Rhythm of Secrets by Patti Lacy

Let me just say that the premise for this book was quite good. The back cover information and build up had me on my toes. After the second chapter, I was yawning; and it wasn't because I read after I go to bed.

The book is well-written, but the problem isn't with the writing; it is with the plot flow. There was a manipulative quality about this plot that made it not ring true. However, since this is based on a true story, I know that truth is stranger than fiction so I didn't have a problem with that. On the other hand, shouldn't stories based on truth have more believability and less manipulation? I think, perhaps, my problem was with the depressing subject matter at the very beginning. When we find out little Shelia made pick-ups for her bookie dad who turned out to be a complex strong man with a weak streak. A reader should be in the mood to read past that part into the good part.

The rest of the book is intriguing. I give this one three out of five stars.

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Rhythm of Secrets Kregel Publications (December 22, 2010) by Patti Lacy



ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Patti Lacy, Baylor graduate, taught community college humanities until God called her to span seas and secrets in her novels, An Irishwoman's Tale and What the Bayou Saw. She has two grown children and a dog named Laura. She and her husband can be seen jog-walking the streets of Normal, Illinois, an amazing place to live for a woman born in a car. For more information, visit Patti's website at www.pattilacy.com, her blog at www.pattilacy.com/blog, and her Facebook daily Artbites.





ABOUT THE BOOK

Sheila Franklin has masqueraded as the precocious daughter of avant-garde parents in colorful 1940s New Orleans, a teen desperate for love and acceptance, and an unwed mother sent North with her shame.


After marrying Edward, Sheila artfully masks her secrets, allowing Edward to gain prominence as a conservative pastor. When one phone call from a disillusioned Vietnam veteran destroys her cover, Sheila faces an impossible choice: save her son and his beloved…or imperil Edward’s ambitions.


Inspired by a true story, The Rhythm of Secrets intermingles jazz, classical, and sacred music in a symphony trumpeting God’s grace.


Endorsements:

“A vibrant journey across time in search of the greatest truth of all: grace.”—Tosca Lee, author of Havah: The Story of Eve and Demon: A Memoir

“No longer a ‘well-kept secret,’ Patti Lacy is a master storyteller who speaks to the soul with a powerful and unique rhythm, weaving a tale so emotionally rich that story and reader become one.”—Julie Lessman, author of The Daughters of Boston series and A Hope Undaunted

“Patti Lacy pens another beautifully written story in The Rhythm of Secrets. I couldn’t put it down!”—Melanie Dobson, award-winning author of The Black Cloister

“The Rhythm of Secrets is a stirring story of faith and endurance that will keep readers turning the page until every last secret is revealed.”—Tina Ann Forkner, author of Ruby Among Us and Rose House


If you would like to read an excerpt of Rhythm of Secrets, go HERE.

The Fence My Father Built by Linda S. Clare

 MY REVIEW...
This is an intriguing story of a women who lost her first love and her journey back to the Lord through settling the affairs of her father after he passed away. I cannot imagine not growing up without my father's faith guiding me and directing me. My dad left me with an incredibly wonderful legacy of Christian faith.

This story depicts how a Christian legacy can influence people even after the father... mother... or other loved one has gone on to be with the Lord. It is moving and so on target with what kinds of problems we face today. Greed is the same no matter if you face in across a board room table or in the desert. Loneliness, security or lack there of, children who are angry and spoiled or who are sweet and loving, we live with these because we live in a temporary home.

ABOUT THE BOOK...
In The Fence My Father Built, when legally separated Muri Pond, a librarian, hauls her kids, teenage Nova and eleven year-old Truman, out to the tiny town of Murkee, Oregon, where her father, Joe Pond lived and died, she’s confronted by a neighbor’s harassment over water rights and Joe’s legacy: a fence made from old oven doors.

The fence and accompanying house trailer horrify rebellious Nova, who runs away to the drug-infested streets of Seattle. Muri searches for her daughter and for something to believe in, all the while trying to save her inheritance from the conniving neighbor who calls her dad Chief Joseph. Along with Joe’s sister, Aunt Lutie, and the Red Rock Tabernacle Ladies, Muri must rediscover the faith her alcoholic dad never abandoned in order to reclaim her own spiritual path.

Someone to Blame by C.S. Larkin

C.S. Larkin is a prolific writer. In this novel, she has studied how losing loved ones affect the rest of your life. Interestingly, forgiveness is crucial to healthy living, yet, so many people have overlooked this element.

