Storming the Black Ice by Don Brown (Pacific Rim #3)

Book Description:  When British geologists discover the world's largest oil reserves under the desolate, icy tundra of Antarctica, Britain and Chile form a top-secret alliance for control of petroleum resources that will rival the economic power of OPEC. But when their discovery is uncovered by an Argentinean intelligence officer, a surprise-attack against a secret British outpost in Antarctica triggers a war. Britain and Chile are in a military standoff against Venezuela and Argentina, and when the war escalates, Britain asks America for help. For two couples separated by the battle, the outcome will be either love reunited or devastating heartbreak. For a young British boy living with his mother in London, his father's life is on the line. And for Pete Miranda, an American sub commander detailed on a special military assignment to his father's homeland of Chile, will his fate be a crushing death under the icy-cold waters of the Antarctic Ocean, or a future of life, light, and a second chance for love?

My Thoughts:  WOW!  What a read!  This is the first book I've had the privilege to read by Don Brown and it won't be my last.  Even though this is the third book in the Pacific Rim I wasn't lost.  But I do plan to go read books 1 & 2.

This read is filled with faith, military people and geologists, cold weather, diving in freezing waters and love.  What a mix!

This story had me on the edge of my seat at times.  It was a spell bounding read. I truly wondered at times if some of these things may have really happened, after all Mr. Brown is a former JAG officer!

The waters of Antarctic are described so well I could feel that hands of ice gripping my extremities.  Great imagery!

The romance in this read is light but yet gives the reader a sense of how much love there is between a man and a woman.

The whole story brings a great mixture of suspense and action together somewhat like a great salad that blends just the right amount of feta cheese with roasted turkey and balsamic dressing...delightful!

*This book was provided for review by BookLook*

{Check out the book trailer}

• Series: Pacific Rim Series
• Paperback: 368 pages
• Publisher: Zondervan (February 25, 2014)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0310330165
• ISBN-13: 978-0310330165

WOW {Warm Oven Wednesday} Jiminy Cricket!

I love Disney and Jiminy Cricket!  

Here's a fun recipe for this spring! 

or

a fun recipe to make on spring break!

{click on recipe to read larger print}

Lay Down Your Guns: One Doctor's Battle for Hope and Healing in Honduras by Greg R. Taylor

Book Description:  In Honduras' ''wild west'' mountain jungles, Amanda Madrid found her calling as a medical doctor to poor farmers.

When Amanda's father rejects her dream to be a doctor, eighteen-year-old Amanda strikes out alone and enters medical school in Tegucigalpa.

Her work as a medical officer, public health consultant, and director of an international holistic Christian ministry called Predisan could have resulted in prestigious luxury for her. Instead these experiences led Dr. Madrid to the mountains on horseback and prepared her for the biggest challenge of her life.

When illegal drug trafficking and murders lead to closing medical clinics, Dr. Madrid goes toe to toe with cartel mercenaries, the unarmed doctor in her signature red high heels against men in combat boots armed with AK-47s.

This is the story about the life of a Honduran doctor heartbroken about the many killings and bad medicine of cartels. Can the same kind of love and prayer she gives her patients also cause these violent men to lay down their guns?

My Thoughts:  The title of this book caught my attention, Lay Down Your Guns:  One Doctor's Battle for Hope and Healing Honduras, because when I think of a doctor I don't think of guns.  I think of healing, getting well and of helping.  And this is the true fascinating story of one doctor's will with prayer and faith in God not to give up. Meet Amanda aka. Dr. Madrid.

Amanda sets out against all odds to become a doctor.  After finishing school, Amanda could have "settled" for wealth and luxury but she chose instead to work at a clinic.  

Being a woman doctor in a land filled with drug dealers, cartels and those who love money more than life makes quite a hardship for Dr. Madrid.  But she does not give in, No! she does not give up!  When the medical clinics begin to close up because of these drug dealers and murderers, Dr. Madrid stands toe.to.toe, head.to.head, and eye.to.eye with these  ungodly ruffians.  

One of the funniest moments in my minds eye is the description of a young woman doctor in red high heels as she confronts these rough men in their combat boots.  Red for courage?  or because red means business?  Gotta love a lady doctor in her red high heels!

