Book Spotlight: God's Little Instrument -- giveaway

GOD’S LITTLE INSTRUMENT BOOK BLAST INFORMATION


About the Author:

She has been working as a legal assistant the past twenty-three years in an
extremely busy law office. She is the mother of three adults and grandmother of six
wonderful grandchildren, with numbers seven and eight putting in their appearance
this summer. The unexpected loss of a younger sibling eleven years ago opened
the floodgates of her heart and the pent up poetry about her life just poured out.
The onslaught was so intense that she would wake in the middle of the night and
have to scribble the words down on a pad by the bed. Unable to contain it she
wrote poems on envelopes, scraps of paper even ran down the street one time after
a poem about her mother that the wind blew away. Now at this phase in her life
her writing is all about her legacy. She wants to leave behind a body of work that
will bless her family as well as others for years to come. Most of her poetry is like
small prayers of gratitude to God that she prays will be knocking at God’s pearly
gates long after she is gone. Her poetry is about the joy of life and how we will
never find peace unless we embrace our inner child and go before God’s throne
with a contrite heart. She has previously written and self-published two other
poetry books; (The Poetic Offerings of a Creatively Frustrated Christian and God
Whispers). Currently she is working on a fantasy love story.

About the Book:

This book is about relationship and the joy of loving our Lord because He loves
us for who we are not for who we think we should be. This book is inviting you to
set aside your bucket lists. The poetry encourages you to slow down and to view
God through the eyes of a child. To remember when your only goal in life was to
please Him and not the world. Read the poems and lose yourself in the artwork that
will take you to heaven and back. This book is meant to be enjoyed by the whole
spectrum of life; from the very young right through to the old, ( I should know I’m
61) as you share it with your loved ones. It’s about embracing the little child in us
that God so fearfully and wonderfully made. One look at the dynamic illustrations
drawn by my niece Danielle Marie Robinson and you will feel inspired to sing
praises to the Lord. The poems were written as celebrations of key moments in
the authors life that touched her very soul. God never said keep his blessings to
yourself so she shares her vision of being God’s little instrument with you. Enjoy
and be blessed.

Purchase your copy:

Title: God’s Little Instrument
Author: Sandra Hall
Publisher: Authorhouse
Genre: Christian Inspirational
Pages: 36
Language: English
ISBN-13: 978-1-48176-161-1
Purchase at Authorhouse

This book is about relationship and the joy of loving our Lord because He loves
us for who we are not for who we think we should be. This book is inviting you to
set aside your bucket lists. The poetry encourages you to slow down and to view
God through the eyes of a child. To remember when your only goal in life was to
please Him and not the world. Read the poems and lose yourself in the artwork that
will take you to heaven and back. This book is meant to be enjoyed by the whole
spectrum of life; from the very young right through to the old, ( I should know I’m
61) as you share it with your loved ones. It’s about embracing the little child in us
that God so fearfully and wonderfully made. One look at the dynamic illustrations
drawn by my niece Danielle Marie Robinson and you will feel inspired to sing
praises to the Lord. The poems were written as celebrations of key moments in
the authors life that touched her very soul. God never said keep his blessings to
yourself so she shares her vision of being God’s little instrument with you. Enjoy
and be blessed.

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Beloved

Enter Today - 10/28 - 11/15!
 

