Monday, April 27, 2015

"The Inn at Ocean's Edge" by Colleen Coble

A new series (Sunset Cove novels) by Colleen Coble begins with "The Inn at Ocean's Edge." An Inn - a name that makes us picture peacful relaxation, safety, and nostalgia. That is what Claire Dellamare was looking for when she went to the Inn at Ocean's Edge. What she found made her think she was losing her mind.

As Claire looked back on her life, her childhood seemed like a fairy tale, perfect in every way. Now it was time for a little time away and she settled on the Inn at Ocean's Edge. It was a celebration and she had the perfect place. BUT, once inside the Inn, Claire is uncomfortable and full of dread. She knew something was wrong, but not what. Then she witnessed what she thought was a murder, but there was no evidence. Was she going crazy? Was this all a product of her mind? Luke Elwell was on leave and heard the story. It connected with him because his mother had gone missing years ago and no one ever found out what happened. Was it connected to what Claire had "seen?" Together, Claire and Luke work to unravel the mysteries and remain safe at the same time. Come follow the twists and turns of Colleen Coble's newest novel and discover the answers to what, if anything, happened at the Inn at Ocean's Edge!

I love Colleen Coble's writing. Her books immediately draw me in with interesting stories and well developed characters. This book was no different. Just when you think you have it figured out, something else comes along to provide that extra twist or turn. If you enjoy novels that contain mystery, suspense, and a love story, then this book is for you. I received my review copy for participation in the Litfuse Blog Tour.


The Inn at Ocean's Edge 
by Colleen Coble    
Romance/Suspense
Thomas Nelson
Litfuse Publicity Group and Thomas Nelson are teaming up with Colleen Coble to get theword out about book one, TheInn at Ocean's Edge, in her newest series Sunset Cove.

A vacation to Sunset Cove was her way of celebrating and thanking her parents. After all, Claire Dellamore's childhood was like a fairytale. But with thehelp of Luke Elwell, Claire discovers that fairytale was really an elaborate lie . . .

The minute she steps inside the grand Inn at Ocean's Edge, Claire Dellamare knows something terrible happened there. She feels it in her bones. Her ensuing panic attack causes a scene, upsetting her parents. Claire attempts to quiet her nerves with a walk on the beach, to no avail. She's at too great a distance to make out details, but she believes she witnesses a murder on a nearby cliff. When local police find no evidence of foul play, they quickly write off the "nervous" woman's testimony as less than credible.

But Luke Elwell, home on leave from the Coast Guard, has reason to believe Claire. Years ago when his mother went missing, Luke's father suspected she'd been murdered. He died never having convinced the police to investigate. So when an employee of the grand hotel doesn't show up for work, Luke steps in to help Claire track down the missing woman.

As Claire and Luke put together the pieces of a decades-old mystery, they discover that some family secrets refuse to stay buried. And some passions are worth killing for.
 
 
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 Meet the Author
USA Today bestselling author Colleen Coble has sold over 2 million novels worldwide. Her romantic suspense novels including Tidewater Inn,Rosemary Cottage, and the Mercy Falls, Lonestar, and Rock Harbor series.Visit her website atwww.colleencoble.com Twitter:@colleencoble Facebook:colleencoblebooks

Saturday, April 18, 2015

"God, Me, and Sweet Iced Tea" by Rose Chandler Johnson

Devotionals are wonderful companion books for your Bible, or wonderful to have available for the times you are waiting. In her new devotional, "God, Me, and Sweet Iced Tea," Rose Chandler Johnson helps her readers to "experience God in the midst of everyday moments."

This book has a great title. It lets readers have a glimpse of what is inside. The book is about each person's relationship with God in everyday settings. Just as an iced cold glass of iced tea quenches thirst, studying God's Word quenches our thirst for more of Him. This devotional contains many wonderful topics with Scripture readings, questions, journaling ideas, a prayer with a prayer focus, and "a sweet iced tea moment." An example of that is, "Don't give up, your labor is not in vain." Examples of the devotions are: "Stop Complaining," Your Adversary the Devil," and "Train the Children."These short, thoughtful, and encouraging devotions will become welcome refreshment for readers everywhere.

I wanted to read this book simply because of the title, and then it came! My book came gift wrapped with a hand-written note from Mrs. Johnson. What a joy those touches brought and then I started to read and study. I love that Mrs. Johnson uses different versions of the Bible (labeling each) and is thoughtful with the devotions. They truly are for the everyday moments. I think my favorite is "Reality of the Indwelling Christ." If you are looking for a new devotional, or simply enjoy reading new ones, this book is for you. It will also make a wonderful gift. I was privileged to receive my review copy for participation in the LItfuse Blog Tour.

GodMe, and Sweet Iced Tea 
by Rose Chandler Johnson    
Inspirational Devotional 

In the South, nothing is more refreshing than a glass of sweeticed tea. Nothing, that is, except experiencing God in those small, everyday moments. GodMe, and Sweet Iced Tea is a deeply personal collection of spiritual treasures designed to help readers experience new mercies each morning. Seasoned with insight and grace, this tender devotional points to the divine presence of God in everyday moments. Whether purchased as a personal resource or given as heartfelt gift, GodMe, andSweet Iced Tea will help readers develop a daily habit of turning to God in those quiet moments of reflection.
Praise
Rose Johnson's devotional offers the reader sweet balm and encouragement through wise and thoughtful reflections onGod's grace and provision in the midst of all life can throw at us. Use it as a wonderful way to start the day off right---withGod's Word and friendly counsel from a woman whose soul knows.
~ Elizabeth Musser, award winning Christian writer and author of The Swan House
Wonderful mix of spiritual insights and practical applications. Johnson is truly adept at finding God in the ordinary and eternal lessons in the everyday moments of life.
~ Ann Tatlock, two-time Christy award winner and author ofSweet Mercy

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 Meet the Author
Rose Chandler Johnson, a Southern girl from a tiny Georgia town, is the author of the devotional blog, Write Moments with God. A devoted Christian and mother of six, she has been a teacher of English and French over the last twenty years. She looks forward to continuing her writing ministry in the years ahead.

