Julie Arduini's Blog, page 122

COTT: Blue Columbine by Jennifer Rodewald

[image error]

 

Blue Columbine, book one in the Grace Revealing series by Jennifer

Rodewald

Welcome, readers! This week we’re going

behind the scenes of Jennifer Rodewald’s new book, Blue Columbine!! Find

out why her hero, Andrew Harris, drew such a reaction, and why this

“non-heroic” hero makes the perfect star of this beautiful contemporary

romance.

The main character isn’t your typical Christian Fiction hero. What is he

like?

Andrew Harris insists on living on his own terms. Angry because of life’s

injustices, he is determined that failure will not cross his path again. He

is also adamant that he is not an alcoholic. When he reunites with Jamie

Carson, finding her to be rooted in the faith they’d grown up with, and

every bit as sweet and lovely as he remembered, he is plunged into an

emotional whirlwind. Guilt, a longing to be better, frustration that he is

not enough, and a rekindled love for his childhood sweetheart all swirl

inside with maddening strength. But for all his faults, he is still loyal,

supportive, and generous when he wants to be—all qualities that keep

Jamie’s attention and devotion. Which keeps their close friendship—edging

on more than friendship—complicated, to say the least.

What was the hardest part of writing this story?

This is a tough one, because the greatest difficulty didn’t come during the

writing part. The hardest thing was taking in the amount of very strong

negative reactions to Andrew as a Christian fiction character during the

critiquing stage of the novel. Andrew’s a mess. An alcoholic in denial,

angry at life and at God, selfish, and overall just not pretty. I knew

that, but I didn’t expect to have vehement reactions insisting that such a

character did not belong in Christian fiction. One comment labeled him

“unredeemable.” That broke my heart, because as I shared before, God

reminded me through this story that no one is beyond the Hand of Grace. I

think it’s important that sometimes Christian fiction confirms that truth,

even if it means starting with messy characters.

Where did Blue Columbine, the story, come from?

I’m not sure there’s one single, straight shot answer to that. The story

unfolded in my mind and I was compelled to write it. I’ve had several years

to look back and wonder, “Why this story?” since it first gripped me.

Looking at it from hindsight, I think God was pouring truth into me through

this book. I was at a point in my life when I was praying for loved

ones…and losing hope. I see now that God was teaching me that nothing is

beyond His reach. I needed to see that, to believe it again.

What messages/ themes do you hope your readers will get out of this

book?

The first is this: NO ONE is beyond redemption. No one. I need to know

that, because I love some messy people. God showed me through this book

that my prayers do not go unheard, that His hand is more powerful than I

give Him credit for, and His time and storyline are not necessarily mine.

And second: Jesus saves. From white lies to powerful addictions, Jesus

saves the lost, washes sin completely clean, and offers new life with real

hope.

What an amazing message! This book’s hero

proves that when our characters are not perfectly heroic, that only proves

that God is! Thank you for sharing your book with us.

Now for a closer

look at this book–and the gorgeous cover that sets the tone!

BLUE COLUMBINE, Book 1 of the Grace Revealing series




[image error]

Best Friends—maybe more—until addiction shatters everything.

Childhood sweethearts reunite, but Andrew is not the boy he had been, and

Jamie hasn’t changed. Their connection, however, outlasts time and

offense.

Loyalty, love, and then betrayal….For Jamie, one thing becomes clear: Andy

needs a savior, and she cannot be it. Will Andrew allow the hand of grace

to redeem his legacy of addiction, or will he and Jamie remain the

casualties of heartbreak?

What her readers are saying:

~ “Delicate. Humorous. And plumbing the depths of God’s redeeming love.”

~ “This book does not disappoint. Instead it takes you through the

emotional upheaval of loving someone with a problem you can’t solve–and

lets you witness the glory of the One who can.”

About Jennifer:

[image error]
Jennifer Rodewald is passionate about the Word of God and the powerful

vehicle of story. The draw to fiction has tugged hard on her heart since

childhood, and when she began pursuing writing she set on stories that

reveal the grace of God.Aiming to live with boundless enthusiasm, her creed is vision, pursuit and

excellence. Blessed with a robust curiosity, she loves to research. Whether

she’s investigating the history of a given area, the biography of a

Christian icon, or how nature declares the glory of God, her daily goal is

to learn something new.

