I Am A Reader, Not A Writer Presents: The Labyrinth Society by Angie Kelly – $100 Blast

Labyrinth Society: The Versailles Vendetta When 12 year-old Mia Cornell is sent to live at the Tarpley Estate, her ninth foster home, she has no idea what she's in for. Having a kind but mysterious foster mother and three quirky foster sisters is all well and good. Discovering that her new family is a secret society—they use a portal in their garden labyrinth to travel the globe seeking lost art, artifacts, and OSOs (objects of supernatural origin)—is something else entirely. Mia barely has time to wrap her head around the truth when the Society's latest job, tracking down Marie Antoinette's necklace, goes sideways. Mia and her new siblings—Tomi, the historian; Devon, the hacker; and Lily, the muscle—must use their wits, plus a few cool OSOs filched from the Society's vault, to stay a step ahead of a sinister enemy from their foster mother's past. But just how far back does Mrs. Tarpley's past go? And will Mia stand by her new family or cut and run when they need her the most?

Amazon * Barnes & Noble * iTunes

Author Biography: Angie Kelly is the pseudonym of a former member of the Labyrinth Society. When she’s not writing about her adventures, or reading about other people’s adventures, she’s busy traveling the world and indulging her inner twelve year-old. Although she was last sighted lurking around the British Museum after hours, her current whereabouts are unknown.

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 Blast Giveaway $100 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Ends 6/23/14 Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer and sponsored by the author.

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Super Stitches Sewing: A Complete Guide to Machine-Sewing and Hand-Stitching Techniques by Nicole Vasbinder

Does your sewing machine come with lots of fancy stitches that you've never thought to try? This essential guide to machine and hand stitches will teach you how to use any and every stitch for professional-looking seams, hems, gathers, darts, and more. Unlock your full sewing potential with 57 machine stitches, 18 hand stitches, and tips to choose the correct needles, threads, and sewing machine accessories, complete with detailed step-by-step tutorials and illustrations.

This comprehensive stitch dictionary is a must-have companion for any sewer, whether you just bought your first sewing machine or you’re a seasoned expert looking to polish your skills. If your passion is dressmaking, tailoring, or simply mending your own clothes, Super Stitches Sewing gives you all of the information you need to make every project a success.



 
About The Author

NICOLE VASBINDER has taught thousands of people the joy of sewing in classes throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. When she is not teaching sewing and design classes at her store, StitchCraft, in Petaluma, California, she designs Queen Puff Puff handbags and accessories. Nicole is the author of Sewing Machine Secrets and Sewing Solutions, and has contributed projects to many books and magazines including Vintage Craft Workshop and Button It Up.

Visit her at www.stitchcraftonline.com.

My Review: 

I have sewn for many years, starting back as a young child and using a treadle sewing machine, sure wish I had that now. I have recently taken the hobby back up and have ventured into quilting, and all the gadgets that go with it, including lots of material. After all, I really didn’t have any stash when I started, now I do, and can’t seem to stop.
Have recently received a copy of Super Stitches Sewing, and I am in love with this book. After stabbing in the dark about the feet that came with my used sewing machine, I now have a bible to show me what does what, and how to use them. Because my interest in quilting keeps expanding, there are so many techniques; I now have a way of finding the stitches that I want to do by hand. I’m ready to do some of the appliques, and fancy stitching. I’m even hoping to do hand quilting, and seeing this give me the confidence that I can!
You name it, and I can probably find it here in this great find. Which needle shall I use for which fabric? It gives me the information I need, how about the right thread, yes! Also the illustrations are amazing, no more fumbling around for the answers I need. Even the index is great, all the different pages where I can find what I need. This book won’t be going in my bookcase, nope, it will sit right beside my machine for a very handy reference. Just wish I had found this sooner!

I received this book through Blogging For Books Program, and was not required to give a positive review.