Book Info and my review

About the book: Title: BELOVED Author: Robin Lee Hatcher Publisher: Zondervan September 2014 ISBN: 978-0310257776 Genre: Historical Diana is ready to begin a new chapter in her life-until the husband she believed dead reappears at her engagement party. Diana Brennan came west on the orphan train and was given a home with a loving couple who cherished and spoiled her. At 17, she fell hard for Tyson Applegate, the son of a wealthy mine owner. After a whirlwind courtship and marriage, Tyson took off for adventures around the world, including fighting with the Rough Riders in Cuba. Receiving no word of him for seven years, Diana's infatuation with her dashing husband died an ugly death, and she is ready to move past the old pain and marry again, just as soon as Tyson is declared legally dead. But when her husband returns, supposedly a changed man, he wants to reunite with his wife and run for the senate. While Diana suspects the election is his real reason for wanting her by his side, she agrees to maintain his home and to campaign with him, but when it is over, win or lose, she wants her freedom.  He agrees with one condition----she must give him a chance to change her mind about him. My thoughts:  BELOVED is the third book in Ms. Hatcher’s Where the Heart Lives series, but it easily stands alone. I had the privilege of reading the first book in the series, Belonging, but haven’t read Betrayal yet (it is on my wish list.)  However, while BELOVED is part of a series about siblings, they do stand alone. I thoroughly enjoyed reading BELOVED, and recommend this book to all historical fans. Ms. Hatcher has really managed to bring this series to life, helping us to get to know both Diana and Tyson. I hated some of the choices Diana made, and really fell in love with Tyson. I hoped they would work things out. I loved the way some of the secondary characters played out in this story. If you like historical fiction, don’t miss BELOVED or any of the books in this series. Discussion questions and a snippet of another book are included at the end. $14.99. 304 pages. 4.5 stars.  Purchase a copy: http://ow.ly/qb0G2 Meet the author: Robin is the author of 65+ novels and novellas. Her home is in Idaho, where she spends her time writing stories of faith, courage, and love; pondering the things of God; and loving her family and friends. Learn more at:http://www.robinleehatcher.com

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The One Year Book of Amish Peace

Title: THE ONE YEAR BOOK OF AMISH PEACE

Author: Tricia Goyer

Publisher: Tyndale

September 2013

ISBN: 978-1-4143-7980-7

Genre: Devotional

Let the simplicity of the Amish draw you closer to God.

In this instantly connected world, it’s surprisingly easy to lose our connection to God.

What’s admirable about the Amish lifestyle is that it intentionally slows the pace of life so there’s an opportunity to see the everyday grandeur of our great God.

Not everyone can—or should—adopt an Amish lifestyle. But the Amish can inspire all of us to slow down and simplify our lives. We need to learn to let go of our glittering gadgets in order to grab hold of something of infinitely greater value—the Divine.

The One Year Book of Amish Peace will inspire you to set a sustainable pace of life so that you, too, can take the time to enjoy God’s gifts each and every day.

THE ONE YEAR BOOK OF AMISH PEACE is a book full of daily devotions, dated, so you never lose track of what day you are on. They include an Amish proverb, a Bible verse, a devotion, and an short prayer. Each devotion is about a page in length, making it the perfect size for a quick devotion centered around God and the Amish.

This isn’t a deep Bible study type book and isn’t intended to take the place of your Bible study. It is a devotional, taking less than a minute or two of your time.

I love reading devotionals. They are just perfect for one-on-one moments with God when you need a quick pick-me-up, or a moment of God-time. This book fulfilled my expectations, with cute stories, applicable verses and proverbs, and a prayer (though I add my own additional comments there.)  THE ONE YEAR BOOK OF AMISH PEACE would be a perfect devotional for the Amish fiction fans on your Christmas list, or for yourself. $15.99. 400 pages. 5 stars. 

Gunpowder Tea

Enter Today - 10/21 - 11/7!

