Courting Emma - a beautiful book by Sharlene MacLaren

I have the wonderful opportunity to introduce Courting Emma to you! Sharlene MacLaren's latest addition to the Little Hickman Creek series will be available in April, so don't miss it!! This is really a very special book!

I love a book that totally transports me back in time and removes me to a place and a people that I come to love and care about! Sharlene MacLaren has done just that in her book, Courting Emma! Although I’ve not read the first two books in the Little Hickman Creek Series, I have truly come to love Little Hickman, Kentucky and I hope to make repeat visits!

Sharlene MacLaren takes two very different people, Miss Emma Browning and Pastor Johnathan Atkins and casts them as lead characters in her story. At first, the reader cannot imagine any two people more different, but the story tenderly reveals that their pasts are more similar than even the two of them knew. Sharlene MacLaren tells this story so beautifully and tenderly that it is easy to understand God’s grace and mercy in every circumstance of our lives. Jon Atkins becomes God’s hands and feet in the community and he shows Christ to them in a way so real that God’s love becomes irresistible to many on whom the town had given up – Emma’s father Ezra among them.

I don’t want to give anything at all away in this tender love story. I will say that Sharlene deals with many issues like loving the unlovable, forgiving those who have hurt us, reaching out to those in need….timeless issues that are gentle reminders to all of God’s children. I loved the way she used God’s word to speak to the hearts of Little Hickman and I love the way each situation was bathed in prayer – knowingly or not. This really is a very special book, and I highly recommend it to everyone! What a testament to God’s love and grace!! Thank you, Sharlene, from the bottom of my heart. I look forward to reading your books for a very long time!

Please visit Sharlene's site and check out all of her terrific books!

On The Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness
WaterBrook Press (March 18, 2008)
by
Andrew Peterson

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Author/Singer/Songwriter Andrew Peterson, a 2005 Audie Award finalist for his readings of Ray Blackston’s Flabbergasted trilogy, wrote and produced the popular Christmas play and musical Behold the Lamb of God: The True Tale of the Coming of the Christ, and the album by the same name, which received the 2004 Best Album of the Year, World Christian Music’s Editors Choice Award. Andrew’s received critical acclaim for his seven albums and is at work on an eighth. He lives with his wife Jamie and their three young children near Nashville, Tennessee, where he reads storybooks aloud to his family each evening.

Artist Justin Gerard has illustrated several children’s books, including The Lightlings storybooks for young readers by R.C. Sproul. He lives in Greenville, South Carolina, and works as the chief creative officer for Portland Studios.


ABOUT THE BOOK:
Once, in a cottage above the cliffs on the Dark Sea of Darkness, there lived three children and their trusty dog Nugget. Janner Igiby, his brother Tink, their crippled sister Leeli are gifted children as all children are, loved well by a noble mother and ex-pirate grandfather. But they will need all their gifts and all that love to survive the evil pursuit of the venomous Fangs of Dang who have crossed the dark sea to rule the land with malice and pursue the Igibys who hold the secret to the lost legend and jewels of good King Wingfeather of the Shining Isle of Anniera.

Andrew Peterson spins a quirky and riveting tale of the Igibys’ extraordinary journey from Glipwood’s Dragon Day Festival and a secret hidden in the Books and Crannies Bookstore, past the terrifying Black Carriage, clutches of the horned hounds and loathsome toothy cows surrounding AnkleJelly Manor, through the Glipwood Forest and mysterious treehouse of Peet the Sock Man (known for a little softshoe and wearing tattered socks on his hands and arms), to the very edge of the Ice Prairies.

Full of characters rich in heart, smarts, and courage, On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness presents a world of wonder and a tale children of all ages will cherish, families can read aloud, and readers’ groups are sure to discuss for its layers of meaning about life’s true treasure and tangle of the beautiful and horrible, temporal and eternal, and good and bad.

“So good–smart, funny, as full of ideas as action.”
–Jonathan Rogers, author of The Wilderking Trilogy

“A wildly imaginative, wonderfully irreverent epic that shines with wit and wisdom–and features excellent instructions on how to cope with Thwaps, Fangs, and the occasional Toothy Cow.”

