The Chair by James L. Rubart

The Chair, James L. Rubart's latest novel, releases in print today!

Let’s begin with the summary:

If someone gave you a chair and said it was made by Jesus Christ, would you believe them?

When an elderly lady shows up in Corin Roscoe's antiques store and gives him a chair she claims was crafted by Jesus, he scoffs. But when a young boy is miraculously healed two days after sitting in the chair, he stops laughing and starts wondering . . . could this chair heal the person whose life Corin destroyed twelve years ago?

As word spreads of the boy's healing, a mega-church pastor is determined to manipulate Corin into turning over the chair. And that mysterious woman who gave him the piece flits in and out of his life like a shadow, insinuating it's Corin’s destiny to guard the chair above everything else. But why?

Desperate, he turns to the one person he can trust, a college history professor who knows more about the legend of the chair than he'll reveal. Corin's life shatters as he searches for the truth about the artifact and the unexplained phenomena surrounding it. What’s more, he's not the only one willing do almost anything to possess the power seemingly connected to the chair.

And now, my review:

James Rubart is developing a reputation for seamlessly including supernatural elements in his true-to-life novels. His methods result in supernatural stories that are not forced, where everyday people encounter the unusual in believable and unpredictable ways.

As expected from this author’s work, outdoor sports play an important role. The hero, Corin, takes his sports addiction to another level, though, with extreme sports, the riskier, the better. He’s battling demons of the past when he faced drowning, and now he’s bent on beating death again and again. Gets him in trouble more than once. 

The hero’s relationships are mostly all rocky, especially with his brother. Corin’s unsure he can trust anyone. Even his girlfriend Tori isn’t sure about this chair he found and how his beliefs are changing. The author’s depiction of Tori’s unyielding hostility toward Christianity seemed believable, creating lots of tension.

The story will keep you guessing through the twists and turns. Looking forward to more great fiction from this author. If you like supernatural elements which glorify God mixed with real-to-life scenarios, you’ll like this novel.

Blog Tour: Fairer than Morning by Rosslyn Elliott

Hey everyone, welcome to the blog tour for Fairer than Morning, a new release from a new author, Rosslyn Elliott. 

Let's begin with the summary:

Ann dreams of a marriage proposal from her poetic suitor, Eli-until Will Hanby shows her that nobility is more than fine words.

On a small farm in 19th-century Ohio, young Ann Miller is pursued by the gallant Eli Bowen, son of a prominent family. Eli is the suitor of Ann's dreams. Like her, he enjoys poetry and beautiful things and soon, he will move to the city to become a doctor.

Ann travels to Pittsburgh, accompanying her father on business. There she meets Will Hanby, a saddle-maker's apprentice. Will has spent years eking out an existence under a cruel master and his spirit is nearly broken. But Ann's compassion lights a long-dark part of his soul. Through his encounters with Ann's father, a master saddler, Will discovers new hope and courage in the midst of tremendous adversity.

When the Millers must return to Ohio and their ministry there, Will resolves to find them, at any cost. If Will can make it back to Ann, will she be waiting?

And now, my review:

This debut novel is full of epic drama, character growth, and real people. Indeed, one of the characters is based on a real person. Indentured servant Will Hanby, the hero, and the one on whom the story was based, suffered terribly at the hands of his owner, Master Jacob Good. Only in real life would Jacob Good be the name of a villain. 

Honestly, I had to skip the most sadistic scene. But lest readers think there is only violence, there are many redeemable qualities in this excellently told love story. First, you'll sympathize with Will, then you'll respect him. 

The romance between the heroine and Will developed subtly, though this book was characterized as a romance. Still there were enough romantic elements to keep romance lovers reading. You'll want to see how things turn out for these great characters.

I love finding a fresh voice in Christian fiction. This is an historical, an author, to read. You won't regret it. One of the strongest novels of the year, in my opinion. Very well done.

Highly recommended.

Check out the contest in the right sidebar. You could win a Kindle and a custom-made reproductions dress!

More contest info below:

To celebrate the release of her debut novel, Fairer Than Morning, Rosslyn Elliott is giving away two fabulous prize packages. The first is brand new KINDLE in her Fairer Than Morning Kindle Giveaway. Then on September 20th she's giving away a $200 gift certificate toward a Custom-Made Historical Reproduction Dress (from Recollections) during the Fairer Than Morning Book Club Chat Party on Facebook! Sigh...romantic.

