CFBA Presents "The 13th Demon" by Bruce Hennigan

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
The 13th Demon
Realms (October 4, 2011)
by
Bruce Hennigan



ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Bruce Hennigan was born and raised in the isolated countryside of Shreveport, La., a place full of possibilities for the active mind of a young boy. The fertile imagination he cultivated while playing deep in the Louisiana woods would lead to a lifelong love of creative writing.



In 2006, Hennigan pursued the Certified Apologetic Instructor Certificate from the North American Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention. He has become a frequent speaker at regional and state events on apologetics and his strong point is in making these sometimes hard to understand issues easily approachable for the average Christian. Hennigan’s experience in apologetics inspired him to write his new novel, The 13th Demon: Altar of the Spiral Eye, a supernatural Christian thriller that combines science and faith. Now, combining his love for apologetics and his love for the art of writing, Hennigan is pursuing a career as the “Michael Crichton” of Christian fiction building powerful, fast paced stories around the truths of Christian apologetics.



Hennigan currently resides in Shreveport with his wife and daughter. He continues to write and to practice radiology at the Willis Knighton Health Care System. He has secured Jeff Jernigan of Hidden Value Group (www.hiddenvaluegroup.com) as his literary agent and has signed a five book deal with the Realms imprint of Charisma Media for “The Chronicles of Jonathan Steel”.



ABOUT THE BOOK

When Jonathan Steel wakes up on a beach in a raging thunderstorm, naked, beaten, and bleeding, he has no idea who he is or how he got there. But just as he starts to make progress in his slow journey to recovery, tragedy strikes again, taking everything in his new life that he has come to love and rely on.

Filled with rage and a thirst for revenge, he searches the countryside for the entity responsible—an entity called only the Thirteenth Demon. His quest brings him to Lakeside, Louisiana, and a small country church where evil is in control and strange writing on the walls, blood-soaked floors, and red-eyed spiders have appeared in the sanctuary.



As he faces the final confrontation with an evil presence that has pursued him all of his life, he must choose between helping the people he loves or destroying the thirteenth demon.



If you would like to read the first chapter of The 13th Demon, go HERE.

Happy Reading!















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CFBA Presents "Attraced To Fire" by DiAnn Mills

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Attracted to Fire Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. (October 1, 2011)
by DiAnn Mills



ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

DiAnn Mills believes her readers should “Expect an Adventure.” She is a fiction writer who combines an adventuresome spirit with unforgettable characters to create action-packed novels. Her books have won many awards through American Christian Fiction Writers, and she is the recipient of the Inspirational Reader’s Choice award for 2005, 2007, and 2010. She was a Christy Award finalist in 2008 and a Christy winner in 2010. DiAnn is a founding board member for American Christian Fiction Writers, a member of Inspirational Writers Alive, Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, and is the Craftsman Mentor for the Christian Writer’s Guild. She speaks to various groups and teaches writing workshops. DiAnn and her husband live in Houston, Texas. Visit her website at: www.diannmills.com or find her on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/diannmills





ABOUT THE BOOK

Special Agent Meghan Connors’ dream of one day protecting the president of the United States is about to come true. Only one assignment stands in her way. After the vice president’s rebellious daughter is threatened, Meghan is assigned to her protective detail on a secluded ranch in West Texas. Unfortunately, working with Special Agent in Charge Ash Zinders may be as tough as controlling her charge. Ash has a reputation for being critical and exacting, and he’s also after the same promotion as Meghan. But when the threats escalate and security on the ranch is breached, it becomes clear this isn’t the work of a single suspect—it’s part of a sophisticated plan that reaches deeper and higher than anyone imagined. And only Ash and Meghan can put the pieces together before it’s too late.



Watch the book trailer:







If you would like to read the first chapter of Attracted to Fire, go HERE.

My Thoughts: I thoroughly enjoy criminal suspense, and DiAnn Mills always delivers. I actually read this one on my Kindle before reading the finished product! My only issue with "Attracted to Fire" was keeping all of the story threads together in my imagination.

