Thursday, May 29, 2008

The Hunted by Mike Dellosso

I had the fun of endorsing Mike Dellosso's scary new release, and now I get to join in his blog tour. Mike is going to be giving away signed cover flats to the first twenty people who sign up for his newsletter with the words "Blog Tour" in the comment box. Here's where you can sign up for that newsletter:

Just to whet your whistle, here's my endorsement for The Hunted:

Mike Dellosso's pins and needles thriller hurtles the reader down a dark and twisted path. Flickers of faith light the way, and fateful decisions determine the outcome of a horrifying climax. I dare you to take this one home!


ABOUT THE BOOK:

A town’s deadly secret will drive one man to the edge of his faith…

Joe Saunders is determined to unravel the mystery surrounding the brutal mauling of his nephew.

Police Chief Maggie Gill is determined to protect the mystery surrounding her family’s deadly secret.

But neither is prepared for the truth when the mystery revealed uncovers the horror that is lurking in the shadows of Dark Hills.

After learning of the disappearance of his nephew, Joe Saunders returns to his childhood home of Dark Hills to aid in the search effort. When Caleb is found, badly mauled and clinging to life, Joe embarks on a mission to find the beast responsible. But the more Joe delves into the fabric of his old hometown, the more he realizes Dark Hills has a dark secret, shrouded for three generations in a deadly code of silence. As Joe unravels the truth behind a series of unexplained animal attacks, murder, and corruption at the highest level of law enforcement, he is led to a final showdown where he must entrust his very life into God’s hands.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Born in Baltimore, Maryland, Mike now lives in Hanover, Pennsylvania, with his wife, Jen, and their three daughters. He writes a monthly column for Writer . . .Interrupted, was a newspaper correspondent/columnist for over three years, has published several articles for The Candle of Prayer inspirational booklets, and has edited and contributed to numerous Christian-themed Web sites and e-newsletters. Mike is a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance, the Relief Writer’s Network, and International Thriller Writers. He received his BA degree in sports exercise and medicine from Messiah College and his MBS degree in theology from Master’s Graduate School of Divinity.




Friday, May 23, 2008

Ten Pound CAW Giveaway!

Chapter-a-Week is giving away TEN POUNDS of books. That's right. Ten pounds of summer reading for a winning member. Here are the details:

We had such a great response to our last book giveaway that we've decided to make it a regular event! So we are giving away a ten-pound box of autographed Chapter-a-Week books to one Chapter-a-Week member for summer reading fun.

Simply send an email with "Chapter-a-Week Summer Reading Giveaway" in the subject line to cawcontest@gmail.com and you'll be entered in the drawing. The deadline for signing up is June 6th and the winner will be announced June 13th. Get your entries in and be sure to tell your friends to sign up for Chapter-a-Week!

To qualify, the return email address must be on the Chapter-a-Week membership list.

Continental U. S. residents only, please. Industry professionals should refrain from entering, and though we'd love you to share our books with your friends, these books are not for resale.

Thanks and happy reading!
Your friends at Chapter-a-Week



Here are this week's feature titles. You can read chapters of these books on the CAW web site.


CONTROLLING INTEREST by Elizabeth White

THERE'S TROUBLE IN RIVER CITY...

Matt Hogan's Memphis detective agency has been on the skids since a recent attack of conscience cost him an important case. When a wealthy investor steps in and saves River City Investigations, Matt thinks all his prayers have been answered-until he finds out that with the investor comes a new partner.

Fresh out of criminal justice school and a two-year stint in the Tunica County Sheriff's Department, Natalie Tubberville is out to prove she can cut it in the world of private investigations. But her reluctant partner is just as determined to have nothing to do with her--until Natalie makes him an offer he can't refuse! If Matt solves the next case before she does, she will return her share of the company.

And the race is on. As two strong personalities compete, mutual attraction grows…while a simple case of a runaway bride threatens to become an international incident. Will Matt and Natalie call off the competition-or discover an entirely new arrangement?

Zondervan ISBN 0310273056

Dear Baby Girl
By Jane Orcutt

From Publishers Weekly - Unlike most Christian fiction with prolife themes, this sweet, inspirational novella gently unfolds a tale of how God redeems tragedy for three people in difficult circumstances, without resorting to heavy-handed proselytizing...Orcutt's fellow Christian writers should take note that a message-driven novel can be much more than just a sermon.

To read an excerpt of these new titles go to Chapter-a-Week. Find out about our new Summer Reading book giveaway while you're there!

Saturday, May 17, 2008

Read Excerpts and Win!


I may be officially addicted to giving books away! Help! Save me!! (No, don't. I'm lovin' it.)

So here's the deal for today through Wednesday: I just finished reading Angela Hunt's new release, The Elevator, and couldn't put it down. It's a lovely hardcover novel from a best-selling author, and I bought it myself (not a publisher giveaway connected to a blog tour), but I'm giving it away so someone else can also enjoy it.