Book Info and My Review

Title: GUNPOWDER TEA Author: Margaret Brownley Publisher: Thomas Nelson October 2013 ISBN: 978-1595549723 Genre: historical / romantic suspense In a case that could change her career, Miranda uncovers a love that will change her life. When Miranda Hunt sees the classified ad for an heiress to the legendary Last Chance Ranch, she knows assuming the identity of Annie Beckman is the perfect cover. As one of the finest agents for the Pinkerton Detective Agency, Miranda has been tasked with apprehending the Phantom - an elusive and notorious train robber thought to be hiding on the sprawling ranch. But she isn't the only one there with something to hide. Wells Fargo detective Jeremy Taggert is working the scene undercover as well. And although their true identities are a secret, it is impossible for Jeremy and Miranda to hide the spark that flares between them. But neither is about to let romance interfere with such a huge case. Besides, Miranda hasn't removed Jeremy from her list of suspects yet. The closer they come to uncovering the identity of the Phantom, the more dangerous he gets - and no one on the ranch is safe. But neither are their hearts - the longer Miranda and Jeremy spend working together, the harder it becomes to keep their feelings in check. Their careers - and their lives - depend on solving this case. Love will have to wait. GUNPOWDER TEA is the third book in The Brides of Last Chance Ranch series. Readers will want to read Dawn Comes Early and Waiting For Morning first as they are about two previous heiresses who come to the ranch. I absolutely loved GUNPOWDER TEA and even ordered some of the real gunpowder tea because I wanted to hear it pop. GUNPOWDER TEA was laugh out loud funny at times – and easily one of the best western historical romances I’ve read in forever. GUNPOWDER TEA was a wonderful book and if you like westerns or historicals, this is one book you won’t want to miss. A recipe for gunpowder tea bread is included as well as discussion questions. I’d give it more than 5 stars if I could. $15.99. 336 pages.  "In the exquisitely intriguing finale to her Brides of Last Chance Ranch trilogy, Brownley blends faith and romance with a dash of mystery to serve up a cozy, fulfilling story set in the Arizona Territory of the 1890s . . . .This enchanting account of the hardships and wonders of the Old West features many delightful characters. The story stands on its own merits, independent of the first two in the series, drawing readers into a world that is difficult to leave."  ---Publishers Weekly Purchase a copy: http://ow.ly/pS1iy Meet the author: Thrills, mystery, suspense, romance: Margaret penned it all. Nothing wrong with this---except Margaret happened to be writing for the church newsletter at the time. After making the church picnic read like a Grisham novel, her former pastor took her aside and said, "Maybe God's calling you to write fiction." So that's what Margaret did. She's now a New York Times bestselling author and a Romance Writers of America RITA finalist with more than 25 novels to her credit. Her first non-fiction book Grieving God's Way: the Lasting Path to Hope and Healing has won much critical acclaim. She is currently working on the third book in her Brides of Last Chance Ranch series. Not bad for someone who flunked 8th grade English. Just don't ask her to diagram a sentence. Learn more at Margaret's website: http://margaretbrownley.com

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Interview with Beth Wiseman and Giveaway!!!

Enter to win a copy of Beth's book, PLAIN PEACE, by answering the question below. Leave a comment including contact information

1. Why do you write the kind of books you do?  I used to think that I was writing books for the enjoyment of my readers and to spread God’s word through the gift of story.  I still believe that, but I’ve learned over the years that with each book, I am also ministering to my own soul—learning not to carry the burdens of the past and growing on my own spiritual path.

2. What are you reading right now?  My writing preferences are all over the place, but right now, I am reading Joyland by Stephen King.  It’s a coming of age story that’s a bit scary as well.  J

3. What is your current work in progress?  I just finished a non-Amish contemporary that was way out of the box for me, and it’s a story that is close to my heart.  It will take the reader from Texas to a dangerous place on the other side of the world. The Promise is totally fiction, but definitely inspired by a true story. 

4. How do you choose your settings for each book?  For my Amish books, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania is the setting, and I’ve traveled there several times to meet with Amish friends.  I chose the town of Paradise in Lancaster County because of the quaint, small town feel—and of course, it is home to a huge population of Amish folks.  I live in a small town in Texas, and I love the friendliness of the people and slower pace.  That drew me to Lancaster County too.  I have also released two non-Amish contemporaries set in small Texas towns—Need You Now and The House that Love Built.   

5. What three things about you would surprise readers?  I’m not really a blonde (although that might not surprise anyone).   I sometimes walk around my house whistling the song from The Flintstones (I have no idea why).  I’ve been on a coyote hunt (and won’t be going again).

6, What are your hobbies, besides writing and reading?  I love to paint with acrylics.  I’m not very good at it, but it relaxes me.  And I love to cook and try new recipes.  Luckily for me, my husband will eat just about anything.  There have been a few recipes that didn’t turn out exactly as planned. 

7. What advice would you give to a beginning author?  It’s so cliché, but never give up.  I believe anyone can get published if they study the craft and have even the tiniest bit of creativity.  Most people will give up because they can’t handle the rejection that usually goes with the territory. 
 

8. Is there one particular message or “moral of the story” you hope readers walk away with in Plain Peace?  This would tie back to me ministering to my own sole.  Peace comes from within based on the way we live our lives, our relationships with others, and certainly our relationship with God.  Live your life in a way that nurtures others and makes you feel good about yourself. 

9. How do you see yourself in your character’s story, if at all?  I think there is always a little part of me in every character—even the bad ones, lol.  For example, I tend to carry the burdens of my past.  I forgive others easily, but I have trouble forgiving myself.  And for a long time, I wondered if there was a ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ way to pray.  Those are just a few examples.  But my cup is almost always half full, though, and not half empty.  I find hope in almost all situations.  So themes of forgiveness, redemption, and hope usually find a way into my stories, and I think good stories are better when we bear our own souls a little bit.   

