WALDEN MEDIA AND WEINSTEIN COMPANY PARTNER WITH NEA’s READ ACROSS AMERICA TO LAUNCH “TICKET TO A BETTER WORLD” BENEFITTING CHILDREN’S LITERACY

LOS ANGELES, Calif. (August 27, 2014) –  As part of its continuing efforts to promote literacy and in order to provide books to those children in America most in need, Walden Media and the Weinstein Company (TWC) have partnered with the National Education Association’s Read Across America to launch the “Ticket to a Better World” initiative.  Fifty cents of each The Giver movie ticket sold during Labor Day Weekend will be donated to the Ticket to a Better World initiative to raise up to a quarter of a million dollars to buy books for those children most in need.

Walden Executive Francis X. “Chip” Flaherty stated, “The Giver affirms our belief that individuals must have the freedom to pursue and fulfill their dreams.  That freedom is precisely the gift that reading and literacy provide.  Every time you put a book in the hands of a child, you unleash the power of imagination and hope that can change the world.  We are honored to partner with Read Across America to launch the ‘Ticket to a Better World’ campaign and get books into the hands of kids who need them the most.”

“Books open the floodgates to understanding and to learning,” says Anita Merina, national coordinator of NEA’s Read Across America. “This generous initiative will help us bring books like The Giver, onto the shelves and into the lives of so many children. At a time when access to books is so critical in the learning life of a child, this initiative is very exciting indeed."

Commented TWC Co-Chairman Harvey Weinstein, “Behind this incredible movie that TWC and Walden are so proud of is one of the most beloved books of our time. Joining forces with the NEA’s fantastic Read Across America initiative is a perfect opportunity to support the cause for literacy behind the powerful name of The Giver.”

To help support please visit: www.Walden.com/TicketToABetterWorld

About Walden Media:

Walden Media creates entertainment for the whole family through successful movies, award-winning books, and acclaimed television programs. A Walden Media production celebrates a great book well told, a great life well lived, or an exploration that expands present possibilities – all while inspiring and entertaining its audience. Past award-winning films include: “The Chronicles of Narnia” series, the “Journey to the Center of the Earth” series, “Nim’s Island,” “Charlotte’s Web,” “Bridge to Terabithia,” “Holes,” “Amazing Grace,” and the Sundance Audience Prize Winning documentary “Waiting for ‘Superman.”

Walden Media recently released “The Giver” - a feature co-production with The Weinstein Company, which opened in theaters nationwide on August 15th. The highly anticipated adaptation of Lois Lowry’s novel stars Meryl Streep, Jeff Bridges, Brenton Thwaites, Alexander Skarsgård, Katie Holmes, Odeya Rush and Taylor Swift.

Walden is also producing Universal Pictures’ dramatic adventure/thriller “Everest” starring Jake Gyllenhaal, Josh Brolin, Jason Clarke, Keira Knightley, John Hawkes, Sam Worthington, Emily Watson and Robin Wright. Walden is producing with Universal, Working Title and Cross Creek Pictures.

For more information please visit www.Walden.com

About The Weinstein Company:

The Weinstein Company (TWC) is a multimedia production and distribution company launched in October 2005 by Bob and Harvey Weinstein, the brothers who founded Miramax Films in 1979. TWC also encompasses Dimension Films, the genre label founded in 1993 by Bob Weinstein, which has released such popular franchises as SCREAM, SPY KIDS and SCARY MOVIE. Together TWC and Dimension Films have released a broad range of mainstream, genre and specialty films that have been commercial and critical successes. During Harvey and Bob's tenure at Miramax and TWC, they have received 348 Oscar nominations and won 82 Academy Awards.

About NEA’s Read Across America:

The National Education Association is building a diverse nation of readers through its signature program, NEA’s Read Across America. Now in its 19th year, this year-round program focuses on motivating children and teens to read through events, partnerships, and reading resources. The National Education Association is the nation’s largest professional employee organization, representing more than 3 million elementary and secondary teachers, higher education faculty, education support professionals, school administrators, retired educators, and students preparing to become teachers. 

A Grand Design by Amber Stockton - REVIEWED

A getaway on a charming island may be just what Alyssa needs—if only she can let go of her past.

When Alyssa Denham, a single career woman, wins a fun getaway for two on Mackinac Island where her grandmother lives, she gives her carefree best friend a call. Together, they tour the old shops and hidden treasures of the quaint island while helping Alyssa’s grandmother piece together an heirloom quilt. Their quest gains them entrance into the homes of many longtime residents of the island, parts of the city that are otherwise off limits to tourists.

As the quilt’s story takes shape, Alyssa gains amazing insight into her grandmother’s life . . . and attracts the attention of the handsome Scott Whitman, an island resident in charge of hotel transportation. Will memories of her past keep Alyssa from letting go? Or will the quest to piece together the heirloom quilt restore Alyssa’s fractured heart—and bring healing to her entire family?

