Book Review: The Offering

After growing up as an only child, Amanda Lisandra wants a big family. But since she and her soldier husband can’t afford to have more children right away, Mandy decides to earn money as a gestational carrier for a childless couple. She loves being pregnant, and while carrying the child she dreams of having her own son and maybe another daughter…

Just when the nearly perfect pregnancy is about to conclude, unexpected tragedy enters Mandy’s world and leaves her reeling. Devastated by grief, she surrenders the child she was carrying and struggles to regain her emotional equilibrium.

Two years later she studies a photograph of the baby she bore and wonders if the unthinkable has happened—could she have inadvertently given away her own biological child? Over the next few months Mandy struggles to decide between the desires of her grief-stricken heart and what’s best for the little boy she has never known.

With over four million copies of her books sold worldwide, Angela Hunt is the bestselling author of more than one hundred books, including “The Nativity Story”. Hunt is one of the most sought-after collaborators in the publishing industry. Her nonfiction book “Don’t Bet Against Me”, written with Deanna Favre, spent several weeks on the New York Times bestseller list. Angela’s novel “The Note” (with sales of over 141,000) was filmed as the Hallmark Channel’s Christmas movie for 2007 and proved to be the highest rated television movie in the channel’s history. Angela’s novels have won or been nominated for several prestigious industry awards, including the RITA, the Christy Award, the ECPA Christian Book Award, and the Holt Medallion. She often travels to teach writing workshops at schools and writers’ conferences, and she served as the keynote speaker at the 2008 American Christian Fiction Writers’ national conference. She and her husband make their home in Florida with mastiffs. In 2001, one of her dogs was featured on Live with Regis and Kelly as the second-largest dog in America.

My Impressions:

The title of Angela Hunt’s website is Expect The Unexpected. How true that statement is for an author I count as one of my favorites. Her books make a reader stretch. The characters, plot lines and themes are not always comfortable or likable, but always make you think. The Offering is another such book. I had mixed emotions while reading it, but found in the end a book that made me wonder about my own choices and decisions. I just wished I had read this with a book club — it is a perfect book for in depth discussion.

Mandy has a wonderful life and beautiful family. Almost perfect — except for the lack of money for a new house and special schools for her daughter. When she meets a gestational carrier, she thinks that is possibly the answer to all her financial problems. She loved being pregnant and convinces herself and her husband, Gideon, that providing a child for a couple longing to become parents is the generous thing to do. But the unthinkable happens, and Mandy is forced to face her past nightmares, her current grief and her future dreams.

As I said before, The Offering is a great book for discussion groups. There are many ethical and moral dilemmas surrounding infertility, surrogacy and adoption. The questions of parental rights and bonding love are explored. I didn’t like Mandy’s character much at first. She is somewhat manipulative, self-absorbed and naive. She conveniently justifies her decisions and is a bit insensitive to those closest to her. But Mandy’s character grows and grows on the reader as well. If faced with similar decisions, I am not sure I would have reacted as selflessly as she.

If you want to read a book that will make you examine your own choices, the viewpoint of the world and the moral land mines surrounding decisions, pick up The Offering.

Recommended.

For other reviews, click HERE.

(Thank you to LitFuse for my copy of The Offering. The opinions expressed are mine alone.)

To purchase a copy of this book, click on the image below.

Book Review And Giveaway: Two Are Better

Are you looking for adventure? Want to simplify your life? Break free?

Go for it! This unique and entertaining story proves it’s never too late to make your dreams come true. After 52 years of life, Tim and Debbie Bishop finally found in each other that special someone they’d been searching for years to marry. In only 10 weeks, they moved from marriage proposal and wedding, to Tim’s “retirement” and relocation, to embarking on a cycling adventure of a lifetime. Was it a grand getaway or a big mistake?

Two Are Better: Midlife Newlyweds Bicycle Coast to Coast is a full-color, 208-page, 6″ x 9″ paperback book published by Open Road Press, including over 100 color photos of the Bishops’ trip across the country. Learn the inspiring story, be challenged to make your own dreams come true, and enjoy a vicarious adventure across a beautiful land.

Trip Blog

Originally from Maine, Tim Bishop has over thirty years of experience in business, first as a CPA, then for many years in various roles in the corporate world. In addition to consulting for small businesses, Tim serves as a Hope Coach for TheHopeLine, a nonprofit organization that seeks to reach, rescue, and restore hurting teens and young adults.

Debbie Bishop has taught for over 26 years, for the past 11 years as a literacy specialist in Framingham, Massachusetts. She has a passion for reading and seeing that young people do it well. She also has high interest in recovery issues and encouraging others with her own triumphs over struggles earlier in her life. Debbie also serves as a Hope Coach for TheHopeLine.

