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Showing posts with label Book Review Wednesdays. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Book Review Wednesdays. Show all posts

Tuesday, June 4, 2013

Book Review and Giveaway: Better Than Chocolate by Sheila Roberts

This story is better than chocolate - more entertaining and non fattening!

Better Than Chocolate (Life in Icicle Falls) 
by Sheila Roberts

  • Mass Market Paperback: 400 pages
  • Publisher: Harlequin MIRA (September 25, 2012)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 077831345X
  • ISBN-13: 978-0778313458
Genre: Contemporary Romance
My rating: 4.5 of 5.0


Book Description
Release date: September 25, 2012 | Series: Life in Icicle Falls
Sweet Dreams Chocolate Company has been in the Sterling family for generations, ever since Great-Grandma Rose literally dreamed up her first fabulous recipe. But now it looks as if they're about to lose Sweet Dreams to the bank—and that would be a disaster, not only for the family but for the town of Icicle Falls, Washington. Can Samantha, the oldest daughter and new head of the company, come up with a way to save it?
After Samantha does some brainstorming with her mother and sisters, inspiration strikes. They'll have a chocolate festival! Time's running out, but the Sterling women are determined and the town's behind them, so everything's bound to go smoothly….
Or not. Events seem to be conspiring against Samantha, and her mother's attempts to help aren't helping. To make matters worse, the fate of her company is in the hands of her archenemy, Blake Preston, the bank manager with the football-hero good looks. It's enough to drive her to chocolate. But Blake's also enough to convince her that (believe it or not) there's something even better than chocolate.


Review:
Samantha is the oldest daughter and the one who is responsible for her mother and two younger sisters. She is the one who has to try to pull the family chocolate company out of the management mess left by her friendly but inept stepfather.  But she needs cooperation and an extension of time on the bank loan.

Bank policies have had to be tightened so the old, community friendly bank manager has been replaced. Blake is a home-grown, high school football hero who has returned to town as the new manager. He wants to help her Samantha, especially when she comes up with an idea for a chocolate festival that will benefit many businesses in town. But Blake’s hands are tied by his boss who is pressing to foreclose Sweet Dreams Chocolate and sell the business to a less quality competitor.

Blake is immediately attracted to Samantha but she sees him as the cold-hearted enemy. She tries to ignore any chemistry that she feels with Blake.

This was a fun read. The story is very warm and there were times I laughed out loud. The characters are real with real life problems. The dialogue is natural and humorous. Samantha is a strong, determined business woman and it is lovely to watch her learn to accept help from others, even her family. The chapters start with lovely quotes attributed to Samantha’s mother as an author of several books.

There is a gentle underlying strength of faith and the romance has chemistry but is portrayed through strong desire and inference in a sweet, not steamy fashion. This is the first title I have read by Sheila Roberts and I look to enjoy more.
Examples of the humor:
A girl could bite off even the biggest challenge if it was coated in chocolate. P. 25.

The conversation turned in a new direction but Samantha was still stuck on the corner of Urge and Merge. What would it be like to meet Blake Preston on that corner?  P 298.
I received this book from Harlequin for my thoughts to be shared in survey.

ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY for the Review Copy:


CymLowellFor 3 Extra Bonus entries Visit the author's website and tell me something you find of interest.

* This contest is open US ONLY.
* This contest will close 10 PM (Central) on June 14, 2012.
The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.
WINNERS WILL BE ANNOUNCED on June 15, 2012.
Winners will have 72 hours to respond by email or the winners form linked in the announcement.

Wednesday, May 15, 2013

Book Review: Magnificent Devices, Steampunk Adventure by Shelley Adina

This is full of action and impressive steampunk creations.
Magnificent Devices, a steampunk adventure novel (Magnificent Devices)
by Shelley Adina

  • File Size: 397 KB
  • Print Length: 231 pages
  • Page Numbers Source ISBN: 1939087023
  • Publisher: Moonshell Books (October 4, 2012)
  • Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
Genre: Steampunk
My Rating: 4.75 of 5.0


Book Description
Publication Date: October 4, 2012
An air voyage to remember turns into a disaster no one may survive.
With her orphaned charges, Lady Claire Trevelyan joins the Earl of Dunsmuir’s family on an airship voyage to the Americas. If she can stay out of Lord James Selwyn’s way until her eighteenth birthday, she will be of age and cannot be forced into marriage. What she doesn’t know is that Lord James is in the Americas, too, with Andrew Malvern closing in on him—and the wonderful device he stole. But when a storm cripples the airship and air pirates swoop in like carrion birds, Claire and the children must live by their wits to make their way across a harsh landscape. Will Andrew ever see her again and right the wrong he believes he has done? Will Lord James succeed in his monumental thievery? And how exactly does Rosie the chicken evade the soup pot?
Tighten your goggles, pull on your gloves, and prepare yourself for stratagems and strangeness in the third book in the series, Magnificent Devices!


Review:
Lady Claire and her young ‘flock’ of orphaned children travel in a fancy airship to America on the way to Canada. A storm blows them off course and cripples the ship allowing them to be captured by air pirates. When the pirates board their airship one of Claire’s companions appears to have betrayed them. The Mopsies and Tigg manage to hide to become a hidden weapon.

Claire ends up imprisoned by the head pirate in the Texican Territory. A flash flood presents a chance for escape with Claire being rescued by the pirate’s step-daughter, Alice. Alice is an inventor too, and surprised to learn that Claire works for Alice’s idol, Andrew Malvern. Alice maintains the pirate airship and creates automatons from the scrap pieces of ships diverted by the pirates. The pirates plan to divert another airship, one with Lord James who is coming after Claire.

Claire and the Mopsies have to make a daring break on another personal flying contraption that Alice built. They are all but lost in the desert until Alice and Jake swoop down to rescue them. Claire and Andrew are reunited at Santa Fe but the danger of the pirates and Lord James continues to follow them. Lord James kidnaps Claire and heads out on the railroad. while Andrew is put into a pinnacle cell - not a true jail cell but a cave on top of a mountain outgrowth. If the prisoner doesn’t roll off to his death he will starve there.  More fancy flying and daring rescues are needed to save Andrew and Claire.


The steampunk elements really abound in this story.  There is the fancy airship complete with moonglobe lighting and gondola cabins. Then there are the rough creations of the pieced together pirate ship, automatons and so much more. The plot is full of danger and action and woven throughout is the warmth of the children and the sweet romance building. There was a minor head hop that I noticed mostly because I was listening to the Kindle read to me. But it was a minor bump and didn't detract from my enjoyment of the book.

CymLowellI actually read this book, number 3, first and this one is my favorite. It was a great read on its own but I do think it would have been better read in order. I found this completely delightful.

I won books 1-3 of this series.

