Special Black Friday Deal!

In honor of Black Friday the new author Mackenzie Dare is practically giving away her book Fire Storm for 60% off! The author was kind enough to supply me with a free copy that I fully intend to read as soon as possible, but because I don’t have a review yet you can read the author’s favorite review of her book and you can head on over to Amazon and Goodreads and read some reviews there, but be aware that some are not up to date because FIRE STORM has recently been revised with a thorough edit. You can also visit her blog to read the first chapter. You can also head over to these lovely sites to see their reviews of this book:
Britt Reads Fiction
Found A Christian By His Grace
Crafty Book Sheeps
More Than A Review
Fav Christian Books
TM Wood Books
WFBC Media Center
Voyages Of A Lifetime
Mackenzie Dare

Here’s a link to purchase your copy of her boom and how to enter a contest to win a free copy of Mackenzie’s book.

Today through Monday only, get your copy of “FIRE STORM” for 60% off the retail price by following the “special sale link” below!

Book Link

Enter for a chance to win a free e-book of Fire Storm by copy and pasting one of the messages below and emailing it to: fiction4christians(at)gmail.com

Hi, I stopped by (blog name), and would like to enter for a chance to win a free e-book of FIRE STORM.
Participating Blogs
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ETC…
Please also sign me up to receive your monthly newsletter.

OR

Hi, I stopped by (blog name), and would like to enter for a chance to win a free e-book of FIRE STORM.
I would rather not receive your monthly newsletter at this time.

Your name will then be assigned a number, which will then be put in a hat to be drawn out by an unbiased third party.

Enter to win a $25 – $50 prepaid Visa card by following the link below sharing our Facebook page.

A $25 gift card will be awarded if our page receives under 500 shares.
A $50 card will be the prize if our page receives over 500 shares.

You may share this page as many times as you wish as long as each share is one hour apart. Your name will be entered again for each share.

Each entry will be assigned a number, which will be put in a hat to be drawn out by an unbiased third party.

Facebook Page

Here’s a book excerpt for the book and I hope that you guys check out the wonderful deal that she’s giving.

“But we have no enemies!”… Why would a young mother, happily married and safely nestled amongst the cornfields of small town Illinois suddenly start finding murder attempts around every corner?

A fireman, Jim thrives on danger, that is until it creeps closer than he ever expected – not to him, but to the one he loves more than life itself – his wife. Who and why? How can the “protector” keep his most cherished possession from this unseen killer?

Totally innocent – untouched by evil, Jess cannot explain or understand the incidents threatening her very existence. Holding on to her husband and clinging to her knowledge of a powerful God, she can only strive to keep trust in her soul and a smile in her heart, as the icy fingers of death lurk, coiled behind every corner. Safe in innocence, secure in love – marked for murder! God bless our home – if it doesn’t blow up!

And here’s the author’s favorite review of her book. I hope that you guys enjoy it.

By Caitlyn Santi
May 23, 2013
5 of 5 stars

Oh. My. Gosh! I absolutely, completely, totally loved this book! I
don’t know if I can put into words how much I loved it, but I will try!
As a Christian, small town, horse crazy, farm girl, I was thrilled to
find a Christian suspense book that was set in a small town where the
main characters live on a horse farm, needless to say I found myself
completely relating to so many aspects of this book! The romance, true
love, and devotion between the married couples was so sweet, their were
times tha…more Oh. My! I absolutely, completely, totally loved this book! I
don’t know if I can put into words how much I loved it, but I will try!
As a Christian, small town, horse crazy, farm girl, I was thrilled to
find a Christian suspense book that was set in a small town where the
main characters live on a horse farm, needless to say I found myself
completely relating to so many aspects of this book! The romance, true
love, and devotion between the married couples was so sweet, their were
times that it made my heart swell and my stomach flutter! I loved Jim
and Jessica, Wade and Mellissa, and through the skillful writing of the
author I grew to love Derrick as well! And of course Morgan was just oh
so adorable. Fire Storm grabbed me on page one and didn’t release me
until I reached the end! I usually am able to guess who the killer is,
but with this one I had no clue who it was, so it was a big surprise
for me when the killer’s identity was revealed! And the suspense, oh my
goodness it was SO amazing, just when I thought it couldn’t get any
crazier (In a good way!) it did!!!

