Assistant Director retiring after 20 years of service. He
was preceded in death by: son, Dewey Jack Shelton Jr.; and grandson, Terrance
Fickett. Jack is survived by: his wife of 40 years, Barbara Shelton; he was a
wonderful dad to 8 children, Jack’s, Barbara’s and their own, Shanna Elizabeth
Shelton of Arlington, Robert Shelton and wife Jennifer of Virginia, Patricia
Shelton of Louisiana, Angela Quiros-Shelton and husband Eduardo of Panama,
Michael Fickett and wife Carla of Illinois, David Fickett and wife Jessica of
Waco, and Amy Fickett of Arlington; grandchildren, Michael Fickett, Samantha
Fickett, Nathen Fickett, Noah Fickett, Brandon Fickett, Sabrina Fickett, Marcus
McFarland, Rachael Shelton, Rebecca Shelton, Steve Shelton, Kevin Sheppard,
Stephanie Fuit, Timothy Fuit, Jack Shelton III, Katcha Currier, Eduardito
Quiros, Mariangela Quiros, and Angel Quiros; along with many
great-grandchildren. Funeral Service will be held Tuesday, June 16, 2015 at
12:30 PM at Moore Funeral Home with Rev. Dr. Sarah Howe Miller officiating; and
Graveside Service with military honors at Dallas Fort Worth National Cemetery
at 2:30 PM. The family will receive family and friends on Monday, June 15, 2015
from 6-8 PM at Moore Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to
the American Cancer Society. </span></b></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14882288703593261021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5075221820611607750.post-78608157080905455732014-12-29T16:36:00.000-06:002014-12-29T16:36:15.269-06:00<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #20124d; font-size: x-large;"><i>DUE TO</i></span></h2>
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<span style="color: #20124d; font-size: x-large;"><i>MY HUSBAND'S ILLNESS,</i></span></h2>
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<span style="color: #20124d; font-size: x-large;"><i><br />I'M</i></span></h2>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tomtaGlHDqQ/VKHVfV_-QTI/AAAAAAAAVvw/2Aa13MR8GtI/s1600/taking_a_break.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tomtaGlHDqQ/VKHVfV_-QTI/AAAAAAAAVvw/2Aa13MR8GtI/s1600/taking_a_break.jpg" height="118" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="color: #20124d; font-size: x-large;">TO NURSE AND CARE FOR HIM</span></i></h2>
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<i><span style="color: #20124d; font-size: x-large;">I'LL RETURN WHEN HE IS HEALED</span></i></h2>
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<i><span style="color: #20124d; font-size: x-large;">YOUR PRAYERS FOR US BOTH </span></i></h2>
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<i><span style="color: #20124d; font-size: x-large;">WOULD BE A BLESSING</span></i></h2>
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<i><span style="color: #20124d; font-size: x-large;"><b>THANK YOU</b></span></i></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14882288703593261021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5075221820611607750.post-90789739276611516362014-11-07T15:02:00.001-06:002014-11-07T15:21:31.541-06:00<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;">MY REVIEW</span></h2>
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<span style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;">of</span></h2>
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<span style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;">THE PROMISE</span></h2>
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<span style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;">by</span></h2>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;">BETH WISEMAN</span></h2>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IfZOAaoqafY/VFkiPqfTUVI/AAAAAAAAVp8/HXyVNTPbTyc/s1600/The%2BPromise.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IfZOAaoqafY/VFkiPqfTUVI/AAAAAAAAVp8/HXyVNTPbTyc/s1600/The%2BPromise.jpg" height="320" width="209" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="color: #20124d;">About
the book: <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #20124d;"><i>Mallory's search for happiness leads her to a faraway place.
There she finds heartache, betrayal---and danger.<o:p></o:p></i></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #20124d;"><i>Mallory Hammond is determined that no one will stand in the
way of her goal---to save a life. She had that chance years ago, and she failed
to take it, leaving her adrift and in search of the real meaning of her life.
Finally, she meets a man online from a volatile corner of the world who offers
her the chance to find that purpose. But she will have to leave everyone she
loves behind in order to take it.<o:p></o:p></i></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #20124d;"><i>Tate Webber has loved Mallory for many years. He understands
that Mallory will never be happy with him until her deepest heart's desire is
satisfied. When Mallory decides to travel across the world to fulfill her
dreams, Tate begs her not to go but tries to give her the space she needs.
Mallory embarks on her dangerous journey only to discover how swiftly and
easily promises can be broken. And Mallory can only pray that she will make it
out alive.<o:p></o:p></i></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #20124d;"><i>Inspired by actual events, The Promise is a riveting love
story that asks the question: how far will we go for love?</i><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><b><span style="color: #20124d;">Purchase a copy: <a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001R_YIlFdOsFdl70QejpaiLGxUu1IMsno9tizn5Lgc5OgG_Q3EGVReiLeQuKsfblTVgK4p8Nzu5F53pBOKpoxChys7d9VdqDNd6Z55ottResqTnXYhltD1STQZLz_SpttQ13jdES8kTy-PTBWUw8e4r1McbzDmGREDliFPlx8jrx4=&c=lUSEvlAkrjwU1RMAdRA_ZG1LKwHG4MrniX0_TnjRqqms_2lh_nFAZg==&ch=MXFhTX6a41sKvd3n8OTL9LPF2yjpJPxq0I6J6Wn2vpXd0gZKMJik_A==" target="_blank">http://ow.ly/CP8sr</a> </span></b><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><b>.......MY REVIEW.......</b></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o-z6P0IUJek/Uy39BugZ6UI/AAAAAAAAT0Q/By6_2pAYmLI/s1600/5%2BSTARS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o-z6P0IUJek/Uy39BugZ6UI/AAAAAAAAT0Q/By6_2pAYmLI/s1600/5%2BSTARS.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #20124d;">5 STARS</span></b></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #20124d; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>RIVETING!! Reading
this book left me angry with those that make choices without God. This is a compassionately written story concerning
a true interaction of events that occurred to a friend of Beth Wiseman. I admire Beth’s trust in God and bravery to
write this story. She is to be
congratulated. Without a doubt – it
would not have been published in a country different from America – our home. <o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #20124d; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>Our protagonist, Mallory Hammond was blinded to the
truth that she was making bad choices for herself at the exclusion of what
those that loved her felt. At the age of
seventeen, she desperately wanted to donate a kidney to her teenage cousin, but
did not understand her parents would not allow it out of love and concern for
her. Mallory still mourned the death of
her cousin and her desire to help someone – anyone – became obsessive. Now in
her thirties, she worked for Dr. Ismail Farim, a Muslim. He was engaged to Soroya, Mallory’s best
friend also a Muslim who came from a wealthy family in Pakistan. With Dr. Farim’s help, Mallory enrolled in a
kidney exchange program – in my thoughts, a sub-conscious rebellious action
toward her parents.<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #20124d;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Mallory did not have a good Christian foundation to
support her hearts’ desire of saving a life in proper perspective. She wanted to be known for something – even
if that something took her around the world under false pretenses. Her boyfriend, Tate Weber</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">, </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">was
a Christian with a Catholic background.
To my thinking, Mallory’s selfishness about her obsession tainted her
life as she began to doubt the seriousness of her relationship with Tate – a
piano teacher who had a chance to take a new job with the Chicago Academy for
the Arts.<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #20124d; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>GRIPPING !!!
Sinister forces began to work in Mallory’s life. Dr. Farim’s father was tyrannical in insisting Ismail find an
American wife for his nephew Abdul, whose daughter Majida had cancer and
because of several obstacles In Pakistan – an American wife would be able to
bring the girl to the United States for treatment. Mallory empathized with her boss and began to
Skype with Abdul. Mallory was mesmerized
into becoming attracted to Abdul and agreed to a marriage in name only and
travelled to Peshaway, Pakistan only to be caught up in a disastrous web of
deceit – a real mess! <o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #20124d; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>Tate is struggling over his own problems, having a
ten year old orphan Verdell dumped on his doorstep and abandoned by his
aunt. Life becomes all about survival
for Mallory. Realistically, certain
references toward human frailties such as sex, and a curse word bothered me –
however it was necessary to the truth of the story.<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #20124d; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>Beth Wiseman did an extraordinary job authoring this
entire book. She conveyed the truth of Christian beliefs versus the Muslim
law. Clearly, we do not worship the same
God. Beth Wiseman has taken a true
example of how life can fool us and wrote a blaring example that should be read
by many – having faith or not. Particularly
worthy of note and mind-blowing is the part at the back of the book entitled
“Group Guide – A Letter from the Author.”
I highly recommend Beth Wiseman’s “The Promise” be placed at the top of
your reading list. Find out how God
proves his promises again and again.
Thank you Beth Wiseman for your incredible job with a tough subject.<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><span style="color: #20124d;">Thank you to Litfuse Publicity for providing a copy
of this book in exchange for my honest review.</span></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #20124d;">PROMISE VIDEO</span></b></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aubIXJc5ZKg/VF0i0NJfeMI/AAAAAAAAVq0/eVrQr7kTLAE/s1600/Headshot2resized-199x300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aubIXJc5ZKg/VF0i0NJfeMI/AAAAAAAAVq0/eVrQr7kTLAE/s1600/Headshot2resized-199x300.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #20124d;">AUTHOR BETH WISEMAN</span></b></td></tr>
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<b><span style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">About the
author: </span><span style="color: #20124d;"> Beth Wiseman is the best-selling author of the</span><span style="color: #741b47;"> <a href="https://bethwiseman.com/series/daughters-of-the-promise/">Daughters of the Promise</a></span><span style="color: #20124d;"> series and the</span><span style="color: #741b47;"> <a href="https://bethwiseman.com/series/land-of-canaan/">Land of Canaan</a></span><span style="color: #20124d;"> series. Having sold over 1.3 million books, her novels have held spots on the ECPA (Evangelical Christian Publishers Association) Bestseller List and the CBA (Christian Book Association) Bestseller List. She was the recipient of the prestigious Carol Award in 2011 and 2013. She is a three-time winner of the Inspirational Readers Choice Award, and an INSPY Award winner. In 2013 she took home the coveted Holt Medallion. Her first book in the </span><span style="color: #741b47;"><a href="https://bethwiseman.com/series/land-of-canaan/">Land of Canaan</a> </span><span style="color: #20124d;">series—</span><span style="color: #a64d79;"><a href="https://bethwiseman.com/books/seek-me-with-all-your-heart/">Seek </a><a href="https://bethwiseman.com/books/seek-me-with-all-your-heart/">Me With All Your Heart</a></span><span style="color: #20124d;">—was selected as the 2011 Women of Faith Book of the Year. Beth is contracted with HarperCollins Christian Publishing into the year 2018, and she has published twelve novels and nine novellas to date.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: #20124d;">As a former newspaper reporter, Beth was honored by her peers with eleven journalism awards, including first place news writing for The Texas Press Association. She has been a humor columnist for The 1960 Sun in Houston and published articles in various publications. However, writing novels is where her heart is. She left her job as a journalist in 2008 to write novels fulltime.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: #20124d;">Beth has a deep affection for the Amish and their simpler way of life, and while she plans to continue writing Amish love stories, she is also branching out into other areas. Her first non-Amish, contemporary—</span><a href="https://bethwiseman.com/books/need-you-now/"><span style="color: #674ea7;">Need You Now</span></a><span style="color: #20124d;">—released in April 2012 and landed on the CBA Bestseller List. She enjoyed writing the story based in a town near where she lives, and she chose another small Texas town for her next non-Amish contemporary—</span><a href="http://bethwiseman.com/books/the-house-that-love-built/"><span style="color: #674ea7;">The House that Love Built</span></a><span style="color: #20124d;">—which is based in Smithville, the same quaint town where movies such as Hope Floats and Tree of Life were filmed.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: #20124d;">In a daring new novel, Beth jumps way outside the box. </span><a href="http://bethwiseman.com/books/the-promise/"><span style="color: #a64d79;">The Promise</span></a><span style="color: #20124d;"> takes readers far away from Amish Country and small Texas towns to a dangerous place on the other side of the world. Inspired by actual events, Beth believes this is the book she’s been working toward for a long time.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: #20124d;">Beth and her husband are empty nesters enjoying the country life in Texas with three dogs, two cats, and two potbellied pigs. When she’s not writing, she loves to travel, paint, and enjoy time with friends and family. You can find Beth at </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Fans-of-Beth-Wiseman/47576397539"><span style="color: #674ea7;">Fans of Beth Wiseman on Facebook</span></a><span style="color: #20124d;"> where she interacts with readers or </span><span style="color: #674ea7;">visit<a href="http://www.bethwiseman.com/">bethwiseman.com</a></span><span style="color: #20124d;"> to learn more about Beth and her books.</span></b></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14882288703593261021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5075221820611607750.post-8053721837716239002014-10-23T15:15:00.000-05:002014-10-23T15:19:05.063-05:00<h2 style="text-align: center;">
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<b><span style="color: #20124d;"><i>Texas born and raised Jessica Atherton is a wealthy young woman whose heart was broken when the man she intended to marry wedded another. But her world is upended when two men come into her life and both manage to stir her heart. Harrison Gable is a rich young lawyer who intends to travel the world and live a life of opulence. His ambitions match Jessica's dreams, but her heart has begun to change.<br /><br />Austin Todd, former Secret Service agent, enjoys working now as a Texas Ranger cattle inspector. But learning of forged gold certificates and missing printing plates, he's drawn back into the world of intrigue and agrees to help solve the case. Austin is well-thought-of and admired in the community. Jessica is drawn to his kind nature and the unspoken pain she sees in his eyes. Will Jessica choose financial security or follow her heart?</i></span></b><br />
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<b><span style="color: #20124d;">It came as a delightful surprise when I remembered that I had already read the first book in this Lone Star Brides Series, “A Sensible Arrangement.” Now, having read the third book of this series, I definitely want to read the second book, “Moment in Time.” Tracie’s well-honed prose that mixes mystery, romance, and humor during the late 1800’s creates a fascinating read.<br /> <br />Jessica Atherton seems to be left behind when all her friends have married and having babies. Jessica had imagined herself married to a wealthy handsome man and living a life of luxury in a large city. She feels the sting of rejection from the man she had planned to marry, Robert Barnett, who married another. She ponders why and decides the reason might be her own behavior toward others. She realizes she is tactless, hurtful to others, spoiled and selfish and begins to work on changing herself. The first of Tracie’s story is a bit slow until Jessica decides a change is in order and things begin to happen.<br /> <br />Jessica feels she is being pitied during a gathering of friends and family at her parent’s home in Texas. She could barely handle Robert Barnett arriving with his wife Alice and new baby. She thought to herself “that baby should be mine.” Inadequate is how she felt when she overheard comments being made. Her own mother had urged her to draw closer to God and forget about her beauty. She thought her mother simply did not understand – no one did. It wasn’t as though she had not had suitors; she had turned down several proposals.<br /><br />We meet widower Austin Todd in the middle of a reoccurring nightmare. He feels responsible for the deaths of his wife Grace, his stillborn baby, and his brother. He sees them all in his dream plus the disapproving and accusing eyes of his mother and father. He was a cattle inspector for the Texas Rangers and had formerly worked in Washington D.C. for the Treasury Department’s Secret Service. Ironically, Robert Barnett was the first to visit him with an invitation to a gathering on the Barnett Ranch. Robert’s father had plans to build a railroad spur and a new town and wanted Austin Todd to be the Marshall. The Barnett gathering is where Jessica and Austin meet for the first time – pleasantly aware of each other, but afterward Austin kept his distance.<br /> <br />Another newcomer to this large cattle area is handsome attorney Harrison Gable. He immediately is attracted to Jessica, but there is something about him that seemed untrustworthy. Jessica is drawn to Harrison, but really cares for Austin. Now everything begins to get a bit messy – a lot of iniquitous and mysterious happenings need Austin to investigate.<br /> <br />Some characters and situations have been carried through both novels in this series that I have read. A Matter of Heart brings them altogether through this gifted author’s pen. Ms. Peterson concludes this series cleverly and artfully. You will enjoy the warm feelings tendered and watch a young woman face challenges that will renew her faith and maturity. It is almost impossible for me to conceive the numerous books Tracie Peterson has composed…..she is definitely creating a reputation for herself! (Notice the pun…..Jessica certainly made a new reputation for herself) Now, go buy the series and see for yourself how Ms. Peterson can entertain you.<br /> <br /><br />I was provided this book by Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing for my honest review. I have not received any compensation.</span></b><br />
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<span style="color: #20124d;"><b>MEET TRACIE PETERSON.......</b></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #20124d;"><br />Tracie Peterson is an award-winning, best-selling author of <a href="http://www.traciepetersonbooks.com/books.html">over 100 books</a>. Having given her heart to Jesus at the young age of six, Tracie has always felt called to some form of ministry, and writing fulfills that mission field. <br /><br />Tracie 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. <br /><br />In December, 1995 she signed a contract with <a href="http://www.bethanyhouse.com/ME2/Audiences/Default.asp">Bethany House Publishers</a>. Tracie now writes exclusively for Bethany House Publishers. She has co-written with a variety of authors including Judith Pella, Judith Miller, James Scott Bell, Kimberley Woodhouse and her daughter Jennifer. <br /><br />Throughout her <a href="http://www.traciepetersonbooks.com/bibliography.html">writing career</a> Tracie has found time to speak at writer's conferences where she has a special heart for new authors. She is often joined by her husband Jim, whose background in history offers new authors insight into research. Besides <a href="http://www.traciepetersonbooks.com/events.html">teaching at conferences</a>, Tracie also at one time managed Barbour Publishing's Heartsong Presents book line - overseeing the production of 52 books a year. Tracie teaches at women's conferences around the country and shares her testimony and insight for Christian living through the eyes of an author passionately in love with her Heavenly Father. <br /><br />Tracie was awarded the Romantic Times Career Achievement Award for 2007 Inspirational Fiction and the 2011 Lifetime Achievement Award from American Christian Fiction Writers. Her books have won numerous awards for favorite books in a variety of contests, including USA "Best Books 2011" Awards, best Religious Fiction for Embers of Love! <br /><br />Making her home in Montana, this Kansas native enjoys spending time with family--especially her three grandchildren--Rainy, Fox and Max.. <br /><br />For information on having Tracie speak at your event - contact <a href="mailto:noelle.buss@bethanyhouse.com">Noelle Buss</a> at Bethany Publishers/Baker Books. <br /><br />~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ <br /><br />Favorite Verse <br /><br />Joshua 1:9 (NIV) - "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." <br /><br /> </span></b><b><span style="color: #20124d;">Tracies Website: <a href="http://www.traciepeterson.com/">http://www.traciepeterson.com</a></span></b><br />
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<span style="color: #20124d;"><b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/TraciePetersonAuthor/timeline">Facebook Page</a>: <a href="https://www.blogger.com/goog_1192297330"> </a></b><b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/TraciePetersonAuthor/timeline">https://www.facebook.com/TraciePetersonAuthor/timeline</a></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;">MY REVIEW OF</span></h2>
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<span style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;">JANE KIRKPATRICK</span></h2>
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<b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><span style="color: #20124d;">Letitia holds nothing more dear than the papers that prove she is
no longer a slave. They may not cause white folks to treat her like a human
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<b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><span style="color: #20124d;">She trusts in those words she cannot read--as she is beginning to trust in Davey Carson, an Irish immigrant cattleman who wants her to come west with him.</span></i></b></div>
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<b style="text-align: left;"><i><span style="color: #20124d;">Nancy Hawkins is loathe to leave her settled life for the treacherous journey by wagon train, but she is so deeply in love with her husband that she knows she will follow him anywhere--even when the trek exacts a terrible cost.</span></i></b></h3>
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<b><i><span style="color: #20124d;">Betsy is a Kalapuya Indian, the last remnant of a once proud tribe in the Willamette Valley in Oregon territory. She spends her time trying to impart the wisdom and ways of her people to her grandson. But she will soon have another person to care for.</span></i></b></h3>
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<b><i><span style="color: #20124d;">As season turns to season, suspicion turns to friendship, and fear turns to courage, three spirited women will discover what it means to be truly free in a land that makes promises it cannot fulfill. This multilayered story from bestselling author Jane Kirkpatrick will grip readers' hearts and minds as they travel with Letitia on the dusty and dangerous Oregon trail into the boundless American West.</span></i></b><i style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: #20124d;"><br /></span></b></i></h3>
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<b><i><span style="color: #20124d;">MY REVIEW</span></i></b></h3>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><b><span style="color: #20124d;">Jane
Kirkpatrick is a phenomenal writer to pen such fiction from truth into a
beautiful work of art. This “truth is
stranger than fiction” novel takes place during the 1800’s, following a
harrowing wagon train venture from Missouri to Oregon. A personal note here – I am well acquainted
with the areas of Oregon Ms. Kirkpatrick wrote about, which brought visual
enjoyment during my reading.</span></b></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><b><span style="color: #20124d;"> </span></b></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><b><span style="color: #20124d;">Letitia
is a strong black woman, full of wisdom and dreams. Her dream of freedom from the buckles of
slavery is ongoing, even though she received her papers of freedom in
Kentucky. Frankly, prejudice against the
color of one’s skin is abhorrent to me – I’ve never understood slavery. Letitia will not be stopped! The reader will discover immediately that
this courageous young woman turns the other cheek to adversity and faces life
with everything within her.</span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><b><span style="color: #20124d;"><br /></span></b></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><b><span style="color: #20124d;"> </span></b></span><b><span style="color: #20124d;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Recently,
I read in an interview with Jane Kirkpatrick that the wedding scene between Letitia
(Tish) and Davey Carson, an Irish immigrant, had to be discreet and meaningful
considering they were breaking the law.
The wedding was sweet and joyful, even a bit of humorous relief when a
Jewish peddler happened upon the scene, including stomping on the glass as is
done in Jewish weddings. This is one of
my favorite scenes. Davey was kind to
Tish, although he was of a male mind of that time period. Soon after, a thorn begins in Tish’s side
when Davey’s grown son appears in the picture, jealous, hateful, and
prejudiced. He does not stick around
long when he decides to take another route to Oregon. Another constant thorn in her side is
Greenberry Smith, mean spirited and murderous, intent on making Tish’s life
miserable. Tish wants Davey to draw up </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">a paper willing his property to her and her children should he
become deceased. He is reluctant because
he does not know how to read and write, a fact he keeps to himself. He finally comes up with something that
appeases Tish for the time being.</span></span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: #20124d;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /> </span></span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><b><span style="color: #20124d;"> </span></b></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><b><span style="color: #20124d;">Among
the characters is the dearly loved milking cow Charity that Tish owns, in whom
she can safely confide, and does so many times.