Jen lives and writes in a lovely speck of a town where she watches with

amazement while her children grow up way too fast, gardens, and marvels at

God’s mighty hand in everyday life. Four kids and her own personal superman

make her home in southwestern Nebraska delightfully chaotic.

She would love to hear from you! Please visit her at authorjenrodewald.com

or connect with her on Facebook. Author Jen Rodewald.

Tags:  author, Blue Columbine, Christian fiction, Clash of the Titles, COTT: Blue Columbine by Jennifer Rodewald, Grace Revealing Series, Jennifer Rodewald, Julie Arduini, romance




Del.icio.us





Digg



StumbleUpon




Comments:  0 (Zero), Be the first to leave a reply!Take a look!  
 A2Z Meme: Forget about the Garage  Entrusted Now Available for Purchase!  Clash of the Titles Blog Alliance: Vote for Your Favorite Read  Sabbath Sunday: God, the Romancer  Saturday Confession: The Great PretenderCopyright © Julie Arduini [COTT: Blue Columbine by Jennifer Rodewald], All Right Reserved. 2015.

The post COTT: Blue Columbine by Jennifer Rodewald appeared first on Julie Arduini.

Sabbath Sunday: The Duck in the Lake

It’s so easy when we look around to absolutely freak out at what we’re seeing, hearing and believing.

The God that created the duck also created you and me.

As I watched this little guy travel around the lake in Speculator, New York, I realized what a picture of peace he is.

And he might look lazy but I think under the water where I can’t see, he’s getting the job done.

I might not be the loudest voice on your newsfeed but I can say this: underneath the water, I’m praying.

For the root cause behind the flags and the rainbows. For wounded people wounding people. And so much more.

Prayer is key.

Prayer changes things.

Prayer gives peace.

May Christ’s peace be yours today.

Tags:  Christ, current events, Duck, Julie Arduini, lake, New York, peace, Sabbath Sunday: The Duck in the Lake, Speculator




Del.icio.us





Digg



StumbleUpon




Comments:  0 (Zero), Be the first to leave a reply!Take a look!  
 COTT: Book Giveaway Contest Ends TONIGHT!  Sabbath Sunday: Waving a Flag but Not Living Free  Sabbath Sunday: Ah, Temptation  Let Every Heart Prepare Him Room by Ginger Ciminello  Book Review: Yes or No by Jeff ShinabargerCopyright © Julie Arduini [Sabbath Sunday: The Duck in the Lake], All Right Reserved. 2015.

The post Sabbath Sunday: The Duck in the Lake appeared first on Julie Arduini.

Saturday Confession: The Side Trip

It was probably eight years ago, maybe longer. The kids were with grandma and my husband and I were on a fact-finding mission. We looked into adopting a senior dog and wanted to visit her before making a decision. It wasn’t local so we plugged the address into a GPS and went on our way.

Once the task was done we realized we didn’t have to go the same way back. We had fun with back roads and country highways, landing at a small town restaurant for dinner. It wasn’t fancy but it was good eating.

We realized had we went the normal route, we would have missed that nice side trip. There was the great dinner and interesting scenery.

That’s the memory God dropped in my lap this week as I went for a routine appointment for our child. Although with puberty on the horizon I’ve been trying to plug those coordinates in my emotional GPS, I was still thrown when I received an update I wasn’t expecting.

The doctor ordered an x ray and now that result is in. It appears as if what the doctor feared was happening is a reality. And once I follow up with her and receive her guidance, we will most likely receive treatment.

I’m pretty rock solid in my faith.

For everyone who comes to me in prayer or God prompts me to pray for.

But when it’s  within our walls, boy that’s tough.

I didn’t plan this trip.

This is a detour I wasn’t expecting and I know for sure our child didn’t  ask for it, either.

Ah, but the side trip.

That night where we had a wonderful night we never would have enjoyed had we stayed the course.

Yeah.

That side trip.

That’s where I’m at. God’s not a liar. He’s promised that girl is an overcomer and He’s confirmed it over and over. This side trip surprised me, but not Him.

