7.21.2014

CSFF July Tour Day 1 ~ The Warden and the Wolf King

Welcome to day 1 of the CSFF Blog Tour for July

The Warden and the Wolf King

Today I'm going to recap the series for those who may not have read it yet
Book 1

On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness

Once, in a cottage above the cliffs on the Dark Sea of Darkness, there lived three children and their trusty dog Nugget. Janner Igiby, his brother Tink, their crippled sister Leeli are gifted children as all children are, loved well by a noble mother and ex-pirate grandfather. But they will need all their gifts and all that love to survive the evil pursuit of the venomous Fangs of Dang who have crossed the dark sea to rule the land with malice and pursue the Igibys who hold the secret to the lost legend and jewels of good King Wingfeather of the Shining Isle of Anniera.

Andrew Peterson spins a quirky and riveting tale of the Igibys’ extraordinary journey from Glipwood’s Dragon Day Festival and a secret hidden in the Books and Crannies Bookstore, past the terrifying Black Carriage, clutches of the horned hounds and loathsome toothy cows surrounding AnkleJelly Manor, through the Glipwood Forest and mysterious treehouse of Peet the Sock Man (known for a little softshoe and wearing tattered socks on his hands and arms), to the very edge of the Ice Prairies.

Full of characters rich in heart, smarts, and courage, On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness presents a world of wonder and a tale children of all ages will cherish, families can read aloud, and readers’ groups are sure to discuss for its layers of meaning about life’s true treasure and tangle of the beautiful and horrible, temporal and eternal, and good and bad.

Book 2

North! Or be Eaten

Janner, Tink, and Leeli Igiby thought they were normal children with normal lives and a normal past. But now they know they’re really the Lost Jewels of Anniera, heirs to a legendary kingdom across the sea, and suddenly everyone wants to kill them.
In order to survive, the Igibys must flee to the safety of the Ice Prairies, where the lizardlike Fangs of Dang cannot follow. First, however, they have to escape the monsters of Glipwood Forest,1 the thieving Stranders of the East Bend,2 and the dreaded Fork Factory.3
But even more dangerous are the jealousies and bitterness that threaten to tear them apart, and Janner and his siblings must learn the hard way that the love of a family is more important than anything else.

Book 3

The Monsters in the Hollows

Janner Wingfeather's father was the High King of Anniera. But his father is gone. The kingdom has fallen. The royal family is on the run, and the Fang armies of Gnag the Nameless are close behind.

Janner and his family hope to find refuge in the last safe place in the world: the Green Hollows--a land of warriors feared even by Fangs of Dang. But there's a big problem. Janner's little brother-heir to the throne of Anniera-has grown a tail. And gray fur. Not to mention two pointed ears and long, dangerous fangs. To the suspicious folk of the Green Hollows he looks like a monster.

But Janner knows better. His brother isn't as scary as he looks. He's perfectly harmless.

Isn't he?

Join the Wingfeathers on an adventure filled with mystery, betrayal, and sneakery in a land of tasty fruits. There's a monster on the loose and the truth lurks in the shadows.

Be sure to come back tomorrow for more about Book 4...

While your waiting be sure to visit the other tour participants during the tour July 21 - 23

Keanan Brand Beckie Burnham Pauline Creeden Vicky DealSharingAunt

Carol Gehringer Victor Gentile Ryan Heart Bruce Hennigan Jason Joyner

Carol Keen Krystine Kercher Shannon McDermott Meagan @ Blooming with Books

Rebecca LuElla Miller Nissa Writer Rani Nathan Reimer Chawna Schroeder

Jojo Sutis Rachel Starr Thomson Shane Werlinger Phyllis Wheeler

7.20.2014

All For a Sister ~ Review

All For a Sister
By Allison Pittman

Celeste DuFrane has lost her mother to cancer. At 20 she is now alone, but she has just found out that she a coheir to everything her parents left. And the woman she is to share everything with is the woman who killed her sister more than 20 years ago. But Dana Lundgren doesn't seem like a cold-blooded killer.

Celeste and Dana are bound by secrets that are over 20 years old. The question is will these secrets destroy them or bring them together? And why did the truth have to wait so long to be revealed?

When she was 12 years old Dana was accused of killing the Dufrane's baby daughter Mary. A crime for which she was never tried, but for which she lost 20 years of her life. The world as she knew it no longer existed. Every new experience is frightening in the very its very newness.

Celeste can't understand why the woman accused of killing her older sister would be given a share in her parents possessions. Dana too can't understand the reasoning behind this. But Marguerite DuFrane left behind a confession written almost from her deathbed and a lifetime of secrets begin to come to light.