Fairer Than Morning is receiving wonderful reviews - Library Journal said, "A well-written historical series debut…". Read more reviews here.

Be sure to join the fun and enter the Kindle contest - 

One winner will receive:

* Kindle with Wi-Fi

* Fairer Than Morning (for Kindle)

To enter just click one of the icons below. But, hurry, giveaway ends on 9/19. Winner will be announced on 9/20 at Rosslyn's Book Club Facebook Party. Details and official rules can be found when entering the contest.

Then be sure to RSVP for Rosslyn's Facebook Party! During the party Rosslyn will be chatting with guests, hosting a book chat about Fairer Than Morning (don't worry if you haven't read the book yet - you could win a copy!). Plus you could test your historical fiction trivia skills. She'll also be giving away that $200 gift certificate toward a FABULOUS custom-made period dress from Recollections!

New Christian Fiction Releases September, 2011

More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW FictionFinder website. The Amazon links for print books (if available) are included below. Enjoy!

A Biltmore Christmas by Diane Ashley and Rhonda Gibson -- A Historical Romance from Barbour; Explore the luxuries of America’s largest home through the eyes of the fictional Bradford sisters.


A Bride’s Portrait of Dodge City, Kansas by Erica Vetsch -- A Romance from Barbour. Hoping to leave the shadows of her shady yesteryears behind, Adeline Reid is focusing on her photography career. But when her ex-boyfriend’s compatriot in crime shows up in Dodge City her entire past is threatened by exposure.


A Harvest of Hearts by Laura V. Hilton -- Shanna Stoltzfus thought nothing could make her return home to her Amish family. She was wrong. But can anything make her give up her dreams and stay?













A Heart Revealed by Julie Lessman -- A Historical Romance from Revell. Her heart is tied to a youthful vow . . . but can true love set it free?


A Log Cabin Christmas Collection by Margaret Brownley, Wanda Brunstetter, Jane Kirkpatrick, Kelly Eileen Hake, Liz Johnson, Liz Tolsma, Michelle Ule, Debra Ullrick, and Erica Vetsch-- General Fiction Historical from Revell. In a time of peril, can they find the courage to confront their fears and embrace a love that last.


A Marriage for Meghan by Mary Ellis  -- Romance from Harvest House; An engaging story of one girl’s quest for independence and true love as social prejudice tests a community’s faith in a simpler world.














A Quaker Christmas by Laura Lee Bliss, Rachael Phillips Ramona Cecil, and Claire Sanders -- Romance from Barbour. Christmas is a simple matter among the Quakers of the historic Ohio River Valley, but can it be a a special time to welcome love into four households?


A Whisper of Peace by Kim Vogel Sawyer -- Historical Romance from Bethany House. Will Clay Selby be forced to choose between his desire to minister to the natives and the quiet nudging of his heart to spend his life with a quiet, independent Indian woman who is not a part of the tribe?

Ashes to Honor by Loree Lough -- General Fiction from Abingdon. If only he'd answered that last call from the World Trade Center....













Belonging (Where the Heart Lives Series) by Robin Lee Hatcher  -- Historical Romance from Zondervan; Can two bitter pasts make one sweet future?.


Captive Trail by Susan Page Davis-- Historical General Fiction from Moody Publishers; A girl has become a woman while in captivity, and a stagecoach driver longs to take her to the home she barely remembers.


Christmas at Barncastle Inn by Lynette Sowell, Susan Page Davis, Darlene Franklin, and Janelle Mowery -- Romance from Barbour; Each Christmas the Barncastle family transforms its sprawling Victorian bed and breakfast into a fantasy world through time. Will its guests also discover that forgiveness is timeless?














Deadly Pursuit by Irene Hannon-- Thriller/Suspense from Revell; A woman who protects children. An ex-Navy SEAL turned police detective. A stalker with deadly intent.


Deep Cover by Sandra Orchard-- Romance from Love Inspired; Undercover Cops: Fighting for justice puts their lives--and hearts--on the line.