This is ONE of the best nonfiction reads I have read!  There is excitement and adventure.  

This is a short, fast paced, faith filled read!

*This book was provided for review by ACU Press*

Meet the Author:

Greg R. Taylor (1967- ) was born in Bartlesville, Oklahoma, to Okie parents, one from the dust bowl panhandle and the other from Green Country in the Northeast corner of the state. Greg went off to college too young, 17, and studied journalism, wrote and eventually edited the Harding University student newspaper, and he worked in several offices where he honed his writing skills. He has lived and studied in Italy, lived and worked seven years in Uganda, and has traveled widely. He began his professional writing career as a freelance journalism in 1999 when he reported a story in East Africa about a cult mass murder for the national magazine, Christianity Today. He went on to write for many magazines, including the industry leading magazine on books, Publishers Weekly. He published his first book, a novel titled High Places, in 2003 and co-authored a book in 2004 titled, Down in the River to Pray with John Mark Hicks. He has edited and co-authored many other books. He has been a minister for many years and currently works in Tulsa, Oklahoma with Garnett Church of Christ. His latest book is titled, Lay Down Your Guns: One Doctor's Battle for Hope and Healing in Honduras. He writes true stories about people who change the world. He met his wife, Jill, a Texan, at Harding University. They both love to travel and love their three children, Ashley, Anna, and Jacob, all teenagers as of 2013!

• Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: Leafwood Publishers (September 10, 2013)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0891123423
• ISBN-13: 978-0891123422

COTT {Clash of the Titles} Lacy Williams's Return of the Cowboy Doctor

It's February, the month of romance! So here's a book to make your heart go pitter-patter.

