9.12.2014

Feast for Thieves ~ Review with Giveaway

Feast for Thieves
A Rowdy Slater Novel
By Marcus Brotherton

Rowdy Slater can't find work since coming home from the war and he is getting desperate to get some money.  And desperate men sometimes do foolish things to get it - foolish things like robbing a bank.

But during the getaway something happens and Rowdy ends up back in Cut Eye, Texas.  Not only is he back in the community that he helped robbed, Sheriff Barker has somehow managed to make Rowdy the new minister.  Rowdy just may be in over his head when it comes to this preaching business.  But his new job provides a car, sort of.  He has a line of credit at the local store. And his meals are provided at the diner.  All in all a good deal as long as he can figure out how to preach before he gets strung up or run out of town.  If he can convince Bobbie Barker, the missionary who has been filling in as pastor, to help him he just may be able to make this work.

But when Rowdy's past catches up to him, the life of someone who means everything to him is hanging in the balance.  Welcome to Cut Eye, Texas in 1946 - a rough-and-tumble town in need of a preacher.  And Rowdy Slater is in need of a place to sort out and restart his life.

This is a book you'll enjoy.  You will instantly connect with some characters, while others will set your teeth on edge.  And the dialect/speaking voice of Rowdy will take you to Texas.  Marcus Brotherton has a way with words that will take you along with Rowdy as if you are there in the action.

I was provided a copy of the book through Side Door Communications in exchange for my honest review and tour participation.

Be sure to leave a comment below about this post and enter for a 
chance to win a copy of this book!


About the Book:
Chicago, IL – Well-known for his nonfiction books, including the New York Times
bestseller, We Who Are Alive and Remain, journalist and professional writer Marcus
Brotherton is turning to fiction, with his debut historical novel, Feast for Thieves,
scheduled to release September 1, 2014 (Moody Publishers/River North).

“Truth is imbedded in the narrative in fiction,” says Brotherton. “And sometimes, since the truth in fiction comes wrapped around a story that captivates your attention, the truth will be presented so powerfully that it hits you with more impact than if you read the same truth in a nonfiction book.”

Brotheron, who has culled a large online following through his blog, Men Who Lead Well, has authored or co-authored more than 25 books including A Company of Heroes, which ranked No. 1 in the country among World War II/Western Front books, and the widely-acclaimed Shifty’s War, and has partnered with high-profile public figures, humanitarians, inspirational leaders, and military personnel. Now, in Feast for Thieves, he spins a wild tale of barroom brawls, crazy antics, kidnappings, and one man’s search for identity.

It’s 1946 and Zearl “Rowdy” Slater, an elite incorrigible paratrooper is returning home from World War II, seeking to find his place in the world. But for a man with no money, no job, a record, and a personality that tends to be, well, a little on the eccentric side, settling down presents a bit of a challenge.

Desperate to scrap together some cash, Rowdy robs a bank alongside his friend, Crazy Ake, in the backwoods—and backwards—town of Cut Eye, Texas. But, after nearly getting caught, something changes inside and he finds himself walking into the sheriff’s office to return the money, but never admitting his role in its disappearance.

Suspicious that Rowdy had more to do with it than he admits, the sheriff gives him a crazy proposal—serve one year as the minister at the Cut Eye Community Church or head for the slammer.

Seeing it’s either the ministry or a jail cell, Rowdy gets to work. But he soon discovers that there’s more to being a minister than meets the eye. Between learning about the work from the former pastor, the beautiful Bobbie Barker, visiting parishioners, fist fighting with the bar crowd to get more men to attend, and trying to figure out how to write a sermon (his first—how to skin a squirrel—didn’t go over very well), Rowdy is in over his head but working hard

But escaping the past is hard and when Crazy Ake shows up, looking for his cut of the money from the robbery, and Rowdy is desperate for cash, he finds himself at a crossroads over his newfound faith and his desire to save the one person he loves the most in the world.

About the Author:
Marcus Brotherton is a journalist and professional writer known
internationally for his books and literary collaborations with high-profile public
figures, humanitarians, inspirational leaders, and military personnel. He has
authored or coauthored more than 25 books.

