Daisy Chain by Mary DeMuth

The back cover copy of today's featured novel:

The abrupt disappearance of young Daisy Chance haunts the small town of Defiance, Texas. Fourteen-year-old Jed Pepper searches for answers in this gritty story that reveals God's hand of redemption in impossible situations.

And a snippet about its author:

I'm an aspiring gourmet cook, a sometimes tri-athlete (note emphasis on sometimes), and a passionate follower of Jesus. I'm in love with my husband and kids and am zealous about writing and speaking. (I promised my family I wouldn't talk about my nose ring.)

My deepest dream is to see stories—mine and others—change your life as they've changed mine.

Although I write both non-fiction and fiction, I'm especially fond of the latter because of the power of story. Stories saved me. From the parables of Jesus, to novels like To Kill a Mockingbird and The Book of the Dun Cow, stories swept me away into a world of hope and possibilities.

To say my childhood was difficult is like saying the Grand Canyon is a big ditch. (Read my testimony by clicking the tab below.) But out of it God gave me a passion to help families break devastating generational patterns.

This led to an expertise in the field of Pioneer Parenting. I love guiding parents who don't want to duplicate the homes they were raised in, or who didn't have any parenting role models to equip them.

And now my review of Daisy Chain:

2 a.m. It’s unusual I stay awake to read that late, but Mary’s book kept this busy mother of three up, attention fixed to the final pages. From the moment this story launches, you are holding tight to your seat, thrust so deeply into these characters’ lives and the heart of their country life you feel you’ve become a character. I’ve rarely read a book this emotionally gripping, one which was obviously a considerable labor of the author’s heart and mind. (though Mary’s efforts were superb and to readers, her work will appear effortless. Only writers will guess at the labor involved.)

The characters’ stories will grip you. I’d recommend considerable time set aside for the second half of the book, though the first half will keep you reading simply due to the incredible prose.

I’ve heard this book compared to Leif Enger’s “Peace Like a River.” I hold that book in very high esteem as well. And I would agree. Mary’s coming-of-age story, centered on her hero Jed and heroine Daisy is so well written, so gripping, prose lingering in your mind, even if you’re not a highlighter of fiction phrases, you may be tempted to raise a yellow marker to the page.

Fantastic novel. Highly recommended.

Sugar Party -- June 19th

Susie Warren is having lots of fun promoting her book "Nothing But Trouble," featuring her new character: PJ Sugar. The next special event is a "Sugar Party" on June 19th.

Here's Susan's invite:

Grab a few of your friends…some sugar cookies (or whatever Sugary goodness you prefer), your favorite beverage and your computer and let’s chat. June 19th from 5-7 PM PST, I’ll be answering your questions, giving you a sneak peak into book 2 in the PJ Sugar collection, letting you test your trivia skills, giving away books and a GINORMOUS Sugar Basket! Also…everyone in attendance will receive a downloadable book plate and discussion questions for Nothing But Trouble for your book club, reading group, or just for yourself!

So grab a few of your friends and come join me on June 19th from 5-7 pm (PST) on Facebook.

My Facebook account name is Susan May Warren

Click the icon for more details:

Nothing But Trouble by Susan May Warren

Today, please welcome Susan May Warren to talk about her book: Nothing But Trouble, a PJ Sugar novel:

Sometimes, do you feel like you just don’t fit in? You look around you and if anyone knew how difficult it was just to put yourself together, to smile when you feel completely overwhelmed, to even figure out what you were making for supper, they’d know what a mess you were. Maybe you totally relate to those words in 1 Peter – God’s elect, strangers and aliens in the world. Do you feel like when you look in the rear view mirror, all you see are your mistakes?

Maybe not. But if so, then PJ is your gal. I wanted to write a story about the person in so many of us who just wants to get it right…but can’t seem to stay out of trouble. My friend and I have what we call the “stupid mouth” club…and we report our weekly foibles (usually on Monday, after Sunday church!). PJ is our charter member. She’s the girl that changes her mind, always hopes for the best, is always discovering that she is just a little different than everyone else. PJ is us.

And that’s good news. Because God loves PJ. He loves her messiness, and her impulsiveness, her heart bent toward others, the hope that fuels her actions. And He has a plan for PJ – one that includes her weaknesses as well as her strengths.

Yep, I need to hear that – need to hear that I don’t have to be perfect for God to love me, use me, sing over me. Need to hear that although I don’t fit in, well, I’m not supposed to…in fact, I’m supposed to be a little…alien.