Lacy Williams's Return of the Cowboy Doctorwas one of our January runner-ups. Today I am thrilled to give you a closer look!

~~~

PURCHASE BOOK

About the Book
Two years shy of his medical degree, cowboy Maxwell White is out of money. So, he's back in Bear Creek, Wyoming, working part-time for the local physician. Though he is immediately drawn to the doctor's lovely, whip-smart daughter, she seems to be irritated by Maxwell's very existence.

Hattie Powell can't quash her feelings for the town's new would-be doctor. But that's exactly why she must keep him at a distance. Hattie is closer than ever to fulfilling her lifelong wish of becoming a doctor. Now, the only thing standing in her way is the man of her dreams.

The Wyoming Legacy series: United by family, destined for love

What COTT Readers Had to Say
*I just finished reading Return of the Cowboy Doctor, and Lacy Williams did a fabulous job bringing her shy, a bit insecure hero to life.
*What a great story! Fun to read. The author's use of descriptions really sucks you in to the story!

Editorial Reviews

* Publisher's Weekly says, "Williams delivers a smart, gentle, and uplifting fourth novel set in 1890s Wyoming...sweet, poetic Max is a lovable hero, and Hattie’s desire to have both career and family will resonate strongly with readers." (October 2013)
* Return of the Cowboy Doctor was an RT Book Reviews TOP PICK! with a 4.5 star review and also received a nomination for the December Seal of Excellence. They say, "I picked up Return of the Cowboy Doctor by Lacy Williams feeling nostalgic for Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman, and was soon transported to an even wilder West for an aspiring lady doctor."
* The USA Today HEA blog says, "If you enjoy Western romance series with fresh characters in each book... you'll enjoy this Love Inspired Historical series from author Lacy Williams."

About the Author
Lacy Williams is a wife and mom from Oklahoma. She grew up on a farm, which is where her love of 
cowboys was born. In reality, she's married to a right-brained banker (happily with three little ones!). She gets to express her love of western men by writing historical romance. Her books have finaled in the RT Book Reviews Reviewers' Choice Awards (2012, 2013 & 2014), the Golden Quill and the Booksellers Best Award. Her latest release, Kissed by a Cowboy is part of the First Kisses anthology, available March 15, 2014.

Connect with Lacy
http://www.lacywilliams.net
http://www.facebook.com/lacywilliamsbooks

Congratulations on your latest release, Lacey! COTT wishes you the best in your writing career.

{Tyndale Blog Tour} It Had To Be You, A Christiansen Family Novel by Susan May Warren

Book Description: Eden Christiansen never imagined her role as her younger brother Owen’s cheerleader would keep her on the sidelines of her own life. Sure, it feels good to be needed, but looking after the reckless NHL rookie leaves little time for Eden to focus on her own career. She dreamed of making a name for herself as a reporter, but is stuck writing obits—and starting to fear she doesn’t have the chops to land a major story. If only someone would step up to mentor Owen . . . but she knows better than to expect help from team veteran and bad-boy enforcer Jace Jacobsen.

Jace has built his career on the infamous reputation of his aggressive behavior—on and off the ice. Now at a crossroads about his future in hockey, that reputation has him trapped. And the guilt-trip he’s getting from Eden Christiansen isn’t making things any easier. But when Owen’s carelessness leads to a career-threatening injury and Eden stumbles upon a story that could be her big break, she and Jace are thrown together . . . and begin to wonder if they belong on the same team after all.

My Thoughts:  Susan May Warren is one of my most favorite authors.  It Had To Be You is the second book in the Christiansen family series.  
Having read the first book, Take A Chance On Me, I eagerly awaited for this book.  And I must say, that this book is great! 
The story of two people who need each other but yet need to find themselves, the story of family and taking a chance on finding love!
This is a "family" series so each book is about a specific member of the family.  The reads are stand alone even though there is a mention or two of previous people but not enough to confuse the reader.  The small town people and the funny episodes of family life are what makes this story so "real."  A hard book to put down.
This story also includes good, romantic love for family and a deep abiding faith in God.  A fun read filled love and faith!  
This book makes a great gift for that reader on your list.

Question & Answer with Author, Susan May Warren:

1. This is the second installment in a new six-book series. Can you give us a bit of background on this series?

The Christiansen Family series is a spin-off of the bestselling Deep Haven collection, stories about the townspeople of Deep Haven, Minnesota, a tiny resort town on the north shore of Lake Superior. The original series started with a book titled Happily Ever After and grew to include six titles. However, one family began to stand out, and we decided their story needed to be told. We wanted a series about a family with adult children learning what it meant to carry on the legacy of faith into their lives. And I wanted to write a series that would really let readers dig into the family, feel like they were a part of their journey.