10. What’s on the horizon for you?  What will you be writing next?  I will be working on a novella in conjunction with eleven other authors for a compilation of  ‘bride’ stories.  I’m the July bride.  J  From there, I’ll write another Amish novella, then an Amish full-length, then another contemporary, more Amish novellas, and so on...  Lots of books on the horizon.  I’ve been incredibly blessed. 

Answer this question to be entered into the giveaway. Who has been your favorite character in the Daughters of the Promise series, and why?

Beth Wiseman is an award-winning and best-selling author who is best known for her Amish novels, but she is now spreading her wings in other genres as well. Her two latest releases—Need You Now and The House that Love Built—are non-Amish contemporaries set in small Texas towns, both of which have garnished glowing reviews. However, her current project will take readers far away from Amish Country and small Texas towns to a dangerous place on the other side of the world. Inspired by a true story, Beth believes this is the book she’s been working toward for a long time. More information on this exciting project will be coming soon!

A Quilt for Jenna

Title: A QUILT FOR JENNA

Author: Patrick E. Craig

Publisher: Harvest House Publishers

February 2013

ISBN: 978-0736951050

Genre: Amish

About the book: 

Jerusha Springer’s Heart is broken . . . can it be healed? What if it takes a tragedy to mend it?

Amish + Quilts = readers delight! And in this first book in Patrick Craig's Apple Creek Dreams series, readers will follow Jerusha Springer's journey out of tragic circumstances to a new life of hope.

Jerusha has spent months making the most beautiful quilt anyone in Apple Creek, Ohio, has ever seen, and she knows it's going to take first prize at the Quilt Fair in Dalton. The prize will be her ticket out of the Amish way of life--away from the memories of her dead daughter and her tormented husband. But on the way to the Fair, she gets caught in the Storm of The Century and Jerusha's driver crashes their car. While the driver goes for help, Jerusha is led by someone, or something, to the side of a lost little girl. By the time the storm clears, Jerusha finds there is a greater prize to be won than money and blue ribbons.

A beautiful story of loss....and redemption… 

My thoughts: 

A QUILT FOR JENNA is the first book in Mr. Craig’s Apple Creek Dreams series. I thought it sounded really good, so I couldn’t wait to read it. But it started out rather depressing, so I put it down for a long while… and finally picked it up again.

It is still a very depressing story. It ends well, but there is a lot of storms (including the weather) to get through. The loss of a child… the abandonment of a spouse… other family deaths that were never fully resolved…

The story is written in an engaging way. There is some attempt made to follow point of view, but it does slip out into the narrative’s point of view often. The part of the snow plow seemed to drone on and on…

But it does cover an Amish man going off to war – which has become a somewhat popular topic in Amish these days, and it’s not your typical run of the mill Amish story. It is unique. Fans of Amish fiction might enjoy A QUILT FOR JENNA. It does have a happy ending. Discussion questions are included at the end. $13.99. 304 pages. 3 stars.  

Emotions

Title: EMOTIONS:  CONFRONT THE LIES, CONQUER WITH TRUTH

Author: Charles F. Stanley

Publisher: Howard Books

October 2013

ISBN: 978-1-4767-5206-8

Genre: Religion/Christian Life/Inspirational

290 pages

$24.99 hardcover with jacket

Writing with the concern of a counselor, the passion of a pastor, and the wisdom of a scribe, Dr. Charles Stanley presents EMOTIONS for your edification and inspiration; the subtitle clearly states the course of the book:  CONFRONT THE LIES, CONQUER WITH TRUTH.

And Dr. Stanley does just that.  Just to clear the air, I’m coming to this review with a HUGE bias – Dr. Stanley (though we’ve never met in person) has been one of my favorite writers and speakers for over two decades.  I was introduced to his messages by my mother-in-law, and was skeptical at first.  Because I was a fundamental Baptist (and MAD about!), and Dr. Stanley was affiliated with the Southern Baptist Convention.  I don’t need to say anything more on that score.  Either you catch my drift, or you don’t.

But about halfway through the first message, I turned to my mother-in-law and said, “he doesn’t preach like a Southern Baptist, does he!”  I was hooked, and I’ve broken spiritual bread with him on numerous occasions since that time.

