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This Month on FaithfulReader.com |
January 2012 |
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New Year, New Books! |
In the spirit that it's never too late to say Happy New Year, here's wishing you all the best in 2012. These first weeks of the year have been busy --- and we have a lot of books to share with you.
First up we’re featuring a contest for LOVE BLOOMS IN WINTER, the first book in Lori Copeland’s Dakota Diaries historical romance series. Pauline suffers from dementia and thinks she has no next of kin --- until Mae Wilkey finds a name: Tom Curtis. Perhaps he is the answer to both of their prayers. We’re awarding this book to 75 readers, so click here to enter by Friday, February 17th at noon ET for your chance to win.
We also have a number of new study guides available this month for both fiction and nonfiction lovers, three of which kick off brand-new series.
In THE COLOR OF RAIN, Michael Spehn and Gina Spehn talk about their bonding experience when their spouses each die of cancer within six weeks of one another. The book is a truly wonderful story that highlights how healing can lead to new beginnings, even after a great tragedy. We encourage you to see the guide for some intriguing discussions with your book group and to also consider for personal reading if you are not in a book group. When I heard Michael and Gina's story, I looked forward to reading this book. It's truly an uplifting story.
We also want to highlight the guide for THE KEEPER, which marks the beginning of Suzanne Woods Fisher’s Stoney Ridge Seasons series. Julia is hoping for a bright future with her fiancée Paul, but when he postpones the wedding for a second time, she is dismayed --- though determined to get him back. Could his cold feet be a result of the reappearance of the mysterious Bee Man?
In SUMMER OF PROMISE, book one in the Westward Winds series, Amanda Cabot writes about Abigail Harding, who, on a trip out west to visit her sister, is attacked in her stagecoach. A heroic passenger, Lieutenant Ethan Bowles, manages to save the day. But does the successful end of the trip mean the end of Abigail and Ethan’s relationship? Check out the guide for this romantic tale, one that will provoke some great discussions amongst your group.
In another historical romance, WHERE WILDFLOWERS BLOOM by Ann Shorey, Faith Lindbergh reels after the Civil War, which steals her father, brother and the man she had hoped to marry. She dreams of traveling west to Oregon to begin a new life. But can she convince her grandfather to go with her? The guide for this book helps you delve into the topics of war, family and the struggle for rebirth after tragedy.
We also have a guide available for CHASING MONA LISA by Tricia Goyer and Mike Yorkey, a thrilling tale set at the end of World War II in Paris. Soldiers of the Third Reich are ravaging the city and its surrounding countryside as they leave, and Reichsmarschall Hermann Göring wants his share as well. He will stop at nothing to get his hands on the Mona Lisa. This new book and guide will prove great fun for a book club interested in fast-paced historical fiction.
In THE MAID OF FAIRBOURNE HALL, pampered Margaret Macy flees London in disguise to escape pressure to marry a dishonorable man. She takes a position as a housemaid in the home of Nathaniel Upchurch, a suitor she once rejected in hopes of winning his dashing brother. If she can last until her next birthday, she will gain an inheritance from a spinster aunt --- and sweet independence. Click here to read an excerpt from Julie Klassen's latest novel.
We have 10 new reviews for you this month, including BEAUTIFUL OUTLAW by John Eldredge, which lends extra insight into the personality of Jesus; WHY JESUS?, in which Ravi Zacharias talks about mass-market spirituality in the modern age; and ONE PERFECT WORD by Debbie Macomber, an examination of the power of words. Scroll down for all our latest reviews.
And don’t forget our Monthly Contest. One lucky reader will win a copy of WORDS SPOKEN TRUE by Ann H. Gabhart, a historical romance set in 1850s Louisville amid political and civil unrest. Enter here by Friday, February 17th at noon ET for your chance to win a copy.
That’s all for now. Here’s to starting the new year with lots of great books! Hopefully “I will read more” was among this year’s resolutions…
Carol Fitzgerald (Carol@bookreporter.com)
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Special Contest and Feature: LOVE BLOOMS IN WINTER by Lori Copeland |
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We are celebrating the release of LOVE BLOOMS IN WINTER --- a romantic new book about God’s miraculous provision, an engagement, a runaway train, and a town of quirky, loveable people --- with a special contest. 75 readers will have the opportunity to each win a copy of this first installment in Lori Copeland’s Dakota Diaries series. The deadline for entries is Friday, February 17th at noon ET.
LOVE BLOOMS IN WINTER: The Dakota Diaries, Book 1 by Lori Copeland (Historical Romance)
Mae Wilkey’s sweet next-door neighbor, Pauline, is suffering from old age and dementia and desperately needs family to come help her. But Pauline can’t recall having kin remaining. Mae searches through her desk and finds a name --- Tom Curtis, who may just be the answer to their prayers.
-Click here to read more about the book.
-Click here to read Lori Copeland’s bio.