Find Rose onlinewebsite  

Wednesday, April 8, 2015

"Even in Darkness" by Barbara Stark-Nemon

Klare Kohler's life has been eventful! Raised in an affluent German-Jewish family, her life would change drastically as two world wars and a concentration camp entered her life. This is her story.
In this true story, readers are introduced to Klare Kohler and her life. Klare grew up knowing how to act properly because her family was prosperous. Shock overtook her when war with all of its horrors raged around her. Her life changed drastically as she worked her way through two world wars and a concentration camp. Entwined in there is her family and a love. Klare's life is marked by moments of hardship and tragedy, but her resilience and uplifting character will encourage readers to quickly turn the pages. 

What a wonderful book! Though the topic described (concentration camps, etc.) gets difficult to read at points, it is so worth it. This is a woman who is powerful and inspiring, and readers will find themselves pulling for her all the way! If you enjoy books that will challenge you to think and feel, will lift you up and encourage you, then this book is for you! I received my copy from PR by the Book in exchange for an honest review.

Saturday, April 4, 2015

"Against the Flow" by John C. Lennox

Daniel was a man of faith and trust. He was totally committed to God and trusted that He would take care of the problems that came along. As a captive of King Nebuchadnezzar, Daniel proved his worth and was able to move up in responsibility. How would the world react to him today?

Daniel was a young man who went into captivity as a teenager and had the immediate test of how to stand for his faith. He trusted God so completely that he and his friends turned away the king's meat and proved God's provision, and continually proved that he could be trusted. Daniel was so trusted that some of the king's advisors wanted him out of the way and tricked the king into signing a law that would take care of the problem. They didn't like that he was upfront and open about worshipping his God, not the gods they did, so they wanted him destroyed. What would happen if this young articulate man lived today? As parts of the world seems to tolerate Christianity less and less, would his witness be accepted or would they try to silence him? Come and explore Daniel with Professor Lennox and see him in a new light.

I love the story of Daniel and it was interesting to see him through this book. Professor Lennox presents his story in an interesting reading style that will keep you turning the pages and you will see why Daniel was going "against the flow." It is an eye-opening book as to what each of us is doing when sharing our faith. Where do we fit in the "flow?" I received my review copy from Litfuse Publicity in exchange for an hones review.

Against the Flow 
by John C. Lennox    
Christian Theology
Monarch  

A wide-ranging discussion of the place of Christianity in the public square
Daniel's story is one of extraordinary faith in God lived out at the pinnacle of executive power. It tells of four young men, born in the tiny state of Judah around 500 b.c., and captured by Nebuchadnezzar, emperor of Babylon. Daniel describes how they eventually rose to senior positions of administration.
Daniel and his friends did not simply maintain their private devotion to God; they maintained a high-profile witness in a pluralistic society antagonistic to their faith. Their story carries a powerful message for us today. Society tolerates the practice of Christianity in private and in church services, but increasingly it deprecates public witness. If Daniel and his compatriots were with us today they would be in the vanguard of public debate.
This is a lucid and erudite examination of the life of Daniel from a leading expert on faith and science. In his first biblical work, Dr. Lennox provides a unique perspective on both Western society and biblical exegesis that will make Against the Flow an instant classic encouraging Christians to speak out in our modern Babylon.

Praise
"I read everything John Lennox writes because of his amazing blend of rigorous scholarship with practical insights and applications for all of us. You cannot afford to miss this important book! Read it, then pass it on to a friend."
-Rick Warren, pastor and author of The Purpose Driven Life

Books are available to US and Canadian bloggers and ebook everywhere --- please sign up in the sidebar.
 Meet the Author
John C. Lennox is professor of mathematics at the University of Oxford and fellow in mathematics and philosophy of science at Green Templeton College. He lectures on faith and science for the Oxford Centre for Christian Apologetics and is author of a number of books on the relations of science, religion, and ethics.

Find John onlinewebsite,  Twitter  

Thursday, April 2, 2015

"Lethal Beauty" by Lis Wiehl with April Henry

Seattle prosecutor Mia Quinn is back! In this new book by Lis Wiehl, Mia has to determine the cause of Dandan Yee's death. It appears that it is an open and shut case of the murder of a prostitute by her rich client, but is it? Come explore the case with Mia and Detective Charlie Carlson.

A young Chinese prostitute is murdered. The suspect, her wealthy American client. But, there is so much more to this case than meets the eye. Mia Quinn and Charlie Carlson are on the case to find the truth and give the victim some justice. Along the way, facts are unearthed that put Mia and her son in danger, a juror appears to have been influenced, and Dandan's mother takes on the situation herself. Will the true killers be brought to justice? Will Mia and her family be safe? What will happen to Dandan's mother? There is so much to discover in this book both in the courtroom and in the investigation.


I love to read Lis Wiehl's books because I feel pulled into the story right away. Mia Quinn is one of my favorite characters. Because of Ms. Wiehl's extensive legal experience, the situations and courtroom scenes are very realistic. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good legal thriller. You won't be disappointed. I received my review copy from the Book Look program in exchange for an honest review.