Wednesday, April 3, 2013

Free E-book Today Only Plus Sales.

Sixteen Brides by Stephanie Grace Whitson

Free April 3 only!

Baker - many vendors at the link
Amazon

Free for kindle!

Amazon

Only $2.99 for kindle.

Amazon

Tuesday, April 2, 2013

Sale Kindle Book-Distant Melody by Sarah Sundin!

Only $2.99 for kindle. Might be available for other e-readers also.

Amazon

So Shines the Night by Tracy L. Higley

This is an intriguing story set during the time of Paul in Ephesus. Daria is a widow, who must make her way in the world using her keen intellect as a tutor, if any will hire a woman. She meets up with Lucas, a troubled man who hires her, but she senses is hiding something. In her quest to know the truth, she will stumble upon three powerful groups: sorcerers, people who follow Artemis and other Greek gods, and Paul and followers of the Way. Tension is building in the city and when she finds her life in danger, will she depend on herself and the gods as she's always done or turn to the one true God? Will Lucas let his lust for vengeance control him or will he make a different choice?

I loved the history and realistic depiction of life in Ephesus. I especially liked seeing the culture and what was happening when Paul was there. I really felt like I was experiencing the darkness and the struggles. I was frustrated with some of the characters, but liked the suspense and hint of romance. This is a well-written and interesting story and I look forward to reading more from Tracy.

Interview:

You have gone on so many amazing travels. What was one of your favorite things about visiting Ephesus?

I think it was the sense of being somewhere “where Paul walked.” Sitting in the theater, looking down over the Harbor Street where he was likely kept prisoner at times, I had this amazing moment of “I can’t believe I’m here” – the kind of moment that gives you chills and makes you feel connected to something larger than yourself.

2. What inspired the theme of So Shines the Night?

The idea of community is dear to my heart, and the struggle we all have to not live in isolation. I wanted to take a look at two people struggling to do the right thing, but going about it the wrong way because they were isolated both from other people and from God, and to see what would happen when they brushed up against a community like the first century church.

3. How has your writing, research, and travels affected your spiritual life?

Great question. All of it has definitely given me a larger sense of the world and what God is doing in it, both now and through the past. It’s made me realize, as I’ve studied God’s work in the nations throughout history, that He has always been calling all people to Himself, and that He still is. It’s also given me a desire to see the kind of Christianity that was born in the fires of Roman persecution become part of our experience now – a living, breathing faith that radically transforms our lives.

4. What are your 5 favorite things, excluding your family?

Dark chocolate, BBQ chicken pizza, a good book, foreign travel, a movie that makes me cry.

5. Do you worry about the integrity of the story when you have to add so much to the story to flesh it out from the actual Biblical account?

Yes. It’s a core value of mine that as I write fiction that brushes up against actual biblical events, that I not alter what we know of this history and people. I may not always get it right, and some may argue about their interpretation of what really happened versus mine, but I always strive to keep the integrity of the biblical account intact. There is plenty to “flesh out” around the reality, and I let myself get creative there, but not with what we truly know from Scripture.

I received this book free from the author in exchange for an honest review.

My bio

Tracy L. Higley started her first novel at the age of eight and has been hooked on writing ever since. She has authored nine novels, including Garden of Madness and Isle of Shadows. Tracy is currently pursuing a graduate degree in Ancient History and has traveled through Greece, Turkey, Egypt, Israel, Jordan and Italy, researching her novels and falling into adventures. See her travel journals and more at TracyHigley.com

Monday, April 1, 2013

Ashton Park by Murray Pura

This is a fascinating saga about a large English family of nobility, their servants, and their struggles and triumphs from 1916 to 1923. Sir William and his wife have seven grown children, three boys serving during World War I, and one daughter a nurse in France. Their youngest has fallen in love with a groomsman and he is forced to leave by the head of the staff. As the world changes, will this family cling to their old ways or cross lines of class and wealth?

This is an exciting story that has so much going on! I loved the insight into World War I, but also the conflict going on in Ireland between the Irish Republican Army and England. There is plenty of romance as the children fall in love and the struggle over falling in love with the "wrong person" because of class or wealth was interesting to see. The story switches back and forth between the seven children, the father, and some of the staff, so there's never a dull moment! I think men and women would both enjoy this book because of the varied characters, romance, and danger, along with the wonderful history. I'm definitely looking forward to the next book , due this July!

I received this book free from Harvest House Publishers in exchange for an honest review.

Sunday, March 31, 2013

Tyndale Rewards Program!

Check out this awesome program that allows you to earn free products from Tyndale House Publishers! Use this link and you'll get an automatic 25 points and it helps me out too!

http://www.tyndalerewards.com/signup/?pc=5og9-n4pt-mqdf-j79h

Hook, Line & Sinker by Susan May Warren

Hook, Line And Sinker: A Deep Haven Novella

This is a very cute, short romance in the Deep Haven series. Ross Springer and Abigail Cushman are the leaders of different youth groups at Bethel College in Minnesota and decide to enter a fishing contest to raise money. They're also trying to forget what they once were to each other. Is is too late for them or will love win in the end?

For such a short story, Susan does a wonderful job of creating well-rounded, real characters. There are sweet and amusing moments and real depth to the character's struggles. This is easily read as a stand-alone, but reacquaints you with some characters from her other books. This is a great series you won't want to miss! Only available as an e-book from Tyndale House Publishers.