Trust in the LORD and do good. Then you will live safely in the land and prosper. Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you your heart's desires. Commit everything you do to the LORD. Trust him, and he will help you. (Psalm 37:3–5 NLT)
Tuesday, April 22, 2014
Monday, April 21, 2014
Verse of the Day
Let
the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching
and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs,
singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God. Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father. (Colossians 3:16–17)
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Friday, April 18, 2014
Lip Reading by Harry Kraus
This week, the
is introducing
David C. Cook (March 1, 2014)
by
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
A Word from Harry:
I started writing my first novel during my last year of surgery training at UK. I was a chief resident, and started writing Stainless Steal Hearts in a call room at the Veteran's Administration Hospital in Lexington. It was a crazy time to write! I had a very demanding schedule, often spending days and nights in the hospital. I had two sons at that time, and I recognized the wisdom in my wife's urging: "Now doesn't seem the right time for this dream."
My experience as a writer is far from typical. Having received my formal training in biology and chemistry and medicine, my only preparation for a writing career was a love for reading. The longest thing I'd written before my first novel was a term paper in undergraduate school. My first novel was accepted by Crossway Books and published in 1994, and it wasn't until after I had FOUR published novels that I even opened a book of instruction about the craft of writing fiction. This is not what I recommend to others! Yes, I was successful, but I was bending the "rules" without knowing it. I had a natural talent for plotting, but I realize my initial success may have stunted my growth as a writer. I'd have made faster progress if I'd have gone to the fiction teachers sooner.
I have three sons: Joel, Evan, and Samuel. Look closely in all of my books and you'll see them there. My lovely wife, Kris, provides the basic composition for all those beautiful, athletic, dedicated women in my novels.
ABOUT THE BOOK
She Could Save Millions, or Save Herself
She just needs a little longer. She’s really close. Dr. Rebecca Jackson, a medical researcher, stands on the verge of a breakthrough that will transform medicine. But she soon discovers the reason behind the miraculous progress in her research, and it leaves her with a nearly impossible choice . . . and little time to decide. More than her research is at stake. And more threatens it than this latest revelation. Something she’s tried hard to cover up. There is a high cost to some things in medicine and it’s not always the patient who pays. Can Rebecca find the faith and wisdom she needs to make the right call? The clock is ticking and the pressure is on.
If you would like to read the first chapter of Lip Reading, go HERE.
Margie's Comments: I loved this book. Harry Kraus knows how to tell a great story, from plotting to characters to spiritual thread. Even though I've cut back on book reviewing this year, the Becca Jackson's occupation as a medical researcher, caught my attention. My brother is in this field, and it fascinates me. Of course adding the ticking clock heightens the suspense of the story, making it all come together in a most satisfying read. It has been very hard to put this book down in order to get other work done! I highly recommend Lip Reading by Harry Kraus.
Verse of the Day
Good Friday prophesied:
My
servant grew up in the LORD's presence like a tender green shoot,
sprouting from a root in dry and sterile ground. There was nothing
beautiful or majestic about his appearance, nothing to attract us to
him. He
was despised and rejected – a man of sorrows, acquainted with bitterest
grief. We turned our backs on him and looked the other way when he went
by. He was despised, and we did not care. Yet
it was our weaknesses he carried; it was our sorrows that weighed him
down. And we thought his troubles were a punishment from God for his own
sins! But he was wounded and crushed for our sins. He was beaten that we might have peace. He was whipped, and we were healed! All
of us have strayed away like sheep. We have left God's paths to follow
our own. Yet the LORD laid on him the guilt and sins of us all. He
was oppressed and treated harshly, yet he never said a word. He was led
as a lamb to the slaughter. And as a sheep is silent before the
shearers, he did not open his mouth. From
prison and trial they led him away to his death. But who among the
people realized that he was dying for their sins – that he was suffering
their punishment? He had done no wrong, and he never deceived anyone. But he was buried like a criminal; he was put in a rich man's grave. But
it was the LORD's good plan to crush him and fill him with grief. Yet
when his life is made an offering for sin, he will have a multitude of
children, many heirs. He will enjoy a long life, and the LORD's plan
will prosper in his hands. (Isaiah 53:2–10 NLT)
Thursday, April 17, 2014
Christy Finalists Announced
2014 Finalists
Announced
The Christy Advisory Board is
pleased to announce finalists for the 2014 Christy Awards honoring Christian
fiction.
