Reading Challenge

Dear Readers,

I have taken a reading challenge this year.  Last year there was the challenge to fill an empty shelf with the books you read in 2014.  I didn't really do that one as I can easily do that each year because of the job I have. 

This year's challenge that I have taken is a bit different and one I gladly shared with several of the readers I know.  Because of some of the ideas they offer I thought it would give us readers a chance to expand on what we normally read.

I challenged my sister, two daughter and a daughter in law along with my bookclub to join the fun.  It was interesting to see who complained about which one of the challenges. (I will list them below)  My youngest daughter was not excited to see the "Read a book that is in a genre you don't normally read."  Of course I pointed out that doesn't mean she had to read a romance, that made her a little more excited about it. 

My sister was worried about reading a book over 500 pages long.  I didn't think that would be a problem if the book is good enough, but then again I usually read one or two books over 500 pages each year. 

My problem?  I will have a hard time finding a book that will make me cry.  I am not sure if the challenge means tear up or actually cry tears.  I just don't end up crying over a book.  Hmmm I wonder if any of you have any recommendations on that. 

So are you up for a challenge.  Join the fun and lets see how many different titles we can get on our lists.

Happy Reading,

2015 Reading Challenge
Read a book that ...

-Takes place in your state or country
-Makes you cry
-You loved as a child
-Your best friend recommends
-has a great cover
-Features someone who shares your eye color
-Is over 500 pages long
-Is written by an author you have never heard of
-Is in a genre you don't normally read
-Has a child main character
-Takes place in you favorite time period
-begins a series
-was made into a movie
-Reminds you of someone you love
-includes a Christmas scene
-Is a classic you've never read.

Lisa Samson

Dear Readers,

Lisa Samson writes books that everyone should be reading.  There is nothing about them that makes them completely inspirational, but they are uplifting.  Her characters are usually quirky and struggling with some sort of issue in their lives.  They often are trying to do it on their own and have sort of withdrawn from society in some form or another.

In A Thing of Beauty you meet Fiona Hume.  She is a former child star who not only was talented, but made quite a reputation for herself when she divorced her parents when she found out they were mismanaging her money.  Now there is more to the story than what meets the eye, but that is the reason she always gives.   She walked away from Hollywood and everything that had to do with it when she got out of drug rehab.  Fiona had plans for her life, she was going to take her money and become an artist.  One who up-cycled other people's junk and made beauty out of it. 

Jump forward 10 years and all Fiona has is a house full of junk and no art pieces to speak of.   It is all coming to a head because her mother is going to be releasing a tell all book about the divorce and what happened.  Fiona decides to strike first and go on a national show to give her side of the story.  She needs to have a makeover for that and for the makeover she needs money.  So she decides to rent out a room in her large sprawling house.  That is where things start to change. 

No matter how unique Lisa writes her character, I find myself relating in some way or another with them.  I have no idea what it is like to live as a child star or what it is like to have parents like Fiona’s, but just the same I found my heart aching for the little girl that just wanted her parents to love her and not worry about themselves.  Fiona goes to great lengths to guard her heart from any more hurt.  She doesn’t make friends, though she does force herself to go out to a quaint little coffee shop so she isn’t a complete hermit. 

I can never put my finger on the exact thing that makes me love Lisa’s books so much, but I think part of it is I can so easily insert myself into her stories.  Her characters are rich and very three dimensional.  They are people that I find myself wishing I lived next door to and could count as my friends.  But I also think part of it is they make me want to be a better person who would be worthy of their friendship.  Whatever it is, I hope she continues to write and I promise to continue to read them all.

Happy Reading,

P.S. For those church librarians out there, know that there is a bit of swearing in the book.  Not the “F” word, but the use of a few words that might offend some readers.   

 

New Release - Heaven Help Heidi - Sally John

Dear Readers,

Sally John has been writing issue driven books for years now and the ones I can get my hands on and read have been great reads.  I love being drawn into her world where friends become more like family as they all work through the issues they face.

Heaven Help Heidi is such a book.  You meet Heidi who had her life together.  She is in control and loves it.  That is until an accident leaves her unable to work.  Now what?  She move to Casa de Vida to recover and discovers a community that is more than just a place to live.  She finds friendship with a woman very different from herself, but they need each other.

Piper is unwilling to open her heart to love again after loosing her fiancé in Afghanistan.  Even though her head knows he is not coming home, her heart is not ready to love again and be open to hurt again.