Friday, May 3, 2013

#Book #Review and ARC Giveaway: Jack Absolute by C.C. Humphreys

This is a swashbuckling, spy ‘theatrical performance.’
Jack Absolute
by C.C. Humphreys
  • Paperback: 288 pages
  • Publisher: Sourcebooks Landmark (May 7, 2013)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 140228070X
  • ISBN-13: 978-1402280702
Genre: Historical Fiction
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0


Book Description
Release date: May 7, 2013
Introducing the unforgettable...Jack Absolute.
The year is 1777. As the war for American independence rages across the sea, London is swept off its feet by Jack Absolute, the dashing rogue in Richard Sheridan's comedy The Rivals. That is, until the real Jack Absolute, former captain of the 16th Light Dragoons, returns after years abroad to discover this slander of his reputation.

Before he can even protest, he is embroiled in a duel over an alluring actress of questionable repute, and his only escape is the one he most dreads: to be pressed again into the King's service—this time, as a spy for the British in the Revolutionary War.
From the streets of London to the bloody battlefields of Saratoga, from the forest fights to the Hudson to the seedy corners of wintry Philadelphia, Jack Absolute marks the exhilarating beginning of an epic historical series and a character you won't soon forget.
"The finest series of historical novels since Patrick O'Brian."—Good Book Guide UK
"An absolute delight! Swashbuckling adventure, eighteenth-century wit, hugely entertaining plots, and one of the most appealing military gentleman every to wear a sword."—Diana Gabaldon, author of the Outlander and the Lord John Grey series.
"If you like the American Revolution seen from a completely unexpected point of view, plus romance laced with violence and imminent death, this is your kind of book."—Thomas Fleming, author of Washington's Secret War: The Hidden History of Valley Forge.


Review:
Jack has returned to England to discover that his past exploits–on the field of battle, as a duelist and as a notorious lover–have been set to theatrical stage. Jack has other plans and doesn’t want to take up his commission again even at the request of his previous commanding officer, General Burgoyne. But circumstances embroil Jack in a duel and force him to take flight with the General. The General wants Jack to rally Native support and spy for the British. They head to Canada to fight the American Rebels in New York.

During the ship voyage Jack becomes friends with a beautiful, spirited young woman, Louisa. Although she is an American, her family are British supporters. Jack hopes to deepen their relationship but they must part ways when the ship docks.

Jack and the General suspect a German Officer, Count von Schlaben, to be a spy promoting take over in the Americas by an organization known as the Illuminati.  It was the Count who encouraged the duel that threatened Jack’s life in London and that is not the last time the Count will try to kill him. The General doesn’t want to kill Von Schlaben until they learn who his connections are as it becomes clear there is a second traitor in their midst.

Jack and Ate, his Iroquois ‘brother’, follow the General’s orders to go inland to gather Indian forces and report to Colonel St. Leger. The plan anticipates a quick battle defeating the Rebels at Fort Stanwix after which they will push east to bring support to General Burgoyne’s forces. Unfortunately the siege on the Fort becomes a debacle under a drunken commander who ignores Jack’s advise and instead takes the twisted advise of Von Schlaben that causes an uprising among the Natives.

Repeatedly Jack faces dangers in battle as well as private attacks, including a rattle snake delivered by Von Schlaben.  Jack is saved from death several times and finally meets up with the General where he runs into Louisa again. The fighting is fierce and Jack is sent as a messenger to seek news of reinforcements. Louisa insists on going to the city and they grow closer as they travel together through the forests. They become separated by Rebel troops and Jack is imprisoned as a spy. He manages a creative escape and returns to the General for more battles and injuries. When the British troops are forced to a conditional retreat Jack is directed to report the situation to General Howe in Philadelphia and to find and eliminate the traitor. 

Jack is surprised but delighted to discover Louisa in town but she is cool towards him and busy with friends, including General Howe’s engaging intelligence officer. Jack believes he has discovered the spy and his suspicions are reinforced when Von Schlaben appears again bringing another attempt on his life. At the last minute there is another treacherous twist of events placing Jack in a precarious position.

Mr. Humphreys' writing is richly descriptive and the story is presented with a wonderfully theatrical flare. The action and intrigue are enhanced by the backdrop of historical detail. Although my sentiments are with the American Rebels, I was completely wrapped up in Jack’s dilemma and trials. If you like swashbuckling action or The Last of the Mohicans I think you would enjoy this book.

Examples of the rich descriptions:
A partial description of the General:
Though his hair was as white as the snow on the ground outside, it was a drift not a scattering. Black sideburns emerged from its banks like curled highlights for the strong, straight jaw; while equally dark, full eyebrows sheltered and set off the deep-set, gray eyes.  Page 7.
A description of the setting and tension:
CymLowellBeneath the canopy of leaf, the air was thick with insects and the promise of rain. Heads throbbed from the pressure, the yearning for relief. ... Jack felt it like a bearskin robe pressing down, him a fever victim, too weak to throw it aside. ...Above, the clouds loured, so low they seemed tethered to the crowns of beech and elm by strings of smoke.  Page 89.
I received this book for review from Sourcebooks.


ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY for the ARC Review Copy:


For 3 Extra Bonus entries Visit the author's website and tell me something you find of interest.
For 2 Extra bonus entries comment on the Author Guest Post. (See previous post)
* This contest is open US and Canada.
* This contest will close 10 PM (Central) on May 17, 2012.
The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.
WINNERS WILL BE ANNOUNCED on May 18, 2012.
Winners will have 72 hours to respond by email or the winners form linked in the announcement.

Saturday, April 20, 2013

Book #Review: The Sword in the Stars (Book 1) by Wayne Thomas Batson

I loved this remarkable epic fantasy with a redemption message.
The Sword in the Stars (Book1)
in The Dark Sea Annals Series
by Wayne Thomas Batson
  • File Size: 1440 KB
  • Print Length: 400 pages
  • Publisher: Living Ink Books, an imprint of AMG Publishers (June 29, 2011)
  • Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
  • Language: English
  • ASIN: B005DM32L4
Genre: Fantasy, Christian
My Rating: 5.0 of 5.0


Book Description
Publication Date: August 9, 2010 | Series: The Dark Sea Annals

Centuries have passed since the Silence, and the few remaining faithful cling to the ancient prophecies of the First One.  They wait for the Caller and watch the skies for the Sword in the Stars, even as the world they've always  known unravels around  them.

 Murderous Gorracks have secretly penetrated the kingdom's borders. Their attacks grow more brazen...more horrific, threatening to touch off a war on a scale  that hasn't been seen in seven ages.

   In  the capital city of Anglinore, noble King Aravel ponders  the advice of  this twin brother Morlan:  declare all out war on the Gorrack nation.  While Anglinore's High Shepherd, the wise Sebastian Grenlaff urges caution and listens to troubling voices on the wind.

   Queen Mariel, due to deliver a child any day, suspects the unthinkable about her husband's brother Morlan.  She sets off alone to Morlan's castle in Dunharrow, hoping against hope that she can keep old wounds from erupting in war.

    Alastair Coldharrow,  tortured by an addiction to the outlawed Witchdrale and haunted by a violent past, wagers his life on the hope that the foretold Halfainin, the Pathwalker, would come.  When at  last, the Sword appears in the Stars, Alastair begins a fruitless search for the Halfainin that leaves him disillusioned, broken, and lost.  Used to caring only for himself, Alastair will enter a maelstrom of conflict as loyalties are tested, dark schemes are hatched, and  the many realms of Myriad brace  themselves for war.

