February 2010
The following reviews, interviews and features are running on FaithfulReader.com for the month of February.
Faithful Fiction
ABIGAIL: The Wives of King David, Book Two by Jill Eileen Smith (Historical Fiction)
Fifteen-year-old Abigail accepts her position as her father’s payment of debt to King Saul, knowing her family’s hearts break over the arrangement. Now she is betrothed to the king’s infamous son, Nabal, rumored to be cruel, brash and deceitful. When Nabal comes to claim her, she quickly learns the rumors are true. Reviewed by Susan Miura.
MR. DARCY BROKE MY HEART by Beth Pattillo (Romance)
Is it even possible, in the eyes of a Jane Austen fan, to think that Mr. Darcy is capable of breaking the heroine's heart? Obviously the answer is yes, but in that case, how could the story possibly end well? Rest assured that it does. Author Beth Pattillo has found a way to ruffle the feathers of PRIDE AND PREJUDICE fans and then restore their confidence in love --- and in gentlemen. Reviewed by Melanie Smith.
BLACKOUT: A Riley Covington Thriller by Jason Elam and Steve Yohn (Thriller)
When terrorists from all over the world begin targeting major American cities for attack, Colorado Mustangs linebacker and former Special Ops hero Riley Covington is called back to Washington. His knowledge of the extremely destructive weapon that one of the terrorist groups possesses thrusts him into the midst of the country’s top security leaders, including the President himself. Reviewed by Maggie Harding.
Christian Living
SO LONG, INSECURITY: You’ve Been a Bad Friend to Us, by Beth Moore (Christian Life)
Perhaps one of the biggest issues all women face is their own insecurity. Beth Moore wants women to be free from the insecurity trap. SO LONG, INSECURITY will strike a chord with women everywhere, as Beth speaks truth into the lives of readers, showing them how to deal with their innermost fears, rediscover their God-given dignity, and develop a whole new perspective --- a stronger sense of self. Reviewed by Margaret Oines.
LIVING ON THE EDGE: Dare to Experience True Spirituality by Chip Ingram (Religion & Spirituality)
Romans 12 is the START HERE for the Christian life. What most Christians sadly misunderstand is that God isn't into religious activities or performance-based Christianity. Instead, Romans 12 reveals to us a relational profile of what it means to be a disciple, as well as a proven pathway to becoming more like Jesus each day. Reviewed by Michele Howe.
66 LOVE LETTERS: A Conversation with God that Invites You into His Story, by Dr. Larry Crabb (Christian Living/Spiritual Growth)
Dr. Larry Crabb knows that if we could see the larger story of God and humanity, our world would never be the same. That story is found in large part in the 66 letters of the Bible. 66 LOVE LETTERS is a personal approach to helping readers know God and his great love for them, his message for all mankind, and how their lives fit into His larger story. Reviewed by Margaret Oines.
Marriage and Family Life
LOVE & WAR: Finding the Marriage You've Dreamed Of by John and Stasi Eldredge (Love & Marriage)
What the Eldredge bestsellers WILD AT HEART did for men and CAPTIVATING did for women, LOVE & WAR will do for married couples everywhere. John and Stasi Eldredge have contributed the quintessential works on Christian spirituality through the experience of men and the experience of women, and now they turn their focus to the incredible dynamic between those two forces. Reviewed by Michele Howe.
Author Talk
Don Hoesel
Don Hoesel is the author of two works of fiction --- the suspense thrillers ELISHA'S BONES and the newly released HUNTER'S MOON. In this interview, Hoesel compares his two novels in terms of style and genre and expounds on his latest book's symbolic title. He also discusses the novel's overall theme of forgiveness and how the finished product differs from the original book he'd intended to write, and reflects on how a Sherwood Anderson novel impacted his writing style.
Study Guides
LISTEN by Rene Gutteridge (Suspense)
Nothing ever happens in the small town of Marlo…until the residents begin seeing their private conversations posted online for everyone to read. Then it’s neighbor against neighbor, friend against friend, as paranoia and violence escalate.
- Click here to read more about LISTEN.
- Click here to read an excerpt from LISTEN.
- Click here to read Rene Gutteridge’s bio.
