Past Darkness by Laurel Woiwode

Past darkness is appropriately titled, as the story is in no way light and fluffy. Gabrielle loses her parents as a teen and the novel is about how she deals with her grief over the coming years. She ends up on the Dakota plains, finding a connection with horses, but less and less of one with people. It is a touching tale of loss, grief, and coming out of the pain. The author is a beautiful storyteller, weaving words together in such a way that it pulls you in. The descriptions of Gabrielle's surroundings are so vivid, you feel you are right there with her. I enjoyed the book very much overall, but the pacing was very slow.This is a pet peeve for me, as a book has to move along to hold my interest. I did finish it though and very much enjoyed the story. Any fan of young adult fiction would likely enjoy Past Darkness.

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Past Darkness Crossway (April 30, 2013) by Laurel Woiwode

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Laurel Woiwode graduated with honors from Jamestown College, earning a Bachelor of Arts in both English and History. She works with ESL students, writes movie reviews at reelquickie.areavoices.com, works on writing and editing projects, and is always ready for outdoor adventures. Laurel grew up in rural North Dakota, has had an avid interest in animals, nature, and literature since childhood, and she is the author of Past Darkness.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Gabrielle Larson is an average, 15 year old girl living in Chicago when tragedy strikes. In the aftermath, she is forced to relocate to rural North Dakota and henceforth spends the next chapter of her life learning to cope with trials involving everything from family to faith. Laurel Woiwode, daughter of critically acclaimed novelist Larry Woiwode, offers here a moving story that will be appreciated by female and male readers alike. Past Darkness is not preachy or heavy-handed, but rather a touching story about the importance of family, the power of music, and the ever-present mercy of God.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Past Darkness, go HERE,



I received a free copy of the novel in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

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JJ Heller's Loved Review and Giveaway

Loved. It's a powerful word. Do you feel loved? Do you remember that no matter what, there is someone who loves us, there waiting with open arms? JJ Heller's new album, Loved, gives us all a little reminder. This CD hits stores today. I was lucky enough to get my copy a little early so I could share my thoughts with y'all.

About JJ Heller and Loved:

When JJ Heller and her husband/co-writer, Dave, began writing for their sixth studio album LOVED, life looked a few shades darker, more painful and confusing than it had during the work on their work of the recent past. Over the past few years, the duo steered much of their material toward the whimsical and simple joys of life, love and new parenthood. But, when confronted by illness, death and broken marriages within their community, the Hellers chose to stay true to the weight of their season of life when crafting lyrics this time around.

I was not familiar with JJ Heller's work until this album showed up, but I became a fan within minutes. I have listened to Loved time and again the past few days. JJ's voice is both soothing and uplifting all at once. The lyrics are powerful and uplifting. I found myself encouraged and at peace while listening to the words. I truly enjoyed this collection of songs.

JJ's style is unique. Quiet yet with a bit of a raw edge that I absolutely adore. Check out this video for Who You Are, one of my favorite songs on the disc.



Learn more about JJ here:
Website: http://www.jjheller.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/JJ-Heller/12004599945

Twitter: https://twitter.com/jjheller

Want a copy of Loved for yourself? I have one copy to give to a lucky reader! Enter via Rafflecopter below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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So Much More Than Pancakes

I love IHOP. There are many reasons why, but the biggest is you get a lot of good food at an exceptional value. That and the fact I am a complete fail at making pancakes. Seriously, for someone who can cook I can mess up pancakes like you wouldn't believe. So, I prefer to let IHOP make them for me. But, IHOP offers so many more options than just pancakes.

I stopped in there tonight to grab one of their new Griddle Melts sandwiches. These are technically a breakfast sandwich but it made an incredible dinner. IHOP's press release has this to say about these new sandwiches:

“Breakfast sandwiches are the largest selling breakfast items out of the home, with more than 55 billion servings consumed each year. Our new Griddle Melts bring our guests a breakfast sandwich that lives up to our high standards of excellence and value and they can only be found at IHOP,” said Natalia Franco, Senior Vice President, Marketing, International House of Pancakes, LLC. “Our culinary team has created three delicious varieties of Griddle Melts, each using the finest ingredients, and in a hearty size that requires both hands—even for the half sandwich.