Tish is pregnant when the trek to Oregon begins. She is mid-wife to
many, but alone when her baby daughter Martha is born. The children love her as she entertains them
with great stories. Her closest friend
is Nancy Hawkins, a quilter who treasures the loom made for her by her
husband. The determination and inner
strength of the women on the wagon train amazes me…I can scarcely comprehend their
depth.</span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><b><span style="color: #20124d;"><br /></span></b></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><b><span style="color: #20124d;"> </span></b></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><b><span style="color: #20124d;">It is
difficult to be succinct about this beautiful story. One of the impractical events that occurred
was when Davey inadvertently lost Tish’s freedom papers and his document. Tish had hidden them in a flour barrel that
Davey exchanged for a full barrel. But
Tish was to find out within time that the document Davey made up was of no
value – which she felt a betrayal on his part.</span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><b><span style="color: #20124d;"><br /></span></b></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><b><span style="color: #20124d;"> </span></b></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><b><span style="color: #20124d;">Finally,
Tish made it to Oregon City alone. Davey
met her there after helping with other matters regarding the wagon train. Davey did not stay around much, as he got
gold rush fever and headed to California several times. Settling in Oregon reveals much more – Tish
found joy in meeting a Kalapuya Indian woman named Betsy and her grandson. Davey and Tish had a baby son, Adam born around
1853. Davey, Jr. enters the picture
again in Oregon, causing her frustration.
Hardship is a daily word, but Letitia’s trust and faith in God were chiefly
imperative to getting through each day. Letitia’s
valor brought her through a lawsuit with a white man over her property. She was known as one of the first free black
slaves to enter Oregon. I enjoyed Ms.
Kirkpatrick’s novel because of the history and culture of the 1800’s. This free child of God is definitely the
Light in the Wilderness.</span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><b><span style="color: #20124d;"> </span></b></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><b><span style="color: #20124d;"> </span></b></span><br />
<b>Thank you to Revell for providing a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.</b><br />
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A VIDEO FOR A LIGHT IN THE WILDERNESS</h3>
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<b><span style="color: #20124d;">AUTHORS INSIGHT.......</span></b></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x5Ouv-WQua8/VCdLrfMsDKI/AAAAAAAAVXA/cj7hkMGTqOY/s1600/David_Letitia_Oregon_Trail_Route900.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x5Ouv-WQua8/VCdLrfMsDKI/AAAAAAAAVXA/cj7hkMGTqOY/s1600/David_Letitia_Oregon_Trail_Route900.jpg" height="235" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: #20124d;">This is the first book I've written with much of the research completed before the story was brought to me. Thirty years previous, two former Oregon state university students Janet Meranda and Dr Bob Zybach discovered the court records and never forgot Letitia's story. They brought it to me believing a novel would tell it best. Their research and progress on a nonfiction book about her and Davey's life can be followed at <a href="http://friends%20of%20letitia%20carson./">Friends of Letitia Carson.</a></span></i></b><br />
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<b><span style="color: #20124d;">A Brief Biography<br />Carson, Letitia </span></b><br />
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<img src="http://www.jkbooks.com/Images/Wilderness/OregonTrail.jpg" /><br />
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<b><i><span style="color: #20124d;">Birth Year : 1814 <br />Death Year : 1888 <br />Letitia Carson was a free African American woman who was born in Kentucky. She was one of the early African Americans to be listed in the U.S. Federal Census as living in Oregon. <br />Letitia's husband was an Irishman named David Carson (1800-1854). The pioneering couple and their two children lived in Benton, Oregon Territory, according to the 1850 U.S. Federal Census. The couple had come to Oregon in 1845, and their daughter Martha was born along the way, their son Adam around 1853. <br />When David Carson died, Letitia and her children were left out of his estate settlement, and Letitia filed suit against the estate for her children's benefit. She won the lawsuit and settled on land she had purchased near South Myrtle Creek,today known as Letitia Creek. She is buried near her property now on private land. <br />Letitia Carson was a well known mid-wife in the county. The Letitia Carson Pioneer Apple Tree was named in her honor; it is thought that Letitia planted the tree, and researchers named the tree while completing a cultural resource inventory of the property owned by Oregon State University.</span></i></b><br />
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<b><span style="color: #20124d;">Letitia's Homestead Deed </span></b> <b><span style="color: #20124d;"> Why This Story?</span></b><br />
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<a href="http://www.jkbooks.com/Files/Homestead_1863-1888.pdf"></a><a href="http://www.jkbooks.com/Files/Homestead_1863-1888.pdf"><img src="http://www.jkbooks.com/Images/Wilderness/Letitia%20DeedSM.jpg" /></a></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: #20124d;">"Letitia's story of one of the first black women to cross the Oregon Trail in 1845, give birth along the way, and have a Missouri man impact her life here in Oregon after the death of her common law white husband is a compelling story of courage and commitment . . .How could I not pursue that story?" Jane Kirkpatrick</span></i></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 15pt; letter-spacing: 0.5pt;"><i><span style="color: #20124d;">Jane Kirkpatrick is a writer, speaker,
teacher...<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: #20124d;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; letter-spacing: 0.5pt;">Jane is inter-nationally recognized for her
lively presentations and well-researched stories that encourage and
inspire. Her works have appeared in more than 50 publications including
Decision, Private Pilot and Daily Guideposts. Jane is the author of
over 25 books including historical novels. Many of her titles are based on the
lives of real people or incidents set authentically in the American West.
Her first novel, A Sweetness to the Soul, won the coveted
Wrangler Award from the Western Heritage Center. Her works have been
finalists for the Christy, Spur, Oregon Book Award, WILLA Literary Award and
Reader’s Choice awards. Several of her titles have been Book of the Month
and Literary Guild selections. Follow this </span><a href="http://www.jkbooks.com/Pages/awards.html"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; letter-spacing: 0.6pt;">link</span></a><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; letter-spacing: 0.5pt;"> to see other awards that Jane has won.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: #20124d;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; letter-spacing: 0.5pt;">Early Years</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; letter-spacing: 0.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></i></b></div>
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</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; letter-spacing: 0.5pt;"><b><i><span style="color: #20124d;">Jane grew up near Mondovi, Wisconsin, a little town not
far from the Mississippi River. Her older sister Judy (now deceased) and
younger brother Craig helped on the family dairy farm. Dozens of cousins lived
within 50 miles providing the privilege of extended family memories. Most of
the "Rutschow" clan remained in the Wisconsin-Minnesota area. Jane
moved to Oregon in 1974 after completing her master's degree in social work at
the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. She worked in the disabilities field and
became the director of the mental health program in Deschutes County and the
first female president of the Oregon Community Mental Health Director's
Association.<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></span></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: #20124d;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; letter-spacing: 0.5pt;">Homesteading & Family</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; letter-spacing: 0.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></i></b></div>
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</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]--></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; letter-spacing: 0.5pt;">Eventually, Jane "retired" to homestead and
begin a new adventure in writing, working on the Warm Springs Indian
reservation, growing watermelons, and attempting to grow grapes, alfalfa and
cattle. The Kirkpatrick's new life included "clearing sagebrush and
wrestling wind and rattlesnakes" while "homesteading" land on
the John Day River in a remote part of Oregon known locally as Starvation
Point. "It was our 'rural 7-Eleven' since our home sat seven miles
from the mailbox and eleven miles from the pavement" notes the author.
Additionally, she worked for seventeen years as a mental health and
educational consultant on the Warm Springs Indian Reservation in Central Oregon
with both Native American and non-Indian communities, a position she left in
2002. Jane has two step-children. Kathleen lives in Florida with
her family and youngest granddaughter, Madison. Matt lives in Wasco and
works on the ranch full time when not looking after his family including his
and Melissa's daughter, Mariah.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; letter-spacing: 0.5pt;"><b><i><span style="color: #20124d;">In the fall of 2010, after twenty-six years
on the homestead, Jane and Jerry, her husband of 35 years, made another life
change moving back to Central Oregon near Bend. "There is a season for
everything," Jane notes. Their seasons on the ranch changed their
lives and they leave with no regrets looking forward to new adventures in
writing and life.<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></span></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: #20124d;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; letter-spacing: 0.5pt;">Speaker & Philosophy</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; letter-spacing: 0.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></i></b></div>
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</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]--><b><i><span style="color: #20124d;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; letter-spacing: 0.5pt;">A lively and humorous </span><a href="http://www.jkbooks.com/Pages/Speaker.html"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; letter-spacing: 0.6pt;">speaker</span></a><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; letter-spacing: 0.5pt;">, Kirkpatrick is a frequent keynote presenter for
conferences, women's retreats,fund-raisers and workshops. In addition to
her historical fiction which dramatizes pioneer life, </span><a href="http://www.jkbooks.com/Pages/Homestead.html"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; letter-spacing: 0.6pt;">Homestead</span></a><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; letter-spacing: 0.5pt;"> relates,
with love and laughter, her own family's modern-day struggle to catch a dream
in the Oregon Territory.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: #20124d;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; letter-spacing: 0.5pt;">Jane believes that our lives are the stories
that others read first and she encourages groups to discover the power of their
own stories to divinely heal and transform. Visit her </span><a href="http://janeswordsofencouragement.blogspot.com/" target="_new"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; letter-spacing: 0.6pt;">blog</span></a></span></i></b><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; letter-spacing: 0.5pt;"><b><i><span style="color: #20124d;"> for
more information about her current projects and the privilege of following
one's passion wherever the dreams may lead. </span></i></b><span style="color: #1e1612;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14882288703593261021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5075221820611607750.post-77738001848966329432014-09-27T18:07:00.001-05:002014-09-27T18:07:53.734-05:00A Light in the Wilderness by Jane Kirkpatrick<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/8Ixka881BNY" width="480"></iframe>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14882288703593261021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5075221820611607750.post-34029824820899413812014-09-11T15:58:00.000-05:002014-09-13T13:31:46.254-05:00<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #20124d; font-size: x-large;">MY REVIEW OF</span></h2>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #20124d; font-size: x-large;">HOME TO </span></h2>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #20124d; font-size: x-large;">CHICORY LANE</span></h2>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #20124d; font-size: x-large;">by</span></h2>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
</h2>
<h2>
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lxCSuo_Hg-0/VBH-wxwQ3PI/AAAAAAAAVVU/-4g0LHMQFvI/s1600/download%2B(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="color: #20124d;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lxCSuo_Hg-0/VBH-wxwQ3PI/AAAAAAAAVVU/-4g0LHMQFvI/s1600/download%2B(1).jpg" height="200" width="131" /></span></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TgfjRJl0ukk/VBH-kJWoqII/AAAAAAAAVVM/YYP2pxTqZZI/s1600/unnamed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #20124d;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TgfjRJl0ukk/VBH-kJWoqII/AAAAAAAAVVM/YYP2pxTqZZI/s1600/unnamed.jpg" height="200" width="149" /></span></a><span style="color: #20124d; font-size: x-large;">DEBORAH</span><span style="color: #20124d; font-size: x-large; line-height: 20.7999992370605px;"> R</span><span style="color: #20124d; font-size: x-large; line-height: 20.7999992370605px;">ANEY</span></h2>
<h2 style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #20124d;"><i><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">In</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"> Home to Chicory
Lane, </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">Grant and Audrey Whitman have sunk most of their retirement
funds into Audrey's dream of renovating the home built by her grandparents over
a hundred years ago. After raising their five children, the empty-nesters have
turned the stately Missouri home into an elegant bed-and-breakfast. </span></i></span></h2>
<h2 style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #20124d;"><i><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></i></span></h2>
<h2 style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #20124d;"><i><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">What they
didn't count on was that even as their open house is in progress, their
children begin returning to the nest.</span></i></span></h2>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16px;"><span style="color: #20124d;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div>
<b></b><br />
<div style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #20124d;"><i>Each book of the Chicory Inn series will focus on one of Grant and Audrey's
children, but you'll get to know the whole family, including Huckleberry, the
Whitman's beloved-but-ornery chocolate Lab, in the first novel, and follow them
through heartache, romance, trials, and triumphs as the series unfolds.</i></span></span></b></div>
<b>
</b>
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<div style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;">MY REVIEW</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;">Empty nesters Audrey and Grant
Whitman have raised their five children in a stately home <span lang="EN">just a mile
outside of Langhorne, Missouri. Each
book in the Chicory Inn Series will focus on one of their children – the first
being Landyn Whitman Spencer, the baby of the family. This heartwarming story begins with the
excitement and tension of opening weekend of the Chicory Inn. It was Audrey’s dream of renovating the home
built by her grandparents over a hundred years ago into a bed and breakfast. Her husband Grant, now retired, had been a
bit averse to sinking most of his retirement into the project, but did so
without grumbling much… because after all….Audrey had grown up in this
house…and he lovingly gave Audrey her way.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN"><span style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;">The
Inn was completely filled by reservations and Audrey was having opening day
jitters. It did not help that Corrine arrived
toting fussy baby Simone. Simone was teething, and Corrine did not want
daddy Jesse to deal with that. Corrine
cut in that her dad could watch Simone if need be. Her excuse was irritating to Audrey and she
pushed down her resentment, even when Simone wiped her nose on Audrey’s apple
green jacket and Corrine laughed saying “Well, at least it matches. “ Corrine then dabbed Simone’s nose with a
tissue which made her screech like a banshee – causing the dog Huckleberry to
come running and barking. Deborah
Raney’s prose is transparent and humorous initiating my attention to be held
captive from the first page.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN"><span style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;">Little
do Audrey and Grant suspect their stress level has only begun. Daughter Landyn Whitman Chase is pulling a
U-Haul trailer from New York City arriving home at an ill-timed moment with no
explanation. She does have valid reason
– to herself anyway – as to why she has come home. Landyn and Chase have been married a mere six
months and Chase made a rash decision – without discussing it with her – no
less. He had let their apartment on the
Upper West Side be sublet, rented a fleabag studio apartment in Brooklyn
because God was leading him in this way to further his art career. This made no sense to Landyn…she had much to
think about – including a bit of information she was withholding from
Chase. I had better stop right here and
let you read the story for yourself. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN"><span style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;">Deborah
Raney’s plot was well rounded with heartaches to joys. I could identify easily with Audrey as a
mother. As I read through the book I
could relate to each side of conflicts.
If you are ready to laugh and cry, then read this lovely story about
family life based on Godly principles.
Ms. Raney writes realistic drama with deep feeling and wisdom. This is the first book by Deborah Raney I
have read…and it will not be the last. I
don’t want to hurry a great writer….she needs time to develop her stories with
aplomb and eloquence. I will be patient
and wait…keeping my ears and eyes open for the next novel about the Whitman
family. Who will be in trouble next?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;">"I received this book from
Litfuse for free in exchange for an honest review."<span lang="EN"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;">INTERESTING NOTES FROM THE AUTHOR.......</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.3999996185303px;"><i><span style="color: #20124d;">I've always been a very visual writer, referring to photographs of my characters and setting. Below are some of the images that inspired me as I wrote the Chicory Inn novels. The first two books are finished and with my editor. And I'm having a blast as I work on the third book, making notes fast and furious for the final two books in the series as I go.</span></i></span></div>
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<b></b></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GpIT7BBggKg/VBIDbLAEkVI/AAAAAAAAVVg/U7MgT1emBew/s1600/GRANT%2B%26%2BAUDREY%2BWHITMAN.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GpIT7BBggKg/VBIDbLAEkVI/AAAAAAAAVVg/U7MgT1emBew/s1600/GRANT%2B%26%2BAUDREY%2BWHITMAN.jpg" height="209" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><b>Grant & Audrey Whitman</b></span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
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<span style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Home to Chicory Lane </span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">tells Landyn's story. The somewhat spoiled baby of the
Whitman family, Landyn thought she was living the dream with her new husband in
New York City. But after only six months, she is homesick and disillusioned
with marriage. In desperation, she returns home to Chicory Lane to try to sort
out her life and decide if her marriage can be salvaged.<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
</div>
<span style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><b>
</b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0r1BU7c3E8A/VBIEbZEmGGI/AAAAAAAAVVw/KIvvrQ-MvmM/s1600/LANDYN%2BWHITMAN%2BSPENCER.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0r1BU7c3E8A/VBIEbZEmGGI/AAAAAAAAVVw/KIvvrQ-MvmM/s1600/LANDYN%2BWHITMAN%2BSPENCER.png" height="320" width="257" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #20124d;">LANDYN WHITMAN SPENCER</span></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rRFEPvc8WSw/VBID2UvdYbI/AAAAAAAAVVo/uiv8xX-L-8M/s1600/CHASE%2BSPENCER.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rRFEPvc8WSw/VBID2UvdYbI/AAAAAAAAVVo/uiv8xX-L-8M/s1600/CHASE%2BSPENCER.png" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #20124d;">CHASE SPENCER</span></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1vPs--sk7pc/VBIFsccWcsI/AAAAAAAAVWE/sgev8ZHysMg/s1600/Where%2Bthe%2BWhitmans%2Benjoy%2BTuesday%2BFamily%2BNights.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1vPs--sk7pc/VBIFsccWcsI/AAAAAAAAVWE/sgev8ZHysMg/s1600/Where%2Bthe%2BWhitmans%2Benjoy%2BTuesday%2BFamily%2BNights.jpg" height="226" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #20124d;">Where the Whitman's enjoy Tuesday Family Nights</span></b>.</td></tr>
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<span style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><i></i></span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #20124d;"><i></i></span></span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ocQGPAFuiBk/VBIFjcBNyrI/AAAAAAAAVV8/Yd_qobODnNc/s1600/HUCKLEBERRY.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ocQGPAFuiBk/VBIFjcBNyrI/AAAAAAAAVV8/Yd_qobODnNc/s1600/HUCKLEBERRY.png" height="200" width="132" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #20124d;">HUCKLEBERRY</span></b></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><b>ABOUT THE AUTHOR.........</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><b><i><span style="color: #20124d;">DEBORAH
RANEY dreamed of writing a book since the summer she read Laura Ingalls
Wilder's Little House books and discovered that a Kansas farm girl could,
indeed, grow up to be a writer. Her more than 25 books have garnered
multiple industry awards including the RITA Award, HOLT Medallion, National
Readers' Choice Award, Carol Award, Silver Angel from Excellence in Media, and
have twice been Christy Award finalists. Her first novel, A Vow to
Cherish, shed light on the ravages of Alzheimer's disease. The novel inspired
the highly acclaimed World Wide Pictures film of the same title and continues
to be a tool for Alzheimer's families and caregivers. Deborah is on faculty for
several national writers' conferences and serves on the executive board of the
2700-member American Christian Fiction Writers organization. She and her
husband, Ken Raney, recently traded small-town life in Kansas––the setting of
many of Deb's novels––for life in the (relatively) big city of Wichita. They
have four children and five precious grandchildren who all live much too far
away.<br />
<br /><br />
Deborah Raney is probably best known for her first novel, A Vow to Cherish,
which was the inspiration for the award-winning film of the same title from
World Wide Pictures. Her Hanover Falls Novels series and Clayburn Novels series
are published by Howard Books, a division of Simon & Schuster. Her newest
series, The Chicory Inn Novels, will release from Abingdon Press beginning
August 2014. Deb has written more than 25 novels and is thoroughly enjoying her
career as a writer. However, her first and most cherished calling is wife to
Ken, her husband of almost 40 years, and mother to their four children. Ken and
Deb love small-town life in Kansas and being "Papa and Mimi" to five
precious grandchildren who all live much too far away.</span></i></b></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #20124d; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; line-height: 16.8666667938232px;">Visit Deb on the Web at <a href="http://www.deborahraney.com/" target="_blank">www.deborahraney.com</a></span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #20124d;"><b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; line-height: 16.8666667938232px;"><a href="http://www.deborahraney.com/" target="_blank"><br /></a></span></b><b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/61073266770/" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/groups/61073266770/</a></b></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 15.6pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: left;">
<b><span style="color: #20124d;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/61073266770/" target="_blank"><br /></a><a href="http://kansasprairiegarden.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">http://kansasprairiegarden.blogspot.com</a></span></b></div>
<div style="line-height: 15.6pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: left;">
<b><span style="color: #20124d;"><a href="http://kansasprairiegarden.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><br /></a><a href="http://www.deborahraney.com%20http//novelgarden.blogspot.com%20http://kansasprairiegarden.blogspot.com%20http://www.clashentertainment.com" target="_blank">http://www.clashentertainment.com</a></span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #20124d;"><b><i>Hi Friends, </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #20124d;"><b><i>Doesn't her book sound marvelous?! It really is. I enjoyed this book even more when I realized that Deborah and I both hail from the same home state of Kansas, went to the same college...different eras of course....and are both pure sunflowers in our hearts. It has indeed been a pleasure to know her and give a review on this book. So, tune in again....a bit sooner than it has been lately....and may your life be blessed.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #20124d;"><b><i>Hugs,</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #20124d;"><b><i>Barb</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #20124d;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #20124d;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #20124d;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #20124d;"><b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 16.8666667938232px;"><br /></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #20124d;"><b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 16.8666667938232px;">.</span></b></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14882288703593261021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5075221820611607750.post-21878686614564844292014-08-06T14:19:00.000-05:002014-08-06T14:32:20.702-05:00<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Butterfly-Violin-Hidden-Masterpiece-Novel-ebook/dp/B00I5QX61Q/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1407347423&sr=1-1&keywords=the+butterfly+and+the+violin+by+kristy+cambron"></a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<h2>
<span style="color: #20124d; font-size: x-large;">MY REVIEW OF </span></h2>
<h2>
<span style="color: #20124d; font-size: x-large;">THE BUTTERFLY & THE VIOLIN</span></h2>
<h2>
<span style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;">(Hidden Masterpiece Book One)</span><span style="color: #20124d; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span><span style="color: #20124d; font-size: x-large;">BY</span></h2>
<h2>
<span style="color: #20124d; font-size: x-large;">KRISTY CAMBRON</span></h2>
</div>
<h3>
</h3>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-o-z6P0IUJek/Uy39BugZ6UI/AAAAAAAAT0Q/By6_2pAYmLI/s1600/5+STARS.jpg" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
5 Stars</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></i></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m_APd2gxyJg/U-JqVFzSUaI/AAAAAAAAVRw/x2Bdu-eqKZ8/s1600/KRISTA+CAMBRON.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m_APd2gxyJg/U-JqVFzSUaI/AAAAAAAAVRw/x2Bdu-eqKZ8/s1600/KRISTA+CAMBRON.jpg" height="200" width="133" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #20124d;">AUTHOR KRISTY CAMBRON</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<h3>