Two very different women in need of healing find support.  Isn't that how life is?  We find the help we need in the most unlikely of places and people.

Happy Reading,

New Release - Orphan Train - Christina Baker Kline

Dear Readers,

The Orphan Train by Christina Baker Kline came to me because of a recommendation of a couple of the librarians who attend my support group in Holland, MI.  They had gotten the recommendation from their sister who also happens to be a librarian.  She strongly suggested the book for their shelves because she had such a good response to it in her library.

So I went looking for the book and so far have had to reorder it in the first week as it seems word of mouth has gotten out about this book.  There is something about the orphan trains that ran here in America that touches all of our hearts.  I know those that were shipping these kids out thought they were doing them a favor, but that is not how it turned out for some of them.

Vivian Daly was on of the children sent of the orphan trains.  She didn't know what she was getting into and several years later she returns to the coast of Maine, the years in the west a blur and something she keeps hidden in her attic.

Molly is filling her community service hours by helping an elderly woman clean out her attic.  What Molly finds in Vivian's attic makes her realize the two, though separated by years and decades, have more in common that either thought. 

The story moves between Vivian's story in depression era Minnesota and a contemporary story set in Maine.  There are parts of it that are very raw and maybe what some won't consider "Inspirational," but it is well written and one that makes you wonder about the other children that were sent away on these trains. 

Happy Reading,

New Release - Jan. 19 - 24

Dear Readers,

The days are getting longer, the average temps are going up.  Soon we will once again be outside enjoying our favorite books.  Maybe a couple of these titles will make it on that list.

Happy Reading,


Orphan Train - Christina Baker Kline - As a child Vivian  Daly was sent west on one of the orphan trains.  Returning later, Vivian does not talk about her experiences.  Years later Molly is sent to help Vivian clean out her attic. As Vivian's story comes to light, Molly realizes they have more in common than she thought.

Where Trust Lies - Janette Oke/Laurel Oke Logan - #2 Return to the Canadian West - Beth has returned home to spend time with her family.  But Beth's heart is back with a certain Mountie who stole her heart.  Will she be able to decide which to pick, her family or the man her heart longs for?

The Last Heiress - Mary Ellis - Amanda sails to North Carolina from England to restore shipments to the family's textile mills.  The Civil war  has interfered with shipments.  Of course meeting with Nathaniel and falling in love were not part of the plans for Amanda.  Will the war interrupt once again?

Miriam's Secret - Jerry S. Eicher - #1 Land of Promise - Does the attention from two young man, prove to Miriam that they are only after her money?  Miriam tries to keep it a secret as her Amish upbringing has always preached about the evils of money.

Heaven Help Heidi - Sally John - Once again Sally draws us back to the Casa de Vida, the little oceanside community with a big heart.  Heidi is in control until an accident leaves her hurt and with little control of her life.  At Casa de Vida she meets Piper who is recovering from the loss of her fiancé.

Miracle at the Higher Grounds Café - Max Lucado/Candace Lee/Eric Newman - Chelsea's attempt to make it on her own, until a miracle happens.  Those who want to ask God their greatest questions are getting answer at the Higher Grounds Café.  Will that be enough to save Chelsea?

Deadly Echoes - Nancy Mehl - Finding Sanctuary #2 - Sarah is happy to call Sanctuary home.  She loves being with her sister and niece.  That is until her sister is murdered and Sarah fears it might be the same killer who killed her parents.

Self-published

Dear Readers,

There is an interesting new aspect to the self published world.  Established authors are releasing books under their own imprint or one that is made for the self published world.  Which from the perspective of a reader is not a bad thing.  More books from my favorite authors is never something to be worried about. 

From the perspective from someone who works in a bookstore it is not horrible either, but it does make it more difficult to help my readers who come to me in the store.  I want to bring those readers every title possible, but when someone releases a self published book it makes it harder to find and get to my shelves.

So what do you think of this new trend?  It is something you follow?  How do you find new fiction that has not released the traditional way?  Do you find the quality of the self published books as good or not? 

I personally have found that most self published books lack a bit in the quality of writing.  It is like they missed a couple steps in the editing process and could use just a bit of tighten up.  There has never been a perfect book, one with out errors - grammar or spelling - or one the everyone on the planet loves, but I also find that in self published the storylines are looser and there is often a thread that wanders into the story, but never really accomplishes anything or adds to the story. 

