Book Giveaway

Janice Hanna is giving away copies of Swinging on a Star! Click here to enter the contest! Then share with your friends!


http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6883161-swinging-on-a-star

A Soldier's Devotion by Cheryl Wyatt
(Steeple Hill Love Inspired, ISBN-0373875754)
is IN STORES NOW!!!

Purchase link: Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Soldiers-Devotion-Love-Inspired/dp/0373875754

Excerpt: http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/product_slideshow?sku=875757&actual_sku=875757&use_onix=1

About the Book
U.S. Air Force pararescue jumper Vince Reardon was headed to a lifesaving mission. Until a too-pretty lawyer crashed her fancy car into his motorcycle—sidelining him for two weeks. Vince can barely accept Valentina Russo's heartfelt apologies. Ever since his brother was wrongly convicted—and killed in prison—Vince has lost respect for lawyers. But wait—is that Val volunteering at his refuge for underprivileged kids? If Vince isn't careful, this lady of the law might just earn his respect and his heart.

About the Author
Born Valentines Day on a naval base, Cheryl Wyatt writes military romance. Her Steeple Hill debuts earned RT Top Picks plus #1 and #4 on eHarlequin's Top 10 Most-Blogged-About-Books, lists including NYT Bestsellers and she is a Reviewers Choice Award nominee.

www.CherylWyatt.com

The Adventures of Seek and Save, Lost at Sea

The Adventures of Seek and Save, Lost at Sea

Sharon Swanepoel

2008



A great rhyming book for children! My girls both fought over this book and only one of them can read!!

Seek and Save work on a rescue boat on the ocean. The story begins with Seek and Save warning Mr. Scott about an approaching storm. Mr. Scott doesn't believe them and sails away with his family.

But the storm does come and Seek and Save are safe on their boat. To calm their nerves and pass the time they sing a wonderful song. Then they get a s.o.s from Mr. Scott.

Seek and Save rush out to rescue Mr. Scott and his family. Will they make it in time?

My girls both enjoyed this book. Gwen really likes the rhyming, and Annabelle likes the song that is written into the story.

The artwork is wonderful. Lots of color and they are simple pictures that reflect what is going on in the story but not cluttered.

After the story is over, there is a chance for your child to hear how Jesus can save them and to become a follower. There is even a simple prayer they can pray. There are even some memory verses and the story of Jesus walking on the stormy sea!

This is a great book for grade school children. It can be used to help improve reading ability, rhyming skills or even some Bible trivia.

You can buy the book here
http://www.godsglory.org/e-store.htm

Exposure

Exposure

Brandilyn Collins

Zondervan, 2009

This story is about Kaycee Raye and her paranoia. Kaycee has suffered from extreme paranoia since the age of nine. She inherited it from her mother. Kaycee lives in constant fear that some one is watching her, following her.To help cope with life, she writes a newspaper column about her fears. But, then one day, her fears begin to come true. Mysterious photos start showing up everywhere, but disappear before anyone else can see them. Someone IS watching Kaycee, but who and why? But can she prove it or will everyone just think that crazy Kaycee is at it again?The story is packed with mysterious twists and turns that will keep you guessing until the end, which will blow you away!

I LOVED this book! I really don't think I have ever read a suspense this good. When I first picked it up, I thought it was three different stories, but, I was wrong! ( I am trying to not give you ANY of the surprise details here!)

Brandilyn has done a magnificent job of taking three stories and weaving them together into an incredible story of danger, fear, and surprise. However, under all the mystery, there is a message. A message about what happens when you let fear control your life, don't miss it!

Now, when you first pick up this book you may flip through it and gasp. It's 55 chapters long! Relax, most of them are short and make the story come together quite easily. By the time you get past chapter 4, you won't even notice when you move from chapter to chapter.

This is one of the few suspense books that I would truly recommend. It is written in a way that allows you to almost see what is going on, like you are in the middle of the story with Kaycee. You can almost feel her fear.

I loved this book, as I stated earlier. I would recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a well written suspense. There is even the slightest hint of romance thrown in there! Way to go Brandilyn! This book makes my top ten!

Love Finds You in Humble Texas

Love Finds You in Humble Texas

Anita Higman

Published by Summerside Press, Inc. 2008

Trudie Abernathy has never had much luck in love. Whats a girl to do? Trudie's glamorous sister,Lane, decides to give her a makeover for the thirtieth birthday. She also sets Trudie up on a blind date! Isn't that what sisters are for? Trudie isn't very happy about the blind date, that is, until she meets Mason Wimberley. Her sisters financial advisor and her blind date. Not to mention a real hunk!

