MORTAL FIRE by C. F. Dunn

Author, C. F. Dunn, weaves an intriguing tale of mystery, romance and danger. She had me hooked when the heroine, Dr. Emma D'Eresby, is given a bookcase for her office by an admirer and another admirer visits and asks her if it's new. Not willing to divulge where it came from, she avoids the issue by replying, "No, it's an antique, actually." Clever and humorous way to avoid answering.

 

Her first admirer, Dr. Matthew Lynes, was able to carry the heavy, antique bookcase to Emma's office without help. Yet, she and another young man are barely able to push it aside to retrieve something behind it. This might be the first indication that Dr. Lynes is more than he appears to be. He has abilities others don't have. Has she fallen in love with a superhero? 

 

Author, C. F. Dunn

When Emma arrives in Maine, after leaving her position in Cambridge, she makes friends with some lovable characters, Russian born Elena and her significant other, Matias. However, she also meets Professor Staahl, and instantly dislikes him. She senses he is evil, and rightfully so.

 

Dr. Lynes rescues Emma twice, the second time saving her life. And, as time marches on Emma learns more and more about his remarkable abilities. What, or who, is he and why is he so adept at everything? I suggest you read this novel and discover for yourself.

 

Click Here for Excerpt from Mortal Fire

 

I highly recommend this novel and appreciate receiving a free copy from Kregel Publications in exchange for an honest review. -- Gail Lewis 

 

PRODUCT DETAILS:

Paperback: 384 pages

Publisher: Monarch Books (August 1, 2012)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 0857212028

ISBN-13: 978-0857212023

 

 

UNSTOPPABLE, by Nick Vujicic

 

Find Full Review of Unstoppable, Click Here

 

After reading Life Without Limits by Nick Vujicic, I am eager to read his newest non-fiction book, Unstoppable. The man truly is. Born without arms or legs, his attitude and accomplishments are inspiring.

 

Unstoppable will be released by WaterBrook Multnomah on October 2, 2012. After reading the first chapter...there's a link to it below...I'm eager to read the rest of the book.

 

Even if you aren't interested in inspirational Christian books, Nick's inspiring stories will hook you after the first chapter. This is a book for everyone, Christian or not. If you aren't a Christian, it may convince you that seeking truth is worth the effort. He's living evidence that faith can move mountains, and even you.

For our Review of Life Without Limits

Click for Book Trailer

To Read First Chapter on Publisher's Site

Peace and Blessings.
− Gail Lewis

For Full Review, Go Here

 

 

HARVEST OF RUBIES, by Tessa Afshar

Ancient history with a modern heart.

For some reason, I expected Biblical fiction when I downloaded Harvest of Rubies. And sure, it touches an ancient Biblical figure (nope, you have to read it to find out who), but only as a minor character. Instead, I found myself immersed in a tale of ancient Mesopotamia, complete with intrigue, action, and romance--in short, everything a novel like this should have.

With her love of Persian history and culture evident on every page, Ms Afshar has crafted yet another delightful story that brings to life the spirit and soul of an era long dead. What's so great about this book, though, is that she's done so through the eyes of an unforgettable character, Sarah. The thing about Sarah is...how do I put this?...well, you love her to death, but you're not quite sure whether you love her as you would a wife, a daughter, a best friend, or a sister. Yeah, I know. Maybe it's because Ms Afshar portrays her so well in all of those roles.

Sarah is a gifted linguist and scribe, something unheard of in a woman of ancient Persia. Her cousin (the unnamed Biblical character) gets her an interview with the queen, who just happens to be in need of a senior scribe. Introverted, plain-looking, and self-deprecating, Sarah immerses herself in her work. She performs very well...too well, in fact. To thank her for a particularly insightful service, the queen arranges a marriage for Sarah to a very upstanding and promising nobleman. Sarah passes out when the queen announces the engagement, but not out of joyful surprise as the court interprets her reaction, but out of horror as her entire world--quiet, peaceful, solitary, and intellectually fulfilling--hits the floor as hard as she does.

