The Longest Year By Stan Crader

Like all of his friends, Tommy Thompson dreams of obtaining the ultimate ticket to freedom: a driver's license. Unlike all of his friends, Tommy has just turned fifteen. He'll have to watch everybody else pass their tests before he's old enough to take his. But life goes on for the band of boys despite Tommy's consuming obsession. His best friend, Booger, takes up the guitar. His buddy, Everett, dates a girl from a rival school and discovers that her classmates aren't altogether happy about it. Longtime romantic interest, Melody, tests her newly minted driving skills on the railroad tracks. And Tommy receives an unexpected gift -- one that just might make the longest year of his life go by a little quicker. The third in Stan Crader's Colby series, The Longest Year will bring a smile to your face as you remember the trials and tribulations of your own youth.   Pick up your copy http://www.amazon.com/Longest-Year-Stan-Crader/dp/1604948701/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1362758609&sr=1-1&keywords=the+longest+year     Stan Crader was born and raised in Bollinger County Missouri. Coming of age in rural Missouri provided him the material for many of the rich characters in his books. He credits the variety of jobs and the people he worked with for providing him his creative foundation. While growing up, his jobs included paper routes, mowing lawns, grocery store carry out, farm equipment set-up, sawmills, and janitor. One learns a great deal about people when they see what groceries they purchase. After graduating from high school he attended the University of Missouri, where he fully realized the uniqueness of his hometown. He met his wife Debbie at a Missouri / Nebraska football game, in which Missouri won. Some believe that Debbie considered Stan a project; most feel she still has much work to do. Stan and Debbie live in the Bollinger County area with their three boys and a golden retriever. Stan's favorite hobby is writing, but he's passionate about flying and also enjoys, biking, hiking, scuba diving, snow skiing, snowshoeing, maple sap collecting and photography. He regularly flies a number of planes ranging from pressurized turbines to a small fabric winged two passenger aerobatic model. On a typical Saturday morning he can be found flying the fabric winged plane at low level over the Mississippi River looking for Bald Eagles. He and a couple of friends once flew the entire Lewis & Clark trail at low level. His longest flight was from Missouri to Athens, Greece in a small Cessna, just to see if he could do it. While growing up he couldn't wait to get his drivers license and discard his bicycle; after turning forty he got back into bicycling and has made a number long cross country rides including the famed Katy Trail that runs along the Missouri River across Missouri and a ride across Montana including Glacier National Park. On a whim, Stan and his youngest son, Brad, got dive certified at Branson, Mo. Like his other hobbies, he immediately immersed himself in it, purchased all of the equipment and started looking for the best dive spots. He met the pilot, who he flew the trans-Atlantic trip with while scuba diving in the Bahamas; his favorite dive spot, however, is Cozumel. During the month of February you can find Stan looking for maple trees to tap. He collects the sap then boils it down into pure maple syrup and shares it with family and friends. His photographs are mostly for private use but a number of them have been used for calendars and university literature and websites. His favorite place to take photographs is while hiking or snowshoeing with Debbie in the Rocky Mountains but he's taken some of his best from the cockpit of an airplane. Stan is known for the unusual. For example, most settle simply to catch a baseball at a Cardinal game; Stan once caught a thrown bat that made its way into the lower deck. It was father's day and the game was televised. By the time he got home several had called and wanted to confirm that it was Stan they'd seen on TV. His grandfather once filmed him jumping a small creek on a motorcycle. So, it's evident where he got the daring gene. He and his wife were recently invited to the home of Stan & Lillian Musial. They had a delightful private visit the real Stan The Man and his wife. His professional life is that of a business executive. He's President of a small family business that sells Stihl chainsaws and power tools. As a businessman he won a silver quill for business writing and once qualified as a finalist in Ernst & Young's Entrepreneur of the Year. He's quick to credit his success as a businessperson to those he works with. He was once elected city councilman of Marble Hill, the town where he came of age. He discovered a new respect for those that serve as volunteers in small towns in this capacity. The mayor he served as councilman was also his former elementary school music teacher, which made for an interesting dynamic. He applies his Christian principals in every walk of life and it's his hope that others recognize Christianity as the root of his success and the source of his creativity and drive. Favorites: Song - "House At Pooh Corner" by "The Nitty-Gritty Dirt Band" Place to be - Home Holiday - Christmas Book - Bible Food - Cherry Pie The Longest Year, is the third in a trilogy of young boys growing up in rural southeast Missouri in the 60's. The first two books were, The Bridge and Paper Boy I enjoyed them both as well as this this one. Stan brings to life all of the anxieties that young teens go though in such a way you think you are back in the 60's with the boys. Stan writes very engaging stories, if you have not read one of his books you are missing out.   I was given a copy of this book by the author LEAVE A COMMENT TO BE ENTERED TO WIN ALL THREE OF STAN'S BOOKS