My Thoughts:

“Life’s a grand adventure, and we’re all just along for the ride.”  (p. 176)

Alyssa Denham’s  life is anything but an adventure when you first meet her in the opening scenes of Amber Stockton’s novel  A Grand Design.  Hard-working and alone, she watches as, one by one, her friends marry and begin their lives with their beloved.  Then, there is a sudden change – a gift of a trip for two to Makinac island – and island she hasn’t visited since she was a young girl.  The island home of her grandmother.

Alyssa does something a bit out of character and makes a sudden decisive move toward this two-week island adventure, and she invites her best friend Libby along.  Libby is a bit of a guy magnet, but that doesn’t deter Alyssa.  She just wants to explore her misplaced relationship with her grandmother and get away from her very unadventuresome,  single life.

Alyssa’s grandmother creates a very unusual challenge for the two best friends, and she sends them around the island collecting pieces of her own past – never dreaming of all the things that would be healed and restored in her life and the life of her granddaughter.  Alyssa’s  life takes a transformational path during her two-week island stay that sets her upon the adventure of a life time!  Family, friends and a solid plot are tools Amber Stockton uses to create a touching and memorable tale that will leave your heart sighing in contentment! 

Another stellar addition to the Quilts of Love series!

About the Author:

Amber Stockton is an award‑winning author, a national speaker, and a direct‑sales brand partner with Nerium International. She lives with her husband and fellow author, Stuart Vaughn Stockton, in Colorado. They have a daughter and a son, and an Aussie/retriever mix named Roxie. Three of her novels have won annual reader’s choice awards. Find out why readers love her by visiting her website AmberStockton.com.

Christina Paul is on a Mission with New Album

(NASHVILLE, Tennessee) -- Christina Paul is back with the release of her sophomore English-language album, Lord of All, available now via Intercessor Records. While Christina may be a “new artist” to Christian music fans in North America, Christians in India have long admired her soul-stirring performances and inspiring testimony. After nine albums, numerous national television appearances and hundreds of concert dates around the world, the award-winning artist once again has American audiences in her sights.

Christina wrote every song on the album, which was produced in Nashville by Grammy-winning producer, Phil Naish (Steven Curtis Chapman, Point of Grace, Jaci Valesquez). Lord of All is a collection of heart-gripping songs that reflect her unshakeable faith, her undeniable heart for missions and oneness in the relationship with her Heavenly Father.

Lord of All represents diverse musical styles — from soaring ballads to praise and worship songs and even R&B. The album speaks to the hearts of listeners, motivating them to be one with God, to completely rely on Him, to have compassion toward others and to be His hands and feet and make a difference in the world.

The album’s first single, the title track “Lord of All,” is a soulful worship song, beautifully crafted with a magnificent string arrangement by Kristin Wilkinson. Christina pours out her heartfelt gratitude and praise to the Sovereign and Omnipotent God, yet still gentle with His strong love and overflowing grace and mercy surrounding and sustaining her life.

The second single, "I Can See Now,” reflects Christina's heart for missions. "God has definitely made my heart grow in compassion,” she says. “I feel compelled in my spirit to pray for others and be there for people who are hurting, to cry with them and make a difference in their lives in any way I can."

Christina has put her faith into action, co-founding the missions organization, Christ For All Ministries, with her husband Paul Jeyasingh. "God has filled my heart with compassion for hurting people, those who do not know Christ,” she says. “My mission is to support and to build an army for Jesus, working to win souls for His Kingdom. By God's grace, we have the right people supporting us and we have sixteen full-time missionaries working in northern parts of India where it is still dark and the light of Jesus needs to be shown! The Harvest is plenty but the laborers are few!”

Born in India, Christina traveled throughout the country from a very young age with her parents who were Christian recording artists. It wasn't long before Christina began joining them on stage. As is the custom in India, she met the love of her life through an arranged marriage, and later relocated to the U.S. with her husband and young daughter. These days, she balances her music and ministry endeavors with her greatest calling—as a wife, and mother of two kids, Joanne and Matthew. She also serves as one of the praise and worship leaders at her home church, Victory in Lakeland, Florida.

Christina will hit the road this fall, telling her story and sharing her faith throughout North America. In support of the new album, Christina will embark on a national promotional tour consisting of radio and retail visits, and appearances on numerous television programs nationwide. In the past, Christina has been featured on 100 Huntley Street, Daystar Television Network, The Harvest Show, Atlanta Live, Spirit of Arkansas, Deeper Living, The Good Life and many more, in addition to coverage from Women of Faith and Christianity Today. 

For more information, visit the official website at www.christinapaul.com.

