A Cry in the Night by Colleen Coble and Guest Review!

About the Book:
The highly anticipated novel that delivers what romantic suspense fans have long awaited-the return to Rock Harbor.

Bree Nichols gets the shock of her life when her husband-presumed dead-reappears.

Bree Nichols and her search and rescue dog Samson discover a crying infant in the densely forested woods outside of Rock Harbor, Michigan. Against objections from her husband, Kade, who knows she'll become attached, Bree takes the baby in. Quickly she begins a search for the mother-presumably the woman reported missing just days earlier.
While teams scour the forests, Bree ferrets out clues about the missing woman. But she soon discovers something more shocking: Bree's former husband-long presumed dead in a plane crash-resurfaces. Is he really who he says he is? And should she trust him again after all these years?
An engaging, romantic suspense novel from critically-acclaimed author Colleen Coble.

Sally from the Friendly Book Nook's Review (my mom!): All I can say is that I am glad this is a three-day weekend because I devoured this book in a day and a half. I love books about dogs and families. Throw in a little suspense and romance and I’m hooked. I have read all of the books in this series. This book has been added to the Rock Harbor series after quite a break in time, but it picks up where the others left off. The setting of fictional small town Rock Harbor in the Upper Peninsula in Michigan just adds to the suspense - cold, snowy, icy weather. This setting brings back great memories of living in northern Iowa and COLD winter weather. Samson the rescue dog is just plain lovable and a real hero! The main character Bree Matthews is very easy to relate to and has a lot of impossibly difficult decisions to make. A few surprises are thrown in as well. If you enjoy mystery, suspense, romance, small town living, and main characters oozing of integrity, you will enjoy this book.

Intimate Issues by Linda Dillow and Lorraine Pintus Giveaway

If there's one thing Christians don't do such a great job talking about--it's sex. So if you're looking for a discussion on sex from a Christian perspective, this book is for you! Please spammers, I know I used the word multiple times in this post, but stay away!!! I'm not interested in what you're selling.

About the Book: Intimate Issues answers the twenty-one questions about sex most frequently asked by Christian wives, as determined by a nationwide poll of over one thousand women. Written from the perspective of two mature Christian wives and Bible teachers–women who you'll come to know as teachers and friends–Intimate Issues is biblical and informative: sometimes humorous, other times practical, but always honest. Through its solid teaching warm testimonials, scriptural insights, and experts' advice, you'll find resolution for your questions and fears, surprising insights about God's perspective on sex, and a variety of practical and creative ideas for enhancing your physical relationship with the husband you love.

With warmth and wisdom, authors Linda Dillow and Lorraine Pintus speak woman to woman: examining the teachings of Scripture, exposing the lies of the world, and offering real hope that every woman's marriage relationship can become all it was intended to be in God's design.

Giveaway: I have a copy of this book to giveaway. Open worldwide. Leave a comment with your email address. I can think of many humorous questions to have you answer, but none of them seem appropriate. ;) So just a comment will do.

Booking Through Thursday: Author Blogs

From Booking through Thursday:
Do you read any author’s blogs? If so, are you looking for information on their next project? On the author personally? Something else?

Yes, I do. My google reader is stuffed with author blogs, but there are just a few I read regularly and that's because they also happen to be some of my favorite authors.

Tess Gerritsen
I like Tess's blog because it provides a lot of insight into being an author and the industry. And I love her books.

Megan Crane
I love her books and her blog also has that same light conversational style. What I also love about her blog is that she is a voracious reader and lover of Buffy the Vampire Slayer (though an Angel girl) and Chuck and Blair. I mean, really.

The Seekers
This is actually more of a writing blog, but Julie Lessman sometimes blogs there. I always love Julie's posts because she's a great writer and she communicates her love for God in a way that makes me crave to know Him more.

Angela Hunt
She'll take you through the processes of writing her books and also posts lots of fun youtube videos and such.

Meg Cabot
I've never actually read a Meg Cabot book, but I adore her as a blogger...she's so funny and smart.

Jennifer Weiner
Okay, I haven't read any of her books either, but she is fantastic in every way.

After looking these over, I've decided that I look for the same things in author blogs that I look for in every other blog...quality of content that I can't get anywhere else. So yes, I want to know the author better in the same way I want to know the normal folks who blog better. I want to learn a little inside scoop if I can. I want to feel invited into a conversation, challenged, moved, amused, and feeling like I'm so lucky to have stumbled across this blog. That's all.

LOST Discussion: This Place is Death

Okay, wow! For those of you who thought last week's episode was slow, this week more than made up for it! Possibly my favorite episode of the season so far!

And so many great moments! So many great reveals! Even some answered questions!!!

SPOILERS ABOUND!!!

How cute is Ji Yeon? We have all these Lostie babies now, it's just killing me. Sun seemed just a bit too eager to go find Jin, though. Did she already forget about her precious little one? And how funny was Ben getting all fed up with Jack and Sun? It would be nice if he would explain things instead of speaking in abstractions for once, though, huh? Is he really that surprised they all want to off him?