Where is God? When Hope Hurts By Carol Urton

Abandoned at age two by her father, Carol was thrust into a life of unrelenting sexual abuse and child pornography when her mother remarried a deacon in their local church. After nine years, she brought the dark family secret into light, only to be silenced and sent away to live with her grandparents. At age 14, Carol began her journey of trying to find peace among the shattered pieces of her life. After years of running from the truth, she had to face her past. Carol began to try and answer her biggest question...”Where is God? When Hope Hurts.” She knew she had to make a choice and to choose life, she had to choose to be free. She ultimately found freedom from the debilitating hurts of her childhood and adult life through the healing process of forgiveness, salvation and above all HOPE in a loving God who never leaves and never forsakes.   You MUST pick up a copy http://www.findinghopeministries.com/ Carol Urton is a national lecturer and has been invited to be a speaker and numerous conferences, workshops, retreats and conventions.  She is a published author of numerous articles and short stories and has been a featured guest on several radio and television programs.  Her long awaited book, "Where is God? When Hope Hurts" will be available in January 2013. Carol is an accomplished speaker whose goal is to inspire people to achieve their full potential despite hardships in life. She is passionate about issues relating to childhood abuse and neglect. Carol is also known nationally for her work with Web Wise Kids, speaking on the topic of Internet safety helping youth and adults understand how to have a safe and positive experience while online, social networking and using cell phones. She joined Web Wise Kids, a national non-profit organization dedicated to “Empowering Today’s Youth to Make Wise Choices Online” in November of 2008 and served as the Vice-President of Training and Project Management until May of 2011. Currently, Carol is a Major Gifts Officer for the Orange County Rescue Mission and works with major donors, corporations and foundations.  OCRM is a comprehensive program that helps homeless men, women and families become self sufficient by giving them a hand up not a hand out. Ms. Urton graduated in 2004 from California State University-Bakersfield with a bachelor’s degree in Sociology.   She worked in the LA County school system for five years in their Primary Intervention Program serving children with adjustment difficulties in grades K-3.  In 1994, she founded “Choose to Be Free” a non-profit organization dedicated to addressing the needs of the church community in relation to child abuse and neglect.  She also served as President of the Antelope Valley Child Abuse Prevention Council for two years. Carol has worked in many capacities of the corporate sector specifically related to mortgage insurance and operations for the past 25 years.  She has served as the Director of Operations and Assistant Vice-President of Operations for two major corporations.  Carol also served as President of the Antelope Valley Chapter of the National Association of Professional Mortgage Women. Carol is active in the following organizations: Board of Directors, Orange County Crime Stoppers Sargent at Arms, Cutting Edge Professionals Toastmasters Member, Mission Viejo Christian Church Member, Orange County Chapter, 100 Women Making a Difference Carol is married and resides in Southern California with her husband David Wow! This book was an incredibly emotional read for me. There are so many places in this book where I wanted to pick up the phone and call Carol. I cried so hard many times reading this book, but I also cheered the loudest for Carol. What I wouldn't give to live near her in California; I'm sure we'd become best friends! Carol has learned one of the hardest things in life how to forgive and move on from past hurts. After all she has endured (more than most of us; I'm sure) she has become an incredibly strong women. I really learned a lot from this book: that our past is just that and we need to forgive those who hurt us and move forward and live the life God wants us to live. "Plan the action and not the result." Forgiveness is a step of action. We can all learn much from Carol. In no way did she ever say any of this "moving on" was easy nor did she sugar coat what she went through even though in the end she came out on top and has a very good life now. I give this book 5 stars and I highly recommend this book to everyone. I was given a copy of this book as a gift. I had to share it with all of you wonderful blog readers.

A Quilt for Jenna By Patrick Craig Giveaway!