Collaborative works include projects with Lt. Buck Compton (one of the original Band of Brothers), apologist Dr.Ravi Zacharias, NFL quarterback Colt McCoy, psychologist Dr. Nancy Heche, fashion journalist Lauren Scruggs, Austin Stone pastor Matt Carter, Bronze Star winner Colonel Susan Luz, Alabama restaurateur Martha Hawkins, humanitarian Susan Scott Krabacher, speaker Dr. Bruce Wilkinson, youth ministry expert Doug Fields, radio show host Steven Arterburn, First Place weight loss program CEO Carole Lewis, musician Tommy Walker, youth speaker Ryan Dobson, university chancellor Rev. Wayne Cordeiro, and more.

Born in Canada in 1968, Marcus earned a bachelor’s degree in biblical education and journalism from Multnomah University in Portland, Oregon, and a master’s degree in practical theology and writing from Talbot Seminary at Biola University in Los Angeles, where he graduated with high honors.

Marcus lives with his wife and children in Washington State. More information about Marcus can be found online at www.marcusbrotherton.com.

US and Canadian residents can enter for a chance to win a copy of this book


Enter to have a chance at winning a copy of Marcus Brotherton's book Feast for Thieves! Contest runs September 13 - September 20, 2014! Open to US and Canadian residents only. 

Winner will be contacted on September 21 and need to respond with shipping info within 48 hours or an alternate will be picked.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

9.10.2014

Movie Producers appeal to movie goers

I've actually seen The Identical and really liked it, so I thought I'd pass on this email I received this evening. It includes a link to see the first 15 minutes of the film. which is a great way to get an idea about the movie...

Mainstream Critics Were Unkind,
But Christian Filmgoers and
Audiences Adored It!

The Identical released into theaters this weekend and hasn’t gotten the support that was hoped for from Christian moviegoers.
Mainstream critics gave the film a 5% approval rating, while audiences rated the film "A" or "B"!
Yes, the critics panned it.
But they also slammed God's Not Dead Mom's Night Out and Son of God .
And let's not forget that The Wizard of Oz Star Wars , and Gone With the Wind also were rated poorly.
Sometimes the critics can get it wrong.
The feedback from audiences is they loved the movie and would recommend it to their family and friends. They loved the wholesome story, family-friendly and faith-affirming themes in the film.

TIME FOR YOU TO MAKE THE DECISION FOR YOURSELF!

The producers have released the first 15 minutes of the film on www.theidenticalmovie.com for you to decide for yourself.
Watch the intro for the film yourself and make the decision to see the film
THIS WEEKEND!!!

Go to

www.theidenticalmovie.com

POST YOUR OPINION and

COMMIT TO SUPPORTING THE FILM
in theaters this weekend.

 

What is Growing Out of Your Ear ~ Book Blast with Giveaway

Title: What is Growing Out of Your Ear
Author: Angela Graham
Publisher: AuthorHouse
Pages: 24
Genre: Children’s Fiction
Format: Ebook

Purchase at AMAZON

ABOUT THE BOOK:

It is summer and Angela eats a bowl of cherries. After she swallows some cherry pits, her Grandpa warns what will happen — “A cherry tree will grow out of your ear.” Angela thinks that is silly. Do you believe a cherry tree can grow out of Angela’s ear?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

 Angela Graham lives in Ottawa, Canada with her husband, two lively children and their dog.
She has enjoyed writing stories for her children since they were young to inspire the love
of reading. Angela’s stories add a humourous twist to real life. This story is motivated from
Angela’s own childhood.
Angela is giving away a $25 Amazon Gift Card!

Terms & Conditions:
By entering the giveaway, you are confirming you are at least 18 years old.
One winner will be chosen via Rafflecopter to receive one $25 Amazon Gift Certificate
or Paypal Cash.

This giveaway begins September 1 and ends on September 13.
Winners will be contacted via email on Monday, September 16.
Winner has 48 hours to reply.
Good luck everyone!

ENTER TO WIN!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

9.07.2014

Revolutionary ~ Review

Revolutionary
Anomaly series 3
By Krista McGee

Revolutionary picks up where Luminary left us. Thalli has been recaptured by the State.  After months living above ground Thalli, Alex and Kristie are now at the mercy of the State and all the technology they have at their disposal.  The State and Dr Loudin are determined to bring the outside world under their control and Thalli, Alex, and Kristie are the means to his end.

But Loudin has a special interest in Thalli.  An interest that can't Thalli can't understand, until she learns that the very fact she has always been an anomaly is why she is so important.  But Loudin has discovered Thalli's weakness and he is going to use it against her and those he brought back with her.

