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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
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.

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
03
image002

Life Changing

GIVEAWAY ~ SET

Do you long for stronger, healthier relationships? As you go about your daily life, do you feel like you have lost the sense of joy and hope that you had as a young woman? If so, this set of books may be just what you need. I do have a set to giveaway!

The first book is Dancing With My Father, by Sally Clarkson. I have loved Sally Clarkson’s work since I first became a homeschool mom and someone gave me a copy of Educating The WholeHearted Child. That particular book absolutely changed the way I viewed my children and how I viewed myself as a mom—yes, it actually did change my life!

And now, as I read her new book, Dancing With My Father, Clarkson speaks directly to my heart yet again as she discusses an almost “taboo” subject, why a Christian woman may not be feeling the joy that a relationship with Christ should and can bring.

Her writing is honest and warm. Within the book, she does not just bring up questions…but follows them up with actual ways for her readers to find answers—with her own stories as well as study portions at the end of chapters and quotes and bible verses. I expect that this book will soon be used in many bible study circles.

The Official Word:

The reality of living in a broken, fallen world can leave women feeling overcome by fear, guilt, and weariness. Many develop “sawdust souls,” numb to any sense of joy.

Through rich biblical insights woven with real-life stories, women will be inspired to recapture a spirit of joy as they follow God’s lead on the dance floor of life.

Sally Clarkson is a popular speaker, known across the nation and internationally for her work with women. She is the author of several books, including The Mission of Motherhood, The Ministry of Motherhood, and Seasons of a Mother’s Heart. She has worked in various ministries, including Campus Crusade for Christ. With her husband, Clay, she is cofounder of Whole Heart Ministries, which encourages and equips Christian parents. The Clarksons, parents of four, live near Colorado Springs, Colorado.

image001Mother Daughter Duet, by Cheri Fuller is another must read book for a Mom. Personally, I have daughters and sons. I honestly believe girls are much harder to raise and get along with than boys! I mean, come on—I’d rather have dirt and frogs any day over bad moods and drama.

In Mother Daughter Duet, Fuller explores our complicated Mother Daughter relationships and offers help in creating that great relationship you want with your daughter.

The Official Word:

When a daughter is born, her mother has a thousand hopes and dreams for her, especially that they will be best friends one day.

Unfortunately, even the best of intentions can go awry. There are so many challenges on the journey to adult friendship that the reality is fraught with friction and frustration. But a harmonious relationship is possible.

Award-winning author Cheri Fuller and her daughter, Ali Plum, have been there and have discovered the keys to a healthy relationship. In Mother-Daughter Duet they share their story—each from her own perspective—in which they have experienced distance and tension, growth and challenge, and, ultimately, acceptance and harmony. Filled with personal anecdotes and based on several basic principles (letting go; listening; respect; setting boundaries; and more), Mother-Daughter Duet helps moms repair the breach so that daughters want to draw close.

Cheri Fuller is a best-selling, award-winning author whose books have sold more than one million copies. She speaks to a wide range of women at women’s conferences and is a frequent guest on national radio and television programs.

Ali Plum is Cheri’s daughter, a writer and songwriter, a wife, and a mother to Noah and Luke. She and her mom have weathered the ups and downs of their relationship to find one of the most treasured, honest relationships of their lives. Ali has recorded background vocals for popular musicians, and Mother-Daughter Duet marks her debut into book publishing.

To purchase your copy of these books, you can go to the Random House website:

Dancing With My Father

Mother – Daughter Duet

As I mentioned, I do have a set to giveaway. I will draw a winner on 3/17.

To enter, leave a comment on what interests you about the book (s). For additional entries, you can:

  • Follow my blog via RSS or google friend connect
  • Follow me on twitter
  • RETWEET this giveaway (Just use little button at bottom:)
  • Blog about the giveaway

Please leave a separate comment for each method of entry and a way for me to reach you if you win!

These books were provided for my review by the WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group.

Feb
26

I just had to share this–I love this woman’s blog and I am often adding her beautiful verses with artwork in my sidebar~just so I can look at them:) This morning I see she is launching a new design site:

eSpecially Simple

I really recommend taking a look!

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Feb
24

doubletrouble

Check out the blog tour for Susan May Warren’s latest release, Double Trouble.

Looking for a break? Read this book:) The book is a fabulous follow-up to Nothing But Trouble and the contest prize package is perfect!

I am in love with this series! With 5 children, one with a newly diagnosed special need, I am hard pressed to focus on anything. Suffice it to say, I am a hard critic. I will not even consider books I know I may not “get” into easily. I am normally a book lover, but with so much going on, I am viewing my reading pile warily—

However, I was hopeful about this book. “I need a break,” my spirit was practically begging.

Anyway…at first glance, I loved the colorful and youthful cover of Double Trouble. And, I have to admit, I was drawn to the title…even as I walk with God, I still tend to find trouble myself. With two hot guys, plenty of drama and a funny, loveable protagonist and heroine, I have to say, the book was exactly what I needed to drag myself out of the doldrums of winter!

I grew up in the South myself and have a fondness for all things warm, polite and hmmm…complicated!

Within the pages of this book, you can follow PJ as she tries to figure out how to solve crimes and protect witnesses. Ironically, as PJ solves the puzzles other people throw at her, she also figures out who she is…and who she wants to be.

The book is a mixture of Mystery and Chick Literature. The Christian message permeates the story and really speaks of God’s love, which suits the characters very nicely (enough said…no spoilers, here). I give this one a high 5.