Write Now Literary Book Tours Presents: Brown Girls Publishing Book Blast

About The Book

Open Door Marriage, A chance encounter lands NBA star Dallas Avery back in the arms of the woman of his dreams. A woman he hasn’t seen in years. A woman he soon discovers just so happens to be his fi ancée’s aunt! But Dallas’ fi ancee, Tori, isn’t ready to give up all that she’s worked for, so she makes him a shocking offer – go through with the wedding and she’ll still allow him to be with the one woman he now can’t seem to do without. Dallas will get a family, something her much older aunt, Alicia can’t give him. Tori will get the lifestyle she clamors. And Alicia will get the love she’s longed for all her life. Everyone will get a little of what they want. . . and maybe a whole lot of what they don’t.


Teaser…..“You slept with my aunt?”

The words still didn’t register, even though this had to be Tori’s fifth time saying them. She glared at her fiancé, still desperately trying to come to terms with the information her mother had blasted to everyone at the packed Thanksgiving dinner table.

“Seriously? How is that even humanly possible when you didn’t know the woman four hours ago?” Tori shouted.

“Tori, l-let me explain,” Dallas stammered.

Twelve pairs of eyes were now focused on the not-quite-blissful couple standing at the bottom of the stairs just off from the dining room. 

Read more: http://bit.ly/1mXCAaf

About The Author

Naleighna Kai is the national bestselling author of Every Woman Needs a Wife and the provocative new novel, Open Door Marriage. She started writing in December of 1999,independently publishing her first novels before acquiring a book deal with an imprint of Simon & Schuster,and most recently a book deal with Brown Girl Publishing—the offspring of mega-successful national bestselling authors—Victoria Christopher Murray and ReShonda Tate Billingsley. She is a contributing author to a New York Times Bestseller, an award-winning author, an E. Lynn Harris Author of Distinction and a noted book club favorite on Oprah.com

About The Book

In Strict Confidence, Fans of John Grisham and Mary Higgins Clark will love this suspenseful rollercoaster ride that doesn’t let up until the very end… Psychiatrist Allen Kline is forced to make the agonizing choice of life over death when a killer approaches him with the horrific news that he has abducted Allen's two sons. Who the killer is and why he has chosen Allen to victimize is a question the doctor struggles to answer. What he discovers just may haunt him forever. Things aren’t always what they seem… Detective Ben McCallum is on a mission. Someone is viciously murdering little boys and Ben knows the pain all too well. His son was one of the victims and now, it’s up to Ben to bring the killer to justice . . . before two more young boys die. As Ben struggles to put aside his personal demons to track a killer hellbent on revenge, he’ll discover the killer’s motives hit close to home and everyone will discover things aren’t always what they seem. In Strict Confidence is an intense, harrowing tale that will shock, surprise and satisfy readers with each suspenseful word and doesn’t let up until the very last page.

Teaser… Chris Kline’s eyes fluttered open and he saw only darkness. He was lying on a cold, hard ground—concrete, he thought, naked—no wait, not naked. He still had his boxer briefs on. He sat up and as he did, a wave of unsteadiness came over him. Whoa. He shook his head, trying to clear cobwebs, and when his equilibrium settled enough, he tried to stand, but couldn’t because of a manacle fastened around his right ankle. He shivered.

Where am I?

What’s going on?

Think, Chris. Think!

Read more: http://bit.ly/1sTZtv2

About The Author

Dwayne S. Joseph began his writing career at the age of thirteen. Commandeering his parent's computer, he sat for hours on end creating dramatic stories of fiction that earned him the "best story teller in the Joseph household" moniker. He then went on to win second place in the National Scholastic Writing Competition during his senior year in high school, for a short story he wrote, titled "Playtime" (A story that he does plan to develop into a children's tale someday soon!) The novels at thirteen and the short story in his senior year all helped to propel him on the destined path to becoming a published author at the age of 27, with the release of his first novel The Choices Men Make. 

About The Book

Pink and Patent Leather, Sasha “Pink” Jansen has heard the voice of God. He spoke loud and clear at her purity ceremony, when she was just sixteen years old and Pastor Malik Stroman placed that ring on her finger. And He was just as clear when He told her that purity ring would someday be replaced with a wedding ring from the same man . . . all Pink had to do was save herself. Dreams of a life with Pastor Malik were enough to keep the privileged princess committed to her vow, dodging all kinds of temptation, resisting every romance, and the whole time, keeping her eyes on the prize –the day she would become first lady. There’s just one problem - Pastor Malik already has a wife. But Pink is accustomed to getting what she wants - by any means necessary. With her grace and virtue on the line - and what she thinks is God’s word in her head - Pink is on a mission no one understands. She’s determined to show Pastor Malik that they belong together – and come hell or high water, she plans to get the good reverend to agree. Candy Jackson has penned a page-turning tale of one-woman’s quest for love and the spiraling descent she’ll take to get it.