There is one thing I would like to point out and that is that Fire
Storm is told from a number of different characters view points, while
this did not bother me and I personally feel that it helped to tell the
story perfectly, I know that there are people who don’t like this way
of telling a story, but I would highly recommend that they read it
anyway because it is so worth reading!!!

Fire Storm has touched my life and my heart and I feel truly blessed to
have had the opportunity to read it! It is now on my list of all time
favorite books and I know I will reread it many times in the future!
And I highly anticipate this author’s next book!
In closing, Fire Storm is an amazing read, which I highly recommend to
anyone and everyone!!!
It is one of those rare finds that as soon as you finish it, you desire
nothing more than to start it again, it’s that good!!! 🙂

I received this book from the author, in exchange for my honest review.
The above is my honest opinion.
All thoughts and opinions are one hundred percent my own.

I hope you guys check this amazing deal out and hopefully help a budding author along in her career.

A Light In The Window Contest

So as you all might remember, I did a review of a Light In the Window by Julie Lessman about a year ago and now Julie is throwing a contest for the book. Not only is the ebook on sale for $.99 relight now but it’s also being turned into a paperback! In honor of that Julie is throwing a contest with three lucky winners and the links are below for those of you that are interested in trying our hand at winning a character Ned after you in Julie’s newest book!

Also, for those of you that have Facebook, Twitter, and blogs, you can post a blurb on Facebook and Twitter for two points awarded towards the contest, but if you post a blurb to your blog, like I’m doing now, you get ten whole points towards the contest! The link to the contest is here:
http://www.julielessman.com/journal-jots1/
And here’s the link to the book video for those that want to see it:

Peril

Title: Peril
Series: Bloodlines Trilogy
Author: Jordyn Redwood
Publisher: Kregel
Published: September 1, 2013
Pages: 272
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Morgan Adams, a pediatric nurse, feels like she can’t bear to face life anymore. With her infant daughter dead, her kidneys failing, and the horrors of the hospital confronting her everyday, she doesn’t see a point on holding on when everything died with her daughter. She tries to hold on for her husband and tries to hold onto a faith that’s crumbling around her. Her faith isn’t helped when her mother reveals a shocking secret that spins Morgan’s life out of control and shakes her faith to the core.

Dr. Tyler Adams, Morgan’s husband and a consultant for a medical trial, is trying to move on from the death of their daughter, but with his wife sick and unable to rejoin life Tyler can’t seem to let go of their daughter. There is one thin he does know though, he’s not letting Morgan go too. The added stress of trying to keep Morgan alive and fighting on top of his duties as a doctor are starting to put pressure on not only himself but his marriage too, making him wonder if they’ll even make it.

When a rogue soldier from Tyler’s medical trials comes after Morgan, she’s almost grateful, until the people she loves are put in danger. Now Morgan must make a decision, fight for her life or give into the sweet relief death will bring. Tyler must decide whether he’s going to let God hold Morgan or if he’s going to hold too tight an possibly lose her. Their past, present and future are put to the test and they must decide which path they’re going to take.
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Jordyn Redwood became a favorite for me with her last novel, but this one definitely made her rise through the ranks and has easily become my favorite medical fiction author ever. Her experience in critical care and emergency nursing and passion for what she does flows onto the pages and gets me excited about my chosen career path. I love finding out what else she’s come up with and can’t wait to see what else she’s going to bring me next.

This is one of the few suspense novels that I’ve read with no discernible romance, but I didn’t miss it because Morgan and Tyler’s shaky relationship is put to the test throughout the book and I loved seeing each character grow and decide what they wanted. Because of that I got to see a marriage healed, which in this case might’ve been better than an actual romance. After all, after the romance comes the marriage and I liked the realistic portrayal of marriage and the image that with God any marriage can succeed.