The description of the disastrous wedding ceremony Ms Afshar delivers is priceless; the cover price of the book is worth that scene alone. But it's the ensuing story, after Sarah bottoms out, that she begins her journey of personal restoration and true fulfillment--not in abandoning who she is and what she loves for the sake of tradition--but in perfecting that tradition through who she is and what she loves. Traveling with a solid cast of supporting characters, Harvest of Rubies takes us on a journey framed around a character who will live in your heart on far beyond the turn of the last page.

Captivating story, skillfully crafted, delivered with great finesse. This is a sure bet for lovers of ancient history and personal triumph. -- Bruce Judisch 

PRODUCT DETAILS:
Paperback: 384 pages

Publisher: River North; New Edition edition (April 20, 2012)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 0802405584

ISBN-13: 978-0802405586

 

FOR MARIA by BRUCE JUDISCH

 We first met Madeline McAllister almost two years ago in Katia, Bruce Judisch’s delightful novel that details the harshness of postwar East Germany and the fall of the Berlin Wall. At the time, Madeline was an exchange student in Germany helping her Great Aunt Katia produce a memoir of life under Communism. (See our review of Katia here.)

We’ve been looking forward to the sequel and it’s well worth the wait.

For Maria fast-forwards several years and our young exchange student is now Madeline Sommers, freelance journalist and working mother of three. During the time she spent with her Aunt Katia, Madeline discovered some amazing details of her grandmother’s past, details that continue to haunt her.

In 1939, when the Gestapo hauled Izaak and Maria Szpilmann away to Ravensbrück, the soldiers left their twin infant daughters behind to die. Izaak perished in the camps, but Maria tenaciously survived Ravensbrück, Auschwitz, and Bergen-Belsen. She eventually married a soldier, James McAllister, and returned to Montreal with him to begin life over again. 

These many years later, the fate of the infant daughters Maria was forced to leave behind remains a mystery. Gentile neighbors, Gustaw and Ròsa Dudek, rescued the babies and fled occupied Poland. Then the trail ends…they were never heard from again. Against long odds Madeline clings to the desperate hope that she can somehow reunite her grandmother with her missing twin daughters. But unraveling the mystery isn’t her only stumbling block. After all these years how can Madeline even be sure the twins are still alive?  

Set against the backdrop of wartime Europe and deftly moving between past and present, For Maria tells the story of Madeline’s search for the Dudeks and the missing twins. Meticulous research adds realism to the narrative and careful plotting creates a twisting path with unexpected outcomes. Historical fiction doesn’t get any better than this. Clear your schedule because once you pick this book up, you won’t be able to put it down.

 For Maria, is scheduled for release September 15. Look for it.

— E G Lewis

THE DISCOVERY, by Dan Walsh

Had to review this one for two reasons. First, it's a hybrid contemporary-historical piece. I love those. I've written two of them.

Second, the historical part covers WW II, the Greatest Generation era. I love that era. I've written in 1.5 of them. But then, this isn't about me--no, really. I just have this weakness of wanting to identify with really good authors who write the kind of stuff I love to read, and with novels I'd really love to have written.

Dan Walsh and The Discovery fall very neatly into each of those categories, respectively. Here's why.

First, the book. Micheal Warner, an aspiring writer, has just lost his grandfather, Gerard Warner, a world-renown best-selling author. That's another reason I'd like to identify with this--(Stop it! Sorry, back to the book). Michael has inherited a sizable estate from his grandfather, including his historic house in Charleston, SC. It's not the real estate Michael values, though. It's the enduring spirit of his beloved--and reclusive--grandfather and writing mentor that pervades every room. But Gerard Warner has left his grandson something more than an aura. He's left a manuscript--yellowed with age, never before seen--for Michael to find. And read. And, well, discover.

Mr. Walsh takes us back to the historical period using a book within a book, a story within a story. Michael settles back to read with the notion of publishing it into what would be sure to be a best seller. I mean, a secret manuscript by a renown author coming to light after his death; how could it miss? But what lies between the age-tinged pages, revelation after revelation, urges Michael back forward in his seat. Why? To tell you more would spoil it. And you don't want me to do that.