2. This Christiansen Family series is set in Deep Haven, Minnesota. Tell us about this setting.

It’s a gorgeous place to set a story—on the rocky shores of Lake Superior, in a tiny town where everyone knows your name. It’s a town with a rich heritage, strong ties, and a place where people want to escape—in fiction and in real life (as it is modeled after my town of Grand Marais, Minnesota). You’ll find people from all walks of life here—and most importantly, Evergreen Resort, run by the Christiansen family for four generations.

3. What is your hope for this series?

Of course, I hope people fall as much in love with the Christiansens as I have. They’re a great bunch—all led by John and Ingrid Christiansen, who have tried to instill their values into their children. But each child has their own path to walk, and part of the series is just watching as they walk that path—through the good and the bad, trying to figure out where their faith and their parents’ legacy fit into their lives. It’s a contemporary epic family series set in the wilds of northern Minnesota with romance, suspense, and lots of great family drama!

4. What was your inspiration for this particular book and the main character Eden Christiansen?

Eden Christiansen came from a number of places. Watching the siblings of movie stars and athletes, watching my own daughter cheer her athlete brothers, even watching my friends, parents who feel on the sidelines of their children’s lives . . . maybe even a little left behind as they leave for college. I began to wonder—what if you had an amazing sibling, and your entire family focused on his or her successes, and you felt left behind, void of your own amazingness? This is Eden—who feels like she hasn’t accomplished anything and is sitting on the sidelines of her life. She feels like she needs to “get into the game” but doesn’t know how or where to start. And she feels like she really has nothing spectacular to offer . . .
But God has different plans . . .

5. Did you base the character of Jace Jacobsen on anyone in particular?

Jace was loosely modeled after famed Minnesota Wild enforcer Derek Boogaard, who died, in part, due to the many concussions he suffered as a hockey player. The problem of concussions with today’s athletes, especially in hockey and football, can be life-threatening for athletes, and although hockey (and football!) is played much differently today, it’s still an issue.
I wanted Jace to have the opposite problem from Eden—he is only good at one thing. In fact, he’s spectacular at it, but he believes if he walks away from it, he will be nothing. So same problem . . . different perspective. It gave me a good opportunity as an author to examine our “worth.”
Of course, adding the John Doe element only rounded that theme out with yet another perspective. I loved how these three angles came together.

6. What lessons or truths will your readers find in the pages of this novel?

I think we all need to see our worth not in relationship to our external successes but in how we work out the task God has for us. How we love one another, how we use our gifts and talents. How we abide with God in our daily lives. Hopefully readers will begin seeing their worth in a new way.

7. How do you expect this new series to resonate with your audience? How do you want your books to make them feel?

I am hoping readers walk away from this book, and this series, with hope. The sense that they belong to something—to God, to family—and the feeling that our lives are not chaotic or out of control, but that God has a unique and amazing journey for each of us, and it’s lived out within our relationships. I want them to feel as if they’d found a new set of friends.

8. Have you received any feedback from your fans on this series? What are they saying?

People fell immediately in love with Darek and his sweet son, Tiger, in Take a Chance on Me, and I think readers will really enjoy Jace and Eden’s romance in this story. I’m thankful that people enjoy the work I put into developing my characters and the romance, and I have loved diving into these multilayered stories about people with realistic, everyday struggles.

9. As a writer, what did you particularly enjoy about crafting this story?

I loved writing about Minnesota in the winter. And I loved the story of John Doe and uncovering who he might be. (I plotted it like a mystery, so it was fun to revisit my mystery-plotting techniques). I especially loved the layers of Jace, the hero, and how, with every turn, he became more intriguing.

10. What is the best advice or encouragement that you have received?

Try to up your writing game with each book, and just keep writing. Not every story appeals to every reader, but I try to write a story I would enjoy—and then hopefully my readers will also.

11. In your writing career, what are you most proud of?

I think I’ve stayed true to who I am and the kind of story I’m supposed to be writing. I’m very blessed by my reader friends and their constant encouragement. I am very blessed to spend my days with the Christiansen family!

About the Author:

