The Painted Table by Suzanne Field

January 14, 2014

This book made me feel so many different emotions that I am not even sure what to write for the review. This book takes you in so many different directions and makes you feel so many different things that it was at times hard to read but at the same time I didn’t want to put the book down. I was amazed that the author could make me feel the way I did at times. The story never once got boring or made me want to stop reading. This is an amazing story for someone who has or knows people who have a mental illness.

About The Book

A beautiful heirloom ingrained with family memory has become a totem of a life Saffee would rather forget—a childhood disrupted by her mother’s mental illness.
Saffee does not want the table. By the time she inherits the object of her mother’s obsession, the surface is thick with haphazard layers of paint, and heavy with unsettling memories.

After a childhood spent watching her mother slide steadily into insanity, painting and re-painting the ancient table, Saffee has come to fear that seeds of psychosis may lie dormant within her. But as an adult with a family of her own, Saffee must confront her mother’s torment if she wants to defend herself against it.

Traversing four generations over the course of a century, The Painted Table is an epic portrait of inherited memory, proclivity, and guilt. It is a sprawling narrative affirmation that a family artifact—like a family member—can bear the marks of one’s entire past . . . as well as intimations of one’s

About The Author

Suzanne Field, a graduate of the University of Minnesota, has taught English as a Second Language in China, Ukraine, and Hawaii. She has also been a magazine editor and home-school teacher. She and her husband have five children and divide their time between Kansas and Hawaii where she is a tutor and mentor.

Learn more about Suzanne at:https://www.facebook.com/SuzanneFieldThePaintedTable

Buy A Copy

Carolina Gold by Dorothy Love

January 11, 2014

I loved that the main character in this book was a women and that she was fighting through the whole book to prove to men that she could do everything they were doing. I loved how no matter how bad things got she kept on fighting and trying to find a way to make things work and not lose her land. This is the first book I have read that takes place right after the Civil War ends and I was almost shocked at how people acted after it all ended. I love how it all worked out in the end even though it wasn’t the way she thought it was going to work out.

About The Book

The war is over, but her struggle is just beginning.

Charlotte Fraser returns to her late father’s once-flourishing rice plantation on the Waccamaw River, determined to continue growing the special kind of rice known as Carolina Gold. But Fairhaven Plantation is in ruins, the bondsmen are free, and money is scarce.

To make ends meet, Charlotte reluctantly accepts a position as tutor to the young daughters of Nicholas Betancourt, heir to the neighboring Willowood Plantation. Then Nick’s quest to prove his ownership of Willowood sends Charlotte on a dangerous journey that reveals an old family mystery—and threatens all that she holds dear.

Inspired by the life of a 19th century woman rice planter,Carolina Gold continues Dorothy Love’s winning tradition of weaving together mystery, romance, and rich historical detail, bringing to life the story of one young woman’s struggle to restore her ruined world.

About The Author

A former journalist, free-lance writer and college professor, Dorothy Love explores the intersection of history and human relationships to create novels that speak to the hearts of women everywhere. She is the author of the acclaimed Hickory Ridge novels set in her native state of Tennessee.

After earning a masters degree and Ph.D, she authored dozens of magazine articles before breaking into book publishing with a number of award-winning novels for preteens and young adults. The Hickory Ridge series marked her adult fiction debut. Currently she is working on several stand-alone historical novels set in the South.

When she isn’t busy writing or researching her next book, Love enjoys hiking, traveling, and hanging out with her husband Ron and their rambunctious golden retriever. The Loves make their home in the Texas hill country.

To keep up with Dorothy Love, visithttp://www.dorothylovebooks.com, become a fan on Facebook(Dorothy Love Books) or follow her on Twitter(@writerDorothy).

Buy A Copy

Made To Last by Melissa Tagg

December 9, 2013

This book took me a minute to get into but once I got a few chapters in I didn’t want to put it down. I feel in love with characters and felt sad when the book finally ended because I became attached to the characters and the story. In this book you get to follow along with Miranda as she is trying to save her show but is also lying to the public. You get to see how she makes everything right and that telling the truth is the way to go!

About The Book

Miranda Woodruff has it all. At least, that’s how it looks when she’s starring in her homebuilding television show, From the Ground Up. So when her network begins to talk about making cuts, she’ll do anything to boost ratings and save her show–even if it means pretending to be married to a man who’s definitely not the fiance who ran out on her three years ago.