Jin didn't seem too freaked out about Rousseau..just sort of taking the time travel in stride. And Smokey came back, totally freaking me out. It appears that Smokey can sever limbs. And really does look like a monster. What really happened to Rousseau's crew? Possession? They survived going down in the hole...remember when Locke wanted to go? Jin saved Rousseau from their fate, or did he? Did he create her fate of loneliness on the island for so many years? And of course, we finally saw the temple and learned that Smokey guards it. You know, when Nadine first disappeared, I thought she had been kidnapped by the Others. ;) How cute was Sawyer's and Jin's reunion, though? ;)

The flashes started to come really quickly and even Sawyer was suffering from a nose bleed. Poor Charlotte....at least she gave us a major freaky reveal! She was a Dharma kid, and lied to her whole life about the island. And she met Daniel in that past life! And he tried to change her fate. Hmmmm...

Well, of course, we need to chat about one Mr. John Locke. We learned that Jacob (via Christian Shepherd) told us that Locke needed to move the island...and he didn't. He disobeyed. And somehow, that threw them all into some sort of strange flashing through time. The wheel of time came unhinged and sent them spinning through the time zones. But when Locke moved...well did he fix them in time? Like, uh, maybe back in the Dharma days? (going on the season opener and Charlotte's revelation) Why does everyone need to go back? This still doesn't make sense to me.

Will Sun go back? Or is it only going to be Jack? Are they going to make me go endless episodes without seeing Sayid? Does Desmond need to go back or is his story reaching a conclusion? Who were Charlotte's parents? Is that significant? Did anyone else watch the preview 14,000 times? Tell me all your thoughts!

Love is in the Air Giveaway!!! Books!

I have to admit I think this is a pretty fun and awesome giveaway. One winner is going to get all of these books! And sadly, because of that, you need to have a United States or Canadian mailing address. I'll email the winner next weekend, February 21!

I Do Again by Cheryl and Jeff Scruggs
With their professional success and adorable twin daughters, Jeff and Cheryl Scruggs looked like the perfect couple. But their polished facade concealed a widening chasm between two people unable to connect on an intimate, soul-deep level.

After years of frustration, Cheryl's desire for emotional fulfillment led to an affair and, finally, divorce. Yet, incredibly, seven years later, Jeff and Cheryl once again stood at the altar, promising to "love, honor, and cherish" one another. A new and vibrant love had risen out of the ashes of this family's pain.

I Do Again details the fascinating real-life story of a couple whose relationship seemed shattered beyond all hope until a spiritual awakening led them to reconsider their definitions of "happily ever after." A riveting account of the power of prayer and redemption, this remarkable book offers renewed hope for even the most troubled marriages—and reveals why the rewards of restoration are well worth the wait.


Love as a Way of Life Devotional
In his book Love As a Way of Life, best-selling author Gary Chapman shows readers how to cultivate a new lifestyle built around the seven characteristics of authentic love. Now in a companion devotional, he provides ninety inspirational readings to help Christians consistently live out the characteristics of love in every relationship.

Each devotional entry showcases biblical truths that guide a life of love, offering fresh insight and practical guidance in how to make love a lasting habit. Over the course of three months, readers will learn to follow God's lead as they practice the characteristics of a loving person: kindness, patience, forgiveness, courtesy, humility, generosity, and honesty.

The Love As a Way of Life Devotional makes an ideal gift for the holidays or for any special occasion. Couples, parents, new graduates, and anyone celebrating a milestone in life will welcome this inspiring daily guide to richer, more satisfying relationships.

For Couples Only Box Set by Shaunti and Jeff Feldhahn
Since their debut, these revolutionary guides have sold well over a million copies, been translated into fifteen languages, and sparked much fascinating water-cooler conversation around the country. Now together in the For Couples Only boxed set, these books provide the perfect resource to help you understand what you never knew about the woman or man in your life.

Each volume is based on input from more than a thousand members of the opposite sex—including an unprecedented nationwide survey and hundreds of personal interviews. This innovative approach yields candid and surprising answers about everything you don't "get" about your significant other—even what that person deeply wishes you knew. It also produces simple but groundbreaking awareness of how you can best love and support the one who is most important to you.

So whether you are newly dating or have been married fifty years, get ready to know each other in a whole new way. The adventure is just beginning!

Giveaway
Just leave me a comment and tell me what you like best about Valentine's Day..or if you don't like it all! Please leave a valid email address!

Review: Against All Odds by Irene Hannon

About the Book: For FBI Hostage Rescue Team member Evan Cooper and his partner, dignitary protection duty should have been a piece of cake. Unfortunately, Monica Callahan isn’t making it easy. Estranged from her diplomat father, who is involved in a sensitive hostage situation in the Middle East, she refuses to be intimidated by a related terrorist threat back in the States…until a chilling warning convinces her that the danger is very real—and escalating. As Coop and his partner do their best to keep her safe, David Callahan continues his work—triggering an abduction that puts his daughter’s life at risk. And with every second that ticks by, Coop knows that the odds of saving the only woman who has ever managed to breach the walls around his heart are dropping. Because terrorists aren’t known for their patience—or their mercy.