The topic of this book is one that I love, which is a bit odd because usually I hate medical suspenses. I don’t fully know why I love these more than others, maybe it’s the fact that these suspenses use some obscure or unbelievable medical phenomena to sculpt them, or maybe it’s the fact that there’s always some awesome nursing and medical scenarios that excite my desire, even more, to be a nurse. All I know is that Jordyn Redwood has created an amazing trilogy of suspense novels that are thrilling yet teach medical terms and even some safety along the way. I loved this book!

Having never had a child let alone lost one makes it a bit hard to relate to what Morgan and her husband are going through, however I think the author did an amazing job portraying the sadness and despair that this couple’s going through and made it a lot easier for me to feel their pain. The character development is great and I truly enjoyed watching Morgan make a decision to live and fight or give in and see her daughter again. I also enjoyed watching Morgan realize how much pain losing her would cause her husband. I think this author hit out of the park on this one.

Jordyn Redwood has become a favorite and has easily skyrocketed to the top of a very long list. I loved this book about a nurse and would love to see more of her expertise showcased. She created a believably heart wrenching medical suspense that will stick with me forever. This book paints a unique picture of infant stem cell research and abortion and because of that it made a huge impact with me. I highly recommend this book.

Overall, I loved this book! This book is perfect for lovers of medical suspenses and those who like books about strange occurrences in the medical world. This book is best left to the adults. I give this book a five out of five.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for this review. All opinions expressed are my own.*

The Governess Of Highland Hall

Title: The Governess Of Highland Hall
Author: Carrie Turansky
Publisher: Waterbrook Multnomah
Published: October 15, 2013
Pages: 320
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Julia Foster, a missionary, loves working with her parents to help and care for the young girls in India. But when the family must return to England due to illness, she readily accepts the burden of her family’s financial support. Because of that, she accepts a job as a governess at Highland Hall and soon finds that being a governess to her four ill-mannered, privileged charges is a lot harder than expected.

Sir William Ramsey, a widower left to care for his two young children and his cousin Randolph’s two teenaged daughters, he’s consumed with saving Highland Hall from financial ruin and saving it from the astronomical death charges placed upon him to pay. To him, the last thing he needs is a kind-hearted yet determined governess to distract him, but the subtle transformation she does to his household seems too much to let go of.

The harder Julia works at trying to fix his unruly household, the more William starts to notice her and the closer they get, but both know that any relationship between them is forbidden and improper. Too bad that neither can figure each other out let alone stop their feelings from developing. Both are tending to past wounds and guarding fragile secrets, but they’re both determined to save their families and that seems to be the breaking point of their resolve.

Can Julia be the governess that William is looking for or will she be fired before as has a true chance? Will Julia and William be able to conquer society and all its woes or will class break them apart? Can William potentially give up Highland Hall for Julia or will he lose her to save his home? Will Julia go back to India or will she find that she has a bigger purpose in England?
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I had high hopes for this book because I’ve really enjoyed governess and estate master love stories before, but unfortunately this one didn’t resonate with me like the others that I’ve read. This book was enjoyable, but it read more like a novella, which for a novel of 320 pages it seems a bit too un-descriptive to really hit the mark. Though this book was a nice read, it left me disappointed with the romance.

The romance in this book reads like a movie on fast forward. I got the general sense of a connection but none of the true emotional moments that brings a couple together. It was like they were skipped altogether. I didn’t get kisses or more than two or three moments where the couple were even alone together let alone connecting emotionally. This romance frustrated me so much. I felt like a third party that just got glimpses of a promising love story.