–Allan Heinberg, writer/co-executive producer of ABC’s Grey's Anatomy, and co-creator of Marvel Comics Young Avengers

“Totally fun! Andrew Peterson, a natural storyteller in the oral tradition, has nailed the voice needed to translate a rip-roaring fantasy tale to the written page.”

–Donita K. Paul, author of DragonSpell, DragonKnight, DragonQuest, and DragonFire

MY REVIEW:

I’m going to be brutally honest and tell you that I did not read this book. I tried a few pages and realized instantly that I was going to spend more time trying to figure out and pronounce names and places and keep them sorted out than I was going to spend enjoying the story. So, what did I do? I gave it to my 14-year-old son to read! And he loved it!

This review then is based solely from the viewpoint of a 14-year-old who loves to read!

First, read the briefings at the beginning carefully so that you will understand the background of the story and its characters. You want to know why the Nameless Evil is looking for the Jewels of Aewair.

Now that you have the background, you will enjoy a story of mystery, suspense, good action and some humor. The mystery in the story is well maintained and there are some really good fight scenes that include porcupine creatures with deadly spines, horned wolves and fanged cows! There is a really huge and very cool battle at the end of the book, and the story ends in a way that makes you really want to read the next book. (Hint! Hint! Mr. Peterson!)

My son’s initial response – as in the first 5 -7 chapters – was that it was kind of like trying to read the poem, Jaberwocky, because the names were kind of “different”. One of my good blogger buddies over at A Peek At My Bookshelf described the names as Dr. Seuss-like only better, so you get the idea. However, once his 14-year-old mind sorted through the first chapters, he literally consumed the book in less than a day! My son’s highest praise? He highly recommended it to his brother who is reading it even as I type! How cool is that?

So, dear blogging audience, if you enjoy action-filled fantasy, it sounds like Andrew Peterson’s book is just the thing for you! I’m always thrilled when my son enjoys a book that I suggested! He is, after all, my best audience and a very honest critic! Thanks for stopping by! Pick up your copy of this book today!

An update: Since I wrote this review, my second son has read the book, and he has asked several times when the next book is coming out! Rave reviews from two boys who are huge fans of good, action-packed novels! Bravo, Mr. Peterson!!

March 25! Join the Rebelution!

TheRebelution.com is hosting an Amazon.com Book Bomb for Alex and Brett's new book Do Hard Things: A Teenage Rebellion Against Low Expectations. On March 25th we're going to try and push it to the top of Amazon -- and I need your help!

Alex and Brett are two teen guys who care about our generation and want to see us living for the glory of God. This book is like a manifesto for the Rebelution movement!

This book has a message that teens need to hear. The book bomb is a great chance to get a copy for yourself (plus a few to give away) at a great price (can't beat Amazon!) and help get the book in front of thousands of new people -- all at the same time!

Also, for every copy of the book that people buy on Amazon.com on March 25th, Alex and Brett will be giving away copies to teens and ministries who can't afford them.

If you want to help out, go to TheRebelution.com and sign up with the number of books you plan to order on March 25th. Then help spread the word by sharing this email or putting up one of the ads on your blog or Myspace. We don't have much time!

P.S. One great idea some people have had is to see if you and some friends can order together. If you buy more than three, you get free shipping. You can also check and see if your church or youth group will buy some. Think outside the box!

Experiencing the Resurection by Henry and Melvin Blackaby and GIVE AWAY!

Once again, I have been astounded by how much can be contained in a “petite” sized book! This 5x7, 211-page hardcover book contains more scripture and teaching than I imagine many folks receive in a long time! If you want a detailed, scriptural look at the resurrection and all that it means for the believer and the non-believer, this is a book you need to look into!

The Blackaby’s have done a great job of presenting the Resurrection from several points of view – the mind of God, the life of Christ and the Believer’s Experience. This is a thorough concept that allows us to consider the full scope of what it means to serve a Risen Savior and not a buried god. There seems to be a cry from the world today that there are many ways to God, and as long as you are sincere, you can reach Him from many paths. The Bible states plainly that that belief is a lie. Christ is THE WAY, and the fact that God resurrected Him from the dead gives Him the power and authority to make that a daily truth in our lives.