It is amazing the power hate can have over one's life and the power money and prestige can hold. One woman's power and hate were the driving force that shaped the lives of those around her. I think of the books in this series I like this book the best. I like the glimpses of Celeste and Dana together and the growth of their characters as they live together and discover who they both truly are. I like the character of Werner Ostermann who sees Dana for who she was and who she can become. He understands her fears and is there to help her get past them.

I was provided with a copy of this book by the publisher Tyndale through The Book Club Network in exchange for my honest review.

About the Book:

In Hollywood during the Roaring Twenties, Celeste DuFrane has it all. Her father’s work with color movie film opens doors that lead to the stardom she’s always aspired to. But after losing her mother, she discovers that half the estate has been left to a woman accused of killing Celeste’s baby sister before Celeste was even born.
Dana Lundgren arrives on the steps of the DuFrane mansion having spent most of her life imprisoned for a crime that never happened. After accusing her of murder so many years ago, why did Marguerite DuFrane leave her a sizeable inheritance?

As Celeste and Dana learn each other’s stories, they come up with more questions than answers. Then a surprising discovery begins to fill in the missing pieces: Marguerite DuFrane’s written confession, penned shortly before her death. Uncovering the treachery and deceit that changed the course of countless lives—most of all, their own—the two women find more than they ever dreamed of.

About the Author:

Allison Pittman is the author of For Time and Eternity, Stealing Home, the Crossroads of Grace series, and her nonfiction debut, Saturdays With Stella. A high-school English teacher, she serves as director of the theater arts group at her church. She is also the co-president of a dynamic Christian writers group in the San Antonio, Texas area, where she makes her home with her husband and their three boys.

7.18.2014

Mark of Distinction ~ Review

Mark of Distinction
The Price of Privilege #2
By Jessica Dotta

Julia Elliston has escaped. At least for the moment. But she has been caught in a web of deceit from which she never emerge. In Born of Persuasion Julia had seemingly escaped from the designs of her guardian, until she found herself forced into a marriage she didn't want to a Mr. Chance Macy. To Julia's surprise and horror she was the unwitting pawn in a game of chess between Mr. Macy and Lord Pierson, the father she never knew of. With the help of Edward Auburn Julia escaped Mr. Macy and made her way to Maplecroft, her father's home.

But now she is at the mercy of her father's schemes to destroy Mr. Macy and to secure political future of Lord Issac Dalry. Julia is left with little choice in what her life has become as Lord Pierson manipulates the lives of those around him.

Mark of Distinction is an intriguing book as one tries to figure out what exactly who is doing what and what their ultimate goal is. One feels sorry for Julia, though some of her problems are of her own making. I think Issac is the one person empathize the most with. He too is at the beck-and-call of Lord Pierson. But he truly cares about Julia and her feelings.

This is a book that I don't think you could read without first reading the previous book. You need to read Born of Persuasion to fully grasp the nuances of the characters and their relationships. I can't wait to read book 3 to find out what happens. Does Julia have a happy ending? Or will she bow to her father's demands?

I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher Tyndale through The Book Club Network in exchange for my honest review.

About Book:

London is said to be the glittering jewel of society, a world unto itself--but to Julia Elliston it is a city of shadows. Her life is swiftly dissolving into scandal. And in Victorian society, even a whisper of scandal--substantiated or not--can be the death of a young woman's reputation. Now under the watchful eye of Lord Roy Pierson, one of most influential men in England, Julia begrudgingly accepts his protection. But Chance Macy's power is far-reaching as well, and he is eager to assert his claim over her.

Thrust into society as the Emerald Heiress, Julia is the toast of London, a celebrated curiosity. But in reality she's trapped between the clutches of two powerful men. Aided only by a gentleman whose intentions she prays she can trust, Julia must finally take control of her own fate--but outwitting one's foe rarely goes according to plan.

About Author:

Jessica Dotta has always been fascinated by the intricacies of society that existed in England from the Regency through the Edwardian era. She writes in a manner that blends past and modern fiction techniques. She lives in the Nashville area and works as a free lance media consultant and publicist. Her first novel Born of Persuasion releases in September of 2013.

7.17.2014

Death Takes a Ride ~ Review

Death Takes a Ride
The Cate Kincaid Files #3
By Lorena McCourtney

Cate is back with yet another murder case that she has yet again literally fallen into. Well, she didn't fall into it - more like she was offering a ride to a friend of her Aunt Rebecca and was there for the actual event. In Cate's case the falling comes later.

