CFBA presents AN IRISH WOMAN'S TALE by Patti Lacy

This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducing An Irishwoman's Tale (Kregel Publications - July 8, 2008)byPatti Lacy


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Patti Lacy graduated from Baylor University in 1977 with a B.S. in education. She taught at Heartland Community College in Normal, Illinois, until she retired in 2006 to pursue writing full time. She has two grown children with her husband, Alan, and lives in Illinois.





ABOUT THE BOOK

Far away from her Irish home, Mary Freeman begins to adapt to life in Midwest America, but family turmoil and her own haunting memories threaten to ruin her future.

A shattered cup. Cheap tea. Bitter voices asking what's to be done with the "little eejit." Mary, an impetuous Irishwoman, won't face the haunting memories--until her daughter's crisis propels her back to County Clare. There, in a rocky cliffside home, Mary learns from former neighbors why God tore her from Ireland forty-five years earlier. As she begins to glimpse His sovereign plan, Mary is finally able to bury a dysfunctional past and begin to heal. Irish folk songs and sayings add color to the narrative.


Watch the Book Trailer:



If you would like to read the first chapter of An Irishwoman's Tale go HERE


JEN'S REVIEW

In this stunning debut novel, we meet Mary Freeman, a nurturing woman who wants to take care of her family and have a bit of peace in her life. But caring for her ailing mother is wearing on her, as is her concern for her youngest daughter. When Mary prays for a friend, she never expects God to answer so quickly… or with such a unique woman.

An Irishwoman’s Tale is two stories in one: the tragic heartbreak of a young girl who endures one rejection after the other, and a beautiful, healing friendship between two very different women. Like the threads that make up fine Irish linen, Lacy weaves Mary’s story, combining the past with the present, until both converge and take Mary back to where it all started.

Lacy’s lyrical writing style is perfect for this tale which takes us from Ireland to America and back again. Get ready to settle in with this one, because once you start, you’re not going to want to put it down.

READ THE INTERVIEW

To read my interview with Patti, visit my earlier blog post.

CFBA presents DANGEROUS HEART by Tracey Bateman

This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducing Dangerous Heart(Avon Inspire - October 14, 2008)byTracey Bateman


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Tracey Bateman published her first novel in 2000 and has been busy ever since. There are two other books in the Westward Hearts Series, Defiant Heart (#1) and Distant Heart (#2)

She learned to write by writing, and improved by listening to critique partners and editors. She has sold over 30 books in six years.
She became a member of American Christian Fiction Writers in the early months of its inception in 2000 and served as president for a year.
Tracey loves Sci-fi, Lifetime movies, and Days of Our Lives (this is out of a 21 year habit of watching, rather than enjoyment of current storylines).

She has been married to her husband Rusty for 18 years, has four kids, and lives in Lebanon, Missouri.

ABOUT THE BOOK

For the past seven years, Ginger Freeman has had one goal: find Grant Kelley and make him pay for allowing her brother to die. Growing up motherless with a father who leads an outlaw gang, Ginger isn’t exactly peaches and cream. So when she finally tracks down Grant on a wagon train headed west, she figured providence had stepped in and given her the chance she’s been waiting for.

On the wagon train, finally surrounded by a sense of family and under the nurturing eye of Toni Rodde, Ginger begins to lose her rough edges. She’s made friends for the first time and has become part of something bigger than revenge. Not only has her heart softened toward people in general, but God has become a reality she never understood before. And watching Grant doctor the pioneers, she’s realized she can’t just kill him and leave the train without medical care. Putting her anger aside, before long, Ginger’s a functioning part of the group.

But when the outlaw gang, headed by her pa, shows up and infiltrates the wagon train, she is forced to question her decision. Only self-sacrifice and her new relationship with God can make things right. But it might also means she loses everything she’s begun to hold dear.

If you would like to read from the first chapter of Dangerous Heart, go HERE

CFBA presents A BEAUTIFUL FALL by Chris Coppernoll

This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducing A Beautiful Fall(David C. Cook - October 2008)byChris Coppernoll

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Chris Coppernoll is the founder of Soul2Soul Ministries, with his interviews with Christian artists airing weekly on 650 radio outlets in thirty countries. He has conducted hundreds of interviews on faith issues with personalities such as Amy Grant, Max Lucado, Michael W. Smith, and Kathie Lee Gifford. He also serves as a Deacon at The People’s Church in Franklin, Tennessee, and is currently working toward a Masters in Ministry Leadership degree through Rockbridge Seminary.

His "Inspirations" column is published monthly in the mid Michigan newspaper, The Jackson Citizen Patriot.

Chris Coppernoll is the author of four other books including Soul2Soul, Secrets of a Faith Well Lived, and God's Calling. Providence, his first novel, is his fourth book.