I wrote PJ for everyone who feels just a little messy, just a little like they can’t quite get it right. And who needs to hear that God loves them. Period. Full stop. Hallelujah.

And now, a blurb about the book:

PJ Sugar knows three things for sure:

After traveling the country for ten years hoping to shake free from the trail of disaster that’s become her life, she needs a fresh start.

The last person she wants to see when she heads home for her sister’s wedding is Boone—her former flame and the reason she left town.

Her best friend’s husband absolutely did not commit the first murder

What PJ doesn’t know is that when she starts digging for evidence, she’ll uncover much more than she bargained for—a deadly conspiracy, a knack for investigation, and maybe, just maybe, that fresh start she’s been longing for.

It's not fair to say that trouble happens every time PJ Sugar is around, but it feels that way when she returns to her hometown, looking for a fresh start. Within a week, her former teacher is murdered and her best friend's husband is arrested as the number-one suspect. Although the police detective investigating the murder--who also happens to be PJ's former flame--is convinced it's an open-and-shut case, PJ's not so sure. She begins digging for clues in an effort to clear her friend's husband and ends up reigniting old passions, uncovering an international conspiracy, and solving a murder along the way. She also discovers that maybe God can use a woman who never seems to get it right.

Susan May Warren is the award-winning author of seventeen novels and novellas with Tyndale, Steeple Hill and Barbour Publishing. Her first book, Happily Ever After won the American Fiction Christian Writers Book of the Year in 2003, and was a 2003 Christy Award finalist. In Sheep’s Clothing, a thriller set in Russia, was a 2006 Christy Award finalist and won the 2006 Inspirational Reader’s Choice award. A former missionary to Russia, Susan May Warren now writes Suspense/Romance and Chick Lit full time from her home in northern Minnesota.

This is the first book featuring your new character. Where did the idea of PJ Sugar come from?

Every author dreams of a moment where someone says something, or they see something on the news, or in a newspaper and it springs out at them, nearly shouting – STORY IDEA! This happened to me a number of years ago while talking to friends about their daycare situation, and how one of the parents ended up being a murder suspect! Scary! But an interesting idea. About that time, I was a mom who wore many hats – homeschooling mom, writing teacher, speaker, children’s church leader, -- and it occurred to me that a mother really has to be a sort of PI. Not only taking on different roles, but sleuthing out daily household mysteries like, who ate the last of the peanut butter (and put it back in the cupboard?) and whose socks are laying in the middle of the floor, and finally…(in our house), who let the dog (and her muddy feet!) in the house! PJ is the alter-ego in every mom, that super-hero inside of us that allows us to have esp (I know you’re not really done with your homework!), or have “eyes in the back of our head,” (stop poking your sister!) or even figure out how to whip together an award-winning science project the night before the fair. PJ just applies all those skills to bad guys and figuring out the truth.

PJ Sugar is also a woman who wants to be all things to all people. She wants to be her nephew’s champion and her sister’s best friend, and her mother’s favorite daughter, and Boone’s special girl, and the hero of her hometown. That’s not too much to ask, is it? Maybe…because God wants her to be His girl, and satisfied in who He made her to be. And that is a journey for all of us PJ Sugars.

Tell us how you came to be a writer.

I’ve always been amazed at the journey God has taken me on. I always loved to write, but being a missionary in I never dreamed about being an author. I just tried to do the best with what God had entrusted to me, and for me that meant writing missionary newsletters. I honed my skills through my newsletter, and then, after a number of years, began to write devotionals and magazine articles. Although I tried my hand at writing novels (I wrote 4 before I ever had one published), I never thought I would get anything published. But I diligently studied craft and analyzed books, even though I was hidden away in Siberia. I’ll always be grateful that Tyndale took a chance on me! I’m still learning, and still trying to be a good steward of the gift and task I’ve been given to write books that draw people closer to God.

