Win a “Date Night” Prize Pack from Deborah Raney

Deborah is celebrating with a fun "Date Night" Giveaway (win a $200 Visa Cash Card!) and an Author Chat Party on Facebook! {5/30}

One winner will receive:

• A $200 Visa Cash Card (Use that to catch up with a loved one – your spouse, friend, sister, mom…whomever!)
• The Face of the Earth by Deborah Raney

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on May 29th. Winner will be announced at the "The Face of the Earth" Facebook Author Chat Party on May 30th. Connect with Deborah for an evening of book chat, trivia, laughter, and more! Deborah will also be sharing a sneak peek of her next book and giving away books and fun gift certificates throughout the evening.

So grab your copy of The Face of the Earth and join Deborah on the evening of May 30th for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book, don't let that stop you from coming!)

Don't miss a moment of the fun; RSVP today. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 30th!

{MORE ABOUT THE FACE OF THE EARTH}

When Mitchell Brannon’s beloved wife of twenty years kisses him goodbye one autumn morning, he has little idea that his life is about to change forever.

Mitch returns from work early that evening, surprised Jill’s car isn’t in the garage. Her conference in Kansas City is only a few hours’ drive from their little town of Sylvia, Missouri. But her voice on the answering machine makes him smile. “Hey, babe, I’m just now checking out of the hotel, but I’ll stop and pick up something for dinner. Love you.”

Mitch sets the table with their best china and lights some candles, looking forward to their first weekend as empty nesters.

But at eight o’clock, the candles have burned to stubs and Jill still hasn’t shown up. Mitch tries her cell phone only to get her voice mail over and over again. Their two college kids haven’t heard from their mom either.

At midnight, Mitch’s irritation turns to dread. And later, when the police and Missouri Highway Patrol have turned up nothing, the Kansas City hotel calls to say they’ve found property belonging to Jill in a hotel maid’s possession.

Mitch enlists the help of their next-door neighbor, Jill’s best friend, Shelley, and together they search for clues to Jill’s disappearance. As days turn into weeks and weeks into months, Mitch and Shelley’s friendship grows ever closer—and decidedly complicated with Jill as the tie that binds them together. Just when Shelley decides to finally reveal her feelings for Mitch, a clue to Jill’s whereabouts is uncovered. But every lead seems to be a dead end, and Mitch wonders how he can honor the vows he made to a woman who has seemingly disappeared off the face of the earth.

Purchase a copy here.

{MORE ABOUT DEBORAH RANEY}

Deborah Raney is the award-winning author of several novels, including “A Nest of Sparrows” and the RITA award winning “Beneath a Southern Sky” and its sequel, “After the Rains.” Deborah’s first novel, “A Vow to Cherish,” was the inspiration for World Wide Pictures’ highly acclaimed film of the same title, which in December 2004 aired on prime time network TV for the second time. Deb’s novella, “Playing by Heart,” was a National Readers Choice Award winner and a 2004 Christy Award finalist. Her novel for Howard/Simon & Schuster, “Yesterday’s Embers,” appeared on the ECPA Christian fiction bestseller list. Known for her sensitive portrayal of family struggles and relationships, Deb has also written nonfiction books and articles and often speaks at women’s retreats and writers’ conferences around the country. She and her husband, illustrator/author Ken Raney, have four children and make their home in Kansas.

Find out more about Deborah at http://deborahraney.com.

Join the Once Upon a Prince Royal Wedding Celebration with Rachel Hauck!

Rachel Hauck is celebrating the release of Once Upon a Prince with a fun "Royal Wedding" Giveaway and connecting with readers at her May 28th Facebook Party.

One "royal" winner will receive:

• A Kindle Fire
• Once Upon a Prince by Rachel Hauck

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on May 27th. Winner will be announced at the "Once Upon a Prince" Facebook Author Chat Party on May 28th. Connect with Rachel for an evening of book chat, wedding trivia, laughter, and more! Rachel will also be sharing a sneak peek at the next book in the series and giving away books and fun gift certificates throughout the evening.

So grab your copy of Once Upon a Prince and join Rachel on the evening of May 28th for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book, don't let that stop you from coming!)

Don't miss a moment of the fun; RSVP today. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 28th!

For more about Once Upon a Prince,

visit this post about the book!

A cat... on a mission from God?

Welcome to the blog tour for Jim Kraus’ latest novel, The Cat That God Sent (Abingdon Press). Readers are sure to enjoy Jim’s follow up release to The Dog That Talked to God (nominated for a CBA Book of the Year Award).