The catch? Lane decides that she is in love with Mason!

Poor Trudie! What should she do? Back off and let Lane have Mason? Continue dating Mason? This book combines romance and suspense incredibly well! A wonderful story that will remind you that sometimes you just have to take a step back and let God work it all out.

Anita Higman has a wonderful story here. The character are well developed and each bring a lot of personality to the story.

I really enjoyed the fact that each character has a problem that really helps tie the story together. Will Mason take over the family business? Will Trudie rediscover a long lost talent? What will Lane decide to do about her feelings for Mason? I love a story within a story!

She also does a great job of making you feel like you are walking along with the characters throughout the story. Her descriptions of each home, building and situation are full of detail and really pull you in.

If you are looking for a romantic comedy/suspense, this is the book for you!

Fools Rush In by Janice Hanna

Fools Rush In
Janice Hanna
Published by Revell
2009


A light hearted story of Bella Rossi and her big, fat, Italian family, and family business. Bella inherited the family wedding planning business and is attempting to coordinate her first ever Boot-Scootin wedding event. However, Bella has NO knowledge of country music, and is without a DJ. Overhearing a phone conversation in her uncles pizza shop, Bella gets the name of a prospective DJ. Duh-wayne Neeley. However, during their first meeting she finds out that he is no Deejay, but DJ, Dwayne Neeley, Jr! However the show must go on! Will Bella and DJ be able to pull off the Texas themed wedding? Will there be sparks between Bella and Duh-wayne? Can country merge with Italian?


This book is fantastic! I truly couldn't put it down! You almost feel like you are part of the Rossi family! To the point of wanting to cover your ears sometimes! The book is engaging and a lot of fun! It draws you in with Italian food and keeps you there with a cowboy and a southern draw!
The characters are fun and easy to relate to, you can really sympathise with them and their situations! Who doesn't know what it is like to feel overwhelmed in a new, scary position (much like Bella AND DJ?) And if you ever wondered what it would be like to have a large family, this book will certainly give you the idea!

Bella, the main character, is part of a large Italian family residing in Galveston. She also is the new manager of the family business. A lovable girl with a big heart, however Bella feels that her name doesn't match her face. Bella spends her life planning weddings for others, but sometimes wonders if she will ever plan her own.

DJ Neeley, or Dwayne, the true blue southern cowboy from Splendora who stumbles into the role of deejay for the Texas themed wedding Bella is planning. Kind hearted, and handsome to boot, could DJ be the cowboy that Bella didn't know she was waiting for?

I live pretty close to Splendora, so the setting was just wonderful. And Janice does a wonderful job of describing both Splendora and Galveston.

This book is really worth the read. You may even find yourself wanting to try out a pair of cowboy boots!!

Fools Rush In

Looking for the perfect romantic comedy for your Christian reading group? Look no further than Fools Rush In, where Tex-Mex meets Italian for a boot scoot'n good time!

Here's a synopsis:

Bella Rossi may be nearing thirty, but her life is just starting to get interesting. When her Italian-turned-Texan parents hand over the family wedding planning business, Bella is determined not to let them down. She quickly books a "Boot Scoot'n" wedding that would make any Texan proud. There's only one catch—she knows nothing about country music because her family only listens to Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin. Where will she find a DJ on such short notice who knows his Alan Jackson from his Keith Urban?
When a misunderstanding leads her to the DJ (and man) of her dreams, things start falling into place. But with a family like hers, nothing is guaranteed.Can the perfect Texan wedding survive a pizza-making uncle with mob ties, an aunt who is a lawsuit waiting to happen, and a massive delivery of 80 cowboy boots? And will Bella ever get to plan her own wedding? Book one in the Weddings by Bella series, Fools Rush In is fun, fresh, and full of surprises. Readers will love the flavorful combination of Italian and Tex-Mex, and the hilarity that ensues when cultures clash.