The fate of the entire world may very well rest upon the shoulders of Thalli and her friends.  And Thalli will need to use everything she ever learned if she hopes to out-think Loudin.  And she'll need everything that John taught her about Designer to help her through it.

Revolutionary is the exciting conclusion to the Anomaly trilogy.  If you've read the first two books you have to read the conclusion.  Secrets about Thalli are revealed.  And we get to meet John's son James, who just may grow on you, unlike Loudin who just sinks deeper into the evilness that seems to permeate his entire being.  And Loudin is prepared to take lives if that means breaking Thalli's will to fight - the question is whose...

Just be prepared - you may need some tissues - as sacrifices are made.

I was provided a copy of this book through the BookLook blogger program in exchange for my honest review.

About the Book:

All her life Thalli thought she was an anomaly. 
Now she must use her gifts to fulfill the role she was called to play: Revolutionary.
Back in the hands of the State after months above ground, Thalli, Berk, Alex, and Kristie find themselves caught in a horrible game of power . . . with consequences reaching farther than they ever imagined.

After months in New Hope and Athens, Thalli had almost forgotten what living in the State was like. Programmed to be without emotions or curiosity, she was always an anomaly there. Too emotional. Too curious. Citizens of the State should behave exactly the way the Scientists designed them to behave: working in their assigned fields, maintaining productivity.

Thalli’s entire genetically engineered generation has been eradicated by a scientocracy that believes human life is expendable. Now, a pawn in a mad game of manipulation, held hostage and tortured in the name of the State, Thalli can barely summon the strength to hope that the future of humanity could be any better.

She clings to her new faith in the Designer. But when Thalli discovers that even the surviving above ground villages are in danger of State domination, her fragile faith begins to crumble.

As Thalli, Berk, and Alex make plans to overthrow the evil Dr. Loudin, a chilling secret explains why they have been left alive at all . . . a personal secret that will haunt Thalli forever. And as she struggles with this new truth, she also struggles with decisions of the heart.


Can the State’s expansion be stopped? Or will humanity—above and below the surface—be irreparably damaged?  Thalli is faced with a purpose both overwhelming and undeniable: to assume the role of a Revolutionary.

Destined for Doon ~ Review

Destined for Doon
A Doon Novel 2
By Carey Corp and Lorie Langdon

Ten months have passed since MacKenna left Doon behind, since she left Duncan behind.  But she had a dream of a career on Broadway.  Stardom is now seemingly within her reach when Duncan comes to her with a summons from her BFF Vee. But Duncan refuses to tell her what Vee needs until they are on their way.

Doon is under attack and only Kenna can see the darkness encroaching and encircling Doon.  Time is a luxury that Vee, Kenna, and the princes of Doon don't have if they want to save this village that exists out of time.

But there is unrest in Doon that is threatening Vee's reign as queen.  And there are little issues in her relationship with Jamie that are troubling.

Duncan seems less than thrilled that Kenna is back in Doon (though it has been considerably less than 10 months since she left him behind).  And though she doesn't want to fall for him again she is hurt by his indifference and even coldness at times.  But a broken heart is not easily mended and when a happily ever after is in the balance mending is imperative.

But unless they stop the darkness that is threatening Doon no one will have a happily ever after ever again!

Those who read book 1 Doon will be delighted that Kenna and Duncan have a chance for a second chance.  And we get an opportunity to see how Veronica handles being Queen of Doon with the pressures of everyday ruling added to the threat of utter destruction.  And of course our favorite MacCrae princes are back in all their Doonian glory.

This book has moments of fun especially where some of Kenna and Vee's modern world clothing is concerned.  And if you like a little bit of romance in your life and death struggles against black petunias this is the book for you.  But be warned happy endings don't always work out just how we want them to...

I was provided a copy of the book through the BookLook blogger program in exchange for my honest review.


Book Description

In this sequel to Doon, Mackenna Reid realizes she made a horrible mistake - choosing to follow her dreams of Broadway instead of staying in the enchanted land of Doon. To make everything worse, she's received her Calling - proof she and Duncan are each other's one true love - and it's pure torment, especially when visions of the very alluring Scottish prince appear right before she goes on stage. So when Duncan tells her an ancient curse threatens to overtake Doon and the new queen needs her to return, Kenna doesn't have to think twice. With darkness closing in on all sides, Kenna and Vee must battle a world of nightmares in order to protect the kingdom. But it will take the ultimate test of courage for Kenna to salvage her happily ever after.