Dry As Rain by Gina Holmes-- General Fiction from Tyndale; Undercover Cops: Behind every broken vow lies a broken heart. A richly engaging story of betrayal and redemption, Dry as Rain illuminates with striking emotional intensity the surprising truth of what it means to forgive.












Falling to Pieces; A Quilt Shop Murder by Vanetta Chapman-- A Cozy Mystery from Zondervan; Not your usual Amish buggy ride!


Finding Angel by Kat Heckenbach-- Speculative Fiction from Splashdown Books; Angel doesn’t remember her magical heritage…but it remembers her.

From This Day Forward; American Tapestries by Margaret Daley-- Historical Romance from Summerside Press; Following the War of 1812, an Englishwoman, stranded in South Carolina, pregnant and recently widowed, struggles to make a life for herself. Can a disenchanted American physician heal her wounded heart?



Hailee by Penny Zeller-- Historical Romance from Whitaker House; Can this unlikely pair come to terms with their pasts and face the future together?





Hidden in the Everglades by Margaret Daley-- A Thriller/Suspense from Love Inspired; Michael Hunt needs Kyra Morgan's help to keep his sister safe. It will take everything they have to escape the Everglades alive.




Love Finds You on Christmas Morning by Debby Mayne and Trish Perry -- Romance from Summerside Press; Two women receive marriage proposals in the same house— 85 years apart. Love finds a home on Christmas morning in two heartwarming holiday stories.


Love Finds You in Sundance, Wyoming by Miralee Ferrell-- Romance from Summerside Press; While war rages in Europe, Rebekah Hendricks dreams of life far beyond the family farm in Oklahoma. And when a telegram arrives in October of 1918, she believes God has provided her way of escape.

Naomi’s Gift-An Amish Christmas Story by Amy Clipston-- Romance from Zondervan; Take a trip to Bird-in-Hand, Pennsylvania, where you'll meet the women of the Kauffman Amish Bakery in Lancaster County.














Pirate of My Heart by Jamie Carie-- Historical Fiction from B and H Publishing; Forced to flee the only home she's ever known, Lady Kendra Townsend risks everything for a chance at finding true love in the wilds of a new America.


Remembering Christmas: A Novel by Dan Walsh-- General Fiction from Revell; Can one Christmas change a person's life forever?


Shadowed in Silk by Christine Lindsay-- Historical Romance from Whitefire Publishing; Neglected by family, Abby travels to India after WWI with her small son, only to be abandoned by her husband, a cruel stranger, and to fall in love with a man who can never return her love without offending God.



Surrender the Dawn by Mary Lu Tyndall-- Historical Romance from Barbour; You’ll be swept away in this seafaring romance between a plucky damsel-in-distress and a nefarious rake who’s selling out his country amid the War of 1812.


The Aristocrat’s Lady by Mary Moore -- Historical from Love Inspired; She was resigned to a life without love-until she met him...


The Christmas Belles of Georgia by Debra Ullrick, Jeanie Smith Cash, Rose Allen McCauley, and Jeri Odell -- Romance from Barbour; They were sisters once—identical quadruplets—given up for adoption at birth. Now each receives a letter advising her to claim her inheritance and the family she never knew. . .at Christmas.















The Doctor's Lady by Jody Hedlund-- Historical Romance from Bethany House; Priscilla White knew God wanted her to be a missionary, not a wife. But the only way she can serve is to be married. Married in name only, her new journey will test her spirit. . . and the new longings of her heart.


The Healing; Kentucky Brothers Series by Wanda Brunstetter-- Romance from Barbour; Can Esther Beiler win Samuel Fisher’s heart, or has she already lost it to an English woman? How will God untangle star-crossed lovers when jealousies and misconceptions threaten to tear them apart?


The Wounded Heart; An Amish Quilt Novel by Adina Senft-- General Fiction from Faith Words (Hachette); When she's diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, a young Amish mother must choose between obedience or following her heart.














To Have and To Hold; Bridal Veil Island Series by Tracie Peterson and Judith Miller -- Historical Romance from Bethany House; Amid a time of growth and change for Bridal Veil, can Marshall and Audrey find a foundation on which to build a love to last forever?