{MORE ABOUT THE CAT THAT GOD SENT}

Meet Petey, your not-so-average cat—on a mission from God

Disillusioned young pastor, Jake Wilkerson, has just arrived at his new assignment in the small rural church of Coudersport, Pennsylvania. Also new on the scene is Petey, a cat of unknown origins and breed—but of great perception.

As Jake sets about doing the business of ministry, Petey’s continued interference brings chaos to the community of curiously off and eccentric people—residents like the faith-avoiding veterinarian Sally Grainger and Tassy, a young runaway with a secret. An expert at hiding his fears, Jake wonders if all this—and the cat to boot—is more than he can handle. What is Petey’s real “mission”? Perhaps something larger than Jake—or even Petey—can possibly know.

Purchase a copy here.

Be sure to check out Jim’s The Dog That Talked to God which was nominated as an ECPA book of the Year (2013).

Publishers Weekly said, “Judge this book by its cover… and be charmed.” 

“The Dog That Talked to God is a moving and powerful read, inspirational long after the last page has been turned.” – New York Journal of Books

“Jim Kraus has written a funny, heartfelt novel in the tradition of Garth Stein and John Grogan. For a long time dogs have been man’s best friend. It only made sense one would finally come along to save our souls.”— Rob Stennett author, Homemade Haunting and The Almost True Story Of Ryan Fisher

“I loved this story. Quirky and unusual, this unique tale wove a spell around me and drew me in. It wasn’t what I expected at all, and when I turned the last page, it left me wanting more.” — Ane Mulligan, senior editor Novel Rocket

“Anyone who has loved a pet knows the sense of connection, of deep familiarity and acceptance, and even of a possible spiritual awareness. In The Dog That Talked to God, Jim Kraus offers a hard-to-put down story of Rufus, a miniature schnauzer who make a giant difference… Kraus has created an enjoyable and often hilarious read. Highly recommended.” — Congregational Libraries Today

MORE ABOUT THE BOOK:

Recently widowed Mary Fassler buys a Miniature Schnauzer, Rufus, and her world is turned sideways in the midst of her grief.  It seems that Rufus speaks. And not just to her. He also talks to God. When Rufus begins sharing advice that could result in major changes, Mary gets the feeling the pooch might not be steering her in the right direction. Or, is she just afraid to take the leap and discover something she desperately needs? Only Rufus…and God…knows.

{MORE ABOUT JIM KRAUS}

Jim Kraus grew up in Western Pennsylvania and has spent the last twenty years as a vice president of a major Christian publishing house. He has written more than twenty books and novels, including the best-selling The Dog That Talked to God. He and his family live outside of Chicago with a sweet miniature Schnauzer and an ill-tempered Siberian cat named (of course) Petey.

Find out more about Jim at www.jimkraus.com.

“Pastors’ Wives” iPad Mini Giveaway and May 23 Facebook Party with @LisaCullen!

Lisa Takeuchi Cullen is celebrating the release of

her debut novel, Pastors' Wives, with an iPad Mini Giveaway
and connecting with readers on Facebook on May 23rd!

One winner will receive:

• An iPad Mini
• A $25 iTunes gift card

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on May 22nd. Winner will be announced at the "Pastors' Wives" Author Chat Party on May 23rd. Connect with Lisa for an evening of book chat, trivia, laughter, and more! Lisa will also be giving away books and fun gift certificates throughout the evening.

So grab your copy of Pastors' Wives and join Lisa on the evening of May 23rd for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book, don't let that stop you from coming!)

Don't miss a moment of the fun; RSVP today. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 23rd!

For more about Pastors' Wives, visit this previous post!

The Postcards Misty Harbor Inn series has something for everyone: romance, history, mystery and faith

What happens when three sisters come together in Nantucket for the first time since their mother’s death? Much more than the Marris sisters could have ever anticipated! The Postcards from Misty Harbor Inn series (Guideposts Books) introduces readers to Caroline, Gracie and Sam as they gather for a vacation where they spent the summers as children, and follows their adventures as they fulfill their mother’s dream of opening a bed and breakfast. As the sisters heal from their mother’s passing, they bond in ways they never imagined and discover evidence of God’s hand in the unlikeliest of circumstances.

A team of four authors come together under the pen name of Evangeline Kelley to bring the unique personalities of each sister to vivid life and welcome audiences to the charming and historic island of Nantucket, complete with cobblestone streets, quaint shops, ferries, sandy beaches and salty air. The series weaves together the stories of each of the sisters as they progress through their own unique personal journeys. Along the way, readers will discover the wonder of God’s love in the lives of each of his children.

