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Jun
10

ruchti

Fantastic!

Yesterday, I told you about a great new book. Today I would like to share a bit more. Don’t forget to leave a comment to be entered to win the giveaway!

Here is an interview with the brand new author, Cynthia Rushti:

1. How would you describe your book?

The tagline for the book is “She’d leave her husband…if she could find him.”

When Libby’s husband Greg doesn’t return from a two-week canoe trip to the Canadian wilderness, the authorities write off his disappearance as an unhappy husband’s escape from an oatmeal marriage and mind-numbing career. Their marriage might have survived if their daughter Lacey hadn’t died and if Greg hadn’t been responsible. Libby enlists the aid of her wilderness-savvy father-in-law and her faith-walking best friend to help her search for clues to her husband’s disappearance. What the trio discovers in the wilderness search upends Libby’s assumptions about her husband and rearranges her faith.

It’s my prayer that this fictional adventure story and emotional journey will reveal its own hope-laden clues for those struggling to survive or longing to exit what they believe are uninspiring marriages. How can a woman survive a season or a lifetime when she finds it difficult to like the man she loves?

2. How were you different as a writer and as a person when you finished writing They Almost Always Come Home?

This book changed me in a profound way. It forced me to take a more honest look at myself and my reactions to crises so I could write Libby’s character with authenticity. Libby is a composite of many women. I haven’t experienced what she did, but I identify with some of her struggles and longings, as I hope my readers will. I see my friends in her eyes and know that her tears aren’t hers alone. Her shining moments feed my courage. Libby speaks for me and for many others when she discovers that she is stronger than she realized and weaker than she wanted to admit.

Writing her story was a journey for the author as much as for the character.

3. What did you feel the tug on your heart to become a writer?

My journey toward a lifetime of writing began by reading books that stirred me, changed me, convinced me that imagination is a gift from an imaginative Creator. As a child, I read when I should have been sleeping…and still do. I couldn’t wait for the BookMobile (library on wheels) to pull up in front of the post office in our small town and open its arms to me. Somewhere between the pages of a book, my heart warmed to the idea that one day I too might tell stories that made readers stay up past their bedtimes.

4. What books line your bookshelves?

My bookshelves—don’t ask how many!—hold a wide variety of genres. The collection expands faster than a good yeast dough. I’m a mood reader, grabbing a light comedy one day and a literarily rich work the next. Although I appreciate well-written nonfiction, I gravitate toward an emotionally engaging contemporary women’s fiction story.

Leave a Comment to be chosen to Enter the Book Tour Giveaway! The winner will be drawn by Kathy Carlton Willis Communications.

North Pak 20 inch cinch sack (lime)
Day Runner journal
Canoe Brand wild rice
Canada’s brand blueberry jam
Coleman 60-piece mini first aid kit
Wood canoe/paddle shelf ornament
Six original photography notecards from video trailer
“Hope” hanging ornament
Mini Coleman “lantern” prayer reminder

They Almost Always Come Home
Jun
09

I think this may be the best book I have read all year! I will announce a giveaway package that goes with the book, tomorrow. For now, here’s a taste!

“At the foundation of each relationship resides the need to know love can survive even when feelings fade. In Cynthia Ruchti’s debut novel, They Almost Always Come Home, readers feel the desperation of this foundational yearning in a marriage clearly pulling loose from its moorings. Compounded by other issues—an unrewarding career and mismatched dreams—it’s enough to drive a man into the arms of the Canadian wilderness. When Greg Holden doesn’t return home from a wilderness canoe trip, his wife Libby wrestles with survivor guilt, a new layer of grief, and the belief that she was supposed to know how to fix her marriage. She planned to leave him—but how can she leave a man who’s no longer there? He was supposed to go fishing, not missing.

Libby has to find him before she can discover how their marriage ends. She plunges into the wilderness on an adventurous and risky manhunt, unsure what she will do if she finds him…or if she doesn’t. She expects to meet hardship, discomfort, and danger in the wilderness. She doesn’t expect to face the stark reality of her spiritual longing and a faint, but steady pulse that promises hope for reviving her marriage. If Greg’s still alive.”

They Almost Always Come Home provides a glimpse into common, however uncomfortable, marital conflicts. Cynthia weaves a page-turning story, suspense building scene by scene. Her characters mirror ordinary people, living real-to-life situations, allowing readers to relate and sort through a myriad of emotions and life decisions. If fiction can contain adventure, riveting self-awareness, and romance all between the same covers, this is the book!

Cynthia Ruchti writes stories of “hope that glows in the dark.” She writes and produces The Heartbeat of the Home, a syndicated drama/devotional radio broadcast, and is editor for the ministry’s Backyard Friends magazine. She also serves as current president of American Christian Fiction Writers. Cynthia married her childhood sweetheart, who tells his own tales of wilderness adventures.