I am wondering if any of you have experienced this as well or am I just being a "published" snob about books. 

Happy Reading,

Martha Ockley

Dear Readers,

A Saintly Killing by Martha Ockley is book number 3 in the Faith Morgan series.  I admit I skipped book 2, not because I didn’t enjoy the first one, The Reluctant Detective, but because I wanted to know if you could read one without the other.  I recommend reading them in order as you can follow the storyline easy enough, but you feel like you have missed some of the personal story that goes along with Faith and her journey.

St. James is preparing to celebrate its 900^th anniversary.  (Ok we in the colonies get excited about something that reaches 50 years!)  Faith is busy getting everything ready, including the commissioned painting that will go on the back of the pamphlet they are using to share some of the important moments in the church’s history.  On the day the painting makes it to the printers, the artist ends up dead with no clues as to who the murderer could be.  It could possibly be anyone, as Sal was not the warmest person. Almost everyone who met her had some reason or another to dislike her, including Faith. 

Who in Little Worthy is capable of murder?  Surely not one of Faith’s parishioners, but as she finds herself once again involved with solving the crime it starts to look like it.  Will Faith figure it out before her ex-partner and beau Ben upsets everyone in town?

Once again Martha writes a delightful, cozy mystery.  One that just weaves through the fabric of the story of the town instead of being the only thing the book is about.  You once again visit with Faith and her sister as they work through the issue of their mother and her descent farther into Dementia.  And what about Ben, at times he seems interested, but then again…  *Sigh* what’s a girl to do?  That is what can make a book fun to read, getting to know the characters.  Of course having it set in England always makes it a bit better also. 

So a lovely little series that is worth reading.  Put the kettle on for a pot of tea and enjoy.

I received this book for free from Kregel for my honest review.

Happy Reading,  

New Release - Sabotaged - Dani Pettrey

Dear Readers,

Most of us complain about all the winter weather.  The cold, the snow, and wind, all of it.  And despite that we love to read books set in Alaska.  You know the state that has snow almost year round and the average temp even the summer is barely above 60.  For some reason that never makes sense to me and yet I love to read books with Alaska as the backdrop.

What ever the reason, Dani Pettrey has a hit with her Alaskan Courage series.  Sabotaged, #5 has finally hit the shelves and we will get to learn who Reef's love interest will be. 

The last of the McKenna family, Reef has always been a trouble maker and Kirra who was a goody two-shoes, never thought much of him.  Now they are working together on the search and rescue team.  When asked to work the Iditarod race, old differences are being replaced with attraction. 

Then Kirra's Uncle disappears from the race and when they are able to track him down they find something much more sinister in play.  His daughter has been kidnapped and her life is endanger.  The whole McKenna family is soon in the mix of trying to figure out who is holding her captive and why and the answers may not be what they expect.

As the winter months stretch on, move on to Alaska and enjoy some good mystery along side the McKenna family. 

If you are wondering - #1 Submerged, #2 Shattered, #3 Stranded, and #4 Silenced.  I do recommend reading them in order as they family story does continue in each of the books.

Happy Reading,

New Release - Blood Divide - John Sadler

Dear Readers,

Historical fiction is at its best when it is written about the people the event happened.  Then there are the books that are written about an event instead.  In Blood Divide by John Sadler it is about the bloodiest battle fought on English soil. 

September of 1513 the Scots and the English squared off in a valley in Flodden.  The Scots emboldened by the backing of European backers face a English force that is depleted because the rest of the army is off in France fighting the real enemy along side of King Henry.  This battle will forever shape Scottish history and is still doing so today. 

John includes several of the key players and shows how their abilities or lack of them, change the battle in one or the other sides favor.  Because John is interested in bringing the facts of the battle to the forefront, he includes foot notes and other little facts that flesh the story out even more. 

Laced with dark humor and wonderful period details, this book would make a wonderful read for someone interested in English history.

Happy Reading,

New Releases - Jan. 12 - 17

Dear Readers,

I am not sure what the weather is like by you, but we have been very up and down in temps for us.  We are either above freezing or below zero.   Doesn't seem to be any happy medium, but what a great reason to stay inside and read.

Happy Reading,

Brentwood's Ward - Michelle Griep - Nicholas Brentwood is part of the fledgling police force in London.  He is assigned to protect Emily from her father's enemies.  He is great at catching felons, but in Emily he may have met his match.