My Impressions:

Tim and Debbie Bishop were 52 before they married — for the first time! Then to add to the adventure of starting a brand new life after years of singleness they chose to fulfill the long held dream of a cross country bike trip, a honeymoon designed to fast forward the learning curve of marriage. What they learned about themselves and God can be experienced in their book about the life-changing challenge in Two Are Better. What you get is a first hand, up-close-and-personal account of the highs and lows of new starts and life lessons on the open road.

The book is written primarily from Tim’s perspective, with thoughts from Debbie interjected in the narrative. Photos from their 50+ day trip across America provide glimpses of the majesty of America. There are some serious and humorous accounts along the way. But what stands out most is their reliance on God before, during and after the trip that started them on their new life.

The Bishops were dedicated bikers before their trip, but it was amazing to me the lack of planning they undertook for the adventure of a lifetime. They started their journey with a goal to reach the Atlantic before Debbie needed to go back to work, but they soon found that what they expected was not always what they experienced. Too much weight on the bikes, sore bottoms and differences in approaches all caused some slow going at first, but the Bishops’ determination and commitment saw them through. Many of their experiences can serve as metaphors for the Christian life.

If you are interested in bicycling, adventure or if you are wondering what God may have in store for the second half of your life, you should check out Two Are Better – a quick read with great insight.

Recommended.

(Thanks to the authors for my copy of Two Are Better. The opinions expressed are mine alone.)

To purchase a Kindle version of this book, click on the image below.

GIVEAWAY!

I have a paperback copy of Two Are Better to give away. Just leave me a comment to be entered to win. Giveaway ends May 29th.

Audiobook Review: Double Blind

Twenty-nine-year-old Lisa Newberry can barely make it through the day. Suddenly widowed and a survivor of a near-fatal attack, she is wracked with grief and despair. Then she hears of a medical trial for a tiny brain chip that emits electrical pulses to heal severe depression. At rope’s end, Lisa offers herself as a candidate.When she receives her letter of acceptance for the trial, Lisa is at first hopeful. But-brain surgery. Can she really go through with that? What if she receives only the placebo? What if something far worse goes wrong?

CBD has a widget that lets you listen to a sample of the audiobook. Click HERE to listen.

Brandilyn Collins is a best-selling novelist known for her trademark Seatbelt Suspense®. These harrowing crime thrillers have earned her the tagline “Don’t forget to b r e a t h e . . .“®  Brandilyn’s first book, A Question of Innocence, was a true crime published by Avon in 1995. Its promotion landed her on local and national TV and radio, including thePhil Donahue and Leeza talk shows. Brandilyn’s awards for her novels include the ACFW Carol Award (three times), Inspirational Readers’ Choice, and Romantic Times Reviewers’ Choice.

Brandilyn is also known for her distinctive book on fiction-writing techniques, Getting Into Character: Seven Secrets a Novelist Can Learn From Actors (John Wiley & Sons). The Writer magazine named Getting into Character one of the best books on writing published in 2002.

When she’s not writing, Brandilyn can be found teaching the craft of fiction at writers’ conferences. She and her family divide their time between homes in the California Bay Area and northern Idaho.

My Impressions:

First, let me say that Double Blind is a fast-paced psychological/medical thriller true to Brandilyn Collins’ style. There are lots of twists, turns and breath-holding moments. If you like your suspense fast and furious, then this is the book for you. The technology in the novel, although fictional, is just a few steps ahead of reality. That in itself is chilling. The emotions and fears the main character goes through makes this a very personal read/listen. Secondly, the audiobook brought a whole new dimension to my reading pleasure. The book is a first person account of Lisa Newburg’s experience with depression, desperation, and hope in the face of grief and loss. The audio-reader captured the despair that has enveloped Lisa. The emotions are raw and believable as heard through Lisa’s voice. Perfect as a vacation read, I literally listened to Double Blind on the beach! In fact I had to hold off the beach service staff from removing my chair and umbrella because I had just 3 more minutes left in the book!

So if you are looking for a great suspense novel, pick up either the Kindle, paperback or audiobook version of Double Blind. Another winner from Brandilyn Collins.

Recommended.

(I purchased an audiobook version from Audible. The opinions expressed are mine alone.)

To purchase a copy of Double Blind, click on the image below.

Book Review: Catch A Falling Star

What does a girl do when life doesn’t go according to her plan? 