The thing is, since this is costing me the price of the book in addition to postage, there is more to getting entered in the drawing for it than just making a comment at the end of the post. This time around, a comment will also be considered as signing up for my author e-newsletter, which releases every other month. Each Forever Fiction newsletter contains an encouraging message, a special offer for newsletter subscribers only, and an update on my books and speaking schedule, as well as a peek into the writing life.

If this sounds a teensy bit better than brussel sprouts, go ahead and read on about a couple of new books and a way to read excerpts from them. Then offer a pertinent comment, along with your contact information, and you'll be in the drawing, as well as a new member of my newsletter list.

I don't know about you, but I enjoy reading book excerpts to see if a novel would be something up my alley. There's a spot on the web that features excerpts from two "good, clean, fun" reads each week. It's called Chapter-a-Week, and the site also has a chat forum so you can yak it up about your favorite reads. Below are this week's featured titles, followed by the link for Chapter-a-Week.


Anathema
By Colleen Coble

Welcome to Parke County, Indiana,
land of peaceful farms and covered bridges,
Amish quilts and horse drawn buggies . . . and murder.

After years of running, Hannah Schwartz has finally built a life for herself. Far from the insecure husband who bullied and abused her. Far from the close-knit Amish community who raised her, then shunned her. Still haunted by nightmare memories of her parents' murder . . . and the guilty secret that made her an anathema—a true outcast—from her friends and family.

Only love can bring her home again. Love for a child she had feared was lost forever.
And love for the peaceful people who shaped her life. But can love heal old wounds . . . or keep the community safe from a deadly danger?

DAWN'S LIGHT
Restoration Series—Book 4
Terri Blackstock

Book 4 in Terri Blackstock's popular Restoration Series is in stores now!

As the Pulses that caused the massive global power outage are finally coming to an end, thirteen-year-old Beth Branning witnesses a murder. Threatened by the killer, she keeps the matter to herself. But her silence could cost her life. Will technology return to normal in time to save the Brannings from their worst crisis yet?

To read an excerpt of these new titles go to Chapter-a-Week, and to join our deeper discussion of these titles go to Chapter-a-Week Chat at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/CAWChat/ where authors and readers discuss new titles together.

If you enjoy Chapter-a-Week take the time to tell a friend how to sign up. It's easy and free and a great way to find books that fit each person's particular reading style.

Wednesday, May 14, 2008

Win a Copy of Healing Promises!


I featured Amy Wallace's Healing Promises a few weeks ago on my blog when it first released, but now I'm able to offer not one, but TWO, copies for giveaway. Just read through the blog post and offer a pertinent comment, along with some form of contact information, in order to be entered in the drawing!

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Facing a new threat.

When FBI Agent Clint Rollins takes a bullet during a standoff, it might just save his life. But not even the ugly things he’s seen during his years working in the Crimes Against Children Unit could prepare him for the overwhelming powerlessness of hospital tests revealing an unexpected diagnosis. If only Sara weren’t retreating into doctor mode…he needs his wife now more than ever.

Frozen in fear.

Sara Rollins is an oncologist with a mission–beating cancer when she can, easing her patients’ suffering at the very least. Now the life of her tall Texan husband is at stake. She never let the odds steal her hope before, but in this case, the question of God’s healing promises is personal. Can she hold on to the truth she claimed to believe?

Faith under fire.

As Clint continues to track down a serial kidnapper despite his illness, former investigations haunt his nightmares, pushing him beyond solving the case into risking his life and career. Clint struggles to believe God is still the God of miracles. Especially when he needs not one, but two. Everything in his life is reduced to one all-important question: Can God be trusted?If you would like to read the first chapter, go HERE.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Amy Wallace is the author of Ransomed Dreams, a homeschool mom, and a self-confessed chocoholic. She is a graduate of the Gwinnett County Citizens Police Academy and a contributing author of several books, including God Answers Moms’ Prayers and Chicken Soup for the Soul Healthy Living Series: Diabetes. She lives with her husband and three children in Georgia.

Monday, May 12, 2008

Mayla's Baaaack!


I'm a Virginia Smith fan. She is such a versatile and prolific writer. Don't you just love this cover? Her latest release finally brings us the sequel to her acclaimed debut novel, Just As I Am. Leave a pertinent comment at the end of this post, along with some form of contact information, for a chance to win a copy of Sincerely, Mayla!

The quirky convert to faith, Mayla Strong is back just as winsomely wierd as ever. Mayla definitely does not fit in anyone's box, but she's a true-blue believer struggling like the rest of us to handle her problem's God's way, not her own.

I loved this book as much or more than Just As I Am. Maybe because I can be a bit Mayla-ish in my attempts to "fix" things. This is a great summer read. Don't miss it!