   Will Alastair realize what he has before its too late...for everyone?


Review:
This is a wonderfully entertaining allegory (like Narnia) of the story of Good versus Evil; worshipers of the First One versus worshipers of  a Dark Lord. The story includes prophesies leading men to seek for a deliverer who will defeat the evil one. And what would such an epic tale be without a troubled man seeking redemption?

Alastair is more than a soldier – he is a top skilled assassin. Alastair used to lead troops  eliminating whole villages and towns under the orders of dark Morlan.  Morlan falls deeper and deeper into the hands of darkness as he craves power to become king and take over all the things his twin brother has, especially the throne and the woman Morlan loved before she married King Aravel.

One day on a vicious raid Alastair killed a man who used to be another warrior like him. Even as the man lay dying his wife looked at Alastair and offered to forgive by accepting the words and love of the First One.  Alastair spares the life of the woman and child although he cuts the book in two. Later he finds her and accepts the mended book.  He leaves the ranks of Morlan’s army and goes into hiding while he searches for signs of the Halfainin who the book proclaims will destroy the evil leader and bring peace. As Alastair struggles to overcome his alcoholic addiction he believes that the Halfainin will be the only one who can bring redemption from his past misdeeds.

Alastair believes he is ‘the caller,’ the one to find the Halfainin. This story starts when Alastair sees the sign of the coming of the Halfainin and he follows the sword to seek the deliverer. He tests young people to try to find the one with the right qualities.  He is disappointed in his search but before he can return home he rescues a young woman who thrusts her baby into his hands. Alastair slays most of her pursuers who appear to be Gorrack troops but turn out to be warriors in disguise.

Alastair seeks help from a friend, Abbagael, to take care of the child. She has had a crush on Alastair for a long time although he doesn’t feel worthy of her regard. Their travels bring them to magical places and friends. They also are led to battle and to service under the rightful King Aravel.  Alastair goes by an assumed name as he is an infamous criminal with a price on his head.

Morlan has become impatient waiting for his brother to fail so he contrives a way to instigate war. Eventually he plans to wear down King Avarel until he can be overtaken by the army that Morlan is hiding. Neither King Aravel, his Queen or the other leaders suspect that Morlan has been behind so much evil.

Alastair has facts to share with the King and the allied leaders. Alastair has gained fame and favor for his wise war strategies and his bravery, but what will happen if he reveals his past to Abbagael and the King’s leaders?

I liked Alastair’s beleaguered character right from the beginning of the story. The author’s storytelling pulled me right into the magical tale and I didn’t want to put this down. I was anxious to discover who the Halfainin would be, how romance would develop for Alastair and Abbagael and  see when and how Morlan would be exposed.  I really enjoyed the tidbits of wisdom or folklore that begin each chapter.  The story is full of action and there is humor, excitement, fear, sadness, greed and love---oh so many human emotions.  The story concludes with some victories but clearly treachery and more conflict are to come.  If you enjoy magical tales of good versus evil forces I highly recommend this book for great entertainment.


Examples of wisdom shared at the Chapter headings:
Chapter 25 The Bone Chapel:
     When one believes that by controlling the deaths of others he will gain control of his own life, he has left the path of reason. Location 2702
Chapter 30 Stormy Seas:
     Standing on shore and staring at the water won’t get you to the other side of the sea. Location 3310.
CymLowell
I received this from NetGalley for review.;

Tuesday, April 9, 2013

#Audio #Review of Civil War (Marvel) by Mark Millar and Steve McNiven

Great audio performance makes this comic book story entertaining even for those of us who don't read comics!
Author: Mark Millar, Steve McNiven

Approximate Run Time: 6 hours
Release Date: March 2013
ISBN: 978-1-59950-952-5

Genre: Comic book Action
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0


The epic story that blows the Marvel Universe apart!

Iron Man and Captain America: two core members of the Avengers, the world's greatest super hero team.

After a tragic battle in Stamford Connecticut, the U.S. government demands that all super heroes unmask and register their powers.

To Tony Stark—Iron Man—it's a regrettable but necessary step.

To Captain America, it's an unbearable assault on civil liberties.

So begins the Civil War.

© Marvel


Review:
This is set at a time when there are numerous super heroes and wanna be super heroes raging through America. A young team of hotshots are doing a type of super hero reality show. Their antics go wrong and a terrible tragedy occurs. Government sources, already wary of villainous super beings, demand registration and disclosure of all super heroes and their powers. Tony Stark as Iron Man decides that it would be best for the super hero community to be visible and open. He supports the legislation for registration and helps set up the outer space detention center to hold villains and non-compliant super heroes.

Tony brings Peter Parker, Spiderman, along side to mentor him and use his special skills. Reed Richards, Mr. Fantastic, is also wrapped up in the arrangements for the registration process and, as he struggles with all of the mathematical and mechanical equations, he loses touch with his own wife, Sue Storm, Invisible Woman.

Not all the super heroes agree with registration and Captain America becomes the leader of a resistance movement. Tony pulls them into a trap and in the ensuing battle one of the great super heroes, a friend of both sides, is killed by a character whom everyone believes to be another great super hero but turns out to be a clone. Sue leaves Reed to side with the resistance and, after learning more horrible truths, Peter changes sides too.

Tony and the government Shield office have programs to spy out the “caped” heroes and even more invasions of privacy. Tony thinks he’s right to support this but Captain America feels that the new law violates his freedoms. Super heroes who were once friends and allies line up to battle it out. Can the heroes come to terms or, in an effort to “be right”, will they destroy the community they are trying to protect?

This story presents a dilemma of balancing public protection and the civil liberties of individuals. There are personal issues and betrayals that add to the intrigue. I found it interesting to have these real life problems framed in a comic book story, but that doesn’t make them any less potent... maybe more so.

Audio Notes: I do LOVE GraphicAudio! The performance wraps around you, just as it claims: “a movie in your mind!” You hear the crash, clang and flare of the battles; the radio transmitted messages; and the whispered cries and sobs of loss. I might not pick up the comic book but this full performance audio makes for great entertainment. The individual narrators do a really good job of portraying the voices and the unique characters.


I received this Audio from GraphicAudio through Audiobook Jukebox.
CymLowell

Tuesday, February 12, 2013

Book Review: Pandora's Temple by Jon Land with TWO Giveaways

This is a wild ride in search of dark trouble.
by Jon Land

  • File Size: 841 KB
  • Print Length: 412 pages
  • Publisher: Open Road E-riginal (November 20, 2012)
  • Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
  • Language: English
  • ASIN: B00961J7Z8
Genre: Thriller
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0


Book Description
Publication Date: November 20, 2012
What if Pandora’s Box were real? Blaine McCracken finds himself facing this very question—and the greatest threat to mankind—in his long-awaited return to the page

Rogue special-operations agent McCracken has never been shy about answering the call, and this time it comes in the aftermath of a deepwater oil rig disaster that claims the life of a onetime member of his commando unit. The remnants of the rig and its missing crew lead him to the inescapable conclusion that one of the most mysterious and deadly forces in the universe is to blame: dark matter, both a limitless source of potential energy and an unimaginably destructive weapon.