I had moments of feeling overwhelmed by plot twists, and some characters seemed to come and go at a rapid pace...at times a bit too quickly for my taste. I prefer to have time to invest in people, whether real or imagined!

BUT...the story was interesting enough to hold my interest, and I'm hoping to see continuing characters in future novels...although not clear on whether this was a stand-alone story or the beginning of another trilogy.

If you like criminal suspense, love a political flavor, and enjoy a hint of romance in your fiction, then give "Atracted to Fire" a chance.

Happy Reading!











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CFBA Presents" Love on the Line" by Deeanne Gist

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Love on the Line
Bethany House (October 1, 2011)
by
Deeanne Gist



ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

After a short career in elementary education, Deeanne Gist retired to raise her four children. Over the course of the next fifteen years, she ran a home accessory and antique business, became a member of the press, wrote freelance journalism for national publications such as People, Parents, Parenting, Family Fun, Houston Chronicle and Orlando Sentinel, and acted as CFO for her husband’s small engineering firm--all from the comforts of home.



Squeezed betwixt-and-between all this, she read romance novels by the truckload and even wrote a couple of her own. While those unpublished manuscripts rested on the shelf, she founded a publishing corporation for the purpose of developing, producing and marketing products that would reinforce family values, teach children responsibility and provide character building activities.



After a few short months of running her publishing company, Gist quickly discovered being a "corporate executive" was not where her gifts and talents lie. In answer to Gist’s fervent prayers, God sent a mainstream publisher to her door who licensed her parenting I Did It!® product line and committed to publish the next generation of her system, thus freeing Gist to return to her writing.



Eight months later, she sold A Bride Most Begrudging to Bethany House Publishers. Since that debut, her very original, very fun romances have rocketed up the bestseller lists and captured readers everywhere. Add to this two consecutive Christy Awards, three RITA nominations, rave reviews, and a growing loyal fan base, and you’ve got one recipe for success.



Her latest releases, Beguiled, Maid To Match, and Love on the Line are now available.



Gist lives in Texas with her husband of twenty-eight years and their border collie. They have four grown children. Click here to find out the most up-to-the-minute news about Dee.



ABOUT THE BOOK

Rural switchboard operator Georgie Gail is proud of her independence in a man's world ... which makes it twice as vexing when the telephone company sends a man to look over her shoulder.



Dashing Luke Palmer is more than he appears though. He's a Texas Ranger working undercover to infiltrate a notorious gang of train robbers. Repairing telephones and tangling with this tempestuous woman is the last thing he wants to do. But when his stakeout puts Georgie in peril, he realizes more than his job is on the line.



If you would like to read the first chapter of Love on the Line, go HERE.Happy Reading!















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CFBA Presents "Reclaiming Lily" by Patti Lacy

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Reclaiming Lily
Bethany House (October 1, 2011)
by
Patti Lacy



ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Patti Lacy, Baylor graduate, taught community college humanities until God called her to span seas and secrets in her novels, An Irishwoman's Tale and What the Bayou Saw.



The secrets women keep and why they keep them continue to enliven Patti's gray matter. A third book, The Rhythm of Secrets, released in January of 2011. Patti's, Reclaiming Lily, documents a tug-of-war between a Harvard-educated doctor and an American pastor and his wife for a precious child and explores adoption issues, China's "One Child" policy, and both Christian and secular views of sacrifice.



Patti also facilitates writing seminars in schools, libraries, and at conferences and has been called to present her testimony, "All the Broken Pieces," at women's retreats. She also leads a Beth Moore Bible study at her beloved Grace Church and has had a blast planning the September 2009 wedding of her firstborn, Sarah.



Patti and her husband Alan, an Illinois State faculty member, live in Normal with their handsome son Thomas, who attends Heartland Community College. On sunny evenings, you can catch the three strolling the streets of Normal with their dog Laura, whom they've dubbed a "Worchestershire Terrier" for her "little dab of this breed, a little dab of that breed."