With this new route we hope to avoid complications and actually have progress and praises.

I think it’s a road worth taking.

Tags:  AHO, albright's hereditary osteodystrophy, faith, family, GPS, Julie Arduini, map, route, side trip, special needs




Del.icio.us





Digg



StumbleUpon




Comments:  0 (Zero), Be the first to leave a reply!Take a look!  
 Mother of Pearl Blog Series: Beth Engelman  Featured Video of the Week: To See the Sun by Peggy Blann Phifer  Sabbath Sunday: The Sad Scrapbook  What 42 Looks Like On Me  Sabbath Sunday: Not Even in the FogCopyright © Julie Arduini [Saturday Confession: The Side Trip], All Right Reserved. 2015.

The post Saturday Confession: The Side Trip appeared first on Julie Arduini.

Guest Blogger: Recipe for Single Moms by Dawn V. Cahill

Recipe for Single Moms
By Dawn V. Cahill. First appeared on Dawn V. Cahill.com June 7, 2015

Many years ago, my three-year-old son discovered a love for food preparation. He’d come up with all kinds of concoctions. Here’s one of them:

½ gallon of milk

2/3 quart chocolate milk powder

Approx 8 tbsp salt

¼ can of pepper

¼ jar of onion powder

½ box of petit fours

In a saucepan, stir all ingredients together on medium-high heat, stir, and enjoy. Note: In order to capture every subtle flavor of each ingredient, it is EXTREMELY IMPORTANT to prepare before 6:00 am, before anyone else is up. I promise it will fill your home with a mysterious yet enticing scent, and will bring the rest of the family scurrying to the kitchen.

Doesn’t that look scrumptious? A half-gallon of milk mixed with chocolate powder sounds like a promising beginning, doesn’t it? Funny how life can imitate recipes. In my own case, life as a single parent started out not so bad. Once I rid my home of my alcoholic husband’s toxic influence, the atmosphere lightened as if the house itself breathed a big sigh of relief.

But then life threw a lot of salt into the mix. And way too much pepper. One of my sons began getting in trouble at school for disruptive behavior, and he was only 6 years old. His grades nosedived and his behavior grew increasingly unruly as the long year wore on. As this was happening,  another son, the chef wannabe, was diagnosed with delayed development.

Sweet had turned to bitter.

I had eliminated one problem – abusive husband – but had acquired umpteen more. Child support was erratic, at best. Financial problems, like onion powder, is only tolerable in small doses.

Life had turned into a disaster that made me gag.

I decided I needed a way to sweeten up my life, and came up with the perfect solution: a delicious new romance! A purely selfish, yet pleasurable way to make life bearable again.

Of course, it didn’t work. Petit fours soaked in salt, pepper and onions aren’t so tasty anymore. Neither is romance when the rest of life isn’t working.

But here I am, twenty years later, my sanity still intact—at least, I hope it is. My son the aspiring chef is on the verge of graduating from college. My unruly son made it through school and has been on his own for many years.

So, you might wonder, how did I get from there to here?

It’s a long story, one I’ll have to save for next time. But it’s a testament to God’s grace. His merciful concern for the widow and the orphan.

Be sure to come back HERE for the rest of the story.

~~Dawn V. Cahill~~Since I was a small child, I’ve loved stories, both reading and writing them. One of my earliest stories got high accolades from my third grade teacher. It was about a little Manx kitten whose mother rejected her because she didn’t have a tail. Until an older, wiser cat helped the mother understand the importance of accepting her children the way God made them.

Over the years, I cranked out many a story, started and stopped several more. The most memorable one I started as a teenager, and I’ve promised myself and my sons I’m going to finish it someday. I called it “Mitch and the Martians.” A group of Martian buddies visit Earth, just happen to land on the State Capitol building in Salem, Oregon (my home at the time), saw the gold-plated statue of a pioneer on the dome, and assumed all Earthlings looked like that. So they turned themselves into gold men and walked the streets of Salem. Strange adventures ensue!

We know much more about Mars now. When I finish the story, I’ll include the premise that the residents of Mars live underground, which is why the NASA explorations never saw them!