Teaser…. It had been a long time, four years to be exact, but I was ready. The night I had been dreaming about was finally here. My life was playing out like a well-rehearsed script, and I had the starring role.

I wanted a life with him.

It was my time; sweet victory was in the air.

I was Sasha Simone Jansen and I had come to win.

Now, as I sat at my vanity poised and proper with my hair done and make-up flawless, I stared at my perfect cocoa complexion and smiled. I had to be the luckiest girl in the world. No, that wasn’t it. I’m a Christian, and we don’t believe in luck. 

Read more: http://bit.ly/1gOOHqh

About The Author

Washington, DC author, Candy Jackson is a cosmetology teacher who loves to create poetry and short stories. Her reading rose to a brand new height with the discovery of many black writers whose work exploded in the ‘80’s. An avid reader, she began to tap into her own creative side and decided to write stories of her own. Candy is the mother of three young adult children and one grandson.

About The Book

Easier Said Than Done, is a touching new novel of love and risk, featuring a sassy and skillfully created cast of characters that are so full of life, they breathe, dream, and shout right off the page. Kingston Phillips, a beautiful entertainment executive in the fast-paced city of Chicago, has finally grasped the brass ring. But just as her friends and colleagues are buzzing with her success, Kingston must return to Jamaica for her grandmother’s funeral. While there, childhood tragedies, heartbreak, and family jealousies come back to haunt her, threatening to shatter her dreams. Not only does Kingston come face to face with the college sweetheart who left her heartbroken, but her grandmother names her executor of her will and forces her to make a life-altering decision.

Teaser…. Nothing would be the same again. That I knew for sure, though the uncertainty of what exactly that meant sloshed inside of me as I unlocked the door to my office and quietly asked my mother for guidance.

Instantaneously, a peace settled in my soul, just as I knew it would; but the question marks still pricked at my brain.

Three hours later, my secretary alerted me via the intercom that I had a phone call and the feelings of unrest surged again. I pushed the Talk button.

“Kingston speaking,” I said.

“Job well done, Kingston.

Read more: http://bit.ly/R8BJXO

About The Author

Nikki Woods, the author of Easier Said Than Done, is a Multi-media personality, Social Media and Personal Branding Coach, Motivational Speaker and Voice-over artist, and the CEO of Nikki Woods Media. She is also the senior producer of the acclaimed, nationally- syndicated Tom Joyner Morning Show (TJMS), the most successful syndicated urban radio show in history reaching more than 8 million people on a daily basis.

Contact Publisher for Ordering: Brown Girls Publishing http://browngirlspublishing.com/

Book Blast Hosted by Write Now Literary www.wnlbooktours.com

Follow the Tour: http://bit.ly/1sFoEl0

Pump Up Your Book Presents Contempt of Court Virtual Book Publicity Tour & Review

Pump Up Your Book is pleased to bring you Ken Malovos’ Contempt of Court virtual book tour May 5-27!

Title:  Contempt of Court
Author: Ken Malovos
Genre: Legal thriller/mystery
Paperback: 232 pages
Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform (October 23, 2013)
ISBN-10: 1484159454
ISBN-13: 978-1484159453
Kindle: B00GJXAY4Y
Sacramento trial lawyer, Mike Zorich, is finally coming to grips with the death of his wife from cancer five years ago. There is a new woman in his life.  His son is making his way in the business world. His law practice is going well. And he has a new case that promises to be very demanding.  Members of the Darnoff wine family are at odds with each other, amidst a divorce and partnership dissolution.
Then things go wrong. Mike becomes the target of some unexplained personal attacks.  He is mugged on the bike trail and his house is ransacked. Is it someone connected to the Darnoff case?  Is it an old client from his years in the Public Defender’s Office?  Is it some disgruntled witness from a trial? To top it off, Mike is held in contempt of court and remanded to jail.  The attacks continue and only get worse. The authorities don’t have a clue. Can Mike figure it all out before someone is killed?