At 36, Kendall Haynes has seen some of her dreams come true. She’s a family physician helping kids with severe allergies and asthma achieve more fulfilling lives—a childhood struggle she knows all too well. But the feeling of being “the kid never picked” looms large when romance continues to evade her and yet another one of her closest friends gets engaged. Are Kendall’s dreams of having it all—a career, a husband, children—nothing more than childish wishing upon a star? Should she hold out for her elusive Plan A? Dust off Plan B? Or is it time to settle? God says he knows the plans he has for her—why can’t Kendall figure them out and be content with her life?

Griffin Walker prefers flying solo—both as an Air Force pilot and in his personal life. But a wrong choice and health problems pulled him out of the cockpit. His attempts to get out of “flying a desk” are complicated by his parents’ death—making Griffin the reluctant guardian of his sixteen-year-old brother, Ian. How did his life get so off course? Can God get his life back on track … or has there been a divine plan all along?

Catch a Falling Star reminds readers that romance isn’t just for twenty-somethings and that sometimes letting go of your “wish I may, wish I might” dreams is the only way to embrace everything God has waiting for you.

Beth K. Vogt is a non-fiction author and editor who said she’d never write fiction. She’s the wife of an Air Force family physician (now in solo practice), though she said she’d never marry a doctor—or anyone in the military. She’s a mom of four, though she said she’d never have kids. She’s discovered that God’s best often waits behind the doors marked “Never.” Her contemporary romance novel, Wish You Were Here, debuted in May 2012 (Howard Books), and Catch a Falling Star releases May 2013. An established magazine writer and former editor of Connections, the leadership magazine for MOPS International, Beth is also the Skills Coach for My Book Therapy, the writing community founded by best-selling author Susan May Warren.

My Impressions:

What’s on your summer reading list? Do you like a quick romance for those lazy days by the pool or the beach? If so, then pick up Beth Vogt’s second book, Catch A Falling Star, a novel that proves it is never too late to find love.

Dr. Kendall Haynes has always put her career first, but has never ruled out love and marriage. It just has not come her way. But following yet another friend’s engagement and her sister’s insistence that the ring left by her grandmother will never be used unless Kendall gives it up, Kendall begins to question if love will ever be a part of her life. Griffin Walker has had a lot of loss in his life — his marriage, parents and now his career. Faced with the daunting task of raising his 16 year old brother, Griffin thinks single and alone are all that he is destined for. When the two meet it is definitely not love at first sight, but the feelings they have are quite undeniable.

Catch A Falling Star is a realistic romance — the characters are set in their ways and there are plenty of obstacles and personality traits to overcome. Both characters must learn to trust each other and God with their futures and their hearts. There is a secondary plot that I really enjoyed as well, making this story feel very real. If you like a good contemporary romance with some interesting plot twists and realistic characters, I recommend you pick up Catch A Falling Star.

Recommended.

To read more reviews, click HERE.

(Thanks to LitFuse for my copy of Catch A Falling Star. The opinions expressed are mine alone.)

 

 

Celebrate the release of Catch a Falling Star with Beth by entering to win a Romantic Weekend Getaway and RSVPing for her June 4th Author Chat Party.

One “lucky” winner will receive:

• A $200 Visa Cash Card (Perfect for a weekend stay at a hotel or B&B!)
• Catch a Falling Star and Wish You Were Here by Beth Vogt(Swoon-worthy!)
  

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on June 3rd. Winner will be announced at the “Catch a Falling Star” Facebook Author Chat Party on June 4th. Connect with Beth for an evening of book chat, trivia, laughter, and more! Beth will also share an exclusive look at her next book and give away books and other fun prizes throughout the evening.

So grab your copy of Catch a Falling Star and join Beth on the evening of June 4th for a chance to connect 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 FUN; RSVP TODAY. TELL YOUR FRIENDS VIA FACEBOOK OR TWITTER AND INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING. HOPE TO SEE YOU ON THE 4TH!

Page Turners June Selection

Almost to Eden is the captivating fictional narrative of an Irish immigrant, Maggie O’Brien, whose life intertwines with members and workers of the historic Jekyll Island Club. Seeking a new Eden in America, she discovers that freedom and justice, even in the new world, do not always triumph over wealth and power. In the process of her journey, Maggie finds and loses the things she loves most, but grace and courage lead her toward a fulfillment she never thought to find.

 

Page Turners will be discussing Almost to Eden, the winner of the Georgia First Novel of the Year in 2011, in June. Join us; we would love your thoughts on this novel.

Book Review(s): The Cat That God Sent and The Dog That Talked to God

Meet Petey, your not-so-average cat—on a mission from God

Disillusioned young pastor, Jake Wilkerson, has just arrived at his new assignment in the small rural church of Coudersport, Pennsylvania. Also new on the scene is Petey, a cat of unknown origins and breed—but of great perception.