Return to Exile – Lynne Gentry - #2 The Carthage Chronicles – Continues the story of Dr. Lisbeth who crossed time and ended up in Carthage.  Lisbeth is trying to come to terms with not only leaving her beloved in a different place, but also a different time.

A Woodland Miracle - #2 An Amish Wonders novel – The possiblilities of a handicap young woman finding a mate in a community that women out number men 3 -1 are not good.  Grace resigns herself to a life of pain and singleness, that is until Ben comes along.

Gabriel’s Atonement – Vickie McDonough - #1 Land Rush Dreams – Gabe is a professional gambler.  But he is unable to get over the killing of a man who attacked him.  A man who left behind a wife and young child.  Gabe decides to return the money he earned that night to the young widow.

Sabotaged - Dani Pettrey - #5 Alaskan Courage - Kirra and Reef have always been at odds with each other.  Now they have to work together as search and rescue on the Iditarod race.  What they discover sends them on a race to prevent the greatest disaster Alaska has ever seen.
 

Would you rather ...

Dear Readers,

I read an interesting blog post yesterday from Bethany House fiction.  I will include the link below so you can read it if you wish.

It posed the question, would you rather... with two different scenarios that you could answer for.  One of the questions was "would you rather ... Give up reading fiction books for a year OR give up reading the last two chapters of any book for a year?   Now I wasn't sure if the last two chapter thing was just one book, then I would be able to do it, but if it was all the books I read in one year forget it.

I could no more give up reading fiction than I could give up breathing.  Not only is it part of my job, but it is and has been for many years, my hobby.  I do other things, but when given a choice, reading is always my choice.  It is a chance for me to leave this world behind for a little while, travel somewhere else and visit with my new friend.  So no I won't be giving up reading anytime soon.

The thought of not being able to finish a book for a whole year because I couldn't read the last two chapters is almost as awful sounding as not being able to read.  The last two chapters is where you find out who-done-it, the guy gets the girl and everyone lives happily ever after and to miss that for a year, nope not going to do that either. 

Which would you choose? 

Happy Reading,


http://bethanyfiction.com/2015/01/15/would-you-rather-reader-edition

If you leave a comment you will be entered to win a copy of Elizabeth Camden's new title Beyond all Dreams.  

Judy Christie

Dear Readers,

Magnolia Market by Judy Christie is the second in the Trumpet and Vine series.  Sweet Olive is book number 1.  You don’t have to read them in order, but really I recommend it as some of the background development will make more sense if you do. 

It never ceases to amaze me when I finish a book like this.  It is a story that isn’t making me turn the pages as fast as I can read them, and yet it feels like coming home after a long time away.   I love the characters and Judy’s writing style.  She has a way of telling a story that feels so very comfortable.

Avery finds out her mother-in-law has sold the boutique that Avery planned on buying from her on the anniversary of Avery’s husband’s death.  Avery always knew her mother-in-law didn’t think much of her, but for her to sink that low… 

Finding herself homeless, without money and seemingly without anyone that cares, Avery is not sure where to turn.  She finds friends and support in the strangest of places, the local market that she is helping run while one of the owners recovers from a heart attack.

Take some time away from the grey clouds of winter in the north and visit the sleepy town of Samford in Louisiana and enjoy the warmth.

Happy Reading,

New Release - Mercy's Rain - Cindy K. Sproles

Dear Readers,

Mercy hates her name.  She has been raised by a very abusive father who is called the Preacher by everyone in their small community.  He is mentally and spiritually abusive and if that is God's mercy, she wants nothing to do with it. 

He steps of the line when he kills a congregation member and Mercy gets kicked out of her home by her grieving mother.  As Mercy finds her way across the mountain she starts learning the true meaning of mercy.

So starts Mercy's Rain by Cindy K. Sproles.  Not an easy read from the beginning you will find yourself cheering Mercy on as she learns that the world is not what her father described.  She finds that God's mercy is so very different that what terror that her father showed them all.

Maybe not the book to take on vacation to relax, but a good book to read.

Happy Reading,

New Release - A Thing of Beauty - Lisa Samson

Dear Readers,

Once and a while I forget how absolutely wonderful Lisa Samson's books are and then I read another one.  They are the type of books that make you wonder why you did not stop everything, sit down and start reading as fast you can.  Disappearing into a world that will make you laugh and cry in the same paragraph, make you want to move to the neighborhood and live there forever, right next door to your new best friend.  So when A Thing of Beauty by Lisa hit the shelves, that is what I wanted to do, but of course my boss had other plans for me that day.  Ah well, soon.