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Iu9SC9_nyto/U-JyHxth3qI/AAAAAAAAVSI/yrMcMszFMuQ/s1600/10317810_10203907434629108_1327663808737941429_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Iu9SC9_nyto/U-JyHxth3qI/AAAAAAAAVSI/yrMcMszFMuQ/s1600/10317810_10203907434629108_1327663808737941429_o.jpg" height="200" width="131" /></a></h3>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
</h3>
<h3>
</h3>
<h3>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="color: #20124d;">A mysterious painting breathes hope and beauty into the
darkest</span></i></div>
<i><div style="text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="color: #20124d;">corners of Auschwitz—and the loneliest hearts of Manhattan.</span></i></div>
<span style="color: #20124d;"><div style="text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="color: #20124d;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="color: #20124d;">Manhattan art dealer Sera James watched her world crumble at
the</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="color: #20124d;">altar two years ago, and her heart is still fragile. </span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="color: #20124d;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="color: #20124d;">Her desire for distraction reignites a passion for a mysterious portrait she first saw as a young girl--a painting of a young violinist with piercing blue eyes.</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="color: #20124d;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="color: #20124d;">In her search for the painting, Sera crosses paths with
William </span></i><i><span style="color: #20124d;"></span></i><br />
<div style="display: inline !important;">
<i><span style="color: #20124d;"><i><span style="color: #20124d;">Hanover, the grandson of a wealthy California real estate mogul, who may be the </span></i><i><span style="color: #20124d;"></span></i></span></i><br />
<div style="display: inline !important;">
<i><span style="color: #20124d;"><i><span style="color: #20124d;"><i><span style="color: #20124d;">key to uncovering the hidden masterpiece. Together, Sera and William slowly </span></i></span></i></span></i></div>
<i><span style="color: #20124d;"><i><span style="color: #20124d;">
</span></i><i><span style="color: #20124d;"><div style="display: inline !important;">
<i><span style="color: #20124d;">unravel the story behind the painting's subject: Austrian violinist Adele Von </span></i></div>
</span></i><i><span style="color: #20124d;"><div style="display: inline !important;">
<i><span style="color: #20124d;">Bron.</span></i></div>
</span></i></span></i><i><span style="color: #20124d;"></span></i><div style="display: inline !important;">
<i></i><div style="display: inline !important;">
<i></i><div style="display: inline !important;">
<i></i><div style="display: inline !important;">
<i></i><div style="display: inline !important;">
<i></i><div style="display: inline !important;">
<i></i><div style="display: inline !important;">
<i></i><div style="display: inline !important;">
<i></i><div style="display: inline !important;">
<i><i style="color: black; text-align: start;"><i><i><i><i><span style="color: #20124d;"><i><span style="color: #20124d;"><div style="display: inline !important;">
<div style="display: inline !important; text-align: justify;">
<div style="display: inline !important;">
<i><span style="color: #20124d;"><i><span style="color: #20124d;"><div style="display: inline !important;">
<div style="display: inline !important;">
<i><span style="color: #20124d;">A darling of the Austrian aristocracy, talented violinist, and </span></i></div>
</div>
</span></i></span></i></div>
</div>
</div>
</span></i></span></i></i></i></i></i></i></div>
</div>
</div>
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</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<i><span style="color: #20124d;"><i><span style="color: #20124d;"><div style="display: inline !important;">
<br /></div>
</span></i></span></i></div>
<i style="color: black; text-align: start;"><span style="color: #20124d;"></span></i><div>
<i style="color: black; text-align: start;"></i><div style="display: inline !important;">
<i><span style="color: #20124d;"></span></i></div>
<i style="color: black; text-align: start;"><span style="color: #20124d;"></span></i><div>
<i style="color: black; text-align: start;"></i><div style="display: inline !important;">
<i><span style="color: #20124d;"><div style="display: inline !important;">
<i><span style="color: #20124d;">daughter to a high-ranking member of the Third Reich, Adele risks everything </span></i></div>
</span></i><i><span style="color: #20124d;"><div style="display: inline !important;">
<i><span style="color: #20124d;">when she begins smuggling Jews out of Vienna. In a heartbeat, her life of </span></i></div>
</span></i><i><span style="color: #20124d;"><div style="display: inline !important;">
<i><span style="color: #20124d;">prosperity and privilege dissolves into a world of starvation and barbed wire.</span></i></div>
</span></i></div>
</div>
</div>
<i><span style="color: #20124d;">
</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="color: #20124d;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="color: #20124d;">As Sera untangles the secrets behind the painting, she finds </span></i><i><span style="color: #20124d;"></span></i><br />
<div style="display: inline !important;">
<i><span style="color: #20124d;"><i><span style="color: #20124d;">beauty in the most unlikely of places: in the grim camps of Auschwitz and in </span></i><i><span style="color: #20124d;"></span></i></span></i><br />
<div style="display: inline !important;">
<i><span style="color: #20124d;"><i><span style="color: #20124d;"><i><span style="color: #20124d;">the inner recesses of her own troubled heart.</span></i></span></i></span></i></div>
<i><span style="color: #20124d;"><i><span style="color: #20124d;">
</span></i></span></i></div>
<i><span style="color: #20124d;">
</span></i></div>
</span></i></h3>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="color: #20124d;"><br /></span></b></div>
<b><span style="color: #20124d;">". . . impossible to put down." —RT Book Reviews, 4 1/2 Stars, TOP PICK!<br /><br />"In her historical series debut, Cambron expertly weaves together multiple plotlines, time lines, and perspectives to produce a poignant tale of the power of love and faith in difficult circumstances. Those interested in stories of survival and the Holocaust, such as Eli Weisel’sNight, will want to read." —Library Journal, starred review<br /><br />". . . debut novelist Cambron vividly recounts interwoven sagas of heartache and recovery through courage, love, art, and faith." —Publishers Weekly</span></b><br />
<div>
<b><span style="color: #20124d;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div>
<b><span style="color: #20124d;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;">MY REVIEW</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div>
<h3>
<span style="color: #20124d;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Kristy Cambron’s story keeps echoing obstinately in
my mind. The double layering of two
stories at once is done with artistic brush strokes of description that
challenges other fine writers with her expertise and talent. This is Ms. Cambron’s debut novel,
excellently done is a contemporary and a historical romance dealing with two
women with two very different stories involving one lost painting.</span></span></h3>
<h3>
<span style="color: #20124d;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span></h3>
<h3>
<span style="color: #20124d;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Manhattan art dealer, Sera James, excitedly enters
the gallery she owns with great anticipation that the painting that just
arrived is THE ONE she has been searching for – the one that haunted her since
a child of eight seeing it in a Paris art gallery. Her assistant Penny explains that an instant
response to her ad had been made by a mysterious businessman – a financier in
real estate named William Hanover III who was liquidating his late
grandfather’s estate. HOWEVER - he won’t
sell the painting, but will pay an exorbitant fee to hire Sera and her gallery to
help him look for the original painting.
Sera is soon flying to San Francisco at Mr. Hanover’s expense.</span></span></h3>
<h3>
<span style="color: #20124d;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span></h3>
<h3>
<span style="color: #20124d;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">December 1942, Vienna, Austria. Adele Von Bron, daughter of a high-ranking
member of the Third Reich and whose mother is a concert pianist; is currently known
as “Austria’s Sweetheart” as a violinist with Vienna’s Philharmonic. Vladimir Nicolai, Adele’s romantic interest
is a cellist with the Philharmonic, involved secretly in smuggling Jews to
Switzerland. Adele has enmeshed herself
for the first time in the rescue of The Haurbech family, which failed
tragically. All of the Haurbech family
except Sophie were shot and killed.
Adele is presently in her family doctor’s office in shock because her
hands were badly cut by glass she had fallen on when she and Vladimir
scattered. Not knowing Vladimir’s or
Sophie’s whereabouts, she told the doctor about the rescue attempt and
shuddered over what might have happened if they were discovered by the
Gestapo. “This is not Austria, you
know. What we’ve become? This is not
God’s path.” The doctor replied. Danger lurked everywhere. Adele was scheduled for a solo performance
the next evening and was concerned about being able to perform with her injured
hands. The doctor bandaged them and kept
her safe that night.</span></span></h3>
<h3>
<span style="color: #20124d;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span></h3>
<h3>
<span style="color: #20124d;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Sera stood looking at the large estate and noticed a
large white tent being constructed and a van sat to the side where workers were
unloading candelabras and flowers, preparing for a big event. She questioned aloud “Just what in the world
do you do, Mr.Hanover?” “He was in real estate.”
replied a man that walked up behind her – who she assumed was the gardener. She learned that a wedding was to take place. Sera had been left at the alter three years
before and still had not recovered from the emotional scars. Thereafter she met
William Hanover the Third; only to find out he was the gardener. He was not prepared to discuss the painting
until his sister’s wedding was over.
Sera decided that a small nervous breakdown was in the making for her,
but finally resolved that issue when William Hanover displayed kindness and
interest in her during the wedding reception.
Oh, and he called Sera “Manhattan” – his endearing name for her.</span></span></h3>
<h3>
<span style="color: #20124d;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span></h3>
<h3>
<span style="color: #20124d;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The only thing our four protagonists had in common
is their Christianity. Each agonized from
complex issues of their own. In 1942 I
was only 4 years old, but I can relate to the reality in some ways that others
might not. Kristy Cambron delved into WW
II history and brought out the unbelievable ugliness of what Adele suffered in
Auschwitz. How can any one of us relate
to being branded traitors by the Gestapo?
Vladimir’s soft and lovely nickname for Adele “Butterfly” suggests how
he saw her. Omara painted her as she
knew her in the concentration camp.
Adele’s only saving grace was her talent as a violinist in the Auschwitz
orchestra that played for the SS Officers.
Although Sera’s story was important to Adele’s – I would have read this
book on Adele’s nightmarish story as a stand-alone. It
seemed an interruption when the chapters changed from modern day to WW II
unbearable Holocaust. Ms. Cambron’s
research revealed more than 1600 pieces of art discovered in the ruins of
Auschwitz and brought to my mind the recent movie of The Monument Men. Music and art cannot be erased from world
culture – although some will try. It is
part of our will to survive.</span></span></h3>
<h3>
<span style="color: #20124d;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span></h3>
<h3>
<span style="color: #20124d;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">There is so much more that could be said about this
incredible book. Your questions will be
answered in the coming revealing chapters.
But I have taken liberties already and must save the uniqueness of what
Ms. Cambron has accomplished for your own discovery. Seventy-five reviews alone have been published on Amazon,
and I am sure that will not be the last of them. So, I leave it to you – go get this book for
yourself….NOW! You will recognize this
book by its beautiful cover. Respectful
congratulations, Ms. Kristy Cambron. We
look forward to your next publication. God
most certainly plans something special for your exceptional talent.</span></span></h3>
<h3>
<span style="color: #20124d;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span></h3>
<h3>
<span style="color: #20124d;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">In
exchange for my review, I received a free copy of the book through Litfuse
Publicity Group.</span></span></h3>
<div>
<span style="color: #20124d;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #20124d;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span></div>
<h3>
<span style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 115%;">ABOUT THE AUTHOR......KRISTY CAMBRON.......</span></span></h3>
<h3>
<span style="color: #20124d;">I’ve been taken with the WWII Era since I was a young girl.My grandfather was a B-17 co-pilot in the war and I remember the stories he’d so often tell. Years later, I came across the lost art of Auschwitz while studying for my <a href="http://kristycambron.com/home-2/about-kristy/#">undergraduate degree in</a> Art History. I didn’t know if then, but more than a decade later, God would remind me of the heart of this book. In the wee hours of the morning in early 2013, it came alive once again.<br /><br /><br />I write WWII and Regency Era Christian fiction titles, placing first in the 2013 NTRWA Great Expectations and 2012 FCRW Beacon contests (Inspirational Categories)! One of those stories (which I hope will make it to bookstore shelves one day!) also became a Finalist in the 2013 Laurie contest. I’ve been a contributing author on <a href="http://www.regencyreflections.com/">RegencyReflections.com</a> since 2012, and still post there with my Regency friends from time to time.<br /><br />A SPARROW IN TEREZIN (Hidden Masterpiece #2) will release in April, 2015.</span></h3>
<span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;"><br /><b><span style="color: #20124d;">Kristy's Website</span> <a href="http://www.kristycambron.com/">http://www.kristycambron.com/</a><br /><br /><br /><span style="color: #20124d;">Amazon</span> http://www.amazon.com/Butterfly-Violin-Hidden-Masterpiece-Novel-ebook/dp/B00I5QX61Q/ref=la_B00GRA12G8_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1407351880&sr=1-1</b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Cw1QVJ4Relc/U5oeHKicmuI/AAAAAAAAUqQ/CqGsE5B2kj8/s1600/KAREN+BARNETT.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Cw1QVJ4Relc/U5oeHKicmuI/AAAAAAAAUqQ/CqGsE5B2kj8/s1600/KAREN+BARNETT.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">AUTHOR KAREN BARNETT</td></tr>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q5ld_cn_6Y0/U5od9cBph3I/AAAAAAAAUqI/qQf3FWGqbpE/s1600/OUT+OF+THE+RUINS+COVER.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q5ld_cn_6Y0/U5od9cBph3I/AAAAAAAAUqI/qQf3FWGqbpE/s1600/OUT+OF+THE+RUINS+COVER.jpg" height="200" width="128" /></a><br />
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<b><span style="color: #20124d;">MY REVIEW OF</span></b></h2>
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<b><span style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;">OUT OF THE RUINS</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #20124d;">Golden Gate Chronicles | Book 1 (Golden Gate Chronicles Series) </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #20124d;">BY</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #20124d;">KAREN BARNETT</span></b></h3>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-o-z6P0IUJek/Uy39BugZ6UI/AAAAAAAAT0Q/By6_2pAYmLI/s1600/5+STARS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-o-z6P0IUJek/Uy39BugZ6UI/AAAAAAAAT0Q/By6_2pAYmLI/s1600/5+STARS.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">5 STARS</td></tr>
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<b style="color: #20124d;">Kindle Fire HDX Prize Pack </b><b style="color: #20124d;">Giveaway</b></h3>
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<b style="color: #20124d;">&</b></div>
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<b style="color: #20124d;">Facebook Party</b></div>
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<b style="color: #20124d;">(See Details Below)</b></div>
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</span></i></b> <b><i><span style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;">While her sister lies on her deathbed, Abby Fischer prays for a miracle. What Abby doesn’t expect, however, is for God’s answer to come in the form of the handsome Dr. Robert King, whose experimental treatment is risky at best.<br />
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As they work together toward a cure, Abby’s feelings for Robert become hopelessly entangled. Separated by the tragedy of the mighty San Francisco earthquake, their relationship suddenly takes a back seat to survival. With fires raging throughout the city, Abby fears for her life as she flees alone through burning streets. Where is God now? Will Robert find Abby, even as the world burns around them? Or has their love fallen with the ruins of the city?</span></i></b><br />
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<b><span style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;">MY REVIEW</span></b></h3>
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<span style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><b>Karen Barnett’s story is charged with high voltage emotion encircling factual detail of the historical San Francisco earthquake in 1906. Although the characters and story are fictional, the realism rings authentic. Be prepared to experience heart jerking responses during your tour through this shocking event. Expect to audibly gasp and feel the need to pray for the situations described as seen on a wide screen movie. This is a sensational writing. <br />
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We tune in on the Fischer family near San Jose, California at a difficult time. The eldest sister Cecelia suffers from leukemia with little hope of surviving, but younger sister Abby will not accept Cecelia’s pending death. She tries to make a deal with God, but quickly loses faith as He does not answer her prayer as demanded. When cousin Dr. Gerald Larkspur and his assistant Dr. Robert King arrive at the Fischer family orchard, Abby grabs onto hope when the doctors feel their new found cancer cure can help Cecelia. Consequently, the entire family, including little brother Davy travel the distance to San Francisco where Cecelia is hospitalized. The Fischer family stays with cousin Mae Larkspur in San Francisco. Mae is one of my favorite characters throughout this story, as she is loving, full of faith in God, and a teacher of the Word. <br />
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Prior to the doctor’s assessment of Cecelia’s situation, handsome Dr. Robert King, is taking a walk through the orchard and first meets Abby hanging upside down from a fruit tree. Nope, I am not explaining that! He becomes immediately and irrevocably attracted to Abby. Abby is a strong minded, strong willed, immature 19 year old who doesn’t understand the word “no” and God made boundaries. Is this a case of striking the obvious match? Could be! <br />
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Soon to experience unmeasurable sorrow, their lives are further disastrously turned to chaos when the infamous earthquake hits San Francisco. Ms. Barnett’s unique gift for description so vivid is one of her most favorable assets with the written word. Her story is uniquely imaginative based on real facts. She writes well of the longing of a romance interrupted by of all things, a major earthquake. I repeat, be prepared for many surprises and shocks as we follow Abby through her journey of searching for loved ones and meeting new acquaintances while San Francisco burns. Karen Barnett gives us a hint of human prejudice that remained existent even during tragedy. Some incidents are merciless, however plausible during such a time as this. God’s presence is there for all – will Abby find her way to Him in her journey? Will the Phoenix show it’s courageous head out of the ashes when the flames are gone? <br />
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Since this book is part of a trilogy, I am anxious to learn of who and what survived Out of the Ruins in the next two novels. I am certain it will be as exciting as this story. I see a remarkable future for this impressive writer. <br />
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<b><span style="color: #20124d;">I received this book free from Litfuse Publicity Group. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.</span></b></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NHeXohqBQn0/U5ojm9wRCSI/AAAAAAAAUqg/ORVC8lMaxY0/s1600/KAREN.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NHeXohqBQn0/U5ojm9wRCSI/AAAAAAAAUqg/ORVC8lMaxY0/s1600/KAREN.jpg" width="200" /></a><b><span style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;">About the Author</span> </b><br />
<b><span style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;">Karen Barnett is the author of Mistaken and several articles that have been published by Guideposts and other national magazines. She lives in Albany, Oregon, with her husband, two children, and three cats. For more information, visit her website KarenBarnettBooks.com.</span></b></div>
<b><a href="http://www.karenbarnettbooks.com/"><span style="font-size: large;">http://www.KarenBarnettBooks.com</span></a></b><br />
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<b><span style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;">About Karen</span></b><br />
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<b><i><span style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;">God is the same yesterday, today, and forever--and yet our human story changes daily. As a writer of historical romance, I love to explore my characters' faith and how their experiences impact the way they view God.<br />
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There's nothing I enjoy more than a beautiful love story and God's devotion to His people is the best one of all. It even ends with the hero riding in on a white horse! (Revelation 19:11). <br />
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My first novel, <a href="http://www.karenbarnettbooks.com/p/books.html">Mistaken</a>, released in July 2013 with Abingdon Press and my next novel, <a href="http://www.christianbook.com/out-the-ruins-golden-gate-chronicles/9781426780578/pd/780570?item_code=WW&netp_id=1162437&event=ESRCG&view=details">Out of the Ruins</a> (Book 1 of the Golden Gate Chronicles) will hit store shelves in May 2014.<br />
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I was blessed to be named the Cascade Awards Writer of Promise in 2013 from Oregon Christian Writers (OCW).<br />
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Back in 2010, Guideposts Magazine printed "<a href="http://www.guideposts.org/prayer/boy-says-prayer-friend-visit-birthday">Birthday Wish</a>," a story I wrote about my son and a very special prayer. I am represented by Rachel Kent of <a href="http://www.booksandsuch.biz/">Books & Such Literary Agency</a>.<br />
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I grew up in Washington and went to college at Valparaiso University in Indiana, followed by graduate study in Geosciences at Oregon State University. Fueled by a fascination for God's creation, I worked several years in outdoor education--as a naturalist at Northwest Trek Wildlife Park, a seasonal ranger at Mount Rainier National Park, and as Park Naturalist at Silver Falls State Park in Oregon.<br />
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I live in the beautiful Pacific Northwest with my husband, two children, three furry felines and an attention-hungry dachshund. When I'm not writing and blogging, I enjoy playing guitar, hiking, decorating bizarre birthday cakes, and dragging my kids through boring history museums.</span></i></b><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #20124d;">Karen Barnett's</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #20124d;">OUT OF THE RUINS</span></b></span></div>
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<b>"Hope" </b></div>
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<b>Kindle Fire HDX Prize Pack Giveaway & Facebook Party</b></div>
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<strong style="font-size: 13.333333015441895px;">Don't miss the debut book, <a href="http://www.abingdonpress.com/product/9781426780578#.U18hcOZdW-s" style="outline: 0px;" target="_blank"><em>Out of the Ruins</em></a>, in <a href="http://www.karenbarnettbooks.com/" style="outline: 0px;" target="_blank">Karen Barnett</a>'s new series, The Golden Gate Chronicles.</strong><span style="font-size: x-small;"> Set against the backdrop of early 20th century San Francisco, </span><em style="font-size: 13.333333015441895px;">Out of the Ruins</em><span style="font-size: x-small;"> will remind readers that no matter who we are or what we've done, God is still as close to us as our next breath.</span><br /><br /><strong style="font-size: 13.333333015441895px;">Karen is celebrating with a fun "Hope" giveaway and Facebook author chat party.</strong><br /><br /><center style="font-size: 13.333333015441895px;">
<img alt="outofruins-400-click" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-11570" height="300" src="http://litfusegroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/outofruins-400.jpg" width="400" /></center>
<br /><br /><b><span style="color: #20124d;">One winner will receive:</span></b><ul><b><span style="color: #20124d;"><br /></span></b>
<li><b><span style="color: #20124d;">A Kindle Fire HDX</span></b></li>
<b><span style="color: #20124d;"><br /></span></b>
<li><b><span style="color: #20124d;"><i>Out of the Ruins </i>by Karen Barnett</span></b></li>
<b><span style="color: #20124d;"><br /></span></b></ul>
<b><span style="color: #20124d;">Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on June 19th. Winner will be announced at the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/248084395392738/" style="outline: 0px;" target="_blank"><i>Out of the Ruins </i>Facebook author chat party on June 19th</a>. Connect with Karen for an evening of fun book chat, fun games, and prizes. Karen will also be answering audience questions and giving an exclusive look at the next book in The Golden Gate Chronicles series!<br /><br />Find out what readers are saying about the book <a href="http://litfusegroup.com/author/kbarnett" style="outline: 0px;" target="_blank">HERE</a>.<br /><br />Giveaway open to US and Canadian residents only.<br /><br /><i>**By entering, entrants agree to opt-in to receive promotional emails from Karen Barnett. If at any time you wish to unsubscribe you can do so through the unsubscribe instructions on one of the emails.**</i></span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><b>Have you entered to win a Kindle Fire HDX and a copy of OUT OF THE RUINS? Winners announced at my live Facebook party on 6/19. Enter and RSVP here:<a href="http://prmo.me/Y7Vh50"> http://prmo.me/Y7Vh50</a></b></span><div>
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<span style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><b>MY REVIEW OF</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><b>SURPRISED BY GRACE</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><b>BY ELIZABETH SHERRILL</b></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #20124d;"><b>ELIZABETH SHERRILL</b></span></td></tr>
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<b><i><span style="color: #20124d;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">God intends fulfillment for
us. Yet it’s easy to forget that truth in our daily life. For fifty years,
Elizabeth Sherrill cowrote life-changing books: The Hiding Place, God’s
Smuggler, and The Cross and the Switchblade. Now for the first time, in
Surprised by Grace, she shares her personal discoveries of God’s unfathomable
love and strength while battling </span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Surprised-Grace-Elizabeth-Sherrill-ebook/dp/B00IMGQRMY/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">chronic depression</span></a></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> and
self-doubt. “When God created you, do you think He meant to make someone else?”
a friend asks Sherrill. Faced with questions like these, she learns she’s
infinitely valued and cherished by God. In vivid episodes, Sherrill takes you
through the three stages of her awakening joy, from the thirty-some years when
the idea of God was elusive to the years since then when she’s reveled in
breathtaking moments in God’s presence and to her inspiring vision of eternity.