Susan May Warren Susan May Warren is the bestselling, Christy and RITA Award–winning author of more than forty novels whose compelling plots and unforgettable characters have won acclaim with readers and reviewers alike. She served with her husband and four children as a missionary in Russia for eight years before she and her family returned home to the States. She now writes full-time as her husband runs a lodge on Lake Superior in northern Minnesota, where many of her books are set. She and her family enjoy hiking, canoeing, and being involved in their local church. Susan holds a BA in mass communications from the University of Minnesota. Several of her critically acclaimed novels have been ECPA and CBA bestsellers, were chosen as Top Picks by Romantic Times, and have won the RWA's Inspirational Reader's Choice contest and the American Christian Fiction Writers Book of the Year award. Five of her books have been Christy Award finalists. In addition to her writing, Susan loves to teach and speak at women's events about God's amazing grace in our lives. For exciting updates on her new releases, previous books, and more, visit her website at www.susanmaywarren.com.

Read Chapter 1 HERE!

Book 2
ISBN-10: 1414378424
ISBN-13: 978-1414378428
Tyndale House Publishers

Where Courage Calls: A When Calls the Heart Novel by Janette Oke & Laurel Oke Logan

Book Description:  Her courage and her heart will be tested in ways she never expected... 

Beth Thatcher has spent her entire life in the safe, comfortable world of her family, her friends, and the social outings her father's wealth provides. But Beth is about to leave it all behind to accept a teaching position in the rugged foothills of western Canada. Inspired by her aunt Elizabeth, who went west to teach school several years ago, and gently encouraged by her father, Beth resolves to put her trust in God and bravely face any challenge that comes her way. 

But the conditions in Coal Valley are even worse than she'd feared. A recent mining accident has left the town grieving and at the mercy of the mining company. The children have had very little prior education, and many of the locals don't even speak English. There isn't even a proper schoolhouse. In addition, Beth's heart is torn between two young men--both Mounties, one a lifelong friend and the other a kind, quiet man who comes to her aid more than once. 

Despite the many challenges, Beth is determined to make a difference in the rustic frontier town. But when her sister visits from the East, reminding her of all the luxuries she's had to give up, will Beth decide to return to her privileged life as soon as the school year is over?

My Thoughts: Once again Janette Oke writes a grand book!  But this time her daughter co-authors this great story with her.  How cool is that?!?!

Janette Oke has been a favorite author of mine for years.  In fact, when I was a teen Janette Oke was the first author that caught my attention. Janette and her daughter write with a compassionate, loving heart.  

Beth Thatcher has been favored with a great upbringing, good friends, people who love her and then there's her father's wealth . . . all good!

But Beth wants to go teach in the rugged foothills of western Canada.  She is inspired to reach and teach the younguns of this rugged country. For if she doesn't go to them how will they learn.  And Beth is a wonderful, caring teacher.

Beth knew that Coal Valley would be rough but after arriving it is almost more than she can fathom.  But Beth is strong in spirit and in strength and she refuses to give up even when she learns there isn't even a school house.

This is her story . . . the story of a courageous heart!

A not to be missed read for all Janette Oke fans!  Or those who love to read of grace and courage!

*This book was provided for review by Bethany House Publishers*

• Series: When Calls the Heart
• Paperback: 336 pages
• Publisher: Bethany House Publishers (February 4, 2014)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0764212311
• ISBN-13: 978-0764212314
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.6 x 0.9 inches

NEW BLOG BUTTON

My blog button "messed up" so feel free to grab the new button.  

WOW {Warm Oven Wednesday} Easy Chicken Taco Soup

Another delicious soup recipe that is also tasty and easy! 

 It's SO GOOD! from Allrecipes.com

8 Can Taco Soup

Cook time: 30 Min  Prep time: 30 Min  Serves: 6-8

Ingredients

1 can(s) (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed

1 can(s) (15 oz.) pinto beans, drained and rinsed

1 can(s) (14.5 oz.) petite diced tomatoes, drained

1 can(s) (15.25 oz.) can sweet corn, drained

1 can(s) (12.5 oz.) white chicken breast, drained

1 can(s) (10.75 oz.) cream of chicken soup

1 can(s) (10 oz.) green enchilada sauce

1 can(s) (14 oz.) chicken broth

1 packet taco seasoning

Directions

1. Mix all ingredients together in a large pot.

2. Heat until warm, stirring occasionally.

3. Serve with tortilla chips.

NEW!

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Critical Pursuit by Janice Cantore

Book Description: Officer Brinna Caruso has built a reputation at the precinct as the cop to call when a child goes missing. For Brinna, it’s personal because she was once one of them. Brinna and her K-9 search and rescue dog, Hero, will stop at nothing to find a missing child, no matter the stakes.

