Monday, September 17, 2012

Falling In Love


Wade is in his thirties, a gifted veterinarian and single. Katie, his younger assistant and friend, can’t seem to figure out why he hasn’t found the love of his life yet.
Katie’s obsession with finding Wade the right woman and his obsession with her collide in a very predictable, but deliciously romantic story line.
The tug of war over friendship boundaries and mounting romantic desires send Wade to prayer again and again.
Tension? Oh my goodness! The romantic tension between the characters is almost tangible. Notice I said romantic tension not sexual tension. I love the clean approach the author takes with them. The innocence of every touch and the silent prayers behind every feeling make this a story you could comfortably share with your teenage daughter.
Very well written scenes stir up the reader to root for a romance that seems to be more than a passing fancy. Wade and Katie have all the markings of forever love, if they could just get out of their heads and make a move already.
Falling In Love is a quick read full of heart. You’ll swoon through each page, your eyes glued until the very last sentence and you’ll no doubt put it down satisfied.
You can purchase your copy at Amazon. If you have a Prime account, you can download this book FREE.

* I was given this product free to review on behalf of the author, September 2012 

Sunday, September 16, 2012

Decision to Love


Michelle Sutton doesn’t deny that her writing is controversial. On the contrary, she considers it a joy to be a writer “Edgy” Christian Fiction. No doubt God has gifted her with the honesty, sensitivity and integrity to tackle such themes in a God honoring way.
You won’t find sensationalism in her story or judgement either. Those aren’t the point of her writing. Nope, her motivation is to address the areas that Christians all too commonly sweep under the rug and expose them to the light of God’s truth extending love to all people while recognizing all sin equally. 
Take a look at the book trailer and come back for my thoughts on Decision to Love. 
Decision to Love will walk you through a frightening picture of the effects of sin.
Long after Tony and Hope have come to grips with their affair the scars continue to present themselves through haunting memories, guilt and maybe even in the choices made by their children. 
Hope wonders if her infidelity could be the cause of her son’s recent confession of homosexual desires. After all, he was raised in the church, surely he knows better.
A new believer, Tony is still struggling with lustful memories of his encounter with Hope and the shame these thoughts bring. He wonders if he is the cause of his daughter’s relationship woes. Fearing that ”The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree” he seeks to show her better in her relationships.
Hope’s son, Jimmy, brings a very relivent picture of the mental and spiritual anguish of having homosexual feelings. His heart is in turmoil as he battles whether to act on feeling or follow his faith. 
Meanwhile, Tony’s daughter, Nina, struggles with the decision to have an abortion and the wave of emotion that comes after making her decision. Believing that she is too dirty, broken and flawed to ever be loved by God, her father works to introduce her to the forgiving nature of his new savior.
I especially like that the author never undermines or elevates Jimmy’s mistakes or those of any character. The flaws of all characters are carefully and fairly addressed.
Decision to Love is a discussion starter for sure. How would you handle it if your child was on the precipice of such a monumental choice? Could you decide to love?
If controversial topics don’t leave you squeamish, and you can appreciate an edgy approach this might be the book for you.
I enjoyed Decision to Love and felt challenged in my reactions to all forms of sin. The only area that bothered me was that Tony repeatedly entertains his lustful thoughts by engaging in masterbation. I don’t doubt that this occurs frequently even among christian singles, however, it’s not something I want to read about. The story itself was not benefited from these scenes being included and I feel I would have liked it better had they not been added.
You can learn more about the author (Michelle Sutton) at: http://www.michellesutton.net/pb/wp_f320c606/wp_f320c606.html
If you are a fan of this type of book check out Michelle’s social media network Edgy Christian Fiction Lovers.

*I received a free copy of this book/Ebook/Product to review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Regulations. I am part of The CWA Review Crew.

Friday, September 14, 2012

Ramblings from the Shower


Ramblings from the Shower sounds like a kind of flaky title that doesn’t really come close to giving Faye Bryant the full credit she deserves.  So much more than “ramblings”, Faye’s wisdom and friendly dialogue make this a book you’ll be eager to share. It’s a comprehensive devotional collection that will touch the heart of the reader and motivate reflection and a closer walk with God.
When I take a shower I usually catch myself humming something crazy like Singing in the Rain or Somewhere Over the Rainbow. Faye’s shower time goes so much deeper. The shower is her time to quietly muse about the things of God. The discussions she has with herself and the Lord during these times are profound and she is generous to share that private time in a very candid fashion with her readers.
I love this book! I love her voice and the realism she conveys.  Certain topics spoke louder to me than others, but I think this will be extremely personal for each reader as the holy spirit highlights the messages they need most. 
For me it was an early chapter that first gripped me. She writes about when she was thinking about pedestals. She quickly remembers an event with a pastor’s wife who was overwhelmed by the challenges and work of operating under the expectations of others as well as the crazy high standards she had in turn placed on herself. Faye spoke reason and peace into the pastor’s wife so desperate to please. She recognizes the fear and emotion of such high expectations and touches on a very needed splash of grace. As a former pastor’s wife I was deeply blessed to know that someone outside of that life could see the struggles these women face and reach out in love. 
There was so much insight packed in this simple little book that I could hardly put it down. 
You won’t find sudsy philosophy or washed up religion in the pages of Ramblings from the Shower. You’ll find honesty, truth and a clean picture of the one who can wash you whiter than snow.
Pick up your copy today at At Amazon or Barnes and NobleIt’s shower time! 

*I received a free copy of this book/Ebook/Product to review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Regulations. I am part of The CWA Review Crew.