Discuss this book in our PUYB Virtual Book Club at Goodreads by clicking HERE

About The Author

Ken Malovos is a mediator and arbitrator in Sacramento, CA. Previously, he was a trial lawyer, a public defender for 12 years and a business litigator for 25 years. He is a graduate of Stanford University (philosophy) and UC Hastings College of the Law. Ken is a past president of the Sacramento County Bar Association and Legal Services of Northern California. He is a panel member for the American Arbitration Association, a fellow in the College of Commercial Arbitrators, a member of the National Academy of Distinguished Neutrals and a member of the California Academy of Distinguished Neutrals. Contempt of Court is his first novel. He lives in Sacramento with his wife. You can visit Ken Malovos’ website at www.malovoslaw.com. 

My Review:


Contempt of Court is a fast pace, riveting book that will keep you up late and page turning, to find the answers.
Mike Zorich is a respected and hard working attorney, with some really big cases on his plate. He is finally, although still hurting, over the death of his wife five years ago. His son is doing well, and he is in a new relationship with Nancy, only he is having a hard time committing to her.
All of a sudden out of nowhere he is beat up, while he is out jogging. Snide remarks are made to him, but he his having a hard time coming up with answers as to why this guy wanted to hurt him. He is working on high profile partnership dissolution, are they responsible? After the first incident, one after another things begin to go wrong, and people are getting hurt. He needs answers, and fast.
Oh what a tangled web we weave, as the old saying goes, and you will wonder how things can get any worse, when the Judge isn’t upholding even the law? Can he find the answers before someone is killed, you won’t see what is coming, and you will be searching for answers to who. You think you will know who is responsible, but you will soon be second guessing yourself.
I hated the injustice that goes on, how? Why? Yes the answers are here, but you will have to get to them. Enjoy!

I received this book through Pump Up Your Book Virtual Book Tours, and was not required to give a positive review.

Pump Up Your Book Presents Chain Reaction Virtual Book Publicity Tour

Pump Up Your Book is pleased to bring you Richard Hacker’s Chain Reaction virtual book tour May 5-30!

 

Title: Chain Reaction
Author: Richard Hacker
Publisher: Champagne Books
Pages: 232
Genre: Thriller
Format: Kindle
When Nick and his partner in love and business, Theresa, take a client caught in a grudge between competitive bass fisherman, they soon discover he has unknowingly entangled himself in a plot by healthcare magnate, Bruce Reynolds, to take over Texas and secede from the Union. Hoping to pass the case to the Texas Rangers, Nick is instead recruited to head the Governor’s special task force. He learns Governor Fran Adamson’s major campaign contributor and secret lover, Reynolds, has a plan to resurrect the Republic of Texas.  Faced with Reynolds’ hit woman killing enemies of the Republic and a remotely controlled drone air force destroying strategic targets across the state, Nick and Theresa make a desperate attempt to prevent civil war, the destruction of the Governor’s political career, and Dillon’s murder, while keeping their love intact. In his scheme for glory, Bruce Reynolds didn’t plan on Nick Sibelius, who wants the wannabe secessionist to know, when he says don’t screw with Texas, he damned well means it.

Discuss this book in our PUYB Virtual Book Club at Goodreads by clicking HERE

 Richard Hacker is the author of CHAIN REACTION, the third installment in the Nick Sibelius crime series. Champagne Books released DIRTY WATER, the next novel in the Nick Sibelius series after TOXIC RELATIONSHIP, in June, 2013. His first novel, TOXIC RELATIONSHIP, released August, 2012 by Champagne Books was a 2011 Writer’s League of Texas (WLT) finalist, where in addition, SHAPER EMERGENCE won best novel in the Science Fiction category.  He is a member of the Pacific Northwest Writers Association.
After living many years in Austin, Texas where he worked as a leadership coach, public speaker and management trainer, he moved with his high school sweetheart to Seattle.  While he misses the big skies of Texas, Richard has grown fond of the Pacific Northwest.  His writing partner, a springer spaniel named Jazz, helps with proofreading and ball fetching.
You can visit Richard’s website at www.richardhacker.com.