Here's the back cover blurb:

Will Mayla Strong's life ever resemble normal? Just as she settles into a great place with God, everything else falls apart. In the course of a single week she loses her job, wrecks any chance at a relationship with Pastor Paul, gets the cold shoulder from her friend Stuart, and learns that Lindsey--the teenage sister of her late friend Alex--needs a safe place to stay. What good is being a control freak if nobody will do what you tell them?

Taking advantage of her newfound "vacation time," Mayla flees to her grandmother's house in Florida. But one by one, problems follow . . . literally. In this touching sequel to Just As I Am, quirky Mayla Strong comes face to face with the responsibilities and joys of friends and family. As she tries to help her loved ones, Mayla begins to realize that God has all the answers--the trick is letting go long enough for Him to prove it.

Monday, May 05, 2008

Big Book Giveaway!

I'm posting this awesome giveaway info for a friend who's starting a devotional blog. Read on to find out how you can qualify for a chance at an enormous bundle of books! There's something here for every age and taste.

A note from Dena Dyer:

Do you love books? Do you like free stuff? Me too! So I'm really excited to announce a HUGE book giveaway. I've recently begun writing monthly devotionals, called "Faith Lifts: Deep Topics with a Light Touch." I'm having a lot of fun writing them, and I'd love to build my subscriber list. You can see the first devotional here: http://denadyer.typepad.com/faith_lifts_newsletter_ar/

So here's the deal: if you sign up for my devotional to come in your in-box once a month (just enter your email in the box on the top left of my website, http://www.denadyer.com/), I'll enter your name in the drawing for the giveaway. And I promise, I won't share your email address with anyone. Nope. Never. Not gonna do it. :)

I'll hold the drawing on May 25, and ship the books to the winner as soon as I receive their mailing address. Here's what I'm giving away:

Non-fiction:
A hot-off-the- presses copy of Heavenly Humor for the Woman’s Soul by Martha Bolton, Anita Renfroe, Patsy Clairmont and others (including Dena Dyer)Fueled by Faith by Jennifer Kennedy Dean
Facing Every Mom’s Fears by Allie Pleiter
Let Your Life Count by Donna Partow
Building the Christian Family You Never Had by Mary DeMuth
Naked Fruit by Elisa Morgan
The Woman I’m Becoming by T. Suzanne Eller

Fiction:
Come, my Little Angel by Diane Noble
After the Leaves Fall by Nicole Baart
A Whisper of Freedom by Tricia Goyer
Quaker Summer by Lisa Samson
Fair is the Rose by Liz Curtis Higgs
Sweet Caroline by Rachel Hauck

Children’s media:
Two books in “The Adventures of Bailey and Canteen” series: Lost and Found and Canyon Rescue by Eddy Bolton, illustrated by Jerry Pittenger (books with read-along CD’s, which include 6 original songs)
Veggie Tales DVD (Where’s God When I’m Scared?) from their “Classics” series

Friday, May 02, 2008

New Chapter-a-Week Features!

Here are a couple of books to add to your spring reading pleasure.
To read an excerpt of these new titles go to Chapter-a-Week and to join our deeper discussion go to Chapter-a-Week Chat at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/CAWChat/, where authors and readers discuss new titles together.

If you enjoy Chapter-a-Week, take the time to tell a friend how to sign up. It's easy and free and a great way to find books that fit each person's taste.


The Convenient Groom -- A Nantucket Love Story
By Denise Hunter

She wrote the book--literally--on finding the right mate. But does she really understand what love's about?

Five hours before her Nantucket beach wedding--and on the eve of her big book launch--celebrity marriage counselor Kate Lawrence has everything in place. Everything, that is, but the groom. She might not have a career, either, when her nationwide audience finds out their marriage guru has been left at the altar.

Enter Lucas Wright, who offers to stand in for the missing husband-to-be and marry her. Kate's desperate enough to agree--although she's sure this Mr. Wright is completely wrong for her. But can they pull it off? And why would Lucas marry her in the first place?
Could it be that "Dr. Kate" doesn't know the first thing about love?

A Whisper of Freedom
By Tricia Goyer

Espionage, faith, love, and an ancient treasure. The plot thickens in this third installment of the Chronicles of the Spanish Civil War series by acclaimed author Tricia Goyer.

The fighting between the Nationalists and the Republicans grinds on across Spain, threatening to destroy everything and everyone in its path. International volunteers Sophie, Philip, and Deion are slowly coming to grips with the fact that if they are going to survive to help the people of Spain, they must escape this foreign land soon. But the line between friends and enemies is increasingly blurred, and the journey out of the country is fraught with danger.

And then there's the gold. Walt has a plan for the treasure that he promises will help the people of Spain if Sophie will help him get it out of the country. But Michael is hot on their trail with plans of his own for the precious metal.
A Whisper of Freedom reminds readers that victory is often unsure in times of war. Danger and darkness can threaten to silence all courage and faith. But as this committed band of volunteers and Spanish patriots learns--hope is more precious than gold.