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Click here to read all the contest details and enter to win. |
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Study Guide Now Available: THE COLOR OF RAIN by Michael and Gina Spehn |
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THE COLOR OF RAIN: How Two Families Found Faith, Hope, and Love in the Midst of Tragedy by Michael and Gina Spehn (Memoir)
When two childhood friends die of cancer six weeks apart, the shared experience of loss brings their grieving spouses together. After months of late-night phone calls, family dinners, and countless dreams and tears, this unlikely pair builds a trust, a love, and a shared life. Told from alternating points of view, THE COLOR OF RAIN illuminates the stepping stones of healing that lead to a joyful new beginning for Michael and Gina Spehn and their five children.
-Click here to read more about the book.
-Click here to read a review.
-Click here to read an excerpt.
-Click here to read critical praise.
-Read bios of Michael Spehn and Gina Spehn.
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Click here to read the study guide. |
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Study Guide Now Available: THE KEEPER by Suzanne Woods Fisher |
THE KEEPER: Stoney Ridge Seasons, Book 1 by Suzanne Woods Fisher (Romance)
Life on Windmill Farm hasn’t been the same since Julia Lapp’s father has had trouble with his heart. But that doesn’t stop Julia from hoping for a bright future. She has planned on marrying Paul Fisher since she was a girl. Now 21, she looks forward to their wedding with giddy anticipation. But when Paul tells her he wants to postpone the wedding --- again --- she is determined to change his mind. She knows who is to blame for Paul’s sudden reluctance to wed: the Bee Man.
-Click here to read more about the book.
-Click here to read an excerpt.
-Click here to read critical praise.
-Click here to read Suzanne Woods Fisher’s bio.
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Click here to read the study guide. |
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Study Guide Now Available: SUMMER OF PROMISE by Amanda Cabot |
SUMMER OF PROMISE: Westward Winds, Book 1 by Amanda Cabot (Historical Romance)
Though she had planned to spend the summer in Vermont, Abigail Harding cannot dismiss her concerns over her older sister. Charlotte’s letters have been uncharacteristically melancholy, and her claims that nothing is wrong ring false, so Abigail heads west to Fort Laramie, Wyoming. When her stagecoach is attacked, Wyoming promises to be anything but boring. Luckily, the heroics of another passenger, Lieutenant Ethan Bowles, save the day.
-Click here to read more about the book.
-Click here to read an excerpt.
-Click here to read critical praise.
-Click here to read Amanda Cabot’s bio.
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Click here to read the study guide. |
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Study Guide Now Available: WHERE WILDFLOWERS BLOOM by Ann Shorey |
WHERE WILDFLOWERS BLOOM: Sisters at Heart Series, Book 1 by Ann Shorey (Historical Romance)
The Civil War stole a father and brother from Faith Lindberg --- as well as Royal Baxter, the man she wanted to marry. With only her grandfather left, she dreams of leaving Noble Springs, Missouri, and traveling west to Oregon to start a new life, away from the memories that haunt her. But first she must convince her grandfather to sell the family's mercantile and leave a town their family has called home for generations.
-Click here to read more about the book.
-Click here to read an excerpt.
-Click here to read critical praise.
-Click here to read Ann Shorey’s bio.
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Click here to read the study guide. |
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Study Guide Now Available: CHASING MONA LISA by Tricia Goyer and Mike Yorkey |
CHASING MONA LISA by Tricia Goyer and Mike Yorkey (Historical Thriller)
August 1944. Paris is on the cusp of liberation. As the soldiers of the Third Reich flee the Allied advance, they ravage the country and steal countless pieces of irreplaceable art. In fact, Reichsmarschall Hermann Göring will stop at nothing to claim the most valuable one of all --- the Mona Lisa --- as a postwar bargaining chip.
But the woman with the mysterious smile has some very determined protectors. Can Swiss OSS agents Gabi Mueller and Eric Hofstadler rescue Leonardo da Vinci’s masterpiece before it falls into German hands?
-Click here to read more about the book.
-Click here to read an excerpt.
-Click here to read critical praise.
-Read bios of Tricia Goyer and Mike Yorkey.
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Click here to read the study guide. |
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Read an Excerpt from THE MAID OF FAIRBOURNE HALL by Julie Klassen |
THE MAID OF FAIRBOURNE HALL by Julie Klassen (Historical Romance)
Pampered Margaret Macy flees London in disguise to escape pressure to marry a dishonorable man. With no money and nowhere else to go, she takes a position as a housemaid in the home of Nathaniel Upchurch, a suitor she once rejected in hopes of winning his dashing brother. Praying no one will recognize her, Margaret fumbles through the first real work of her life. If she can last until her next birthday, she will gain an inheritance from a spinster aunt --- and sweet independence. But can she remain hidden as a servant even when prying eyes visit Fairbourne Hall?
-Click here to read more about the book.
-Click here to read Julie Klassen's bio.