Miracle in a Dry Season by Sarah Loudin Thomas - REVIEWED

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Miracle in a Dry Season Bethany House Publishers (August 5, 2014) by Sarah Loudin Thomas

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Sarah Loudin Thomas grew up on a 100-acre farm in French Creek, WV, the seventh generation to live there. Her Christian fiction is set in West Virginia and celebrates the people, the land, and the heritage of Appalachia. Her first novel, Miracle in a Dry Season, releases August 2014 through Bethany House. Sarah is represented by Wendy Lawton of Books & Such Literary Agency.

A graduate of Coastal Carolina University in Conway, SC, Sarah once dreamed of being a marine scientist. But her love for words won out and she has spent much of her career in public relations and marketing. She currently oversees fundraising and communications for a Christian children’s home in Black Mountain, NC.

Sarah and her husband Jim live in the mountains of Western North Carolina with Thistle–the canine equivalent to a personal trainer pushing them to hike, run, and throw sticks. Sarah is active in her local church and enjoys cooking and–you guessed it–reading.

ABOUT THE BOOK

In a Drought, It's the Darkest Cloud

That Brings Hope

It's 1954 and Perla Long's arrival in the sleepy town of Wise, West Virginia, was supposed to go unnoticed. She just wants a quiet, safe place for her and her daughter, Sadie, where the mistakes of her past can stay hidden. But then drought comes to Wise, and Perla is pulled into the turmoil of a town desperately in need of a miracle.

Casewell Phillips has resigned himself to life as a bachelor. . .until he meets Perla. She's everything he's sought in a woman, but he can't get past the sense that she's hiding something. As the drought worsens, Perla's unique gift divides the town in two, bringing both gratitude and condemnation, and placing the pair in the middle of a storm of anger and forgiveness, fear and faith.


My Thoughts:

“All too often sorrow and joy come skipping into your life holding hands.”  (p. 201)

It has been quite some time since I have wept over a great piece of fiction, but Miracle in a Dry Season caused me to both weep and laugh out loud.  This is a very special story told with such poignant  and lyrical phrases that you will find yourself re-reading passages out loud just to hear the beauty of the words.  I’m telling you as honestly as I know how that this book is powerful!

Perla Long and Casewell Phillps are just everyday Christian folks trying to make their way through the judgment of others and their own self-condemnation.  When Casewell tells Perla that there is nothing new under the sun, he was speaking  truth that shouts to the masses even today!  As believer’s we tend to be in a constant learning curve when it comes to forgiving other – and ourselves.  Casewell walks through a valley with his dad that prepares him to take a step forward in his own life.  It is Casewell’s spiritual growth that encourages Perla to let go of some excess baggage in her life and take a giant leap forward for herself and her precious daughter.

This is a tender story of grace that will take you on a journey toward forgiveness and freedom that I daresay you probably don’t recognize you have a need to receive until it’s plainly laid before you.  Sarah Loudin Thomas is a gifted writer who knows the heart of her Heavenly Father. She pours out grace like a refreshing stream in a dessert!!  Don’t waste one minute!! Pick up your copy of this excellent book today!

If you would like to read the first chapter of Miracle in a Dry Season, go HERE.

God In Every Season by Debra Black - REVIEWED

While her name may be new to many Christian music fans, singer-songwriter Debra Black is sure to catch the attention of listeners from coast to coast with the release of her debut album, God In Every Season. Produced by Josh Williams, the album is available today wherever digital music is sold, including iTunes and Amazon.

The theme behind God In Every Season came to Black at an unexpected moment when the Lord began to show her a deeper meaning of the seasons and how there is a time and purpose for everything under heaven, as Ecclesiastes 3 states. This summoned imagery of the seasons that stuck with her. It was an endless cycle, and as the vision continued she realized that God had created an identical cycle for everything living. 

Black says, “What I love about the cycle of the seasons is just that. It is a cycle. Life is a cycle. God knows just how much of the fall we can stand before He brings the winter to give us rest. He knows just how much rest we need before we are ready for something new, and then he brings the life. He knows just how much heat we can stand and sun we can see before it is time for that thing to die or lay to rest.”

Based in Atlanta, Black had already been singing and leading worship for more than a decade when she started working on her music. She founded and pioneered Worship on the Square, a non-profit organization bringing the church body together in city centers to worship God and bring awareness to social causes. Unique, relatable, and possessed of unshakeable faith, Black inspires listeners to take refuge and find trust in God. 

“The journey leading up to this release has far surpassed any greater thing I have experienced on a personal level with the Lord,” says Black. “He has brought me to this place of surrendering my all to Him and I’m ready to see what He does. He has been an integral part of showing me that Jesus is enough, for my every need. Realizing His plans are far greater than anything I could dream of or ask. He has shown me that there is a time and season for everything under heaven; that His desire is to make everything beautiful in time. There truly is beauty in everything, even the pain, even in the suffering. There is beauty in the breakdown, in the death, in the resting/renewal times, and of course in the growing time. Every season under heaven has a particular plan by Our God to make us more like Him, if we let Him. He is why I live, and why I know love. I’m ready for this adventure and can’t wait to see what this next season holds.” 