When a handsome reporter starts shadowing Miranda’s every move, all his digging into her personal life brings him a little too close to the truth–and to her. Can the girl whose entire identity is wrapped up in her on-screen persona finally find the nerve to set the record straight? And if she does, will the life she’s built come crashing down just as she’s found a love to last?

“Clever plot. Engaging, funny, fresh writing. A winning voice with deeper layers that touch the heart.”
-Rachel Hauck, award-winning and bestselling author of Once Upon a Prince

“If there is such a thing as a perfect story, Melissa Tagg has written it with this first novel… Made to Last is a keeper that will charm its way onto your shelf, and into your heart.”
-Susan May Warren, RITA Award winner and bestselling author of Take a Chance on Me

“A must for fans of romantic comedy! Melissa Tagg’s endearing characters charmed me and their story line captured my imagination… Completely entertaining.”
-Becky Wade, author of My Stubborn Heart and Undeniably Yours

“This debut romantic comedy with hidden layers will appeal to fans of Sandra D. Bricker, Trish Perry, and Rachel Hauck.” –Library Journal

“With crisp storytelling and a solid, amusing plot that includes a quirky love triangle, Tagg’s debut is an enjoyable read.” —RT Book Reviews

“Tagg’s tale is humorous and enjoyable with likable characters, a gentle romance, and a very natural and unobtrusive thread of Christianity.” –Booklist

About The Author

Melissa Tagg is a former reporter turned author who loves all things funny and romancey. Her debut novel, a romantic comedy titled Made to Last, releases from Bethany House in September 2013, with a follow-up slated for summer 2014. In addition to her nonprofit day job, she is also the marketing/events coordinator for My Book Therapy, a craft and coaching community for writers founded by award-winning author Susan May Warren.

During her reporting days, Melissa interviewed presidential candidates and llama farmers, rode a hot air balloon and flew a plane, and once found herself face to face with a buffalo. But today she gets her kicks by letting her characters have their own fun. She’s passionate about humor, grace and happy endings.

Buy A Copy

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

FTC3

Aloha Rose by Lisa Carter

November 21, 2013

Aloha Rose by Lisa Carter was such a fun book to read. I found at times that I would be laughing at the characters and some of the things that happened to them. I loved all the characters and I loved reading as Laney and Kia figured things out and grew as people. I did get pissed off at some parts in the book that I don’t want to give away so I am not going to talk about them but I totally understood why Laney reacted the way she did. If those same things happened to me I would act the same way that she did. I enjoyed this book and can’t to check out books by this author and also more books in this series.

About Aloha Rose

When Laney Carrigan’s adoptive parents encourage her as an adult to seek out her birth family, her only clue is the Lokelani quilt in which she was found wrapped as an infant. Centering her search on the Big Island, she battles fears of rejection from a family that abandoned her once before while her faith struggles to embrace God’s love.

Along the path to her true heritage, she meets Hawaiian cowboy/helicopter pilot, Kai Barnes. Kai is determined to protect the people he’s come to regard as family against a woman he suspects of being nothing more than a gold-digger, but he finds himself drawn to Laney in spite of his reservations. He’s spent his entire life seeking forgiveness from past mistakes and longs for a second chance at happiness.

Laney’s painstaking journey to find restoration and a place to belong among the breathtaking allure of the Big Island will lead her closer to her past and maybe even something more.

About Lisa Carter

Lisa Carter has been published in MomSense andChristian Parenting Today. Lisa is currently teaching music at a preschool and enjoying the enthusiasm and joy for life for which preschoolers are famous. She and David have two beautiful daughters.

Find out more at:http://www.quiltsoflovebooks.com

Buy A Copy

8 Books Everyone Should Read

November 21, 2013

When I saw this was one of the prompts for the writers workshop I knew I had to write about it. The prompt I chose this time is 5.) List 8 books you’ve read that you think everyone should read in their lifetime. I have read tons of books in my lifetime and I am going to list 8 of the ones that I have read so far that I think everyone needs to read. I chose all these books for different reasons and I will write that next to the title & author of the books.