My Review: I enjoy romantic suspense as one of my favorite kind of comfort reads and this one is well written and easy to read. I have to admit I'm a little tired of the "tough man protecting vulnerable woman from great danger" storyline...not that there isn't room for more great stories to be told along these lines, but I do like a fresh angle. Readers who enjoy Dee Henderson might also enjoy this book. The writing flows nicely, and the pacing is brisk. I think this might be the shortest review ever, but I really don't have anything else to say!

Rating: 3/5
Things You Might Want to Know: This is Christian fiction with an overt message of faith and forgiveness.

Identifying Christian Fiction, part 2

Yesterday, I introduced you to some Christian publishers, in the hope of helping you identify Christian fiction for your own purposes. I got some interesting comments, so I thought I'd address them here.

Gay asked,

Perhaps a stupid question, but what makes a book Christian lit? Or maybe conversely, what won't you find in a Christian lit book?

Not a stupid question at all!!! While I think each house has their own guidelines, I have been able to find the submission guidelines for Steeple Hill which should give you an idea of what is generally accepted in bookstores that are a part of the CBA. (Christian booksellers association)

From the eharlequin.com website:

Because Steeple Hill sells to both CBA and ABA bookstores, we must adhere to CBA conventions. The stories may not include alcohol consumption by Christian characters, card playing, gambling or games of chance (including raffles), explicit scatological terms, hero and heroine remaining overnight together alone, Halloween celebrations or magic, or the mention of intimate body parts. Lying is also problematical in the CBA market and characters who are Christian should not lie or deceive others. Possibly there could be exceptional circumstances (matters of life and death), but this has to be okayed by an editor.

Those guidelines seem to include a lot of ideas about Christianity that come from Western Christianity.

I should mention that there are definitely Christian fiction books where social drinking is becoming more acceptable. I think there are always exceptions as long as there is story support for it. I've also read books published by the Christian publishing houses where Jesus isn't even mentioned. The main thing, I think, is that the book is written from a Christian worldview.

Deborah said,

a quick comment about people feeling tricked into reading Christian fiction. i can understand if it is a preachy novel that literally has tons of sermons in the book. but what i don't get is when someone finishes a book, has enjoyed it and THEN afterwards finds out it's a Christian fiction novel and they stop liking it. what does it matter?? if you liked the book, you like it, it shouldn't matter if it was Christian, Muslim, Buddhist, romance, mystery, historical, erotica, etc.
it just feels like Christian fiction is the only genre that has to have this "so called disclaimer" so as not to offend people. i don't see other genres having this. it just seems like it's like a "Beware" tag to stay away or "read with caution" more than a "heads up" to me.

I totally agree that if you like a book, you like it. But I do think that there's something about faith and religion that people are especially sensitive to. I really love Christian fiction. Enough to get annoyed with it sometimes, because I think it can be better. And the last thing I want is for someone who doesn't want to read a book with overt faith themes feel like they were deceived into reading a book I love. I hope that people will give Christian fiction a chance, but I think it's only fair for them to know that a book contains issues of faith in a more direct way than maybe some other books do. And I would definitely want to know if a book was of another religion. I wish sometimes I could get a heads up about a heavy handed political book. And I do think within the romance genre, there are different lines where you can sometimes tell how much explicit content there will be. Which leads into Becky's comment...

I choose to look at this post--or the premise behind this post--positively. There are plenty of readers out there who want to read Christian books and/or clean (no smut) fiction...and they may be at the bookstore OR at the library and wanting an easy way to spot books to read.

While it is true that you could look at it negatively--a way for some out there to say, ways to avoid Christian fiction so I'm not accidentally tainted by reading it. Theoretically I'm not sure how I feel about labels at all. You're right, Deborah, other types of books aren't labeled 'in case of offending' others. I can see the convenience of it, but I can also see why there could be some problems with it. In some ways, a book is a book is a book. Labeling books can be tricky in and of itself because it naturally works to limit the audience even if that is not the intention.

Well, I did provide the list for both. As I said before, I see a lot of bloggers feel like they have been deceived into reading Christian fiction and I realized they might not know it's as simple as knowing the publishers. What good is it for someone to read Christian fiction if they feel like they were tricked into it and feel more annoyed by the genre than ever? I sincerely hope that some people will give Christian fiction a chance. But I want them to give it a chance knowing that's what they're getting into. It is a tricky business to label books...and it does limit the audience, I suppose. But I think there are a lot of open-minded readers out there who just want an idea of what they are getting into. And that's kind of what imprints and knowing publishers in general can do for us.

And finally in response to Rita who said,

I love Christian fiction and don't see why this is a problem. If someone is thinking of reviewing a book and they're concerned that it might conflict with their beliefs, it is their responsibility to do a simple check with the publisher to find out if this would be the case.

I think part of the issue was that people were unaware that there are Christian publishers...so they didn't even know to do a check. I also love Christian fiction, but I'm a Christian! I was simply trying to provide a resource.

When I review books, I keep in mind that I have both Christian readers and readers with other worldviews. So I do point out whether or not books are Christian fiction and also point out things in general market books that might be problematic for my Christian readers.