ANGEL’S DEN by Jamie Carie (Historical Fiction)
In 1808, Emma, the daughter of a prominent St. Louis family, believes she has met and married her dream man. But she soon discovers that Eric Montclaire is not who she thought he was. Controlling and merciless, Eric insists that Emma join him in a westward expedition following the trail that Lewis and Clark had broken a few years earlier. When Emma meets cartographer Luke Bowen along the way, her life is already in turmoil.
- Click here to read more about ANGEL’S DEN.
- Click here to read an excerpt from ANGEL’S DEN.
- Click here to read Jamie Carie’s bio.
DELIVER US FROM EVIL by Robin Caroll (Suspense)
A beautiful yet tough woman working in a beautiful yet tough setting, Brannon Callahan is a search and rescue helicopter pilot for the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Strong faith and a decorated history of service have kept her one step ahead of on-the-job dangers, but there’s no precedent for what’s about to happen.
- Click here to read more about DELIVER US FROM EVIL.
- Click here to read an excerpt from DELIVER US FROM EVIL.
- Click here to read Robin Caroll’s bio.
SCATTERED PETALS: Texas Dreams, Book 2 by Amanda Cabot (Historical Romance)
Longing for adventure, Priscilla Morton leaves Boston and heads for Texas, never dreaming that the adventure she seeks will leave her badly injured and her parents dead. Priscilla is determined to rebuild her life and make a home for herself in the beautiful Hill Country. But the bandits who took her parents’ lives also destroyed her hope for the future, until a mysterious cowboy arrives to help rebuild her life.
- Click here to read more about SCATTERED PETALS.
- Click here to read an excerpt from SCATTERED PETALS.
- Click here to read Amanda Cabot’s bio.
A DISTANT MELODY: Wings of Glory, Book One by Sarah Sundin (Romance)
Walt and Allie meet at a wedding and their love of music draws them together, prompting them to begin a correspondence that will change their lives. As letters fly between Walt’s muddy bomber base in England and Allie’s mansion in an orange grove, their friendship binds them together. But can they untangle the secrets, commitments and expectations that keep them apart?
- Click here to read more about A DISTANT MELODY.
- Click here to read an excerpt from A DISTANT MELODY.
- Click here to read Sarah Sundin’s bio.
THE PROMISE OF MORNING: At Home in Beldon Grove, Book 2 by Ann Shorey (Historical Fiction)
Life in Beldon Grove on the Illinois frontier in the 1840s isn’t easy. For Ellie Craig, the graves of her three infant children make it unbearably lonely, despite the love of her husband Matthew. When she uncovers a family secret that suggests she may not be as alone as she thought, Ellie is determined to find the truth.
- Click here to read more about THE PROMISE OF MORNING.
- Click here to read an excerpt from THE PROMISE OF MORNING.
- Click here to read Ann Shorey’s bio.
ONCE IN A BLUE MOON by Leanna Ellis (Fiction)
Bryn Seymour was nine years old when her mother died under mysterious circumstances on the same day Apollo 11 made its historic lunar landing. Forty years later --- divorced, working as an obituary writer, and duly cynical --- she meets Howard, a conspiracy theorist who knew her mom and believes a small Texas town may hold clues to what really fueled her demise.
- Click here to read more about ONCE IN A BLUE MOON.
- Click here to read an excerpt from ONCE IN A BLUE MOON.
- Click here to read Leanna Ellis’s bio.
Features
NEVER SAY NEVER by Lisa Wingate (Romance)
Kai Miller floats through life like driftwood tossed by waves. She's never put down roots --- and she doesn't plan to. But when a chaotic hurricane evacuation lands her in Daily, Texas, she begins to think twice about her wayfaring existence, especially when a stranger comes calling.
- Click here to read a review of NEVER SAY NEVER.
- Click here to read an excerpt from NEVER SAY NEVER.
- Click here to read Lisa Wingate’s bio.
BEGUILED by Deeanne Gist and J. Mark Bertrand (Romantic Suspense)
Rylee Monroe, a dogwalker in Charleston's wealthiest neighborhood, never feared the streets at night. But now a thief is terrorizing the area, and worse, someone seems to be targeting her.
- Click here to read an excerpt from BEGUILED.
- Click here to read Deeanne Gist’s bio.
- Click here to read J. Mark Bertrand’s bio.