Seaside Harmony

(April 2013/ISBN: 978-0-8249-3246-6/$13.99)

Sunflower Summer

(April 2013/ISBN: 978-0-8249-3247-3/$13.99) 

Whispers on the Dock

(August 2013/ISBN: 978-0-8249-3259-6/$13.99)

An interview with Camy Tang, one of the authors

of The Postcards from Misty Harbor Inn series

Q: Nantucket brings to mind images of historic charm and a certain mystery.  What kind of research did you do in order to portray the essence of the island? If you were able to visit Nantucket, was it anything like you expected?

In researching this book and this series, I loved the historical richness of Nantucket. There were a lot of social and financial changes that happened throughout the decades, and it was a lot of fun to read about the history of the island, including snippets from old diaries of residents. That's what gave me the idea to include an excerpt of a society matron's diary in book three as a clue to the mystery about Hannah. I'm hoping the research that I and my co-authors did gives the readers a taste of the Nantucket historical time periods mentioned in the books.

Q: Several authors came together to write the Postcards from Misty Harbor Inn series. How were you able to maintain the characters and the story line from book to book? How did your collaborative process work?

We all started off with three rough outlines of the stories and a document that listed a lot of the pertinent places and people in the series, which had to remain consistent throughout all three books. Patti Berg made sure to include lots of cool pictures! Our collaborative process was all over emails, and it was a lot of fun! We have a Yahoo! group email loop, and we'd often shoot off an email asking about things like if anyone had any details in their book about what the library looks like, or if anyone had already mentioned in their book about the various people who owned the Misty Harbor Inn in the past. Since all three books were written within a few months of each other, we were able to fine-tune any inconsistencies or make sure we mentioned things that ended up changing in a previous book. It ended up being really exciting to see how the books were being tweaked even as we all finished our individual manuscripts.

Q: Is this the first time you have written a series with other authors? How are you recruited by a publisher to contribute to a series?

I had been fortunate to work with Patti Berg, Pam Hanson and Barbara Andrews (as well as other authors) on another Guideposts series, Miracles of Marble Cove. It was a delight to be collaborating with them on another series since I already knew we worked well together, and it was fun for the four of us to be discussing with one another a set of characters as interesting as the Marris sisters. Each of us had originally auditioned for and been selected to work for Guideposts for other series, and then we were asked to work on the Postcards from Misty Harbor Inn series.

Q: The Postcards from Misty Harbor Inn series has elements from several different genres. How do romance, history, mystery and faith all come together in these stories?

I have to credit our editor for helping us balance the romance, history, mystery and faith so that they all intertwine so delicately and create wonderfully rich and cohesive books. Our editor, Jon Woodhams, worked closely with us from the synopsis phase all the way through the final revisions phase to make sure each of those elements in the books were just right so that no one element overshadowed the others.

Q: Readers are often curious as to whether or not a character in a story is anything like the author. Which of the three sisters are you most like?

It's coincidental that I'm most like Sam, and I was lucky to write the book that focused more on her own character arc. However, I long to be more adventurous like Caroline, and writing her wedding was a lot of fun.

Q: What are some of the lessons the sisters learn as they come together to run the Misty Harbor Inn?

Each of the sisters learn a slightly different aspect about the value of home and family. They are each coming from different places in their adult lives, so they have slightly different ideas of what “home” is to them. Through their adventures at the Misty Harbor Inn, they each come to understand the unique bond they share as sisters and the value of the new home they are creating for themselves in Nantucket at the inn.

Q: What do you hope readers walk away with after reading the series?

Home really is where your heart is! It might be a bit overused today, but the sentiment is always true. God puts us in the specific places in our lives where we can serve Him, love others and learn the value of what He's done in our lives.

For more about each book in the series,

check out this previous post!

Women who have not found husbands. Or do not want one.

I think I may have acknowledge Mother's Day less than anyone I know. I did get my mom something, and told her "Happy Mother's Day a day early." It counts.

Over the years, I've had less than warm fuzzies about Mother's Day. Long story. Not going there in this post.

Oh, I did dig up a photo saved in an album on Facebook of my mom and me to share since I was the only one on Facebook who didn't do it up to the moment I did it.

Anyway, the subject of Mother's Day. That was the sermon topic of this morning. The role of a mother, scriptures on motherhood, etc. Our preacher went on to talk about what the scripture that says, "shall be saved by childbirth" meant.