Amish + Quilts = readers delight!  And in this first book in Patrick Craig's Apple Creek Dreams series, readers will follow Jerusha Springer's journey out of tragic circumstances to a new life of hope. Jerusha has spent months making the most beautiful quilt anyone in Apple Creek, Ohio, has ever seen, and she knows it's going to take first prize at the Quilt Fair in Dalton.  The prize will be her ticket out of the Amish way of life--away from the memories of her dead daughter and her tormented husband.  But on the way to the Fair, she gets caught in the Storm of The Century and Jerusha's driver crashes their car.  While the driver goes for help, Jerusha is led by someone, or something, to the side of a lost little girl.  By the time the storm clears, Jerusha finds there is a greater prize to be won than money and blue ribbons. A beautiful story of loss....and redemption.   Pick up your copy http://www.amazon.com/Quilt-Jenna-Apple-Creek-Dreams/dp/0736951059/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1362533252&sr=1-1&keywords=a+quilt+for+jenna Patrick E. Craig is a lifelong writer and musician who left a successful songwriting and performance career in the music industry to follow Christ in 1984. He spent the next twenty-six years as a worship leader, seminar speaker and pastor in churches, and at retreats, seminars and conferences all across the Western United States. After ministering for a number of years in music and worship to a circuit of small churches in Northern California, he is now concentrating on writing and publishing both fiction and non-fiction books. He has recently signed a three book deal with Harvest House Publishers to publish his "Apple Creek Dreams" series. The books are historical Amish fiction and the first book, "A Quilt for Jenna," will be released January 1, 2013. Patrick is represented by the Steve Laube Agency. Patrick has an extensive background as a writer. Throughout his school years he edited high school and college newspapers. In 1964 he won a national editorial contest sponsored by the Wall Street Journal for an editorial he wrote on the death of President Kennedy, and, in the same year, acted as Senior Editor for a special issue of the University of Washington Evergreen during a summer internship for High School Editors. After a year at Whitman College, where he was a journalism major, he moved to the San Francisco Bay area where he became a fixture on the local music scene. As a professional songwriter, he wrote with and for such artists as Bill Champlin (Chicago), David Jenkins (Pablo Cruise), Buddy Miles, The Tazmanian Devils, and many others in the secular music industry. His songs were recorded by such artists and music groups as West Coast Natural Gas, Indian Pudding and Pipe, Joey Covington's Fat Fandango, The Sons of Champlin, The Tazmanian Devils, Buddy Miles, David Jenkins, Laura Allen, The Fairfax Street Choir and in Europe by the Swedish Band Seid. He had two music albums released on Warner Brothers records, and contributed to best selling albums by artists such as Chris Isaak and others. Recently a compilation of his early work was released in Switzerland as a specialty music album. This is the first book by Patrick that I have read and he really surprised me ! It was very different from what I had expected it to be. A Quilt for Jenna  is an emotional story of loss and redemption so be sure to have your tissues handy! Patrick is good at presenting both the male and female points of view in this story and is a very good writer. It was not the same old Amish story I've read a million times. I give this book 4 stars   I was given a copy of this book by the publisher

Love's Journey Home By Kelly Irvin Giveaway!

It's been seven years since her husband died, but Helen Crouch is doing just fine. She's selling her jams and canned goods at the bakery and making a tidy living. But her whole world goes topsy-turvy when a new family moves to town. Gabriel Gless has brought his children to Bliss Creek to escape the worldly influences in Indiana. Helen and Gabriel have so much in common--the loss of their beloved spouses, the experience of raising their families alone, their rock-solid faith--so why can't they seem to speak without arguing? And that's not all that's going on in Bliss Creek this summer. In the middle of a punishing drought, the community is faced with the decision to uproot their families and establish a new settlement. As families struggle to say goodbye, each one must find the faith to follow the Lord's direction.   Pick up your copy here http://www.amazon.com/Loves-Journey-Bliss-Creek-Amish/dp/0736953183/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1362484059&sr=1-1&keywords=kelly+irvin Kelly Irvin is a Kansas native and has been writing professionally for 30 years. She and her husband, Tim, make their home in Texas. They have two children, three cats, and a tankful of fish. A public relations professional, Kelly is also the author of two romantic suspense novels and writes short stories in her spare time. To learn more about her work, visit www.kellyirvin.com. This was the first book that I have read by Kelly Irvin but it sure will not be the last!  I loved the story of forgiveness and just how very difficult that can be. Kelly's writing riveted my attention throughout the whole book.  It is very well written and all of the characters were great and well rounded.  There were quite a few characters but you were still able to keep up with who was who.  They all had great and very differing personalities that really set them all apart. I cannot wait to read the next series by Kelly. If you have not read any of Kelly's books, You are missing out on some great Amish fiction. I gave this book 4 stars.   I was given this book by the publisher