Fiona Hume walked away from Hollywood and stardom as soon as she  walked away from rehab.  She had big plans for her future, she was going to live an artist's life.  She bought a big house and started collecting items she wanted to use in her art projects. 

10 years later she has no art projects done except one piece of twine with a few buttons on it and a houseful of junk with potential.  What happened to her dream?  Desperate for money she rents out a room to local blacksmith Josia Yeu and slowly things begin to change for Fiona.

What an interesting storyline.  How many of us have dreams we wanted to do, but they just end up being something with potential and never acted on.  I for one can't wait to meet Fiona and walk with her on her journey of discovery.

Happy Reading,

New Releases - January 5 - 10

Dear Readers,

January can be a month of cold, wind and snow.  Not my favorite things, so getting a list of new books to read makes those days pass quicker and hurry us off to those early spring days coming soon.  Enjoy the list and while away those cold winter nights.

Happy Reading,

A Stitch in Crime - Cathy Elliot - Quilts of Love - (from the backcover) - Assault, larceny, anonymous threats.  Who knew quilt shows could be so dangerous?

A Thing of Beauty - Lisa Samson - Fiona walked away from stardom right after she left rehab.  She had plans for her future, but 10 years later all she has is a piece of twine with some buttons on it and a house full of junk. 

Dead Gorgeous - Elizabeth Flynn - #2 A mystery for D.I Costello - (From the backcover) - Kristy Manners is young, beautiful, and ambitious.  And dead.  Now Angela needs to figure out who wanted her dead.  Well besides everyone.

Blood and Divide - John Sadler - (from the back cover) The Battle of Flodden would prove one of the bloodiest ever fought on British soil, shaping Scottish national identity to this day.

A Saintly Killing - Martha Ockley - #3 A Faith Morgan Mystery - As the 900th anniversary celebration of St James's church nears, Faith ends up involved with the murder of the artist commissioned to do a painting of the church.

Mercy's Rain - Cindy K. Sproles - Mercy only knows a faith under her abusive father.  She takes matters into her own hands and runs away from home and learns about true mercy and the faith that is about love and not anger.

New Release - Price of Privilege - Jessica Dotta

Dear Readers,

As I write this announcement about Jessica's newest book it is snowing here at home and they are saying that we may even get up to 12 inches of snow.  There is just not anything better to do on a snowy day than read.  I know there is loads of stuff I could be doing, but why do that when I have all this extra time.

Price of Privilege by Jessica Dotta is book #3 in the Price of Privilege trilogy.  It is the awaited conclusion to the series.  I have been having a hard time keeping this series as a whole on the shelf.  One of the readers that came into pick up Price had just finished books #1 and 2 after having received them for Christmas.

If you like regency romance and mystery/suspense, this is a good choice.  I don't want to say to much about the plot as it may give away some of the stuff that you need to find out for yourself as you work through the series.  But Julia is back and once again trying to stay out of Macy's clutches.  Will she and her new faith survive it all?

Make yourself a pot of tea, grab a warm quilt and enjoy this series/book set in regency England.

Happy Reading,

What are you reading?

Dear Readers,

I am wondering what you are reading this new year.  Every once and a while I wonder how we can improve what is in the Christian fiction department.  Is there a genre you would like to see in the Christian market?  Is there something you wish authors would stop doing?

I am looking for what you think would make Christian fiction better.  Is there a genre you would like to see more of?  Less of? 

How about covers?  Is there a style of covers that you are sick of?  How about the best cover you have ever seen? 

These are questions I get asked by publishers and authors alike.  They really do wonder what you are thinking and here is your chance to tell them. 

So let me know what book you are reading right now and what you are planning on reading next. 

Happy Reading,

New Release - Murder Tightly Knit - Vannette Chapman

Dear Readers,

Winter has returned to West Michigan and this weather makes me want to stay home, curl up in a comfy chair and read.  Not only is it snowing, it is very cold out.  Yuck, right?  Why not stay home with a good murder mystery instead of venturing out.

Murder Tightly Knit by Vannette Chapman will fit the bill perfectly.  Part of the An Amish Village Mystery series, which draws you back to the town a Middlebury where poor Owen Esch is found dead on the Pumpkinvine Trail.  Both Hannah and Amber know that no one in town is capable of murder but the federal investigator isn't so sure.  Especially since some of the clues lead right back to Hannah's store, the Cat's Meow yarn shop.