Obviously, you do not have to become a mother to receive salvation. "What about those who cannot find a husband? Or do not want one?"

Aha! This second part. I know who he was saying that for. After services tonight, I took Rachel (aka the church secretary) out for ice cream in honor of her birthday yesterday. I asked her about it, and she said, "he knew he better phrase that right."

I definitely wouldn't say that I don't want one, but I wouldn't say that I'm actively looking in order to find one either. It just is what it is.

The last time a guy chased me was... If you don't count the two 12 year old boys who chase me around the church and parking lot every service... never. One is probably reading this blog post because that's what he does. He asked me yesterday if I took my Sunday nap. That's a little stalker-ish Didymus! ;)

On that subject, Didymus' friend had a birthday last week. He did not get treated for ice cream even though my dad probably thinks I should. He likes to prod them on and tell the I have cake and ice cream at my house. Anyway, his mom posted a picture of him and said, "Little did we know 12 years ago how much our lives would change."

All of her friends were nicely wishing him a happy birthday. I posted, "this is the child I threatened with bodily injury last night, but tell him happy birthday for me." His mom's response was, "little did you know how much your life would change."

Yes. I can't get out of the church building in peace! ;)

Speaking of 12 year olds or almost 12 year olds (in one month!), I need to talk to Paige. I need to hear more about her "date" to the jr. high dance last Friday that she did not tell me about. Her mother said that the boy asked her "as friends." Paige called him her date to my mom. I hear she got pizza sauce all over her white capris before the dance, but she didn't feel so bad because he got chocolate all over his fly. Awkward!

What I do know is that this boy is the one she had an eye on during basketball season. They grow up so fast!

A sure sign a TV show you really like is going to get cancelled

Rather than staying home and working on my scrapbook or crochet projects, I got out of the house.  Other than going to the girls' softball games, I haven't been out much. I even took my sweet time shopping at Walmart last night, and you know how I despise Target. A hazard of working from home.

I did go to Home Depot to get wallpaper stripper, so I really have no excuse to not start in on ridding my bathroom of it's almost neon pink wallpaper. I'm not looking forward to the work yet. It's going to be a pain. Stay tuned.

After getting home from a late lunch and shopping in Cedar Hill and Waxahachie, I was browsing Facebook while catching the end of the Ranger game. One of my friends posted their displeasure that Smash wasn't renewed for next season.

Crap! I'm annoyed too. I've really been into Smash though I have been forgetting the past several weeks that it comes on Saturday nights now until I see it on my DVR or my TV turns over to it.

I should have seen it coming. There is never anything good on TV on Saturdays. It's the night that I usually get stuck watching repeats of Hoarders or HGTV. Unless, NBC moves a show I watch to Saturday nights. YES! Finally! Something to watch!

And then, they cancel it. Saturday night is where NBC takes my favorite shows to die. The last three moves to Saturday night (or at least the ones I watched): Chase, The Firm, Smash. All shows that barely made it two seasons, if that. And they started in mid-season.

I still miss Josh Lucas and his blue eyes.

I looked up a list of cancellations, and there were many, but Smash is the only one that I am really bummed about.

However, I'll have to find some new shows to play in the background for noise next season. Guys with Kids, Go On and The New Normal bit the dust. Others I caught online were 666 Park Avenue (absolutely horrid) and Red Widow. Malibu Country was so bad, I wouldn't even watch it when the pickin's were slim. As was How to Live With Your Parents for the Rest of Your Life. I couldn't even get through the second episode of it without turning it off. Proof that TV shows are pathetic these days. None are great losses -- I only played them online for the noise because I can only listen to the songs on my iPod so many hundreds of times.

One can only wonder what horrid reality shows will take their spots. (I already watch too many bad reality shows too.)

But poor Jeff Probst. I record The Jeff Probst Show every day and watch it as I have time. He wasn't renewed either. I really like the show, but then again, I liked Good Afternoon America too.

This weekend is your last chance to enter to win a Kindle Fire in The Monastery Mystery Giveaway!

Donna Fletcher Crow is celebrating the release of

An Unholy Communion with a Kindle Fire Giveaway.

 
One winner will receive:

• A brand new Kindle Fire
• Books 1-3 in The Monastery Murders series by Donna Fletcher Crow

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on May 12th. Winner will be announced on 5/14/13 {HERE}.

Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning.

 About the book:

The newest offering in The Monastery Murders series.