Second, the author. Bravo to Mr. Walsh for penning so well an unforgettable tale with equally unforgettable characters. His gentle prose glides the reader along effortlessly; his writing voice, though unique, never interfering with the story. The tale delivers bittersweet poignancy and romance, but not without action, that settle on your mind and spirit in an emotionally satisfying way. A thoroughly enjoyable read. Highly recommended.

--Bruce Judisch

Product Details:

Language: English

Publisher: Baker Publishing Group

Pages: 352
ISBN-13: 9780800719814                       

HOUSE OF MERCY by ERIN HEALY

This compelling tale of the power of mercy is set against the wide open skies and cattle ranches of Colorado’s Rocky Mountains. The main character, Beth, has an affinity for animals and dreams of becoming a vet. Meanwhile her father dreams of opening up the ranch to men needing a second chance. This is a goal Beth supports, but inadvertently undermines with one foolish mistake.  

As Beth struggles to put the pieces back together, things spiral out of control. Mercy becomes a tangible presence for Beth when she encounters a wolf named Mercy. Without knowing whether it's real or a figment of her imagination she sets off on horseback across the Mountains in search of a resolution. The book becomes a study of the role of mercy and forgiveness in our lives and the teaching role God so often plays during hardship.

Fast-paced and well-written, House of Mercy, keeps you on the edge of your seat and, in the end, leaves you wondering. Erin Healy has written an edge-of-your-seat thriller with powerful spiritual undertones. We highly recommend it and give it a 5-star rating.

We thank Thomas Nelson Publishers and B&B Media Group for providing us with a review copy in exchange for an honest review.
- E G Lewis

Product Details

Paperback: 384 pages
Publisher: Thomas Nelson (August 7, 2012)
ISBN-13: 978-1401685515

THE CHOICE by Robert Whitlow -- Win a Nook Color from Robert Whitlow in The Choice Giveaway. RSVP for 8/28 Facebook Party.

Celebrate with Robert by entering to win a Nook Color with GlowLight!

See what folks are saying about The Choice!

One "choice" winner will receive:

• A Nook Color with GlowLight
• A four book Robert Whitlow library (winner's choice)

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on August 27th. Winner will be announced at the "The Choice" Author Chat Facebook Party on 8/28. Meet Robert, get a sneak peek of his next book, try your hand at a trivia contest, and more. There will also be gift certificates, books and a Book Club Prize Pack to be won (10 copies for your book club or small group.)!

So grab your copy of The Choice and join Robert on the evening of the August 27th for a chance to connect with Robert and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book - don't let that stop you from coming!)

Don't miss a moment of the RSVP today. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 28th! Enter Today - 8/7-8/27!

 

And now, Our Review: 



I thoroughly enjoyed The Choice from beginning to end and never wanted to put it down.

 

A realistic, fascinating story of a young woman in 1975 who chooses the loving option of adoption. A mysterious older woman has a recommendation for 17-year-old Sandy which she acts upon. The reader will eventually learn who that older woman is and why she gave Sandy the advice she did.

 

The young Sandy chooses life for her own twins, and ultimately reconnects with them as young men. She is forced to navigate the trecherous waters of the justice system, and does so willingly to ensure the safety of another young woman and her unborn child. Through Sandy's selfless love, she again saves a son's life, rescues a woman and her children, and ensures the safety of an unborn girl.

 

The short synopsis above doesn't begin to delve into the depth of characters in this novel. It is excellent and well worth reading. In spite of disappointments, danger and injury, all ends well. Enjoy!

A sincere thank you to Thomas Nelson Publishers and Litfuse for providing us with a free copy in exchange for an honest review. We loved this book. -- Gail Lewis 

 

PRODUCT DETAILS:

• Paperback: 432 pages
• Publisher: Thomas Nelson (August 7, 2012)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1401685617
• ISBN-13: 978-1401685614