Waiting on Wednesday: Sudden Death by Allison Brennan

Have I ever mentioned I read across genres? I really enjoy romantic suspense and Allison Brennan's books. I'm particularly looking forward to this one because the hero is Jack Kincaid...who first made an appearance in Fear No Evil. Very hot hero, I think. :)

About the Book: When a homeless veteran is found dead in a squalid Sacramento alley, FBI special agent Megan Elliott vows to find the murdered hero’s killer. Her investigation gets complicated fast, for the victim, a former Delta Force soldier, is just one link in a nationwide spree of torture and murder.

Straight off a job rescuing medical missionaries, soldier-for-hire Jack Kincaid returns to his home base in the Texas border town of Hidalgo only to receive the news that one of his closest colleagues–also ex-military–has been brutally murdered. Faced with an inept local police force, Jack takes matters into his own hands.

Now, as part of a national task force to stop the sadistic killings, by-the-book Megan and burn-the-book Jack form a tense alliance, sparked with conflict and temptation. But they struggle against more than passion, for a vicious pair of killers has only just begun a rampage of evil . . . and the primary target is much closer than Megan suspects.

Waiting on Wednesday is when we all get together and tempt each other with even more books! Jill at Breaking the Spine hosts.

How to Spot a Christian Fiction Book

One thing I notice from time to time is that a blogger will get a book to review and not realize that it's a Christian fiction book. They might mention in their review that they wish the blurb had said something about the book being Christian fiction. For awhile, Christian fiction books were sold primarily in Christian bookstores. (now you can find them in lots of different places) So it was quite unnecessary for the book to say, oh hey, I'm Christian fiction! Now that you can find Christian fiction at Barnes & Noble, Sam's Club, and offered on LibraryThing Early Reviewers you might feel that you will get tricked into reading Christian fiction. Or on the flip side, you may want to actively seek out Christian fiction but are unsure of how to know if a book is Christian fiction or not.

There is a way to tell! It's as simple as being familiar with the publishing houses and imprints that publish for the Christian marketplace. So, in an effort to help you all out, I'm going to list the major ones here with a wee bit of commentary.

Thomas Nelson Thomas Nelson used to have imprints, but everything is published under the Thomas Nelson umbrella these days, making things simple. Thomas Nelson has published great authors like Lisa Samson, Nicole Seitz, and Ted Dekker.

Baker Publishing Group
Baker Publishing Group has two divisions that publish fiction the popular Bethany House and Revell. Bethany House is very popular for historical fiction and Revell publishes Julie Lessman. :)

Tyndale House Publishers
From the name it should be obvious, but you never know.

Barbour Publishing Mostly romance with lots of anthologies. They also publish the category line Heartsong Presents. And the recently deceased Heartsong Presents Mysteries (which I really liked)

Steeple Hill, Love Inspired (Suspense and Historical)
This is Harelequin's Christian line. The Steeple Hill books are generally women's fiction, unless they have the little coffee cup and say Steeple Hill Cafe...then they are chick lit. Love Inspired, Love Inspired Suspense, and Love Inspired Historical are the category romances you might be able to find at Wal-mart and Target.

Waterbrook/Multonmah is the Christian line of books from Random House. I remember hearing this imprint was going to be folded into others under some sort of reorganization, so I'm not exactly sure how they plan to handle letting you know the books are Christian in the future. Anyone?

Howard Books is the Christian line from Simon and Schuster. Admittedly, I'm not as familiar with Howard Books as I'd like to be, but should be receiving some books for review for blog tours soon.

FaithWords is the inspirational line from Hachette Book Group. I suspect a lot of book bloggers have read FaithWords before since Hachette does such a great job of reaching out to book bloggers!

Zondervan Zondervan is a division of Harper Collins and published the fabulous Sushi series by Camy Tang.

Avon Inspire is an imprint of Harper Collins as well, publishing inspirational romances including Lori Copeland, Kristin Billerbeck, and Lyn Cote.

B&H Fiction publishes a really wide variety as well...and some pretty fantastic stuff. I've thought their stuff was a little edgier for Christian fiction, which you know I enjoy!

Moody Publishers published one of my favorite Christian fiction books, My Hands Came Away Red. Fantastic read.

David C. Cook (or Cook)
This one always cracks me up because I think primarily of the Sunday School material I used to teach. But now they have some pretty awesome fiction.

Harvest House Publishers
Also publish a variety including Lori Wick, BJ Hoff, and Linore Rose Burkard

Guideposts

Navpress
Navpress has published the Hollywood Nobody series, Sharon Hinck, Tosca Lee, and more.

Whitaker House
Home of Sharlene MacLaren

Some others you might come across: Kregel Publications, Sheaf House, Summerside Press, and the forthcoming fiction from Abingdon Press. There are a few other small presses I've missed. Feel free to let me know what they are in comments.

Does this help?

An Interview with Me

Florinda did this fun meme going around where you have someone ask you some questions that you post on your blog! So I asked her to ask me some questions, because I thought she'd come up with some good ones, and I was right!