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Click here to read an excerpt. |
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Now in Stores: BEAUTIFUL OUTLAW by John Eldredge |
BEAUTIFUL OUTLAW: Experiencing the Playful, Disruptive, Extravagant Personality of Jesus by John Eldredge (Christian Living/Spiritual Growth)
Reading the Gospels without knowing the personality of Jesus is like watching television with the sound turned off. The result is a dry, two-dimensional person doing strange, undecipherable things. In BEAUTIFUL OUTLAW, John Eldredge removes the religious varnish to help readers discover stunning new insights into the humanity of Jesus. Reviewed by Lynda Schab. |
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Click here to read a review. |
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Now in Stores: WHY JESUS? by Ravi Zacharias |
WHY JESUS?: Rediscovering His Truth in an Age of Mass Marketed Spirituality by Ravi Zacharias (Religion & Spirituality/Theology)
Ravi Zacharias believes that movements like New Age spirituality and society's obsession with human potential have combined like a "perfect storm" to redefine for popular culture what has been for centuries the classic biblical definition of the person, work and teaching of Jesus Christ. Reviewed by Marcia Ford. |
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Click here to read a review. |
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Now in Stores: ONE PERFECT WORD by Debbie Macomber |
ONE PERFECT WORD: One Word Can Make All the Difference by Debbie Macomber
In the tradition of ONE SIMPLE ACT and GOD’S GUEST LIST, Debbie Macomber reveals in inspiring, moving stories that the simplicity of one perfect word can become profound. When Debbie took the time to intentionally focus on a single word --- such as prayer, trust, or surrender --- for a whole year, this act changed not only herself, but those around her as well. Reviewed by Michele Howe. |
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Click here to read a review. |
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This Month's Reviews |
YOU ARE MADE FOR MORE!: How to Become All You Were Created to Be by Lisa Osteen Comes (Christian Living/Personal Growth)
Lisa Osteen Comes shares from her own life stories of facing birth defects, limiting labels as a young woman, an unwanted divorce, criminal attack, infertility and broken dreams. With every story, she delivers biblical truths and practical help for overcoming hardship and loss. Reviewed by Michele Howe.
A PLACE AT THE TABLE: 40 Days of Solidarity with the Poor by Chris Seay (Christian Living)
In a culture built on consumption --- especially of food --- it is easy to forget the poor that Jesus cared so much about. Following the pattern of his successful ADVENT CONSPIRACY, Chris Seay invites readers on a journey of self-examination, discipline, and renewed focus on Jesus that will change their lives forever. Reviewed by Marcia Ford.
SUNRISE ON THE BATTERY by Beth Webb Hart (Fiction)
When a surprise encounter leads her to newfound faith, Mary Lynn Scoville longs to share it with her husband, who wrote God off long ago. She prays for him on Christmas Eve --- and he undergoes a life-altering experience. As Jackson begins to take the implications of the Gospel literally, Mary Lynn feels increasingly isolated from her husband and betrayed by God. Reviewed by Susan Miura.
NOBODY’S CHILD: The Pandora Files, Book 1 by Austin Boyd (Fiction)
Hearkening to the myth of Pandora's Box, the first book in Austin Boyd's new series sweeps readers into a world where unprecedented choices never intended by heaven lead to unintended consequences never before seen on earth. Reviewed by Lynda Schab.
THYME FOR LOVE: On the Road to Love, Book One by Pamela S. Meyers (Romance/Mystery)
April Love has always dreamed of being a chef. But she didn't expect a former fiancé or murder to be part of the recipe for her new job. When April signs on to be an in-house chef at an old lakeshore mansion, she comes face to face with her long-lost love, the drop-dead gorgeous Marc Thorne, who is now being accused of killing April's boss. Reviewed by Lynda Schab.
AN EYE FOR GLORY: The Civil War Chronicles of a Citizen Soldier by Karl A. Bacon (Historical Fiction)
For Union soldier Michael Palmer, surviving war is only half the battle. In the solemn aftermath of Gettysburg, Michael begins to understand the grave cost of the war upon his soul. Here the journey really begins as he searches for the man he was and the faith he once held so dearly. Reviewed by Evelyn Bence. |
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FaithfulReader.com's Monthly Contest: WORDS SPOKEN TRUE by Ann H. Gabhart |
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In our latest monthly contest, one reader will receive a copy of WORDS SPOKEN TRUE, Ann H. Gabhart's new historical romance set against the volatile backdrop of political and civil unrest in 1850s Louisville. The deadline for entries is Friday, February 17th at noon ET.
WORDS SPOKEN TRUE by Ann H. Gabhart (Historical Romance)
Adriane Darcy was practically raised in her father's newspaper offices. She can't imagine life without the clatter of the press and the push to be first to write the news that matters. Their Tribune is the leading paper in Louisville in 1855. Then Blake Garrett, a brash young editor from the North with a controversial new style of reporting, takes over failing competitor the Herald, and the battle for readers gets fierce.
When Adriane and Blake meet at a benefit tea, their surprising mutual attraction is hard to ignore. Still, Blake is the enemy, and Adriane is engaged to the son of a powerful businessman who holds the keys to the Tribune's future. Blake will stop at almost nothing to get the story --- and the girl. Can he do both before it's too late?
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Click here to enter our monthly contest. |
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--- Carol Fitzgerald (Carol@bookreporter.com)
The Book Report Network
250 W. 57th Street - Suite 1228
New York, New York 10107
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