Joining forces again with his trusty sidekick Johnny Wareagle, McCracken races to stop two deadly enemies who want the dark matter at all costs. A powerful energy magnate and the leader of a Japanese doomsday cult both seek the ultimate prize for their own nefarious reasons, and McCracken and Wareagle’s mission to defeat them takes the duo on a nonstop journey across the world and thousands of years into the past where the truth lies in the ancient Pandora’s Temple, built to safeguard the world’s most powerful weapon.

McCracken’s only hope to save the world is to find the mythical temple. Along the way, he and Wareagle find themselves up against Mexican drug gangs, killer robots, an army of professional assassins, and a legendary sea monster. The hero of nine previous bestselling thrillers, McCracken is used to the odds being stacked against him, but this time the stakes have never been higher.

This ebook features an illustrated biography of Jon Land including rare images from the author’s personal collection.


Review:
Blaine McCracken was believed by some to be dead. Others believed the man, nearing 60, was too old for active service. Neither belief is true as McCraken is still the man to manage the “impossible” and a government bureaucrat has called him in to head a dangerous retrieval of student hostages from one of the biggest drug lords in Mexico. The drug lord, surrounded by his army of soldiers, laughs at McCraken’s demand to release the American hostages. He stops laughing when his compound is bombarded and McCraken, with his faithful team, small but tough Sal Belamo, and imposing seven foot, Johnny Wareagle, open fire.

McCraken is then asked to investigate an event in the Gulf that involved the explosion of a deepwater oil rig that one of his war bodies had been working on.  The event was rated as a “Level Six” event with “Level Five” being a nuclear attack. The three man team are joined by Captain Seven, their weapons and tech specialist buddy who some might mistake for a left-over 70's, dope smoking, hippy. Captain Seven determines that the event is actually the result of a “dark matter” attack. With legend of power dating back to a Greecian myth, it appears that there are two dangerous men out to obtain control of the source.

One man is a power hungry energy business magnate who wants to control the substance and wipe out all other power resources. He is convinced he can do this even though his team of scientists warn of the destruction that even small experiments have revealed.  The other man is the leader of a radical terrorist group seeking world destruction.

McCraken finds himself trying to protect a witness who was on the ocean rig and has already been attacked. He is sure she know more than she is telling. The team take her to a government building that is protected by giant drones and security consisting of SWORDS, or Special Weapons Observation Remote reconnaissance Direct action System robots. At least they thought they were secure until someone else gets control. McCraken and Wareagle have to battle their way out of that fiasco so they can track down the terrorists.

This story reminded me of adventures by Clive Cussler--full of action and suspense but with an extra dose of humor. The tale is chock full of tense moments of danger, volatile excitement, wry humor and fast paced action. I liked the diversity of the “good guys” team with their ‘mature’, eccentric quirks. The book is well written and the action scenes are well done and believable. I loved how the Greek myth was woven behind the action with some surprising touches. I would like to read more of this author and these characters. If you like fast-paced thrillers loaded with action and danger, and capped with humor, you are bound to enjoy the explosive nature of this story!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
McCraken has to wonder if he can still accomplish the impossible: 
In that moment the last two years vanished behind the haze of battle McCraken knew so well. Age lost all meaning, time measured in the breaths and moments between explosions, gunshots and screams. Do I still have it? Location 375.
McCraken and Wareagle ponder the Pandora jar:
“Could be the jar was capable of taking care of itself just fine.”
“Maybe the jar found us, Blainey.” Location 5210.
I received this title for an honest review through Partners In Crime Virtual Book Tours .



Author Bio:

Jon Land is the critically acclaimed author of 32 books, including the bestselling series featuring Texas Ranger Caitlin Strong that includes STRONG ENOUGH TO DIE, STRONG JUSTICE, STRONG AT THE BREAK, STRONG VENGEANCE (July 2012) and STRONG RAIN FALLING (August 2013). He has more recently brought his long-time series hero Blaine McCracken back to the page in PANDORA’S TEMPLE (November 2012). He lives in Providence, Rhode Island.

Websites & Links:

www.jonlandbooks.com
    







Giveaways:
Both giveaways are International. 
There are TWO giveaways! First, the Author is doing something special. He is giving away 1 e-book set of all of his McCracken Titles. 
ENDS 2/28.
That's a giveaway I wish I could enter!

a Rafflecopter giveaway


SECOND GIVEAWAY
Giveaway of ebook copy of The Omega Command
Mr. Land has generously offered to give those reviewers/bloggers that are posting a review, the opportunity to host a giveaway of his previous novel The Omega Command.
Enter this Rafflecopter Giveaway for an e-book copy of The Omega Command
a Rafflecopter giveaway


CymLowell

Tuesday, February 5, 2013

Book Review and Giveaway: An Amish Kitchen Anthology

This is a lovely collection of sweet romances served up with inspiration and yummy recipes too!
An Amish Kitchen Anthology/Collection
by Beth Wiseman (Author), Amy Clipston (Author), Kelly Long (Author)

  • File Size: 666 KB
  • Print Length: 337 pages
  • Page Numbers Source ISBN: 1401685676
  • Publisher: Thomas Nelson (December 18, 2012)
  • Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
  • Language: English
  • ASIN: B008GVZ1YU
Genre: Amish Inspirational
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0


Book Description
Publication Date: December 18, 2012

The Amish Kitchen is the Heart of the Home – and the Ideal Setting for Stories of Love and Hope.

Fall in Paradise, Pennsylvania always brings a brisk change in the weather. This time also provides unexpected visitors, new love, and renewed hope for three women.

Fern has a green thumb for healing herbs and flowers, but longs for love to bloom in her life. The next-door neighbor’s oldest son Abram comes running into Fern’s kitchen seeking help for his little sister. The crisis soon leads to a promise of romance—until an incident threatens to end their growing attraction.

Nearby, Hannah runs her parents’ bed and breakfast, Paradise Inn—but her life feels nothing like Paradise. She longs for a man of integrity to enter her life, but never expected him to knock on the front door looking for a room. Will she be able trust Stephen with her future once she discovers his mysterious past?

When a storm blows a tree onto Eve’s farmhouse, she has little choice but to temporarily move her family into her parents’ home. Outside of cooking together in the kitchen, Eve and her mother can’t agree on anything. But this may be just the recipe for hope in healing old wounds.

Three Amish stories—each celebrating love, family, and faith—all taking place in a tight-knit community where the kitchen truly is the heart of the home.


Review:
This collection consists of three lovely stories that could be read separately but tie together beautifully. The themes of the first two stories, faith and forgiveness, are extended and wrapped into the final with a remarkable flow. I would be pleased to read more from each of these talented authors.

A Taste of Faith by Kelly Long
Fern is a bit on the plump side but thinks there must be a man who would appreciate her special talents. She has been taught by her beloved grandmother how to grow and use herbs for healing. She admires her next-door neighbor’s quiet son, Abram, but he seems to be a resolute bachelor.