What hobby or pastime that you don't seem to have time for anymore would you like to start up again?
Okay, that's kind of difficult, but I'd like to go back to studying languages. I used to always keep the French and Japanese I know fresh in some way, but lately I've totally been slacking off. So I'd like to do some refreshers and then get back in the swing of things by joining some discussion groups or something. I think it would really help to read a book in French, though it will take me at least twice as long. I need to apply what I've learned at my job to improve my reading in French!

List four of your all-time favorite songs, and one you would be happy if you NEVER heard again.
By all time favorite songs I'm going to go with ones I can listen to a million times in a row and still feel like I need to hear again.

"The Blower's Daughter" by Damien Rice
I love this song so much it's ridiculous. It was used heavily in the promos for strange little movie Closer that had Jude Law in it. Actually it was probably in the film, too, only I can't remember.

"Sometimes You Can't Make it on Your Own" by U2
I love this gorgeous, moving, and personal song.

"Nothing to Say" by Andrew Peterson
I'm choosing this one because it was the first song I fell in love with by him. There have been so many more and some I probably love better, but this one is special. ;)

"Hold On" by Sarah McLachlan particularly the live version which is just so achingly beautiful.

A song I'd be happy to never hear again? "Jesus, Take the Wheel". I don't like Carrie Underwood much and the song just oozes cheesiness.

What's on the menu for your last meal? (The foods can come from anywhere - six different restaurants, your late grandma's kitchen, a taco truck, etc.)
My favorite food in all of the world is potato casserole, so I suppose, potato casserole, asparagus, ham, and a nice green salad. With maybe some stuffing and a little yaki niku on the side.

What is your most surprising talent or interest - the one that makes people say "I didn't know you (did/liked/knew)..."?
Huh. Apart from reading and writing, people are usually surprised by all my interests. I look like a pretty boring person, I think, so they are always surprised when I like other things. I think people are usually surprised to find I really enjoy karaoke. And I don't need an ounce of alcohol in me to love it. Granted, I haven't done much karaoke in public (i.e. not at a private party) in the States, so I don't know if I'd enjoy it as much here.

If you could go back and give your eighteen-year-old self a few pieces of advice, what would you tell her?
I would tell her to believe in herself, and to try to please no one but God. (I'd tell my 28 year old self that, too, ha) I'd tell her to guard her heart above all else for it is the wellspring of life and casually throwing it away will take years to recover from. And I'd tell her that it's okay to make mistakes--the very worst thing is to never try at all.

Thanks Florinda, that was fun! Does anyone else want to play along?
Leave me a comment saying, "Interview Me." Please include your e-mail address if it is not in your profile.
I will respond by emailing you five questions. (I get to pick the questions.)
You will update your blog with the answers to the questions.
You will include this explanation and an offer to interview someone else in the same post.
When others comment asking to be interviewed, you will ask them five questions.

Vampires or Werewolves?

I'm going to be honest with you. I know that vampires and werewolves are all the rage. That they are the subject of many a hot romance novel. That women swoon at the mere thought. I totally get that for one of them....vampires. But I just never really got the werewolf thing AT ALL. I mean, gross!!

Maybe it's my history with each one. After all, here's my history with vampires:






Pretty hot stuff, right? :) Those pictures represent some great stories!!! Now here's what I think of when I think of werewolves:



So, um, yeah. There's just really no competition. There is nothing particularly sexy about turning into a dog to me. Not to mention that I just prefer everything about the vampire mythology. Oh the tragedy of it all!

But recently I received the entire Kitty series by Carrie Vaughan for review. (so did a bunch of other bloggers!) I've just finished the first book in this series about werewolves and was surprised to find that I really enjoyed it and found more complexity (or potential for complexity, I should say) in the werewolf mythology than I originally thought. My full review will be coming soon, but I do have to say that even though I enjoyed the werewolves more than I thought I would, as soon as Arturo, the vampire master came on the scene I wanted more of him! But then I thought of a few other werewolf stories I like, such as Lupin in Harry Potter, and of course, this one:



But enough about me...how about you? Do you prefer vampire stories or werewolf stories or those stories where they are fighting each other? Or do you just hate all this stuff? :)

The Sunday Salon: Memoirs

I don't read an abundance of memoirs. I am just really and truly a fiction girl, with some theology and Christian life reading thrown in for good measure. But occasionally I'll pick one up and enjoy it. This week I reviewed Trail of Crumbs which was excellent.

When I've read memoirs, I've never really had a problem with the memoirist, however, so I'm surprised when others point out how arrogant they sound. The first time this happened was when our late beloved Dewey answered questions about Educating Esme. I had read this book and felt inspired by it. It never really occurred to me that Esme was arrogant until Dewey pointed it out. I don't know that if I went back and read it I would find that to be true or not, I'd rather keep my positive impression of the book to be honest. (I just went and read the comments to see if I said anything at the time...I didn't. I did think Esme's comment was funny)

Anyway, perhaps because I didn't comment, it's remained an unresolved issue in my mind so when a comment came in this week on one of my glowing reviews of a memoir, it came to the surface again. The book was A Friend Like Henry by Nuala Gardner which I loved and wept during. I felt that book truly inspired and educated me. Here's what the commentor said:

I can honestly say this is the worst book I have ever read. The only redeeming part of the book is when Dale offered his own insights in just a few pages. The book should have been titled...Me, me and more about me. This was one of the most egotistical books I've read, and I've been reading for over 50 years. I highly recommend NOT reading this book.