In Surprised by Grace, you’ll discover that God loves you individually and
infinitely. You can find real peace, for you are God’s amazing creation. Let
that truth echo forever in your own life.</span></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">MY REVIEW</span></span></i></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #20124d;">FIVE STARS</span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #20124d;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Upon reading excellent reviews already written and published about Elizabeth Sherrill’s Surprised by Grace, I pondered about what I could add sufficiently unique to draw reader interest. When I received the query to read and review Elizabeth Sherrill’s biography, I excitedly recalled her authoring a favorite story I read years ago about David Wilkerson; and subsequently seeing her book The Cross and the Switchblade, made into a movie starring Pat Boone as David Wilkerson, a young Assemblies of God minister moved to action when he witnessed the devastating effects of delinquency and drugs on teenagers in New York City. Hence, this story was about the ministry of Teen Challenge, born in 1958 in the heart of David Wilkerson, My love and devotion to this organization resides deep in my heart, as it was through Teen Challenge that my daughter found her life once more.</span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">The above paragraph is merely mentioned in passing, as my reaction to Ms. Sherrill’s beautiful testimony hit so deeply in my emotions, that I am again reading her book to reap further joy and knowledge. The preface and the forward so impressed me that I decided to share parts of those. It is a small novel; however seems to grow broader in wisdom by the wonderful stories and tid bits Elizabeth Sherrill shares about her life, marriage, and deep faith in God. Her catchy titles before each chapter were captivating to my interests and followed by words sensitively respective of the memories she wrote about. One of the intimate facts I learned - Elizabeth has a nickname – Tibby.</span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">It seems Ms. Sherrill had repeatedly refused Van Varner, a Guideposts editor’s suggestion to write a book telling her own story. She felt her faith was a private matter. “I know now that my emphatic “Never” to Van was part of the door between me and the world that I write about in Surprised by Grace. My whole world was constructed on the insistence that I was different. Since I “wasn’t like others,” how could my experience interest anyone else?” It wasn’t Van, however, who’d finally changed my mind, but people I’d never met. Over the years I’d written, always reluctantly, three or four short articles about my own life. To my surprise, the articles drew responses from readers, ‘You’ve written my story!’ the letters said, over and over. The article that brought the most mail was about my struggle with depression. All of us, apparently, in the black pit of that blackest place, had felt that no one else had ever experienced what we did. And the relief that these correspondents felt in recognizing themselves in my story was stunningly evident.” Ms. Sherrill received two letters ten days apart relating to the help others had received from her Guidepost articles. It was then she went into action and allowed her word processor to put the words in order that produced this wonderful story. Elizabeth “Tib” Sherrill said her book is about the discovery of a secret. It’s the story of how heaven, which I used to think of as an imaginary realm-in-the-sky, has become more real to me than the ground beneath my feet. Real in the past, real for the future, and best of all, real right now. And this book is also an invitation. An invitation to us all to look back, to look ahead, and to look around, and keep being surprised at what we see.</span><br /><br /> <br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">“She is a writer of extraordinary gifts who truly practices what she preaches. With honesty and unflinching self-examination, Tibby peels back the layers of her life to reveal an astonishing journey of faith, from nonbeliever to believer, from itinerant journalist to the influence behind some of the greatest inspirational writing of our time.” Edward Grinnan, Guideposts Magazine Editor-in-Chief </span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Now, dear reader, you can get this fantastic little book for yourself and I know you will be as impressed as I am with this endurable and lovely lady writer. God bless you, Tibby!</span><br /><br /> <br /><i>This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from Litfuse Publicity.</i><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">ABOUT AUTHOR ELIZABETH SHERRILL.........</span></b></span><div>
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<span style="color: #20124d;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Elizabeth ("Tib") Sherrill has published some 1500
articles and authored more than 30 books, with sales in excess of 50 million.
Book titles, many co-written with her husband John, include <a href="http://www.elizabethsherrill.com/the-hiding-place-book-desc.html">The
Hiding Place,</a> <a href="http://www.elizabethsherrill.com/the-cross-and-the-switchblade-book-des.html">The
Cross and the Switchblade</a>, <a href="http://www.elizabethsherrill.com/gods-smuggler-book-desc.html">God's
Smuggler</a>, <a href="http://www.elizabethsherrill.com/they-speak-with-other-tongues-book-desc.html">They
Speak with Other Tongues</a>, and <a href="http://www.elizabethsherrill.com/return-from-tomorrow-book-desc.html">Return
from Tomorrow</a>. For over sixty years, Elizabeth has been a writer and
editor for Guideposts Magazine.</span><o:p></o:p></i></b></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.elizabethsherrill.com/">http://www.elizabethsherrill.com/</a></span></b><o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9Rg6kHfw0Og/U4eI0jthC6I/AAAAAAAAUkI/nxzx2yCMJX4/s1600/John+and+Elizabeth+Sherrill.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9Rg6kHfw0Og/U4eI0jthC6I/AAAAAAAAUkI/nxzx2yCMJX4/s1600/John+and+Elizabeth+Sherrill.jpg" height="160" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">John & Elizabeth Sherrill</span></td></tr>
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John and Elizabeth met aboard ship on their way to Europe and were married in Switzerland in 1947. In 1970, they founded a publishing company, Chosen Books,* dedicated to developing new Christian writers. Their first title was Born Again by Charles Colson. The Sherrills' work has taken them on year-long assignments in Africa, South America and Europe, as well as numerous trips to the Near and Far East, and to each of the 50 US states. Elizabeth has taught writing workshops on five continents. Their writing still keeps them on the road, here and abroad, about half the time. The Sherrills have three children, eight grandchildren and two great-grandchild, and are occasionally at <a href="http://www.elizabethsherrill.com/">home</a> in Hingham, Massachusetts. </span></i></b></span><div>
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<br /><span style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><b><i>NOTE FROM BARB.....</i></b></span><div>
<span style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><b><i><br />Thanks for dropping by today, please pass it forward so that other readers can drop by and join our follower friends. Sorry I have been gone for so long, much is happening in my life and still continuing to happen. Please include my family in your prayers once in a while - I would return a prayer in kind for you and yours. Until next time.....enjoy your summer!<br />Blessings Forward,<br />Barb</i></b></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14882288703593261021noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5075221820611607750.post-59706874424848519512014-04-07T16:11:00.000-05:002014-04-07T16:33:09.061-05:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ujHApC4DFYk/U0MHISZERvI/AAAAAAAAUBo/Q7G8zSAMKa0/s1600/The+Queen%2527s+Handmaid+Cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ujHApC4DFYk/U0MHISZERvI/AAAAAAAAUBo/Q7G8zSAMKa0/s1600/The+Queen%2527s+Handmaid+Cover.jpg" height="200" width="131" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F81DdO--6oU/U0MIKh7lSXI/AAAAAAAAUB0/dgMM9umTNp4/s1600/TracyLHigley.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F81DdO--6oU/U0MIKh7lSXI/AAAAAAAAUB0/dgMM9umTNp4/s1600/TracyLHigley.jpg" height="200" width="160" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #20124d;">AUTHOR TRACY L. HIGLEY</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #20124d;"></span></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #20124d;"><span style="font-size: large;">BARB'S REVIEW OF</span></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">THE QUEEN'S HANDMAID</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">BY</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">TRACY L. HIGLEY</span></div>
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Alexandria, Egypt 39 BC</span></b></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #20124d;">From the servant halls of Cleopatra’s Egyptian palace to the courts of Herod the Great, Lydia will serve two queens to see prophecy fulfilled.</span></b> </span></i></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: #20124d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: #20124d;"><span style="font-size: large;">Orphaned at birth, Lydia was raised as a servant in Cleopatra's palace, working hard to please while keeping everyone at arm's length. She's been rejected and left with a broken heart too many times in her short life.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">But then her dying mentor entrusts her with secret writings of the prophet Daniel and charges her to deliver this vital information to those watching for the promised King of Israel. Lydia must leave the nearest thing she’s had to family and flee to Jerusalem. Once in the Holy City, she attaches herself to the newly appointed king, Herod the Great, as handmaid to Queen Mariamme.</span></span></i></b></div>
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<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: #20124d;">BARB'S REVIEW</span></b></h3>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-o-z6P0IUJek/Uy39BugZ6UI/AAAAAAAAT0Q/By6_2pAYmLI/s1600/5+STARS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-o-z6P0IUJek/Uy39BugZ6UI/AAAAAAAAT0Q/By6_2pAYmLI/s1600/5+STARS.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #20124d;">FIVE STARS</span></b></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 115%;"><b><span style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;">This story is a stunner! Stopped in my tracks,
I pondered over much that I read. Astonished that factually, this was
shortly before Christ's birth, a fact I had not fundamentally grasped about
Cleopatra and the cast of real characters’ existence in ancient history (i.e.
Caesar, Antony, Herod to the Ptolemaic family).
Author Tracy Higley wrote with intense acumen of the murderous
politicians, their zealously for power causing turmoil and punishment for the
citizens and royalty beyond imagination. I wish my history classes in school and
college would have been so clarifying, they would have been much more fun.<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 115%;"><b><span style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;">Ms. Higley begins this entrancing story about Lydia in
39 BC Orphaned at birth, and given to serve the
palace in Alexandria, Egypt at a young age, Lydia is now a handmaid to the
Egyptian Queen Cleopatra. Herod is
about to make his first visit to meet the queen and everything is nervously
aflutter in preparation; while Cleopatra is plotting manipulatively to
seductively charm Herod politically into her power. Lydia has been summoned by her friend and
mentor Samuel. She finds him bleeding
and dying from unknown attackers upon her arrival, With only just enough time, he charges her
with secret writings of the Prophet Daniel stored in a chest that must be delivered to Jerusalem watchers
for the promised King of Israel. Lydia’s
journey is long and dangerous and through action-packed events, ultimately becomes
the handmaiden to Herod’s bride Queen Mariamme.
<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 115%;"><b><span style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;">Twisting and turning real historical events and
people into gripping intrigue made A Queen’s Handmaid one of the best writings
I have read. Spiritual mystery combined with
the actual coming of Christ kept me glued to the story until finished. Ah, then there is the hint through a simple amulet
that could reveal Lydia’s parentage.
Whose head will roll next in the line of royalty? Which empire will be shaken next? Drama is highly described. Lydia has many frightening experiences and
secret thoughts about all happening around her.
Does romance figure into this story?
Perhaps, however you will need to read for yourself this incredible
book. Trauma is an everyday event in the
royal palaces among the royalty and servants…..and that part of the book is not
fiction and the players were real people.<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 115%;"><b><span style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;">I enjoyed the questions at the end of the story and
the answers to many questions I had about the research the author ensured before
writing the book. Tracy L. Higley gave
the reader a wonderful synopsis of information about the political kingdoms’
histories, which was personally greatly appreciated. Beautifully placed before the most important
event in life, that remains the whole point of this remarkable story. Thank you Tracy Higley for the greatest
history lesson I have ever had. I look
forward to catching up with all your previous books before The Queen’s
Handmaid. You are blessed!<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #20124d;">I was provided with a free copy of this
book in exchange for my honest opinion by the Litfuse Publicity Group. I was
not further compensated to review this product and all thoughts and sentiments
expressed above are completely my own and unbiased.</span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><b>MEET AUTHOR TRACY L. HIGLEY.......</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #20124d;"><br /></span></span></div>
<b><span style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;">From her earliest childhood, there was nothing Tracy loved better than stepping into another world between the pages of a book. From dragons and knights, to the wonders of Narnia, that passion has never abated, and to Tracy, opening any novel is like stepping again through the wardrobe, into the thrilling unknown. With every book she writes, she wants to open a door like that, and invite readers to be transported with her into a place that captivates.<br /><br />Tracy started her first novel at the age of eight and has been hooked on writing ever since. After attending Philadelphia Biblical University, she earned a B.A. in English Literature at Rowan University. She then spent ten years writing drama presentations for church ministry.<br /><br />A lifelong interest in history and mythology has led Tracy to extensive research into ancient Greece, Egypt and Rome, and shaped her desire to shine the light of the gospel into the cultures of the past.<br /><br />She has traveled through Greece, Turkey, Egypt, Israel, Jordan and Italy to research her novels, and looks forward to more travel as her writing continues. <a href="http://tracyhigley.com/tracys-travels/">Click on the link Tracy’s Travels</a>, to explore some of the fascinating locations of her books.<br /><br />Tracy is thrilled to bring readers adventures set in the ancient past, and it’s her hope that in escaping with her, readers will feel they’ve walked through these deserts, explored ruins, felt the white sand and blue sea under their feet, and met with the Redeeming God who is sovereign over the entire drama of human history.</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i><span style="color: #20124d;">What I believe about our relationship with God –</span></i></b><br /><br /><b><i><span style="color: #20124d;">I believe that each of us is born separated from God, a separation that we can do nothing to rectify on our own. No amount of right living will make us perfect, which is the standard a holy God requires.<br /><br />We are in need of a Savior for our salvation, and this Savior was provided in the person of Jesus Christ, fully God and fully man, who gave His life to purchase our freedom. His death broke our bondage. His resurrection gives us victory.<br /><br />Our lives are to be about two things: Loving God and Loving Others, and both of these are accomplished through our intimate relationship with God, who lives in us from the moment that we apply His offered gift to ourselves.</span></i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i><span style="color: #20124d;"><br /></span></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i><span style="color: #20124d;"><a href="http://tracyhigley.com/">http://tracyhigley.com/</a></span></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i><span style="color: #20124d;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/tracyhigley">https://www.facebook.com/tracyhigley</a></span></i></b></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #20124d;">Escape the everyday with me! Get a Free Short Story--> <a href="http://bit.ly/1hKOFhK">http://bit.ly/1hKOFhK</a></span></b><br />
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<i><span style="color: #20124d;"><b>Friends, </b></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #20124d;"><b>Aren't you happy now that you didn't pass by PASSING IT FORWARD!! This book is a definite five star recommendation from me. I sincerely hope you will visit your favorite book store or library now and get Tracy Higley's grand book for your library. Be sure and let us know what you think of her story! That's it for today - please invite your friends to my blog so we can build up viewers. Enjoy this spring April.</b></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #20124d;"><b>Passing Forward Many Blessings,</b></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #20124d;"><b>Barb</b></span></i></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14882288703593261021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5075221820611607750.post-26538594969335097972014-03-22T16:34:00.000-05:002014-03-22T17:03:42.915-05:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-o-z6P0IUJek/Uy39BugZ6UI/AAAAAAAAT0M/S8q4kUVyzH4/s1600/5+STARS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-o-z6P0IUJek/Uy39BugZ6UI/AAAAAAAAT0M/S8q4kUVyzH4/s1600/5+STARS.jpg" /></a></div>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #20124d; font-size: x-large;">THE THIEF</span></h2>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ePuOd5tkDKE/Uy3pKnKzpMI/AAAAAAAATz0/c1bqI3I5mGE/s1600/Stephanie-Landsem.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ePuOd5tkDKE/Uy3pKnKzpMI/AAAAAAAATz0/c1bqI3I5mGE/s1600/Stephanie-Landsem.jpg" height="200" width="131" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>AUTHOR STEPHANIE LANDSEM</b></td></tr>
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<h2>
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ESQllKONV1E/Uy3pcF58A-I/AAAAAAAATz8/8a3d4UC5CPg/s1600/The+Thief+Cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ESQllKONV1E/Uy3pcF58A-I/AAAAAAAATz8/8a3d4UC5CPg/s1600/The+Thief+Cover.jpg" height="200" width="133" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">
<b style="color: #20124d;"><span style="font-size: large;">by</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">STEPHANIE LANDSEM</span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;">My God, my God, </span></h2>
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<span style="color: #20124d;"><span style="font-size: large;">why have you abandoned me?</span></span></h2>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><i><span style="color: #20124d;"><br /></span></i></span></div>
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<i><span style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;">ABOUT THE STORY<i>.......</i></span></div>
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<i><span style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><br /></span></i></div>
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<i style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #20124d;">Nissa is a Jewish woman with a sharp tongue and no hope of marriage. Abandoned
by the God she once loved, her only recourse is to depend upon Mouse, the best
thief in Jerusalem, to keep her blind brother, Cedron, fed and the landlord satisfied. </span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16px;"><i><span style="color: #20124d;"><br /></span></i></span></div>
<i><span style="color: #20124d;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"></span></span></i><br />
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<i><span style="color: #20124d;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Longinus is a Roman centurion haunted by death and failure and is desperate to
escape the accursed Judean province. Accepting a wager that will get him away
from the aggravating Jews and their threats of revolt, he sets out to catch the
thieves harassing the marketplace. </span></span></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #20124d;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"></span></span></i><br />
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<i><span style="color: #20124d;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">When a controversial teacher miraculously heals Cedron, Nissa hopes for freedom
from her life of lies. But the supposed miracle brings only more misfortune,
and Longinus, seeking to learn more about the mysterious healer, finds himself
drawn instead to Nissa, whose secret will determine the course of both their
futures. </span></span></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><i><span style="color: #20124d;">Cedron, Longinus, and Nissa are unexpectedly caught up in the arrest, trial,
and crucifixion of Jesus. As danger closes in on them from every side, they
must decide if the love and redemption Jesus offers is true or just another
false promise. How can the so-called Messiah save them from their shackles,
when he cannot even save himself?</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><i><span style="color: #20124d;"><br /></span></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #20124d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">BARB'S REVIEW.......</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><br /><span style="color: #20124d;">Exciting and compelling, the scenes written so realistically that moments of holding my breath during the tense drama of this saga were literally “breathtaking.” My personal reading appetite for Biblical fiction mixed with fact was satiated upon complete digestion of The Thief by Stephanie Landsem. My imagination needed no help as the characters leaped into my mind lucidly through Ms. Landsem’s colorful word paintings describing ancient Jerusalem in a wholly distinctive approach during the most life changing events to ever occur.<br /> <br /><br /><br />Nissa, a shrewish unmarried Jewish woman feeling abandoned by God, was pressed to provide for her household and blind younger brother Cedron. Their uncaring and abusive parents were sinful addicts, her mother to wine – her father to gambling. There are the usual traits peculiar to human nature at all times, it seems. Nissa has a secret about her relationship to Mouse and the Greek Dismas, both talented thieves. Cedron could be a depiction of the blind man healed by a mysterious healer in the Pools of Siloam. One might think the parents would be overjoyed over Cedron’s healing, however their unwarranted shame caused their complete abandonment and disowning of Cedron and Nissa, again left to fend for themselves. Longinus, a Roman centurion was a bystander at Cedron’s healing and for the first time noticed Nissa, to whom he was strangely attracted; as well as questioning the new mixed emotions and amazed curiosity about the miracle he had just witnessed. Could the Hebrew belief of there being only One God be true? Who is this miracle worker called Jesus? Longinus has problems of his own having just lost his best childhood friend and comrade centurion to murder; and assigned the duty to arrest the thieves before Passover to earn a transfer out of Judea. The breed of personalities encapsulating the Roman soldier’s brutality and unmerciful violence was compulsory to author this story to its paramount finality. The supporting cast is spectacular and many surprises and shocks are yet to come.<br /> <br /><br /><br />Ms. Landsem’s research into Biblical history, layout of Jerusalem’s city streets and alley ways, study of religious laws and holy commandments were only a few of the facts that drew this fictional story together as a sensational read. I deeply appreciated the background she drew into each character adding more depth to the story’s significant consequences from the actual incidents. Stephanie Landsem’s narrative brings the glory to God as each character is brought to the foot of the cross to recognize the Messiah. Ms. Landsem’s pen was indeed guided by the master author of the universe. It touched my heart and soul. Well done!<br /> <br /><br />Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from LitFuse Publicity Group in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own, and no monetary compensation was received for this review.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #20124d;">ABOUT AUTHOR STEPHANIE LANDSEM.......</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><br /><span style="color: #20124d;">Stephanie writes historical fiction because she loves adventure in far-off times and places. In real life, she’s backpacked through Germany and Eastern Europe, studied in Salzburg, enjoyed gelato in Italy, rode a camel in Morocco, and floated in the salty Corinthian Sea. Her favorite cities are Rome, Berlin and Budapest. Her travels kindle her imagination, fuel her love of history and foreign culture, and introduce her to one-of-a-kind characters. <br /> Stephanie is equally happy at home in Minnesota with her husband of 22 years, four children, three fat cats, and a tortoise named Moe. When she’s not writing, she’s feeding the ravenous horde, volunteering at church and school, battling dandelions, and dreaming about her next adventure - whether it be in person or on the page.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #20124d;">Author, The Living Water Series: The Well, The Thief, The Tomb. Authentic, fast-paced Biblical fiction from Howard Books. Introvert. Traveler.<br /><br />Favorite Books<br /><br />Jane Austen, Tolkien, C.S. Lewis, The Book Thief, The Hunger Games, Terry Pratchett, Dean Koonz<br /> <br /><br />Awards <br /><br />2011 Genesis Finalst<br /> 2010 SCBWI mentorship award </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #20124d;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Hi friends, </i></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #20124d;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>The Thief is a great read, and I hope you will honor Stephanie Landsem by reading it. This is the first of her books that I've read and reviewed, and I intend to read others soon. I hope you are all coming out of our nation's deep freeze and seeing spring begin to blossom. Please invite your friends to my blog....the traffic needs desperately to grow on my blog, or I won't be able to continue posting - so I need help. As many of you know, blogging and reviewing is hard work for which there is no compensation except to bring interest and joy to others. Thank you for visiting and I'd love to hear any comments you might be kind enough to leave.</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #20124d;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Blessings,</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #20124d;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Barb</i></span></span><br />