HUNTER’S MOON by Don Hoesel (Suspense)
Bestselling novelist CJ Baxter has made a career out of writing hard-hitting stories ripped from his own life. Still there's one story from his past he's never told. One secret that's remained buried for decades. Now, 17 years after swearing he'd never return, CJ is headed back to Adelia, NY. His life in Tennessee has fallen to pieces, his grandfather is dying, and CJ can no longer run from the past.
- Click here to read more about HUNTER’S MOON.
- Click here to read an excerpt from HUNTER’S MOON.
- Click here to read Don Hoesel’s bio.
About the Books
CHOSEN: The Lost Diaries of Queen Esther by Ginger Garrett (Historical Fiction)
CHOSEN is the first release in beloved author Ginger Garrett’s new Lost Loves of the Bible trilogy. It tells the story of Queen Esther, the young woman with the future of her nation in her hands. Wrenched from a simple life for her beauty, Esther finds herself at the mercy of King Xerxes.
-Click here to read Ginger Garrett’s bio.
GLAEN: A Novel Message on Romance, Love and Relating, by Fred Lybrand (Romance)
Annie Hughes suffers the loss of one of life’s foundational relationships --- her parents’ marriage. As a graduate student, she suddenly finds herself at a loss to understand how any relationship finds and maintains lifetime staying power, especially a relationship as intimate as marriage. Enter an atypical professor who might just have the answers Annie’s looking for.
- Click here to read Fred Lybrand’s bio.
THE RIGHT CALL: Sophie Trace Trilogy, Book 3 by Kathy Herman (Suspense)
Ethan Langley is home from college for the summer, eager to renew his friendship with Vanessa Jessup (Police Chief Brill Jessup’s daughter) and her infant son, Carter. Before Ethan is even settled, his world is rocked by a random shooting that leaves four people dead, including someone close to him.
- Click here to read Kathy Herman’s bio.
SCREEN PLAY by Chris Coppernoll (Romance)
At 30, Harper fears her chances for a thriving acting career and finding true love are both fading fast. After a devastating year of unemployment and isolation in Chicago, Harper is offered an unexpected role in a Broadway play --- as understudy to New York’s biggest diva– --- and everything in Harper's world changes.
- Click here to read Chris Coppernoll’s bio.
Click here to read the full newsletter.
Faithful Fiction
ABIGAIL: The Wives of King David, Book Two by Jill Eileen Smith (Historical Fiction)
Fifteen-year-old Abigail accepts her position as her father’s payment of debt to King Saul, knowing her family’s hearts break over the arrangement. Now she is betrothed to the king’s infamous son, Nabal, rumored to be cruel, brash and deceitful. When Nabal comes to claim her, she quickly learns the rumors are true. Reviewed by Susan Miura.
MR. DARCY BROKE MY HEART by Beth Pattillo (Romance)
Is it even possible, in the eyes of a Jane Austen fan, to think that Mr. Darcy is capable of breaking the heroine's heart? Obviously the answer is yes, but in that case, how could the story possibly end well? Rest assured that it does. Author Beth Pattillo has found a way to ruffle the feathers of PRIDE AND PREJUDICE fans and then restore their confidence in love --- and in gentlemen. Reviewed by Melanie Smith.
BLACKOUT: A Riley Covington Thriller by Jason Elam and Steve Yohn (Thriller)
When terrorists from all over the world begin targeting major American cities for attack, Colorado Mustangs linebacker and former Special Ops hero Riley Covington is called back to Washington. His knowledge of the extremely destructive weapon that one of the terrorist groups possesses thrusts him into the midst of the country’s top security leaders, including the President himself. Reviewed by Maggie Harding.
Christian Living
SO LONG, INSECURITY: You’ve Been a Bad Friend to Us, by Beth Moore (Christian Life)
Perhaps one of the biggest issues all women face is their own insecurity. Beth Moore wants women to be free from the insecurity trap. SO LONG, INSECURITY will strike a chord with women everywhere, as Beth speaks truth into the lives of readers, showing them how to deal with their innermost fears, rediscover their God-given dignity, and develop a whole new perspective --- a stronger sense of self. Reviewed by Margaret Oines.
LIVING ON THE EDGE: Dare to Experience True Spirituality by Chip Ingram (Religion & Spirituality)
Romans 12 is the START HERE for the Christian life. What most Christians sadly misunderstand is that God isn't into religious activities or performance-based Christianity. Instead, Romans 12 reveals to us a relational profile of what it means to be a disciple, as well as a proven pathway to becoming more like Jesus each day. Reviewed by Michele Howe.