Here's what several readers had to say about the book:

REVIEWER: CarlyCarlybird’s Homehttp://carlybirdshome.blogspot.com/

Do you need a laugh? I mean a really good laugh? Then you need to read Fools Rush In. This has got to be one of the funniest books I have ever read, perhaps even the funniest. The concept of these two very different cultures coming together is priceless. The author has obviously spent a lot of time with very large Italian families because she knows all of their funny little nuances, and I love that.The characters in this story are so delightful and I loved all the different personalities that just seemed to blend well together without feeling contrived. I especially liked Guido; he was a great source of humor and hope. The story was fun and fast paced, but still had a good flow to it. It never felt rushed nor did it drag at any point.At the heart of this very funny book is Bella, a young woman who has a lot of fears and insecurities. As she embarks on the challenge of running her family’s wedding planning business, she must learn to trust God for everything. That is a simple truth that we all need to hear as much as possible. I am so glad that Fools Rush In is the first in the Weddings by Bella series. I hope the author is hard at work on the next book because I am so excited to read it. Fools Rush In was such a pleasant surprise. I didn’t know what to expect, but I have to say, this book is a delight. I can’t recommend this book strongly enough. It will make you laugh and make you think. You will be glad you read it. I know I am.

From Author Trish Perry:

Mamma mia, let's escape! Let's fall in love! Let's eat chicken parmesan, fettuccini alfredo, and Bubba's down-home barbeque without gaining a pound. It's all possible when we hang out with Bella Rossi in Fools Rush In. Janice Thompson's first installment in the Weddings by Bella series is a fun, welcome distraction from life's boredom and stress. You'll fall for Bella's DJ even faster than she does. And you'll root for the Rossi and Neeley families as they break down cultural barriers and rush toward each other, arms wide open. No fools, they! - Trish Perry (http://www.trishperry.com/)

From Ane Mulligan, editor, Novel Journey
“Janice Thompson is a master storyteller who draws her readers into the tale along with the characters. From page one of Fools Rush In, I felt as if I were Bella’s best friend, sitting down with her over cups of Italian cappuccino while she told me the latest happenings in her zany family. One of my top picks for 2009, Fools Rush In earns a permanent place in my library.”

Janice Thompson lives in the Houston area and is thrilled to speak to local reading groups and/or women's groups. She can be reached at booksbyjanice@aol.com. You will find a copy of the book's discussion questions here: http://www.bakerbooks.com/Media/MediaManager/FoolsRushInDiscussionQuestions.pdf

MORE INFO ABOUT THE BOOK:

E-Blast:http://www.bakerpublishinggroup.com/thompson_eblast/

Book Trailer (YouTube): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TufSwOeXuoU

To read the first two chapters of the book online:http://www.revellbooks.com/Media/MediaManager/Excerpt_9780800733421.pdf

Romantic Times Spotlight:http://www.rtbookreviews.com/stage/authors_spotprev.php?id=605

Janice's Website: http://doublebookedjanice.blogspot.com/www.janiceathompson (to purchase an autographed copy of the book)
Janice's Email: booksbyjanice@aol.com
Buy Fools Rush in at amazon.com
Thanks so much for your interest! Have a boot scoot'n day, y'all!
FOOLS RUSH IN
Paperback: 336 pages
Publisher: Revell (September 1, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0800733428

Be Kind, Be Sweet

Be Kind, Be Sweet

Tricia Lowenfield and Mandy Moore Lowenfield

Published by: Pumpkins Pansies Bunnies and Bears Press

2008



Be Kind, Be Sweet, be nice to everyone you meet! A colorful book about learning your manners. Each page has a beautiful, colorful drawing, a number, a short poem to teach or reinforce a manner and a Bible verse to correspond with it. Each manner has the same number of words as each number on the page. For example, number two is "Thank You". All kinds of manners are covered, from nice words, "Please" and "Thank You" to table manners, to prayer.



My oldest daughter really likes the font this book is printed in. A beautiful, fancy type of cursive. My youngest daughter once again loves the drawings! They are very colorful and my kids like them because they look like something they could have drawn. It really helps them connect with the book. I like that at the end of the book, there is a list 1-12 of all the manners covered in the book.



This book is lots of fun to read with your children. You can work on numbers, or manners, or both at one time. Great, once again, for homeschooling!

A note on upcoming reviews

I will be reviewing a series of books starting next week! My adult books will be a series by Janice Hanna! I will review Salt Water Taffie, Cotton Candy Clouds and Sweet Harmony! Check back tomorrow for our children's book review, and next week for Salt Water Taffie!!

