CFBA - Finding Mercy by Michael Landon Jr. & Cindy Kelley

This week, the

Christian Fiction Blog Alliance

is introducing

Finding Mercy

David C. Cook (October 1, 2014)

by

Michael Landon Jr. and Cindy Kelley

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: 

Michael Landon Jr., son of television legend Michael Landon, is an award-winning storyteller, first in television and film, and now in books. His print works include One More Sunrise co-written with Tracie Peterson. 


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Cindy Kelley is the co-author of the novel The Silent Gift, and Traces of Mercy. Her career as a screenwriter with long-time writing partner, Michael Landon, Jr., began with the adaptation of Margery Williams’ classic story, The Velveteen Rabbit, which had a theatrical release. Several television movies followed, most notably Love Comes Softly, (based on Janette Oke’s novel) which won a CAMIE Award and the Epiphany Prize for Movie Guide’s most inspirational television movie of 2003. Cindy and her husband, Jim, make their home in the Southwest; have three adorable grandchildren and four big dogs who rule the house. 

ABOUT THE BOOK

When Mercy abandons Captain Elijah Hale to search for her true identity, he goes after her. With the threat that bounty hunters might be hot on her trail, Mercy does all she can to stay ahead of the danger, frustrating both the bad men who are after her—and Captain Hale who wants to find her and escort her safely home. But when she stumbles upon clues that help her learn who she is and where she's from, the danger escalates and she has to learn to keep her friends close and her enemies even closer—if she can determine which is which!

If you'd like to read the first chapter of Finding Mercy, go HERE.

My Thoughts:

After reading Traces of Mercy by Michael Landon Jr. & Cindy Kelley (read my review here). I couldn't pass up the second book in the "The Medallion Trilogy", Finding Mercy. While I thoroughly enjoyed the first in the series I absolutely loved the second in the series.

Set during the post Civil War period, Finding Mercy is the story of Mercy, a young woman with amnesia, and Army Captain Elijah Hale. I met these two wonderful characters in the first book of the series and I liked them. But I have to say that the authors revealed so much more of their characters in this book that they came to life for me and I hated to let them go. But since the series is a trilogy I can only hope that they will return in the third book.

Finding Mercy is a story of discovery, old secrets, the war torn South, forgiveness, faith and love. There was so much packed into this book that I could hardly wait to find out what happened next. I will say, in my humble opinion, this book would make a wonderful movie.

If you enjoy reading historical novels, especially set during the post Civil War period, you will love this book. It is packed with history of the issues people faced in the South following the Civil War. 

On a 5-Star Scale = 5 HUGE Stars!!!!!

I would like to thank Christian Fiction Blog Alliance and David C. Cook publishers for my copy of Finding Mercy. I received my copy for free in order to read and give my honest review, which I have done.

Smiles & Blessings,

CFBA - The Curious Case of the Missing Figurehead by Diane Noble

This week, the

Christian Fiction Blog Alliance

is introducing

The Curious Case of the Missing Figurehead

David C. Cook (September 1, 2014)

by

Diane Noble

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: 

Award-winning novelist Diane Noble writes stories that tap into the secrets of the heart. 

With more than a quarter million books in print, Diane feels incredibly blessed to be doing what she loves best—writing the stories of her heart.

For the last three years Diane has been honored to be lead author for the popular Guideposts series, Mystery and the Minister’s Wife (Through the Fire, Angels Undercover), and has recently returned to writing historical fiction. She recently finished writing book two of her new historical series, The Brides of Gabriel. Book one, The Sister Wife, and book 2, The Betrayal, which are published by Harper Collins/Avon Inspire, are now in bookstores.

Now empty nesters, Diane and her husband live in the Southern California low desert, near a place known for the lush and beautiful gated communities of the rich and famous.

ABOUT THE BOOK

She’s Passionate about Solving the Case ... with the Town’s Life-Long Bachelor

El Littllefield runs The Butler Did It catering. It’s the perfect cover for her to solve “who-done-its” (nothing too dangerous, please!) in this small university town nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains. While catering her most important event yet—a fancy retirement dinner for Dr. Max Haverhill, life-long bachelor and history dean—countless guests fall ill, a 200 year-old relic is stolen, and her best friend vanishes. All in the first hour.

As El and Max race to solve the mystery, they discover there’s more to their relationship than simply solving the case. Welcome to Eden’s Bridge—the perfect small town setting for big intrigue, romance, and humor.