66 LOVE LETTERS: A Conversation with God that Invites You into His Story, by Dr. Larry Crabb (Christian Living/Spiritual Growth)
Dr. Larry Crabb knows that if we could see the larger story of God and humanity, our world would never be the same. That story is found in large part in the 66 letters of the Bible. 66 LOVE LETTERS is a personal approach to helping readers know God and his great love for them, his message for all mankind, and how their lives fit into His larger story. Reviewed by Margaret Oines.
Marriage and Family Life
LOVE & WAR: Finding the Marriage You've Dreamed Of by John and Stasi Eldredge (Love & Marriage)
What the Eldredge bestsellers WILD AT HEART did for men and CAPTIVATING did for women, LOVE & WAR will do for married couples everywhere. John and Stasi Eldredge have contributed the quintessential works on Christian spirituality through the experience of men and the experience of women, and now they turn their focus to the incredible dynamic between those two forces. Reviewed by Michele Howe.
Author Talk
Don Hoesel
Don Hoesel is the author of two works of fiction --- the suspense thrillers ELISHA'S BONES and the newly released HUNTER'S MOON. In this interview, Hoesel compares his two novels in terms of style and genre and expounds on his latest book's symbolic title. He also discusses the novel's overall theme of forgiveness and how the finished product differs from the original book he'd intended to write, and reflects on how a Sherwood Anderson novel impacted his writing style.
Study Guides
LISTEN by Rene Gutteridge (Suspense)
Nothing ever happens in the small town of Marlo…until the residents begin seeing their private conversations posted online for everyone to read. Then it’s neighbor against neighbor, friend against friend, as paranoia and violence escalate.
- Click here to read more about LISTEN.
- Click here to read an excerpt from LISTEN.
- Click here to read Rene Gutteridge’s bio.
ANGEL’S DEN by Jamie Carie (Historical Fiction)
In 1808, Emma, the daughter of a prominent St. Louis family, believes she has met and married her dream man. But she soon discovers that Eric Montclaire is not who she thought he was. Controlling and merciless, Eric insists that Emma join him in a westward expedition following the trail that Lewis and Clark had broken a few years earlier. When Emma meets cartographer Luke Bowen along the way, her life is already in turmoil.
- Click here to read more about ANGEL’S DEN.
- Click here to read an excerpt from ANGEL’S DEN.
- Click here to read Jamie Carie’s bio.
DELIVER US FROM EVIL by Robin Caroll (Suspense)
A beautiful yet tough woman working in a beautiful yet tough setting, Brannon Callahan is a search and rescue helicopter pilot for the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Strong faith and a decorated history of service have kept her one step ahead of on-the-job dangers, but there’s no precedent for what’s about to happen.
- Click here to read more about DELIVER US FROM EVIL.
- Click here to read an excerpt from DELIVER US FROM EVIL.
- Click here to read Robin Caroll’s bio.
SCATTERED PETALS: Texas Dreams, Book 2 by Amanda Cabot (Historical Romance)
Longing for adventure, Priscilla Morton leaves Boston and heads for Texas, never dreaming that the adventure she seeks will leave her badly injured and her parents dead. Priscilla is determined to rebuild her life and make a home for herself in the beautiful Hill Country. But the bandits who took her parents’ lives also destroyed her hope for the future, until a mysterious cowboy arrives to help rebuild her life.
- Click here to read more about SCATTERED PETALS.
- Click here to read an excerpt from SCATTERED PETALS.
- Click here to read Amanda Cabot’s bio.
A DISTANT MELODY: Wings of Glory, Book One by Sarah Sundin (Romance)
Walt and Allie meet at a wedding and their love of music draws them together, prompting them to begin a correspondence that will change their lives. As letters fly between Walt’s muddy bomber base in England and Allie’s mansion in an orange grove, their friendship binds them together. But can they untangle the secrets, commitments and expectations that keep them apart?
- Click here to read more about A DISTANT MELODY.
- Click here to read an excerpt from A DISTANT MELODY.
- Click here to read Sarah Sundin’s bio.