The album’s debut single, “Be Free,” was released this month to radio stations through Nashville-based promotion firm, Shamrock Media Group. In support of the single and album, Black will head into the fall with heavy touring and an upcoming media tour.

For more information, visit the official website at www.debrablackmusic.com. 

My Thoughts:
WOW!! Debra Black was a new name to me, but no longer!!  God In Every Season will usher you into God's presence in a mighty way, and I am thrilled to be able to share the news of this album with you!  From the upbeat, encouraging song Be Free, to the confident statement of belief in God In Every Season to the majestic, worshipful praise found in More Than Enough...you will PRAISE THE LORD!!  It is my fervent prayer that the airwaves will be flooded with songs from this album!  It is a message of hope and encouragement that is sorely needed today and every day!  God has surely anointed Debra's music, and I am happy to recommend God In Every Season to every believer!!  What a great album!! 

Journey to Love by Janeen Michael-Lanier - REVEIWED

About the Book:
Abused! The Preacher's Wife! Divorced! 

These were not my character traits or career choice, yet these associations and marks on my life gave me my public identity. This identity's influence was so strong it broke my personal courage. Could I break the silence and confess my pain to God? Would He hear my prayers and heal me if I walked away from ministry? Would He discard me, if I got a divorce? After taking an honest look at my life I truly wondered if He even loved me at all! For years I lived with the disconnection between the truth of God's Word, which proclaimed His Love for me, and my ability to dwell daily in the confident security that truth inspires. 

The distress in my heart was so great, and securing God's love seemed so elusive that I made attempts to cure myself. Unfortunately, I wound up causing myself greater injury as I sought out alternatives that I could intellectually grasp and measure up to. Each substitute for His love that I gathered failed me miserably...'til finally I answered God's question to me. "Janeen, will you let me love you?" 

After many hills, valleys, scrapes and falls, I placed my hand in His and made the discovery of a lifetime. He created me to Love me! I didn't have to beg, barter, or steal for love. The Love that I so desperately longed for was inside of me. All I had to do was "accept" and "receive" the awesome gift. But the twists and turns of the pathways travelled, to arrive at the place of clarity and wholeness, was an absolutely incredible...Journey to Love! I am so glad that God is Love. He miraculously loves me and you, in the midst of and through each of our life's pathways! 

My Thoughts:

“A Souledy – A Melodious ode born out of a sacrificial, thankful, meditative, worshipful, reflective, or contemplative utterance of a soul (immortal component of a human) that is focused or centered on the character, attributes, or traits of one or more Persons of the triune God of Christianity.” (p. 146)

This definition is supplied by Janeen Michael-Lanier as she explains the way she worships God through the creation of a “melody that flows from my soul.  It is a conscious act of my will that I employ through song to meditate on God.”  Her book, Journey to Love, is the most poignant, sometimes painful, Souledy she has ever created.  Her words were bled from her soul as she shares her testimony of how God brought her into a precious and intimate relationship with Christ.

Her experience mirrors that of many women, even mirrors my own life experience to some extent, yet God faithfully caries her through until she rests safe in the faithful arms of her Savior.  This is not an easy book to read, but it is filled with the precious promises and direction of God’s Word that buoy believers up in our earthly walk through this fallen word.  This is an important book that will minister to many that are desperate to find the unfailing, complete, unconditional love that is only found in God through Jesus Christ.

Janeen shares her Souledy through music as well, and has recently released a CD entitled Press On. So please, explore her book and her music!  You will find healing, promise and strength for your journey!

About the Author: (from The Adams Group)
Today, Janeen serves as the Worship Arts Director at Emmanuel Community Church in Conyers, Georgia, where she hones her craft of songwriting, singing and leading worship on a daily basis.   She realizes the task before her is to help other people understand what she has learned -- that transparency before the Lord will lead to a deeper worship experience.

“Worship is our God-given gift and opportunity to revere and show respect to our holy God and it can’t be achieved when we aren’t honest before Him, by living lives that are contrary to His Word.  The more obedient we are before Him, the deeper the worship experience will be.  Additionally, it is difficult to receive and enjoy His presence in the worship experience when we’re all covered up.  It is really heartbreaking to see brothers and sisters during a worship service, singing songs and going through the motions yet seemingly leave “empty” though deeply longing to feel “full” from the experience. We are so dependent on Him for everything, including our need for His help to render acceptable worship, but until we come honest and disrobed, it will always lack in depth.”

A Grand Design by Amber Stockton - REVIEWED

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing

About the Book:
A getaway on a charming island may be just what Alyssa needs—if only she can let go of her past.
When Alyssa Denham, a single career woman, wins a fun getaway for two on Mackinac Island where her grandmother lives, she gives her carefree best friend a call. Together, they tour the old shops and hidden treasures of the quaint island while helping Alyssa’s grandmother piece together an heirloom quilt. Their quest gains them entrance into the homes of many longtime residents of the island, parts of the city that are otherwise off limits to tourists.