I put writing on the back burner once I began raising my sons as a single mom. That was the hardest job I’ve ever done, but now I feel a nudge from the Lord to encourage other women who are facing the same struggles I did. My blog section called “Crumpets and Tea” is targeted especially for single mothers, and includes personal anecdotes and what I learned from them, as well as Bible verses and how the Lord used them to encourage me during my darkest days.

I started my first novel two years ago, and now have two completed ones to my name. And I’m one-fourth of the way through my third. I’m excited that the Lord reawakened my passion for writing, and am looking forward to seeing what He does through me!

Of my three completed books, one is published, a short story available only in ebook, When Lyric Met Limerick. Here’s the blurb from my website:

 Aspiring rock star Howard McCreary only wants to be rich and famous. At least that’s what he’d always thought until Luna Rickles, the cute poetess, walked into his life. But when disaster strikes, his rock star career comes to a screeching halt. As his troubles escalate, Howard makes a desperate bargain with God. But as the walls crumble around him, is it too late for Howard? Or can God really redeem his mistakes and turn them into something good?

 

Here are the links to my book. On the bookshop manager link, all formats are available for download. 

Bookshop manager

Amazon

Here’s my Facebook author page:

 

And my website.

 

Tags:  abuse, author, baking, cooking, God's faithfulness, guest blogger, Julie Arduini, onion powder, petit fours, recipe, Recipe for Single Moms by Dawn V. Cahill, single mom, sons




Del.icio.us





Digg



StumbleUpon




Comments:  0 (Zero), Be the first to leave a reply!Take a look!  
 The Thankful Series  Book Review: How to Catch a Prince by Rachel Hauck    Book Review: The Dream Dress by Janice Thompson  Saturday Confession: My Marriage Reminder Courtesy of Donnie Love JennyCopyright © Julie Arduini [Guest Blogger: Recipe for Single Moms by Dawn V. Cahill], All Right Reserved. 2015.

The post Guest Blogger: Recipe for Single Moms by Dawn V. Cahill appeared first on Julie Arduini.

COTT: Sedona Sunset by Tanya Stowe

[image error]

Welcome, readers! As summer moves into full

swing and fireworks can be heard ringing through the skies, we’re still

cranking out a steady stream of must-read books! Today we are taking a

closer look at one of our recent competitors, Sedona Sunset by Tanya

Stowe.

About the Book

[image error]After an auto accident leaves her crippled and takes her

mother’s life, Lara Fallon completes her mother’s dream of opening a school

and offering scholarships to promising young artists. Although Lara is

struggling with survivor’s guilt, she is thrilled to fulfill one more of

her mother’s dreams when she hires Alexander Summers, world-renown Flamenco

player and professor of art, to perform at the grand opening of The Fallon

School of Art.

But Alex has a secret. He investigates art theft for UNESCO, and when

pieces of Chaco pottery suddenly appear on the black market, Alex is

certain The Fallon School of Art is a cover for this illegal operation.

He’s determined to uncover the link…even if it means romantically

pursuing the lovely Lara Fallon.

Alex’s investigation leads him on collision course with Lara’s inner

struggle to cope with her mother’s death and her own wavering faith in God.

Now, Lara’s school and her heart are in danger. But is her life as well?

Woo! Art! Flamenco! Scandal! What’s not to

love??

Readers’ Comments

A great story. Wonderful characters. A joy to read.

Lara is a woman coming into her own potential and personal power. She is

encouraged to create a new life for herself by a mysterious man hoping to

be there when she does. Alex is just as intriguing as Lara with his secrets

and double life. The characters were strong and real, both individually and

together. I was impressed with how Stowe beautifully handled the budding

relationship with passion, but without the need for graphic sex. The

Sedona, AZ area has always had a special mystique and it is a perfect

location for this tale. Add in a well-thought out mystery and you have one

of the best books I’ve read so far this year.

I was given this book in return for an honest review and I am very happy to

give it high marks. It’s a truly well-written story that I can recommend

highly. This book makes it to my “save and reread” list.

