Denise Hildreth Jones is fast becoming one of my favorite authors. I’m not usually a fan of Southern fiction–there’s just so much of it out there–but Denise’s work stands out. In 2011, The First Gardener made my favorite’s list, now this year I’m adding Secrets Over Sweet Tea (Tyndale). I love the characters! First there’s Scarlett Jo Newberry. She’s a loud, …
Celebrating National Reading Month
I’ve just learned that March is National Reading Month! Don’t know where I’ve been. Actually, I don’t even know what authority has declared it National Reading Month (NRM), but who am I to argue? Admittedly, I have not been doing a good job at celebrating–so far, I’ve only completed two books this month: THE TROUBLE WITH COWBOYS by Denise Hunter …
March 2013 – Novel Anticipation
All the books I’m anticipating reading this month are written by authors whom I’ve read before, authors who are gifted storytellers. I’m certain I won’t be disappointed with their newest releases. ORDINARY GRACE: A NOVEL by William Kent Krueger – This novel is quite a departure from normal for Krueger, whose fame comes from writing his NYT bestselling Cork O’Connor …
Talking With Gina Holmes
*** Giving away one copy of Wings of Glass by Gina Holmes. See contest rules below *** I’m very excited to welcome Gina Holmes, one of my favorite authors, to my blog today! My favorite novels are those that deal with complex relationships and emotional topics; that’s exactly what Gina writes. And she writes with a smooth, melodic voice that …
Fiction for the Lenten Season
The other day I searched for Easter fiction, novels that would add depth to the Lenten season. I was surprised at how few I found for adults, barely a handful (although there are many for children). Now, if I’d performed a search for Christmas novels, the results would have been entirely different. I wonder why that is. I suppose the argument could …
Favorite Romance Novels
Book Giveaway – The Air We Breathe by Christa Parrish – see rules below *** While I typically don’t read straight romance, I do enjoy a romantic undercurrent in novels. Last night I finished The Air We Breathe by Christa Parrish (a heart-breaking, heart-reviving story–Highly recommended). While it wasn’t about romance, the potential for romance gave the reader hope in …
February 2012 – Novel Anticipation
New and upcoming releases I’m looking forward to reading: ISCARIOT: A NOVEL OF JUDAS (Howard Books) by Tosca Lee In Jesus, Judas believes he has found the One—the promised Messiah and future king of the Jews, destined to overthrow Roman rule. Galvanized, he joins the Nazarene’s followers, ready to enact the change he has waited for all his life. But soon …
The Breath of Dawn – Novel Recommendation
I recently read through Kristen Heitzmann‘s A Rush of Wings series, re-reading the first two books A Rush of Wings and The Still of Night. Back when these novels were first published, they set the standard for me that few authors have matched or even come close to. These are stories that yank at the heart and wrench your gut. …
The Reader’s Menu
***Read below to find out if you’re the winner of Dani Pettrey’s SUBMERGED*** What kind of books are on your novel menu? Do you enjoy stories with plenty of meat? Books you can sink your teeth into, that aren’t afraid to dig into gritty issues. Stories that might make you uncomfortable at times, ones that make you think. Or do …
Novel Anticipation – January 2013
*I’m giving away one copy of Dani Pettrey’s Submerged. Read below for contest rules* For those of us who prefer contemporary works, January’s offerings are very slim. I’ve only one new release on my to-read list, but I’m certain that one novel is a winner. SHATTERED (Alaskan Courage Series, #2) by Dani Pettrey (Bethany House, 2013) – The sophomore work …