The characters in this story varied drastically but I never really found a character with a happy medium. The characters either had to be completely good or completely bad. I guess the only character that kind of falls into the category of happy medium is Penelope, the sister that just follows along with what her sister does but even she makes a choice as to which side she chooses. For me Julia felt too perfect and William seemed too confused himself which left me having no clue what I truly thought of him. Some of the characters felt too nice while others felt too mean for no reason, but my favorite characters are Sarah, Clark, Andrew, and Millie. I think the author needs to work on her character development and on the character’s personality traits just a little more.

The storyline was nice, though I think it focused more in the household and the running of it than to the actual romance, but I did like the story and even though the author needs to learn how to transition from novellas to novels a little bit more, she did a fairly good job and she created an enjoyable, albeit a little bit slow, novel. Though this wasn’t my cup of tea, I’m sure someone will love this book, but be forewarned if you love a lot of romance because you will be disappointed.

This author didn’t really impress me with this one but I feel like she has some great potential and greatly look forward to seeing what else she can put out and how much she can improve. She hasn’t totally lost me yet, but next time I probably won’t have as high of hopes as I did this time. Though this book isn’t for me, it’s perfect for people who love romances that are simple and not mushy.

Overall, not my cup of tea. This book is good for people who are either just starting out on romances or like their romances simple and to the point. This book shouldn’t be left for little kids but maybe teens and definitely adults will enjoy this one. I give this book a two and a half out of five.

*I received a complementary copy of this novel in exchange for this review. All opinions expressed are my own.*

The Reason Dual Coverage Event

Title: The Reason
Author: William Sirls
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Published: September 4, 2012
Pages: 412
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Exciting news everyone! For the first time ever we are having a dual review! A new friend of mine has agreed to review a book with me and hopefully garner some attention to her own blog as well. I hope that you enjoy her reviews because I have a feeling she’s going to be a repeat guest here. Enjoy the extra review and check out Brooke’s page at http://brookesbookblog.weebly.com/index.html
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MY REVIEW

One storm and a broken cross are all it takes for the lives of a few in small town Michigan to change forever. James Lindy, the church’s blind pastor, wonders how his small congregation could ever afford to fix the cross that broke after being hit by lightning that sits outside his church. His hope is fading when the words “Only Believe” are uttered and change him and his congregation’s lives forever.

Macey Lewis, the town’s brilliant oncologist, started her career to save lives and has done a pretty good job of it over the years, but one patient, Alex, draws her attention and her worry. Macey believes that modern medicine can save Alex from his aggressive leukemia, but she’s challenged to “Only Believe”, making Macey confused and scared all at the same time.

Brooke, Alex’s single mother, has given everything to her little boy and is devastated when she finds out about her son’s condition. She pleads with God to explains to her why this is happening and to save her son. With “Only Believe” as her only answer and heaven silent to her pleas, Brooke wonders how she can “only believe” when all seems hopeless.

These three people and their families and friends go on a journey that no one expected and the tentacles of their journey reach thousands as they search for answers and find them in an unlikely place. They grow closer together and their faith grows or appears along with their knowledge that there is a higher power that cares about every individual. New friendships are made and new beliefs are realized but ultimately it’s the love of Christ that binds us all together.
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Normally I like dramatic stories with plot twists and a gritty-realistic look on life, but books like this are hard for me to swallow. Not only do I not like books about pediatric leukemia but I hate how those books usually end. This isn’t the first book that I’ve read about this and it probably won’t be the first but that doesn’t mean I have to like it. I also didn’t like the turn this books takes after about the hundred page mark. It took the story from believable to unrealistic and unfair. Not to mention chapter thirteen was missing!

William made a major mistake for me when he made Kenneth. Kenneth is an interesting character that seems to know everything about everything and you have a feeling who he is though it’s never really mentioned. Kenneth is a carpenter who fixes things instantly and is supposed to be Jesus. I found this character choice very biblically inaccurate because I don’t believe that Jesus is walking the earth and I can guarantee when he comes back he’s not going to be healing. I felt that Kenneth was a major mistake for the author and he should’ve never gone there.