~Amazon reviewer K. Frost

I loved the characters. Lara is left to finish what her mom started a

school for the gifted and being able to offer scholarships to the young

artist. Lara hires Alex Summers to help bring in the donations needed for

the school. But there is something shady going on at the school and Lara is

determined to see what is going on. She is wondering what happened to the 3

missing checks? Who all is involved ? Loved the story and has a romance but

done in good taste which Tanya always does. Look forward to what is next.

You like mystery with some romance you will want to read this book by Tanya

Stowe.

~Amazon reviewer D. L. Montgomery

Ready to dive in?

Purchase Sedona Sunset here:

Pelican

Amazon

B&N

[image error]

About the author:

Tanya Stowe is a Christian Fiction writer with an unexpected edge. This

Pelican Book Group author fills her romances with the unusual…gifts of the

spirit in Tender Touch and spiritual warfare in Haunted Hearts. In Never

Ending Night she explores the horrors of a Civil War battle and unravels a

mystery. Tender Trust treks to the Old West. Leap of Faith brushes wings

with an angel and White Christmas wraps romance in the traditions of a

small town holiday. No matter where Tanya goes…on a journey through the

past or contemporary adventures in new lands…be prepared for the

extraordinary.

Www.TanyaStowe.com

Tags:  author, Clash of the Titles, COTT, COTT: Sedona Sunset by Tonya Stowe, fiction, Sedona Sunset, summer reads, Tanya Stowe




Del.icio.us





Digg



StumbleUpon




Comments:  0 (Zero), Be the first to leave a reply!Take a look!  
 Sabbath Sunday: Beyond the Branches  My 12 in 12: An Update  Encouragement for When You Can't Stop Circling the Pool  COTT: "The Q Manifesto" --A Christian Thriller You Don't Want to Miss!  Where Books, Reading, Mustangs and Chocolate MeetCopyright © Julie Arduini [COTT: Sedona Sunset by Tanya Stowe], All Right Reserved. 2015.

The post COTT: Sedona Sunset by Tanya Stowe appeared first on Julie Arduini.

Sunday Sabbath: The Duck in the Lake

It’s so easy when we look around to absolutely freak out at what we’re seeing, hearing and believing.

The God that created the duck also created you and me.

As I watched this little guy travel around the lake in Speculator, New York, I realized what a picture of peace he is.

And he might look lazy but I think under the water where I can’t see, he’s getting the job done.

I might not be the loudest voice on your newsfeed but I can say this: underneath the water, I’m praying.

For the root cause behind the flags and the rainbows. For wounded people wounding people. And so much more.

Prayer is key.

Prayer changes things.

Prayer gives peace.

May Christ’s peace be yours today.

Tags:  Adirondack Mountains, Christ, current events, Duck, God's creation, Julie Arduini, lake, peace, prayer, Speculator, Upstate NY




Del.icio.us





Digg



StumbleUpon




Comments:  0 (Zero), Be the first to leave a reply!Take a look!  
 Stephanie's interview  After The Love Boat Bachelor: For Readers and Writers  Book Review: Dena Higley's Momaholic  Sabbath Sunday: Ever-Present  Christmas Idea for Dad: The 21-Day Dad's ChallengeCopyright © Julie Arduini [Sunday Sabbath: The Duck in the Lake], All Right Reserved. 2015.

The post Sunday Sabbath: The Duck in the Lake appeared first on Julie Arduini.

Independence Day: Before You Have Another Hot Dog

Ah, Independence Day.

I am pretty sure my blood is red, white and blue. I cry during patriotic things and I believe in this country.

Wait, I believe in the purpose God has for this country. #USA Powered By the Tweet This PluginTweet This

So as things lately spiral so off the axis, I wanted to pause and listen to what I think is the greatest rendition of The Star Spangled Banner out there. I get chills, I cry, it gets me in the gut, I mean this is how to remember our country and her roots today. Take five minutes to gather your family and friends around and thank God for the United States of America.

Tags:  America, God's plan for America, Independence Day, Julie Arduini, July 4, patriotic, Pray for America, Sandi Patty, The Star Spangled Banner, USA




Del.icio.us





Digg



StumbleUpon




Comments:  0 (Zero), Be the first to leave a reply!Take a look!  
 Saturday Confession: When Your Pet Peeve Comes Back to Teach You a Lesson  Rachel Hauck's The Wedding Dress  WFW: God's 3:30 AM Answer  Character Confession: Why I Don't Stare  Book Review: Rachel by Jill Eileen SmithCopyright © Julie Arduini [Independence Day: Before You Have Another Hot Dog], All Right Reserved. 2015.