But this is a time of change as Cate awaits her license making her an official private investigator and she'll be able to get rid of her assistant add-on. And then there is Uncle Joe who is talking retirement (Yikes! Is Cate ready to be on her own???) And her maybe-boyfriend Mitch might not be around much longer to be her Knight-on-a shiny-motorcycle when she needs rescuing.

At least Octavia is her one constant. Always knowing when the phone is going to ring and managing to find clues and facts that Cate never would have. This is one kitty with a personality to be reckoned with.

There are funny moments throughout Death Takes a Ride but I think this also the least funny of the series. It is a bit more serious as Cate works through the upcoming and possible changes in her life. There are plenty of suspects and not much to go on. And if Cate's not careful she may be taking a ride with death herself, especially if she can't discover who is in danger and who is the threat.

Spoiler: Cate (like Frodo) lives so we can hopefully expect a fourth book in this delightful series in the not to distant future. I hope!!!

Sit back and get ready to enjoy another Cate Kincaid murder mystery. This would be a great book club discussion book as you work alongside Cate to solve the case. Good clean fun with a murder mystery thrown in.

I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher Revell in exchange for my honest review.

About the Book:

It's official. This case is above her pay grade--and Cate's in over her head.

Cate Kinkaid arrives at H&B Vintage Auto Restorations to give a friend a ride. But, as usual, trouble finds Cate even there--this time in the form of one dead man, one wounded man, and what appears to be a pretty obvious case of self-defense.

Despite having been merely an unfortunate bystander, Cate finds herself sucked into the case. And the deeper she gets, the more she begins to suspect that the shooting in the H&B office may not have been as cut-and-dried as it appeared.

Bestselling and award-winning author Lorena McCourtney takes you on wild ride in this clever cozy mystery that will keep you guessing.

7.15.2014

Death by the Book ~ Review

Death by the Book
A Drew Farthering Mystery
By Julianna Deering

When Drew Farthering walks into a murder scene he is drawn into a mystery that is drawing closer to the Village of Farthering St. John. What game is the killer playing? And what do the cryptic messages pinned to the victims mean?

With no discernible link between the victims, Drew is putting all his sleuthing skills to work. All the while he is trying convince Madeline to accept his proposal of marriage. But when Aunt Ruth comes to save Madeline's virtue she seems determined to pack Madeline up and on the next ship home.

As the danger draws closer who will be the next victim? Nick? Madeline? Aunt Ruth? Drew?

Take a small step back in time to England for a mystery that just may give you a spine tingling shiver or two. Best read in a darkened room shortly before bed for full enjoyment. And a spot of tea is just the thing.

I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher Bethany House through The Book Club Network in exchange for my honest review.

About the Book:

Drew Farthering wanted nothing more than to end the summer of 1932 with the announcement of his engagement. Instead, he finds himself caught up in another mysterious case when the family solicitor is found murdered, an antique hatpin with a cryptic message, Advice to Jack, piercing

Evidence of secret meetings and a young girl's tearful confession point to the victim's double life, but what does the solicitor's murder have to do with the murder of a physician on the local golf course? Nothing, it would seem--except for another puzzling note, affixed with a similar-looking bloodied hatpin. his chest.

Soon the police make an arrest in connection with the murders, but Drew isn't at all certain they have the right suspect in custody. And why does his investigation seem to be drawing him closer and closer to home?

About the Author:

JULIANNA DEERING has always been an avid reader and a lover of storytelling, whether on the page, the screen or the stage. This, along with her keen interest in history and her Christian faith, shows in her tales of love, forgiveness and triumph over adversity. A fifth-generation Texan, she makes her home north of Dallas with three spoiled cats and, when not writing, spends her free time quilting, cross stitching and watching NHL hockey. Her new series of Drew Farthering mysteries set in 1930s England debuted with Rules of Murder (Bethany House, 2013) and will be followed by Death by the Book and Murder at the Mikado (Bethany House, 2014). She is represented by Wendy Lawton of the Books & Such Literary Agency (www.booksandsuch.biz)

7.13.2014

Plots and Plans ~ Review

Plots and Plans

By Kelly Eileen Hake

All Jessalyn Culpepper wants is her father to be proud of her and not because she was finished at the various lady's schools she's gone to over the last 7 years. After all being a "Lady" means sitting side-saddle, napping during the day, and just general foolishness. She longs to take part in the day-to-day activity of the ranch she loves.