Detective Jack O’Reilly isn’t ready to return to his homicide duties after losing his wife to a drunk driver. He’s on the downside of his career, and bent on revenge, when he’s assigned as Brinna’s partner. While on patrol, Jack struggles between his quest for personal justice and his responsibility to those around him, especially his partner.

Skeptical of Jack’s motives, Brinna isn’t sure she can rely on her new partner, whose reckless abandon endangers those around him. But when a man surfaces with an MO similar to the criminal who abducted Brinna twenty years earlier, Brinna and Jack must cast aside previous judgments and combine efforts to catch the kidnapper and finally allow Brinna the peace stolen from her as a child.

My Thoughts:  The first book I read by Janice Cantore was good but this book Critical Pursuit is an excellent read.

Brinna Caruso was kidnapped as a child and left for dead but she was found.  And ever since that moment Brinna has made it her life's job to rescue all children that go missing...never giving up! 

Now Jack on the other hand is just trying to make it day by day ever since a drunk driver took his beloved wife's life. 

But when the "bad guy"  is on the move again, making it a point to disrupt Brinna's life, Jack comes on the scene.  And when the "bad guy" makes it personal against Brinna, Jack and Brinna join forces to rescue the children.

The suspense of this book is SO nerve racking!  The scenes that are described about the children were sad but every time a child is found it was a hurray! moment!  And learning about K-9  search and rescue dogs was incredible.  Loved Hero!  Brinna's dog partner.

There's just enough romance in this read to make it nice and not a gag factor.

This is a fantastic suspense read!  

*This book was provided by Tyndale Fiction*

• Paperback: 384 pages
• Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. (August 16, 2013)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1414375530
• ISBN-13: 978-1414375533

COTT {Clash of the Titles} Four Great Novels Brought to You by COTT

As the below featured novels attest, 

Clash of the Titles staff is a talented group!

Please enjoy this sampling of our latest releases. 

The Last Detail
by Lisa Lickel
Hope, love, and loss meld two polar opposite personalities. How long can they keep passion for their ministry and each other after the wedding? Merit ushers in new life; Amalia ushers it out. Love? Obviously. Marriage? Check. Dealing with the family closet? Step back…When tragedy strikes, they must learn to rely on each other in ways they couldn’t have prepared for.
PURCHASE
CONNECT WITH LISA

Lea's Gift
by Delia Latham (& Tanya Stowe)
A victim of a house fire during infancy, Lea Dale’s severe facial disfigurement pales in comparison to the scars Laren Meadows carries inside...and his painful secret could destroy their chance at true love. For the first time ever, an emotional Lea questions her special connections with Heaven even as she investigates cruel pranks 
at her father’s ranch for disfigured teens and tries to deal with her roller coaster heart.
PURCHASE
CONNECT WITH DELIA

A Cowboy Christmas
by Delia Latham (& Tanya Stowe)
A mom on the run; a special child and her “imaginary” friend; a cowboy; and God. Shy horseman Dex Beckett longs to help lovely Layne Mabrey and her daughter, but Layne's lack of faith and stubborn refusal to relinquish her distrustful heart could get in the way of even Heart's Haven's heavenly residents.
PURCHASE
CONNECT WITH DELIA



                                     Stopped Cold 

by Gail Pallotta

Margaret McWhorter lives in tranquil Mistville, North Carolina, but there’s no peace in her life since her brother, Sean, took a steroid and nearly died. Margaret and Sean’s father demands excellence in sports, but Sean fell short. Margaret’s still hustling to win at swim meets at Meriwether Christian High, where Sean was the number one quarterback for the football team. In quiet moments she asks God to heal Sean. She’s angry at her father for pushing Sean, but hate for the drug dealers drives her to find them. A clue overheard at a teen hangout sends Margaret and two friends to the edge of this dangerous sub-culture.   

PURCHASE
CONNECT WITH GAIL

Happy Valentine's Day!

Reading . . .

A love of reading never grows old!

WOW {Warm Oven Wednesday} Meatball Soup in the Crockpot

Good, hot and simple!  OH! Yeah!  My.kind.of.meal!

{recipe from Pillsbury}

Ingredients

1

bag (16 oz) frozen cooked Italian meatballs, thawed

1 3/4

cups Progresso® beef flavored broth (from 32-oz carton)

1

cup water

1

can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with basil, garlic and oregano, undrained

1

can (19 oz) Progresso® cannellini beans, drained

1/3

cup shredded Parmesan cheese

1.  Spray 3- to 4-quart slow cooker with cooking spray. Mix all ingredients except cheese in cooker.

2.  Cover; cook on Low heat setting 8 to 10 hours.

3.  Garnish individual servings with cheese.

FREE Ebook!

FREE Ebook for Valentine's!

Hurry! Go HERE!

Bound To A Promise by Bonnie Floyd