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BOOK GIVEAWAY!

Richard Hacker is giving away (2) 3 ebook sets of his Nick Sibelius series!

• By entering the giveaway, you are confirming you are at least 18 years old.
• Two winners will be chosen via Rafflecopter.
• This giveaway begins May 5 and ends May 31.
• Winner will be contacted via email on Monday, June 2.
• Winner has 48 hours to reply.

Good luck everyone!

ENTER TO WIN!

While Love Stirs (The Gregory Sisters, #2) by Lorna Seilstad

After graduating from Fannie Farmer's School of Cookery in 1910, Charlotte Gregory is ready to stir things up. She is thrilled to have the opportunity to travel, lecture, and give cooking demonstrations on the very latest kitchen revolution--the gas stove--and certainly doesn't mind that the gas company has hired the handsome Lewis Mathis to perform at her lectures. Lewis encourages her work, especially her crusade to introduce fresh, appetizing, nutritious food to those convalescing in hospitals. But young hospital superintendent Dr. Joel Brooks is not convinced any changes should be made--especially by this outspoken young woman.

When Charlotte and Joel are coerced into planning a fund-raising gala for the hospital, will this combustible pair explode?

Fan favorite Lorna Seilstad is back with a breezy, lighthearted love triangle that will keep readers guessing. Attention to historic detail adorns the timeless story of a young woman looking for true love and making her way in a rapidly changing world.
 

About The Author: 

Award-winning author Lorna Seilstad has called Iowa home her whole life. She received her B.S. in Education from
Lubbock Christian University. After her first child was born, she quit teaching and became a professional wiper. “I wiped
noses, tears, skinned knees, baby's bottoms, and counter tops every day. But at nap time, I wrote." Today, she writes
historical fiction with a generous dash of humor. She is the author of the Lake Manawa Summers Series, a wife, and a
mother of three.


Purchase

My Review: 

I have read several of Lorna Seilstad’s books, and they just keep getting better and better. The title of this book is a real play on word; with the main character a graduate of Fanny Farmer’s Cooking School, and that would be Charlotte Gregory, whom we met in When Love Calls. Now don’t worry if you haven’t read the first book in this series, you can get caught up really quick in this book, but don’t deprive yourself of another great book.
With this book we find a young woman trying to make her way in a man’s world. She even wants to help at hospitals get patients back on their feet with more nutritious meals. Loved the way she also included flowers, and arrangements to entice their appetites.
We also have a young doctor, who is making his way in taking charge at the local hospital. Somehow the tools he needs in his business, microscopes, are not the priority, and the allotted funds are missing? He has also been burned in the romance area, by a cheating fiancé.
Put these two type A personalities together, and you guessed it, a lot of bickering. There is also another young man in the picture here. Lewis, a sweet talented young man, who has a passion for Charlotte, he seems to be there and anticipates her needs, but can he capture her heart?
You will really chuckle at some of the antics here, I never wanted it to end, and with one more sister in the family, I hope we will have another book.

I received this book through the Revell Book Blogger Tour, and was not required to give a positive review.

Pump Up Your Book Presents Tactics, Trends, & Traits of the Enemy Virtual Book Publicity Tour

Pump Up Your Book is pleased to bring you Jermaine Gadson’s Tactics, Trends, & Traits of the Enemy book blitz May 19-30!

Title:  Tactics, Trends, & Traits of the Enemy
Author: Jermaine Gadson
Genre: Spiritual
Publisher: Crossbooks – Division of LifeWay (June 2014)
ISBN:  9781462736362—Hard Cover
ISBN: 9781462736355—Soft Cover
ISBN: 9781462736348—eBook