From page one of EMOTIONS, Dr. Stanley places the emphasis squarely on the most crucial aspect of the topic:  a relationship with Jesus Christ as one’s personal Savior and Lord.  Without that relationship in place, one is never going to be able to even open an honest discussion concerning ones emotions.

From there, Dr. Stanley takes one on a journey through the emotions of pain, fear, rejection, bitterness, guilt and despair.  He shares illustrations drawn from his own personal journey, as well as those of others.  While not exhaustive, this book is nevertheless complete, as Dr. Stanley does not just provide case studies; he provides Biblical principles that will never change, regardless of the particular circumstances one may be facing.

Thank you, Dr. Stanley, for the courage to tackle such a sensitive subject . . . and for shining God’s truth into the dark plans of our adversary.

I was provided a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

5 stars for an inspiring book that draws one closer to God

reviewed by Steve

An Amish Family Christmas

Title: AN AMISH FAMILY CHRISTMAS

Author: Murray Pura

Publisher Harvest House

October 2013

ISBN: 978-0736952378

Genre: Amish/Christmas

After tragedy strikes the family of young Naomi Bachman, her friend Rebecca does all she can to help. But things get complicated when Naomi's husband, Micah, returns from combat tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. He is under the Meidung--the shunning--and no one is permitted to speak to him or eat with him.

But God has a way of working on the hearts of His people--especially at Christmas time. When an unexpected turn of events sets things right, miracles happen to the Amish community of Paradise, to the Shrock family--and to Naomi.

Here is warm and tender story of faithfulness and reconciliation at the most wonderful time of the year.

AN AMISH FAMILY CHRISTMAS is a sweet Christmas story. I like the way Mr. Pura works military into Amish stories a sure-fire way of tension, knowing their stance. I wondered how this story would play out, with Micah’s determination and strong-will, and the ministers’ equally strong will about the bann.

The story had some wow moments. I literally couldn’t put this book down. If you are looking for a different sort of Amish story this Christmas, then AN AMISH FAMILY CHRISTMAS is one to consider. Recommended. $10.99 hardcover, with slipcover. 144 pages. 

The Gospel Centered Woman

Title: THE GOSPEL CENTERED WOMAN

Author: Wendy Alsup

Publisher: self

January 2013

ISBN: 978-1451574821

Genre: Bible study

Many Christian books written to women claim to present God's good instructions for their lives. Some expound on the value of marriage and children. Many extol the virtues of the Proverbs 31 wife. A good number teach the value of love, submission, and respect in Christian marriages. Though this book deals with these topics, The Gospel-Centered Woman addresses women from an entirely different perspective. The most important part of the Bible's instructions to women center around the gospel. Jesus' life, death, and resurrection brought about a seismic shift in our understanding of Scripture. After His resurrection, His disciples understood words written thousands of years before with a clarity they never had previously. The good news of Christ illuminates all other Scripture, including instructions to women.

To be honest, I’m not real sure what I feel about THE GOSPEL CENTERED WOMAN. It seems very concise, backed with scripture, and well thought out. It is written by a very conservative Christian woman, one of which I am. So, theologically I agree. Mostly. She is a bit contradictive, or maybe it was the only way she could think to word things, such as “in Heaven we won’t be married. Well, we will, but Jesus will be our groom.” (Not an exact quote, but close enough.) Seems, contradictory at first, but I know what she means. We will be the bride of Christ, not the bride of our Earthly husband.

All in all, I recommend this book as a Bible study for a women’s Sunday school class or a women’s small group, or discussion group. There are pages ready for note taking on each chapter. This is not a casual devotion for women. It isn’t a book that can be read one short section at a time. Actually, it requires a lot of thought, interaction, and study. Which is good.

I’m going to recommend THE GOSPEL CENTERED WOMAN for women’s groups, or if you are looking for a deeper Bible study about God’s purpose for women. 4 stars. 154 pages. $8.99. 

Cover Reveal -- Living Separate Lives

About The Book

Four Friends, One Secret and The Weekend That Changed Their Destiny

Candace Walker, Kaylan Smith, Jordan Tate and Tiffany Thomas have their share of sorrows but neither of them realizes how deep the sorrow goes.  What happens when they agree to meet for a weekend of relaxation in beautiful Napa County, after years of separation?