ABOUT THE BOOK

A storm the size of Texas brews when Gloria Powell and Kai Chang meet in a Dallas hotel. They have come to discuss the future of Lily, the daughter Gloria adopted from China and the sister Kai hopes to reclaim. Kai is a doctor who had to give up her little sister during the Cultural Revolution and has since discovered that an inherited genetic defect may be waiting to fatally strike Lily.



Gloria's relationship with her daughter is tattered and strained, and the arrival of Kai, despite the woman's apparent good intentions, makes Gloria fearful. Gloria longs to restore her relationship with Lily, but in the wake of this potentially devastating diagnosis, is Kai an answer to prayer...or will her arrival force Gloria to sacrifice more than she ever imagined?



If you would like to read the first chapter of reclaiming Lily, go HERE.

Happy Reading!

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CFBA Presents "A Wedding Invitation" by Alice J. Wisler

"Four keys to being successful in how you plug into a church:

Here's my review: I have adored Alice J. Wisler and her fictional stories from the first book, but I have to say her newest release is by far her best yet. Maybe it's because I have two single daughters who long for that special love to come along, but this one grabbed me by the heart from page one and just would not let go...

To continue reading ('cause you know you want to!), click here!

Happy Reading!








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God Girl Bible by Revell Publishers

This was a fun review! I was asked to take a peek at a new Bible, published by Revell, called "God Girl", but there was a catch: I had to have a daughter, niece or someone in my family within the target age range. So I get to do this review with my daughter, Katy!

I gave her the "God Girl Bible" for a couple of weeks and asked her to read some chapters in it, look over the special features, and basically 'test drive' it for a bit to see what she thought.

Katy thought the design was cool, but wanted it to come in different colors. Currently, she has the pink and white soft leather cover; the Bible also comes in purple and white, both with a tree imprinted on the front. She really likes the tree, both the look and the feel of it.

Not all girls are 'pink', and different girls like different colors. Personally, she'd like blue. Her opinion is that the Bible will still be a good selling Bible, but girls might be more drawn to one in their color (I prefer green).

Say you want to read Jeremiah but you're pressed for time. Each book of the Bible has a summary page and you can still get what you need from the reading. The Bible also has 'Must Know Terms and Verses', which pull out a concept and explains it, then gives you verses in that theme.

These features pull out things that are important and you can get them right then and there, things that you might bypass if you don't read carefully or things you might not grasp.

Another feature she enjoyed was "The Proverbs 31 Woman". The page gave the location of the information in the Bible, then offered more information to help young girls know what kind of character they should be working on.

All of the helps in the Bible were appealing to Katy. She also said that the 'tree' theme was all through the Bible, and she found that really cool as well. She really liked the 'easy-to-read' style. She has a hard time finding a Bible that is easy for her to read and understand, so this one appealed to her.

Basically, the only quibble she had was the color...pretty good, I'd say! Katy gives the "God Girl Bible" five out of five bookmarks, saying 'If I had a daughter, I'd give this to her. In fact, I'd recommend you read the Bible along with your daughter. It will help with her focus and help her understand even more."

I agree. I peeked at the Bible before I handed it over, and I think Katy nailed it perfectly! My thanks to Donna at Revell and to my daughter Katy for helping me out! "God Girl Bible" is available everywhere, in hard cover and in leather...but for now, only in pink/white and purple/white...unless they listen to Katy!

Happy Reading!










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CFBA Presents "House of Secrets" by Tracie Peterson

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing House of Secrets Bethany House (October 1, 2011) by Tracie Peterson



ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Tracie Peterson is the bestselling, award-winning author of more than 85 novels.

She received her first book contract in November, 1992 and saw A Place To Belong published in February 1993 with Barbour Publishings' Heartsong Presents. She wrote exclusively with Heartsong for the next two years, receiving their readership's vote for Favorite Author of the Year for three years in a row.