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SHADOWED BY GRACE</h2>
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<b><span style="color: #20124d;">CARA C. PUTMAN</span></b><br />
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<b><span style="color: #20124d;">WITH DETAILS ABOUT A FANTASTIC GIVEAWAY</span></b></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #20124d;">AUTHOR CARA PUTMAN</span></b></td></tr>
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<i><span style="color: #20124d; font-size: small;">Desperate to save her dying mother, an American woman accepts her newspaper’s assignment to travel to Italy where she takes photographs dangerously close to the front lines during World War II. </span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #20124d; font-size: small;">But Rachel’s real motive in this journey is to find the father she never knew, an artist she hopes can offer the comfort and support both she and her mother need to survive at such a desperate time.</span></i></div>
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<i style="color: #20124d; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;">In her quest, Rachel becomes involved with what will become the Monuments Men effort to save great monuments and works of art from the Third Reich. Soon enough she will find more than she ever imagined—in war, in love, and in God.</span></i></div>
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<span style="color: #20124d; font-size: small;">5 Stars</span></div>
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<span style="color: #20124d; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 115%;">The morning after I finished reading Shadowed by Grace, the daily newspaper had a front page article about the movie <i>Monument Men</i>, and I immediately flew to my computer and wrote an excited note to Cara Putman that went something like this: <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #20124d; font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 115%;">Hello Cara, Just last evening I completed reading your wonderful book Shadowed by Grace. This morning I picked up today's edition of the Ft Worth Star Telegram and my eye immediately fell to the lower left column on the first page. There was a picture of Robert Edsel above the words “Dallas man drove movie on WWII art rescue”...and went on to talk about the movie made about Monument Men, based on his book about the group’s heroic efforts. Of course, my attention was caught immediately because I had just read his name in your personal notes at the back of the book. Just wanted to let you know....your story made quite an impression on me...imagine finding this article this morning!! Best of God's Blessings, Barb Shelton <o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #20124d; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 115%;">Not only did reading this article put real faces to the imaginary names in Cara’s story, it enlightened me to the thorough research she immersed herself within to write this fascinating story. Now, I could see Lieutenant Scott Lindstrom as George Clooney (instead of Gregory Peck) and had already imaged Anne Hathaway as Captain Rachel Justice.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #20124d; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 115%;">Cara Putman’s story is indeed based on cultural affairs….and I do not mean that word loosely regarding Rachel and Scott! Each, the epitome of respectable ethics in an ungracious period of history. Some of the characters in the story rank as unscrupulous and conniving, while other’s exhibit bravery and faith in God to grace them with safety and daily provisions of which there was little. It was dangerous to lose direction while traveling by jeep, especially if the driver had already lost his way spiritually<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #20124d; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 115%;">This is a love story surrounded by treacherous conditions of war. Ms. Putman’s exclusive subject on saving historical art masterpieces was literally unknown to me and I reverentially appreciate learning how this world has been able to continue the study and enjoyment of historic art because of a few military men assigned their duty as Monument Men.. God is our eternal guardian and brings about good from the worst of circumstances through his children and angels<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #20124d; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 115%;">If you have noticed the absence of story details in this review, that is on purpose. You can read those in other fine reviews of Shadowed by Grace and on the back cover of the book. The uniqueness of this story is complimented by the unusual civilian career as an art museum curator held by Scott Lindstrom; and the fact that a woman photographer, Rachel Justice, assigned to the war zone during that time in history was not a common happening. Will the mystery of finding the father in Italy Rachel never knew be “wrapped up?” Will Scott be allowed to understand why Rachel is so afraid of falling in love? Why is Rachel’s ill mother so unwilling to offer Rachel the answers to her birth? This story is about war, peace, love, culture, fear, bravery, searching, redemption, and God’s grace fulfilled. Oh, by the way, Cara Putman graciously replied to my note, and my respectful regard for her as an author and friend is sincerely touched. Her writing fulfilled my expectations because it taught me something important about history I did not know. I eagerly anticipate reading her next book. You need to read this story! <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #20124d; font-size: small;"><i>Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from LitFuse Publicity Group in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own, and no monetary compensation was received.</i></span><span style="color: #20124d; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span>
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Having just released <a href="http://litfusegroup.com/books/shadowed-by-grace">Shadowed By Grace</a>, a novel about the Monuments Men, <a href="http://litfusegroup.com/author/cputman">Cara Putman</a> was eager to see the new blockbuster about this untold story. Cara shares her <a href="http://caraputman.com/monuments-men-history-wrapped-engaging-story/">reactions</a> to the movie below—will this be the perfect movie date for you this weekend? Make sure to enter for the chance to win tickets to see The Monuments Men and a copy of Shadowed By Grace! </span></div>
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<span style="color: #20124d; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">WHAT CARA SAID ABOUT THE MOVIE "MONUMENT MEN"</span></span></div>
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Last night, Eric and I got a chance to watch The Monuments Men on opening night. This is <a href="http://litfusegroup.com/blog/friday-favorite-the-monuments-men-movie-review#">a movie</a> I have anticipated since learning George Clooney was in production in the fall of 2012. That’s a long time to anticipate the movie!<br /><br />I wasn’t disappointed.<br /><br />This movie captures the tone of The Monuments Men. It grasps what this small group of men was trying to do and honors their memories. It also communicates their sacrifice and devotion. It visually portrays a piece of what was at stake during WWII — and the balancing act. Yet it did this without becoming dark and maudlin. Eric and I saw the 9:15 p.m. showing — in a theater filled primarily with college students — students who laughed out loud multiple times. The humor never detracted, but in enhanced the movie because it didn’t become slap-stick.<br /><br />The Monuments Men has an A cast: Matt Damon, George Clooney, Bill Murray, John Goodman, Cate Blanchett, Hugh Boneville and more. They all fell into their characters and became the Monuments Men they portrayed. The movie is a war movie, but the violence is limited and at a level I can take my 13 and 10 year-olds to see. There was some language, but not heavy . . . I didn’t count, but it wasn’t a distraction.<br /><br />There is also only mild innuendo and the outcome to that was PERFECT. I literally bounced in my chair because it mirrored history!<br /><br />There were a couple twists to the story. Nothing major — the key one being the kid who interpreted didn’t show up as early as they portrayed, but he did play a role later in the process. This is a movie I will see again — and enjoy.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #20124d;">TO ENTER GIVEAWAY VISIT THIS LINK:</span></div>
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<span style="color: #20124d; font-size: small;">Cara C. Putman is an award-winning author of seventeen books with more on the way.<br /><br />Cara C. Putman graduated high school at 16, college at 20, and completed her law degree at 27. An award-winning author of seventeen books with more on the way, she is active in women's ministry at her church and is a lecturer on business and employment law to graduate students at Purdue University’s Krannert School of Management. Putman also practices law and is a second-generation homeschooling mom. Putman is currently pursuing her Master’s in Business Administration at Krannert. She serves on the executive board of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), an organization she has served in various roles since 2007. She lives with her husband and four children in Indiana.</span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #20124d;">My writing journey started in 2005 when I decided to write my first novel. People say I’ve accomplished a lot and that I must have life by the proverbial tail. Hardly! I grew up as a homeschooled kid when homeschoolers were misunderstood and oddities. I struggle with balancing my writing and law <a href="http://caraputman.com/about-cara/#">career</a>, plus being a good mom and wife. I often fear people won’t like my books. I’ve walked through the deep pain of miscarriage. Really, I’m just like you – I don’t have it all together and have gone through tough times. But in His strength, I’ve discovered a strength I never knew I had. A strength I want you to discover, too. In the end I’m just an ordinary mom who has seen God do some wonderful things as I’ve been obedient to step into the calling He’s led me into.</span></b><br />
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<span style="color: #20124d; font-size: small;">You can connect with Cara online at her website (</span><a href="http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.caraputman.com%2F&h=OAQEDPxh9&s=1" style="font-size: medium;">www.caraputman.com</a><span style="color: #20124d; font-size: small;">), Facebook, Twitter(@cara_putman), Pinterest, and Goodreads. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #20124d; font-size: small;"><br />Favorite BooksThe Bible<br />Gone with the Wind<br />Circle Maker by Mark Batterson<br />Anything by Colleen Coble, Lynette Eason, Lisa Wingate and many more great Christian fiction authors.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #20124d;"><b>The Naomi Chronicles, Book One,</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #20124d;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Beginning Anew</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><b>will release on Amazon</b>.</span></div>
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</span>
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<span style="font-size: large;">**</span>*</div>
</h2>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><br />
</strong></div>
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<a href="http://lucypireel.files.wordpress.com/2014/01/beginning-anew-cover-150dpi-1.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Beginning Anew Cover" class="alignright size-medium wp-image-3616" src="http://lucypireel.files.wordpress.com/2014/01/beginning-anew-cover-150dpi-1.jpg?w=200" height="300" width="200" /></a><br />
<strong><span style="color: #20124d;">ABOUT THE BOOK</span></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><br />
</strong></div>
<b><span style="color: #20124d;">Naomi and Chaz know that miracles really do happen for at a friend’s wedding they reaffirmed their love and are Beginning Anew!</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: #20124d;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="color: #20124d;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="color: #20124d;">Yet there are consequences that the couple must face. Will Chaz love and protect his wife? Will Naomi learn to trust Chaz?</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: #20124d;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="color: #20124d;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="color: #20124d;">Find out in the first novel of Paula Rose Michelson’s four-book saga e Naomi Chronicles.</span></b><br />
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<b><span style="color: #20124d;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #20124d;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #20124d;">Available at:</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #20124d;"><a href="http://a-fwd.com/uk=lucpir-21&asin=B00I12XLY6">AMAZON</a> | <a href="https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/401017?ref=LucyPireel">SMASHWORDS</a> | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18807340-beginning-anew">GOODREADS</a></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
***</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;">The Naomi Chronicles: Book One</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;">Authored by</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;">Paula Rose Michelson</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<b><span style="color: #20124d;">Naomi and Chaz know that miracles really do happen, for at a friend's wedding they reaffirmed their love and are Beginning Anew! Yet there are consequences that the couple must face. Will Chaz love and protect his wife? Will Naomi learn to trust Chaz? Find out in the first novel of Paula Rose Michelson's four-book saga, The Naomi Chronicles.</span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #20124d;"><b><br /></b></span>
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<span style="color: #20124d;"><b><br /></b></span><b><span style="color: #20124d;"></span></b>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: #20124d;"><u>Previously, in Book 2 of Casa de Naomi: The House of Blessing</u><i> </i></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><i><span style="color: #20124d;">Naomi's journey from pain to faith where she dealt with her husband's rejection of her, and Chaz discovered that secrets were kept from him, and began his own journey of discovery that enthralled readers. While their friends planned to use Nicco and Lucinda's wedding to bring Chaz and Naomi together again, God had His hand on this star-crossed couple.</span></i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><i><span style="color: #20124d;"><br /></span></i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: #20124d;">EXCERPT FROM MY REVIEW</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><span style="color: #20124d;">Naomi fled, full of shame, pain and deeply confused. She huddled underneath the blankets in the backseat of her friend Alex’s car not wanting to be detected by those she felt shunned her just hours before at what should have been a surprise celebration blessing her by new husband Chaz and their friends. Her lifelong secret revealed by a vindictive girl seeking revenge for no reason but to steal the love of Naomi’s life. Naomi intended to tell Chaz herself that night,, but forced to admit her secret in front of Chaz and her friends – Chaz hollered at her “Why did you deceive me?” and walked away.</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><span style="color: #20124d;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><span style="color: #20124d;">As Alex sped her away from the Barrio, she showed no curiosity of where he was taking her. He explained he was taking her to a safe place at Wawayanda State Park in New Jersey, part of the Appalachian Trail. From here on Naomi was in strange territory with people like none she had never known. Her closest friend was Ruth – can it be God’s own humor that He would put another Ruth and Naomi together? Will you see the parallels in their lives? Will Naomi believe the truth that Ruth and even Marvin; a little child will tell her when she meets him on the Blessings Rock?</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #20124d;"><br /></span></b></div>
<b></b><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><b><span style="color: #20124d;"></span></b></b><br />
<div style="display: inline !important;">
<b><b><span style="color: #20124d;"><b><span style="color: #20124d;"><u><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/581569312">Go to</a></u></span></b></span></b></b></div>
<b><b><span style="color: #20124d;">
</span></b></b></div>
<b>
</b>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<u><b><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/581569312">www.goodreads.com/review/show/581569312</a></b></u></div>
<b><span style="color: #20124d;"></span></b><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: #20124d;"><b><span style="color: #20124d;">to read the rest of review</span></b></span></b></div>
<b><span style="color: #20124d;">
</span></b>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: #20124d;"><b><span style="color: #20124d;"><br /></span></b></span></b></div>
<b><span style="color: #20124d;">
</span></b>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b style="color: #20124d;"><u>Before that, Book 1 of Casa de Naomi: The House of Blessing</u></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #20124d;"><b><i>let readers experience Naomi's journey from adolescence to womanhood, from frightened isolation to heiress with a mission, and responsibility many would shirk placed upon her shoulders, and kept them guessing especially when they realized that Naomi guarded two secrets. When Naomi married and fell in love with Chaz, she decided to tell him about herself. Before she could, Lola, a teenager she rescued from immigration, revealed her secrets. Hearing Chaz's hate-filled words, and seeing many in Spanish Harlem turn away from her, Naomi fled.</i></b></span></div>
</div>
<span style="color: #20124d;"><b><br /></b></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #20124d;"><b><b>EXCERPT FROM MY REVIEW</b></b></span></div>
<span style="color: #20124d;"><b>
</b></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #20124d;"><b><b><br /></b></b></span></div>
<span style="color: #20124d;"><b>
Paula Rose Michelson wrote with brilliance her story of Naomi. To better understand the Spanish mind-set toward those of Jewish birth and faith, I recommend emphatically the reader peruse the Preface regarding Sephardic Voices as well as Historical Notes. This stunning historical information revealed intense research and study on Ms Michelson’s part that distinguish her talent and story above some others.<br /><br />Naomi, being forced to live a lie by omission of who she really is, we meet as a young teenage girl beginning a peculiar lonely life in a strange new world. Her former world in Spain created about her grievous conditions for all of Jewish heritage and faith. This cruel and fearful prejudice against their religion forcing them to join the Catholic Church or face persecution, possibly death was a historical fact unknown to me in my naiveté that I find despicable, however vital to Naomi’s story all inclusive in Spanish Harlem.<br /></b></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #20124d;"><b><b>Go to</b></b></span></div>
<span style="color: #20124d;"><b>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b></b><br />
<div style="display: inline !important;">
<b><b><u><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/470171183">www.goodreads.com/review/show/470171183</a></u></b></b></div>
<b>
</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b></b><br />
<div style="display: inline !important;">
<b><b>to read the rest of review</b></b></div>
<b>
</b></div>
</b></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
***</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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<strong><br /></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="color: #20124d;">ABOUT THE AUTHOR</span></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="http://lucypireel.files.wordpress.com/2013/04/casa-series-001-1.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Casa Series 001-1" class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-748" src="http://lucypireel.files.wordpress.com/2013/04/casa-series-001-1.jpg?w=234" height="300" width="234" /></a></div>
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<br />
<b><span style="color: #20124d;">Paula Rose Michelson is the wife of Lutheran Pastor, and Chosen People Ministries field Missionary, Ron Michelson. Paula Rose Michelson is not only an author but also a mother of two married daughters, and the grandmother of seven. She authored the Casa de Naomi Series.</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: #20124d;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="color: #20124d;">This Messianic author of faith books founded LAMB Ministries in 1988, which helps women recover from trauma and abuse through the effective use of Scripture and prayer. She asked God to give her a unique work, and while praying about the lost tribes of Israel, she believed the Ruach HaKodesh (Holy Spirit) called her to write about the hidden Jews. She wrote the Casa de Naomi: The House of Blessing and The Naomi Chronicles Books because of her heart response to that commission. </span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: #20124d;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="color: #20124d;">While awaiting the copyright for the first LAMB recovery book titled, "Why Did We Become Angry?"</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: #20124d;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="color: #20124d;">She wrote a series of politically incorrect articles that will be published under the title, "The Purple Pitch Seduction of America." These will release in 2014.</span></b><br />
<br />
<u><br /></u>
<u><span style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><b>Paula can be found online on:</b></span></u><br />
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<strong><br /></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #20124d;"><a href="http://www.paularosemichelson.com/" style="font-weight: bold;" target="_blank" title="sit Paula">Her site</a><b>, </b><a href="http://www.writingpaularose.blogspot.com/" style="font-weight: bold;" target="_blank" title="blog paula">blog</a><b>, </b><a href="https://twitter.com/PaulaWordsmith1" style="font-weight: bold;" target="_blank" title="Twit paula">Twitter</a><b>, </b><a href="http://facebook.com/Paula.Michelson" style="font-weight: bold;" target="_blank" title="FB paula">Facebook</a><b>, </b><a href="http://amzn.to/1dE3Y8b" style="font-weight: bold;" target="_blank" title="am paula">Amazon</a><b>, </b>and <a href="http://bit.ly/1h4TEtm" style="font-weight: bold;" target="_blank" title="GR Paula">Goodreads</a></span></div>
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***</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
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<span style="color: #20124d;"><b>For this release blast Paula has decided to do a giveaway.</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #20124d;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #20124d;"><b>The prizes are:</b></span></div>
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<a href="http://lucypireel.files.wordpress.com/2014/01/prize-pack-anew-blast.png"><img alt="Prize pack Anew Blast" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-3617" src="http://lucypireel.files.wordpress.com/2014/01/prize-pack-anew-blast.png" height="200" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: #20124d;">1st:</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #20124d;">3 sets of the previous Casa de Naomi Books (digital format)</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: #20124d;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #20124d;">and</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: #20124d;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: #20124d;">2nd:</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #20124d;">3 x Casa de Naomi: Book One (digital format)</span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<b style="background-color: magenta;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://click%20here%20to%20enter%20the%20rafflecopter%20giveaway/">Click here to enter the Rafflecopter giveaway</a></span></b><br />
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<b style="background-color: magenta;"><br /></b></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14882288703593261021noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5075221820611607750.post-31078252683596626042014-01-16T16:31:00.000-06:002014-01-16T16:31:06.937-06:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qD78zcQ2ZDg/UthNtVYyP9I/AAAAAAAAA_g/R6jnUsGSOMI/s1600/SEL-HEADSHOT-FOR-ABOUT-SARAH-PAGE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qD78zcQ2ZDg/UthNtVYyP9I/AAAAAAAAA_g/R6jnUsGSOMI/s1600/SEL-HEADSHOT-FOR-ABOUT-SARAH-PAGE.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a></div>
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Tvg8duiYkdY/UthN2i9bKsI/AAAAAAAAA_o/RhHBXW2PJqg/s1600/91ckjIHCTHL._SL1500_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Tvg8duiYkdY/UthN2i9bKsI/AAAAAAAAA_o/RhHBXW2PJqg/s1600/91ckjIHCTHL._SL1500_.jpg" height="200" width="133" /></a><br />
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</h3>
<h4>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #20124d;">REVIEW </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #20124d;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #20124d;">THE HEADMISTRESS</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #20124d;">OF</span></div>
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<span style="color: #20124d;">ROSEMERE</span></div>
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<span style="color: #20124d;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #20124d;">SARAH E. LADD</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #20124d;">AUTHOR</span></div>
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<span style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i>Patience Creighton has devoted her life to running her father’s boarding school. But when the enigmatic master of the estate appears at her door, battered and unconscious, the young headmistress suddenly finds her livelihood—and her heart —in the hands of one dangerously handsome gentleman.</i></span><br />
<span style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-style: italic; text-align: justify;">
<i>At twenty-five, Patience Creighton is already a spinster. The busy headmistress of Rosemere always expected a dashing man to sweep her off her feet and take her away . . . but that man never came. And since her father’s death, keeping the school running and her mother happy has been plenty to keep her occupied. </i></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: italic; text-align: justify;">
<i>William Sterling dallied his way into financial trouble and mortal danger. When he is assaulted by his creditors’ henchmen on the road home from a tavern, he guides his horse to the doorstep of his tenant, the Rosemere School for Young Ladies. After being tended to byPatience, the wounded William rides off into the dawn—but makes a point to learn more about the lovely headmistress. </i></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: italic; text-align: justify;">