Something Extra From the Author’s Heart:

Ten years ago, my husband almost didn’t come home. His canoe adventure with our son Matt soured on Day Two when Bill grew violently ill from what we presume was either pancreatitis or a gall bladder attack. He’s an insulin-dependent diabetic, so any grave illness is a threat. One in the middle of the Canadian wilderness is morgue material.

With no satellite phone with which to call for help, Matt took turns caring for his father and watching the shore for other canoeists happening past their hastily constructed campsite. The few other canoes were headed deeper into the remote areas of the park, not on their way out. None had a satellite phone. And none of them were doctors.

As my husband grew sicker, his diabetes went nuclear. He couldn’t eat, yet needed insulin because his liver thought it should help out by dumping vast quantities of sugar into his system. Even in a hospital setting, the situation would have been difficult to control, and the nearest hospital was light years away across vast stretches of water and woodland, through peopleless, roadless wilderness.

Our son stretched a yellow tarp across the rocks on shore and wrote S.O.S. with charcoal from a dead fire. He scratched out countless notes on pieces of notebook paper torn from their trip journal: Send rescue! My dad is deathly ill. Read the rest of the story at the KCWC BLOG

May
26
Life Inspite of Me

By Kristen Jane Anderson as told to Tricia Goyer

When I first received Life in Spite of Me, I left it on the desk for a long time. I knew that it was not going to be lightweight summer reading. Suicide is not a pleasant topic and I wanted to sit and give the story my full attention when I read it. When I did begin, the first chapter was riveting, but painful. I kept wanting to shout, “No, don’t do that!!”

But, after the initial sadness and loss, I found that I should have realized from the smile on Kristin’s face on the cover that this book would be filled with hope.

While the subject matter was complex and upsetting at parts, the writing is very tender and honest. Kristin’s story is more of a love story with her creator and her life than I ever imagined it could be. Kristin is not just a survivor, but a wonderful light to those who are hurting and to those who wish to help.

I recommend the book, and also visiting www.reachingyouministries.org to find out more.

From LitFuse:

Why does my life have to be so painful?
What’s wrong with me?
It’s not going to get better.
It could all be over soon, and then I won’t hurt anymore.

Kristen Anderson thought she had the picture perfect life until strokes of gray dimmed her outlook on life. One January night, the seventeen-year-old made a decision: She no longer wanted to deal with the emotional pain that smothered her. She lay down on a set of cold railroad tracks and waited-for a freight train to send her to heaven…and peace.

Amazingly, Kristen survived her suicide attempt… but the 33 freight cars that ran over her severed her legs. Now she not only had to deal with depression; she also had to face the physical pain and life without legs.

But Kristen’s story didn’t end there. After her darkest days Kristen discovered a real purpose for living. Now, in her compelling book Life, In Spite of Me, Kristen shares her journey from despair to hope.

Includes letters from Kristen that share messages she wishes someone would have told her-when she was depressed and struggling with loss, shame from sexual abuse, and suicidal thoughts.

Tricia Goyer is the author of twenty-two books of fiction and nonfiction, including Blue Like Play Dough  and the Gold Medallion finalist Life Interrupted. Goyer writes for publications such as Today’s Christian Woman and Focus on the Family, speaks to women’s groups nationwide, and has been a presenter at the Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS) national convention. She and her husband, John, live with their family in Montana. www.triciagoyer.com

Life in Spite of Me is available for purchase on Amazon, now.

Visit the blog tour and see what other reviewers have to say.

For a chance to win a 5 book Tricia Goyer library – any five books of your choice:

Tweet this: Don’t miss Life, In Spite of Me by @TriciaGoyer! The amazing story of #KristenAnderson journey back from #suicide! http://bit.ly/98PKmo
(must use both hashtags #kristenanderson and #suicide)

Leave a comment here, on Tricia’s site for a chance to win 1 of 5 copies of Life, In Spite of Me.

Thanks to LitFuse for providing me with a copy of Life In Spite of me for review purposes.

Life, In Spite of Me
May
19

Andrea Carter and the Trouble with Treasure by Susan Marlow

Rating & Summary: 5 I love these! This series really got my attention. First of all, it is geared for tweens and has an exciting mix of teenagers, horses and adventure. There was plenty of action in the plot and a very strong theme of family love and support. I absolutely loved the relationships between the characters. I felt that the author, Susan Marlowe, really captured how young people think and behave….and also grow as people!

As this book is one in a series, I think these would be fantastic for some summer reading–and hey, Mom–no vampires! Gotta love that.

From the site: Andrea Carter is back for another adventure with her Circle C pals! Book 5 is the popular series, Andrea Carter and the Trouble with Treasure is a perfect choice for middle grade readers ages 8-14.