Abram has been left in charge of the farm and his younger siblings, four mischievous boys and a sweet little sister. Abram is soon visiting Fern’s house repeatedly for one child crisis and injury after another. He slowly begins to see the special healing and loving touch that Fern shares with others.  Just as Abram decides he wants to court Fern, she sees him at the home of a widow in the community. She jumps to the wrong conclusion and thinks he has been making fun of her.

The characters are warm and the story flows easily with love and caring. It was beautiful how Fern recognized that God likes ‘to garden our souls.’ While working together in the kitchen, her grandmother encourages her to have  ‘a taste of faith’ and trust for a relationship that is God’s plan for her.

A Spoonful of Love by Amy Clipston
Hannah wishes her mother would recognize her abilities as she takes over managing the Paradise Inn, the bed and breakfast her parents established in their Amish community. Her father has suffered a stroke and her mother needs to be there to take care of him. Hannah feels her mother still looks over her shoulder and tries to control the lives around her.

Stephen is an Amish man who has come into town looking for room and work. He is unable to find a job among the local business but starts to pitch in on odd jobs at the Inn. Hannah’s brother agrees to hire him as a handy man since he has been unable to get by to help with the chores as he is busy with his own new family. 

Hannah’s mother is alarmed to have a single man living in the B&B. Hannah recognizes that Stephen is hiding pain from his past as they slowly build a friendship and discover they have a lot in common. But will  Stephen’s past turn Hannah against him or can she convince him that ‘a spoonful of love’ and forgiveness can help him move on to a sweeter future?

Ms. Clipston shares a strong message of God’s forgiveness, community forgiveness and the need to forgive oneself. The story is rich in “Deutsche” words which I enjoyed particularly since I grew up near Pennsylvania Dutch communities.

A Recipe for Hope by Beth Wiseman
Eve’s home is damaged by a storm and may take several months to rebuild.  Eve, her husband and three sons move in with her parents.  Although she has warm memories of times cooking in the kitchen, Eve has always had a strained relationship with her mother, Rosemary. Now Rosemary is suffering from Parkinson’s disease and is reluctant to seek modern help, relying only on herbal remedies.

Eve’s father is quiet, easy going and accepts the actions of the teenage twins, one of whom is sneaking out at night to visit a local girl. Rosemary doesn’t agree with the modern technologies that are allowed in many Amish homes and particularly doesn’t agree with how Eve is raising her sons.  The women clash with Eve feeling she can do nothing to win her mother’s love.

A crisis arises between the twins putting the whole family on edge. Can the boy's relationship be restored and can Eve and Rosemary come to a better understanding of each other?

There are several messages flowing through this story. Mother and daughter clash over tradition and more modern thinking, while the twins discover that first love doesn’t always run smooth. I felt sorry for the young girl whose behavior led to trouble, confusion and sorrow and hurt for her as well as the boys. I loved the Recipe of Hope that is shared at the end of the story - it brought tears to my eyes.

There is a wonderful Reading Group Guide shared at the back and many delicious recipes that are an extra treat. If you enjoy the rich history and inspiration of Amish stories I encourage you to pick up this collection.

I received this title through NetGalley for an honest review and giveaway opportunity from Thomas Nelson.
This story is set in Pennsylvania for my 2013 Where Are You Reading Challenge.

ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY FOR PRINT COPY FROM PUBLISHER - US ONLY.

USE ENTRY FORM HERE
For 3 Extra Bonus entries Visit one of the authors' links and tell me something you find of interest.
Kelly Long
Amy Clipston
Beth Wiseman

* This contest is open US Only.
* This contest will close 10 PM (Central) on February 15, 2013.
The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.
WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED on February 16, 2013.
Winners will have 72 hours to respond by email or the winners form linked in the announcement.
CymLowell

Sunday, January 6, 2013

Book Review: Christmas Promises Anthology

This is a delightful collection with a child in each story.
Christmas Promises: The Christmas Eve Bride\A Marriage Proposal for Christmas\A Bride for Christmas
by Lynne Graham, Carole Mortimer, Marion Lennox

  • File Size: 544 KB
  • Print Length: 316 pages
  • Page Numbers Source ISBN: 0373837674
  • Publisher: Harlequin Special Releases; Original edition (October 1, 2012)
  • Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc. 
Genre: Holiday Romance
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0


Book Description (See blurbs below in review.)
Publication Date: October 1, 2012
The Christmas Eve Bride by Lynne Graham
A Marriage Proposal for Christmas by Carole Mortimer
A Bride for Christmas by Marion Lennox


Review:
Each of these lovely stories includes a single mother with a sweet child and a rich bachelor who decides he wants 'the whole family' for Christmas.

The Christmas Eve Bride by Lynne Graham
Rocco thought he was done with Amber after her betrayal two years earlier. But when he unexpectedly runs into her, the attraction is still strong—so he asks her to become his mistress! Amber only accepts so her baby boy can have a better Christmas. But Rocco's plan for revenge changes as he begins picturing a future with Amber…and their son. 

Amber is working as a gardener on an estate so she can that she can  live in a gatehouse with her young son.  This allows her to be outside of her sister’s home. although she still receives help and shares child care duties with her sister and brother-in-law who live nearby.

One day Amber is confronted in the garden by her old lover, Rocco. Amber was a young innocent working girl when they met.  She was swept off her feet by his gifts and jet-setting lifestyle. But Rocco felt betrayed and dumped her when he believed that she disclosed details of their affair to a news reporter. 

Rocco doesn’t understand why Amber is working as a servant but, even as he suspects her of some treachery, he is drawn to her and wants her again. He finally convinces her to come to him but when she arrives he is surprised to discover she has a son. Can Rocco accept the child or will he put them both out?

The writing in this flows well and the attraction is strong and sensual. It was difficult to feel Amber’s struggle with low esteem. I enjoyed both characters and the plot as it developed. Individual rating 4.5.

A Marriage Proposal for Christmas by Carole Mortimer
Cally Turner thinks Noel Carlton is an egotistical playboy! The only reason she's agreed to work for him is so she can give her daughter a Christmas to remember. But as she spends more time with Noel, she begins to wonder what's more irritating—his infuriating arrogance or unexpected tenderness?
Cally, an excitable, red-head, has been doing fine as an abandoned, single mom living in an estate carriage house with her 7 year old daughter. Cally and her sister are working together to build their event planning business and are particularly busy at the holidays.

Things are quiet until wealthy Noel Carlton moves into the estate house and a helicopter wakes Cally at 6:30 one morning. Cally reads him the riot act and heads off to work. A short time later Noel shows up at her business seeking assistance to prepare his home for a family Christmas visit. In spite of Cally’s animosity Noel is willing to engage the firm for the services he needs. Cally reluctantly takes on the duties and is doing a wonderful job of decorating the main home. She is soaking off the day’s dirt in his decadent tub when she is discovered by Noel’s brother and mother. They mistake her for Noel’s fiancé and now she has to get Noel to get her out of the mess before everyone gets hurt. But Noel has other ideas!

I enjoyed Cally’s smart and sassy, if impulsive, character. Noel is actually not a playboy but a man ready to settle down with a family. I particularly liked Noel’s warm personality and his friendly family. I feel the writing could use some tightening and tweaking but there is fire and fun in this enjoyable story. Individual rating: 4.25.

