Beyond the Storm~ by Carolyn Zane

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Beyond the Storm Abingdon Press (October 2012) by Carolyn Zane
My Review:  I must say I was completely surprised by this book.  It began with a snapshot into the lives of several residents in Ralston with Abigail, a seemingly shallow salon owner, at the center.  There was an introduction into each of the resident’s stories that while entertaining was not something that left me hungering for more and then the storm hits.  From the moment the storm begins to form the book had me hooked.  The description of people’s fears, reactions, internal turmoil, and the descriptions of the aftermath was so gripping that I felt like I had been through this tragedy with the characters.  I found myself holding my breath as they looked for their loved ones and tried to put their lives back together.   I thought this book was an amazing testimony to the sovereignty of God and how even through the darkest of circumstances He provides us with the hope that can see us through.  I highly recommend this book.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Author of 35 books, wife, mother and yes…hot (flasher) lives with her fabulous husband, Matt and their 5 children and 3 dogs in the scenic Willamette Valley in Oregon. When asked to describe her family, Carolyn likens her crowd to the Brangelia Bunch saying modestly, “Only we’re better looking.” Right now,Carolyn is back in the saddle with her new title: Beyond The Storm, coming out in October 2012! In the mean time, be sure to catch her on the critically acclaimed TOOHOTMAMAS Blog where Carolyn and Wendy tackle Marriage, motherhood and menopause: How to do all three and stay out of prison! They are hilarious! You'll wet yourself, guaranteed! Visit them at: www.toohotmamas.wordpress.com.

ABOUT THE BOOK

After a tornado rips through her town, store owner Abigail comes across a piece of fabric from a wedding dress among the devastation. Abigail is moved to start collecting other swatches of fabric she finds – her neighbor’s kitchen curtains, a man’s necktie, a dog’s bed – which she stashes in shopping bags. As she pursues her seemingly absurd quest, horrible realities spark the question, “What kind of a God would allow such tragedy?” 

As she struggles to reconcile her right to happiness amidst the destruction, Abigail begins piecing together a patchwork quilt from the salvaged fabric in hopes it will bring some peace. But a new relationship with Justin, a contractor, may require too much of her fragile heart.  Will her pain and questions of faith give way to the courage to love?

If you would like to read the first chapter of Beyond the Storm, go HERE.

Against the Tide~ by Elizabeth Camden

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Against the Tide Bethany House Publishers (October 1, 2012) by Elizabeth Camden

 My Review: Against the Tide is a romantic adventure that tells the story of Lydia Pallas.  Lydia grew up with a childhood that was not blessed with advantages or wealth, but nevertheless when she is offered a position as a translator for the U S Navy she can finally have a life that provides her with the security and stability she craves.  Enter Alexander Banebrige.  Alexander is a mysterious man whose live is consumed with the quest to end the opium trade.  Lydia and Bane’s (Alexander) paths cross when he needs a translator’s services and through this they are both drawn into a dangerous mission that requires Lydia to take a huge risk.

I thoroughly enjoyed this novel.  It was very engaging from the first page and I really appreciated the development of the main characters Lydia and Bane.  They were complex people with struggles and imperfections and their story was really touching.  In addition to the romance part of the story it also has elements of mystery and suspense.  This book is a great historical romantic adventure read (if that is a genre) that you will definitely enjoy.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

A Word from Elizabeth:

I am a college librarian in central Florida by day, but by night I can be found pounding out inspirational historical novels the moment the sun goes down. I love writing books about fiercely intelligent people who are confronted with profound challenges. As a rather introverted person, I have found that writing is the best way for me to share my faith and a sense of resilience with others.

I married relatively late in life, which turned out to be an odd kind of blessing. I had gotten very good at leading a solo life, and although I was not particularly content being alone, I had become reconciled to it. Most importantly, it taught me never to take my husband for granted. I give daily thanks for the blessing of being able to share a life with my favorite person on the planet.

As for who I am? I love old Hitchcock films, the hour before sunset, a long, sweaty run through the Florida countryside, and a glass of good wine. After spending my entire adult life on a college campus (either as a student or a librarian) I have finally been able to pursue my ultimate goal of writing professionally.


ABOUT THE BOOK

Love and Lives are Threatened in Camden's Latest Offering

As a child, Lydia Pallas became all too familiar with uncertainty when it came to the future. Now, she's finally carved out a perfect life for herself--a life of stability and order with no changes, surprises, or chaos of any kind. She adores her apartment overlooking the bustling Boston Harbor, and her skill with languages has landed her a secure position as a translator for the U.S. Navy.

However, it is her talent for translation that brings her into contact with Alexander Banebridge, or "Bane," a man who equally attracts and aggravates her. When Bane hires Lydia to translate a seemingly innocuous collection of European documents, she hesitantly agrees, only to discover she is in over her head.

Just as Bane's charm begins to win her over, Lydia learns he is driven by a secret campaign against some of the most dangerous criminals on the East Coast, compelled by his faith and his past. Bane forbids any involvement on Lydia's part, but when the criminals gain the upper hand, it is Lydia on whom he must depend.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Against the Tide, go HERE.

Full Disclosure~ by Dee Henderson

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Full Disclosure Bethany House Publishers (October 2, 2012) by Dee Henderson

My Review: Full Disclosure is a Christian fiction romance/suspense novel written about two cop’s, Ann Silver and Paul Falcon, whose lives intersect when Ann brings a case to Paul which serves as a lead for one of his investigations.  Paul’s interest in Ann is peaked by this brief meeting and as he decides to get to know her, he realizes that this there is a lot more to Ann than her job as Midwest Homicide Investigator and the more he finds out the more interested he becomes.

I thought this was an excellent read.  I have always enjoyed romantic suspense novels that really provide a great mystery and this book fit the bill.  The cases that the characters are involved in are layered and complex and keep you guessing as to what will happen next.  I also really enjoyed Ann and Paul’s relationship.  It was a great story about two people who have lived separate lives for so long trying to see if they could have a future together.  I really got a lot from seeing how their relationship developed and reading about Ann’s relationship with God made me long for a closer relationship than I have now.

I highly recommend this book.  It is an great escape from your everyday and is a crime mystery that while suspenseful and attention grabbing, will not give you nightmares.  ~Enjoy 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Dee Henderson is the bestselling, award-winning author of 15 previous novels, including the acclaimed O'MALLEY series and UNCOMMON HEROES series. She is a lifelong resident of Illinois.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Ann Silver is a cop's cop. As the Midwest Homicide Investigator, she is called in to help local law enforcement on the worst of cases, looking for answers to murder. Hers is one of the region's most trusted investigative positions.

Paul Falcon is the FBI's top murder cop in the Midwest. If the victim carried a federal badge or had a security clearance, odds are good Paul and his team see the case file or work the murder.

Their lives intersect when Ann arrives to pass a case off her desk and onto his. A car wreck and a suspicious death offer a lead on a hired shooter he is tracking. Paul isn't expecting to meet someone, the kind that goes on the personal side of the ledger, but Ann Silver has his attention.

The better he gets to know her, the more Paul realizes her job barely scratches the surface of who she is. She knows spies and soldiers and U.S. Marshals, and has written books about them. She is friends with the former Vice President. People with good reason to be cautious about who they let into their lives deeply trust her. Paul wonders just what secrets Ann is keeping, until she shows him the John Doe Killer case file, and he starts to realize just who this lady he is falling in love with really is…

Watch the book trailer:

If you would like to read the first chapter of Full Disclosure, go HERE.