I have to admit my initial reaction was...what?!? Then I thought, were they aware this is a memoir? (of which the first two letters spell ME). And finally, I tried to see it from their point of view. And I can...a little bit. After all, they were pretty awesome and persistent parents willing to do anything for their son. But no..in the end I can't really see it from their point of view. I was left to conclude they had some sort of personal vendetta against the actual people and decided to take it to my blog, the logical place to air such things. (I suspect this because the search term that led them to my blog was the name of the author and not the book)

But I wonder....I mean, in the case of Esme and Nuala, perhaps it's hard not to sound like you think you're great. Both of them faced quite a bit of adversity and overcame huge obstacles. Their stories are inspirational and triumphant. And their hard work, persistence, and belief in themselves played a big role in that. So when they write about it...well perhaps there's no way not to sound arrogant.

So how about all of you? Do you read memoirs? Have you ever found the memoirist arrogant? Have you ever read a memoir that you found you enjoyed but did not like the memoirist? (is that even a word, or have I made it up for this blog post?)

I Saw Andrew Peterson Tonight! Win a Signed CD!

A couple weeks ago, I found out that Andrew Peterson was planning a trip to the West Coast and I could not have been more hopeful. Living in California, we rarely get Christian artists come out here. Most Christian artists are based in Nashville and it's an expensive trip. So we'll get the big names and that's about it. Having said that, this is the second time I've been blessed to see Andrew in California. I truly know that is a blessing.

The West Coast of course covers a lot of territory so I could only hope that a Southern California location would be included. I'm willing do drive quite far, so as long as it was somewhere that made sense...

I truly felt it was a gift from God that a church in Rancho Cucamonga had opened its doors. So I planned to go all week and was looking forward to it. But today, well, it was raining. And I felt yucky and I started to think maybe I wouldn't go. (by the way I've seen Andrew Peterson four times and three of those times have been by myself. The other time I dragged someone. Does anyone else have the problem of no one enjoying the same music?) But I went anyone, because well, it's Andrew Peterson. And if you've read this blog for any length of time, you know what that means. There are certain artists, creators, thinkers, writers who speak into our lives in just the right way that we can hear it. Andrew Peterson, Julie Lessman, Ravi Zacharias are some that come immediately to mind...that I think, when they write something (or sing something) that I read or hear I come away a better person.

So I do think it was the devil and his evil forces trying to keep me away tonight because it was an absolute feast for my soul. I just really felt that taking the time to sit and savor the songs from Resurrection Letters Volume II and the stories behind them was exactly what I needed. I was moved and encouraged and edified. I can't even remember the last time I felt so edified...which isn't saying much about the recent sermons I've heard. I'm just so thankful that in this big vast world, God gives us artists...people who take the mysteries of life and faith and the love of God and wrestle them into words, to give voice to the things we feel but cannot articulate, to affirm us and remind us that we are not alone on this journey of life.

In any case, I bought a couple of CDs...I actually already own the album, but wanted to get one signed (which he signed to my friend Amy...is that not the coolest or what?) and one signed to give away here. (because yes, I'm always thinking about the blog...guilty as charged)

If you'd like to check out the music of Andrew Peterson in the form of a signed CD!!! Please leave me a comment and tell me about an artist/writer/thinker/creator who speaks into your life. This is open to everyone everywhere, I just want to be sure that you understand this is Christian music.

This Week in Links

Much of the awesome stuff to be found round the blogosphere and web:

Faith and Justice
Brant, as the awesomely bold leader, interviews Mike Bishop about his new book What is Church? I would love to read this, as I envy what they have going on in Florida. (I loved the question...speaking of the Bible: ever read it?)

Becky tackles the question of poverty tourism at the Compassion blog. My personal take? No way.

Can you apply Lincoln's logic on slavery to abortion? (HT: Amy's humble Musings) The abortion issue, no matter where you fall, remains incredibly complex and difficult.

Stephen writes about it taking a community to know God, and Brody hopes the cycle of princesses turning into nasty queens will be broken and we'll get a good queen one day. Meanwhile, Tamera gives us a visual of what longing for God looks like. (it's too cute!)

Music
I love Christy Nockels formerly of Watermark. She has a new cd releasing this June and you can download a free song here. To be honest, it's no "Pure Glory", "Peace", or "Friend for Life", but it's a nice tune. I look forward to seeing what the new CD will be like.

Television
Did you know that the transition to digital television will be delayed? What a mess! I found this article to be informative and it made me sad to be honest.

Books
Trish shared some interesting kids books...and yes I've read some of those! Meanwhile Wendi reviewed a Cole's Family Christmas. I'd like to read that book, they had some cute stuff going on at BEA last year. Shelly reviewed Little Skink's Tail...which will be reviewed on the Friendly Book Nook soon! Marta reviewed 100 Ways to Simplify Your Life on audio and Kathy reviewed Little Pink House which she has said is a story everyone should hear! She's also giving a few copies on audio so be sure to check that out!