<i>As he spends more time at Rosemere, something delicate begins to develop between William and Patience. But that will not deter William’s creditors. With little money to repay his debts, and less for the upkeep of his estate, it becomes clear that sacrificing Rosemere may be the only way to preserve his legacy. But it may also cost him his happiness.</i></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
<h3 style="font-style: italic; text-align: center;">
<br /></h3>
<h3 style="font-style: italic; text-align: center;">
MY REVIEW</h3>
</span><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;">If I had been shopping in a bookstore, the beautiful enticing cover of The Headmistress of Rosemere would have caught my eye and my hand would have reached for it quickly with curiosity. Sarah E. Ladd caught my attention immediately with the vivid description of darkness and danger in the night. William Sterling sensed he was being followed. He was, and what happened from there lead the reader to the Rosemere School for Girls where we meet Patience Creighton before dawn, coming unexpectedly face to unconscious face with William Sterling to tend his wounds. There is a tinge of possible romance developing– at least from the imagination of Patience. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;">Having not read Sarah Ladd’s writings previously, or realizing this book is the second in the series, “Whispers on the Moors,” The Headmistress of Rosemere stands second to none in excellent story quality and clear Christian morality. I consider it a stand-alone story. However, it is my intention to read The Heiress of Winterwood, the first novel in this series. It is not my tendency to draw out details of the events and interactions of the characters in my reviews, at the risk of spoiling the read for others. My purpose is to draw the reader’s interest as a possible read depending on their own taste and expectation.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;">However, I will introduce the major characters who Sarah Ladd has casted so appropriately in her story. Lovely in appearance and a credit to her name, raven haired Patience Creighton is the Headmistress of Rosemere since the passing of her beloved father, leaving her mother Margaret grief-stricken and inconsolable. Rawdon, older brother of Patience, disappeared, neglecting his inherited duties at Rosemere, abandoning his lady love, causing all the women vexation and disillusionment. Handsome William Sterling inherited Eastmore and his father’s holdings, including Rosemere. An impractical and fast living man, whose drinking and gambling are causing him insurmountable problems. William is in dire financial straits, risking the loss of everything. Raising race horses appeals to William as an answer to solving his financial difficulties, but will it? Emma Simmons, one of the little girls at Rosemere is one of Patience’s favorites. How does a child so small and innocent figure such prominence in Ms. Ladd’s plot? Cassandra, a teacher at Rosemere, is the best friend of Patience and in love with Rawdon. Who are Lydia, Isabel, George, Lewis, Captain Rafertee, Ewan O’Connell and Angus? Each character and others essential to this setting are refined to perfection and mixed well with the era to bring about Ms. Ladd’s fascinating and curious story. Enjoyment of the unexpected mysterious twists amidst this Regency romance appealed to my liking. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;">The accentuated weight of surmounting strife is effectively calmed through forgiveness, redemption, Christian love and salvation, proving God works all things together for good for those that love Him. Indeed, God’s grace falls on the words originating from Sarah E. Ladd’s pen covering this wonderful story. Thank you, Ms. Ladd for giving me several hours of “getting away from it all” and finding myself in the nineteenth century.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;">This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from Litfuse Publicity. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;">5 STARS</span></div>
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<span style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;">ABOUT SARAH E. LADD</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.25in;">
<span style="color: #20124d;">Every word has a melody.<br /> Every sentence has a rhythm. <br /><br />This truth has intrigued me since my early years. Even before I fully understood the meaning behind many of the words, I devoured literature and consumed poetry. <br /><br />Austen, Alcott, Wordsworth: I left no piece of literature untouched, left no author unexamined. I <a href="http://www.sarahladd.com/about-sarah/">continue</a> to see magic in how a word is transformed by the word next to it and how written thoughts can incite emotion and evoke change. <br /><br />In addition to a lifetime of writing and exploring fiction, I have more than ten years of strategic <a href="http://www.sarahladd.com/about-sarah/">marketing</a> and brand management experience, including five years of marketing non-fiction books and three years of marketing the musical arts. I live in Indiana and am blessed to share my life with my amazing husband, sweet daughter, and very lovable Golden Retriever. <br /><br />Sarah’s Resources for Authors <br /><br />Every author needs a marketing plan, but do you know where to begin? <br /><br />Read my recent Seekerville blog post Your <a href="http://seekerville.blogspot.com/2012/01/seekerville-welcomes-guest-blogger.html">First Marketing Plan: Why Every New Author Needs One and How To Get Started</a> for step-by-step instructions and <a href="http://www.sarahladd.com/about-sarah/">download</a> my Author Marketing Plan Worksheet to start creating your plan today! Need help with creating your Author Facebook Pages? <a href="http://seekerville.blogspot.com/2012/05/author-facebook-pages-what-every-author.html">Here are my tips</a>!<br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #20124d; font-size: small;">Recognitions:</span></h3>
<span style="color: #20124d;">2011 Genesis Contest: Winner, Historical Romance Category <br />2011 Touched by Love Contest: Overall Winner<br /> 2011 Fool for Love Contest: Winner, Inspirational Category 2011 MSRW Dixie First Chapter Contest: Winner, Inspirational Category <br />2011 Lone Star Writing Competition: Winner, Inspirational Category <br />2011 Frasier Contest: Bronze Medalist </span><br />
<br />Website: <a href="http://www.sarahladd.com/">http://www.sarahladd.com</a><br /><br />Memberships<br /><img src="http://www.sarahladd.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/memberships.jpg" /><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.25in;">
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14882288703593261021noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5075221820611607750.post-9746269089155239642013-12-07T17:05:00.001-06:002013-12-07T17:05:51.641-06:00<h1 data-mce-style="text-align: center;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; line-height: 21px; text-align: center;">
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<em><strong><span data-mce-style="color: #333399;" style="color: #333399;">PLEASE PARDON MY ABSENCE!!</span></strong></em></div>
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<em><strong><span data-mce-style="color: #333399;" style="color: #333399;">Hello friends, it really is me....apologizing for my long absence from this blog. The past few months have been a true testing of not only my life in numerous ways, but of my family, my mother, my church and my personal computer. First of all, I turned 75 in October and am wondering if the Lord decided to test me to let me know I'm still capable of coming to the fore and meeting new challenges.</span></strong></em></div>
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<em><strong><span data-mce-style="color: #333399;" style="color: #333399;">Plans had been made for my daughter and I to visit my mother during the month of November for the purpose of celebrating her 95th birthday and Thanksgiving. We arrived in Portland, Oregon from Texas, met mama and my brother at the airport and stopped for a lovely dinner at Appleby's before going to mama's home where she and my brother live. We settled down for the night completely unexpecting to be awakened early in the morning to mama having a stroke. We rushed her fearfully to the emergency room at Providence Hospital in Portland beginning to realize that it truly was providential that we were there with mother. Five days in the hospital, praying diligently for answers. God blessed my mother with grace to continue her life, only quite different from what she was accustomed. Her balance and ability to walk without help was drastically changed - and physical/occupational therapy began before leaving the hospital and will continue indefinitely at home.</span></strong></em></div>
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<em><strong><span data-mce-style="color: #333399;" style="color: #333399;">Now...became a tougher test for me in particular. Over the past twelve years of personally experiencing illness and physical setbacks, I became somewhat physically immobilized - enough that my husband became my caregiver, cook, housekeeper, chauffeur and encourager. In Portland, God blessed me with a supernatural strength to nurse mama, cook, etc for the entire month of our visit. It was difficult, to say the least - and oh, how grateful that I was able to help in this crises. My daughter was extremely helpful during all of this time and has my loving appreciation. And yes, we celebrated mama's 95th birthday and were very thankful at Thanksgiving. Of course, now that I am home again, my husband is convinced that he will be the recipient of home cooked meals from his wife again. So, Lord, hear my prayer!!</span></strong></em></div>
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<em><strong><span data-mce-style="color: #333399;" style="color: #333399;">Before leaving for Portland, my personal computer gagged, hiccuped and passed out. One of my sons is a computer specialist and lives in Illinois. It's not possible for me to explain the logistics of how he was able to work on my computer in my absence from Texas....but I'm relieved to announce that during the coming week, my computer will show up on my desk once more. In the meanwhile, I've been using an aged laptop, my Samsung tablet and cell phone to communicate with the world. Those authors who had requested my reviews kindly understood why I could not finish my work during this time.</span></strong></em></div>
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<em><strong><span data-mce-style="color: #333399;" style="color: #333399;">However.....the testing isn't over yet!! We arrived home hours before the ice age took over and we are still housebound. But, this too shall pass and we know not what plans the Lord has in store for us - so our prayers rise to the heavens like mini-clouds of breath. Sure hope they aren't delayed by icicles hanging from their ascension.</span></strong></em></div>
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<em><strong><span data-mce-style="color: #333399;" style="color: #333399;">Well friends, I can't promise a definite date when I'll be blogging, reviewing and writing again......but....I'll be back when the Lord assigns the time. Stay safe during the rush and busyness of this season of celebrations. Be blessed with the grace of Jesus at this festive observance of His birth.</span></strong></em></div>
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<em><strong><span data-mce-style="color: #333399;" style="color: #333399;">MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A BLESSED NEW YEAR!!!</span></strong></em></div>
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<em><strong><span data-mce-style="color: #333399;" style="color: #333399;">Barb</span></strong></em></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14882288703593261021noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5075221820611607750.post-43442816764109343372013-10-28T17:05:00.000-05:002013-10-28T17:05:55.831-05:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b><span style="color: #20124d;">SPRINGTIME IN SAVANNAH</span></b></div>
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<b style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #20124d; font-size: xx-small;"><i>It seemed a normal spring morning in Savannah until Jonathan Rayburn heard an angelic voice on Monterey Square. Within moments of setting eyes upon the exceptionally beautiful Keri McGuire, he welcomed her to his beloved city and into his heart. In the days ahead, his faith is severely tested because of one homeless man and a civil lawsuit. Daniel Stanton, a busy attorney in St. Augustine, arrived at Mrs. Quinn’s home, questioning why his father’s client has requested his legal advice. One portrait upstairs caught his attention; one nearly identical portrait in the music room captured his wishful thoughts. Never in his life had he been so disappointed when he actually met the granddaughter from Milwaukee. While Laura Martin challenged his ethics, he prayed to be a man of conviction.</i></span></b></div>
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<b style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.000003814697266px;">It was a surprise to me that more reviews hadn’t been written on this beautifully composed story about Springtime in Savannah by Gail Warner. Truly, this story does not stand alone – but of several stories skillfully intertwined to keep the reader drawn in. Each story has the possibility of being complete as one – but to include so many well defined characters, each with different personalities and problems, was done with proficient cleverness by Ms. Warner.</b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.000003814697266px;"><span style="color: #20124d;"><b>What can I say about this story that wouldn’t add spoilers to future readers? My heart was warmed by the conversions to faith in Jesus. Some of the characters were idiosyncratic and unlikeable. I fell in love with those characters that were fun in spite of themselves. My compassion lay with the emotionally and physically abused with admiration for their passion to change their lives through Christ. The love interests were enthralling and romantic. Budding romance was proven unpredictable in the length of time and adversities the couples faced. I sensed this author was emotionally involved with her characters, as I also felt. Her characters and situations were so real that I found myself praying for those in the story that continued to sin and live evilly. It felt silly to pray – Gail had already decided their outcome! Will there be hope for these individuals in Gail’s story? You’ll be amazed as you watch God working in the lives of all under the pen of Gail Warner. <o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.000003814697266px;"><span style="color: #20124d;"><b>Ms Warner shows herself a person of deep faith in God; in tune with reality of our world today and historically, and that she is intelligent and capable of sculpting words with such an inspiring touch. Gail is an accomplished author that I will follow and look forward to her future publications. Whew, I got through this review without spoilers….so if you want to meet the characters, learn the answers, take a guided tour of Savannah – history included - you’ll need to get you own copy!<o:p></o:p></b></span></span><br />
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<b style="color: #20124d;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Gail Warner's parents joined the family of God five years before she was born, and they faithfully attended a large rural Nazarene Church named Richfield, near Flint, Michigan. For thirty-five years, Gail's varied roles as a minister's wife brought her great fulfillment and opportunities to witness for Christ. With fond memories, she recalls the years in a parsonage setting, where she and her husband, Richard, raised three outstanding daughters. Gail finds joy in traveling with their family, singing in a quartet, working in her flower garden, participating in Beth Moore Bible studies, and connecting with friends on Facebook. Though she is a five-time cancer survivor, she thanks God for giving her good health. Gail lives with her husband in Illinois, but because of Eugenia Price's novels, she has a love for historical places.</span></b></div>
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<b style="color: #20124d;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">SPRINGTIME IN SAVANNAH GROUP PAGE - </span></b><span style="color: #20124d; font-size: xx-small;"><b>https://www.facebook.com/groups/SpringtimeinSavannah/</b></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14882288703593261021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5075221820611607750.post-35701882770869676312013-10-04T15:24:00.001-05:002013-10-04T15:24:12.220-05:00<div class="post hentry" itemprop="blogPost" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/BlogPosting" style="min-height: 0px; position: relative;">
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<i><b><span style="background-color: #cfe2f3; color: #20124d; font-size: xx-small;">ON OLIVIA NEWPORT'S </span></b></i></div>
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<i><b><span style="background-color: #cfe2f3; color: #20124d; font-size: xx-small;">"THE INVENTION OF SARAH CUMMINGS"</span></b></i></div>
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<span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;"><i style="font-size: 12.666668891906738px;"><b><span style="color: #20124d; font-size: xx-small;">Sarah Cummings has one goal in life--to break into Chicago's high society. Desperate to stop serving dinner and to start eating at society tables, Sarah alters cast-off gowns from the wealthy Banning women to create lustrous, flattering dresses of her own. On a whim at a chance meeting, she presents herself as Serena Cuthbert, weaving a fictitious past to go with her fictitious name. But as she gets closer to Simon Tewell, the director of St. Andrew's Orphanage, Sarah finds that she must choose between the life she has and the life she dreams of. Will she sacrifice love to continue her pretense? Or </span></b><b style="color: #20124d;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">can Simon show her that sometimes you don't have to pretend for dreams to come true? </span></b></i><b style="color: #20124d; line-height: 1.4;"><i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Olivia Newport brings us back to Prairie Avenue to explore the place where class, social expectations, and romance come together. Readers will enjoy following the intrepid Sarah as she searches for true love in a world of illusions.</span></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 15.333335876464844px; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="background-color: #cfe2f3; color: #20124d;">Feeling somewhat at a loss having not read the first two books in this series, I nevertheless enjoyed The Invention of Sarah Cummings as a standalone story. Olivia Newport was unfamiliar to me as an author and I presently regard her highly as a fine writer and am excited to read her future works. The time period of late 1800’s is a favorite of mine in this historical genre.</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #cfe2f3; color: #20124d; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 15.333335876464844px;"><b>It was difficult at times not to be a tad judgmental of Sarah’s choices; but learning her background definitely gave me more understanding and compassion toward her as an individual. She was impetuous, to say the least and at first, quite unlikeable. Without that compelling characteristic, the story wouldn’t have taken hold of my interest as it did. Ms Newport’s story is rich in history around the 1800’s time frame, including the political tensions on all sides of the presidential election between William McKinley vs. William Jennings Bryan. The author obviously is a deep researcher into historical facts which lends completely in writing truth into fiction – a very admirable quality.<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #cfe2f3; color: #20124d; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 15.333335876464844px;"><b>Chicago high society in that day is snobbish and discriminating – developing a wide gap in expected behavior between the rich and the poor, particularly those in service to the “polite society.” Sarah Cummings became an orphan in her early teens through a tragic loss of both parents. Without anyone to take guardianship over her, she was placed in St Andrews Orphanage, where she met Simon Tewell, the director of St Andrews who had a secret affinity for Sarah. Sarah had no faith in a God that would allow such misfortune and unhappiness in her life. She was empty and developed some vindictive conniving habits that she felt deservedly would take her where she wanted to go. A chance meeting in a hat shop with a young lady of culture, Lillie Wagner was the beginning of Sarah Cummings new identity as Serena Cuthbert with an impressive new history of living the life of wealthy infamy. Lillie and Serena became instant and fast friends.<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #cfe2f3; color: #20124d; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 15.333335876464844px;"><b>So – here we go, hold onto your hat! Lillie takes Serena in hand and introduces her to the society of Chicago and Prairie Avenue, where coincidently Sarah was in service as a maid to the Banning family. Sarah, talented with a needle and thread and could fashion her own clothing from hand-me-downs with an aura perceived as high fashion readily disguising her as the wealthy young woman of good grace named Serena Cuthbert. Story tension builds when Serena meets Bradley Townsend and targets him as husband material. Bradley is involved in the political scene with a life of his own that caused the infrequent dates that was frustrating to Serena.<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #cfe2f3; color: #20124d; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 15.333335876464844px;"><b>Serena exploited others unwisely in her endeavors to exist in her disguise. Serena’s antics at being in two places at once, her deceptions, her unique contriving routes of travel, and lies was dizzying. I felt I needed to keep a score card going page after page of Sarah’s demise as Serena could head for a downfall at any time. In my mind, I fathomed Ms Newport still held a few surprising shocks ahead, which kept me involved. Would waiting for Serena and Sarah to meet the real Creator be fulfilled? Candidly, there is nothing further I can share with you about this finely structured tale without ruining your own joy in reading Sarah/Serena’s story. Olivia Newport has written a story of what can happen to anyone without proper respect and value for God’s love, grace and tender mercies. Great lessons can be learned from this worthwhile and imaginative writing skill of Ms Olivia Newport’s Invention of Sarah Cummings.<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<b style="line-height: 1.4;">About the Author..................</b></div>
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<b style="line-height: 1.4;"><span style="background-color: #cfe2f3; color: #20124d;">Olivia Newport is the author of The Pursuit of Lucy Banning and The Dilemma of Charlotte Farrow. Her husband and two twentysomething children provide welcome distraction from the people stomping through her head on their way into her books. She chases joy in stunning Colorado at the foot of the Rockies, where daylilies grow as tall as she is. Olivia Newport's novels twist through time to find where faith and passions meet.</span></b></div>
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<b style="line-height: 1.4;">Find out more at <a href="http://www.olivianewport.com/" style="color: #4d469c; text-decoration: none;">http://www.olivianewport.com/</a></b></div>
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<span style="background-color: #cfe2f3; color: #20124d;"><b>Like her page at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/OliviaNewport" style="color: #4d469c; text-decoration: none;">https://www.facebook.com/OliviaNewport</a></b></span></div>
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<b style="line-height: 1.4;"><span style="background-color: #cfe2f3; color: #20124d;">Available August 2013 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="line-height: 1.4;"><span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;">I received this book through Revell's Blogger Tour, and was not required to give a positive review</span><span style="background-color: white;">.</span></span></b></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14882288703593261021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5075221820611607750.post-41800262633799573982013-09-06T13:47:00.001-05:002013-09-06T13:47:39.572-05:00BARB'S REVIEW ON "ICING ON THE CAKE" BY JANICE THOMPSON - MOSTLY SWEET WITH A FEW NUTS!! - 5 Stars<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rmN-7zs-_L8/UiobPJSNNUI/AAAAAAAAA6M/PWV8bVd9nlI/s1600/Janice+Thompson.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rmN-7zs-_L8/UiobPJSNNUI/AAAAAAAAA6M/PWV8bVd9nlI/s200/Janice+Thompson.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #20124d;">JANICE THOMPSON</span></b></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-erafSBRU6LU/Uioa9RpLJAI/AAAAAAAAA6I/LkC8SbUJKEk/s1600/Icing+on+the+Cake+Cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-erafSBRU6LU/Uioa9RpLJAI/AAAAAAAAA6I/LkC8SbUJKEk/s200/Icing+on+the+Cake+Cover.jpg" width="128" /></a><br />
<i><b><span style="color: #20124d;">Scarlet isn't sure if she has just the right ingredients for true love--or utter disaster<br /><br />Scarlet Lindsey is busy making her dreams come true. She's moved her bakery to a prime spot on Galveston's most popular street, she's planning an extravagant cake for her best friend's wedding, and she has a great relationship with Bella Neeley, the island's most popular wedding coordinator. Business is booming and Scarlet is enjoying the ride.<br /><br />But when Bella's dangerously handsome brother Armando breezes into her life, Scarlet is faced with a sticky situation. Should she stay with the safe, sweet guy who's been a fixture in her life for years? Or will this brash Italian hunk melt her guarded heart?<br /><br />Fan favorite Janice Thompson is back with more wit, more weddings, and more of what you love best--bridal-business drama laced with laughs.<br /><br />"Not only does Janice Thompson know how to spin a delightful tale, she knows weddings and wedding cakes. If you've ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes, take a big bite of this sweet, romantic story. It will leave you laughing and looking for the nearest confectionary!"--Lisa Wingate, bestselling author of Firefly Island and The Prayer Box<br /><br />"Janice Thompson has done it again! From characters that will jump right off the page and into your heart to a story that had me laughing even as I cheered them on, The Icing on the Cakeis a sweet treat. I urge you to indulge--you won't be sorry!"--Kathleen Y'Barbo, bestselling author of The Secret Lives of Will Tucker series<br /><br /></span></b></i><br /><span style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><b>BARB'S REVIEW.......</b></span><div>
<span style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span><span style="color: #20124d;"><b>Before I opened “Icing on the Cake” written by Janice
Thompson, I anticipated lots of fun and many surprises. Janice’s sense of humor and tongue in cheek
quotations at the beginning of each chapter were so entertaining – my favorite
being “Families are like fudge, mostly sweet with a few nuts.” (Author unknown) Having read the prequel “Picture Perfect,” in
this series – Weddings by Design - many of the characters were familiar to me in
the beautiful setting on Galveston Island.
Janice’s stories are written ingeniously around wedding productions
created by Bella Neely and Club Wed; and the whole cast of characters from Bella’s
odd family; Scarlett’s family and other familiar characters like Hannah and Drew
whose wedding is being planned in this episode.