Shattered By Dani Pettrey

A Thrilling New Romantic Suspense from the Genre's Newest Star Piper McKenna couldn't be more thrilled that her prodigal brother, Reef, has returned to Yancey, Alaska, after five years. But her happiness is short-lived when Reef appears at her house covered in blood. A fellow snowboarder has been killed--but despite the evidence, Reef swears he's innocent. And Piper believes him. Deputy Landon Grainger loves the McKennas like family, but he's also sworn to find the truth. Piper is frustrated with his need for facts over faith, but he knows those closest to you have the power to deceive you the most. With his sheriff pushing for a quick conviction, some unexpected leads complicate the investigation, and pursuing the truth may mean risking Landon's career. With Piper waging her own search, the two head deep into Canada's rugged backcountry--and unexpected complications. Not only does their long friendship seem to be turning into something more, but this dangerous case is becoming deadlier with each step.   Pick up your copy here http://www.amazon.com/Shattered-Alaskan-Courage-Dani-Pettrey/dp/0764209833/ref=sr_1_15?ie=UTF8&qid=1359842437&sr=8-15&keywords=shattered Dani Pettrey is a wife, home-schooling mom, and the author of the acclaimed romantic suspense Submerged. She feels blessed to write inspirational romantic suspense because it incorporates so many things she loves--the thrill of adventure, nail-biting suspense, the deepening of her characters' faith, and plenty of romance. She and her husband reside in the D.C. metro area with their two teenage daughters. Learn more at www.danipettrey.com. If you liked Dani Pettrey's last book, Submerged, you will definitely love the sequel, Shattered!  This is a super entertaining read with lots of twists and turns that will keep you guessing until the last page.  You will not be able to anticipate what will happen next. I think Dani just might become the next number one author in the romantic/suspense genre in the near future with this series. I absolutely cannot wait to find out what happens in book three in the Alaskan Courage series. I recommend this book and give it five stars.   I was given a copy of this book by the publisher.

Extreme Cruelty I By August Moore

I am honored that August Moore took the time to stop by and share a little bit of himself with us.   1. August what sparked your decision to journey down the adventurous path of writing?   Every since I read J.R.R. Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings as a teenager, I knew I wanted to write a book one day.  However, I never had anything special to write about… until now, that is.  Extreme Cruelty I is no Lord of the Rings, but there is a real ring involved and good vs. evil forces at work, that’s for sure.   2. What is your favorite book?   I couldn’t possibility narrow it down to a single book (excluding the Bible, of course).  I really enjoy everything by Terry Brooks (something about the concept of Elves just draws me in).  Growing up in the orient, I can easily embed myself into most Lisa See novels, and those of my friend and author, Millie Samuelson (Hungry River; Dragon Wall).   3. What movie has inspired you the most?   There are too many to mention, as I’m easily inspired by movies where the good guys triumph in the end.  I’m not exactly sure why, but my favorites always seem to have the word last in it.  The Last of the Mohicans, The Last Emperor, The Last Samurai, etc.   4. Do you have a special talent?   I don’t think I have any special talents or skills worth bragging over.  My mother, a wonderful missionary, insists I have to sing out loud in Church, even though I argue that doesn’t constitute a joyful noise to any human ears.  I dance with the fluidity of rigor mortis.  I own a piano, guitar, and harmonica and can’t play any of them.  I’m pretty good at finding multiple uses for chopsticks, as you will read about in my sequel.   5. If you were a super hero, who would you be? And what super power would you want?   I’m terrified of heights, so would love to be able to fly like Superman without fear of falling and dying.  I recently stood near the edge of the Grand Canyon, frozen with fear, unable to move, while kids and elderly alike peered over the side.  I could’ve used his Superman powers that day.   6. If you were granted one wish what would it be?   Like all good beauty contestants, I wish for world peace!  That and lots of grandchildren, when the time is right.   7. What are your hobbies?   I really enjoy long hikes in the mountains, collecting military medical antiques, and working on restoring my authentic Chinese pedicab and rickshaw.   8. What do you hope readers will take away from your book?   I hope the reader will always remain vigilant and aware that con artist will stop at nothing to deceive you, and to never compromise your values.  Stick to the straight and narrow path we are called to remain on.   9. Do you have a website or blog?   http://augustmoore.blogspot.com/     https://www.facebook.com/ExtremeCruelty 10. What are you writing now?   I am currently working on the sequel and conclusion of my story, Extreme Cruelty II.  I reveal more bizarre events and discoveries… discoveries that will both shock and enrage you at the level of cruelty I experienced.  Here is a short synopsis of the sequel: August has no idea just how far down his life is about to spiral out of control at the hands of Extreme Cruelty. By pure chance (or was it?), he stumbles upon a horrifying discovery, one that changes everything. In pure desperation, August cries out for help, finding help in the most unlikely of places. However, as he pursues his suspicions, others question his sanity including the authorities.  Out-matched, out-witted, and fighting for his survival, August embarks on a mission to uncover and prove the truth. Will August get his redemption?  Will justice be served?  Learn the shocking facts and conclusion of this tale in Extreme Cruelty II. "This story is true. I debated long and hard whether to share it publicly. My Extreme Cruelty journey led me from the highs of a wonderful job with significant leadership responsibilities, respect, confidence, trust, and moderate wealth to the lows of unproductivity, unemployment, multiple deaths, isolation, depression, financial ruin, and utter humiliation. Did I really want to openly share this with others?"After August Moore finds himself divorced and lonely, a budding online romance with a woman named Crystal reignites his lust for life. She is everything he wants—beautiful, professional, and willing to explore the adventurous side of life. The only problem is that her job places her thousands of miles away, and for months their plans to meet are mysteriously thwarted. In a state of love-induced naïveté, August is willing to go to outrageous lengths for the woman he loves.Discovering that she comes as a "package deal" with her best friend Leona, August becomes entangled in a web of duplicity and compromised values. Blinded by his new-found love, he is led down a path that yields bizarre experiences with every step. And at the end of the path, Crystal is not all that she seems…A true-crime story of love, deception, and redemption, Extreme Cruelty serves as a warning that professional con artists are actively seeking to take advantage of those who are vulnerable and willing to compromise their entire lives for the sake of love. Part I details how August falls into this elaborate con and the loss he experiences as a result. His story is real… and it could also happen to you. Pick up your copy here and you may want to pick a copy for your best friend http://augustmoore.blogspot.com/ Are you ready for the best suspense book you have ever read? August Moore is either incredibly naive or really stupid OR he has the best imagination of anyone I have ever known.  That is what I was thinking when I started reading this book. He was lonely but he was  looking for love in the wrong place! The internet. After reading Extreme Cruelty I laid awake at night for several nights not knowing what to think about it. I just could not wrap my head around all the events that took place and I sure can't get over the fact that someone could be "fooled" so easily. I was so incredulous of this story that I even did research and found out that everything was for real; which just makes the story that much more incredible.  When I was done with this book I felt so sad and devastated on behalf of the author. The first chapter grabbed a hold of me and I couldn't stop reading until I reached the last word.  I laughed, I cried, I laughed, and cried some more. Extreme Cruelty has affected me like no other book ever has. The emotions that came though as I was reading each page was like no other book. I truly hurt for this man, What I would give to put my arms around him and let him know not all people are mean, cruel and crazy.  This book is a 5 star book two times over  but it  left me hanging by my fingernails at the end of a cliff at the end. It is absolutely killing me to find out what happens next.  Can August forgive the person who did these awful things to him? What happens next? You will have to wait to find out in the sequel which is coming soon...... I HIGHLY RECOMMEND this book! I was given a copy of this book by the author. Thank you so much, August