Contemporary/
The Prayer Box
Stones for Bread
Contemporary Romance/Suspense/
Once Upon a Prince
Rosemary Cottage
Vanished
Contemporary Series/
Lock, Stock, and Over
a Barrel
Take a Chance on Me
First Novel/
A Cast of Stones
Dear
Mr. Knightley
Historical/
Burning Sky
Sweet Mercy
Historical Romance/
Stealing the Preacher
Under a Blackberry
Moon
Suspense/
Outlaw
Singularity
Visionary/
Dragonwitch
Numb
Verse of the Day
We love, because He first loved us. (1 John 4:19)
"For
God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that
whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life." (John 3:16)
Wednesday, April 16, 2014
Verse of the Day
But the Messiah has appeared, high priest of the good things that have come. In the greater and more perfect tabernacle not made with hands (that is, not of this creation), He
entered the most holy place once for all, not by the blood of goats and
calves, but by His own blood, having obtained eternal redemption. (Hebrews 9:11–12 HCSB)
And when I think that God, his Son not sparing,
Sent him to die, I scarce can take it in,
That on the cross, my burden gladly bearing,
He bled and died to take away my sin.
Then sings my soul, my Savior God, to thee:
How great thou art! How great thou art!
Then sings my soul, my Savior God, to thee:
How great thou art! How great thou art!
And when I think that God, his Son not sparing,
Sent him to die, I scarce can take it in,
That on the cross, my burden gladly bearing,
He bled and died to take away my sin.
Then sings my soul, my Savior God, to thee:
How great thou art! How great thou art!
Then sings my soul, my Savior God, to thee:
How great thou art! How great thou art!
Tuesday, April 15, 2014
Enter to win a Kindle HDX from @TLHigley in THE QUEEN’S HANDMAID giveaway!
Tracy L. Higley is celebrating the release of The Queen's Handmaid with a fun giveaway.
Retailers + Resources gave it this
glowing review: "Rich in historic detail,
Higley’s vivid writing brings to life the plots and intrigues that
swirled through the ancient world as alliances were built and broken on
the calculated schemes of power-mad
monarchs."
- A Kindle Fire HDX
- The Queen's Handmaid by Tracy L. Higley
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry,
the giveaway ends on April 19th. Winner will be
announced April 21st on Tracy's blog.
Don't miss a moment of the fun; enter today and be sure to stop by Tracy's
blog on April 21st to see if you won.
The Queen's Handmaid by Tracy L. Higley
Alexandria, Egypt 39 BC
Orphaned at birth, Lydia was raised as a servant in Cleopatra's palace, working hard to please while keeping everyone at arm's length. She's been rejected and left with a broken heart too many times in her short life.
But then her dying mentor entrusts her with secret writings of the prophet Daniel and charges her to deliver this vital information to those watching for the promised King of Israel. Lydia must leave the nearest thing she's had to a family and flee to Jerusalem. Once in the Holy City, she attaches herself to the newly appointed king, Herod the Great, as handmaid to Queen Mariamme.
Trapped among the scheming women of Herod's political family---his sister, his wife, and their mothers---and forced to serve in the palace to protect her treasure, Lydia must deliver the scrolls before dark forces warring against the truth destroy all hope of the coming Messiah.