For Candice Walker life has left her battered and bruised.  Kaylan Smith has struggled with prejudice from her in-laws. Bitterness is trying to raise its ugly head, after fifteen years of marriage, Jordan Tate’s husband calls it quits. And for Tiffany Thomas dealing with rejection has never been one of her greatest qualities.

How can the lives of these friends be restored after a secret is revealed? Who will leave hurt? Who will leave whole?

About The Author

Paulette Harper is an award-winning and best-selling author. She is the owner of Write Now Literary Virtual Book Tours and is passionate about helping authors succeed in publishing and marketing their books. Paulette has been writing and publishing books since 2008.  Paulette is the author of That Was Then, This is Now, Completely Whole and The Sanctuary. Her articles have appeared on-line and in print.

Title: Living Separate Lives

Four Friends, One Secret and The Weekend That Changed Their Destiny

Author: Paulette Harper

Publisher: Thy Word Publishing

Genre: Christian Fiction, Novella

Hosted By: Write Now Literary Virtual Book Tour www.wnlbooktours.com

ISBN-13:  978-0-9899691-0-9

Releasing: Nov 5, 2013 e-book and paperback

Social Media Links

Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/PauletteHarperAuthor

Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/pauletteharper

LinkedIn:  http://www.linkedin.com/pub/paulette-harper-johnson/7/a29/8a7

Pinterest : http://pinterest.com/pauletteharper/

Website: www.pauletteharper.com

Email: pharperjohnson@gmail.com

 

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18524878-living-separate-lives

Trailer:http://youtu.be/Y2YWSYkfxAM

Excerpt

“Stop preaching to me. I don’t want to hear it anymore. I’ve had enough of your self-righteousness.” The words continued to cut Jordan’s heart; words that she never heard before coming from the mouth of her husband, Eric. “You knew how I was before we got married.”  His tone deepened with every word.

            Standing in front of the sink, Jordan was frozen and motionless in the middle of the kitchen. She held the dish towel in one hand and a plate in the other. She turned and faced Eric, whose eyes were cold and hard.  The verbal blows kept coming.  Her mouth opened wide, but no words could be formed when he uttered the deadly words, “I want a divorce.”

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Book Spotlight: Never Giving Up and Never Wanting To

NEVER GIVING UP AND NEVER WANTING TO BLOG TOUR INFORMATION

About the Author:

As a lifetime problem-solver, I faced the challenges of caring for my two AD
victims by researching the disease and developing caregiving skills to assure their
comfort and care.

About the Book:

Like most, I knew about Alzheimer’s disease. It causes old people to forget. When
my relationship with this disease began, it highlighted how little I knew. Following
my widowed mother’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis, I researched this disease to gain
insight about my new role as her caregiver and decision maker. What I learned
and experienced during her affliction still left me somewhat unprepared for what
was yet to come. Sixteen months following my mother’s diagnosis, my dear wife
and best friend was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s. Though now I was
familiar with this silent killer, my wife’s diagnosis set into motion many changes
and challenges in our lives. Someone is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s every sixty-
eight seconds. Currently, Alzheimer’s is the only disease in the top-ten causes
of death that is on the increase and has no means of prevention and no possible
cure. Given these facts, support for those afflicted relies on increasing levels of
caregiving as the disease progresses. Let me explain something about this “old
folk’s disease.” Alzheimer’s affects more than just parents and grandparents. It
is also the disease of siblings, spouses, and children. Alzheimer’s forces many
families to decide between home versus institutional care. An estimated fifteen
million caregivers provide some level of care to the Alzheimer’s victims still
living at home. No matter what level of care you are providing, the importance of
preparation is paramount. Arming yourself with knowledge begins that preparation
process. I was unprepared for the roller-coaster ride my life became as the sole
caregiver for two Alzheimer’s victims. To meet their varied challenges, I adapted
and developed multiple techniques for targeted personalized care. If only I knew
then what I know now. By sharing my knowledge and experience, I hope to better
prepare you for your caregiving journey.