Tactics, Trends, & Traits of the Enemy by author Jermaine Gadson is a must have resource for believers who want to be well equipped to be victorious against the strategies of the devil. The devil is cunning and deceptive, and he will stop at nothing to keep God’s people from reaching their potential in Christ. In this book, Pastor Gadson discusses how the enemy uses temptation, seduction, fear, isolation, guilt, shame, and other such things in order to steal and destroy a person’s life. Satan works tirelessly through various means and mechanisms to keep sinners from hearing and being receptive of the Word of God, in order to prevent them from being saved. If you have family or friends who are not born-again, this resource will help you to identify schemes that the enemy may be using to keep your loved ones from being saved. This book is intended to equip the Body of Christ to wage a good warfare against the strategies of the enemy. It is not God’s will for His people to be taken advantage of by the enemy because of ignorance. This book exposes who the enemy is, what he has done, what he is doing, and what he will try to do in the future, as an enemy of God’s people. This book is written for the everyday believer to be able to understand and use. However, it is also a helpful tool for Christian leaders to be able to identify specific ways in which the enemy desires to attack them in order to steal their influence, kill their destiny, and destroy their reputation and ministries. In this regard, it is an encouragement to the Body of Christ to guard and protect their spiritual leaders.

Excerpt:

Know Your Enemy

Before engaging in battle of any kind, it is very important to be familiar with the opposition. The more you know about your enemy, the greater you will be equipped to fight against them and be victorious. Knowing your enemy includes being knowledgeable of their strengths, weaknesses, habits, origin, and the like. When you are knowledgeable about your adversary, you become empowered to develop a plan of action or strategy to adequately defend against their opposition, overcome their threats and defensive mechanisms, and ultimately defeat them.

Athletes and those who follow sports are familiar and acquainted with this principle. Coaches and players spend hours upon hours viewing video recordings of not only their own team, but of their upcoming opponents as well. They view recordings to evaluate their own strengths and weaknesses as revealed by previous games, and they do the same to identify strengths and weaknesses of the next team they have to face.

This principle is certainly pertinent in the area of the military as well. No military general, or top ranking official who has authority over military personnel will in their right mind authorize the use of military force without adequate information concerning the enemy to be attacked. Right decisions require right information. This is especially true if you want to come out victorious and on top.

Now that we can see the importance of this principle from a natural standpoint, it makes sense that this would also apply spiritually in relation to how we are to do battle with our spiritual enemy. As you read this book, I hope that you will be able to see the importance of this material in helping you towards this very end. The reason this book is so important is because the person reading it is like a ballplayer looking at tape of his or her opponent or a military general gathering intelligence on a terrorist organization.

When you know where your enemy came from, what your enemy has done in the past, and what your enemy is presently capable of, you are more readily prepared to wage a good warfare and defeat him in any present or future encounters you may have.

VIEW THE TRAILER AT: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HNfV81_SD0s

Discuss this book in our PUYB Virtual Book Club at Goodreads by clicking HERE

Jermaine Gadson is the Senior Pastor of Faith Ministries, Inc., a non-traditional church located in Birmingham, AL. Prior to starting Faith Ministries, he served as an associate minister, youth minister, and pastor for local churches and ministries in the greater Birmingham area.  While, growing up in the Baptist church, he gave his life to Christ at an early age, and is a third generation minister of the Gospel.
He holds a B.A. in Religion with a Concentration in Congregational Studies and a Minor in Classics from Samford University, and a Master of Divinity from Beeson Divinity School of Samford University.  He is currently a Doctor of Ministry student at Beeson Divinity School.
Gadson enjoys reading, writing, sports, outdoors, movies, and spending time with his family. He is happily married to his wife Kristy and they have one beautiful daughter, Khloe.

 

 

TWITTER*FACEBOOK* WEBSITE

 

Pump Up Your Book and Jermaine are teaming up to give away a $25 Amazon Gift Card!

Terms & Conditions:

§  By entering the giveaway, you are confirming you are at least 18 years old.

§  1 winner will be chosen via Rafflecopter to receive each of the prizes

§  This giveaway begins May 19 and ends on May 31, 2014.

§  Winners will be contacted via email on June 2, 2014.

§  Winner has 72 hours to reply.

Good luck everyone!