So whether you are a fan of Amish, mystery or knitting, this book is one you should pick up.  Vannette has proven over and over that she is an author well worth the time.  She writes wonderful characters, interesting plot lines and fun villages.  Ones you may wish you lived in, well except for all the murder and mayhem that seems to happen. 

Happy Reading,

New Release - The Third Target - Joel Rosenberg

Dear Readers,

Sometimes while reading a really good book it becomes difficult to remember that it is only a story and not real life.  Joel Rosenberg is a master at that.  Once again he is a head of the game with his new book The Third Target.  He was doing research and saw where ISIS was headed before they became a name we all recognize and even fear. 

ISIS is on the rise, they have attacked two countries already, throwing them into chaos.  Brutally killing any and all that stand in their way.  Nothing seems to be stopping them and they now have set their sights on a third target.  Who will it be?

Correspondent J.B. Collins hears a rumor that ISIS might have gotten their hands on chemical weapons.  He risks his life to sneak into Syria to interview the commander and to what he finds out may cost him his career.   Will he keep it a secret or does he reveal to the world what ISIS has planned for us all? 

Joel has proven over and over that he pays attention to the headlines, but also the reports coming out of the Middle East.  He makes it difficult to read the newspapers or watch the news while reading his books because it can be confusing as to what is actual fact and what you are reading in his books.  But it sure is worth the effort. 

Happy Reading,

New Releases - Dec. 29 - Jan. 3

Dear Readers,

The New Year starts with a bang along with several really good titles to spend those wonderful gift cards on. 

Happy Reading,

The Third Target - Joel Rosenberg - A new and dangerous offshoot of Al Qaeda has reared its ugly ad brutal head. ISIS has attacked 2 governments and has set its sights on a third.  Who is it? USA?  Israel?  or another country?  Who stands in their way?

Paper Hearts - Courtney Walsh - Abigail does not have time for romance.  She is just trying to keep her business open.  Her new landlord is threating to end her lease.  She doesn't have time for anything else, until she gets caught up in a story of a couple written out on little paper hearts.

Price of Privilege - Jessica Dotta - #3 Price of Privilege series - Julia holds a secret that may cost her life.  Just when it looks like she will be able to untangle herself, a scandal of the century breaks.  Will she be able to untangle herself from Macy's web of deceit? 

Murder Tightly Knit - Vannetta Chapman - An Amish Village Mystery #3 - Hannah knew that something was amiss at The Cat's Meow yarn shop, even before they find Owen murdered.  Now Hannah and Amber race to prove the murderer isn't someone from their quiet little town.

Love's Abundant Harvest - Beth Shriver - #2 the Spirit of the Amish series - After Lucy looses her husband in a fire, she is overwhelmed by life and goes to live with her grandmother.  Manny is attracted to her gentle nature, but she is finding it hard to love again.

The Beekeeper's Son - Kelly Irvin - #1 The Amish of Bee County - Phineas King just avoids people.  It is easier to hide than to be judged because of the scars he carries on his face.  Deborah Lantz is hurt when Aaron doesn't write to tell her ask to be his wife, but she is finding that after spending time with Phineas that maybe it doesn't matter so much.

New Release - The Song - Chris Fabry

Dear Readers,

I love love love Chris Fabry's novels.  They delve into issues that most of us will never have to deal with and yet can some how relate to.  His newest release is based on a motion picture screen play by Richard L. Ramsey of the same title.  I went looking for release information on the movie, but could not find a definite date yet.

The Song is based loosely on the story of King Solomon even though the book/screenplay is a contemporary story.  The sub-title gives you a good hint as to what the whole thing is about.  "Even the Wisest of Men was a fool for love. 

Jed King's life revolves around music.  It is shaped first by his famous father's music and now it is once again being defined by a powerful love song he writes for the vineyard owner's daughter.  The song catapults him to fame and with fame comes the same issues his father faced and failed at.  Will Jed be able to with stand the temptations?  Will his marriage survive? 

Chris has a way of writing books that draw you in and make you feel like you are living the story right along side of the main character.  Like I said before he tackles issues and then helps the characters find solutions, even if they are not the ones we wish they were.  His books don't always leave you comfortable, but they do leave you wishing for more.

Happy Reading,

Happpy New Year

May your new year be filled with more books than you can read.