“While others may offer guests breakfast sandwiches that are pre-made in advance, every single Griddle Melt sandwich is custom made for each guest,” Franco continued. “Bursting with flavor, Griddle Melts are a meal in themselves, a hearty breakfast sandwich that our guests will want to sit down and savor. And at $4.99 for a half sandwich it’s a great value and I encourage guests to try all three before choosing their favorite!”

Griddle Melt varieties include:

• Spinach, Roasted Pepper & Cheese
  Sautéed fresh spinach in a fluffy egg omelet topped with roasted red peppers and onions, melted Provolone, Parmesan and Pepper Jack cheeses on grilled artisan sourdough bread. Served with your choice of hash browns, French fries or seasonal fruit.
• Western
  Smoked ham and sautéed peppers and onions in a classic omelet, topped with sliced ham, melted American cheese and served on grilled artisan sourdough bread. Served with your choice of hash browns, French fries or seasonal fruit.
• Ham & Egg Melt
  Sliced ham and melted Swiss and American cheeses over a fluffy egg omelet served on grilled artisan sourdough bread. Served with your choice of hash browns, French fries or seasonal fruit.

 I know that whet when it comes to a fast breakfast out, I often choose a breakfast sandwich. Admittedly, I would never think of going to IHOP to grab a quick bite, but after tonight I think it's a great option. I had a Western half sandwich with spicy fries. This cost $4.99. The sandwich was a Western omelet on tasty sourdough toast. The press release is correct, even the half sandwich took two hands. It was a delicious  hearty meal at a great price. I was very pleasantly surprised, $4.99 normally doesn't get you such a filling meal. Not only was it a savory, affordable meal, but I was in and out of the restaurant in half an hour! That's a quick meal! I could not have been happier with my dinner.

Not only was the food and value incredible, but so was the service. The place was fairly crowded with  dinner customers, but I was greeted promptly with a smile. My server, Tammie, was very friendly and attentive. I was super excited that a coupon for a free short stack of pancakes upon survey completion printed off on my receipt, but they kept my receipt at check out. When I asked I was told they keep the receipts. This didn't make much sense to me, but was the only hiccup in a delightful meal out.

So, I give the new Griddle Melts sandwiches two thumbs up! I am eager to go back and try the other two varieties! If you are looking for a savory meal and a great value I urge you to check these sandwiches out!

I received a gift card in order to visit IHOP and review the Griddle Melts sandwiches. No other compensation was received. All opinions are 100% my own. 

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The Return of Cassandra Todd by Darrel Nelson

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing The Return of Cassandra Todd Realms (February 5, 2013) by Darrel Nelson

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

I am a schoolteacher by profession and have taught school for (thir—ahem!) years. I grew up in Raymond, Alberta, and attended the University of Lethbridge after graduating from high school and serving a two-year mission to Japan. During university, I met and married Marsha Smith, and we are the parents of four children, which has grown to include their spouses and our ten grandchildren.

I have always loved to write. I started writing stories before I was old enough to realize I was writing stories. It seemed a natural thing to pick up a pencil and paper and create a world simply by using words—worlds of adventure in steaming jungles (Tarzan was an early influence on me) or realms of adventure in outer space (Buck Rogers). But as I have grown older, I have discovered that the real inspiration for me is exploring the theme of love and how it can make such a difference in the world.

I’ve had an article published in Lethbridge Magazine and have written several dramatic plays, two of which won provincial recognition and were showcased at a drama festival. I won the CJOC radio songwriting contest two years running, and have had one of my songs receive international airplay. I have written four novels intended for the juvenile market. They are unpublished as yet, but I read them annually to my fourth grade students and my students tell me they love them, the darlings.

ABOUT THE BOOK

When the girl he hated in high school suddenly reenters his life, little son in tow, and asks for his help, Turner must put the past behind him if they are to survive.