Thank you for visiting, Susan!

~~~~~~

And now for my review:

What’s not to love about this heroine and her hyjinks?

Susie’s lead character is spunky, insecure and really good at playing detective. She’s also pretty courageous, though she doesn’t know it.

PJ came back to her hometown hoping to avoid one man and ends up pursued by two. Though there were some romantic elements in the book the story isn’t a romantic suspense, but for this romance reader there was enough fantastic characterization, comedic elements and effective pacing to keep me flipping pages. The story reads very fast and stays light while dipping into occasional poignancy.

If you’ve read my reviews before, you know I’m a huge Susan May Warren fan. (We’re also friends, but I was a fan first because I loved—and still do—her book “Happily Ever After.”) this book will not disappoint fans and will likely help her acquire new ones.

Looking forward to book two in her PJ Sugar series—Double Trouble.

Discussion on Married Couples' Romance

Hey readers, we're discussing Married Couples' Romance over at White Roses In Bloom blog. Since my novella centered on a married couple, I wondered what other readers and writers were encountering.

Share your thoughts (either over here or over there)---When was the last time you read a Christian novel in the romance genre about a married couple? Usually a married couple novel is considered women's fiction, and if there's an element of romance, it's a thread, not the central plot.

Would you like to see more inspirational novels centering on married couples' romance?

Read more at White Roses in Bloom blog, a place where White Rose authors discuss writing and life.

Happy Saturday!

Annette

Sugar Bomb!

Today is the big Sugar Bomb day where the author of "Nothing But Trouble," Book One in the PJ Sugar series, is holding a contest. Buy a copy (or more than one) of her book today and let her know (through the contest page on her site: www.susanmaywarren.com) you bought it and how many you purchased, and be entered into her contest.

Find out details here.

Here's the blurb:

PJ Sugar knows three things for sure: After traveling the country for ten years hoping to shake free from the trail of disaster that’s become her life, she needs a fresh start.

The last person she wants to see when she heads home for her sister’s wedding is Boone—her former flame and the reason she left town.

Her best friend’s husband absolutely did not commit the first murder Kellogg, Minnesota, has seen in more than a decade.

What PJ doesn’t know is that when she starts digging for evidence, she’ll uncover much more than she bargained for—a deadly conspiracy, a knack for investigation, and maybe, just maybe, that fresh start she’s been longing for.

I'm reading this one and will soon post my review. It's YUMMY! Susan is one of my favorite authors.

Watch the book trailer here.

Have fun!

Learning to Live Financially Free by Marybeth and Curt Whalen

This book arrived on Friday in the mail, and I've only had a chance to skim the beginning and the table of contents. What I've seen so far is fantastic and I can't wait to read more and put into practice their wise tips. In these challenging financial times, I'm excited to recommend "Learning to Live Financially Free" by Marybeth Whalen and Curt Whalen. There is contest information below. Read on.

First, a blurb about their book:

The fear and reality of tough economic times, of many Americans today. With investors, newscasters and bankers giving advice, who can you trust? Marybeth and Curt Whalen share their financial successes and failures in their new book, Learning to Live Financially Free: Hard-Earned Wisdom for Saving Your Marriage & Your Money. If a family parenting six children can get out of debt and live financially free, anyone can. The Whalens readily admit they made their share of mistakes the first ten years of marriage. Becoming more disciplined and intentional in spending and saving helped them learn valuable lessons for better financial stewardship--lessons you'll want to learn too.

Learning to Live Financially Free not only focuses on building a stronger financial understanding in the home, but also encourages couples to communicate, thus building better, stronger marriages. The Whalens clearly comprehend the need for careful money management and commitment in marriage. Money-strapped families will find peace of mind as they begin the process of becoming financially responsible and debt-free.

And now a bit about the authors:

Marybeth Whalen is a speaker and contributing writer for Proverbs 31 Ministries. The author of For the Write Reason, Marybeth has also written for Parent Life, Money Matters newsletter, The Old Schoolhouse, Hearts at Home magazine, and Homeschooling Today. She contributes regularly to the daily online devotions of Proverbs 31 Ministries.

Curt Whalen is a trained financial counselor through Crown Financial Concepts. He has years of experience helping couples establish budgets, solve financial problems, and learn to communicate more effectively. He has written articles for TEACH Magazine and Money Matters Newsletter and has contributed to books by authors Lysa TerKeurst and Melanie Chitwood.

Here's a quiz to see if you need the help this book offers:

Are You A Financially Focused Couple?

Instructions: Give yourself 1 point for every "yes" answer, 0 points for every "no."