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Someone To Blame Zondervan (September 21, 2010) by C. S. Lakin



ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

C. S. Lakin is a novelist and professional copyeditor and writing coach. She is currently working on her eleventh novel, a contemporary family saga drawn from the biblical story of Jacob. Someone to Blame(Zondervan), an intense relational drama and winner of the 2009 First Novel contest, released in October 2010, and she is also the author of the allegorical adult fantasy series The Gates of Heaven, featuring The Wolf of Tebron and the upcoming release The Map Across Time (March 2011). She is currently completing her tenth novel and developing a dog memoir of epic proportion.




ABOUT THE BOOK

In the wake of heartrending family tragedies, Matt and Irene Moore move with their fourteen-year-old daughter, Casey, to a small town. Their goal is to get far away from the daily reminders that leave each of them raw and guilt-ridden. Their hope is to find redemption, repair, and renewal. Instead, the threads that hold them together unravel even more.



Breakers, a small community perched on the rocky coast of the Pacific Northwest, is draped with cold isolation that seems to mirror the hearts. As they settle into their new life, old grief settles with them. Matt is always on edge and easily angered, Irene is sad and pensive, and Casey is confused and defiant. They've once more set the stage for calamity. Into this mix comes Billy Thurber, a young drifter with his own conflicts, whose life unexpectedly entangles with the Moores'.


His arrival in Breakers parallels a rash of hateful and senseless crimes, and soon the whole town -- eager for someone to blame -- goes after Thurber with murderous intent. Out of this dangerous chaos, however, the Moores find unexpected grace and healing in a most unlikely way.


If you would like to read the first chapter of Someone To Blame, go HERE.

The Girl in the Gatehouse by Julie Klassen

An absolutely charming novel. The hinting of some horrible behavior as the reason Miss Mariah Aubrey must live in seclusion, is something not quite Jane Austin, but close. The story unfolds in delightful Regency aplomb, and as each character is developed (and each one is carefully crafted in much more than two dimensions), the reader is able to let go of modern worries and submerge in olden days glory, fashion, and manners.

The storyline is excellent. The characters are well balanced in development, therefore they interact believably. Some of the twists are obvious and a little bit mechanical, but for the most part this is a smooth moving charmer.

This sits right on top of 4 out of 5 stars.

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing The Girl in the Gatehouse Bethany House (January 1, 2011) by Julie Klassen



ABOUT THE AUTHOR:


Julie says: My background is in advertising and marketing, but I am blessed with a dream job—working as an editor of Christian fiction. I have been writing since childhood, but Lady of Milkweed Manor was my first novel. It was a finalist for a Christy Award and won second place in the Inspirational Reader's Choice Awards. My second novel, The Apothecary's Daughter, was a finalist in the ACFW Book of the Year awards. I am currently writing one novel a year.


I graduated from the University of Illinois and enjoy travel, research, BBC period dramas, long hikes, short naps, and coffee with friends.


My husband and I have two sons and live near St. Paul, Minnesota.




ABOUT THE BOOK

Miss Mariah Aubrey, banished after a scandal, hides herself away in a long-abandoned gatehouse on the far edge of a distant relative's estate. There, she supports herself and her loyal servant the only way she knows how--by writing novels in secret.

Captain Matthew Bryant, returning to England successful and wealthy after the Napoleonic wars, leases an impressive estate from a cash-poor nobleman, determined to show the society beauty who once rejected him what a colossal mistake she made.


When he discovers an old gatehouse on the property, he is immediately intrigued by its striking young inhabitant and sets out to uncover her identity, and her past. But the more he learns about her, the more he realizes he must distance himself. Falling in love with an outcast would ruin his well-laid plans. The old gatehouse holds secrets of its own. Can Mariah and Captain Bryant uncover them before the cunning heir to the estate buries them forever?


If you would like to read the first chapter of The Girl in the Gatehouse, go HERE

The Map Across Time by C.S. Lakin

This is the second in a series called The Gates of Heaven. You would do well to read the first in the series called The Wolf of Tebron because this one starts in a different place, but refers to the other characters without a lot of explanation. I really like sequels like this because rereading a book is tedious.

The storyline is good, the promises of what the book is about is also good. I have found that isn't always the case. An ancient curse plagues the kingdom of Sherbourne, and unless it is stopped, all will fall to ruin. The King, obsessed with greed, cannot see the danger. But his teenage twin children, Aletha and Adin, know they must act. A hermit leads Adin to a magical map that will send him back in time to discover the origin of the curse.