Following the ancient tradition, ordinands from the College of the Transfiguration gather at first light on Ascension morning to sing their praises from the top of the college’s tallest tower. Not one to miss any liturgy, Felicity finds herself swept up in worship as she listens to the timeless words. But her delight quickly turns to horror when a black-robed body hurtles over the precipice and lands at her feet. Her investigative instincts immediately kick in when she sees a double-headed snake emblem clutched in the lifeless hand. Was this suicide? Or murder?

Purchase a copy here.

About the author:

Donna Fletcher Crow is author of more than thirty-five novels. She has twice won first place in the Historical Fiction category from the National Association of Press Women, and has also been a finalist for "Best Inspirational Novel" from the Romance Writers of America. She is a member of The Arts Centre Group, and Sisters in Crime.

www.donnafletchercrow.com 

Can You Handle the Bare Naked Truth?

Debut Author Bekah Hamrick Martin Offers Honest and Helpful Advice on Purity to Teen Girls

Teens are bombarded from all sides when it comes to messages on sex. At church, they hear, “Wait until marriage,” while the rest of the world loudly asks, “Why wait?” Even though they know deep down what they should do, heart and hormones challenge the head. Debut author Bekah Hamrick Martin provides an honest discussion on purity, boys and relationships in a new book aimed at teen girls, The Bare Naked Truth: Dating, Waiting, and God’s Purity Plan (Zondervan/May 7, 2013/ISBN: 978-0310734024/$9.99).

In the book, Martin, 29, who has been working in youth ministry since she was a teen herself, offers advice to teens who often encounter powerful peer pressure in today’s society. She shares her own relatable (and often entertaining) experiences of abstaining from sex until she was married to help adolescents who struggle with virginity and God’s plan for them. Martin takes a unique peer-to-peer approach with her audience and looks at purity through a satirical and edgy lens that teens crave in contrast to a number of books that tend to be more mentor-student in taking on the subject.

In her own friendly and uplifting way, Martin leads a safe conversation with her readers, letting them know that they’re not alone in their fears, desires or mistakes. The Bare Naked Truth also features candid testimonies from well-known personalities, such as Perfectly Unique author Annie Downs, Sisterhood Magazine editor Susie Shellenberger and “Living Inspired” host Tricia Goyer. They reveal their own trials and triumphs regarding purity, boys and choosing to be single.

To clear up further some of the popular misconceptions about purity, Martin offers perspectives on the subject from both teenage boys and married couples. She also answers some of the most common questions teen girls have on the topic.  “I’ve worked with thousands of teens over the past 10 years through youth ministries — and the most common questions I’ve heard are related to sex and/or relationships,” explains Martin. “Coincidentally, those questions are the same ones I wish I’d have known the answers to as a teen.” Some of those include:

•          How far is too far?

•          Will God forgive you if end up having sex before you’re married?

•          How do you resist temptation?

•          What are the advantages/disadvantages of waiting?

Whether it’s the idea of “friends with benefits,” seeking love through sex or building a relationship with God, Martin dishes advice that is both truthful and comforting. By the end of The Bare Naked Truth, teens will feel enlightened, empowered and more secure in their decision to forego premarital sex. After all, as Martin writes in the book, “When you find the right guy, he will be worth all the risk-taking and waiting in the world.”

Bekah Hamrick Martin will host a live Facebook Author Chat on June 20 at 8:00 PM EDT where she will be answering questions from teens and parents alike. Prizes, including copies of The Bare Naked Truth, will also be given away during the hour-long web event. For more information, watch the author’s Facebook Page (bekahhamrickmartin).

About the Author

Bekah Hamrick Martin was born in Savannah, GA. It was during her high school years that she developed a taste for chocolate and sarcasm, which she carried into college and through ten years of subsequent youth ministry. She also knows a thing or two about waiting, whether it be her escape from high school or the right guy.

Martin has served as a mentor and counselor to children of prisoners through Child Evangelism Fellowship®, as well as other branches of the ministry. Today, Martin shares her experiences of growing up with teens from around the world through her blog, www.bekahhamrickmartin.com, and articles for various publications such as Focus on the Family magazine.

Her most talked about issues include healing and surviving the adolescent years. She lives in North Carolina with her husband, Ethan, and their Tiny Human, Zoey Bree.

In addition to her website, readers can also follow Martin on Facebook (bekahhamrickmartin) or via Twitter (@bekahhamrickmartin). 

Grounded: Welcome to the Neighborhood

My blog has always had a major book element to it. I set it up as a way to promote the books I work on. And yes, lately, it's been really book heavy. A) Litfuse is working on a lot of great books and B) I don't have a lot exciting going on in my life anyway, so I can easily talk about it on the weekends.