Wings of a Dream by Anne Mateer-- General Fiction from Bethany House; While war rages in Europe, Rebekah Hendricks dreams of life far beyond the family farm in Oklahoma. And when a telegram arrives in October of 1918, she believes God has provided her way of escape.

Playing Hurt by Brian Goins

Today, I'm doing something a little out of the ordinary here at Net's Book Notes. My husband and I are part of the Playing Hurt blog tour. And my husband wrote today's review. Read on!

Let's begin with the summary of this book:

A marriage book that husbands will actually want to read!

Everyone admires people who play hurt, from the superstar athlete to the journeyman player who finishes the game even when hurt, sick, or falling apart. Everyone looks up to these athletes and wants to mimic their “never give up” attitude. Except when it comes to marriage. Most husbands are willing to take a bullet for their wives in a life-and-death situation; but when his bride fires the bullet--hurls an insult, disrespects him in public, ignores his foreplay in private--he’d rather throw in the towel than play through the pain.

Playing Hurt is a biblical playbook for marriage that speaks in the language most men understand—the language of sports. Using a sports analogy to explain the motivation, means, and methods of playing hurt, author Brian Goins shows men how to overcome the temptation to stay on the bench. Playing Hurt is more about inspiration than instruction. It’s about finding the motivation to stay in the game, despite the pain. It’s about becoming like the One who knew more about nails and thorns than any superstar athlete. Using Ephesians 5 as a biblical basis, this book will call husbands to be the heroes they long to be--men who play hurt in order to win at marriage.

And now, Paul's review:

Playing Hurt: A Guy's Strategy for a Winning Marriage is a book for husbands written for the man who doesn’t like to read books on husbands. It is down-to-earth, real and completely understandable for the average guy yet is full of valuable tools and unusual wisdom from a seasoned veteran who knows what he’s talking about. The sports metaphor of continuing to play ball and “staying in the game” even when it’s hard is a great way to look at the difficult, sometimes confusing, but always crucial role that we husbands play in our marriages.

As a men’s pastor at my church, I would strongly recommend the book to any of the guys I work with. While I have read my share of marriage books, I believe this one offers something truly unique, relevant and even life changing for those who are willing to take a chance and embark on this journey.

The genius of the book is that it will not only remind men of the high calling of being a good, biblical husband, but it will motivate them to go after it in a fresh way rather than beat them down with legalism or obligation. You will find encouragement here rather than guilt. This is achieved by tapping into the good things and potential waiting in a man’s heart to be released. Brian Goins is able to make the goal of being a good husband seem really big, glorious and uncommon—a grand prize worth reaching for with everything you’ve got rather than just doing the minimum to get by. All of the greatest teaching on marriage will do a man no good unless he can put it into action and stay with it. When a husband can effectively motivate himself to follow wise and effective guidance, nothing will be able to stop him from building a great marriage. We need more books like this for the guys. Playing Hurt can help you save your marriage, but whether that marriage is broken or strong, every husband can benefit from it. ~ Paul Irby

~~~
About the author: 

Brian Goins is the author or editor of numerous study guides, workbooks, and Bible studies that he has developed for Insight for Living (Chuck Swindoll) and Walk Through the Bible. When he’s not traveling across the country as a Family Life Weekend to Remember speaker, he and his family reside in North Carolina.

Blue Skies Tomorrow by Sarah Sundin

Another great read by talented author, Sarah Sundin!

Let's begin with the summary:

Lt. Raymond Novak prefers the pulpit to the cockpit, but at least his stateside job training B-17 pilots allows him the luxury of a personal life. As he courts Helen Carlisle, a young war widow and mother who conceals her pain under a frenzy of volunteer work, the sparks of their romance set a fire that flings them both into peril. After Ray leaves to fly a combat mission at the peak of the air war over Europe, Helen takes a job in a dangerous munitions yard and confronts an even graver menace in her own home. Will they find the courage to face their challenges? And can their young love survive until blue skies return?

And now, my review:

I’ve enjoyed all of the books in Sarah Sundin’s “Wings of Glory” series. I’m not usually one for WWII novels, but her work wins me over, every single time. She has such an amazing attention to detail as if she were there during the war, serving as a pilot, facing down the fears, the enemy, the horrors. Her extensive research leads to some intensive mid-air battle scenes. I’m not one for enjoying picturing the horrors of war, but Sarah stories and the inclusion of battles aren’t gory. She is tactful, but accurate.

The hardships her hero and her heroine had to face in Blue Skies Tomorrow were in many ways relatable. Their lives coaxed out their heroic sides. Helen had to overcome lies and both characters had to overcome cowardice. It’s amazing what you can find inside yourself when pushed to the limit. I was cheering for Helen as she faced the bullies in her life.

And Ray… Every one of the Novak brothers has come alive on the page. All of them noble and strong. Ray’s inner battle chased him into the real battles of war where he had to prove himself just to stay alive. The story produced some powerful scenes and my only regret was I was reading on an airplane where I could release a few chuckles, but I didn’t have any tissues handy.

And speaking of transcending fiction to suddenly become applicable to everyday life—Helen’s struggle to shove off the lies of the past that told her she was weak and clumsy and incapable suddenly helped me analyze the lies I’m bombarded with. It’s when we stop and examine the lies that we can begin to overcome them with the light of the truth. I have a feeling that application will remain with me long after I’ve shelved this fantastic book. (Just like with the author’s message of shoving off shame from another book in this series.)

This novel will immerse you in WWII history, both on the home front and on the front lines. A phenomenal close on this enjoyable series.

Highly recommended. I’m very much looking forward to Sarah’s next series, “Wings of the Nightingale,” which will launch in September 2012. Can’t wait!

Also, click over to her website (www.SarahSundin.com) for a chance to "tour" a B-17 bomber. She has other fascinating info on her site as well, including a diagram of the plane her characters fly.
~~~
Available August 2011 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