Tortured for Christ

Tortured for Christ

Richard Wurmbrand

Living Sacrifice Book Company

Orginally published in 1967 and re-released in 1998


The story of Richard Wurmbrand, and the persuicuted communist believers everywhere. This book is a horrifying glimps into the lives of thousands of persicuted Christians everywhere. Richards story takes place in communist Russia. It begins with the tale of his youth, in which he was not a Christian, but a atheistic Russian youth. He tells of an unuasual attraction to churches and of his following conversion. Richard tells of leading his first church with no "formal" training and his quick inprisionment under the Nazi's. The book is a retelling of what Richard endured in prision for a total of 14 years, and a wonderful story of how the persecuted Christians, in the midst of terrible brutality, still loved the Communist and earnestly desired to reach them with the love of Christ.



Tortured for Christ is filled with stories of the martyrs in other parts of the world. Stories of how Communist who tortured and killed Christians were won with the love of God. Stories of how the underground church reached and is reaching people in countries where speaking of Christ is illegal. Glimpses of the horrors inflicted on the faithful, unyielding Christians. Details on the true inner workings of the Communist regime, down to how they indoctrinate little children to HATE Christ. This book will help you understand why Communism is dangerous to ALL people!



Written 30 years ago, this book is STILL relevant as religious oppression STILL occurs in much of the world today. In the last chapters of this book you can find a list of ways to support the underground church. I suggest this book for anyone who has grown complacent in their faith, or anyone who wants to learn more about persecution and what they can do to help.



This book can be purchased at The Voice of the Martyrs website, it's FREE!


http://www.persecution.com/public/tfc.aspx?clickfrom=c2lkZWJhcg%3d%3d

S is for Shepherd.

S is for Shepherd

Tricia Lowenfield

Pumpkins Pansies Bunnies and Bears Press



S is for Shepherd is modeled after "The New England Primer", a modern version of it you could say. The book goes through the entire alphabet using Biblical words or phrases for each letter. There is also a corresponding verse to go with the letter. There is also a picture on each page that goes with the rest of the "lesson".



The artwork in this book is wonderful. Each picture looks as if it were drawn by a child. This is my oldest daughters favorite part of this book. "The pictures look like they were drawn by little kids." is what she told me when I asked her what she liked about the book. My youngest daughter particularly liked the pictures of David and Mary.



I really enjoy reading this book to my kids, I really do. It reinforces so many great lessons at one time; letters, word association and Bible verses. The only issue that I have is that the book is handwritten. This makes it hard for older children who haven't learned handwriting to read alone, my six and a half year old had a little trouble. HOWEVER, I think it will be great practice when she IS learning handwriting and has to learn to read it.



There is also a great CD that comes with this book. There are 13 songs that are meant to reinforce the lessons in the book. The music is very upbeat, engaging and fun. A great CD to let the children listen to any time.



I would highly recommend this book to anyone with preschool aged children, or even children working on handwriting skills. This book would be great for homeschooling as well!

Love Finds You in Poetry Texas

Love Finds You in Poetry Texas, Janice Hanna
Published by Summerside Press, INC



Love Finds You in Poetry Texas, the entertaining story of a matchmaker without a clue. Belinda Bauer decides to become a Marriage Broker in the small town of Poetry, Texas. She sets out on her endeavor and her first act of business is to find a bride for her close friend, Georg Kaufman, who is convinced that he doesn't need a bride at all! Along the way she finds many brides for many would be grooms in her small town, not always the ones they ordered! However, Belinda is beset by the inability to find a bride for Georg. Neither party realizes that Gods plans for Geoge do not include a mail order bride! The story returns again and again to the idea that you should never attempt to get ahead of God's plan for yours or other peoples lives. While some matches don't work out well for some, they all work out just as God intended them too. The prevailing theme is that no matter how well intentioned you are, you can't rush Gods plans. In every situation in this book, you can clearly see the hand of God move.All in all this book is quite delightful to read.



The plot is engaging and draws you in rather quickly. Predictable in some places, but rather unpredictable in others. The setting is well described, without being wordy. Reminiscent of old western movie sets. You feel as if you are in the mercantile, or barber shop or any other place the action is taking place in. Characters are well developed, you almost feel like you know someone just like them! Obviously Janice has drawn inspiration from people around her!



I would highly recommend this book. It is a great read, easy to follow, but not dull. It pulls you in and makes you feel as though you are witnessing the entire amusing ordeal. Very much worth curling up with on your sofa!!