A Bride for Christmas by Marion Lennox
Wealthy businessman—and contented bachelor—Guy Carver is in Australia to take ownership of Jenny Westmere's wedding salon. It's strictly business. So no one is more surprised than Guy himself when he realizes that the deal he really wants to ink is making Jenny and her little boy his family by Christmas!
This story has good humor. Guy Carver is a man who has walled off his emotions and built an empire of exclusive, high-end wedding salons. He doesn’t understand why his partner has arranged to purchase a salon called Bridal Fluff even if it is in a rising resort community. Guy is intent on stripping away the fluff and removing the complication of the business director who is to remain to make the transition smooth.

Jenny and her mother-in-law have operated the business in a fashion that promotes friendly relationship with their community. They often give discounts to the locals who don’t have enough money for costly services. Guy doesn’t approve and isn’t about to have a local ‘hick’ wedding called a “Carver wedding”.  But Jenny has scheduled a big celebrity wedding to take place at Christmas. The only way Guy will manage to pull off the big event is to agree to the friend’s wedding so Jenny will help arrange the celebrity wedding.

I totally enjoyed the way the two functions had to be planned and how it worked out. Meanwhile it was beautiful how Guy came to recognize the family that Jenny had and that he wanted to be part of. This story points out that money is not the measure of success of a life. Individual rating: 4.5.
CymLowell
I received this title from Harlequin through Netgalley.

Thursday, October 25, 2012

Book Review and Download Giveaway: The Jupiter Chronicles by Leonardo Ramirez

This is a fun, fast children's read, complete with steampunk hot air!
The Jupiter Chronicles: The Secret of the Great Red Spot
by Leonardo Ramirez

  • File Size: 399 KB
  • Print Length: 54 pages
  • Publisher: Leonardoverse (August 15, 2012)
  • Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
  • Language: English
  • ASIN: B008Y65J1M
Genre: Children, Fantasy, Steampunk
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

Book Description
Publication Date: August 15, 2012
It is the year 1892 and Ian and Callie Castillo have had to suffer the hardships of a single parent family since their father went missing five years ago. Since then Ian has refused to use the last gift that his father left the wounded boy; a telescope that sits collecting dust in the attic.
When Callie decides to peer through its murky lens it activates the device and sends the Castillos to the steam-powered floating cities of Jupiter to rescue their father and save the Jovians before the Martians launch their attack.

What follows is the beginning of an era that will forever be known by its strange name…Steampunk.


Review:
Ian is sulking as he prepares to celebrate his 12th birthday five years after his father disappeared. The night of his 7th BD his father gave him a wonderful telescope but by the next morning his father was gone without a trace. Ian has refused to look at the telescope since. Although he bickers with his younger sister, Callie, she tries to cheer him up for his birthday, as does his mother.

Nine year old Callie is a typical younger sister. She loves to write to her “Dear Journal” and she reads taunting entries to aggravate Ian. Having failed to cheer Ian, Callie slips up to the attic to look at the wonderful telescope. Ian hears her and follows. The next thing they know the telescope transforms into a space craft that beckons them. As soon as they sit down they are launched into space.

The ship takes them to Jupiter where they are awed by a Jovian world of giant cities powered by steam.  They are quickly surrounded by metal, geared robots with steam rifles. The Doomslayers identify Ian and Callie as the son and daughter of 'First Petros' and take them to the Martian Emperor, a large, formidable lizard creature.  The children are placed in a cell and meet another metal robot, Francisus Flatulus Ferdinand, who has a steam and hissing problem. The children learn that “Stinky Frank,” as they name him, is a friend of their father and he can help them to find him. Ian and Callie are sent into the arena to battle the Doomslayers. They manage to escape with the help of Stinky Frank and head out to locate special orbs to fight the Martian oppression forces on Jupiter.  Along the way they locate and rescue the First Petros, their father.

This is a story written for elementary age but it was sufficiently entertaining for me too. There is humor suitable for the audience level and the writing is easy reading.  There is plenty of action in the adventure as well as interesting ‘characters’ to make the story move well. This is a good, clean and fun science fiction for kids to enjoy or for parents to enjoy reading with their children. I'm looking forward to sharing this with my 8 year old grandson.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Here is a description of the Martian leader:
Emperor Phobos was a large lizard with frills on the side of his head that looked like large, spiked fans. He had long fangs and claws that could easily cut through wood like paper. “Yesss, at long lasssst,” the Emperor spoke, in a raspy, reptilian voice.  Location 367.
Callie describes the Book of Worlds to her Journal:
Dear Journal,
The Book of Worlds is not one book. It’s a big round room with a bunch of floating books that make me dizzy. I might throw up on another planet.
Love, Callie

Location 517.
I received this title for honest review and a link for Giveaway from the Author's staff.
I will add this to my New Authors and Steampunk challenge lists.

JUPITER CHRONICLES: STEAMPUNK CHILDREN’S BOOK SERIES 
LAUNCHES THIS SEPTEMBER! 
WHAT: The Jupiter Chronicles Book One: The Secret of The Great Red Spot http://leonardoverse.com/the-jupiter-chronicles  http://www.facebook.com/jupiterchronicles
WHO: Written by Leonardo Ramirez with Cover Art by Poochie Mars, and Weapons-&-Orb Designs by Ronan Hayes.
WHEN: Released On September 15th, 2012.
WHERE: Purchase Online at http://www.amazon.com/The-Jupiter-Chronicles-Secret-Great/dp/0615633331/   http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-jupiter-chronicles-leonardo-ramirez/1111580778
WHY: To Share an Ongoing Steampunk, Sci-Fi Adventure Story About Family Love, Sibling Camaraderie, and Friendship, with Early Elementary School Readers (Grades 1 – 3).

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Leonardo Ramirez is a writer whose joy first comes from being a husband and a dad and enjoying life with his family. Every Saturday morning is Dad’s turn to make breakfast with bacon, blueberry pancakes and cheese eggs on the menu. There’s nothing better in this world than spending time with family. Then it’s off to karate where he trains and teaches as a 2nd Degree Black Belt along with his family at the American Karate Academy.

Lenny has been writing for 20 years with his first published work released as a graphic novel titled, Haven. With books in hand Lenny made it a point to reach out to as many events as possible with appearances at GMX where he hosted numerous panels including one with James O’Barr (creator of The Crow), Nashville Comic Con, Outer Limits Comics, Fairy Tales Bookstore, Southern Festival of Books and Author’s Circle at the Williamson County Library. He also enjoys meeting with local high schoolers about their passion for creativity and reading for elementary aged kids. His work made one of the top ten best new releases for 2010 by Gelati’s Scoop and has been featured on Comics About Girls…by a Girl Podcast as well as The Columbia Herald, Playstation Comics, Megacomics Weekly, and many others.

TO ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY for an eBook Download:

ENTRY FORM HERE FOR eBook
 
For 3 Extra Bonus entries Visit the author's website or blog and tell me something you find of interest.