As the quilt’s story takes shape, Alyssa gains amazing insight into her grandmother’s life . . . and attracts the attention of the handsome Scott Whitman, an island resident in charge of hotel transportation. Will memories of her past keep Alyssa from letting go? Or will the quest to piece together the heirloom quilt restore Alyssa’s fractured heart—and bring healing to her entire family?
My Thoughts:

“Life’s a grand adventure, and we’re all just along for the ride.”  (p. 176)

Alyssa Denham’s  life is anything but an adventure when you first meet her in the opening scenes of Amber Stockton’s novel  A Grand Design.  Hard-working and alone, she watches as, one by one, her friends marry and begin their lives with their beloved.  Then, there is a sudden change – a gift of a trip for two to Makinac island – and island she hasn’t visited since she was a young girl.  The island home of her grandmother.

Alyssa does something a bit out of character and makes a sudden decisive move toward this two-week island adventure, and she invites her best friend Libby along.  Libby is a bit of a guy magnet, but that doesn’t deter Alyssa.  She just wants to explore her misplaced relationship with her grandmother and get away from her very unadventuresome,  single life.

Alyssa’s grandmother creates a very unusual challenge for the two best friends, and she sends them around the island collecting pieces of her own past – never dreaming of all the things that would be healed and restored in her life and the life of her granddaughter.  Alyssa’s  life takes a transformational path during her two-week island stay that sets her upon the adventure of a life time!  Family, friends and a solid plot are tools Amber Stockton uses to create a touching and memorable tale that will leave your heart sighing in contentment! 

Another stellar addition to the Quilts of Love series!

About the Author:

Amber Stockton is an award-winning author, a national speaker, and a direct-sales brand partner with Nerium International. She lives with her husband and fellow author, Stuart Vaughn Stockton, in Colorado. They have a daughter and a son, and an Aussie/retriever mix named Roxie. Three of her novels have won annual reader’s choice awards. Find out why readers love her by visiting her website AmberStockton.com.

HIS KIDS UNITED, VOLUME 1, CD EARNS DOVE AWARD NOMINATION

Debut Release from Series Featuring Kids Singing Today's Top Christian Hits Tapped in Children's Music Album of the Year Category

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (August 15, 2014) - His Kids United, Volume 1, has been nominated for a Dove award in the category of Children's Music Album of the Year. Producers Jimmy Swan, Levi Bradford, David Castell, Brad Nyght, Jordan Bledsoe, Zachary Kuykendall and Mai Swan were included in the nomination. The 18-song project, the first in the His Kids United CD series, is for kids ages 5-14 and featuring kid-sung versions of today's top Christian hits, including "Overcomer" by Mandisa, "Shake" by MercyMe, and "Speak Life" by TobyMac, was released April 29 through INgrooves/Capitol Christian Distribution.  "Everyone I have played this music for has absolutely loved it! I'm so proud to be working with His Kids United series," says Jay Schield, owner/president of Over The Line, which handles marketing for the CD series. "For the very first CD in the His Kids United series to be nominated for a Dove Award among the best of the best in the Christian music business is truly amazing!" says His Kids United creator Jimmy Swan. "We are excited to see so many people catching the vision forHis Kids United! Our prayer is that this nomination will lead to more people finding our album so that their kids can be engaged and encouraged by the message." His Kids United series founder and producer Jimmy Swan was nominated for a Dove Award along with the other producers, Levi Bradford, David Castell, Brad Nyght, Jordan Bledsoe, Zachary Kuykendall and Mai Swan.  His Kids United, Volume 1, was nominated alongside 25 Favorite Bible Songs (Veggie Tales), Grow Serve Proclaim (Cokesbury Kids), Nothing Is Impossible (Planetshakers Kids), and We Belong To Jesus (New Life Worship Kids With Jared Anderson). The Dove Awards will be held October 7 at Lipscomb University's Allen Arena in Nashville. Parents of four themselves, His Kids Unitedfounders Jimmy and Mai Swan recognized a gap in the supply of uplifting Christian music kids can truly appreciate. A labor of love transformed the best of CCM into an album with which their own children would quickly fall in love.    "Up until now, there have been no other products like His Kids United CDs," says Jimmy Swan, executive producer of the project. "Why wouldn't parents want to invest in positive Christian music for their children? And while the music is focusing on kids ages 5 to 14, we're finding that young adults and even parents enjoy listening to the music, too!" A Christmas version of the CD series, His Kids United Christmas, will be released this Fall. For more information, visit HisKidsUnited.com or like on Facebook atfacebook.com/HisKidsUnited.