Resurrection is both physical and spiritual for the believer, and the Blackaby’s do a good job of explaining this as well. Christ’s death and resurrection make salvation possible, but it also makes living in this present time full and joyful. The power of serving a Risen Savior invades every part of the believer’s daily walk, enabling us to live confidently and joyfully as we face the certain trials in this fallen world. I think this is a very thought-provoking book, and I feel it will be an encouragement to many believers. I also think that it could be a great witnessing tool as well as serve as a Bible study. There truly is a lot in this book, and I encourage you to purchase a copy today!

If you leave a comment here, you will be eligible to win a FREE COPY of this terrific book!

Author Bio:

Dr. Henry Blackaby, president emeritus of Blackaby Ministries, is the author of more than a dozen books, including the best-selling classic Experiencing God. He has spent his life in ministry, serving as a music director and as a senior pastor for churches in California and Canada. Today he provides consultative leadership on prayer for revival and spiritual awakening on a global level. He and his wife make their home in Atlanta, Georgia.

Dr. Melvin Blackaby coauthored with his father, Henry Blackaby, the Gold Medallion winner Experiencing God Together. He travels extensively as a conference speaker. He and his wife and their three children live in Cochrane, Alberta, Canada, where he serves as senior pastor of Bow Valley Baptist Church.

Five Books in one week....WHEW!

I can't believe I've actually shared five books here this week! Wow! Busy time in the Window is it not? Spring has sprung, and it's a great time to sit on the front porch with your favorite book! So please browse about here and find something that grabs your interest! There is LOTS to choose from!

I don't plan on slowing the pace much at all during the next couple of weeks, so please stop by often! There will be more interviews, more GIVE AWAYS and lots of great books! Happy reading, and have a terrific weekend!

Only Uni by Cami Tang

This month FIRST has a second selection to offer its readers! If you would like to read the first chapter of this book, please look here.

This is the second book in Tang's Sushi series, so you may want to check out the first book, Sushi for One which released last Fall to rave reviews. Camy's writing is so realistic, you won't believe it! Here are some of my thoughts:

Tang has written this series featuring different members of an Asian-American family. Only Uni tells the story of a single woman’s efforts to come to God after a rather loose lifestyle. Since some Asian families practice Buddhism and other Eastern religions, the character’s conversion to Christianity is misunderstood and considered highly questionable. Because of this background and her own wrong choices, the main character, Trish, has a lot to work through - mainly her insatiable lust for the opposite sex.

Camy Tang’s writing style is very colorful, and her character development is so successful that she managed to create a host of people who got on my last nerve. The women lacked self confidence and it took them forever to get up enough nerve to stand up to their own family about their faith. Their relationships with each other were filled with skepticism and doubt, and their attempts to establish new relationships were awkward and immature. Basically, I wanted to grab them by the collar and shake some sense into them most of the time. The women in this story have a looooong way to go in the area of maturity – both emotionally and spiritually.

Now, having said that, I have to say that this book was very well written. I did like the way the characters in the book finally rallied around Trish during some rather trying circumstances. Forgiveness is something all of us struggle to give and receive most of the time. Camy Tang creates characters that are real enough to get on your nerves and a story line that has enough twists and turns to give you whiplash. Perhaps after they grow up a bit, I’ll like them better. In the mean time, I hope you will try this series and make your own decision. I need to move on to something that is less likely to trigger my instinct to throttle folks! Did I say her characters were believable? They really stick with you! Enjoy!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Camy Tang is a member of FIRST and is a loud Asian chick who writes loud Asian chick-lit. She grew up in Hawaii, but now lives in San Jose, California, with her engineer husband and rambunctious poi-dog. In a previous life she was a biologist researcher, but these days she is surgically attached to her computer, writing full-time. In her spare time, she is a staff worker for her church youth group, and she leads one of the worship teams for Sunday service.

Sushi for One? (Sushi Series, Book One) was her first novel. Her second, Only Uni (Sushi Series, Book Two) is now available. The next book in the series, Single Sashimi (Sushi Series, Book Three) will be coming out in September 2008!