The author probes unfailing love, trust, and something much less obvious in how even the least and unworthy has purpose. It is an interesting study, but it is classified as "adult" and I believe it is more in line with young adult. The ten years old to sixteen year old age range would find this a fascinating adventure, I'm quite sure. Judging it from that perspective, I give it 4 stars out of 5.

The Lucado Study Bible

I had the opportunity to review the new study bible by Max Lucado. I am so very impressed with the life lessons and the way it is formatted to fit into our modern lifestyles. However, it really isn't a study bible perse' because it doesn't have a lot of references or word studies. But, it does have more than 1,000 life lessons which help put biblical principles into perspective as well as application.

I highly recommend this for anyone who is serious about applying biblical principles to their lifestyle.

ABOUT the book from the publisher website...
With more than 1,000 "Life Lessons" offering insights straight from Max, the message of God's Word will be more meaningful and impactful than ever. This beautifully designed Bible, available in hardcover and Leathersoft cover options, contains practical application drawn from Max Lucado's entire career—from his first book to his latest release, Outlive Your Life. For the first time, all the devotional material in this fully-revised edition of The Inspirational Study Bible is from Max Lucado and uses the popular and reliable New King James Version® (NKJV) translation! Features include:

• Two-color design throughout
• More than 1,000 insightful Life Lessons
• Christ Through the Bible sidebars
• Topical Index
• New King James Version text

A perfect companion for Max Lucado's Outlive Your Life DVD-Based Study (9781418543945).

Lies The Government Told You by Judge A.P. Napolitano

I wrote an essay back in 2005 about how much America's chosen path resembles Ancient Roman Empire's destructive path. I am surprised at how closely this book follows that line of thinking. (Glenn Beck is going down that thought process, too.)

I recommend this book if for no other reason that you will see exactly how much we have been deceived by our government (by far not it is not a partisan deception, but full fledged political deception, nonetheless).

I was not surprised at all with the contents. My eyes have been wide open, but I do wonder at how many of the citizens of the United States will be surprised at the economic lies we've been fed.

Something that I've noticed, but had not put to print on my blog is that we citizens are no longer presumed innocent. Nixon signed a bill into law that judges should consider "danger to community" when setting bail. It is an undoubted law that the presumption of innocence gives the defendant the "unhampered ability to prepare for trial", yet the bill now takes away the presumption and inserts "presumed guilty until trial".

We sit in our living rooms and say, "Yeah! That crook isn't on the streets any longer," never realizing that each and every citizen has the right to an excellent defense as well as the presumption of innocence. When did we lose sight of that?

ABOUT THE BOOK
What new crisis will the federal government manufacture in order to acquire more power over individuals? What new lies will it tell?
Throughout our history, the federal government has lied to send our children off to war, lied to take our money, lied to steal our property, lied to gain our trust, and lied to enhance its power over us. Not only does the government lie to us, we lie to ourselves. We won’t admit that each time we let the government get away with misleading us, we are allowing it to increase in size and power and decrease our personal liberty.
In acquiescing to the government’s continuous fraudulent behavior, we bear partial responsibility for the erosion of our individual liberties and the ever-expanding federal regulation of private behavior. This book attacks the culture in government that facilitates lying, and it challenges readers to recognize that culture, to confront it, and to be rid of it.

The Lightkeeper's Daughter by Colleen Coble

I do not know who sent this to me. I did not order for Booksneeze from Thomas Nelson, it wasn't on the list at Glass Roads, nor for CFBA. I am at a loss to know who to notify of my review. Notwithstanding, I shall review it and hopefully whomever requested the review will stumble upon it.

 I love this human character study. The sharp contrasts between brothers create interest because one just knows where the wickedness will lead, yet hopes it won't go that far. Can a man be that wicked? Certainly. But, is it true of one brother and not the other? Well, the reader finds out along with Katie. I really like for an author to drag me along like that instead of hooking me with a gimmick and then letting me slip off the hook without any bait.

However, I do find an obtuse character very frustrating and I think Colleen Coble could have shortened the misunderstanding between Katie and John down to one page instead of the lengthy time it took for her to "see" the light so to speak. An author should never let the reader see into the thought processes of both protagonists when they are at odds because it creates false tension. Of course, misunderstandings happen all the time in life, and they obviously come from thought processing without facts, aka jumping to conclusions. Having a single point of view, rather that two or five points of view allows for much better story flow and is much easier on the reader, in my opinion.

Other than that, this story is a light read and will entertain. It gets 2 of 5 stars.