1984 by George Orwell– I read this book when I was in high school and I find it crazy how some of the things that happened in this book are happening in our country now. I think that everyone needs to read this book because it is an amazing book and it is an eye opener.
Fearless by Eric Blehm-This is about one of the Navy Seals from Seal Team 6 that went in and killed Osama Bin Laden. He was shot during the firefight and this is a story written about his life. I cried through parts of this book because he had an amazing story and I feel so bad for his wife and children who lost him way too soon.
The Milestone Tapes by Ashley Mackler-Paternostro– I am not sure if I can even tell you how much I loved this book. I cried through a lot of this book and I still loved it. It is an amazing story and something I think I would do if I had young children and knew I was going to pass away from cancer before they children had grown to be an adult. She basically makes tapes for her daughter for all the big things she knows her daughter will go through as she is growing up without her.
Stress Test by Richard L. Mabry– I put this one on here because I love a good medical thriller and this one delivered on that. If you lost suspense/thrillers than I know you will love this one. (If you click on the title you will be directed to my review on this book)
Anomaly by Krista McGee– I think everyone should read this one because it is about a dystopian society but it brings God into the story and I loved that about this book. The next book in the series comes out in January and I can’t wait to read it.
The Beloved Daughter by Alana Terry-I just read this book recently and I have to say that I loved everything about it. I loved learning about what was going on during this book and I also had to wonder how many people really lived this story. It take place in North Korea and it broke my heart to read and I was also sad because you don’t know what really happens at the end.
The Girl In The Box by Sheila Dalton– I read this book a few years ago and I really enjoyed it because like the book The Beloved Daughter I have to wonder how many people really live like this and how many times things like this happen to people.
Defending Jacob by William Landay– I loved this one because you get to see how some people think and you also get to see what some people will do for their children. I don’t know if my child did something like his does I am not sure how I would handle it and what I would do.

Do you have any suggestions for books that I should read?

The Beloved Daughter by Alana Terry

November 19, 2013

The Beloved Daughter by Alana Terry was one of the best books I have read in a long time. When I was first contacted by the author I thought it sound like it would be a good book to read but I never expect to be touched so deeply by the book. I took me about a chapter to get into the story and after that I was hooked and literally read the whole book while I was at work one day because I had to know how it ended. I felt so bad for all the characters and yet at the same time I was so proud of most of the characters. I do have say that some of the characters did shock me and weren’t who I thought they were but I love when that happens because it so rarely happens anymore with the amount of books I read. I can’t say more because I refuse to give the ending away but I recommend this book to everyone because it is amazing and so thought provoking at the same time.

The Beloved Daughter, an inspirational suspense novel by award-winning author Alana Terry, is a story of persecution and triumph set in the oppressive North Korean regime. The audiobook version of Alana’s bestselling debut novel is narrated by Kathy Garver, a four-time Audie award winner and Lifetime Achievement Award recipient from the Motion Picture Council. (You might also recognize Kathy as Cissy from the TV show Family Affair.)

Listen to a sample of Kathy reading from The Beloved Daughter.

The Beloved Daughter

Synopsis: In a small North Korean village, a young girl struggles to survive. It is her father’s faith, not the famine of North Hamyong Province, that most threatens Chung-Cha’s well-being. The Beloved Daughter follows Chung-Cha into one of the most notorious prison camps the contemporary free world has known. Her crime? Being the daughter of a Christian.

Join the giveaway

Acclaim:

*Winner, Women of Faith Writing Contest

*1st Place, Book Club Network Book of the Month

*Amazon Bestseller (#5 Christian Suspense)

Reviews:

“…an engaging plot that reads like a story out of today’s headlines…” ~ Women of Faith Writing Contest

“Alana is a master storyteller, and I can’t imagine anyone failing to be
captivated by this harrowing tale. What we have here is a compelling
story, but it’s also one of great importance.” ~ Brad Francis, Author of The Savvy Demon’s Guide to Godly Living

“The Beloved Daughter is a beautifully written story that is…both personal and representative of the challenges that many North Koreans still face today.” ~ Sarah Palmer, Rescue Team Coordinator at Liberty in North Korea

“The author does a phenomenal job… HIGHLY RECOMMENDED – but have tissues handy.” ~ Pauline Creeden, Editor AltWit Press
Order your own copy of The Beloved Daughter.

Awesome Prizes!

You don’t want to miss out on the month-long Beloved Daughter audiobook launch party. See the Alana Terry facebook page to get started. Multiple winners every week … Hundreds of $$$-worth in prizes!

ENTER THE DRAWING: In addition to the Facebook party, you can enter the grand prize drawing below for a chance to win a $100 gift card to either Target or Amazon (you choose!), or one of the awesome prizes from the prize gallery (think Christian T-shirts, jewelry, books, CDs, lotions, and more)!
SEE THE AUDIOBOOK HERE

SEE THE PAPERBACK HERE

SEE THE EBOOK HERE

a Rafflecopter giveaway