Meanwhile I really enjoyed this analysis of the Edward/Bella relationship from litlove at Tales from the Reading Room. And I was captivated by this review of the flawed masterwork of Doctor Zhivago at Dwell in Possibility. I've never wanted to read it before, but that review sort of made me want to!

Rel opened a discussion about the recent changes to Alice J. Wisler's forthcoming book's cover and synopsis..and from the comments it looks like they might have made a mistake!

Blogging/Tech

Ever wondered how to make a button for your blog? Beth gives you the answers here!

That's all I've got for you this time!

Faith 'n Fiction Saturday: Questions Asked or Answered?

Welcome to Faith 'n Fiction Saturday! If this is your first time participating, please read this post. It will tell you everything you need to know!

Today's Discussion: I was reading over at Novel Journey the other day (a great blog, by the way!) and this post caught my eye and just really really grabbed at the heart of what I think is the conflict around "preachy" Christian fiction. So I'm going to take this quote from the quote in the post, and ask you to share your thoughts about this topic.

"Too many Christians think we are supposed to use the arts to give people the answers. We’re not. We’re supposed to use the arts to lead them into a question."
Barbara Nicolosi

What do you think? Do you think Christian fiction should provide answers or lead us to questions?

My Thoughts: I think what keeps Christian fiction from being embraced by a lot of people is this very problem. In fact, while I certainly believe in Jesus and love Him, I think it would be arrogance for me to assume that I know the complete picture of what it means to follow Him. So I think, perhaps, this is the problem in Christian fiction. Life gets measured down into what fits into what we know and because the book seems to offer all the answers, it is perceived as being preachy.

Of course not all Christian fiction is this way. I applaud the authors willing to take risks in their writing, to raise questions and not tie everything up in a neat little bow. And truthfully I love a lot of the other stuff, too.

This is not to say certain values and ideas can't be promoted while still exploring the mysteries of life and God. There are other reasons I love Christian fiction....it's usually clean, with no offensive language or explicit sex. But when I think about the books that impact me the most, that live inside my mind for days afterwards (Silence, Quaker Summer)...they are books that invited me to explore what it means to follow Christ and leaving the questions unanswered, rather than wrapping it up in a neat little box.

This does beg the question...why do Christians feel the need to have everything so black and white cut and dried? Why are we so afraid of admitting that we don't have all the answers? It doesn't mean that Jesus is any less...all it is is the acknowledgement that we are not Him!

Your Turn:
Please post your thoughts and include a link back to this post...I expect a wide range of thoughts on this one for those of you willing to dig deep with me! Then come leave your permalink in the Mister Linky!

Weekly Geeks: Passions

#1. What are you passionate about besides reading and blogging? For example, are you crafty (knitting, woodworking, scrapbooking, model building)? Do you cook? Into gaming (computer or board)? Sports (player or spectator)? Photography? Maybe you like geocaching, rock climbing? Or love attending events like renaissance fairs, concerts? Music? Dancing? You get the idea.
Tell us why you're passionate about it. Post photos of what you've made or of yourself doing whatever it is you love doing.
#2. Get us involved. Link to tutorials, recipes, Youtube videos, websites, fan sites, etc, anything that will help us learn more about your interest or how to do your hobby. Maybe you'd like to link to another hobbyist whose work you admire or tell us about a book or magazine related to your interest.
#3. Visit other Weekly Geeks. Link in your post to other Geeks who've peaked your interest in their passion. Or maybe you might find a fellow afincionado among us, link to them.

I actually found this pretty hard. Like Nymeth, I find it hard to have time for than one hobby and book blogging is about as time consuming as hobbies can get.

So I've decided to share a passion that I no longer have the money for. I really love to travel. Traveling opens up the world in a way that both allows me to escape my own limited existence while expanding my knowledge and experiences. I became really interested in travel in 8th grade French class. But really and truly, I was exposed to the idea of other cultures and places through books and through the annual missions conferences at my churches growing up.

I haven't been to as many countries as Laura from Texas in Africa, but I've been to a few. I liked each one, similar to the way I find something interesting about each place in the States I've been to. I've been to Canada, Belgium, France, Costa Rica, Japan, South Korea, Mongolia, and Hong Kong.

I won't lie...France and Japan were my favorites, but I think having studied both languages before going and spending the most time in those two places is why.

I think the most fun trip I ever took was a weekend trip to Kyoto Japan for my 24th birthday. I went with my roommate and we had such fun. When you daydream about Japan, Kyoto is the place you daydream about. It is a modern city, but there are pockets of mystery and it's absolutely beautiful. I still hope to go there in the fall sometime,when the leaves are changing even though it's packed out during that season. When we went, we went to see all the famous temples, dressed up as maikos to get our photos taken, got attacked by the deer in Nara, ate yaki niku (for my birthday meal..YUM!), sang karaoke, had tea ceremony, went for a hike and got lost, made friends with a kind Japanese woman who helped us find our way, and I got treated like a celebrity by school kids at one of the temples for my gaijin-ness. (for being a foreigner)

One of the most life changing trips I've taken was to Hiroshima Japan. At the time I went, I was thinking through issues of Christian non-violence and believe me...to have the point hammered home The Peace Museum in Hiroshima Japan is the place to go. It's horrifying, but humbling, and I love the way the memory of what happened is preserved. I've also been to Nagasaki, but I do think the museum in Hiroshima is better. (although I had a lovely time in Nagasaki...there are a bunch of other sites of historical interest there including the hill where the 26 martyrs were killed and a lot of Christianity in Japan's history)

Although Japan is very expensive to travel to, I think it's one of the best countries to visit. It's mostly safe, and the tourism industry is highly developed. Each region has special food and customs, the history is long, and there are lots of gorgeous things to see. To cut down on cost, you can do what I did and live there for a year or so. And the food...oh the food. How I miss it.