Pirate of My Heart by Jamie Carie

Pirate of My Heart by Jamie Carie

Let's begin with the summary for this latest book by Jamie Carie:

When her doting father dies, Lady Kendra Townsend is given a choice: marry the horrid man of her cold, money-grubbing uncle's choosing or leave England to risk a new life in America with unknown relatives. Armed with the faith that God has a plan for her, Kendra boards a cargo ship and meets American sea captain Dorian Colburn. But the captain has been wounded by a woman before and guards his independent life. A swashbuckling man doesn't need an English heiress to make him slow down, feel again, or be challenged with questions about his faith-or so he thinks. It is not until Dorian must save Kendra from the dark forces surrounding her that he decides she may be worth the risk.

From the first book I read by Jamie Carie (Snow Angel) to now, I love her writing voice. Her books are impactful and interesting, and her romance is always engaging and well-written. The scenes were so well-worded I could easily picture them playing out.

One of her themes was trust—a good focus for Christian fiction. Another was having a persistent heart. When her heroine mentioned holding God to His promise, I was immediately reminded of God’s promises for me. I had to stop and breathe a moment, consider what I’m waiting on God to do. Hold Him to His promises in my life. I love when fiction transcends make believe and breathes newness into my life. That’s the value of Christian fiction, the virtue. (Or at least one of the virtues.)

The author also broke the formula, but I loved the twist. Read it to find out what I mean.

I read a lot of fiction, and some books are easy to put down. Not this one. I'm already looking forward to her next novel.

This book will release September 1, 2011.

Mommy Whispers by Jenny Lee Sulpizio

 

Moms, do you remember the days of reading picture books to your kiddos? Treasured times. I've just read one you'll love, especially if you have a daughter.

Let's begin with the summary:


Mommy Whispers is a keepsake children's book that depicts the special relationship between a mother and her daughter through each stage of their lives and ultimately, the power of prayer and faith in God through it all. 

And now, my review:

The author of Mommy Whispers put her heart on the page. As a mother of daughters, my heart melted as I read through the stages of a girl's life and how her mother raises her to let her go. From lap snuggles and prom to graduation and the big wedding day, this author takes you through the milestones a mother shares with her daughter. She ends the story on a very special moment, which I'll save for you to find when you read it.

This book goes beyond the usual tale to gently tug on heartstrings and display the relatable love between mother and daughter. You'll probably cry. I did.

Whether you're a new mom, a grandmother, or a woman of any age, you'll delight in this book. Enjoy!