In December, 1995 she signed a contract with Bethany House Publishers to co-write a series with author Judith Pella. Tracie now writes exclusively for Bethany House Publishers.



She teaches writing workshops at a variety of conferences on subjects such as inspirational romance and historical research.



Tracie was awarded the Romantic Times Career Achievement Award for 2007 Inspirational Fiction and her books have won numerous awards for favorite books in a variety of contests.



Making her home in Montana, this Kansas native enjoys spending time with family--especially her three grandchildren--Rainy, Fox and Max. She's active in her church as the Director of Women's Ministries, coordinates a yearly writer's retreat for published authors, and travels, as time permits, to research her books.



ABOUT THE BOOK

When her father orchestrates a surprise trip to the summer house of her childhood, Bailee Cooper is unprepared for what follows. What is intended to be a happy reunion for Bailee and her sisters, Geena and Piper, quickly becomes shrouded by memories from the past.



Together again, the three sisters sift through their recollections of fifteen years ago...of an ill mother, and of their father making a desperate choice. They vowed, as children, to be silent--but one sister believes the truth must now be revealed. Yet can they trust their memories?



Mark Delahunt arrives in the wake of this emotional turmoil. Determined to win Bailee's affection, Mark becomes the strong fortress for her in this time of confusion, and what was once a tentative promise begins to take root and grow. Caught between the past and an uncertain future, can Bailee let God guide her to heal the past and ultimately to embrace love?



If you would like to read the first chapter of House of Secrets, go HERE.

Happy Reading!










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Hello, Hollywood! by Janice Thompson

Janice Thompson is one novelist with a huge heart and a fantastic sense of comedic timing. I've devoured every novel she's written, and my all-time favorite series was "Weddings by Bella"...but this new series is growing on me!

Athena Poppas is head writer of one of the most popular situation comedies on television, but ratings are slipping and so is her confidence. Her writing talent helped make "Stars Collide" the success it is, and her gifted scripting brought the two stars together both on television and in real life.

Has Athena hit her stride, or has she drained her creative well? When her boss proposes bringing in a new writer, Athena and her team take it as a challenge. When the new writer, comedian Stephen Cosse appears on the team, Athena takes it as a threat to her job security.

Stephen isn't looking to replace Athena...he's just looking for a fresh start for himself and for his tween-aged daughter. Hoping to find his big break in writing, Stephen ends up finding far more. But life doesn't always follow a script and the unexpected can surprise you in a blink of an eye, or a beat of a heart.

Will the competition between writers put an end to what could become a beautiful relationship, or will the combined talents create a story better than anything television could dream up?

Janice has created another cast of memorable characters in "Hello, Hollywood!" Think "My Big, Fat Greek Wedding" meets "Weddings By Bella" and you have an inkling of the delightful fun you're in for.

From Lenora, an aging star who can remember every actress and every line from the classics, but can't remember yesterday to Zeus, the dog from Greece who quite possible was owned by Hades himself...these characters worm their way into your imagination never to leave.

And you won't want them to go! Janice has another hit series on her hands with "Backstage Pass" and I adored "Hello, Hollywood!", the second in the trilogy. That's why I'm giving this one five out of five bookmarks with a director's chair as a charm...just make sure you are keeping that chair open for God to direct the script of your life!

My thanks to my friend Donna at Revell Publishing for another fun reading experience. "Hello, Hollywood!" is available now in bookstores everywhere, and don't miss the first in the series, "Stars Collide".
Happy Reading!






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Dangerous Mercy by Kathy Herman

A new novel by Kathy Herman is always a treat, but her second story in the "Secrets Of Roux River" series is her best story ever. Kathy not only knows how to craft a tightly woven mystery, but she's a pro at weaving a powerful message of faith into her tale and sounding as natural as breathing while doing it.