After reading Double Trouble, I really wanted to read Nothing but Trouble. Lucky for me, the sweet LitFUSE people hooked me up! I really find the whole series endearing. PJ has so much personality and goes through so many struggles, as we all do, to find out who she really is. And, we get to see God walking with her every step of the way. It becomes obvious to the reader, that PJ’s heart is just so in the right place. How Warren also manages such a cast of characters and a mystery at the same time is beyond me.

I have to say, I totally recommend both books and hear there is a third coming out in Spring!!

The Official Word on Double Trouble:
With one solved case under her belt, PJ Sugar is ready to dive into her career as a private investigator. Or at least a PI’s assistant until she can prove herself to Jeremy Kane, her new boss. Suddenly PJ’s seeing crime everywhere. But is it just in her head, or can she trust her instincts? When she takes on her first official case–house-sitting for a witness in protective custody–Jeremy assures her there’s no danger involved. But it soon becomes clear that there is someone after the witness . . . and now they’re after PJ, too.

Comment to get in on this Prize Package!

Enter the Double Trouble Prize Package Giveaway by clicking on the ‘Double the Sass” button below! The author, Susan, is giving away an iPod prize package that is anything but troubling! Check it out!

DoubleTrouble

One Grand Prize winner will receive a $150 SUPER SLEUTH prize package that includes:

* A brand new iPod Shuffle (perfect for those all-night stakeouts)
* A $10 iTunes gift card (we recommend the ALIAS soundtrack)
* A $10 Amazon gift card (why yes, they do sell spy pens)
* A $10 Starbucks gift card (for fuel, obviously)
* A pair of designer sunglasses (be stealthy AND super chic)
* A gorgeous scarf from World Market (can also be used as a blindfold, and/or for tying up bad guys)
* AND signed copies of both Nothing But Trouble & Double Trouble. (romance! danger! intrigue! sooo much better than Surveillance for Dummies!)

They will announce the super sleuth winner on March 1st.

About Susan:
MBT writing headshotSusan May Warren is the RITA award-winning author of twenty-four novels with Tyndale, Barbour and Steeple Hill. A four-time Christy award finalist, a two-time RITA Finalist, she’s also a multi-winner of the Inspirational Readers Choice award, and the ACFW Book of the Year. Her larger than life characters and layered plots have won her acclaim with readers and reviewers alike. A seasoned women’s events and retreats speaker, she’s a popular writing teacher at conferences around the nation and the author of the beginning writer’s workbook: From the Inside-Out: discover, create and publish the novel in you!. She is also the founder of My Book Therapy, a story-crafting service that helps authors discover their voice. Susan makes her home in northern Minnesota, where she is busy cheering on her two sons in football, and her daughter in local theater productions (and desperately missing her college-age son!) A full listing of her titles, reviews and awards can be found at: SusanMayWarren.com

Check out the blog tour for Susan May Warren’s latest release, Double Trouble.

Go here to purchase your copy of Nothing but Trouble, and here to get Double Trouble.

Special thanks to LitFuse for providing a copy of Nothing But Trouble and Double Trouble for me to read and review!

Category: LitFUSE, book review  Tags: , , ,  Comments off
Feb
17

9780825463167I have always been a horse lover. As a young child, I did have my own horse. We ended up moving and I never did own a horse again, but I will never forget how much I enjoyed riding and just being around horses. Someday, I hope to again spend some time with horses.

Meanwhile, when I requested this book, I am not sure quite what I expected. But, I felt drawn to the book. After reading the story, I realize I needed to read the book, not because it had horses but because of Dr. Sterrett’s message—the importance of the Gospel, and a message that focuses on the importance of being a leader who leads by sharing hope and earning the trust of those around him.

The story is artfully told with a gentle rhythm. Dr. Sterrett gracefully leads his reader through a wealth of experiences and shows the dignity of respect and hard work.

As a mother and step mother, I found the book challenging…and enlightening. So many struggles we go through can be made easier and end more successfully with just a bit of grace and gentleness.

I highly recommend this book. Thank you to Dr. Sterrett and his co-writer, Bob Smietana.

The Official Word:

A champion trainer and true horse whisperer, Dr. Lew Sterrett has used patience and a firm but gentle hand to earn the trust of more than 3,500 horses. In this book, Lew tells the stories of his work with these horses and the lessons each one has taught him. Sometimes heartbreaking and often uplifting, Lew has condensed his lifetime of learning into messages for the Christian life. Today, Lew shares these messages with more than 50,000 people each year through horse training presentations at Miracle Mountain Ranch and nationally through his Sermon on the Mount Ministry.

The author’s engaging style and adroit mixture of well-tested anecdotes and thoughtful instruction make this a winning read-and not just for horse lovers.

Find out more about Dr. Lew Sterrett on his website: http://www.sermononthemount.org/

Go here to purchase Life Lessons from a Horse Whisperer.

You can read an excerpt, here. And, check out the Blog Tour, here!

Tweet the following to be entered to win a $50 Amazon gift card & signed copies of Lew’s book!

TWEET THIS: (must use hashtag #lewsterrett to be entered – no limit on entries! Tweet away!)

Life Lessons from a Horse Whisperer: not just for horse lovers! http://ow.ly/169ym RT to win $50 to @amazon #LewSterrett

Thanks to LitFUSE for providing a copy of this book for my review.