Purchase your copy:

TRAFFORD PUBLISHING

Title: Never Giving Up and Never Wanting To: A Caregiver’s Journey
Author: Barry Tutor
Publisher: Trafford Publishing
Genre: Alzheimer’s/Caregiver
Pages: 238
Language: English
ISBN-13: 978-1-46694-879-2

Purchase at TRAFFORD PUBLISHING

Like most, I knew about Alzheimer’s disease. It causes old people to forget. When
my relationship with this disease began, it highlighted how little I knew. Following
my widowed mother’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis, I researched this disease to gain
insight about my new role as her caregiver and decision maker. What I learned
and experienced during her affliction still left me somewhat unprepared for what
was yet to come.

Sixteen months following my mother’s diagnosis, my dear wife
and best friend was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s. Though now I was
familiar with this silent killer, my wife’s diagnosis set into motion many changes
and challenges in our lives. Someone is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s every sixty-
eight seconds.

Currently, Alzheimer’s is the only disease in the top-ten causes
of death that is on the increase and has no means of prevention and no possible
cure. Given these facts, support for those afflicted relies on increasing levels of
caregiving as the disease progresses. Let me explain something about this “old
folk’s disease.” Alzheimer’s affects more than just parents and grandparents. It
is also the disease of siblings, spouses, and children. Alzheimer’s forces many
families to decide between home versus institutional care.

An estimated fifteen million caregivers provide some level of care to the Alzheimer’s victims still
living at home. No matter what level of care you are providing, the importance of
preparation is paramount. Arming yourself with knowledge begins that preparation
process. I was unprepared for the roller-coaster ride my life became as the sole
caregiver for two Alzheimer’s victims. To meet their varied challenges, I adapted
and developed multiple techniques for targeted personalized care. If only I knew
then what I know now. By sharing my knowledge and experience, I hope to better
prepare you for your caregiving journey.

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Perfectly Matched

Title: PERFECTLY MATCHED

Author: Maggie Brendan

Publisher: Revell

October 2013

ISBN: 978-0800734640

Genre: Historical romance

His life runs like clockwork. Hers is a spontaneous adventure.
But God's timing is always perfect.

Anna Olsen knows it's time to leave her sister's increasingly crowded house and start a life of her own. Following both sisters' examples, she becomes a mail-order bride, and after a short correspondence with clock maker and jeweler Edward Parker, she moves to Denver to become his wife.

Almost immediately it's painfully apparent that Anna and Edward are very different. Anna is a free spirit who would rather be painting and enjoying the company of friends than cleaning house. Edward is a consummate perfectionist who, on their wedding day, hands Anna a list of chores that need to be done around the house daily.

Can this mismatched couple see past their differences to a harmonious future? Or will their disparate passions create obstacles neither is willing to surmount?

PERFECTLY MATCHED is the third book in Ms. Brendan’s The Blue Willow Brides series, but it easily stands alone. Fans will want to read Twice Promised and Deeply Devoted as well. I loved the other two books in this series, and loved PERFECTLY MATCHED as well.

Anna is independent, smart, and naïve. Edward is a stick-in-the-mud. Stuck in his ways, easily upset, and fiercely detailed. I must admit I didn’t care too much for Edward, but he and Anna did compliment each other, and he did grow and change. Two other romances happened inside the pages of this book, which added a nice touch.  I enjoyed getting to know Anna and Edward in the pages of this book. Don’t miss PERFECTLY MATCH. I read the book through in a day, it was that good. $14.99. 352 pages. 4.5 stars. 

Fatal Tide

Title: FATAL TIDE

Author: Lis Wiehl

Publisher: Thomas Nelson

September 2013

ISBN: 978-1-5955-4946-4

Genre: Fiction/Mystery & Detective/General

321 pages.

$26.99.

In East Salem, the elite St. Adrian’s Academy is at the nexus of a satanic apocalypse—and the fatal tide is rising.

When Hieronymus Bosch’s Garden of Earthly Delights is reunited with the pagans who commissioned it, a dark prophecy begins to unfold in East Salem, beginning with a savage double-murder by hellish creatures straight out of the painting itself. The lone survivor of the attack, a seventeen-year-old Brit, finds sanctuary at Tommy Gunderson’s home—and the place is soon surrounded by demons who seem to be biding their time…but for how long?

Tommy’s pond has been contaminated with Provivilan—an insidious drug that could transform New York City’s children into an army of violence-addicted murderers. But for an occult cabal in the upper echelons of Linz Pharmaceuticals, contaminating the water supply is just part of an ancient conspiracy against all of humankind.