The other characters of this story were half developed and I only got a glimpse of half of their lives. It felt like a jigsaw puzzle but even put together it felt incomplete and like it was only half of the true picture. I think there were too man character to properly develop and if the author had had less maybe it wouldn’t feel so disjointed.

Another problem I had with this book is the answers given to the hard intellectually stumping questions that the characters ask. I felt that most of the questions were glossed over and not really answered and the ones that were answered made no sense or wouldn’t bring me the peace that it supposedly brings the characters. It seems like the characters accept the non answers given to them without question whereas I felt unsatisfied with them.

Another problem was the slow pace. This book dragged on between exciting moments and I was half tempted to just put it down but because of my obligation to review it and my OCD ways about finishing books, I couldn’t. It started out on a nice front but quickly slowed down to the point where I wondered why I was even reading it and sped back up again at the end. The ending was pretty much the way I figured until the author had to put the unrealistic and really unfair ending. This author definitely didn’t help those in grieving with this ending and I think his ending choice made less of an impact than it would’ve if he would’ve left it alone.

The only bright spot of this book is the adorable and innocent relationship between Charlie and Alex. I loved it and I loved how a lot if attention was put there. Seeing the relationship between them was absolutely sweet and adorable and made the story so much better, but it didn’t save it for me, just helped bump it up a number or two. I really wish this book would’ve been better.

This author hasn’t impressed me with this book and I don’t fully know why this book is even here. The missing thirteenth chapter made me think I was crazy for a second then came across as cheesy. I don’t know if it was intentional but if it was it was another mistake for this author. I don’t know if I’ll read anything by this author again but I won’ have the same expectation that I had for this one.

Overall, I didn’t like this book at all except for Charlie and Alex. I don’t really recommend but this book might be enjoyed by those who enjoy miracles. Keep this book away from your kids and keep it just for the adults. I give this book a two out of five.

*I received a free copy of this book in exchange for this review. All opinions expressed are my own.*
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And now here’s Brooke’s review. I hope you guys like it and check out Brooke’s page. The link is posted at the bottom of page.

BROOKE’S REVIEW

A huge, old, wooden church cross falls in the middle of a lightning storm…can it be fixed?

James Lindy, an old, godly minister is blind…can he ever see again?

Alex, a little boy, has leukemia…can he become well?

Miracles begin to happen in that small town of Michigan.

Miracles that seem to revolve around a simple carpenter…Kenneth.

But even with those miracles things seem to be getting worse and worse.

One phrase is repeated over and over in the minds and hearts of these people.

Only believe.

The Reason started out extremely slow for me. I just couldn’t get into it until Kenneth popped up in Pastor Jim’s church. That was around page 100. However, the characters were well developed. I thought, at the beginning of the book, that there were just too many characters. But the author did a very good job of developing each of them. However, I believe he could have condensed two of the female characters into one and the book would have picked up somewhat. I thought that Brooke, Alex’s mom, could have been a little better developed. She was the average single mom. I thought that something could have been added to her character to have made her even more special. She was probably the most predictable out of all the characters in the book.

I really liked Pastor Jim. He had a wonderful sense of humor, even though he was blind. I don’t think any reader can help but like him. I also enjoyed getting to know his seven foot son, Charlie. Charlie was unique. I have never read about another character like him. I loved the relationship between Charlie and little Alex. It was adorable and well portrayed.

If you are going to read The Reason then you’ll figure out quickly who Kenneth is supposed to be, though the book never actually says it. He kept on popping up whenever somebody needed him. I looked up his name, thinking that maybe his name had some allegorical quality, but it didn’t. However, the name Kenneth seemed to suit him anyway.

This wasn’t my usual reading material. I like things with more romantic elements. There was absolutely no romance in this book. Because of my personal preference, I’m naturally going to like this book less. But it was interesting to read, nonetheless.