The post Independence Day: Before You Have Another Hot Dog appeared first on Julie Arduini.

Take the Plunge 2015 Summer Challenge

Julie’s note:

Don’t forget that Unlikely Merger is FREE on Amazon Kindle through July 5th. Pick up your copy here.

Summer . . . a time that kids pine for during the school year and parents may anticipate with something akin to dread. Fearing refrains of “I’m bored” or hours spent on the couch playing video games can make moms and dads nervous about the long, hot months stretching before their family. Focus on the Family’s Odyssey Adventure Club offers an answer, encouraging parents and kids to embrace faith and fun with the Take the Plunge Adventures in Odyssey Clubhouse magazine’s Summer Challenge.

Take the Plunge

The Take the Plunge challenge features:

Master Mind Monday — commit God’s Word to memory
Ways to Play Wednesday — spend active time with your family
Faith Sharing Friday — share God’s love with others

The Take the Plunge challenge helps families memorize at least five verses, engage in five activities together and share their faith with five people before the school doors swing open again. Those who sign up will receive an 11-week plan with suggested verses to memorize, activity ideas (such as visiting a war memorial) and ways to witness (such as passing out popsicles at the park with an invitation to your church), making this challenge the perfect tool for parents who want summer to be a time of spiritual and social stimulation for their kids.

“Research tells us that the more senses we involve when teaching children a principle, the more likely it is to stick,” Plugged In editor and Adventures in Odyssey podcast host Bob Smithouser says. “Bible memorization by itself is great, but it becomes even more powerful when put into action. Know it. Share it. Live it.”

Families who sign up to take part in the challenge at www.whitsend.org/summer will have access to weekly verses to memorize, ideas for family fun and suggestions for service projects that allow a family to share their faith. Additionally, anyone who signs up to participate in the Take the Plunge challenge will receive a free scene from the latest Adventures in Odyssey album, as well as a free story from the book Strange Journey Back.

Tags:  Adventures in Odyssey, bored kids, challenge, faith, family, Julie Arduini, Odyssey Adventure Club, summer 2015, Take the Plunge Summer 2015 Challenge




Del.icio.us





Digg



StumbleUpon




Comments:  0 (Zero), Be the first to leave a reply!Take a look!  
 A2Z Letter C---Cover Up My Crafts  Saturday Confession: Waiting on Medicine  COTT: Book Giveaway Contest Ends TONIGHT!  Book Review: Every Bride Needs a Groom by Janice Thompson  Sabbath Sunday: He's Got YouCopyright © Julie Arduini [Take the Plunge 2015 Summer Challenge], All Right Reserved. 2015.

The post Take the Plunge 2015 Summer Challenge appeared first on Julie Arduini.

Unlikely Merger is FREE on Amazon Kindle through July 5th

The wait is over! Readers voted, the winning hero got their happy ending and now Unlikely Merger is FREE on Amazon Kindle through July 5th! http://amzn.to/1H3vydsPowered By the Tweet This PluginTweet This

Book Description:

No longer needed as her father’s nurse, Mercy Lacewell attempts to step into his shoes at his acquisitions firm. That means travel, engaging strangers, and making final decisions—nothing she feels equipped to do. If her best friend has her way, Mercy will simply marry one of the single, available men she meets, but they overwhelm her. So handsome and kind. And so many. Even if she felt obliged, how could she ever choose?

Should she shove all attraction aside and focus on her father’s business, or is God warming her heart with the possibility of forever?

This is Book Three in the Heart Seekers series. Book One was A Dozen Apologies and Book Two was The Love Boat Bachelor. Unlikely Merger can stand alone but don’t you want to find out how all the stories tie together? It is quite the fun ride.

I wrote Landon Gates, Chapter 3, from Watkins Glen in Unlikely Merger. My heart was to honor the area I grew up in and create a character that represents the people. I named him after my nephew, and named his sister, Kaili, as the name we would have chosen had our son been a daughter.