"Dangerous Mercy" is something all believers struggle with. How can we reach out in God's grace and mercy while guarding against abuse, being taken advantage of, or even putting our lives in danger? This is the question that plagues Adele Woodhouse, the most delightful octogenarian you'll ever meet.

Now that her relationship with Zoe Broussard has been mended, Adele relocates to Les Barbes to be closer to the Broussard family and to be Nana to adorable Grace Broussard. But at eighty-six, Adele needs help around her home with repairs and general maintenance.

The residents of Haven House are men receiving a second chance, and Adele is more than willing to befriend them and minister to them as they assist her around her property. Problem is, many of Adele's friends in the local community are questioning her friendships with these questionable characters.

Especially in light of a series of murders in this quiet Southern town, perpetrated by a killer labeled by local authorities as "The Bathtub Killer". How can Adele continue to share Christ with those who need to know Him and keep herself safe...and is safety our prime concern?

Favorite characters return in this sequel: Zoe and Pierce Broussard, owners of "Zoe B's Cajun Eatery", and adorable Grace (I LOVE the little game the 'regulars' at the restaurant play with Grace!), Vanessa and Ethan Langley, proprietors of "Langley Manor B&B" and their son, Carter, and one of the best law enforcement officers Kathy's ever created...

...Sheriff Jude Prejean. He totally ROCKS!

And we can't forget Hebert, our resident Cajun (his accent and authentic phrasing always makes me smile), Tex and Father Sam...as well as many others. If you've been a fan of Kathy's mysteries, you know she always has older characters 'pop' in when a new series debuts, and she continues the tradition here as well.

This is superb faith-filled suspense, and by far the best novel Kathy's written to date. I can't wait to see how she wraps up this series, but I know I'm going to be sad when it ends. I've had so much fun dwelling in Cajun Country, and following the bread crumbs to the end of each story.

That's why "Dangerous Mercy" receives the Golden Bookmark for Writing Excellence from me, as well as a HUGE thank you to Kathy and my friends at David C. Cook for my copy of "Dangerous Mercy". You truly need to read the books in order, so pick up a copy of "False Pretenses", the first book in "Secrets of Roux River" series along with "Dangerous Mercy".

And check out Kathy's previous novels as well...she's got a plethora of titles to keep you reading until the final novel releases...maybe! And here's to many more stories from Kathy Herman!

Happy Reading!











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A Wedding Invitation by Alice J. Wisler

I have adored Alice J. Wisler and her fictional stories from the first book, but I have to say her newest release is by far her best yet. Maybe it's because I have two single daughters who long for that special love to come along, but this one grabbed me by the heart from page one and just would not let go.

Samantha Bravencourt is a woman after my own heart...she could easily be a kindred soul-sister. She's lost her father, spent her college years teaching in a Vietnamese refugee camp in the Philippines, and gave her heart away far too quickly, getting it back in pieces.

But Samantha isn't one to quit, so when Momma needs her home, she returns to help operate her mother's clothing boutique and to watch over her mom, a cancer survivor. In this stage of life, "A Wedding Invitation" is not always a welcome thing, but Samantha is excited to reconnect with old friends and to spend time with her beloved Aunt Dovie.

Did I mention how much I loved Sam? She does what I've always feared doing (No, I'm not spilling the beans...you'll have to read it for yourself) and that one event changes the course of her well planned life. What seems like chance or fate is truly the hand of God...you'll see His fingerprints all over this story.

Quite possibly, you'll be able to see His fingerprints more clearly in your own life after reading about Samantha's. But how will her chance encounter with Carson Brylie turn out? Can her past meet her present and not explode in fresh hurts and deeper wounds? And can Sam open her heart to Lien and set aside her own dreams in order to help Lien with her dream.

Oh, how I wish I had an Aunt Dovie! And a Beanie! And a Pearl...and even a Little...some delightful Southern women you'll meet after you accept "A Wedding Invitation". I can't think of one character I didn't fall in love with and didn't wish was a real person I could have in my own life.