As the clouds gather, Tommy and Dani realize they must infiltrate Linz and St. Adrian’s to stop the dissemination of Provivilan. Even then, it could take a tangible eruption of the battle between angels and demons to save humanity from the supernatural evils that have been summoned to East Salem.

The supernatural genre has been invaded by those who don’t know what they are talking about.  And this could be a dangerous trend.  For angels and demons are real, but they don’t always go masquerading as biker buds.

Tommy’s pond has been contaminated with Provivilan – an insidious drug that could transform New York City’s children into an army of violence-addicted murderers.  But for an occult cabal in the upper echelons of Linz Pharmaceuticals, contaminating the water supply is just part of an ancient conspiracy against all of humankind.

Lis Wiehl and Pete Nelson join forces in this third installment of the East Salem series.  I have not read the previous books, and unfortunately there is a real need to have done so in order to appreciate book three, FATAL TIDE.  While the attempt has been made to “bring a reader up to speed,” I cannot call FATAL TIDE “stand-alone,” by any means. Readers will want to read Darkness Rising and Waking Hours first.

FATAL TIDE is a series of false-starts, riddled with innocuous details that could have been left on the cutting board.  Just when one is “getting into” the action, one is de-railed by a technical explanation that takes too long to understand, and too long to figure out the point the authors are trying to reach.

On a more serious note . . . the authors claim to be writing about a supernatural war between good and evil, between God and Satan, between angels and demons.  Yet the name of God is used no more than as an expression of horror, the Bible is nothing more than a book that Reese reads because he was bored, the angels ride around on Harley’s, and the demons assume physical forms of gargantuan proportions which makes them hideous to look at . . . but which humans can kill, if they bring enough firepower to bear.

In other words . . . the war between good and evil can be won by humanity alone, and salvation by grace is no longer necessary.  Hence, the dangerous trend that I referred to above.

If man can defeat Satan singlehandedly . . . why haven’t they?

The Journey of Josephine Cain

Title: THE JOURNEY OF JOSEPHINE CAIN

Author: Nancy Moser

Publisher: Summerside Press

September 2013

ISBN: 978-0824934279

Genre: Historical

A pampered socialite embarks on a journey to the Wild West where her life is changed forever.

A setting populated by hundreds of laborers, outlaws, and Indians is hardly the place for a wealthy general's daughter from the nation's capital. But Josephine Cain is determined to visit her father, who supervises the day-to-day work involved in the grandest ambition of post-Civil War America: the building of the Transcontinental Railroad.

Life with the railroad is far from the proper life Josephine is used to, and she faces deadly gunfights, harsh weather, and vigilante uprisings. She is torn between the West and the East; between her privileged upbringing and the challenges of a new frontier; between the pull of the suitable beau her parents approve of and an attraction to a rough but charming Irish railroad worker. But if Josephine is willing, and courageous, she just might find a new life, a unique purpose . . . and true love.

THE JOURNEY OF JOSEPHINE CAIN is part of The Tapestries of America series published by Summerside. They are all written by different authors and are about different time periods in America’s history, so they all stand alone.

Ms. Moser is a hit or miss author for me. I’ve loved some of her books – others, not so much. I did enjoy learning about the progress of the railway after the Civil War, but otherwise, I found this book rather hard to get into. I couldn’t seem to care about the characters, and Josephine’s personality was a bit brash, rubbing me the wrong way.

Since “strong” female characters are wanted in historicals, some fans of historical fiction might like Josephine better than I did. Also fans of Ms. Moser might. I did find it an invaluable tool about the history of the railroads as they were built across America from West to East…and vice versa.  $14.99. 336 pages. 3.5 stars.

Purchase a copy: http://ow.ly/pq47s Meet Nancy: Nancy Moser is the best-selling author of more than twenty novels. She is a winner and two-time nominee of the Christy Award, and her latest novel was named to Booklist's "Top 10 Romance Novels of 2011." Nancy and her husband have three grown children and three grandchildren, and they live in the Midwest. Learn more at Nancy at: http://nancymoser.com/.

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The Journey of Josephine Cain by Nancy Moser follows the adventures of a D.C. socialite as she gets involved with the building of the Transcontinental Railroad right after the Civil War. Be sure to check out Nancy's fun Pinterest board for the book!


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