But when Jessalyn finally returns home she doesn't get the homecoming she's been dreaming of. In fact it is as if everyone she knew is gone. But no one is going to stop her from making a place for herself not even ranch foreman Tucker Carmichael.

But nothing is ever easy especially when two people are equally mule-headed. But sometimes two parts stubborn is just what is necessary to get the job done.

This is a fun book that is easy to read. It is the perfect distraction from all the stresses of the day. Plots and Pans addresses several issues of the day including women's rights and racial prejudice. But overall this is a feel good book as Jessalyn and Tucker learn to work together and trust in God. This book is complete in and of itself, but I wouldn't mind a sequel and that to me is a sign that a book is good - the desire to read more about the characters.

I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher Barbour through The Book Club Network in exchange for my honest review.

About the Book:

Can A Cranky Cowboy. . .
Order dictates Tucker Carmichael’s life—his orders. On a cattle drive, a moment’s hesitation can mean the difference between life and death. The Chisholm Trail is dirty, dangerous, and no place for dainty ladies. That’s just part of why he loves it.

. . .and A Clever Cook. . .
Jessalyn Culpepper’s life is perfectly ordered—by men. By her father’s mandate, she was booted from their beloved ranch for lady lessons abroad. Now Jessalyn has returned home, determined to show them all that a woman can manage everything from cooking to cattle—whether they like it or not!

. . .Stir Up More Than Trouble?
Tucker does his level best to keep his partner’s headstrong sister out of trouble—and he’s horrified when she wants to join the cattle drive. But when they lose their chuck wagon cook, the last thing Tucker wants might be the only solution. . . .

Will God lead two stubborn souls to love along a trail filled with their Plots and Pans?

About the Author:

Kelly Eileen Hake received her first writing contract at the tender age of seventeen and arranged to wait three months until she was able to legally sign it. Since that first contract a decade ago, she’s fulfilled twenty contracts ranging from short stories to novels. In her spare time, she’s attained her BA in English Literature and Composition, earned her credential to teach English in secondary schools, and went on to complete her MA in Writing Popular Fiction.
Writing for Barbour combines two of Kelly’s great loves—history and reading. A CBA bestselling author and member of American Christian Fiction Writers, she’s been privileged to earn numerous Heartsong Presents Reader’s Choice Awards and is known for her witty, heartwarming historical romances.
A newlywed, she and her gourmet-chef husband live in Southern California with their golden lab mix, Midas!

7.11.2014

Shutting Up ~ Book Blast with Givaway

Title: Shutting Up
Author: Eric Wagner
Publisher: iUniverse
Pages: 228
Genre: Business/Economics
Format: Ebook

Purchase at AMAZON

About the Book:

Hey, manager: please shut up already! Too many new managers, often promoted from the best of the front-line workers, lack the basic ability to interact effectively—speaking when they should be listening, and listening... well, not much. And when it comes to more advanced skills like improving worker performance, maximizing productivity, handling customers, and driving real success with their products, all bets are off. With no real background or training in management skills, today’s managers—even with experience—too often struggle to engage with their teams, maximize performance, and achieve great results.

Here’s the newer manager’s greatest ally: a quick-start guide that rapidly and accessibly covers the essential skills that good managers need to lead their teams effectively. Building on the simplest possible foundation—Shut Up and Listen!—this guide collects over 250 hints, tips, and tricks developed by an experienced manager and leader over more than a quarter century of technical management. Take your management career from zero to sixty—or discover how to lead your team to the next level—with one quick and easy read.

About the Author

Eric Wagner is the President of MindNest LLC, a technology incubator in Phoenix, Arizona. After beginning his career as a software engineer, he quickly rose into the ranks of management, where his style of listening to his employees, leading by example and consensus instead of decree, and finding simple ways to maximize results soon led to positions of greater responsibility at internationally-known companies Autodesk and GoDaddy.com, culminating as the CTO of Pearson Digital Learning, a division of the world’s leading academic and educational publisher. He regularly travels nationwide to appear as a keynote speaker at technology and educational events.Eric holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science and a Master’s Degree in Software Engineering from Arizona State University.

Eric is giving away a $25 Amazon Gift Card!

Terms and Conditions:

ß By entering the giveaway, you are confirming you are at least 18 years old.
ß One winner will be chosen via Rafflecopter to receive one $25 Amazon Gift Certificate or Paypal Cash.
ß This giveaway begins July 1 and ends on July 15.
ß Winners will be contacted via email on Thursday, July 17 .
ß Winner has 48 hours to reply.

Good luck everyone!

~ Enter to win ~

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