ABOUT THE BOOK

High-powered Boston attorney Emma Madison is celebrating her latest courtroom victory when she gets a call from a number she doesn't recognize. Area code 803 home. Juneberry, South Carolina eight hundred miles, twelve years, and a lifetime away from Boston. Emma's father has had a serious heart attack. Emma rushes to his bedside, and a weekend trip threatens to become an extended stay. She has to work fast to arrange the affairs of his small-town law practice so she can return to her life and career in Boston.

And then Michael Evans shows up. They'd shared hopes, dreams, and a passionate love as young college students during a long-ago summer. But Emma walked away from Michael and from Juneberry to finish college and start a new life. Michael has never forgotten her.

Enveloped in the warmth of family and small-town life and discovering that she still cares for Michael Emma knows she'll have to make a choice between the career she's worked so hard to build and the love she left behind.

If you would like to read the first chapter of A Beautiful Fall, go HERE

Welcome Guest Blogger Camy Tang!

Hi there! Jennifer asked me to blog about the reader reaction I’ve seen from my books.

To be honest, people are very accepting of the fact it’s a different American sub-culture, Asian American.

I think that part of the reason is that people want to know more about the Asian American culture. It’s different and a little mysterious to people who don’t know many Asians in their everyday lives.

Another reason is that people who have read the book recognize their own family culture in the foibles of the Sakai family. Even though the characters are Asian, they have the same type of exasperating family dynamics as, say, an Italian American family, or a German American family, or a Russian American family.

I get so many reader letters of people who say, “My Swiss/Norwegian/Spanish/French grandmother/mother/aunt/cousin is JUST like Grandma Sakai!”

(That’s actually kind of scary, and I say a prayer for them.)

I’ve said it before, but it bears repeating: No matter what your ethnicity, families are all alike.

Including the ones that make you want to run away to a third world country and never be found again.

I also have to say that I didn’t base Grandma Sakai off of any real family members. In fact, I really try hard not to base my characters off of family members, because I think that’s just rude.

The other day, my mom said she’d read Single Sashimi and she could see a little of herself in Venus’s mother.

And I was like, “There is NO WAY you are ANYTHING like Venus’s mother. Venus’s mother is a nag and slightly psychotic. You are not a nag and not psychotic at all. How can you be thinking that?”

I hope I was emphatic enough that she can get rid of the notion she is anything even remotely like Venus’s crazy mother.

But doesn’t that make you want to read the book now? ;)

Thanks for letting me guest blog, Jennifer!
Camy

And thank you, Camy, for spending some time with us. It’s always fun to hear from you! May God continue to bless you in your writing journey!


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Camy Tang writes romance with a kick of wasabi. She used to be a biologist, but now she is a staff worker for her church youth group and leads a worship team for Sunday service. She also runs the Story Sensei fiction critique service. On her blog, she gives away Christian novels every Monday and Thursday, and she ponders frivolous things like dumb dogs (namely, hers), coffee-geek husbands (no resemblance to her own...), the writing journey, Asiana, and anything else that comes to mind.

JEN’S REVIEW

I’ve read all three of Camy’s book and have thoroughly enjoyed each one. Single Sashimi was particularly fun, though. From the first page, Camy grabbed me and pulled me into this story of compulsively clean Venus, who’s neat life creating virtual worlds starts to unravel. As always, Camy seamlessly weaves in a strong spiritual thread that never comes off as preachy, but leaves you completely satisfied. Do yourself a favor and pick up Single Sashimi. And if you haven’t already, pick up the first two books in the Sushi Series. Your funny bone will thank you!

WIN FREE STUFF FROM CAMY!

Visit Camy’s website at http://www.camytang.com/ for a huge website contest going on right now. She’s giving away ten boxes of books and 30 copies of her latest release, SINGLE SASHIMI. She’s also giving away books in her monthly newsletter contest. Good luck!

CFBA presents HOMETOWN FAVORITE by Bill Barton & Henry O. Arnold

This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducing Hometown Favorite(Revell -September 1, 2008)byBill Barton and Henry O. Arnold



ABOUT THE AUTHORS



Bill Barton is a business partner with Compass Technologies. An active member and volunteer at his church, Hendersonville Chapel, Barton is a regular speaker at services and other events. He lives in Hendersonville, Tennessee, with his family.



Henry O. Arnold has been a professional actor, writer, and director in theatre, film, and television. He co-wrote and produced the film The Second Chance starring Michael W. Smith and wrote the screenplay for the first authorized film documentary on evangelist Billy Graham, God's Ambassador. Arnold lives in Portland, Tennessee.



ABOUT THE BOOK

Talented, handsome, and personable, Dewayne Jobe rose from humble beginnings in rural Mississippi to play college football in Southern California and beyond. One of the best wide receivers in college ball, Dewayne is assured a promising career in professional football as one of those rare athletes whose exceptional abilities place him in a league of his own.