There is not a family on this Island that isn’t sweet with a few nuts!</b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #20124d;"><b>Our main character Scarlett </b></span><b><span style="color: #20124d;">Lindsey</span></b><span style="color: #20124d;"><b> had just opened her own bakery, Let Them Eat Cake, on the
popular Strand. Her friend Kenny worked
in the bakery and had a crush on Scarlett, however she was a bit of two minds
where romance with Kenny was concerned.
Little did Scarlett know what she was in for when her spinster Aunt
Willy, an infamous first-rate chef, financed Scarlett’s venture. Not only was Scarlett planning an elaborate
wedding cake for her best friend Hannah’s wedding, she was in charge of
planning the church fund raiser. </b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #20124d;"><b>We met Armando, Bella’s brother, in “Picture Perfect” as the
problem child of the Rossi family with a reputation of being a real
womanizer. He swept in and out of the
first story like a bird on the fly and had a dislike for staying on the
Island. Scarlett had issues with her
self-image because of being overweight.
Many, including “moi” can relate to her inner feelings and
insecurities. Let Them Eat Cake was
located next door to John’s Pizzeria where Armando worked in his family’s
business. Scarlett and Armando found
themselves pushed together at a Rossi family event – not at all to Scarlett’s
liking. An indefinite relationship sets
in motion…and Scarlett begins to perceive Armando differently. He volunteers to help solve the sound problem
at the church which meant more time spent in each other’s company. When Scarlett fills in for Armando’s mother
on a Food Network competition with a secret recipe for Italian Wedding Cake,
she decides to drop a few pounds so she’ll look better on camera. Now the real fun begins, so hold onto your
hat!</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #20124d;"><b>Ms Thompson has an innate talent at developing a plot that
serves the heart in hilarity to sentiment along with beautiful spirituality
throughout. What does “sticky buns” and
“Lucille Ball of I Love Lucy” have to do with Scarlett’s anxiety? It was entertaining as the author allowed the
reader into Scarlett’s inner thoughts and I laughed loudly at the zany debates
she argued with herself. One never knows
what to expect in the stories Janice Thompson writes. She is perceptive in creating characters that
are well rounded and real. Her characters
build as the story moves forward and can be loved in one chapter and disliked
in the next. Scarlett reminded me so
much of myself that that I wondered who might have been the role model for
Janice. Honestly, I’ve never met Janice
Thompson in my life….although I’d consider it an honor to do so.</b></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #20124d;">MEET AUTHOR JANICE THOMPSON.......</span></b></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #20124d;"><b><br /></b></span><div>
<i><b><span style="color: #20124d;">Janice Thompson is a seasoned romance author and screenwriter. An expert at pulling the humor from the situations we get ourselves into, Thompson offers an inside look at the wedding business, drawing on her own experiences as a wedding planner. She is the author of the Weddings by Bella series and the Backstage Pass series, as well as Picture Perfect. She lives in Texas. </span></b></i></div>
<div>
<i><b><span style="color: #20124d;"><br /></span></b></i></div>
<b><span style="color: #20124d;">Visit <a href="http://www.janiceathompson.com/">http://www.janiceathompson.com</a> for more.</span></b><div>
<i><b><span style="color: #20124d;"><br /></span></b></i></div>
<div>
</div>
<b><span style="color: #20124d;"><a href="http://www.janiceathompson.com/">http://www.janiceathompson.com</a><br /><a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Janice-Hanna-Thompsons-Readers-Page/303537684650?ref=ts"><span style="color: #20124d;">http://www.facebook.com/pages/Janice-Han...</span></a><br /> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/jhannathompson">http://facebook.com/jhannathompson</a></span></b><br /><br /><div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #20124d;">This book was provided for
review by Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.</span></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14882288703593261021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5075221820611607750.post-50058185862441745752013-09-03T22:05:00.000-05:002013-09-03T22:42:37.702-05:00<h2>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;">MY REVIEW OF </span></b></div>
<span style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><b><div style="text-align: center;">
<b>"WELCOME TO LAST CHANCE" </b></div>
</b><b><div style="text-align: center;">
<b>BY CATHLEEN ARMSTRONG</b></div>
</b></span></h2>
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<b><span style="color: #20124d; font-size: xx-small;">FIVE STARS</span></b></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8_WAMm4ZVk8/UiZq8UEAsOI/AAAAAAAAA5c/FkEkoSwAnUQ/s1600/CATHLEEN+ARMSTRONG.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8_WAMm4ZVk8/UiZq8UEAsOI/AAAAAAAAA5c/FkEkoSwAnUQ/s200/CATHLEEN+ARMSTRONG.jpg" width="132" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #20124d;">CATHLEEN ARMSTRONG</span></td></tr>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1oovxJdpm0o/UiabIrPZObI/AAAAAAAAA50/kP9xyX4xOCc/s1600/WELOME+TO+LAST+CHANCE+COVER.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1oovxJdpm0o/UiabIrPZObI/AAAAAAAAA50/kP9xyX4xOCc/s200/WELOME+TO+LAST+CHANCE+COVER.jpg" width="127" /></a></div>
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<i><b><br /></b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><span style="color: #20124d; font-size: x-small;">The red warning light on her car dashboard drove Lainie Davis to seek help in the tiny town of Last Chance, New Mexico. But as she encounters the people who make Last Chance their home, it's her heart that is flashing bright red warning lights. </span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: #20124d; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: #20124d; font-size: x-small;">These people are entirely too nice, </span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: #20124d; font-size: x-small;">too accommodating, </span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: #20124d; font-size: x-small;"> and too interested in her personal life for Lainie's comfort--especially since she's on the run </span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: #20124d; font-size: x-small;">and hoping to slip away unnoticed.</span></i></b></div>
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<span style="color: #20124d;"><b><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Yet in spite of herself, Lainie finds that she is increasingly drawn in to the dramas of small town life. An old church lady who always has room for a stranger. A handsome bartender with a secret life. A single mom running her diner and worrying over her teenage son. Could Lainie actually make a life in this little hick town? Or will the past catch up to her even here in the middle of nowhere?</span></i></b></span></div>
<span style="color: #20124d;">
<b><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="font-style: italic; text-align: justify;">
<b><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Cathleen Armstrong pens a debut novel filled with complex, lovable characters making their way through life and relationships the best they can. Her evocative descriptions, observational humor, and talent at rendering romantic scenes will earn her many fans.</span></i></b></div>
<div style="font-size: small; font-style: italic; text-align: justify;">
<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">MY REVIEW</span></b></h2>
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What goes on in a small town? Plenty!
Lainie Davis was about to find out that dark desolate night her crippled
used Mustang rolled to a dead stop in Last Chance, New Mexico, abruptly ending
her escape from life in Palm Springs to El Paso where she would be safe with
her friend Lindsay…at least for awhile.
Her phone was also dead and the only light was in the High Lonesome
Saloon across the parking lot where her car had given up the ghost. Was this a dead end to her running as far as
possible from the threatening dangerous ex-boyfriend, Nick?</div>
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The bartender Ray wasn’t too warm toward frazzled Lainie
when she dragged into the bar to ask for answers about what to do next. The town’s only motel was closed while the
owner was attending a mayor’s convention. She would need to wait until morning to
contact the only mechanic in town. While
in the bar, the town drunk Les tried to “be friendly” with her and Ray squelched
that, telling Les to go sit in the truck and wait for him to take him home after
he closed the bar. Lainie appeared
brazen when she asked if Ray had an empty spot for her. In desperate resolve she slept in her car.</div>
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Lainie began to experience the kindness offered to strangers
when she entered the Dip ‘n’ Dine café across the street from the High Lonesome
Saloon the next morning. Fayette, the
owner, recognized immediately that Lainie was in desperate straits and offered
her a shower, breakfast and even called Elizabeth to ask if Lainie could stay
with her while the car was being fixed. That
arranged. Lainie was uncomfortable over Elizabeth’s insistence that members of
her household attend church. However she
trudged on to meet this unusual woman with momentary promise of rescue. </div>
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After showering, Lainie found something hidden in her
backpack that sickened her and filled her with fear. The package she found was evidently put there
by Nick. During her time in the café,
she was able to contact her friend Lindsay and heard frightening news that Nick
had called Lindsay looking for her.
Never before had Lainie had so many people, strangers at that be so
concerned for her well being. In a way
it caused her to feel like running “like the wind.” She noticed a police car pulling up to the
café and wasn’t sure what to do by then, so she slapped a ten dollar bill on
the counter and headed for the door when Fayette called out that she had change
coming.</div>
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And indeed, Lainie had many changes coming! Last
Chance was certainly a town where everybody – all 743 - knows your name….and
your business. Cathleen Armstrong wrote
her characters well with defining qualities about each one. Everyone has a personality that’s either
strong, weak or somewhere in between. It
was an engrossing read, so much so that it kept me from getting my needed rest
at night. Having been born and raised in
a small town, I could identify with those things considered normal or unusual that
happens in Everytown, USA. </div>
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<br /></div>
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Ms Armstrong writes strongly with color and conveys vividly
the beauty of the country around Last Chance; romance with caution between the
characters; the true Christian nature of the Last Chance residents; and
problems in single parenting a self-indulgent child. Lainie wasn’t familiar with Christian
principles and values, but surprised herself when she sought to know more about
God….and particularly when she began singing in the church choir. Cathleen
Armstrong left a few conclusions unwrapped and hopefully this fine author will
give another chance at a sequel to Lainie’s last chance.</div>
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</b></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;">About Cathleen Armstrong</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: #20124d;"><br /></span></b></div>
<span style="color: #20124d;"><b>Cathleen Armstrong lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her husband, Ed, and their corgi. Though she has been in California for many years now, her roots remain deep in New Mexico where she grew up and where much of her family still lives. After she and Ed raised three children, she returned to college and earned a BA in English. Welcome to Last Chancewon the 2009 American Christian Fiction Writers Genesis Award for Women's Fiction.</b><br /><br /> <a href="http://www.cathleenarmstrong.com/"><span style="color: #20124d;"><b>http://www.cathleenarmstrong.com</b></span></a></span><br />
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<span style="color: #20124d;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="color: #20124d;">
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“Available August 2013 at your
favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="font-weight: bold;">
</div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>I received this book through the Revell Book Blogger's Tour, and was not required to give a positive review. </b></span></span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14882288703593261021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5075221820611607750.post-35532692118887991862013-08-20T14:16:00.001-05:002013-08-20T14:16:57.125-05:00<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6XpkI5NcZJg/UhOvxpH_qSI/AAAAAAAAA5M/xhc-E8Rxzys/s1600/Ginger's+Profile+Photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6XpkI5NcZJg/UhOvxpH_qSI/AAAAAAAAA5M/xhc-E8Rxzys/s200/Ginger's+Profile+Photo.jpg" width="157" /></a></td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: right;">
<a href="http://crossfocusedreviews.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/The-Button-Legacy-cover-email.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://crossfocusedreviews.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/The-Button-Legacy-cover-email.jpg" width="128" /></a></div>
<h4>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: right;"><span style="color: #20124d;">THE BUTTON LEGACY</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #20124d;">BY</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #20124d;">GINGER MARCINKOWSKI</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #20124d;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #20124d;">"My Dearest Emily... When you were a little girl, a change occurred in you. You lost a piece of yourself somewhere....But when you were here in Plaster Rock, you bloomed........</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #20124d;"> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #20124d; text-align: center;">The stories we told with these buttons </span><span style="color: #20124d; text-align: left;">made you smile. With your smile came hope..............</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #20124d; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="color: #20124d;">Repeat the stories you've been told to your own children, never forgetting that God was there in every situation, in every story held inside this box..."</span></h4>
<div>
<span style="color: #20124d;"><br /></span></div>
<h4>
<span style="color: #20124d;">Growing up, Emily Evans of Run, River Currents had always shared a special understanding with her grandfather, John Polk, even when she couldn't fully see beyond the darkness of her father's abuse. Yet John looked to the future in faith to what his God could do.</span><br /><div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #20124d;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #20124d;">Years after her grandfather's death, the unexpected delivery of the decorated tin, still brimming with odd-colored buttons, unlocks the joyous memories and lets Emily realize she has finally discovered the secret her grandfather promised lay within the stories of the worn button box.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #20124d;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #20124d;">Told through the eyes of a godly grandfather, The Button Legacy laces together a godly heritage and the power of one man's prayers, offering a lesson of how God's grace can be seen even in the simplest thing--a button.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #20124d;"><br /></span></div>
</h4>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<i><u><span style="color: #20124d;">MY REVIEW</span></u></i></h2>
<div>
<span style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Ginger Marcinkowski’s stories about buttons that
reveal family memories is my first read from this fine author. </span><span style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I was immediately drawn into the Polk family
saga and recalled the “buttons” in my own life.</span><span style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span><span style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Both of my grandmothers saved buttons in lovely old tins, as well as an
elderly next door neighbor lady that I visited often.</span><span style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">How I loved going through those buttons and
admiring the sparkly ones mostly, but bright colors and odd shapes piqued my
imagination over and over.</span><span style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I wonder if
all my questions about these peculiar items were a nuisance to their collectors.</span></div>
<div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #20124d;">Back to the story at hand, John Polk’s family was
ordinary, in that their ups and downs, dreams, tragedies, and faith in God were
much like other families. The subtle
difference was the loving Christian characterization of John Polk. I felt like part of the family around the
blazing fire listening to John reveal memories through a button picked from an
old tin box by one of his two daughters, grandchildren or himself<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #20124d;">.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #20124d;">John’s daughters were different from each other in
their reactions to John’s revelations.
Maureen, the oldest, displayed boredom with indifference. Carol, the youngest, more like her gentle
mother Ellen, was always caught up in the story and grasped the value of God’s
ultimate message. Maureen was becoming
rebellious in her identity and a worry to her parents.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #20124d;">In fact, John had displayed rebellion in his youth
that led to a drunken experience ending in tragedy; ultimately realizing the
need for God’s love and forgiveness in his life. This story began in Plaster Rock, New
Brunswick, Canada 1956 – nostalgic to my own years of being a teen and related
easily to the years that followed to 1997 when this story concluded in a
poignant intention of carrying on this family tradition.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #20124d;">When I began reading this sweet novella, I was
unaware that it is a sequel to Ms Marcinkowski’s <u>Run, River Currents</u>. Wishing I had read it before <u>The Button
Legacy</u>, I intend to read Ginger Marcinkowski’s <u>Run, River Currents</u>
soon. The character of John’s
granddaughter, Emily, was bittersweet and the favorite of her “Grampy”
John. Emily Evans, being the daughter of
Maureen, might have followed in her mother’s footsteps; however Grampy John was
wise in the Lord, and effective in teaching a lesson of trust.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #20124d;">Rich and deep in meaning of God’s love are Ginger
Marcinkowski’s words – so compelling in faith and knowledge of God’s Word. The humor is addictive, causing giggles so
hard my bed shook. The button stories
gather personal emotions of happiness and tears. How our lives parallel our neighbors as well
as in the generations before us are awesome and amazing to witness God’s touch
throughout. Well done, Ms Marcinkowski. Thank you for writing loud words of joyful
noise.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #20124d;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I received
a free kindle copy of this story from Cross Focused Reviews in exchange for my
honest review.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #20124d;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></span></div>
<h4>
<span style="color: #20124d; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><i>FROM THE AUTHOR</i></span></h4>
<span style="color: #20124d;">Instructors of Creative Writing repeated the words, "The first book any new writer pens is the book that had to be written." I now fully understand those words. For three gut-wrenching years, my debut book, Run, River Currents, begged to be put to paper. My intent was to write a humorous biography about my mother, a woman who raised a boat-load of children on her own. But for some reason, I could not make the stories resonate, so the humor turned to heartbreak as the story was released from me...coaxed by a writer whose own heart somehow understood the story that was within.<br /> </span><span style="color: #20124d;">The Button Legacy tells the much happier "rest of the story," as well as the background of my godly grandfather, whom God used in Emily's life to ultimately lead her to Himself. Lacing together a godly heritage and the power of one man's prayers, The Button Legacy offers a lesson of how God's grace can be seen even in the simplest thing--a button.</span><br />
<span style="color: #20124d;"><br /></span>
<h3>
</h3>
<h4>
<span style="color: #20124d;"><i>ABOUT THE AUTHOR</i></span></h4>
<span style="color: #20124d;">Ginger Marcinkowski was born in northern Maine along the Canadian border, a setting that plays a prominent role in Run, River Currents. She is a daughter of divorced parents and is one of eight siblings.</span><br />
<span style="color: #20124d;"><br />Her debut novel, Run, River Currents, was published in August 2012 and was a 2012 semi-finalist in the ACFW Genesis Awards, also winning honorable mentions in national awards and festivals. The Button Legacy, published in June 2013, was written as a prequel / sequel to Run, River Currents.<br /><br />Ginger has been a public speaker and visiting lecturer for many years. She has been a professional reader for the James Jones First Novel Award ($10,000 prize), and is currently a judge for the East-West Writer's Contest and a reader for the ACFW First Impressions award.</span> </div>
<br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14882288703593261021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5075221820611607750.post-54131339605236774712013-07-17T14:06:00.000-05:002013-07-17T14:06:54.878-05:00REVIEW OF "STOPPED COLD" BY GAIL PALLOTTA<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ft8ysdiys_4/UebgjX1ZuqI/AAAAAAAAA4k/JFKtUWU61EE/s1600/GailPallottaHeadshot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ft8ysdiys_4/UebgjX1ZuqI/AAAAAAAAA4k/JFKtUWU61EE/s320/GailPallottaHeadshot.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="190" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2mtPV6AWK54/UebgaKbjxRI/AAAAAAAAA4Y/r6acDr2xoSk/s1600/StoppedCold200x300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: right;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2mtPV6AWK54/UebgaKbjxRI/AAAAAAAAA4Y/r6acDr2xoSk/s320/StoppedCold200x300.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<h4>
<b><i>ABOUT THE BOOK.......</i></b></h4>
<b><span style="color: #20124d;">Margaret McWhorter enjoys a laid-back Freshman year in high school flirting with Jimmy Willmore, swimming and hanging out with friends—until that day. Her brother, Sean, suffers a stroke from taking a steroid. Now he’s lying unconscious in a hospital. Margaret’s angry at her dad for pushing Sean to be a great quarterback, but a fire of hatred burns inside her to make the criminals pay.</span></b><div>
<b><span style="color: #20124d;"><br />Looking for justice, she takes Jimmy and her best friend, Emily, through a twisted, drug-filled sub-culture. A clue sends them deep into the woods behind the school where they overhear drug dealers discuss Sean.<br /><br />Time and time again they walk a treacherous path and come face to face with danger. Even the cop on the case can’t stop them from investigating. All the while Margaret really wants to cure Sean, heal the hate inside, and open her heart to love.</span></b><br />
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<h4>
<b><i>MY REVIEW.......</i></b></h4>
<div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><span style="color: #20124d;">Gail
Pallotta has written an important story of fiction concerning several realistic
situations. This exceptional story is
the first I’ve read geared toward teens and young adults; and an enlightening
book particularly for parents of teens to read regarding the evil existence of
drugs and steroids found in and around our school systems.<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><span style="color: #20124d;"><br /></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><span style="color: #20124d;">Written as a
teen mystery, I was quickly drawn into the story as Margaret McWhorter hears
her brother Sean explaining to his father that he was replaced as a quarterback
on the high school football team. Dad
begins chastising Sean about failing to live up to his high standards of
athleticism expected. After all, dad
still rode on his laurels of being a star college quarterback. Margaret herself is a champion swimmer on the
Meriwether School swim team, and feels the sting of criticism for her brother,
being familiar with this drill of denigration herself. Margaret is a typical teen as a freshman in
that she wants to have fun, good friends, a boyfriend, make good grades, and to
experience all the excitement in life possible within the barriers of parental
constraint. She and Sean have a close
relationship – Sean being the quieter, more reserved of the two.<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><span style="color: #20124d;"><br /></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><span style="color: #20124d;">Ms
Pallotta’s story rapidly suspends into shock and grief when Margaret receives a
call from her mother that Sean has suffered a stroke and is comatose in the
hospital. Sean had taken a Steroid called
Winstrol V, intended to increase athletic prowess, which he had apparently
obtained illegally. In researching
Winstrol V, to find out if it was fictional or an actual drug, the evidence
proved it is real and very dangerous to use unprescribed or if the program
isn’t followed with the help of an instructor. She and her parents meet
Detective Garrett in Sean’s hospital room.