About His Kids United: His Kids United is a music brand for kids ages 5-14, featuring today's most popular Christian songs, performed by youth and targeting a youth audience. His Kids United is a division of Jimmy Swan Productions, LLC, an integrated entertainment company involved with music, film and TV distribution, publishing, artist management and marketing. Swan also manages Swaggernautz, the writing team behind Troye Sivan's "Happy Little Pill" single that is on the Tryxe CD, which has charted at No. 1 on iTunes in 55 countries this week.  Teens, tweens and children alike can now enjoy the best of Contemporary Christian Music-tailor-made just for them. His Kids United exclusively features young voices belting out fresh, new mixes of today's most popular Christian hits. From well-loved tunes such as the vibrant celebration chorus, "Shake," to the worshipful tones of "10,000 Reasons (Bless the Lord)," or the driving declaration of "I Am" and the tight harmonies of "O Praise Him," His Kids United marries the dynamic energy of youth with the popular trends of proven hits.  For more information about His Kids United visit HisKidsUnited.com.

Murder at the Mikado by Julianna Deering - REVIEWED

About the Book:  (from Bethany House Publishers)
When a celebrated ACTOR IS FOUND MURDERED IN HIS DRESSING ROOM, all signs point to Drew's old flame. But behind the curtains nothing is what it seems and this quickly becomes hisMOST puzzling case YET.
Just as Drew Farthering thinks his life has calmed down some, Fleur Landis, a former girlfriend, reappears, in dire need of his help. She's married now, no longer an actress--but the lead actor in her former troupe's production of The Mikado has been murdered, and Fleur is the police's number one suspect.

Drew would rather focus on his fiancée, Madeline Parker, and their upcoming wedding, but he can't leave Fleur and her family in the lurch--even if she did break his heart once. As Drew, Nick, and Madeline begin investigating, they discover more going on behind the scenes of the theater troupe than could ever have been imagined. It seems nearly everyone had a motive, and alibis are few and far between.

Both the murder case and the presence of the beautiful, exotic Fleur put a heavy strain on Drew and Madeline's relationship. Will their still-young romance survive the pressure?
My Thoughts:

“A rather odd sort of calling to have, isn’t it...Detecting?  (p. 59)

“I haven’t kept a happy wife by putting myself in harm’s way.”  (p. 71)

“Maybe that’s the point of this whole thing, Drew, helping anyone who needs us.  Not just the ones we particularly like.”  (p. 77)

I simply could not decide upon a quote that encapsulated this wonderful story!  Julianna Deering is an author that creates such a multi-layered, complex story line that your heart and mind remain completely engaged from the first page to the last!  Yes,  the plot line revolves around a murder…and then another…and then suspecting one character then another….and everything is built upon the very fragile, fickle human heart.  Sigh…..nothing is clear cut and easily explained.  Just when you think you know what is taking place, you discover there is more to the story.  This really is an excellent and very engaging novel!

Drew Farthering and Madeline Parker find themselves in the midst of a personal and professional maelstrom.  They are forced to closely examine every detail surrounding the murders to protect the innocent, and they are forced to examine their own hearts to be able to make some commitments that seem overwhelming.  There is a level of danger that builds throughout the story, and it is a very human heart-cry the eventually reveals the culprit!

Trust me!  This is a read worth investing time to enjoy!  You won’t be disappointed!

About the Author:

Julianna Deering has always loved British history and literature and is particularly a fan of the classic mysteries written by Dorothy Sayers and Agatha Christie. She graduated from the University of Texas at Dallas and now works for an attorney specializing in wills and estate planning. She lives outside Dallas, Texas, where she loves to quilt, cross-stitch, and watch hockey. Learn more at www.juliannadeering.com.

A View from Bonnie Calhoun's Window! Tremors and Thunder

Of all the interviews I've ever completed, I have to be honest and tell you that this one is very dear to me!!  Bonnie is a gifted writer, a savvy business owner, a magazine editor and, most importantly, my dear friend!   She loves the Lord and serves Him with passion and purpose!  Tremors and Thunder recently released, and I am thrilled to discuss this dystopian series with Bonnie!

Please give Bonnie a warm and hearty welcome to my window!

Young adult fiction is a genre in desperate need of lots of action, adventure and just good reading in general!!  Where and when was the concept of The Stone Braide Chronicles conceived?

The idea  for this series came to me about two years ago while I was looking at the internet. I’m an author with at least a dozen people in my head jabbering all at the same time, so I’m not sure what image online triggered the “thread thought” but it just grew from there. I find as I come up with complementary story threads, it tends to massage the story...LOL...until it’s grown to what it is today. So literally a story concept is an ongoing, growing, alive thing...until the series is done.

You create some pretty wild and futuristic medical concepts in Thunder.  Did you have to dive into research to make these concepts believable to your readers?  What did that entail?

Actually those are all REAL medical concepts. I just stuck a couple “what if’s” in there to bend them to my maniacal will...Mwhahahaha!