Turner Caldwell works at a local motel as a handyman while attending college full-time. On his way to class one day, he passes the bus depot just as Cassandra Todd and her young son arrive. He is shocked to see her, remembering how cruel she was to him in high school. She was the popular head cheerleader and he the target of her mean-spirited pranks. Turner could never have imagined that the outdoor training and survival skills he learned at Camp Kopawanee, a summer youth camp where he worked three years as a leader, would one day become so crucial. But when Cassandra and her son check into the motel where he works and she asks for his help in eluding her abusive husband, Turner finds himself entangled in a situation that will require every skill he has in order to survive.

If you'd like to read the first chapter of The Return of Cassandra Todd, go HERE.

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Flora's Wish by Kathleen Y'Barbo

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Flora's Wish Harvest House Publishers (February 1, 2013) by Kathleen Y'Barbo

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

RITA and Carol award nominee Kathleen Y’Barbo is the best-selling, award-winning author of more than forty novels, novellas, and young adult books. In all, more than one million copies of her books are currently in print in the US and abroad, and her books have been translated into Dutch, German, and Spanish, to name a few.

Kathleen is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Romance Writers of America. She holds a BBA from Texas A&M University’s Mays Business School and a certification in Paralegal Studies, and is a former member of the Texas Bar Association’s Paralegal Division.

A tenth-generation Texan, Kathleen Y’Barbo has four children of her own as well as seven bonus kids she gladly inherited when she married her own hero in combat boots. Kathleen is proud to be a military wife, even if it did mean giving up her Texas drivers license.



ABOUT THE BOOK

May 1887--Flora Brimm is determined the fifth time is the charm. Back home she has a reputation as "Fatal Flora," a woman whose previous four fiancés died in untimely accidents. Flora is desperate to marry, because producing an heir is the only way she can keep her family's estate. She's confident this visit to Eureka Springs with her grandmother will help her land a husband.

Pinkerton detective Lucas McMinn is hot on the trail of Will Tucker, the thief who broke his sister's heart. When he discovers the slippery fellow with Flora, he thinks they are in on the devious plot together. Will Flora be able to convince Lucas of her innocence? Will Lucas catch the elusive Mr. Tucker?

And, more importantly, will Lucas survive if he pursues Flora's heart?

If you would like to read the first chapter of Flora's Wish, go HERE.

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For Love of Eli by Loree Lough

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing For Love of Eli Abingdon Press (February 1, 2013) by Loree Lough

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

With more than FOUR MILLION copies of her books in circulation, Loree has 98 books (fiction and non-fiction for kids and adults; four novels optioned for movies; more books slated for release between now and 2014), 68 short stories, over 2,500+ articles in print, and over 19,000 letters from fans!

Loree loves sharing learned-the-hard-way lessons about the craft and the industry, and her comedic approach makes her a favorite (and frequent) guest of writers' organizations, book clubs, private and government institutions, college and high school writing programs both here and abroad.

A writer who believes in "giving back," Loree dedicates a portion of her income to Soldiers' Angels, Special Operations Warrior Foundation, and other worthwhile organizations.

She splits her time between a tiny home in the Baltimore suburbs and an even tinier cabin in the Allegheny Mountains, and shares both with her real-life hero Larry, who rarely complains, even when she adds yet another item to her vast collection of "wolf stuff."

ABOUT THE BOOK

When unspeakable tragedy leaves young Eli an orphan, two families are devastated. But Taylor, Eli’s aunt and legal guardian, vows to help him remember his parents by creating a Memory Quilt. As she begins piecing together the moments of his parents' lives, the story of the young family emerges and Taylor and Eli begin to heal. But Eli’s uncle Reece is slow to let go of the past and still blames Taylor’s brother for his sister’s death. So, although he has long been attracted to Taylor, Reece keeps a safe distance away. Can their shared love for Eli pave the way to forgiveness or will Taylor and Reece be separated by pain?


If you would like to read a first chapter excerpt of For Love of Eli, go HERE.


    

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Full House aka Our New Life

Do y'all remember the sitcom Full House? I'm sure it's alive and kicking out there in rerun land. Anyway  it was the story of the Tanner family; a widower, his girls, and their unconventional family. The theme song always made me smile.