All the heroes are swoon worthy and we heard at one point one vote separated five characters. Well, the votes are in but we can’t tell you who won Mercy’s heart.

Why not read on and find out? And once you’re done, if you enjoyed it, leave a review on Amazon and Goodreads? Thank you!

To purchase Unlikely Merger and leave a review, click here.

To review Unlikely Merger on Goodreads, click here.

Tags:  A Dozen Apologies, Julie Arduini, Landon Gates, The Heart Seekers Series, The Love Boat Bachelor, Unlikely Merger is FREE on Amazon through July 5th, Watkins Glen, Write Integrity Press




Del.icio.us





Digg



StumbleUpon




Comments:  0 (Zero), Be the first to leave a reply!Take a look!  
 12 Pearls of Christmas | Day 9 - The ADVENTure Awaits You! by Charissa Steyn  Do You Hear the Captain's Call that Another Misfit is Leaving Barbie Island?  Book Review: Barefoot Summer by Denise Hunter  Saturday Confession: When You Miss a Blessing  Sabbath Sunday: When I See a CaveCopyright © Julie Arduini [Unlikely Merger is FREE on Amazon Kindle through July 5th], All Right Reserved. 2015.

The post Unlikely Merger is FREE on Amazon Kindle through July 5th appeared first on Julie Arduini.

Book Review: Burning Justice by Helena Smrcek

Book Description:

Romantic suspense, set in French Lick Indiana, first in the Alicia Yu, FBI series.Between a beacon of hope and redemption, comes Jacob. Nora’s future hangs in the balance of his past.

Pacifist Mennonite social worker Nora Martin is on the verge of opening a residential facility for first-time offenders. After years of planning, she’ll finally be able to rescue young men from the violence of prison…or what has been their only other option, the violence of the military.

But then a stranger in camouflage and combat boots marches through her front door and claims to own her house. And he’s not interested in letting Nora change it.

Who is Petty Officer Jacob Schwartz, and why does no one in the close-knit town of French Lick, Indiana want to acknowledge that he exists? What are they hiding? What had seemed like a safe community is now full of secrets and old heartaches, and Nora is caught in the dangerous middle. Her only ally is her best friend, FBI agent Alicia Yu (who readers first met in Glitter and Sorrow), but even Alicia can’t protect her from the way Nora’s heart races every time Jacob’s in the room.

Can she trust a man in uniform?

Nora and Jacob’s choices have taken them down different paths, but God may still show them a safe way back.

 

***

The mark of good romantic suspense is constant conflict. Chemistry. A push-pull reaction in every chapter, every scene. Burning Justice has all of these things and more.

Alicia isn’t the star of Burning Justice as much as Nora Martin is. Nora’s about peace but nothing in her life is peaceful. Especially when Jacob comes back to town.

The two battle through plans for the farm, whispers about them that threaten the plans for the farm, whispers about his past, fears she has about her own past. There is sorrow and pain, but there is also fun self talk from Nora in the first person POV.

I found this book to be one I knew I should put down to get things done around the house, but I couldn’t. All the things above impressed me so, right down to the dramatic ending.

Each year I share my favorite reads of the year and right now, Burning Justice is in the running. I highly recommend.

(I received Burning Justice in exchange for an honest review.)

Tags:  Alicia Yu Series, author, book review, Burning Justice, FBI, fiction, Helena Smrcek, Julie Arduini, Mennonite




Del.icio.us





Digg



StumbleUpon




Comments:  1 (One) on this itemTake a look!  
 A2Z Meme: Pull-eeze Contain Your Potty Mouth  Saturday Confession: I'm Just Going to Shake...  Celebrating My Blog Anniversary with a Book Giveaway  Get Some Couch Time with Jeannie Campbell, Character Therapist  Guest Blogger Laura Hodges Poole: My Middle Name is Not 'Doormat' (& Neither is Yours)Copyright © Julie Arduini [Book Review: Burning Justice by Helena Smrcek], All Right Reserved. 2015.

The post Book Review: Burning Justice by Helena Smrcek appeared first on Julie Arduini.