Why did you choose to switch from writing for adults to young adults?  How did the process differ from your previously published work?

Because young adults are more willing to read all kinds of situations and fancies whether futuristic or sci-fi, whether mystery or suspense and they love dystopian worlds and overcoming them...and they’re not much interested in bonnet books :-)

Young adults see the hope of overcoming grueling, life-changing landscapes, where adults today...and I mean mostly women readers...see enough grueling, life-changing landscapes just by reading the news and they want something sweeter.

Thunder contains some age-old concepts hearkening back to attempts at control – arranged marriages, medical deception and masking, relationship that are favored one over another, racial discrimination– and the rebellion that seems to always answer those attempts at control.  Selah feels those results keenly on many levels.  What do you hope readers will take away from the lessons Selah learns throughout her journey?

That there is always hope. That there is something better. That we’ve all been created for a purpose and if we’re receptive that purpose will manifest.

Does the mark of the Landers indicate anything spiritual, or is that my imagination?

Well...I could tell ya...but then I’d have to kill ya *snort-giggle*

Where on earth did you conceive the tornado concept toward the end of the novel?  Why was that group not able to be redeemed?  What is the significance of that?

Ha, ha...did you ever see the Helen Hunt movie Twister where they called the tornado, “the finger of God?” No one said they couldn’t be redeemed. It depends on what you mean by that. :-) Seriously...I’m not messing with you, but if I explained their situation it would give away the plot to the second book... and there’d be no reason for people to buy the second book. It’s another case of, “If I told you, I’d have to kill you.” Because a secret between two people is only a secret if one of them is dead. :-)

How does marketing for this series differ from the marketing you’ve done for your adult novels?  This is a totally different genre!

Marketing is basically the same with some minor tweaks. We’re also looking for the adult market because just like with The Hunger Games or Divergent series, plenty of adults read them too, mostly women though. The tweaks included more YA and teen book and reader sites and media interactions.

Can your give us a sneak peek into the next book of the series?  Where is that novel in the process of development?

The series was already done in my mind when I submitted the proposal. I needed to give a short synopsis for each book. I basically had three thread points...one for each book, and what the “middle point” or point of no return would be for the character. The thing that was driving her actions throughout the book...and then how I wanted that book to end. Now...as for everything else in between...well that’s a work in progress and literally sometimes surprises me. But then again...it’s all those people in my head vying to be heard on their ideas of where I’m supposed to go. I can tell you literally that where this series ends up is no where near where I was headed when I started. Those crazy people in my head took me on a wonderfully cool detour that you will never see coming!

What have you learned about yourself as you've written this series?  How has this series challenged you as a writer?

LOL..I wrote a chapter last night. Got done and read it over...B-O-R-I-N-G! Rewriting today, and tonight (since I had to stop to do this interview before you sent drones to blow up my house.) The challenges are the fun part of being an author. If we all stayed where we were when we started then people would get tired of us sooner or later *snort-giggle* I’d get tired of me sooner or later! But we always need to be stretching our writer muscles and thought process (and getting more residents for the funny farm in our heads). So always being on the lookout for a “what-if” or deviation from what people would expect next is the challenge that all writers accept...if they are to survive in this ever-changing industry.

What words of encouragement would you like to leave with your readers?

I would say don’t be too discouraged that I couldn’t give a lot of the direct answers that Kim wanted, but if I had...you know the drill...I’d have had to kill you all. LOL...she has a great knack for going for the best of the details and I just can’t give away those things or you wouldn’t need to read the book, and you’d know all the secrets and it just wouldn’t be as much fun, or as many head-slaps when you got to the answers.

So...be blessed and keep reading!

You can read my review of Thunder Here!!

Surviving Henry by Erin Taylor Young

Sky Zone by Creston Mapes - REVIEWED

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Sky Zone David C. Cook (June 1, 2014) by Creston Mapes

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Creston has fond memories of his boyhood in Bath, Ohio, where he became enchanted with his future wife, way back in the fourth grade. His father, Bernie, owned and operated The Weathervane Furniture Shop in town. The whole family lived right upstairs in the century-old house known as "The Shop."

Creston studied journalism at Bowling Green State University, then began his writing career. During the past 30 years, he has worked as a reporter, corporate copywriter, creative director, freelance writer, and author.


ABOUT THE BOOK

A rally for a controversial presidential candidate.
A terrorist threat.
A nightmare of cataclysmic proportions. 

Jack and Pamela Crittendon have hit the breaking point. After months out of work as a reporter, Jack is playing Mr. Mom and working part-time at Festival Arena with his survivalist friend Brian Shakespeare. Meanwhile, Pamela has gone back to work full-time while eight months pregnant. Having her recently widowed mother on hand isn't making matters any easier. With financial pressures boiling, Jack reports for duty at a rally for controversial presidential candidate Martin Sterling where he expects a mindless night on the job. But when Homeland Security picks up intel about a potential terrorist threat, Jack and Shakespeare are thrust into a life-or-death battle to save their own lives--and the lives of thousands of innocent people.