I felt that both the beginning and a place near the end utterly dragged. I was so bored that I nearly put it down, but did not because I was obligated to read it. Also, all the miracles seemed somewhat unbelievable. I thought that if the author could have toned them down a little I would have bought them more. Yes, miracles happen today. But the way that some of the miracles were presented just seemed too unreal.

I give The Reason 3 out of 5 stars.

If you liked my review follow me on my blog http://brookesbookblog.weebly.com/index.html . I blog about mostly fiction books and poetry I’ve written. Read my last post, A Moment of Courage, and determine for yourself if you like my poetry or not. My blog is titled Fantastical Fiction. I am always looking for books to add to the Fantastical Fiction Hall of Fame. So far there are only four.

Perfectly Matched

Title: Perfectly Matched
Series: The Blue Willow Brides
Author: Maggie Brendan
Publisher: Revell
Published: October 1, 2013
Pages: 352
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Anna Olsen knows it’s time to leave her sister’s ever growing and cramped house and start a life of her own. So, following both of her sister’s examples, she becomes a mail order bride, and after a short correspondence, moves to Denver to become a wife to a man she knows next to nothing about. Anna looks forward to becoming a wife and moving to Denver. Her free spirit and artistic tendencies are in love with her new home, but they may clash with her new husband’s.

Clock maker and jeweler Edward Parker is a very fastidious man who likes things just so. Wanting everything to be perfect, Edward knows there needs to be expectations and schedules so he does the unthinkable, he hands his brand new wife a list of chores on their wedding day. After that, it soon becomes apparent to Edward just how different their personalities are and he wonders how it will ever work between them.

With obvious differences when it comes to house work, ideas, and hobbies, Anna and Edward have to try and look past their differences to make their marriage work, even if it means some changing for the both of them. As the two of them try an figure out how to be married, their attraction and love for one another grows and the more they realize that neither wants to end what they have, despite their differences. If they can work through their problems, they might just have a loving, happy home.

Can Anna learn to do things Edward’s way or will she be stubborn when it comes to his ways? Will Edward learn to relax or will he remain too particular and drive his new wife away wit his unrealistic expectations? Will they be able to accept and love the others differences or will they grow to resent each other because of them? Will rah persons passion bring them closer together or farther apart?
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I haven’t read very many of Maggie Brendan’s books but the few that I have read, I’ve enjoyed. This book is no different. I think this is one of my favorites by her and I enjoyed following along with Anna and Edward’s story. Maggie Brendan did an amazing job with this story and the different take on romance. Maggie Brendan created a wonderful book and another fan to add to her roster.

The romance was my favorite part of this book. What I loved was the fact that I got to see the characters fall in love and figure out how to be married all at the same time. It’s not very often that I get to read a book based in the beginning stages of marriage and I loved the realistic outlook on love and marriage. This romance was a realistic view of how I imagine most mail order bride relationships started. I absolutely loved the new perspective on mail order brides.

My favorite character was actually Edward because, even though he wasn’t perfect, once he learned to relax a little, he became my dream husband. Even though he struggled with his OCD like ways and his jealousy, he was supportive of Anna and gave her flowers and romance frequently. His change was the most apparent and amazing. Anna’s character was captivating in a different way, but because my passions didn’t really align with hers, I had a hard time relating to her.

The storyline of this book isn’t very fast-paced but packed with strife nonetheless. I really enjoyed the whole “after the wedding but before they know each other” phase that this book is placed in. Not many books take place during that time that a couple learns to be married and co-habitate with a spouse. The working through phase was definitely the spotlight in this book and I loved the different point of view this gave me about marriage.

Maggie Brendan has created another fan with this book. I think this book is the perfect conclusion to this series all about mail order brides. Her ability to create believable characters and lovable pets and gorgeous scenery is a gift all in its own. Maggie is a natural storyteller and is great at what she does. I look forward for reading more from this author and I highly recommend this book.

Overall, I loved this book and I think this is perfect for people who want a little bit different of a western romance. This book is definitely best left to the adults. I give this book a four out of five.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for this review. All opinions expressed are my own.*