He easily finds success both on and off the field. Dewayne's got a beautiful, intelligent wife running his lucrative endorsement business and carrying his child and the pristine white picket fence to boot. The only thing lacking is a road sign confirming his address on Easy Street.

But catastrophe looms right around the corner and ultimately strikes with a crushing vengeance. Will Dewayne's faith and character stand the test of such tragedy? Or will he lose everything--including the love of his life?

This modern retelling of the story of Job will capture readers with the age-old question of why bad things happen to good people--and how good people can survive.

Combining realistic sports action and a deadly serious challenge to faith, Hometown Favorite is a story that won't let you up off the turf until the game clock hits zero.

If you'd like to read the first chapter of Hometown Favorite, go HERE

"An amazing story of betrayal, forgiveness, redemption and hope. The characters are vibrant and alive. Barton and Arnold have a rare and keen understanding of human nature, making the spiritual truths of this story both profound and compelling."

~Michael W. Smith, recording artist

"Like a close game and a score that just won’t turn around, Dewayne’s true fans and Hometown Favorite readers will appreciate the daunting odds fate doles out and this story’s hard-won outcome."

~Darnell Arnoult, author of Sufficient Grace

CFBA presents IT'S NOT ABOUT ME by Michelle Sutton

This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducing It's Not About Me(Sheaf House Publishers - September 1, 2008) byMichelle Sutton


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Michelle Sutton has lived in Arizona and since 1991 and has two sons and a husband of 18 years. She began writing fiction in August 2003 when God inspired her to write a novel with realistic characters that would glorify Him. In 2004 she joined ACFW - American Christian Fiction Writers. In 2006 Michelle ran for Volunteer Officer on the ACFW Operating board and ACFW members elected her to serve a two year term. She sold her first manuscript, Then Sings My Soul (now re-titled It's Not About Me) to Sheaf House and her debut novel was released in September 2008. The second book in the Second Glances series - It's Not About Him - will be released the following fall (September 2009.)

Last, Michelle is Editor in Chief of the new Christian Fiction Online Magazine. The debut issue released in July 2008. The magazine is sponsored by the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance.


ABOUT THE BOOK

Annie has it all. She's attractive, graduated with honors, was accepted at the college of her choice, has supportive parents, good friends, and a steady boyfriend who loves her. One night an unexpected visitor appears and Annie's safe world is destroyed by a brutal attack. As she tries to pick up the pieces of her broken life, she is torn between two brothers, both of whom claim to love her. She is attracted to both, but which one does she love? How can she choose when her decision may cause a permanent rift between them? And more important, will she give her heart to the One who will sustain her even when human love fails.

THE REVIEWS ARE IN...

"...the exquisitely written spiritual content shows the reader that redemption is available, no matter what the circumstances."
- 4 Stars, Romantic Times!

Instead of dealing with timely issues like alcoholism, premarital sex and pornography in a preachy, oh-so-tired fashion, Michelle Sutton's It's Not About Me gets to the heart of the matter with a shocking dose of realism and poignant storytelling. From the first paragraph, Sutton weaves together a thoroughly entertaining story that'll keep readers intrigued for the long haul as they get to know Annie, Dan, Tony and Susie—young adults that probably don't look and sound all that different from themselves. Now that's a seriously refreshing turn for Christian fiction."
~Christa Ann Banister~, author of Around the World in 80 Dates, (NavPress 2007) and Blessed are the Meddlers (NavPress 2008)

It's Not About Me is a wonderfully entertaining and deliciously suspenseful read that will keep you turning the pages. Sutton doesn't back away from the drama and with all of the twists and turns, It's Not About Me is hard to put down. I cannot wait for the sequel! Bravo!"
~Victoria Christopher Murray~, Essence best-selling author of multiple titles including The Ex Files and the upcoming YA series The Divine Divas

“Annie captured my heart on the first page and kept me enthralled to the very end. This edgy, yet surprisingly poignant story travels the inroads of intimate relationships – man to woman, brother to brother, parent to child, friend to friend. But especially satisfying is the author’s delicate handling of the relationship between a searching soul and the loving Savior who alone possesses the power to work all things out for the good. A terrific debut for Michelle Sutton. I can’t wait to read more from this talented author!”
~Virginia Smith~, author of Just As I Am and Sincerely, Mayla

"Michelle Sutton's gritty writing style will very likely go straight to the hearts of teens, addressing what they deal with every day in what is all too often grim reality for our youth. Sutton is no doubt a refreshing and much needed voice in today's YA fiction."
~Tina Ann Forkner~, Author of Ruby Among Us
Waterbrook Press/Random House

If you would like to read the Prologue and first Chapter of It's Not About Me, go HERE