If you would like to read the first chapter of The Curious Case of the Missing Figurehead, go HERE

My Thoughts:

I love a good mystery and especially one that pulls me into the story from the very first page. I loved that we were taken back to Paris, France during WWII in the first chapter. This pulled me into the story right off and it set the pace for what was to come.

This was my first experience in reading a novel by Diane Noble but I'm sure I will be reading more of her work in the future. She has created wonderful quirky characters that endear themselves to the reader.

I would highly recommend reading  The Curious Case of the Missing Figurehead to anyone who loves a good mystery.

I would like to thank Christian Fiction Blog Alliance for my copy of The Curious Case of the Missing Figurehead. I received my copy for free in order to read it and give my honest review, which I have done.

Smiles & Blessings,

CFBA - Lip Reading by Harry Kraus M.D.

This week, the

Christian Fiction Blog Alliance

is introducing

Lip Reading

David C. Cook (March 1, 2014)

by

Harry Kraus


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

A Word from Harry:

I started writing my first novel during my last year of surgery training at UK. I was a chief resident, and started writing Stainless Steal Hearts in a call room at the Veteran's Administration Hospital in Lexington. It was a crazy time to write! I had a very demanding schedule, often spending days and nights in the hospital. I had two sons at that time, and I recognized the wisdom in my wife's urging: "Now doesn't seem the right time for this dream."

My experience as a writer is far from typical. Having received my formal training in biology and chemistry and medicine, my only preparation for a writing career was a love for reading. The longest thing I'd written before my first novel was a term paper in undergraduate school. My first novel was accepted by Crossway Books and published in 1994, and it wasn't until after I had FOUR published novels that I even opened a book of instruction about the craft of writing fiction. This is not what I recommend to others! Yes, I was successful, but I was bending the "rules" without knowing it. I had a natural talent for plotting, but I realize my initial success may have stunted my growth as a writer. I'd have made faster progress if I'd have gone to the fiction teachers sooner.

I have three sons: Joel, Evan, and Samuel. Look closely in all of my books and you'll see them there. My lovely wife, Kris, provides the basic composition for all those beautiful, athletic, dedicated women in my novels.

ABOUT THE BOOK

She Could Save Millions, or Save Herself


She just needs a little longer. She’s really close. Dr. Rebecca Jackson, a medical researcher, stands on the verge of a breakthrough that will transform medicine. But she soon discovers the reason behind the miraculous progress in her research, and it leaves her with a nearly impossible choice . . . and little time to decide. More than her research is at stake. And more threatens it than this latest revelation. Something she’s tried hard to cover up. There is a high cost to some things in medicine and it’s not always the patient who pays. Can Rebecca find the faith and wisdom she needs to make the right call? The clock is ticking and the pressure is on.


If you would like to read the first chapter of Lip Reading, go HERE.

MY THOUGHTS:

When I had the opportunity to review Lip Reading, by Dr. Harry Kraus, I jumped at the chance.  Afterall, I studied sign language for many years and lip reading became part of signing. This book has nothing to do with the deaf or sign language. I must say at first I was disappointed but as I climbed further into the book it didn't matter.

Dr. Rebecca Jackson appeared to be a vain and selfish person when the book starts but Dr. Kraus allowed the reader to experience her road to salvation and the beautiful transformation that took place. Dr. Noah Linebrink loved her in high school and still loves her.  Becca would like a chance at love again, love with Noah, but will she have the chance? I was rooting for them all the way.

Dr. Kraus made me care about Becca and Noah, I mean really care about them. They became real on the written page. Melissa, an old friend of both Becca and Noah was not a character that endeared herself to me. Her character always came off as a jealous person who always wanted Noah for herself and she was standing in the wings waiting for just the right moment to pounce. Since I don't give out spoilers.

I must say, Dr. Kraus has presented the reader with an extremely well written Christian Suspense novel that will reach out, grab the reader, and pull them into the story.  Beware, a box of Kleenex may be required when reading Lip Reading as tears may well be shed. Happy tears or sad tears, I cannot say as I never give out spoilers.

I would highly recommend Lip Reading to mature readers who enjoy a good Christian Suspense.

On a 5 Star Scale - 5 Stars!!!!!

I would like to thank Christian Fiction Blog Alliance and David C. Cook publishing for my review copy of Lip Reading. I received my copy for free in order to read and give my honest review, which I have done.

Smiles & Blessings,