My Thoughts:

“Yet another trial by fire.”  (p.133)

Jack and Pam Crittendon have faced fierce trials in Creston Mapes’ in each of the Crittendon Files novels.  When Sky Zone begins, the reader is almost relieved to discover that Jack and Pam are facing some of the more usual trials like unemployment, debt and some overly zealous prepper friends.  However, it doesn’t take long before it becomes very apparent that they are facing much more serious obstacles!

Each of Mapes’ books seem to be ripped from the headlines in some way.  Yet he takes it a step beyond the headlines and looks behind the unspoken fears that lie within the hearts of people around the world.  We are living in an age where terrorism seems to pop up in random places and in unexpected ways.  Mapes lifts the veil and allows the reader to experience a public kind of terror that will make even the staunchest readers squirm.  Just when you think things are beginning to settle down for a bit, the ultimate reveal explodes right in your face, and you are left to wonder about the truth of every aspect of life.

The characters in this novel, those who are believers, and some who are not, come to realize that the only thing that holds lasting value is faith in God alone.  Not the created god of terrorism, but the Creator God of the Universe who sent His Son to redeem mankind.  The gospel message is skillfully woven into the story line in a way that will draw unbelievers to consider that there is, indeed, a better way than our world leads us to believe. The reader is able to witness the transformational change that comes through the fiery trials faced by the characters in this novel.

Creston Mapes writes a fast-paced believable plot-line that will keep the pages flying past well past bedtime!  So, settle in for a great ride, and know that God does indeed bring light out of the darkest of circumstances!  These characters are flawed and genuine, and you will enjoy every minute you spend together!  Bravo!! 

If you would like to read the first chapter of Sky Zone, go HERE.

23 BLAST Coming in October!

COMING IN OCTOBER!!! I CAN'T WAIT!!

Radically Normal by Josh Kelley - REVIEWED

About the Book: (from Harvest House)
What if being a radical Christian didn’t have to mean selling everything and becoming a missionary to India? What if it could mean settling down and enjoying your normal, God-given life in extraordinary ways? It’s time to reexamine the Bible, put an end to the guilt, and get on with living the abundant life Jesus promised. Radically Normal: You Don't Have to Live Crazy to Follow Jesus is an invitation to do just that. Along the way it takes a new look at several old challenges:

• How to be a good Christian (and witness) with out being weird
  
• How to find greatness in your everyday life
• Why spiritual stuff isn’t innately better or holier than earthly stuff.
• How holiness leads to happiness and obedience is meant to increase joy.
• Why selling all your possessions is not necessarily holier than keeping them.
• How enjoying this life is meant to increase your desire for the next.

My Thoughts:

“We are destined to advance the kingdom of God and change the world, to bring healing and hope to the earth and its inhabitants.”  (p. 57)

“Can radically normal Christians be radically obedient without being obsessive?”  (p. 51)

Josh Kelley asks very thought provoking questions.  His questions give believers pause to consider that His plans for us, His very design of our talents and purposes is unique to what He alone has called us to do here on earth.  Being called to full-time ministry – or vocational ministry – isn’t any different from being called to be a teacher, a nursery worker, a builder or any other occupation.  God has equipped each of us in unique ways to serve Him and advance His kingdom here on earth.  His gospel is alive in each believer’s life through the Holy Spirit, and God speaks to us and calls us into ministry every day He gives us breath.

I have thoroughly enjoyed the challenge of reading Josh’s book.  I’ll be honest, I’m still digesting and ruminating.  I’ll be re-reading and getting new insights from his work.  What I’ve learned for certain is that God is calling me every day to do the work He has planned for me and my unique set of skills and talents.  I’ve also learned that God doesn’t love me any more or any less than He loves those He has called to serve Him on the mission field in a foreign land.  He just wants me to be obedient to what He has called me to do.

As humans, we tend to assign a skewed set of values to vocations and overlook God’s hand in every aspect of our life. Josh Kelley shares what he has learned through his own life experiences – good and bad – and has written a thought-provoking book that challenges believer’s on every stage of their faith-journey to examine their hearts and seek God no matter what occupation fills their days and lives.  I am thrilled to receive the message of this book, for it is a message that God has placed in my path over and over again lately.  I know He wants me to be radically normal – and I am very blessed to be able to walk in the truth of that calling!

This book has study questions for each chapter as well as suggested reading for those who want to go deeper in their pursuit of God’s calling in their lives.  This would make an awesome small group study and an excellent guide for one on one time with God.  Thank you Josh Kelley for writing this book!

About the Author:

Josh Kelley has been a pastor for 15 years and holds a BA in biblical studies from Pacific Life College. He lives in northwest Washington with his wife, Marilyn, and their two daughters.