Saturday, April 30, 2011

Verse of the Day

Now the God of peace . . . equip you in every good thing to do His will, working in us that which is pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen. (Hebrews 13:20–21)

Friday, April 29, 2011

Who Is My Shelter by Neta Jackson


This week, the
 
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
 
is introducing
 
Who is My Shelter
 
Thomas Nelson (March 1, 2011)
 
by
 
Neta Jackson
   



ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
   
Neta Jackson is the author of the popular novel series, *The Yada Yada Prayer Group*, and a spin-off series called *The Yada Yada House of Hope.* These novels were inspired by a real women's Bible study and prayer group that, as Neta says, "God has used to turn my life upside down and rightside up." Neta and her husband, Dave, are also an award-winning writing team, best known for the Trailblazer books--a forty-book series of historical fiction for young people about great Christian heroes (see www.trailblazerbooks.com). The Jacksons are members of a multi-cultural church in the Chicago area, and the parents of three grown children, including a Cambodian foster daughter, all with families of their own.


ABOUT THE BOOK   

In Jackson's fourth Yada Yada House of Hope Christian evangelical novel, Gabby Fairbanks is now settled in her new apartment at the House of Hope. But she is being pulled in several directions at once and has some hard decisions to make.

Philip, her estranged husband, is in a lot of trouble with a rogue cop from whom he borrowed money and also with his partner at the commercial development firm after he takes company money to cover his gambling losses. Lee Boyer, the Legal Aid lawyer who has become a friend to Gabby, now wants to be more. Gabby must decide whether to give Philip another chance, as their sons, Paul and PJ, hope, and she turns to the folks at Manna House, where she works, and the Yada Yada Prayer Group to help her discern God's plan for her.


If you would like to read the first chapter of Who is My Shelter, go HERE


Margie's comments: Who Is My Shelter is a wonderful addition to this House of Hope series by Neta Jackson. I've fallen in love with the characters. Gabby's struggles to live as the Lord directs in spite of the loss of her mother and the disintegration of her marriage are very real. The fellowship she finds with her many new friends helps her stay grounded in spite of the pressures around her. In each book, the characters grow closer to the Lord as they walk through difficult circumstances. I look forward to reading more about Gabby and her family and friends.

Verse of the Day

Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. (James 1:12)

Thursday, April 28, 2011

Verse of the Day

Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. (James 1:2–4)

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Abigail's New Hope by Mary Ellis


This week, the
 
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
 
is introducing
 
Abigail's New Hope
 
Harvest House Publishers (April 1, 2011)
 
by
 
Mary Ellis
   

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: 

A word from the author:I grew up close to the eastern Ohio Amish community of Geauga County, where my parents often took me to farmers’ markets and woodworking fairs. My husband and I now live within the largest population of Amish in the country–a four-county area in central Ohio. We love to take weekend getaways to purchase farm produce and other goodies, stay with Amish families in bed and breakfasts, attend country auctions, and enjoy the simpler way of life.

This is my first series of novels set in the Amish community.

I would love to hear from readers of Christian novels. Please leave me a post at my blogsite


ABOUT THE BOOK

As an Amish midwife, Abigail Graber loves bringing babies into the world. But when a difficult delivery takes a devastating turn, Abigail is faced with some hard choices. Despite her best efforts, the young mother dies—but the baby is saved.

When a heartless judge confines Abigail to the county jail for her mistakes, her sister Catherine comes to care for her children while Daniel works his fields. Catherine meets Daniel’s reclusive cousin, Isaiah, who’s deaf and thought to be simple minded by his community. She endeavors to teach him to communicate and discovers he possesses unexpected gifts and talents.

While Abigail searches for forgiveness, Catherine changes lives and, in return, finds love, something long elusive in her life. And Isaiah discovers God, who cares nothing about our handicaps or limitations in His sustaining love.

An inspirational tale of overcoming grief, maintaining faith, and finding hope in an ever-changing world.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Abigail's New Hope, go HERE.

Watch the book trailer:


Review to come later.

Verse of the Day

Forever, O LORD, Your word is settled in heaven. Your faithfulness continues throughout all generations; You established the earth, and it stands. If Your law had not been my delight, then I would have perished in my affliction. (Psalm 119:89–92)

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Verse of the Day

With all my heart I have sought You; do not let me wander from Your commandments. Your word I have treasured in my heart, that I may not sin against You. . . . I will meditate on Your precepts and regard Your ways. I shall delight in Your statutes; I shall not forget Your word. (Psalm 119:10–11, 15–16)

Monday, April 25, 2011

Verse of the Day

Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; for His lovingkindness is everlasting. (Psalm 118:1, 29)

Thursday, April 21, 2011

Beside Still Waters by Tricia Goyer

About Tricia: Tricia Goyer is the author of twenty-six books including Songbird Under a German Moon, The Swiss Courier, and the mommy memoir, Blue Like Play Dough. She won Historical Novel of the Year in 2005 and 2006 from ACFW, and was honored with the Writer of the Year award from Mt. Hermon Writer's Conference in 2003. Tricia's book Life Interrupted was a finalist for the Gold Medallion in 2005. In addition to her novels, Tricia writes non-fiction books and magazine articles for publications like MomSense and Thriving Family. Tricia is a regular speaker at conventions and conferences, and has been a workshop presenter at the MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) International Conventions. She and her family make their home in Little Rock, Arkansas where they are part of the ministry of FamilyLife. Visit www.triciagoyer.com  for more info.

 



About Beside Still Waters: Marianna Sommer believes she knows where her life is headed. Nineteen years old and Amish, her plan is to get baptized into the church, marry Aaron Zook, and live in the only community she's ever known.

When Marianna's family moves from Indiana to Montana she discovers life and faith will never be the same. As she builds an easy friendship with local guy, Ben Stone, Ben not only draws her heart, he also gets her thinking about what loving God and living in community is all about.

As Marianna struggles to find "home", she also encounters God in intimate ways. 


 Margie's Comments: Tricia Goyer has given us another heartwarming story, this time about an Amish family who has suffered greatly within their community. Many, including Marianna, see their move to Montana as running away. In a sense it is, but in a bigger sense it was a running to a new life, full of an understanding of God's grace and love. A place of peace and joy in the midst of trials and heartaches. For those who like "bonnet" fiction, I can highly recommend Beside Still Waters.

Click here to watch the book trailers. http://triciagoyer.com\/contemporaryfiction.html#BesideStillWaters  
 
Link to buy the book: http://triciagoyer.co/contemporaryfiction.html#BesideStillWaters

To read other reviews here is a list of all who participated in the blog tour:  Blog Tour Schedule




 BIG NEWS: Tricia is having a fun giveaway. Please share it in your blog review post.

About Beside Still Waters Giveaway:

To celebrate the release of the first book in the Big Sky Amish series Tricia is giving away 10 copies of Beside Still Waters and a pair of super cute antique Amish salt & pepper shakers.

Details at Tricia’s blog, It’s Real Life: http://triciagoyer.blogspot.com/2011/04/beside-still-waters-giveaway.html 


BONUS! Each person who enters the giveaway will receive a FABULOUS Montana Amish Calendar. Hurry, it’s only available while supplies last! 




 






Verse of the Day

The people who know their God shall prove themselves strong and shall stand firm and do exploits [for God]. (Daniel 11:32 AMP)