Family watching television, c. 1958 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

What ever happened to predictability? 

The milkman, the paperboy, evening TV. 

Everywhere you look , everywhere you go (there's a heart). 

There's a heart 

A hand to hold onto. 

Everywhere you look , everywhere you go. 

There's a face 

Of somebody who needs you. 

Eveywhere you look, 

When you're lost out there and you're all alone, 

A light is waiting to carry you home, 

Everywhere you look. 

Everywhere you look.

source: http://www.lyricsondemand.com/

Why am I babbling about this and what the heck was my post about last Wednesday? Well, my life has taken a turn that makes me think of Full House. Little Miss and I have moved across the state to live with my ex-inlaws. Yes, you read that correctly. I was so nervous, but it's not awkward at all. We've been here a week and so far everything is going well. Mostly. Little Miss is struggling with the school transition, so prayers for her would be awesome. I truly believe this is going to be a positive change. For the first time in nearly two years I have both my kids under the same roof. The work opportunities should be much better than back in Podunk. Positive things are happening all over the place. There are seven of us in the house, four generations. Th house id full, but there is no weirdness; these people were my family for 15 years and they didn't choose to change that. I am so blessed to have them as well as my family who are all so incredibly supportive. We've started a new chapter in out lives, one that's sure to be an adventure! Now, if only I could locate Uncle Jesse....

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Daybreak by Shelley Shepard Gray

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Daybreak Avon Inspire; Original edition (February 12, 2013) by Shelley Shepard Gray

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Since 2000, Shelley Sabga has sold over thirty novels to numerous publishers, including HarperCollins, Harlequin, Abingdon Press, and Avon Inspire. She has been interviewed by NPR, and her books have been highlighted in numerous publications, including USA Today and The Wall Street Journal.

Under the name Shelley Shepard Gray, Shelley writes Amish romances for HarperCollins’ inspirational line, Avon Inspire. Her recent novel, The Protector, the final book in her “Families of Honor” series, hit the New York Times List, and her previous novel in the same series, The Survivor, appeared on the USA Today bestseller list. Shelley has won the prestigious Holt Medallion for her books, Forgiven and Grace, and her novels have been chosen as Alternate Selections for the Doubleday/Literary Guild Book Club. Her first novel with Avon Inspire, Hidden, was an Inspirational Reader’s Choice finalist.

Before writing romances, Shelley lived in Texas and Colorado, where she taught school and earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education. She now lives in southern Ohio and writes full time. Shelley is married, the mother of two children in college, and is an active member of her church. She serves on committees, volunteers in the church office, and currently leads a Bible study group, and she looks forward to the opportunity to continue to write novels that showcase her Christian ideals.

When she’s not writing, Shelley often attends conferences and reader retreats in order to give workshops and publicize her work. She’s attended RWA’s national conference six times, the ACFW conference and Romantic Times Magazine’s annual conference as well as traveled to New Jersey, Birmingham, and Tennessee to attend local conferences.

Check out Shelley's Facebook Fan page

ABOUT THE BOOK

When Viola Keim starts working at a nearby Mennonite retirement home, she strikes up an unlikely friendship with resident Atle, whose only living relative, son Edward, is living as a missionary in Nicaragua. Viola understands the importance of mission work, but she can’t imagine leaving her father in the hands of strangers. Even though her family is New Order Amish, it’s not the Amish way, and though she doesn’t know Ed, she judges him for abandoning his father.



But when Ed surprises his father with a visit, Viola and Ed both discover an attraction they never expected. Despite her feelings, choosing Ed would mean moving to a far-off country and leaving her family behind. She can’t do that. Her twin sister, Elsie, is going blind and will need someone to care for her all her life. Her family is reeling with the recent discovery that her grandmother hid her past as an Englischer. Her father seems forgetful and distracted—and to be harboring some secrets of his own. Does Viola dare leave them all behind and forge her own life? Or will family ties mean her one chance at love slips away?

If you would like to read a first Chapter excerpt from Daybreak,go HERE.

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