Visit her at her website.

Rachel Hauck's Sweet Caroline...don't miss it!

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Sweet Caroline(Thomas Nelson February 12, 2008
by
Rachel Hauck

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

I graduated from Ohio State University (Go Buckeyes!) with a degree in Journalism. As a member of Phi Mu sorority, I partied my way though the last few years of college.

But, the truth is, and always will be, I belong to Jesus. At the age of six, I knelt at the altar of a Tulsa Methodist church and gave my life to the One who loves me.

After graduation, hired on at Harris Publishing as a software trainer, determined to see the world. And I did it without a laptop, a cell phone, an IPod or portable DVD player. Those were hard times.

But, I traveled to Ireland, Spain, Venezuela, Mexico, Australia, Canada and the U.S. from California to Maine. But, life on the road is difficult. Working twelve to fourteen hour days, one doesn't get to see many of the sites. In Ireland, our company's distributor drove me around at night so I could see something of Dublin.

I met Tony, my husband, in '87, at church, of all places. We got married in '92. Tony has been a pastor for twenty years. I've worked with him in eighteen of those twenty. Our heart is to see teens and adults passionate, radical and whole hearted for Jesus.

Tony and I don't have any children of our own, lots of kids-in-the-Lord and we love them all. However, we do have a very spoiled dog, and an even more spoiled cat.

I've always wanted to be a writer. My dad used to tell me, "You're a writer." I have letters he wrote me post college, exhorting me to write. In this, I believe he had the heart of God.

In '93, I started an epic WW2 novel with two plots. It was well rejected. After that ordeal, I took a break and put efforts into my job as a software project manager. But, I missed writing and in late ' 99, I took up the craft again.

With a little help from my friends, my first book was published in ' 04, Lambert's Pride, a romance novel. I love writing chick lit and romance. I love writing. What an honor.

Rachel has several other books that have been received with great praise, including Diva Nash Vegas and Lost In Nash Vegas

You can purchase copies of Rachel's books, signed personally for you,
at this site: Signed by the Author.com

MY REVIEW:

When I picked this book up, I was intrigued by the cover. I knew there was a romance coming, and I knew I was going to hear a new author’s voice tell me a story. Now, since I’m a Southern girl, the South Carolina setting was comfortable and familiar. The characters I recognized right away from similar folks in my own life experience. Caroline, the main character, was so eager to try and help out in any situation, that I readily identified the same tendencies in my own life. (ouch!) Apparently I am some 10 (maybe 15) years older than Caroline, so my perspective was a bit different, but the story grabbed my interest, and I found myself eagerly waiting to find out what came next for this young lady and her eclectic group of café workers.

Caroline is a young lady who is familiar with loss. She and her brother lost her mother early in life, yet they grew and flourished under their dad’s loving guidance. Her brother has become a strong businessman, and Caroline unexpectedly finds herself as the owner of a local, somewhat historical lowcountry café. So what does a young woman with meager financial means do with a café in sore need of restoration? You will be amazed!

Now, as Caroline and her café crew stumble through their first months after the owner’s death and face a series of interesting and sometimes hilarious challenges, there is plenty of romance going on in Caroline’s personal life. As a hometown girl, Caroline maintains a healthy network of girlfriends, and these ladies share everything from their wardrobe to their faith. Through these friendships, Caroline is introduced to some genuine day-to-day relationships with Christ. It is through these examples of God’s faithfulness and friendship Caroline begins to experience her own spiritual awakening. The genuine warmth and raw emotion among Caroline’s friendships ring true throughout the story, and her own doubts and fears about God and His personal relationship with His creation are very believable. It was exciting to watch this part of Caroline’s life unfold throughout the novel.

Rachel Hauck throws in a lot of unexpected plot twists into her story, and I was genuinely entertained right up to the end. I love a book that can grab your heartstrings, and the ending…well, keep some tissue handy! I think we’ll be hearing more from Caroline in the not-to-distant future, so please visit Rachel’s website and stay up-to-date on her latest books. I think you will really enjoy this one! I sure did!