He is an undercover cop and told Margaret he would be hanging around the
favorite teen grill during his investigation and asked her to keep her eyes and
ears open for any pertinent information that would help his investigation.<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><span style="color: #20124d;"><br /></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><span style="color: #20124d;">Margaret
spent many frustrating hours alone worrying about Sean while her parents were
at the hospital. Even though she
continued attending her classes and swim meets alone, her anger at the unknown
drug pushers that sold Sean the drug haunted her until Margaret began a plan
along with her best friend Emily - a Buddhist, and her school crush Jimmy to
solve this mystery. From this point in
the story – I was compelled to work along with Margaret to solve this
crime…..Gail Pallotta did a superb job of keeping it mysterious to the
end. I held my breath in many instances
of danger for the kids. It was obvious
from the beginning that Margaret was blaming her dad for Sean’s bad choice of
taking the drug.<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><span style="color: #20124d;"><br /></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><span style="color: #20124d;">When does a
child first become aware of God being there for them? The beauty of Margaret’s spiritual growth and
trust in God grew like a beautiful fragrant flower. Her mother was a believer and she learned
much about the Lord from her; however she didn’t understand the behavior her
dad displayed toward attending church and spiritual beliefs. She didn’t expect miracles, but she prayed
for one…...or two. Gail Pallotta has my
admiration and some jealousy toward her creative talent of character
development. They are as finely tuned as
a lovely stringed instrument, each having a different song to play in the
story.<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><span style="color: #20124d;"><br /></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><span style="color: #20124d;">As a parent,
grandparent and a great-grandparent – this story jolted me into a fresh
awareness of what seems to be a never ending problem of family dysfunction and
drugs, a battle my family has dealt with in the past. Bad decisions lead to disastrous outcomes;
however Ms Pallotta’s story reveals faith and prayer as the favorable choice to
change behaviors and attitudes. Thank
you, Gail, for asking me to read your wonderful book. God’s grace certainly flows from your quill.</span></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><span style="color: #20124d;"><br /></span></b></span></div>
<h4>
<span style="color: #20124d;"><span style="font-size: 13.333335876464844px; line-height: 15.333335876464844px;"><b><i>ABOUT GAIL PALLOTTA.......</i></b></span></span></h4>
</div>
<span style="color: #20124d;"><b><div>
<b>Best-selling, award-winning author Gail Pallotta’s a wife, Mom, swimmer and bargain shopper who loves God, beach sunsets and getting together with friends and family. She’s been a Sunday school teacher, a swim-team coordinator and an</b></div>
</b></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Z8ob8G07Vds/UebmxRTd9iI/AAAAAAAAA4w/SOU0fMUj1nM/s1600/Gail+Pallotta.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="clear: right; color: #20124d; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><b style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Z8ob8G07Vds/UebmxRTd9iI/AAAAAAAAA4w/SOU0fMUj1nM/s200/Gail+Pallotta.jpg" width="133" /></b></span></a></div>
<b><span style="color: #20124d;">after-school literary instructor. </span></b></div>
<div>
<b><span style="color: #20124d;">A former regional writer of the </span><span style="color: #20124d;">year for American Christian Writers Association, she won Clash of the Titles in 2010. Her new teen novel, Stopped Cold, is a best-seller on All Romance ebooks. Some of her published articles appear in anthologies while two are in museums. </span></b><div>
<div>
<span style="color: #20124d;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #20124d;"><b>Readers can find her on the internet on the staff of Clash of the Titles, <a href="http://www.clashofthetitles.blogspot.com/">http://www.clashofthetitles.blogspot.com</a> </b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #20124d;"><b>and at her blog, <a href="http://www.gailpallotta.blogspot.com/">http://www.gailpallotta.blogspot.com</a>. </b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #20124d;"><b>Her Web Site is <a href="http://www.gailpallotta.com/">http://www.gailpallotta.com</a></b></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14882288703593261021noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5075221820611607750.post-16253520190940419352013-07-04T15:27:00.000-05:002013-07-04T15:27:21.413-05:00MY REVIEW - "THE LEWIS LEGACY SERIES" BY JOANN DURGIN<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CiCwn5hCLlY/T99msfcJ4AI/AAAAAAAAAcs/32UrGGGM0G0/s265/41663_100001656425663_500454648_n.jpg+JoAnn+Durgin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CiCwn5hCLlY/T99msfcJ4AI/AAAAAAAAAcs/32UrGGGM0G0/s265/41663_100001656425663_500454648_n.jpg+JoAnn+Durgin.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #20124d;">AUTHOR JOANN DURGIN</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<h3 class="newaps" style="border-top-width: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 6px; padding: 4px 0px 0px;">
</h3>
<h3>
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-j1Wi7gEWSto/UdXWcp2vDOI/AAAAAAAAA3I/d6C4yYXCD78/s145/cropped+image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-j1Wi7gEWSto/UdXWcp2vDOI/AAAAAAAAA3I/d6C4yYXCD78/s145/cropped+image.jpg" /></a></h3>
<h2>
<span style="color: #674ea7; font-size: x-large;">The Lewis Legacy Series, Books 1-3: </span></h2>
<h3 class="newaps" style="border-top-width: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 6px; padding: 4px 0px 0px; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #20124d;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Lewis-Legacy-Series-Books-ebook/dp/B00BYLMQC4/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1372966486&sr=1-2-fkmr0&keywords=tRILOGY+OF+tHE+lEWIS+lEGACY">A Christian Romance Boxed Set</a> </span></h3>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #20124d;">by JoAnn Durgin</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #20124d;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #20124d;">The Lewis Legacy Series Boxed Set collects the first three books--Awakening, Second Time Around, and Twin Hearts--in JoAnn Durgin's popular Christian romance series. </span></div>
<br /><div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #20124d;">Awakening:</span></div>
<span style="color: #20124d;">A God-fearing man. A God-seeking woman. For Sam Lewis and Lexa Clarke, it proves a combustible combination. You’ll keep turning the pages of this sweeping romantic adventure. With great characters, plenty of humor, enough emotion to make you shed a tear or two, and an ending that’ll have you cheering, Awakening will leave you breathless. Hold on tight.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">
Second Time Around:</div>
Newlyweds Marc and Natalie Thompson have it all, but two months after the wedding, Natalie suffers a horrible fall. Not only does she not remember their life together, but now Marc has a personal timeline to reconnect with her—seven months. You’ll root for them as they fight against the odds to find their way back to one another...the second time around.<br /> <br /><div style="text-align: center;">
Twin Hearts:</div>
Joshua is a man redeemed. It’s been more than four years since the fateful events in San Antonio when Sam threw him out of the missions camp, and he’s still haunted by the bittersweet memory of his final meeting with another volunteer. When he also seeks her forgiveness, he gets the shock of his life. Could turning his deepest sin into his greatest blessing be God’s answer for his hurting heart?<br /> <br /> Get ready for romance, adventure, friendship, faith and family in each installment of the Lewis Legacy Series with Sam and Lexa Lewis and their lively TeamWork Missions volunteers.<br /> <br /> Don’t forget to download Daydreams, Book Four in the Lewis Legacy Series, now available!</span><div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: #20124d;">MY REVIEW</span></i></h4>
<div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><span style="color: #20124d;">JoAnn Durgin’s
writing began reflecting who she is in Christ with the first novel in this
trilogy – The Lewis Legacy. What fun and
imagination she wrote into “Awakening,” the story of Lexa Clark and Sam Lewis
and the beginning of their romance…in fact a hint of several romances being shaped
through God’s plans. The thought
occurred to me often that this possibly was actually a recounting of the truth about
a real romance written as fiction. It
takes place in Sam’s TeamWork camp, a Christian mission summer setting with
interesting characters to know and love as this trilogy continues. I recall this book was one of the first I
reviewed ever…and I simply wrote: “A
delightful and heartwarming story about Sam Lewis and Lexa Clark in their
romantic duel. You’ll need to read this
sweet book to find out who won!” My
rating was five stars. So with that
noted, let’s venture on to JoAnn Durgin’s next five star stories…….<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 2.4pt 0in; text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="color: #20124d;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">The Second Time Around was
written on a more serious tone including mystery and adventure about Sam &
Lexa’s friends, newlyweds Mark and Natalie.
JoAnn was right on target immersing her love of the Lord in His many
ways explaining WWJD (What would Jesus do?) in the numerous sub-stories. Each of JoAnn’s writings indicates her
development of writing skills and obedience to God’s Word. She definitely listens in her still small
moments for God’s voice. My review quote
– “</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">JoAnn's second book, "The
Second Time Around," builds on the story of other friends of Sam &
Lexa, newlyweds Mark and Natalie. This
book involves the trust and renewal of faith in God as well as suspense
involving the amnesia of one of the partners early in the newlywed's marriage
due to an untimely accident. Guilt preys on the mind of the other partner
because the accident could have been prevented had they performed a needed
repair on rotten wood steps. The couple struggles painfully to renew the
marriage and bring back the memory of the injured spouse being married to the
other. Sam & Lexa are the catalysts of friendship who help the couple find
solutions. An engaging story you'll not be able to put down until you find out
what happens... mysteries will be answered with God's help.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 2.4pt 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><span style="color: #20124d;">“Twin
Hearts,” - again, JoAnn’s increased skill at good clean Christian writing is
about the redemption of the sins of a former TeamWork member. It is a tear jerker, a heartwarmer – a “can’t
put this book down” read regarding the surprising blessings that occur in Ms
Durgin’s quality writing about sin and redemption. Again, JoAnn listens to that still small
voice within that develops an even more interesting story from one talented
writer. JoAnn is an extraordinary story
teller. She never stoops beneath the
line of dignity to enlighten a story about matters not easily discussed. Twin Hearts received my 5 star rating and
this review: “ JoAnn Durgin and God were in constant consultation while this
book was being written. Twin Hearts is JoAnn's finest and most tender story, in
my estimation. The characters come alive off the page, she develops them so vividly.
She writes the details so clearly I felt myself wanting to enter into verbal
conversation with the characters. JoAnn wrote in perfectly ethical situations
and outcomes. I love the people and characters in this series of books. I can't
wait for her next work. I know it will be a clear collaboration with our Abba
father. With that kind of guidance....JoAnn can't go wrong!”<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 115%;"><b><span style="color: #20124d;">Oh yes, it’s easy to
recommend all of JoAnn’s writings. Her
very soul and love for Jesus appears in every page. From the moment of our friendship until this
day – I am blessed knowing JoAnn Durgin in a more personal way, sharing about
our lives and supporting one another in love and prayer. JoAnn’s sweet soul appears in each new
writing. It has been my privilege to
review her recent awesome publishings; and encourage you to read everything she
writes in the future and catch up on her past novels. God has truly blessed JoAnn with many fruits
of the Spirit that makes her an inspiration to me, and a respected friend.<span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></span></div>
</div>
<br /><b><span style="color: #20124d;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div>
<h3>
<span style="color: #20124d;">About the Author:</span></h3>
<div>
<br /><b><span style="color: #20124d;"> JoAnn Durgin lives with her husband, Jim, and their three children in southern Indiana and works as a full-time administration paralegal in Louisville, Kentucky. She’s a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers and the Louisville Christian Writers.<br /> <br /> Please visit her at www.joanndurgin.com or at Author JoAnn Durgin on Facebook. </span></b><br /><br /> </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14882288703593261021noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5075221820611607750.post-16678732256444645542013-06-22T16:52:00.001-05:002013-06-22T16:52:59.358-05:00MY REVIEW ON TRICA GOYER'S "THE PROMISE BOX"<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-efSagpZ_648/UcYPPVBJrJI/AAAAAAAAA14/AvJB5x_WMZA/s1600/735174_468385769884122_873777934_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-efSagpZ_648/UcYPPVBJrJI/AAAAAAAAA14/AvJB5x_WMZA/s320/735174_468385769884122_873777934_n.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #20124d;">AUTHOR TRICIA GOYER</span></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<img height="320" src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/netgalley-covers/cover26945-medium.png" width="206" /><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; text-align: justify;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; text-align: justify;"><br /></span>
<h4>
<span style="color: #20124d; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><b><i>ABOUT THE STORY....</i></b></span></h4>
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<span style="color: #20124d; font-size: x-small;">Every year, young Amish men descend on the cozy little town of West Kootenai, Montana, arriving in the spring to live there for six months and receive 'resident' status for the hunting season in the fall. They arrive as bachelors, but go home with brides! In The Promise Box, the second book of best-selling author Tricia Goyer's Seven Brides for Seven Bachelors series, Lydia Wyse, a book editor from Seattle who grew up Amish, returns to the small community of West Kootenai to give comfort to her father after her mother's death. She is drawn back to the familiar Amish ways after finding her mother's most precious possession, a Promise Box of prayers and scripture. What her publisher sees, though is an opportunity for a sensational 'tell-all' book about the Amish. Lydia soon finds herself falling in love with Amish bachelor Gideon Hooley. She wants nothing more than to forget her past and look forward to a future as an Amish bride. But will the pain of her childhood---and her potential betrayal of her community---keep her from committing her whole heart?</span></div>
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<b><i>MY REVIEW.......</i></b></h4>
<b style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #20124d;">Each of Trish Goyer’s latest novels I read is better
than the last, and I marvel at how she can do that! The Promise Box is no exception – it is my
favorite so far of her series “Seven Brides for Seven Bachelors.”</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><span style="color: #20124d;">Lydia and Gideon’s story has a sad beginning. Lydia Wyse, adopted by Amish parents at birth,
left that upbringing to enter the English world and became a book editor in
Seattle. She returned home to West
Kootenai, Montana upon the death of her mother to care for her dat during the
funeral and for an unplanned time afterward.
Gideon Hooley, an Amish bachelor who has come to the community
temporarily for the hunting season, which is a popular draw of young Amish
bachelors to learn the skills of this sport.
Gideon has ghosts of his own from the past that haunt and puzzle
him. He hopes to find answers in the
town of what happened there years before while his family visited and a tragedy
involving Gideon occurred of which he has no memory.<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><span style="color: #20124d;">These young folks had an eventful and humorous
meeting which kindled Gideon’s mistrust of Lydia’s English appearance and
snapping pictures (not Amish approved) of him while he was in a horse training
session with Blue, an untempered equestrian beauty. There were definitely sparks – some of anger,
while some were instant attraction between the two. Gideon did not know who Lydia was, and that
she was also taking pictures of her home in the background and familiar scenes
to her.<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><span style="color: #20124d;">Ms Goyer’s story is extremely emotional and heart
rendering. Lydia struggles with a
decision about returning to the Amish life, being accepted and not shunned by
the community, and wanting to clear up the mystery surrounding her adoption. She yearns to be a writer and considers the
notion of writing about her returning to the Amish faith. She fights temptation from her Seattle editor
and friend who encourages her in this respect.
Life is full of unknowns and uncertainties for Lydia and Gideon. Both young people are caught in the time of
their lives when their choices could alter their lives destructively.<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><span style="color: #20124d;">Personally, I can relate to the adoption issue for
Lydia because I have three adopted children, now grown. I cheered and thanked God for Lydia’s mem’s
box full of God’s promises and letters to Lydia. Will Lydia find her way through her mem’s
words and confidences? How about Gideon…can
he express his love and possibly marry an Englisher? Are they the mates God has chosen for each
other? What will happen to dat if Lydia
chooses not to stay and care for him? Will Lydia learn who her birth parents are? What will Gideon do about finding the answers
to the mystery in his life? Will pain
heal? <o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><span style="color: #20124d;">The sub-title for Trish Goyer’s Promise Box might
have been The Englisher and the Horse Whisperer. Trish writes a wonderful story with much
depth on each page. It is realistic for
today’s world concerning Amish communities and lifestyle. Pay close attention to the answers God graces
Lydia and Gideon with during their confusion and hunt for reasons to turn their
lives completely to Him. Trish Goyer is
a strict master author on God’s interventions and I admire her own faith. She is indeed an artist at painting God’s
word into her writings.<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><span style="color: #20124d;">So, for the answer to all the questions above, you
will not hear the answers from me. You’ll
need to get the book on your own and read, read, read. Oh, don’t forget the tissues while reading. And….this is only Book Two, so far, and I’m
watching for Book Three to see how she could possibly write a better story than
The Promise Box!</span></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #20124d; font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 16.000001907348633px; line-height: 18.000003814697266px;"><b><i>MEET TRICIA GOYER.......</i></b></span></span></h2>
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<span style="color: #20124d; font-size: x-small;">Tricia Goyer is a busy mom of six, grandmother of one, and
wife to John. Somewhere around the hustle and bustle of family life, she
manages to find the time to write fictional tales delighting and entertaining
readers and non-fiction titles offering encouragement and hope. A bestselling
author, Tricia has published thirty-three books to date and has written more
than 500 articles. She is a two time Carol Award winner, as well as a Christy
and ECPA Award Nominee. In 2010, she was selected as one of the Top 20 Moms to
Follow on Twitter by SheKnows.com. Tricia is also on the blogging team at
MomLifeToday.com, TheBetterMom.com and other homeschooling and Christian sites.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #20124d; font-size: x-small;">In addition to her roles as mom, wife and author, Tricia
volunteers around her community and mentors teen moms. She is the founder of
Hope Pregnancy Ministries in Northwestern Montana, and she currently leads a
Teen MOPS Group in Little Rock, AR. Tricia, along with a group of friends,
recently launched www.NotQuiteAmishLiving.com, sharing ideas about simplifying
life. She also hosts the weekly radio podcast, Living Inspired. Learn more
about Tricia at www.triciagoyer.com.</span></div>
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<tr><th class="label" style="color: #999999; line-height: 15px; padding: 3px 8px 1px 0px; vertical-align: top; width: 81px; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;">Website</span></th><td class="data" style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px; max-width: 310px; padding: 3px 0px 1px; vertical-align: top; word-wrap: break-word;"><b style="background-color: #cfe2f3;"><a href="http://www.triciagoyer.com/" rel="nofollow" style="color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">http://www.triciagoyer.com</a><br /><a href="http://triciagoyer.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow" style="color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">http://triciagoyer.blogspot.com</a><br /><a href="http://twitter.com/triciagoyer" rel="nofollow" style="color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer;" target="_blank">http://twitter.com/triciagoyer</a><br /><a href="http://toginet.com/shows/Livinginspired" rel="nofollow" style="color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">http://toginet.com/shows/Livinginspired</a></b></td></tr>
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<b><span style="color: #20124d;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Thank you Litfuse for providing a review copy. </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Disclosure: I received this book free from the
publisher in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.</span></span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14882288703593261021noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5075221820611607750.post-35541944098472946532013-05-03T18:29:00.000-05:002013-05-03T18:29:16.525-05:00IT'S A HOMER!!!<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9xUuk-jV21s/UYRCUWH4UeI/AAAAAAAAAyo/rgXyprfbFmQ/s1600/168088_157065637676534_6748902_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9xUuk-jV21s/UYRCUWH4UeI/AAAAAAAAAyo/rgXyprfbFmQ/s200/168088_157065637676534_6748902_n.jpg" width="175" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="background-color: #cfe2f3; color: #20124d;">AUTHOR MICHELLE SUTTON</span></b></td></tr>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OVRqA_ezO-Q/UYRCo8XKiDI/AAAAAAAAAys/z99eoN9-Bz0/s1600/73946_424156274300801_1926971143_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OVRqA_ezO-Q/UYRCo8XKiDI/AAAAAAAAAys/z99eoN9-Bz0/s320/73946_424156274300801_1926971143_n.jpg" width="214" /></span></a><b><span style="background-color: #cfe2f3; color: #20124d;"><span style="font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Bryan Miller's dream is to become a professional baseball player. At least that’s what he's always believed. Then this stunning woman enters his world and he's instantly smitten. But she dares to shake his foundation by asking if playing pro ball is his dream, or his parents’ dream for his life. Who does she think she is to question his future plans? Sure, he has always enjoyed solving math equations and teaching people more than playing sports. Of course he wants to play pro ball, doesn't he? Suddenly he’s not so sure anymore. </span><br style="font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><br style="font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><span style="font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Kami Garrett traveled the country with a women’s professional rodeo circuit before a serious injury two years ago took her out of the arena. Now if she stays in Arizona for the rest of her life, that will be fine by her. She’s content to teach riding lessons. She adores baseball, but refuses to hook up with a pro ball player. Then this amazing man comes to Surprise for Spring Training and she's torn. Are they meant to be together, or are their different goals in life destined to keep them apart?</span></span></b><br />
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<span style="background-color: #cfe2f3; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><u><b><span style="color: #20124d;">MY REVIEW</span></b></u></span></h4>
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 115%;"><b><span style="color: #20124d;">Kami’s first impression of Bryan as she watched him
hit a home run showing off with a cocky strut around the bases was that he
looked like Ashton Kutcher, her favorite actor crush. Her cousin Mindy, who was
a bit nervy and ornery, decided she would introduce Kami to Bryan just for fun.
And…she did, much to Kami’s embarrassment!
Bryan’s best friend Will, another ball player, stepped into the conversation
and Mindy immediately began to flirt with him causing Kami much consternation
about this entire developing situation.
Bryan and Will were attending spring training for the Texas Rangers in
Surprise, Arizona hoping to be picked for the team.</span></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 115%;"><b><span style="color: #20124d;">Backtracking a bit – Kami was still recovering
emotionally from a tragic accident that happened while she was performing on
her horse during a rodeo. The bones had healed physically, but she felt
responsible for the death of her father. She had insisted he be there for her
performance that day, which became doubly horrific for her because he was
killed when his airplane crashed on the way there. Considering herself now orphaned, her mother
had passed away earlier; the only family she had left was Uncle Jay and Mindy. The
cousins lived together in a trailer near their Uncle Jay on his ranch.<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 115%;"><b><span style="color: #20124d;">Each character Michelle Sutton wrote into this story
has problems of their own. The story isn’t
all moonlight and roses in the romance section, particularly for cousin Mindy
who suffers from a bipolar condition for which she will not take her meds; and
is promiscuous without guilt. Kami worries that Mindy’s attitude could be a
serious deterrent to Bryan’s developing affections for her. Kami suffers from PTSD over being sexually
attacked when she was sixteen combined with guilt over her father’s death and self
esteem issues. Kami’s dad had been a
professional ballplayer, which caused bad memories from a lonely childhood and
wasn’t sure about her relationship with Bryan.
Bryan feels oppressed by his father’s demanding control that he be a
professional ball player.<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 115%;"><b><span style="color: #20124d;">Michelle’s ability to build a well crafted story
with surprises and a few shocks is highly impressive. She pulls off realistic characters with
qualities and faults that keep the reader focused on several stories at one
time. Ms Sutton is blessed with writing
integrity and good Christian morals that glorify the Lord and mix a good flavor
for reading.<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 115%;"><b><span style="color: #20124d;">Personally, not much of a baseball fan myself, the
annual rodeo was always a big event in my hometown. There were many emotions in the story to
which I can easily relate and feel compassion toward. Surprise Love is a definite interesting read
and Michelle Sutton has hit another home run! </span></b></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #cfe2f3; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 115%;"><b><span style="color: #20124d;">ABOUT MICHELLE........</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><b><span style="color: #20124d;">Michelle is a social worker who has been writing romantic fiction with an inspirational message for over nine years. Southeastern Arizona is where Michelle calls home. She loves being surrounded by mountains and fresh air, which inspires many of her novels. She and her husband are approaching twenty-two years of marriage and their two sons will begin their third year of college in August. She is the author of a dozen novels in print and is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, as well as an avid book reviewer and blogger on a variety of sites. She founded Edgy Christian Fiction Lovers social networking site which has well over 1000 members. Crafting new stories and reading/reviewing great books is her idea of a fun time. </span></b></span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 115%;"><b><span style="color: #20124d;"> <o:p></o:p></span></b></span></span></div>
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