1. Do you have regular budget meetings?
2. Do you communicate about daily expenses?
3. Do you discuss large purchases before they're made?
4. Does each spouse have an equal vote about money decisions?
5. Have you planned for your future through life insurance and a will?
6. Do you agree about tithing and giving?
7. Can you both list out your debts, including the amounts and monthly payment for each account?
8. Do you have a plan that was written together for paying off debt and saving money?
9. Do you encourage each other to save money?
10. Have you discussed the spending habits and attitudes about money that you carried into the marriage?

Tally up your score and use this guide to see what category you fall into.

0-2 points: Don't get discouraged. There's nowhere to go from here except up!
3-5 points: You are taking steps towards being a financially focused couple.. Keep working together and you will get there.
6-8 points: You are almost 100% financially focused. Keep up the good work and get intentional about those trouble spots.
9-10 points: You are a financially focused couple and could show us all a thing or two! Consider sharing your wisdom with other couples who are struggling in today's uncertain times.

Here are some tips for thriving during tough financial times:

Top Ten Tips For Saving Money In Tough Times

1. Make a budget (and stick to it). A budget overwhelms many people but it is really nothing more than devising a plan for every dollar you bring in. Having a budget helps you spend smarter and think more. It also helps to improve your buying power. The best way to make a budget is to start by sitting down with your spouse and deciding how much you spend on regular categories like groceries, gas, medical, etc. each month. Talk through these things and get them down on paper. Then spend accordingly. An article that goes into step by step detail about making a budget can be found at:

http://www.christianpf.com/how-to-make-a-budget/

2. Stop using credit cards. Studies show that people who use credit cards buy more and think less about their purchases. By learning to spend cash and limiting your purchases, you make your money work for you rather than against you. Credit card companies are getting craftier as the economy struggles. 25% of all credit card users in this country will have their rates raised this year, or their monthly payment raised. When you are in debt, you are at the mercy of the company you owe. Don’t let yourself get bogged down by credit card debt.

3. Cook at home. It sounds so basic and yet how many of us resort to eating out because we just can’t deal with dinner? By taking a few moments once a week to devise a menu plan, shopping for the needed ingredients for that menu plan, and cooking the meals in your home, you can save lots of money and have more time to gather as a family and enjoy a slow evening at home. Eating at home not only saves money, it saves valuable family time.

4. Buy clothes at thrift or consignment stores. This is especially true with children’s clothes. When you are in a department store, always shop the clearance racks and avoid the other racks so you aren’t tempted. It’s also an income generator if you consign your own clothing. You can then take the money you earn on consignment and buy clothes for a new season without being out of pocket any money!

5. If you must eat out, only go to places you have coupons for. Keep a small photo album and arrange restaurant coupons so they are easy to find as you are heading out the door. It’s also a great idea to look for “kids eat free” nights and frequent those. Other ways to save on eating out include ordering water (big savings on this), share meals, order a kids’ portion if the restaurant allows it, and go out for lunch instead of dinner. For people who work, it’s always a good idea to pack your lunch regularly instead of running out to eat. A jar of peanut butter and a loaf of bread will go a long way.

6. Learn to play the coupon game. Many people devote themselves to clipping and organizing coupons—and reap great savings from doing so. There are many frugal websites and blogs that detail exactly how to save a lot of money with coupons. A great one to start with is http://www.couponmom.com/. And here is a great tutorial video you can watch: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DcAUZvGS6L8.

7. If you have children, limit the number of activities they do to one per child, per year. If you are struggling to pay for even one activity, consider asking for the activity as a gift from grandparents, aunts and uncles, friends, etc. Instead of another toy that will end up broken or lost, your child can receive a gift that truly keeps on giving as well as one that invests in their future.

8. Think about the things you regularly spend money on like gas or utilities and research ways to save money on those things. For instance, http://www.gasbuddy.com/ tells you where to buy the cheapest gas according to your area code. Bundling services with your cable provider can save money each month. Calling your energy company to find out when their off-peak hours are and doing your laundry or dishes during those times can save on your monthly bill as well.