* This contest is open WORLDWIDE.
* This contest will close 10 PM (Central) on November 2, 2012.
The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.
WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED on November 3.
Winners will have 72 hours to respond by email or the winners form linked in the announcement.   

CymLowell

Saturday, October 20, 2012

Book Review with ARC Giveaway: Sultry with a Twist

"Ho-o-ly...sugar!" as June would say. This was a fun read!
Sultry with a Twist (Sultry Springs)
by Macy Beckett

  • Mass Market Paperback: 320 pages
  • Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca (October 2, 2012)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 1402270364
  • ISBN-13: 978-1402270369
Genre: Contemporary Romance
My Rating:  4.5 of 5.0


Book Description
Release Date: October 2, 2012 | Series: Sultry Springs
When Mae-June July Augustine hightailed it out of Sultry Springs, Texas, with her heart in pieces, she swore she'd never return. But nine years later, one thing stands between June and her dream of opening an upscale martini bar: a month of community service under the supervision of the devilishly sexy Luke Gallagher, her first love and ex-best friend. As lust turns to love, June must decide where she belongs: in the glorious anonymity of Austin or back in Sultry Springs with the man who intoxicates her like no other.


Review:
June has worked nine years and scrimped and saved to fulfill her dream. Now she has sold her condominium and has six weeks to finalize touches for the opening her own upscale bar in downtown Austin, Texas. But before they will issue the liquor license there is the minor problem of a warrant back in her home town of Sultry Springs, Texas.

Mae-June, as she is known at home, has to answer for a youthful indiscretion. The Judge, an old family friend, sentences her to a month of community service and county ‘arrest’ living with her Grandmother with whom she hasn’t spoken in nine years. Grammy Pru was a strict disciplinarian. Having lost her daughter who was known as a town drunk, Grammy was intent on controlling June. June was intent on escaping through college studies to become a psychologist. But June discovered, while working for her school expenses, that she loved bartending and creating new drinks.  Grammy was appalled and issued an ultimatum at which point June cut ties.

Now June not only has to face her Grammy but she has to cope with her first love, Luke Gallagher, her partner in the youthful indiscretion. June had always loved Luke but he had headed out to the army as soon as he was able. The next she heard was he married a woman while in Germany. Now June, who has never fully overcome her heartbreak, has to work with Luke. 

Luke has his own difficulties and issues, having been abandoned by his mother as a young boy and struggled as an angry teen whom Grammy had to try to manage. Luke ran into problems while in the service and lost the career he longed for. He is now a successful contractor with a nonprofit company because he was given a second chance. Yet he doesn’t believe in love and apparently doesn’t think he is worthy to be loved.

Now June has to risk her own heart and see if she can convince Luke that he is a good guy worthy of love. Can she stick it out in the face of his pushing her away?

These characters are really likeable. June is so determined,  brave and full of love. Luke is so vulnerable. I was rooting for them all through the bumpy relationship. The romance is sweet and sexy. The writing is smooth, descriptive and sultry - very nice, easy reading.

My final thoughts: this is a story full of fun with lots of heat and tension. There is some language on the edge. It is a good book for romance lovers.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Early description I liked:
A breeze stirred, and a familiar high, metallic tinkle of wind chimes sang out from above. Page 17.
Luke and June’s early view of Grammy:
Luke had once said, “Before Freddy Krueger goes to sleep at night, he checks his closet for your grandma.” Page 18.
June recognizes the risks of loving Luke:
But with Luke, she’d be risking more than just money.  Cash lost could always be earned again, but the pain of heartbreak lingered for years. Page 147.
I received this title for review from Sourcebooks.
This is set in Texas for the Where Are You Reading Challenge. I will also add it to my New Author Challenge List.

TO ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY for the ARC Copy.


For 3 Extra Bonus entries Visit  the author's website and tell me something you find of interest.

* This contest is open US and Canada.
* This contest will close 10 PM (Central) on October 26, 2012.
The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.
WINNERS WILL BE ANNOUNCED on October 27, 2012.
Winners will have 72 hours to respond by email or the winners form linked in the announcement.

CymLowell

Tuesday, October 9, 2012

Book Review and Giveaway: Tears Water the Seeds of Hope by Kim Tews

I dare you to try to read this book without tissues or a handkerchief.  (Giveaway at bottom of post}
Tears Water the Seeds of Hope
by Kim Tews

  • Paperback: 232 pages
  • Publisher: CrossHouse Publishing (September 6, 2012)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 161315027X
  • ISBN-13: 978-1613150276
The book will be featured in the October Issues of Christianity Today and Books and Culture.
Genrre: Memoir-Narrative Non-fiction
My Rating: 4.75 of 5.0

Book Description
Publication Date: September 6, 2012
Tears Water the Seeds of Hope is the inspiring true story of a Midwest husband and wife that become disenchanted with the relentless pursuit of the American Dream and embark on a journey that spans six countries and redefines their values and lives. The story begins in a small town in Wisconsin and weaves its way through South and Central America as the couple gathers an army of supporters and establishes an organization to save the lives of children in the end stages of starvation in eastern Guatemala. The narrative is filled with action-packed adventure and heartwarming victories as the characters face incredible odds and seemingly hopeless situations, while hundreds of volunteers join mission teams to offer help and hope through the programs of the ministry. Readers of all ages will enjoy the roller-coaster ride of emotions-from laughter to tears to sheer joy-as they realize that ordinary people can make a difference one life at a time.


Review:
This is a true story in which Kim Tews shares her journey from measuring success in the standards of materialism to acknowledging the priceless rewards of storing up treasures in heaven.

Kim and her husband were successful real estate agents with two children, the expensive house, cars and toys in Wisconsin. Kim and Randy took a vacation trip in 2000 to Mexico that started a new direction for their lives. Kim made a simple remark among friends that she would like to help poor people in the world. The next thing she and Randy find themselves going on a mission trip to Ecuador that changes their hearts and soon changes their priorities.

Kim shares the beauty and simplicity of the lifestyles and gentle nature of many of the Latin Americans even amid the poverty. Kim and Randy start by coping with places that have no indoor plumbing and hotels with creepy crawlies in the bedrooms. After numerous mission trips to Ecuador and Nicaragua they discover a new need to help children suffering severe starvation and malnutrition. Unlike some of the surrounding areas they learn there is no relief program in the Southeast mountain areas of Guatemala. Step by small step Kim and a dedicated and loving team of volunteers begin and develop a mission organization known as Outreach for World Hope.

The writing is more than a journal of the events that shaped the goals and transformation for Kim.  It is a rich, flowing picture of their personal journey. Kim is able to pull the reader into the setting to see and feel the deprivations of the people and the fear and heartache of parents who do not have even $25.00 to buy life saving medicine for their children. There are (seemingly) small gifts and acts of kindness that are not small to the recipients.  There is warmth and joy too. Although outside the focus of their ministry, Kim describes the miraculous and huge gifts of time and money from multiple doctors and a hospital that step in to save the life of a teenage girl who would die without expensive, painful and risky surgery.