As far as other Weekly Geek Participants I was interested in learning about Bookish Ruth's passion for animal rescue!

Review: Secret Keeper by Mitali Perkins

About the Book: When her father loses his job and leaves India to look for work in America, Asha Gupta, her older sister, Reet, and their mother must wait with Baba’s brother and his family, as well as their grandmother, in Calcutta. Uncle is welcoming, but in a country steeped in tradition, the three women must abide by his decisions.

My Review: If you're one of those people who doesn't read YA (young adult) novels because you think it's still all about Jessica and Elizabeth and their perfect size 6 figures or Bella's angst and longing for Edward, then you are missing out on some really good books. And this would be one of them, it's an absolute gem.

Oh. This. Book. It's a perfect example of what I hope teenagers would read, to discover both: a) themselves in the pages and b) a world outside their own.

Secret Keeper is set in both a different time and a different country, but the experiences Asha has are universal in nature, they are the experiences of growing up and growing up in difficult times. The love of family runs rich and deep throughout the book, it is the foundation for the story and is woven into every event. I loved Asha, I thought she was a wonderful and spunky character, the kind I like best. :) I felt her frustration over the limitations and restrictions put on women in her culture and her grief over the revelations and events that took place. I like that she was always a teenager, able to feel things without always over processing them or knowing the full extent of the damage done, to acknowledge the choices that she was able to make. I enjoyed the progression and development of all of the characters all up until and through the heartbreaking and surprising development at the end. I didn't want it to happen, but I don't think it could have ended any other way.

A huge thanks to Mitali Perkins for sending me this book to review. If you are looking to give YA a chance, you might start with this book, available for purchase here. I'm also pleased to say that while this book is not Christian fiction, it is completely wholesome and recommended for Christian teens.

Rating: 4.5/5

6 Things That Make Me Happy

Lady Vampire tagged for me this meme...so here goes!
Link to the person who has tagged you.
Write down six things that make you happy.
Post the rules, tag six others and let them know you did it.
Then tell the person when your entry is complete.

1) Seeing a freeway that is moving, well, freely. I despise traffic and I hate that it takes me 45 minutes to get to my job which is 15 minutes away.

2) Getting packages of books in the mail!

3) Reading a book that I don't want to put down, consumes my thoughts, and changes me just a little!

4) Hearing from a dear friend.

5) Laughing so hard it hurts and thinking life just doesn't get any better than the simple act of shared humor.

6) Brilliant sunsets that make my heart ache with longing for the world unseen.

I tag: Euphrony, Kristin, Julie, Kristina, Holly, and Lynda!

Book Spotlight: Word Gets Around by Lisa Wingate

About the Book: When Romance Is In the Air, Word Gets Around Lauren Eldridge thought she'd wiped the dust of Daily, Texas, off her boots forever. Screenwriter Nate Heath thought he was out of second chances. Life's never that predictable, though. Cajoled by her father, Lauren is back in town helping train a skittish race horse set to star in a Hollywood film. But the handsome screenwriter gives her more trouble than the horse. And Nate is realizing there's a spark of magic in the project--and in the eyes of the girl who is so good with horses. Daily, Texas, has a way of offering hope, healing, and a little romance just when folks need it most.

To read the first chapter of Word Gets Around, go here.

Review: Love Finds You in Humble, Texas by Anita Higman

Summerside Press has launched a line of romance novels that focus on sweet Christian romances in various places throughout the United States. Each town is a real place with a quirky name. I think their covers are absolutely gorgeous...don't you?

I love to read a sweet romance from time to time, and I'm thrilled to know I have a new option in the Love Finds You...series.

Love Finds You in Humble, Texas by Anita Higman is the story of two sisters who have the misfortune of falling in love with the same man. Thankfully, this wasn't the kind of story where the sisters were going to do battle throughout the book, but rather they loved each other a lot. At first, I thought I was going to despise Lane who seemed oblivious to Trudie's strong feelings for Mason. What really irritated me was that Lane set Trudie up with Mason to begin with! However, once she saw how wonderful and charming he was with her sister, she started to regret her decision. I won't say anymore than that, but I did end up quite liking Lane by the end. This is an enjoyable read, with light humor and also a sweet message of healing and hope.

If you're looking for a nice romance with elements of faith set in a nice small town with character, than I think you will enjoy this one!

Rating: 3.75/5
Things You Might Want to Know: Christian Fiction!