9. Don’t shop as a recreational activity. If you can’t see it, you won’t feel a need to have it. Use time you used to spend shopping to go for a walk, visit a park, exercise, read a book, or spend time researching money-saving sites on the internet! If you have a friend you used to enjoy shopping with, sit down and list out other alternatives for your time together.

10. Look for ways to generate additional income. Whether it be an additional part-time job or a way to make money from home using a skill or talent you possess, get creative, get motivated, and get excited about the potential you have to generate income that you didn’t have before. Every little bit helps, so put on your thinking cap and don’t be shy about stepping out and trying something!

Thanks to Marybeth and Curt Whalen for their timely advice and this great book! I know many people will be blessed as they read and apply this wisdom to their situations.

CONTEST INFO: Wanna share how you did on the quiz, or tips of your own, or just generally your opinions? Leave a comment for a chance to win all of the following:

1 copy of the book
1 copy of Financial Peace Revisited by Dave Ramsey
1 subscription to P31 Woman Magazine
1 copy of God's Purpose For Every Woman (collection of the best devotions from Proverbs 31 Ministries)
1 cd of Marybeth's message "Becoming A Woman of Influence"
1 Dove Chocolate bar (because everything is better with chocolate!)

There have to be at least 10 comments for me to choose a winner's name and send onto the blog tour coordinator for the grand prize drawing on May 22nd. So, leave a comment by May 18th for a chance to win! And tell your friends. Don't forget to include your email address in your comments.

All His best.

"Nothing But Trouble" Coming Soon!

One of the books on my shelf for reviewing is Susan May Warren's "Nothing But Trouble," Book One in her PJ Sugar series. Can't wait to read it! Susie is one of my favorite authors--she always nails characterization, which is arguably at the center of well-written Christian fiction.

Here's the link to the book trailer. Check it out. One of the ways Susie is promoting her book is having a "Sugar Bomb" on May 15th. Here's some additional info, so you can get involved. I'll be posting a review here on May 20th as Net's Book Notes is part of Susie's official blog tour for Nothing But Trouble. Swing back by to read my review and see all the fun stuff happening. Let's get into some "Trouble."

More Great Fiction to Read and Review

Today I went to the post office to find five books waiting for me. Authors like Maureen Lang (a new friend and a great writer!), Susie Warren (ooooh, I love her fiction! and her how-to-write book "From the Inside...Out"), Elizabeth White, award-winning author Jennifer Valent, and Marybeth & Curt Whalen. Look for blog tour stops and reviews for these in the coming months.

Pick up some great Christian fiction and be inspired and refreshed this weekend.

Happy reading!

Win A Copy of Love Letters

Hey readers, it's my birthday, so I'm giving away a copy of my book "Love Letters."

Pop over to the White Rose Publishing Authors' blog and leave a comment for a chance to win. I'll do the drawing late tomorrow. What was your favorite birthday gift, or the best you've ever given, or what is your dream gift?

Have fun!
Annette

Michal by Jill Eileen Smith

Before reading on, take a quick peek at the bestseller list below (posted yesterday). There you'll find Jill Eileen Smith's name and her book Michal at number 17. I am so excited to feature Michal and Jill today on Net's Book Notes.

I've seen Jill at plenty of writer's conferences. Like me, she was there digging in, learning, fellowshipping, networking, writing (in our spare time *grin*). All of her hard work and dreaming have paid off. Her first book released March 1st and is now on the bestseller list for Christian Fiction! Congratulations to Jill!!

Here's the back cover blurb:

As the daughter of King Saul, Michal lives a life of privilege--but one that is haunted by her father's unpredictable moods and by competition from her beautiful older sister. When Michal falls for young David, the harpist who plays to calm her father, she has no idea what romance, adventures, and heartache await her. As readers enter the colorful and unpredictable worlds of King Saul and King David, they will be swept up in this exciting and romantic story. Against the backdrop of opulent palace life, raging war, and desert escapes, Jill Eileen Smith takes her readers on an emotional roller-coaster ride as Michal deals with love, loss, and personal transformation as one of the wives of David. A sweeping tale of passion and drama, readers will love this amazing story.

Here's her bio:

Jill Eileen Smith is the author of several articles, poems, and stories, and her unpublished novels have placed in five writing contests in the past five years. A children’s story, which she wrote for her church led her youngest son to faith in Christ several years ago; much like a gospel tract led her to the Lord at a similar age. That story, “Seeking Treasureland,” is now available here. Jill is a member of several online writing groups and helps promote fellow authors’ works through monthly interviews on the "Spotlight" page of her website. She, along with her husband and children, are active members in their local church. A stay-at-home mom, she homeschooled the couple’s three sons for twelve years through high school, seeing them go on to higher education. In her spare time, Jill teaches piano, reads, does picture scrap-booking, and enjoys trying out new recipes, especially those that include dark chocolate. Jill and her family make their home in Southeastern Lower Michigan.