There are many harrowing adventures from mudslides to getting lost in the mountains. There are also difficult challenges including parents who do not know how sick their children are and who fear the hospitals. Not to mention parents who abuse and neglect their children.  Kim openly shares times of doubt in God when she faces such poverty, neglect and conditions that are so difficult for those of us with plenty to understand. Ultimately she acknowledges that the beauty and miracle of seeing a child restored to health can only reaffirm the existence of God and the awesomeness of His creation even when we do not understand all of His ways.

There are some striking photos shared in the back of the book. (See this link to OWH website to see before and after pictures.) Sometimes we forget how greatly blessed we are. This is an awesome story of how one family can make a difference as they improve the lives of poor children while sharing the love of God.  I encourage everyone willing to have their heart touched to read this story, give thanks for your blessings and then share what and how you can.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
The source of the book title:
...had God not brought us to this horrible scene of human suffering, He could not have convicted us to serve Him in this place. The tears we cried would soon water the seeds of hope that would change the future fo children like Elias. Page 59.
I received this wonderful book from the Author as part of a blog tour through Great Escape Book Tours. 

Amazon Page:  http://www.amazon.com/Tears-Water-Seeds-Hope-Tews/dp/1613150288/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1346857734&sr=1-1&keywords=kim+tews

Barnes and Noble Page: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/tears-water-the-seeds-of-hope-kim-tews/1112117261?ean=9781613150276

Link to Outreach For World Hope (Author’s webpage): http://outreachforworldhope.org/

Link to Book Page on Author’s Site http://outreachforworldhope.org/Tears%20Water%20Book%20Link.htm

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/outreachforworldhope

Great Escape Book Tour – Tour Page For This Tour: http://www.escapewithdollycas.com/great-escapes-book-tours/tears-water-the-seeds-of-hope-tour/



About This Author
Kim Tews was raised in Madison, Wisconsin and attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison, majoring in Economics. She and husband, Randy, pursued careers in real estate before beginning mission work together in Ecuador, South America in 2001. In 2005 they established the 501 (c) 3 non-profit Outreach for World Hope to save the lives of starving children in eastern Guatemala. The couple lives in Verona, Wisconsin with their three children, traveling back and forth to Guatemala frequently to facilitate the ongoing programs of Outreach for World Hope.

Tears Water the Seeds of Hope
Chapter 1 - Wrecked for Life

The setting sun painted a backdrop of cotton candy pink clouds over the roadside bar and grill where we would soon hear our favorite acoustic guitar duo sing Jimmy Buffet songs. It was an idyllic Wisconsin summer night late in June of 2005. Under normal circumstances, I would have enjoyed the warm breeze and the glow of the festive colored tiki lights on the outdoor deck with the sense of carefree recreation that midwestern families enjoy when school is out and the days are longer. Randy shook his head, smiling as our two daughters took turns throwing harmless jabs at one another, each laughing hysterically at her own jokes. I felt as if I were watching the scene from a distance, fighting back tears as my mind returned to the children I had seen two days earlier in a squalid hospital in drought and famine-stricken eastern Guatemala—a scene that would change me forever and wreck me once and for all for the relentless pursuit of the American Dream. I was haunted by the forlorn faces of two children whose hopeless situation had laid the framework for the rest of my life.

The severely starved two-year-old boy was scarcely more than skin and bones. Hair was a luxury his body could not afford, as the nutrients available to him were barely enough to keep his vital organs functioning. His face was sunken and pale, the outline of his ribs and spine clearly visible through his thin layer of skin. He had been carried by his barefooted ten-year-old sister from El Volcancito, their remote mountain village several miles away, into the small town of Jocotan, in hopes that his life could be saved. The mother of the children was bedridden with a debilitating illness for which she could not afford treatment. My heart broke as much for the boy, barely hanging on and suffering miserably, as for the young girl, exhausted and saddled with the crushing responsibility of keeping her baby brother alive.

A frail little girl sat weeping on a tattered bench at the entrance to the facility, her body emaciated and her abdomen severely bloated, revealing the presence of parasites within her weak, trembling frame. She had been brought to the hospital for nutritional rehabilitation, and because she was four years old, and her mother had two smaller children to care for at home, she had been left alone. Lidia could not have understood why she had been left behind by her family in this unfamiliar place. She had been sitting on the bench since early morning waiting for them to return. In her hand she clutched what was probably her only toy, a comfort and reminder of home. The lump in my throat returned each time I recalled opening her tiny hand to find that she held a black plastic vulture.

Randy and I were married in May of 1993. During our early years together, we were blessed with two beautiful daughters and were pursuing careers in real estate, climbing the ranks among our colleagues in terms of sales volume. We purchased an enormous house on four acres, and although it was only four years old, we completely remodeled it to suit our tastes. With luxury vehicles and an ever-increasing income, we were living the American Dream. There was much to be thankful for, but something was missing.

Randy and I had both grown up near Madison, Wisconsin in middle class families, Randy’s Methodist and mine Catholic. We had attended Sunday services and believed in an all-powerful God, but faith and religion were not playing a major role in our adult lives. Having agreed as newlyweds to raise our family in faith, we dutifully attended services at a congregation near our home for seven years. But we eventually felt that we needed a change and in spring of 2000, we set out in search of a new church home. With no predetermined denomination in mind, we experienced a variety of church cultures, some too formal, some too weird, others seemingly insincere. We eventually stumbled across an Evangelical Free church on the west side of Madison, near our home in the suburb of Verona. I was surprised to find that instead of an organ and a choir, this church had a band that played upbeat contemporary Christian music on keyboards, guitars and drums. The young pastor spoke with passion, bringing the Bible to life by applying scripture to issues faced by the generations of the twenty-first century. It was at this church that our faith came alive.

Our new understanding of the gift of salvation through Jesus Christ and the resulting sense of love and gratitude we felt toward God, inevitably began to pose problems for us. We were embarrassed to invite our new Christian friends to our supersized home, and conflicts began to surface in our hearts about how our time and money were being spent. One of the many bedrooms in our home had been turned into my personal closet and was loaded with clothing and shoes, most of which I did not need. I had become so busy in my career as a Realtor that I began to feel like a gerbil on a wheel. My twelve-hour workdays did not leave room for the peace and joy I had heard should come with our newly authenticated Christian faith. One frantically busy day I decided to return phone calls while waiting in line for lunch at the McDonald’s drive through. When a voice came over the speaker saying, “Can I help you?”

I was so preoccupied that I mistook it for a phone call and said, “Hello, this is Kim Tews with the Tews Team Realtors”.

During the awkward silence that followed the kid must have been thinking, “Yeah, who cares? What do you want for lunch?”

That night I arrived home from work late in the evening to find our three-year-old daughter asleep on the couch clinging to a shirt I had worn the day before. When I asked Randy about the shirt he explained, “She said it smells like you, and she misses you.”

It was time for a change.

********************
Thank you to Kim and Great Escape Book Tours for providing a book for Giveaway!
TO ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY for a Print Copy for US or Canadian winner 

* This contest is only open to US and Canada.
* This contest will close 10 PM (Central) on October 19, 2012.
The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.
WINNERS WILL BE ANNOUNCED on October 20, 2012.
Winners will have 72 hours to respond by email or the winners form linked in the announcement.  

CymLowell

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