I think that's the key ingredient in Alice's stories...I always want to live in her books, meeting the people she creates and having the experiences that make me laugh...and a few of the ones that make me cry. Truthfully, I probably have plenty within my own story, but Alice makes it sound like more fun!

I'm giving "A Wedding Invitation" five out of five bookmarks and voting it "Best Southern Contemporary Fiction of 2011"...I think she's tied with Denise Hildreth Jones as my favorite Southern author...and that's saying something!

As if that isn't enough, she includes RECIPES in this book!! Gotta love her for that...I Love, Love, LOVE when my authors share delightful dishes from their fiction with me. It's almost like a snippet of life within the story...or a taste of their fiction for real!

My thanks to Alice and to Bethany House for my copy. Don't miss "A Wedding Invitation"...and check out all of the great fiction by Alice J. Wisler! You'll be glad you did! Oh, and maybe it's an accident, but I don't think so...that Samantha's last name is BRAVEncourt...'cause she sure has to be brave in this story!!

Happy Reading!








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Forbidden by Tosca Lee and Ted Dekker

What happens when two creative, innovative envelope-pushing geniuse authors collaborate? Well, the results are..."Forbidden". And the novel ROCKS!!

To be completely honest, I was a bit skeptical. I enjoy Ted Dekker's fiction, but lately I've wanted 'more' from the stories. And, while I thoroughly loved Tosca's novels, I didn't know how her style would blend with Dekker's. So I approached this new trilogy with mild trepidation.

They had me at 'hello'...that is, the first chapter! And I'm DYING to read the next two books...so I'd say this combo was a raging success. However, if you're squeamish or easily offended, let me fill you in on a few things...

The basic story is this: Rom is an artist with no passion. Seems the world has evolved and eliminated all emotion except fear, all done in order to survive. As with any controlling and manipulating society, a renegade group approaches Rom with their secret, thrusting him into an unwanted responsibility that might free him...

...or destroy him and all he holds dear.

The secret is in the blood, hence the caution for the squeamish ones. The details are neither graphic nor gratuitous. Every drop is necessary to propel the story and to illustrate the juxtaposition of sin and grace. "Forbidden" isn't a true allegory, but you'll find parallels between your life and the life of the future.

Because the story deals with emotion, the tale becomes sensual and passionate at times, but again never in a graphic or gratuitious fashion. If you are easily offended or need to guard what you read for personal reasons/convictions, approach "Forbidden" with caution. But know that without the passion, the story does not flow and you most likely wouldn't care about these fictional people and where they end up.

I haven't been this excited about a collaboration or a trilogy of this magnitude in a long, long time. This series so far is miles above any of Dekker's previous works, and sets the bar higher than ever for Tosca Lee's writing. Can't imagine how these two dynamic authors can surpass the first book...but I'm hoping for more and to have my mind blown when "Mortal" releases in 2012.

And I will be holding my breath throughout the reading of "Sovereign", the final chapter, releasing in 2013. Yes, this is a long wait...but it will take you that long to really wrap your imagination around "Forbidden" and to capture all of the nuances of the writing.

This is a book I will re-read, savor, and keep. I think if you can set aside all preconceived ideas and just let yourself experience "Forbidden", you'll find it to be superb as well. Again, squeamish and easily offended be warned, but take a chance, won't you?

My thanks to my friends at Center Street Publishing for taking a chance on me and allowing me to review this one. I'm giving "Forbidden" five out of five bookmarks, and voting it "Best Breakout Fiction of 2011", as well as "Best Collaboration of 2011". Yup, it is THAT good.

"Forbidden" is in bookstores everywhere, and I heard it debuted at #17 on the NYT Bestsellers List. Be watching for "Mortal" in September 2012 and "Sovereign" in September 2013, all from Center Street Publishing, and here's to hoping I get sneak peeks at both!

Happy Reading!








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