Firefly Island By Lisa Wingate

Lisa Wingate Is a Top Name in Inspirational Contemporary Romance At thirty-four, congressional staffer Mallory Hale is about to embark on an adventure completely off the map. After a whirlwind romance, she is hopelessly in love with two men--fortunately, they're related. Daniel Everson and his little boy, Nick, are a package deal, and Mallory suddenly can't imagine her future without them. Mallory couldn't be more shocked when Daniel asks her to marry him, move to Texas, and form a family with him and motherless Nick. The idea is both thrilling and terrifying. Mallory takes a leap of faith and begins a sweet, mishap-filled journey into ranch living, Moses Lake society, and a marriage that at times reminds her of the mail-order-bride stories. But despite the wild adventure of her new life, she discovers secrets and questions beneath her rosy new life. Can she find answers on Firefly Island, a little chunk of property just off the lakeshore, where mysterious lights glisten at night?   Pick Up Your Copy Here http://www.amazon.com/Firefly-Island-Lisa-Wingate/dp/0764208233/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1358919931&sr=1-1&keywords=firefly+island Lisa Wingate is a popular inspirational speaker, magazine columnist, and national bestselling author of several books, including Tending Roses, Talk of the Town, Blue Moon Bay, and Larkspur Cove, which won the 2011 Carol Award for Women's Fiction. Lisa and her family live in central Texas. Learn more at www.lisawingate.com. I am a huge fan of Lisa's. I was so excited to get a copy of Firefly Island. It was  a terrific book, I could not put it down. I love romance and who done it type books. I thought through the whole book that Jack West was a horrible guy only to find out that Jack was not who I thought he was. It takes a very special writer to pull you in to a book and hold your attention from page one. Well Lisa is that special author. She is so talented. I can not wait to see what she has in store for us next. The only thing, I did not like about the book was it ended to fast, I want to know more about Mallory and her being in a  family way. It should have been longer, but I only say that because the book was so good I hated to see it end! 5 stars for sure! I was given a copy of this book by the publisher