ENTER TO WIN!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tactics, Trends, & Traits of the Enemy Book Blitz Schedule

May 19

Cheryl’s Christian Book Connection

Rebecca’s Writing Services

May 20

Inside BJ’s Head

Literarily Speaking

May 21

Lori’s Reading Corner

Between the Covers

May 22

Vic’s Media Room

As the Pages Turn

May 23

My Devotional Thoughts

Maureen’s Musings

May 26

The Book Rack

Beyond the Books

May 27

Read for Your Future

Little Shepherd

May 28

The Writer’s Life

May 29

The Book Connection

May 30

The Busy Mom’s Daily

 

 

All My Belongings by Cynthia Ruchti

In her new novel, All My Belongings, Cynthia Ruchti weaves a heart-wrenching tale of forgiveness, grace, and learning what it means to truly belong. A new life and a new identity can't protect Becca from a past that refuses to go away. After spending years running from the shame her father put on her family, Jayne is determined not to let him steal her future in the same way he stole her childhood. Changing her name to Becca Morrow, she moves to California and settles into a new life and new job caring for ailing mother of handsome young businessman, Isaac Hughes. But just as she's wondering if she and Isaac are headed for a relationship, Becca's patient passes away under unusual circumstances. Suddenly, her past catches up with her and the unnerving details of her heritage threaten to destroy all sense of home and all hope for love. Even if she could clear her name, a phone call wraps a suffocating shroud around her heart. Her estranged father needs her help. But can Becca open her new life to the man who ruined her past? Praise for All My Belongings: "I was blown away by the beautiful style of Cynthia Ruchti's novel, All My Belongings. Her story was warm, tear-jerking, and beautiful with healing."   --Hannah Alexander, author of Hallowed Halls "There are a lot of good writers on the planet today, but few great ones. Ruchti qualifies as one of the latter. As she skillfully pens a tale of a young woman fighting to overcome her father's legacy, Ruchti keeps readers on the edge of their seats even as we are challenged to consider our own faith and courage in the face of overwhelming odds."  --Kathi Macias, author of more than 40 books, including The Singing Quilt About The Author: Cynthia Ruchti tells stories of Hope-that-glows-in-the-dark through her novels and novellas, nonfiction projects, speaking events and a history of 33 years of on-air storytelling through The Heartbeat of the Home radio broadcast.  Her books have been recognized by Retailers' Choice, RT Reviewers' Choice, Family Fiction Readers' Choice, ACFW's Carol Award nomination, and other honors. All My Belongings is her eighth release (including three non-fiction books). Ruchti has also written articles for numerous magazines and industry publications and currently serves as Professional Relations Liaison for American Christian Fiction Writers.  Ruchti lives in Wisconsin where she spends her days diving into words, worship, and wonder. It is her delight to serve on her church's worship team and creative arts team. One of her greatest joys is helping other writers grow in their craft. Cynthia and her husband have been married for 40-plus years and have three grown children and five grandchildren.  Learn more about Cynthia Ruchti and her books at www.cynthiaruchti.com. My Review: As this book opens you are going to feel your heart bleeding for Jayne Dennagee, a girl who has never felt wanted by her parents, and now is fleeing her past. How would you like to be Jack Kervorkian’s daughter that is how Jayne feels, and she is responsible for bringing her father to justice? Jayne does have one bright light in her life, Geneva Larkin who to me turned out to be a substitute Mother, one she desperately needed. Through her, and a lot of courage and help from God, she travels to California to hopefully take a job caring for Auerila, Geneva’s sister. Jayne is now Becca Morrow, and she wants to shed her whole identity of being Jayne, and any link to her father. What a caring and loving person Becca is, you’ll enjoy her relationship with Aurila, and of course Isaac Hughes. Isaac had reservations about Becca taking care of his mother, but when Aurila immediately accepted her, it will make you chuckle, his fears vanished. Life becomes rather nice and safe, and you feel hopeful that she is finally in a secure and loving environment, that is when things begin to change. How was it possible that now Becca is a person of interest in the death of her elderly, and very sick charge, Aurila? Come along and find out what happens to Becca and Isaac, will her past catch up with her, sure looks like it. While I couldn’t stop reading, a real page-turner, I felt like the book ended, and then picked up again. Yes, I enjoyed the rest of the read, but was wondering where we were going, and I kept reading, with some very big surprises and changes that kept happening, sure glad I kept going! Enjoy! I received this book through Litfuse Publicity Book Tours, and was not required to give a positive review.