9.02.2014

Captured by Love ~ Review

Captured by Love
By Jody Hedlund

Angelique MacKenzie has been promised to Jean Durant, but when the British took Michilimackinac Island he was among those expelled for loyalties with the Americans.  Since the expulsion of the men the remaining residents of Michilimackinac have been suffering because their farms haven't been worked properly.  And the British are more than willing to take what little there is.

But spring has finally come and with it the promise that things could get better.  And in her heart Angelique hopes that her childhood friend Pierre Durant will return.  But Pierre left in anger years ago to pursue his desire for adventure as a fur trader. But the time has come for Pierre to return home, but home is not how he remembers it.  Can he give up the life he's been living and care for the mother he left behind?  Or will the call of adventure draw him back?

Angelique is torn between her promise to Jean and her heart's yearning for Pierre.  But she is determined to be a woman of honor.  And meanwhile the two men who hold her heart stand on opposite sides of the conflict, or do they?
  
Captured by Love is a look at the War of 1812 that is often overlooked in the history books.  The war isn't the main focus of the book, but rather a background setting that unfolds around the story.  If you like historical romances you just may want to turn the pages of Captured by Love.

I was provided a copy of this book by Bethany House in exchange for my honest review.

About the Book:

Michigan Territory, 1814
A voyageur and a young woman swept up in a time of upheaval and danger
discover firsthand the high price of freedom.

The British Army has taken control of Michilimackinac Island and its fort, forcing the Americans to swear an oath of loyalty to the crown in order to retain their land. Pierre Durant is a fur trader who returns after being away from the island for years, only to find the family farm a shambles and those he cares about starving and at the mercy of British invaders.

Torn between the adventurous life of fur trading and guilt over neglecting his defenseless mother, Pierre is drawn deeper into the fight against the British--and into a relationship with Angelique MacKenzie, a childhood friend who's grown into a beautiful woman. She now finds herself trapped by the circumstances of war and poverty, and the cruelty of her guardian, Ebenezer Whiley.

As tensions mount and the violence rages on, Pierre and Angelique must decide where their loyalties rest and how much they'll risk for love.

9.01.2014

Cloak of the Light ~ Review

Cloak of the Light
War of the Realms 1
By Chuck Black

I have to admit I've never read Chuck Black's books before.  But my sister loves them, so based on her recommendation I agreed to review this book.  I am so glad I listened to her recommendation (which earned her her very own copy of this book!)

Drew Carter has given up on God, after all if there was a God he would have kept Drew in Columbia, South Carolina.  But that didn't happen. And He would have kept Drew from moving to Rivercrest, Kansas.  But Drew made the move with his mother.  And it was in Rivercrest that it started happening.  First there was the accident in which Drew should have been badly hurt and he wasn't.

When Drew's best friend Benjamin Berg sees something that shouldn't he goes to Drew for help.  But something happens when Drew sees what Ben saw.  Drew is left blinded and Ben is missing.  But when Drew's sight returns he can still see what Ben discovered - invaders who are affecting change in our world.

What goal these invaders are after is a puzzle Drew has to figure out.  But he has seen them influence criminal acts. But who would possibly believe this story he has to tell?  He would be viewed as paranoid or insane.

This is an intriguing story that will keep you on the edge of your seat as Drew battles these invaders while attempting to stay hidden from those who are hunting him.  If you like intense excitement in your reading, you will love this book!

I was provided a copy of this book from Blogging for Books in exchange for my honest review.

About This Book

Drew is caught in a world of light - just inches away from the dark
What if...there was a world beyond our vision, a world just fingertips beyond our reach? What if...our world wasn’t beyond their influence?
Tragedy and heartache seem to be waiting for Drew Carter at every turn, but college offers Drew a chance to start over—until an accident during a physics experiment leaves him blind and his genius friend, Benjamin Berg, missing.
As his sight miraculously returns, Drew discovers that the accident has heightened his neuron activity, giving him skills and sight beyond the normal man. When he begins to observe fierce invaders that no one else can see, he questions his own sanity, and so do others. But is he insane or do the invaders truly exist?
With help from Sydney Carlyle, a mysterious and elusive girl who offers encouragement through her faith, Drew searches for his missing friend, Ben, who seems to hold the key to unlocking this mystery. As the dark invaders close in, will he find the truth in time?