THE PROMISE OF MORNING: At Home in Beldon Grove, Book 2 by Ann Shorey (Historical Fiction)
Life in Beldon Grove on the Illinois frontier in the 1840s isn’t easy. For Ellie Craig, the graves of her three infant children make it unbearably lonely, despite the love of her husband Matthew. When she uncovers a family secret that suggests she may not be as alone as she thought, Ellie is determined to find the truth.
- Click here to read more about THE PROMISE OF MORNING.
- Click here to read an excerpt from THE PROMISE OF MORNING.
- Click here to read Ann Shorey’s bio.
ONCE IN A BLUE MOON by Leanna Ellis (Fiction)
Bryn Seymour was nine years old when her mother died under mysterious circumstances on the same day Apollo 11 made its historic lunar landing. Forty years later --- divorced, working as an obituary writer, and duly cynical --- she meets Howard, a conspiracy theorist who knew her mom and believes a small Texas town may hold clues to what really fueled her demise.
- Click here to read more about ONCE IN A BLUE MOON.
- Click here to read an excerpt from ONCE IN A BLUE MOON.
- Click here to read Leanna Ellis’s bio.
Features
NEVER SAY NEVER by Lisa Wingate (Romance)
Kai Miller floats through life like driftwood tossed by waves. She's never put down roots --- and she doesn't plan to. But when a chaotic hurricane evacuation lands her in Daily, Texas, she begins to think twice about her wayfaring existence, especially when a stranger comes calling.
- Click here to read a review of NEVER SAY NEVER.
- Click here to read an excerpt from NEVER SAY NEVER.
- Click here to read Lisa Wingate’s bio.
BEGUILED by Deeanne Gist and J. Mark Bertrand (Romantic Suspense)
Rylee Monroe, a dogwalker in Charleston's wealthiest neighborhood, never feared the streets at night. But now a thief is terrorizing the area, and worse, someone seems to be targeting her.
- Click here to read an excerpt from BEGUILED.
- Click here to read Deeanne Gist’s bio.
- Click here to read J. Mark Bertrand’s bio.
HUNTER’S MOON by Don Hoesel (Suspense)
Bestselling novelist CJ Baxter has made a career out of writing hard-hitting stories ripped from his own life. Still there's one story from his past he's never told. One secret that's remained buried for decades. Now, 17 years after swearing he'd never return, CJ is headed back to Adelia, NY. His life in Tennessee has fallen to pieces, his grandfather is dying, and CJ can no longer run from the past.
- Click here to read more about HUNTER’S MOON.
- Click here to read an excerpt from HUNTER’S MOON.
- Click here to read Don Hoesel’s bio.
About the Books
CHOSEN: The Lost Diaries of Queen Esther by Ginger Garrett (Historical Fiction)
CHOSEN is the first release in beloved author Ginger Garrett’s new Lost Loves of the Bible trilogy. It tells the story of Queen Esther, the young woman with the future of her nation in her hands. Wrenched from a simple life for her beauty, Esther finds herself at the mercy of King Xerxes.
-Click here to read Ginger Garrett’s bio.
GLAEN: A Novel Message on Romance, Love and Relating, by Fred Lybrand (Romance)
Annie Hughes suffers the loss of one of life’s foundational relationships --- her parents’ marriage. As a graduate student, she suddenly finds herself at a loss to understand how any relationship finds and maintains lifetime staying power, especially a relationship as intimate as marriage. Enter an atypical professor who might just have the answers Annie’s looking for.
- Click here to read Fred Lybrand’s bio.
THE RIGHT CALL: Sophie Trace Trilogy, Book 3 by Kathy Herman (Suspense)
Ethan Langley is home from college for the summer, eager to renew his friendship with Vanessa Jessup (Police Chief Brill Jessup’s daughter) and her infant son, Carter. Before Ethan is even settled, his world is rocked by a random shooting that leaves four people dead, including someone close to him.
- Click here to read Kathy Herman’s bio.
SCREEN PLAY by Chris Coppernoll (Romance)
At 30, Harper fears her chances for a thriving acting career and finding true love are both fading fast. After a devastating year of unemployment and isolation in Chicago, Harper is offered an unexpected role in a Broadway play --- as understudy to New York’s biggest diva– --- and everything in Harper's world changes.
- Click here to read Chris Coppernoll’s bio.
Click here to read the full newsletter.
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