The truth is, there's not enough time in the day to read every book I post about all the way through. Therefore, I don't request a lot of books to read and write reviews for. Until last week, I hadn't bought a book in months since I have so many great options coming to me for work and some really great Kindle freebies. 

However, I have requested some books to review lately. Today's featured book is one of them (thank you Worthy Publishers). You know I have an affinity for Neta and Dave Jackson. They have a brand new series out, so I'd like to share more about it and my thoughts on the first book in the series, Grounded. 

About the Windy City Neighbors series:

This is how Dave and Neta describe the new series (straight from their website):

If you're familiar with The Yada Yada Prayer Group series, House of Hope series,
Harry Bentley novels and Lucy Come Home, and most recently the SouledOut Sisters books—all of which revolve around a colorful cast of characters from different cultures and walks of life in Chicago—you may have been one of the readers crying, “No, no! Don’t stop! We want more!”

So, as the familiar litany goes: “Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue . . .”

We’re doing “something new”! As a husband-wife writing team, we are creating a new series called WINDY CITY NEIGHBORS about ordinary people wrestling with the spiritual and practical issues of real life. Grounded, the first novel in the series, introduces Grace Meredith, a contemporary Christian artist whose life is falling apart (“something blue”!). But we’ve also “borrowed” a few favorite characters from previous series (Harry and Estelle Bentley) who move into the neighborhood and … well, the “old” neighborhood may never be the same!

And something else that’s new! The series employs an innovative storytelling technique we call “parallel novels”—each with its own drama and story arc, but whose characters’ lives become intertwined and affect one another. Grounded welcomes you to Beecham Street—a typical isolated American neighborhood that might just be a place of hope.

About Grounded:

Grace’s fiancé, bothered by her outspoken stance on purity and her near-constant travel as a recording artist, has broken off their relationship. Exhausted and half-sick at the end of her current concert tour, she books a flight home, but traumatic events result in a paralyzing fear of flying. 

Stuck at home due to a major snowstorm and facing major questions about her future and her faith, Grace begins, for the first time, to connect with the residents of Beecham Street. What she discovers in these unexpected relationships could change everything. 

The first in the Windy City Neighbors series, Grounded is an uplifting, contemporary tale featuring characters courageously wrestling with the spiritual and practical issues of real life. the series employs the innovative storytelling technique of "parallel novels," each with its own drama and story arc, but whose characters' lives become intertwined and affect one another. Grounded welcomes you to Beecham Street -- a typical isolated American neighborhood that might just be a place of hope.

About the authors:

Husband and wife writing team, Dave and Neta Jackson are authors and/or coauthors of more than one hundred books which have sold in excess of 2.5 million copies. They are best known for Neta’s award-winning Yada Yada series and their Trailblazer Books – a 40-volume series. They live in the Chicago metropolitan area, where Grounded is set.

For more about Dave and Neta and their books, visit: www.daveneta.com. 


My take:

Grounded started out a little bit slow to me. When Grace gets stuck at home in the snow without anyone to talk to (in part because she can't!), I wanted her to get out and meet some of the Jacksons' cast of characters we all love so much. I was so happy when the Bentleys moved in across the street!

I was ready for Grace's to confess her secret that's weighing her down to someone, anyone. Maybe  just because I am impatient!

While Grounded does have all the trademark Jackson elements I love {characters that feel like friends of our own, the familiar setting of Chicago (one of my favorite vacation destinations, so I feel I know all the places they are talking about), and praying through a spiritual struggle}, I also like the bit of romance thrown in. The romance element, at least the way it is done this time around, is different than any of the previous books or series. 

Grace is so much more likeable than Kat in the Souled Out Sisters series, that really think I'm going to love this new series even more than Neta's last. I'm excited to read the next installment to find out what happens with Grace and the rest of the neighborhood next.

The wait for the next installment is not a long one. Derailed comes out on October 8!

A sneak peek at Derailed: 

Harry Bentley was a mess. Yet, with a second chance for a better life, his recent marriage, he expects a smooth road ahead. Abruptly, it feels like God is changing the road signs—left, right, stop, go? Raising his grandson was not part of his plan and now his son wants to move in! Derailed is an often humorous, contemporary tale in an urban setting, featuring characters courageously wrestling with the spiritual and practical issues of average people. The Windy City Neighbors series is set on Beecham Street—a typical isolated American neighborhood—where hope is invited to change everyone


I received this e-book from Worthy Publishers via NetGalley.