When Katie answers the call of duty, she awakens the call to her heart.
Katie Russell loves working as a telephone operator in Mercy Falls, California. But since childhood she has been expected to marry well. Her family presses for an engagement to wealthy bachelor Bartholomew Foster and though he doesn't  stir her heart, their engagement promises a secure financial future.
Working the phone lines one evening, Katie overhears a chilling exchange between her friend Eliza and a familiar male voice. Katie soon learns that Eliza has diappeared, and the crime may be linked to another investigation by handsome new lighthouse keeper, Will Jasperson. Katie and Will soon form an alliance. An alliance that slowly blossoms into something more.
Despite the danger surrounding her, Katie is powerfully drawn to Will. But she is not at liberty to marry for love. And though society forbids their growing affection, Katie can't help but notice Will's sense of peace. It's a peace that rests on his trust in God--a trust that Katie has never had to depend on, with her future so clearly mapped out before her.
But the more Katie uncovers of the mystery, the more she discovers about herself, her past, and the brilliant future that could be hers if only she has the courage to trust in God and follow where her heart so fearlessly leads.

Divine Appointments by Charlene Baumbich

Perhaps I can identify too closely with the main character of this novel. I was hooked by the end of the first paragraph. I wasn't too keen on the ending, but then I really like truly satisfying, lip-smacking endings.

The reader gets drawn into the life and times of Josie's mid-perfect-life, and that is exactly how an author keeps the pages turning.

This novel receives 4 of 5 stars. Good story development, good character development and what I really like is the main character actually learns something. There isn't any preaching in it about eco-friendly stuff nor is there any saccharin/fake sweet stuff, just a good heartwarming story.

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Divine Appointments WaterBrook Press; Reprint edition (September 21, 2010) by Charlene Baumbich


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Charlene Ann Baumbich is the author of the previous three books in the Partonville series. A popular speaker, journalist, and author, for several years she has lectured to women’s groups and retreats. Baumbich is also an award-winning journalist whose work has appeared in the Chicago Tribune, Today’s Christian Woman, and numerous other publications. She is the author of six nonfiction books of humor and inspiration.


Charlene says: For over two decades of writing and speaking, my passionate pursuit to entertain and rejuvenate using humor (I love to laugh-especially at myself), uncommon wisdom, and passionate insights has been affirmed through countless calls, letters, and evaluation sheets. A reader recently e-mailed, "There is so much depression and sadness in this world. I applaud you for reminding all of us to treasure the moments in our lives, and for encouraging us to find joy in the little things. What you do helps so many to rise above the heaviness of life and live, and laugh, and face another day, so thanks!!!!" That is exactly why I keep doing what I do.


I am a firm believer in the power of story (short or book-length, funny or insightful, real or fiction, on stage or page) to accomplish my purpose, which is to remind you: Don't Miss Your Life! Whether you're tuning into me live or in print, fasten your seatbelt. I promise you a wild, fun, provocative, heart-warming ride.


ABOUT THE BOOK

Josie Brooks, at the age of 47, thought she was leading an enviable single life. A successful consultant, she calls her own shots, goes where the money is, and never needs to compromise. But her precisely managed world begins to falter during a Chicago contract when an economic downturn, a bleeding heart boss, and the loyalty and kindness between endangered employees ding her coat of armor.


Throw in hot flashes, a dose of loneliness, a peculiar longing for intimacy, an

unquenchable thirst—not to mention a mysterious snow globe with a serene landscape, complete with a flowing river and lush greenery that seems to be beckoning her in—and Josie’s buttoned-up life is on the verge of coming completely undone.


Maybe her solitary existence isn’t as fulfilling as she has convinced herself to believe. It will take a few new friends, a mystical encounter, and an unexpected journey to set Josie on her own path to “right-sizing” and making the life changes that really matter. Filled with laugh-out loud moments and a gentle dash of inspiration, Divine Appointments is another heartwarming charmer from a master storyteller.


If you would like to read the first chapter of Divine Appointments, go HERE.

Amy Inspired by Bethany Pierce

I really liked this meandering novel. Bethany Pierce developed her main character into someone I could immediately identify with as well as like immensely. The fact that the storyline meanders somewhat isn't so much a detraction because it is a slice of real life. The reader knows there really is an Amy out there teaching at a college or university and has these exact feelings. However, I do think it took a bit to long to "get going", although it isn't boring and will keep your attention.

So buy the book and laugh with, cry with, and empathize with Amy.