As Jake sets about doing the business of ministry, Petey’s continued interference brings chaos to the community of curiously off and eccentric people—residents like the faith-avoiding veterinarian Sally Grainger and Tassy, a young runaway with a secret. An expert at hiding his fears, Jake wonders if all this—and the cat to boot—is more than he can handle. What is Petey’s real “mission”? Perhaps something larger than Jake—or even Petey—can possibly know.

Recently widowed Mary Fassler buys a Miniature Schnauzer, Rufus, and her world is turned sideways in the midst of her grief.  It seems that Rufus speaks. And not just to her. He also talks to God. When Rufus begins sharing advice that could result in major changes, Mary gets the feeling the pooch might not be steering her in the right direction. Or, is she just afraid to take the leap and discover something she desperately needs? Only Rufus…and God…knows.

Jim Kraus grew up in Western Pennsylvania and has spent the last twenty years as a vice president of a major Christian publishing house. He has written more than twenty books and novels, including the best-selling The Dog That Talked to God. He and his family live outside of Chicago with a sweet miniature Schnauzer and an ill-tempered Siberian cat named (of course) Petey.

My Impressions:

Looking for humor, a dog (or cat) story, or just a good read filled with a strong message of God’s love and grace? Then look no further! Pick up Jim Kraus’s books The Cat That God Sent and The Dog That Talked to God. Much more than just animal tales, these books will touch your heart and your funny bone.

The people in both of these books have a little trouble communicating with God. They are hurting, doubting and grieving. So it is no wonder they need a little help from the four-footed, furry friends in their lives. I laughed out loud at the observations by Petey the cat and the innocent remarks of Rufus the dog. I also shed a tear when the message of grace, provision, and love was shared so sweetly through the pages of the books.

These two are must reads for the animal lovers in your life. Or for those who need a reminder that God is indeed there and listening.

Highly Recommended.

To read what other reviewers are saying, click HERE.

(Thanks to LitFuse and NetGalley for my copies of these books. The opinions expressed are mine alone.)

To purchase these books, click on the images below.

Book Review: NIV Real Life Devotional Bible for Women

It is time for a FIRST Wild Card Tour book review! If you wish to join the FIRST blog alliance, just click the button. We are a group of reviewers who tour Christian books. A Wild Card post includes a brief bio of the author and a full chapter from each book toured. The reason it is called a FIRST Wild Card Tour is that you never know if the book will be fiction, non~fiction, for young, or for old…or for somewhere in between! Enjoy your free peek into the book!

You never know when I might play a wild card on you!

Today’s Wild Card Insight Notes author is:

Lysa TerKeurst

and the book:

NIV Real Life Devotional Bible for Women,
Insights for Everyday Life Notes

Zondervan; Special edition (March 19, 2013)

***Special thanks to Rick Roberson for sending me a review copy.***

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Lysa TerKeurst is a New York Times bestselling author and national speaker who helps everyday women live an adventure of faith. She is the president of Proverbs 31 Ministries, author of 15 books, and encourages nearly 500,000 women worldwide through a daily online devotional. Her remarkable life story has captured audiences across America, including appearances on Oprah and Good Morning America. She lives in North Carolina with her husband and five children.

Visit the author’s website.

SHORT BOOK DESCRIPTION:

This Bible will help you live up to your God-given potential. Insightful daily devotions written by the women at Proverbs 31 Ministries help you maintain life’s balance in spite of today’s hectic pace. Dive into the beauty and clarity of the NIV Bible text paired with daily devotions crafted by women just like you—women who want to live authentically and fully grounded in the Word of God.

Product Details:

List Price: $34.99

Hardcover: 1536 pages

Publisher: Zondervan; Special edition (March 19, 2013)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 0310439361

ISBN-13: 978-0310439363

My Impressions:

The NIV Real Life Devotional Bible for Women is the perfect Bible for women wanting to go a little deeper in their quiet time or for a means to read the Bible in its entirety. There are 365 devotionals starting in Genesis and ending in Revelation. Each day’s devotional includes a Scripture reference, more verses to explore and the page for the next days devotional. It can be used as a daily devotional or you can take it slower — reading the Bible between the devotions as quickly or as slowly as needed. And of course each day gives insight that a woman can really appreciate. All in all, a great Bible for you or that special woman in your life. Perfect as a gift for graduates as well!

Recommended.

AND NOW…SOME SAMPLE PAGES (CLICK ON PAGES TO ENLARGE):