When innocent horseplay temporarily lands Andi and her friends in jail, they decide that a trip into the mountains will leave their troubles far behind. Accompanied by big brother Mitch and armed with a map showing old gold diggings, they can’t wait to strike it rich. What could be better than two weeks of camping and horseback riding?

But instead of gold they find heaps of trouble — trouble that leaves Mitch gravely wounded. Andi needs help fast. But who can she trust? And what good is a bag of gold when her beloved brother lies near death in the middle of nowhere?

You can purchase Trouble with Treasure for $7.99 on the Kregel site. You can also check out other books in the series, read an excerpt and download a unit study on Kregel’s page.

Also, I really recommended taking a look at the author’s site. You’ll find sample chapters for all the books, book trailers, enrichment guides, puzzles, photos and other fun things for your readers!

**I also have to tell you about the brand new Circle C Beginnings series! We cannot wait for these. My five year old loved hearing Trouble with Treasure read to her and is very excited to “read her own Andi stories.”

These books, geared for younger readers (6-8) follow Andi and Taffy’s adventures when they are much younger. Take a look at the adorable illustrations on the new website! Soon, you can print out coloring pages and activity packs to go with each book!

To see what my TOS crewmates have to say, click here!

Trouble with Treasure was provided to me for my review and I have given my unbiased opinion.

Apr
20

This popped into my mind this morning. Hope someone can make use of this!

For all my book loving friends–here are a few ways to get yourself some inexpensive or free books to read poolside this summer:

There is a new Barnes and Noble promotion today:

Favorite Paperbacks – Buy 2 Get the 3rd for FREE Offer Details

While supplies last, choose 3 qualifying books from our Favorite Paperbacks promotion and the least expensive book is yours for FREE! Simply look for the Buy 2 Get the 3rd free icon on select paperback books online and in-store at Barnes&Noble.com. This offer expires at 2:59 a.m. ET 5/6/10.

There are also many places you can get books if you agree to review them on your blog. Click on the icons below to see if you have any interest in this. Personally, I like to be able to choose which books I receive, so I work with the ones below. The following are Christian Publishing Houses. I am sure you could also do a search on book blogging, etc to find others.

Also, you can fan some of these programs on Facebook. Many of them do promotions and contests through FB and you can win free books:)

I review for BookSneeze

Blogging_For_Books_250

Join the Flock! LitFuse Publicity Group blogger

I Review For The Tyndale Blog Network

Here are two others, thanks to Debra, who blogs over at Footprints in the Butter and is a homeschool mom who teaches her kids all kinds of classical stuff and is a crazy, voracious reader I mean, involved in tons of reading memes!

Bethany House: www.bethanyhouse.com/bookreviewers
NavPress: http://www.navpress.com/bloggerreviewprogram.aspx

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And, don’t forget to check out the upcoming Book Blogger Convention. (I REALLY wanted to go, but it looks like I did not prepare well enough. The Convention is in New York City) Check out the site and you can find many other book reviews and bloggers:

Book Blogger Convention

Apr
12
Great Book for teaching about God

Enter to win a copy of This Little Prayer of Mine!

Are you looking for ways to increase your child’s understanding and knowledge of who God is? A way to reinforce your child’s desire to pray? This sweet hardback book shows children that God loves them and wants them to trust in him no matter what the situation–and that any moment is a good moment for a little prayer!

The words are simple and easy to read for little ones…but the content is very profound. I enjoyed listening to my youngest read the book to me and we  liked the bold, realistic illustrations that have a bit of a three dimensional feel to them.

The Official Word: Anthony DeStefano’s adult books, The Prayers God Always Says Yes To and A Travel Guide to Heaven, have sold a quarter-million copies. Illustrator Mark Elliott’s cherished artwork has appeared in popular picture books and novels for young readers, including Gail Carson Levine’s ever-popular Princess Tales series.

Now, these acclaimed inspirational experts have come together to create This Little Prayer of Mine, a beautiful and alluring book designed to guide children into a very simple, real and expressive relationship with God.

Through engaging rhymes and alluring illustrations, This Little Prayer of Mine shows children—and their parents and grandparents—that complete dependence on God is what brings peace and fulfillment. It invites children to know and believe that God is always just a simple prayer away and that He longs to respond to them with a resounding, “Yes!”

Easy-reader format allows children to read alone, or with someone older, and encourages them to openly express their fears, thanks, and needs directly to God.

This Little Prayer of Mine is available on the Random House Website.

Or, you can win a Copy from Faith, Family and Fun!

To enter, please leave a comment. I will choose a winner 4/19.

Thanks to the WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for providing this book for my review. I have given my unbiased opinion.

Mar
23

Children’s Bible Hour, Seasons of Faith Series

Perfect for bedtime reading!

Perfect for bedtime reading!