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Amy Inspired Bethany House; Original edition (October 1, 2010) by Bethany Pierce


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

After completing a master's in Creative Writing and working as a visiting instructor at Miami University in Ohio, Bethany Pierce now lives with her husband in Charlottesville, Virginia, where she is a member of the McGuffey Art Center and continues to write. Her first book, Feeling for Bones, was one of Publishers Weekly's Best Books of 2007.


ABOUT THE BOOK

With rejections piling up, she could use just a little inspiration...

Amy Gallagher is an aspiring writer who, after countless rejections, has settled for a career as an English professor in small-town Ohio just to pay the bills. All her dreams suddenly start to unravel as rejections pile up--both from publishers and her boyfriend.


But just as Amy fears her life is stuck in a holding pattern, she meets the mysterious, attractive, and unavailable Eli. She struggles to walk the fine line between friendship and something more with Eli, even as staying true to her faith becomes unexpectedly complicated.


When secrets, tragedy, and poor decisions cause rifts in Amy's relationships, she must come to terms with who she's become, her unrealized aspirations for her life, and the state of her faith. Can she dare to hope that she will find love and fulfillment despite it all?


If you would like to read the first chapter of Amy Inspired, go HERE.

Hatteras Girl by Alice J. Wisler

I'm going to do something that I never do and that is post the CFBA review without any words of my own. I truly despise first person present tense writing. There are so very few authors that can actually carry that off well. Therefore...

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Hatteras Girl Bethany House; Original edition (October 1, 2010) by Alice Wisler

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Alice J. Wisler is an author, public speaker, advocate, and fundraiser. She has been a guest on several radio and TV programs to promote her self-published cookbooks, Slices of Sunlight and Down the Cereal Aisle. She graduated from Eastern Mennonite University and has traveled the country in jobs that minister to people. Alice was raised in Japan and currently resides in Durham, North Carolina.

Facts about Alice

* Born in Osaka, Japan and lived in Japan for 18 years

* Went to Kyoto International School and Canadian Academy

* Majored in Social Work and graduated in 1983 from Eastern Mennonite University

* Worked at a group home for disadvantaged kids outside of Philadelphia

* Taught English and Culture Orientation at a refugee camp in the Philippines

* Taught English as a Second Language in Japan

* Speaks and teaches on Writing the Heartache

* Has three kids on earth, and one in Heaven

* Recently got married to Carl on 2/7/09

ABOUT THE BOOK

There are two things twenty-nine-year-old Jackie Donovan asks God for: an honest, wonderful man to marry, and to own a bed-and-breakfast in the Outer Banks region. In the meantime, Jackie works for Lighthouse Views magazine, writing articles about other local business owners, and intrepidly goes on the blind dates set up by her well-meaning but oh-so-clueless relatives.

There's one specific property Jackie dreams of purchasing: the Bailey Place, a fabulous old home where Jackie spent many happy childhood afternoons, a place that has now fallen into disrepair because of its outrageous price tag.

When Jackie meets handsome Davis Erickson, who holds the key to the Bailey Place, Jackie is sure God has answered both her prayers. But as Jackie learns some disturbing details about Davis's past, she begins to question her own motivation. Will she risk her long-held dreams to find out the truth?

If you would like to read the first chapter of Hatteras Girl, go HERE.

Journey to Unity by Garry Harper

I have  friend on LinkedIN who wrote the first in a trilogy, Journey to Unity.  He outlines the path to a new American majority. It makes a lot of sense.

He has put into words the same questions that a lot of Christians are asking. My pastor posed the question, "What would you like to see from Christians?" Some of the answers the church gave are the same things Garry is saying here.

The main point is that Christians are not the Enemy. Paul tells us plainly that our enemy is not of flesh and blood. Jesus said that we are known by the love we have for each other, yet Christians would rather have coats of blue or red with political pins rather than be Christ-like first, last and always.

The fundamental point is that Christians all over the world must come together on the foundation of agreement. That literally means we must root ourselves in Bible rather than Man Teachings, for there is where our agreement should begin and end.

Harper also points out that each individual should know, understand and be able to defend his or her own beliefs and faith before ever stepping into a voting booth. If we demanded more from the candidates concerning their own beliefs and convictions, then apply our faith filter to that, our votes would be based on clear, rational reasons rather than on emotion or how we felt about an issue.

I highly recommend this book. It makes a lot of sense, and is probably nothing you haven't thought of before but now it's well thought out and defended. It isn't an afternoon's easy read. You'll find yourself thinking about this long after the last page is turned.

Go to FaithPolicy.com to find out more about Garry Harper and to purchase this book. Look for the other two in the trilogy.