Book Description:  At six o'clock on a cold, foggy morning in Fresno, California, Bonnie Floyd's horrific nightmare began . . . but she was wide-awake! This may sound like the beginning of a fiction thriller, but it isn't. This is a true story, and the nightmare was all too real. Life as Bonnie had known it was over, and the future she faced was unimaginable . . . unspeakable. Bound to a Promise is a nonfiction novel, told in fascinating, page-turning fiction style. This astonishing true story will grab you with the first sentence and hold you captive until the very last page. Based on Scotland Yard's investigation, newspaper reports, court transcripts, and eyewitness accounts, Bound to a Promise has it all-exotic settings, courtroom drama, real-life adventure, convicting testimony, and puzzling mystery. The key to this disturbing drama hangs on a very crucial and binding promise made to Bonnie. Did the promise maker keep that promise or was there a chance it was broken? The answer to that burning question had everlasting consequences both for the one who made the promise and to whom the promise was made. This shocking story is like an exciting action movie played out in powerful print. Don't be surprised if it captures your heart and you, too, become bound to a promise.

My Thoughts:  Wow!  What a read!  As I began reading Bound To A Promise I thought of Mark Twain's quote: “Truth is stranger than fiction, but it is because Fiction is obliged to stick to possibilities; Truth isn't.”  Bonnie writes a stranger than fiction story that will break the reader's heart and also tell a tale of love and forgiveness.  
Written in the first person this story is like reading Bonnie's thoughts and feelings straight from her personal journal but in a nicely bound paperback book.
The mystery, suspense, love and forgiveness all mixed into one read is like a delicious casserole that will satisfy the palate of all those eating it . . . . court scenes (Scotland Yard), color pictures of Bonnie and her parents/family, and something I've not yet seen in another read-those little widgets that one can scan from a device to look up info.
Even though this is a nonfiction novel the reader will be immersed in a life changing, nightmare gone wrong, faith to forgiveness, love conquerors all read!
One of those reads that should not be missed!

*This book was provided for review by The B & B Media, Inc.*

About the Author:

Connect with Bonnie HERE!

Paperback: 336 pages

• Publisher: Creative Enterprises Studio; 1ST edition (2013)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 098905215X
• ISBN-13: 978-0989052153

COTT {Clash of the Titles} Grace's Pictures by Cindy Thomson

Welcome! Today we are taking a look at recent Clash Contender, Grace's Picturesby Cindy Thomson. First, take a look at that gorgeous cover! Love it! Now "turn the book over" to read the back cover blurb:

About the book

Grace's Pictures

Grace McCaffery hopes that the bustling streets of New York hold all the promise that the lush hills of Ireland did not. As her efforts to earn enough money to bring her mother to America fail, she wonders if her new Brownie camera could be the answer. But a casual stroll through a beautiful New York City park turns into a hostile run-in with local gangsters, who are convinced her camera holds the first and only photos of their elusive leader. A policeman with a personal commitment to help those less fortunate finds Grace attractive and longs to help her, but Grace believes such men cannot be trusted. Spread thin between her quest to rescue her mother, do well in a new nanny job, and avoid the gang intent on intimidating her. Grace must put her faith in unlikely sources to learn the true meaning of courage and forgiveness.

***

A review from the Library Journal 

Irish immigrant Grace McCaffery came to New York City for a better life. She takes a job as a nanny to make enough money to bring her mother over from Ireland. When her employers are slow to pay her, she decides to take her new Brownie camera and earn some extra income by selling her photos. A trip to the park puts Grace in danger when she photographs some local gangsters, raising the attention of policeman Owen McNulty. But Grace, who was taken by police to the workhouse when she was a child, has a distrust of men in uniform. Still, she never expects to find one so kind—or attractive. VERDICT Thomson (Brigid of Ireland) has penned a delightful story of overcoming obstacles. Lynn N. Austin fans will savor this historical series debut.

Another in-depth and very positive review can be found here.

Gotta see more? You can purchase Grace's Pictures on Amazon and read a preview right now!

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About the author

Cindy Thomson is a writer and an avid genealogy enthusiast. Her love of history and her Scots-Irish heritage have inspired much of her writing, including her Ellis Island series with Tyndale House. Cindy is also the author of Brigid of Irelandand Celtic Wisdom: Treasures from Ireland. She combined her love of history and baseball to co-author the biographyThree Finger: The Mordecai Brown Story, which was a finalist for the Society for American Baseball Research’s Larry Ritter Book Award. In addition to books, Cindy has written on a regular basis for numerous online and print publications and is a mentor for the Jerry B. Jenkins Christian Writers Guild. She is also a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and the Historical Novel Society. Cindy and her husband have three grown sons and live in central Ohio. Get to know Cindy at her blog, on Facebook, on Twitter, or on Pinterest.

Click here for a great interview with Cindy on Tyndale's website.