Purchase a copy: http://ow.ly/uKKQP
About the Author: Tracy L. Higley started her first novel at age eight and has been hooked on writing ever since. She has authored many novels, including Garden of Madness and So Shines the Night. Tracy is currently pursuing a graduate degree in Ancient History and has traveled through Greece, Turkey, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, and Italy, researching her novels and falling into adventures.
See Tracy's travel journals and more at: tracyhigley.com
Margie's Comments: The Queen's Handmaid is the latest in author Tracy L. Higley's ancient historical fiction books. As always, this newest book reflects the author's meticulous research that brings the story world alive, peopled with authentic, if fictional, characters. Lydia's courage to do what is right and speak her mind is evident right from the start. In spite of her ignorance of her past and origins, she is loyal to her mentor in Alexandria, and she strives to fulfill his dying request even in the turmoil and intrigues of Herod the Great's court. I love how the themes of God's faithfulness and love are portrayed throughout the book, as His hand is seen in the orchestration of His plan to keep hope alive in the face of insurmountable obstacles, from human and the spiritual forces of wickedness. As Lydia learns of her heritage she gains even more inner courage and strength to carry out the purposes for which God has created her. As I read, I was reminded that God never wastes anything in the lives of His children, and He will preserve those who follow Him. Another excellent read from this author, one I can highly recommend, especially those who enjoy historical mystery and intrigue.
The Turning by Davis Bunn
About The Turning
ISBN (Trade Paperback): 978-0802411686
304 pages
April 1, 2014 from River North, a division of Moody
Publishers
Video
Trailer
Read Chapters 1-3 of The Turning for free
Read chapters 1-3 of “The Turning” by Davis Bunn for free: http://statictab.com/fvrrsxz (Like his
Facebook page to start reading.)
About Davis Bunn
Davis Bunn is a four-time Christy Award-winning, best-selling author now serving as writer-in-residence at Regent's Park College, Oxford University in the United Kingdom.
Defined by readers and reviewers as a "wise teacher," "gentleman adventurer," "consummate writer," and "Renaissance man," his work in business took him to over 40 countries around the world, and his books have sold more than seven million copies in sixteen languages.
Facebook: facebook.com/davisbunnauthor
Twitter: @davisbunn
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/davisbunn/
Plot
Synopsis
The
message was unexpected but instantly recognizable.
A
voice resonated from a distance and somehow from within. Against all
earthly logic, it carried a divine command. And five very different
people knew they were summoned to obey.
Their
actions were demanding, but not particularly grand. Only later would they
see a pattern emerge — one that links their tasks together and comes to
challenge the cultural direction of the nation. They realize that one
small personal response unveiled a new realm of moral responsibility. And
this affirmation of everyday hope captures the attention of millions.
But
power and money are at stake. Malicious elements soon align themselves to
counter the trend. To succeed they must also undermine its source. Can we really believe that God speaks to people today? Surely this
must be dismissed as superstition or delusion. These well-intentioned but
misguided individuals should not be allowed to cast our society back into the
Dark Ages.
The
public debate and media frenzy place an unprecedented spotlight on knowing and
doing God's will. The five encounter threats, but try to remain steadfast
in their faith. Had God indeed imparted wisdom on selected
individuals? Is this sweep of events part of his divine purpose?
The movement may herald a profound renewal — one
that some are calling The Turning...
Margie's Comments:
The Turning, Davis Bunn's newest release, is another excellent, thought-provoking read, even with his trademark suspense. The characters are well developed and endearing. Even the "villain" of the story is likable in spite of the fact I wanted his scheme to fail. As I read The Turning, I was impressed by the similarity to some of my own faith-challenging experiences the last several years. God's faithfulness to uphold truth above the lies of the enemy and of this world is clearly depicted in the events. I highly recommend this book, especially to those who truly desire to live out a real faith in God and His Word. Also, let me challenge you to do the forty day devotional found at http://theburningbook.com.
I received a complimentary copy of The Turning from River North Fiction in exchange for my honest
review.
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