Summary & Rating: 5.  Children’s Bible Hour (CBH) Ministries are wonderfully, unabashedly evangelical. They have been around for years, producing radio shows and devotionals for children. We love their set of Seasons of Faith illustrated books with audio CD. These stories are based upon CBH popular radio scripts. I like the solid biblical teaching of the books. Each book addresses a different “season” of faith, and children can see how to live out their faith in real life situations.

bravestorm_cover-1

I liked the books. I found the illustrations colorful and the stories well written. I appreciate the clear way that difficult questions about faith are handled.

I laughed at the true test—Em really loves to read these. She will choose to read them at bedtime with Daddy and also will sit and listen to the audio version–over and over again. Her favorite one? Braving The Storm. I find this interesting, as she has just gone through a tough time with feeling poorly and finding out about the epilepsy.

  • Spring: This is the time when people experience new life in Christ. Faith develops and Christians begin to share the Salvation message with others. [Race with Midnight-good choice for horse lovers]
  • Summer: This is the time when faith grows under God’s love and care. Fruit is witnessed and triumphs are gained through applying His Word and striving to be the best we can be in Christ. [You Can't Come In]
  • Autumn: This is the time of struggle, temptation, peer pressure, and mistakes. Even though it might seem like nothing good can come from this time, God has promised that He will be there. He will teach us how to forgive and then grown in grace. [Seventy Times Seven]
  • Winter: This is the time when life is most difficult. Deep struggles, mourning, trying to make it through difficult times, or the death of a loved one can pull us away from God. He teaches us to lean on Him for comfort and peace. [Braving the Storm]

If you are looking for some books that answer questions about God and being Christian for your kids, these are perfect.

Each softcover book retails for $10. When you use the code FREESHIPAPR15 between March 17 and April 15, 2010, you can receive free standard shipping with the purchase of the 4 book set. There are also free study questions available for parents and teachers.

Children’s Bible Hour also has children’s radio programs and devotionals available–even in podcast form! I believe some are free. Go here to see.

To see what my TOS crewmates have to say, click here!

The Seasons of Faith Books were provided to me for my review and I have given my unbiased opinion.

Mar
22

hereburnsmycandle

This is the first time I have read one of Liz Curtis Higgs historical romances. What a treat it was! I fell in love with the Kerr family as I traveled through Scottish history and the Scriptures.

Higgs obviously did quite a bit of research for the framework for this retelling of the Old Testament story of Ruth and Naomi. The novel, set in 18th Century Scotland, followed the Kerr family (pronounced care, with a roll to the “r”), Prince Charlie and the Jacobites as well as the social life of Scotland. I was fascinated by descriptions of Edinburgh, the dress and behavior…even the meals of the time period.

I felt that I was transported back through time—and isn’t that what a delightful book can do? The character development was wonderful. I am a “skimmer” but in this book, I had to pay attention to all the characters. I found myself staying up late and wishing for a particular ending. The novel really delves into history and forgiveness and loyalty. Loved it!

A mother who cannot face her future.
A daughter who cannot escape her past.

Lady Elisabeth Kerr is a keeper of secrets. A Highlander by birth and a Lowlander by marriage, she honors the auld ways, even as doubts and fears stir deep within her.
Her husband, Lord Donald, has secrets of his own, well hidden from the household, yet whispered among the town gossips.
His mother, the dowager Lady Marjory, hides gold beneath her floor and guilt inside her heart. Though her two abiding passions are maintaining her place in society and coddling her grown sons, Marjory’s many regrets, buried in Greyfriars Churchyard, continue to plague her.
One by one the Kerr family secrets begin to surface, even as bonny Prince Charlie and his rebel army ride into Edinburgh in September 1745, intent on capturing the crown.
A timeless story of love and betrayal, loss and redemption, flickering against the vivid backdrop of eighteenth-century Scotland, Here Burns My Candle illumines the dark side of human nature, even as hope, the brightest of tapers, lights the way home.

LIZ CURTIS HIGGS is the author of twenty-seven books with three million copies in print, including: her best-selling historical novels, Thorn in My Heart, Fair Is the Rose, Christy Award-winner Whence Came a Prince, and Grace in Thine Eyes, a Christy Award finalist; My Heart’s in the Lowlands: Ten Days in Bonny Scotland, an armchair travel guide to Galloway; and her contemporary novels, Mixed Signals, a Rita Award finalist, and Bookends, a Christy Award finalist. Visit the author’s extensive website at www.lizcurtishiggs.com.

You can purchase Here Burns My Candle online, here.

I also have one copy to give away! To enter to win a copy, Please tell me your favorite historical time period. Winner chosen 3/29.

For additional entries (please leave a comment for each method of entry):

Thanks to WaterBrook Multnomah who provided this book for my review.