And now, my review:

First of all, congratulations to Jill on achieving bestselling status on this debut novel! I am thrilled for her!

Sometimes Bible readers can forget King David was human. His legacy of intimacy with God, even God’s own description (a man after God’s own heart) are so daunting, our vision is shaded in ethereal hues. But author Jill Eileen Smith portrays his humanity in believable ways as she insightfully reads between the lines of Scripture for her fictional account.

And Jill’s focus on Michal brings readers into the life of a complex, somewhat overlooked, oftentimes judged woman.

Readers experience David’s victories, trials and journey to kingship. We get to watch him cry out to God, and we witness his compassion (as when he calls in Miphebosheth, his beloved friend, Jonathan’s, son).

Jill’s ability to bring all the characters from Scripture onto the stage and explore the accounts with insight, description, real-to-life motives and emotion is unique and helpful. Of course, her work is fiction, but I found myself thinking more than once “that motive does explain this scene” or “it could have happened like this.”

In a letter to readers, the author explains the providential process of how these books came to publication. More books chronicling David’s life (and the lives of his wives) will follow. (Watch for Abigail and Bathsheba.)

Michal is very well researched and will give readers a fresh understanding of how things may have occurred. Jill brings in the politics, romance, hope and failures so clearly and with such fresh prose, I was left wanting more. I’m so thankful there are more books to come in her “Wives of King David” series. Bravo, Jill!


Read more at www.jilleileensmith.com where Jill keeps a blog. She shares her response to being on the ECPA's bestseller list this week.

Christian Fiction Releases for May, 2009

Happy May! Check out all these new releases!

1. A Bride of Honor by Ruth Axtell Morren from Steeple Hill Love Inspired Historical. An impoverished preacher from the working class falls in love with a young lady of the London ton and risks all including his reputation to save her honor.

2. A Prairie Romance Collection, by Lynn A. Coleman, Mary Davis, Lena Nelson Dooley, Susan K. Downs, Birdie L. Etchison, Linda Ford, Linda Goodnight, JoAnne A. Grote, Cathy Marie Hake, Judith McCoy Miller, Kathleen Paul, Janet Spaeth from Barbour Publishing. Relive History On The American Great Plains.

3. Beyond Corista, Shadowside Series - Book 3 by Robert Elmer from Zondervan. In the last book of the trilogy, Oriannon and Sola set out to take the word of Jesmet beyond their planet, but are captured by traders, who hold the girl as a pawn in an interplanetary struggle.

4. Bittersweet Memories by Cecelia Dowdy from Barbour Heartsong Presents. Karen's fiancé has disappeared after embezzling money from their large mega-church; can she learn to love again?

5. Enduring Love, Sydney Cove Series, Book Three by Bonnie Leon from Revell. John and Hannah have lived by faith. When all seems lost they must continue to believe in a God who can do all things. Watch for a review here.

6. Lethal Lasagna, by Rhonda Gibson from White Rose Publishing. Lethal Lasagna is a cozy romantic mystery.

7. Love Finds You in Liberty, Indiana, by Melanie Dobson from Summerside Press. A Quaker woman risks everything to operate a station on the Underground Railroad in 1850.

8. Rose House, by Tina Ann Forkner from Waterbrook Press. vivid story of a private grief, a secret painting, and one woman's search for hope.

9. So Not Happening, A Charmed Life, book one by YA author Jenny B. Jones from Thomas Nelson. Isabella Kirkwood had it all: popularity at a prestigious private school in Manhattan, the latest fashions, and a life of privilege and luxury. What's a girl to do when God gives you the total smackdown?

10. The Lyons Den , 3rd Book in The Shelton Heights Series by Kendra Norman-Bellamy from Urban Books. With his and his family's life placed in danger by a stalker who only identifies himself as "Dr. A.H. Satan," Stuart Lyons has to somehow maintain his faith in God.

11. Tour de Force, by Beth White from Zondervan. Gilly Kincade, rising star in a premier NYC ballet company, and Birmingham artistic director Jacob Ferrar wrestle with ordering the priorities of building a relationship, pursuing artistic dreams, and serving God. Watch for a review here at Net's Book Notes.

12. Trail to Justice, by Susan Page Davis from Heartsong Presents. A police dispatcher and a veterinarian compete in a 100-mile horse race for fun, but find intrigue and romance, along with an injured champion and a wrecked airplane.

13. What the Bayou Saw by Patti Lacy from Kregel Publishing. Sally Stevens, Mary's Southern friend in an Irishwoman's Tale, grapples with her own memories, buried beneath the murky waters of a Louisiana bayou.

14. Wild Prairie Roses, by Lena Nelson Dooley and Laurie Alice Eakes and Lisa Harris from Barbour Publishing. Elusive dreams unite three couples.

15. Who Made you a Princess, All About Us #4 by Shelley Adina from Hatchette Faithwords. Will Shani Hanna choose the boy next door or a real-life handsome prince?