Abraham Lincoln

“The things I want to know are in books; my best friend is the man who'll get me a book I ain't read.”

- Abraham Lincoln Dear Readers, What an interesting quote by Abraham Lincoln.  I wonder how often he switched best friends. :-) I could easily agree with him.  There is nothing like exchanging book reading ideas with someone for the first time.  It is a chance to get to know someone as they are at home.  It is a peek behind that mask we all wear in public.  Does that big mean boss like to read romance?  Who would ever have guessed.  That shy secretary - she reads fantasy and has grand adventures every night.  What about that older lady that sits next to you in church?  Well this one is a bit scary, but because she loves to read thrillers, she knows how to get rid of a body with ease.  See isn't fun to find out what others are reading?  "What do you like to read," is my favorite question to ask someone that has wandered into the fiction department, but it is also one of my favorites when I see someone reading a book.  Whether it is one I have read myself or one I have never heard of, I love to ask as sometimes what they are reading is not their favorite genre and the answer can be quite interesting. I have started the neatest conversations with that question.  I have found new books to read or authors to follow because of that question.  I have found people who I now consider my friends even when we don't see each other often because of time or distance. It is easy to fall back into the rhythms of friendship just by sharing a few minutes answering that question.  So I guess yes, some of my best friends are people who have given me books that I haven't read, just like Abraham Lincoln. Happy Reading,

Summer Reading list 2015 part 2

Dear Readers,

Here is the summer reading list part 2. 

Happy Reading,

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?

No Place to Hide – Lynette Eason - #3 Hidden Identity - Jackie is shock to see her childhood friend on TV wanted for a connection to a terrorist plot.  She is ready to help in any way she can, but she maybe in over her head. 

Then Sings My Soul - Amy K. Sorrells - Nel returns home to bury her mother and finds her father in a battle with dementia.  When strange things get delivered to their home, she is drawn to her father's past and what it means to her and her future.

Mist of Midnight – Sandra Byrd - #1 Daughters of Hampshire - Rebecca is returning to Hampshire after losing her family and friends in the Mutiny in India.  She returns to her family's home ready to claim it, but the locals are suspicious of her as less than a year ago a woman showed up claiming to be Rebecca.

How to Catch a Prince - Rachel Hauck - The Royal Wedding series - Heiress Corina seemed destined to marry a prince, until war kept them apart.  As she emerges from the fog of grief she is ready to move on and pursue her career.  Prince Stephen is confronted by his brother the king about his past and now must come clean about what happened.

The Wood’s Edge – Lori Benton - Major Reginald Aubrey is beside himself with grief.  His infant son has died and when he sees an Oneida mother with twins, he decides to leave his dead son for her white baby.  His actions that day will change everything for all those involved.

A Sparrow in Terezin – Kristy Cambron -Sera James feels like she is living a charmed life until a legal battle threatens everything.  She hastily weds her fiancé and as the trial goes on, he is facing years behind bars.  Kaja escapes Germany before the rise of Hitler, but now her family is faced with death and the camps and she must return to help them escape

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. 

5 Brides – Eva Marie Everson – Releases in June – Five very different women, one dress.  None with a serious boyfriend, but they buy the Wedding dress anyways.  What journey will each women take to finally be able to wear that dress?

Jaded - Varina Denman - (from the backcover) "As a child, Ruthie is shunned by the local congregation.  Now, 13 years later, Ruthie's heart begins to stir when an attractive single pastor arrives.  But their relationship is bitterly opposed, and a string of secrets are unearthed."

Not By Sight – Kate Breslin – Releases in August – Set during WWI.  Grace believes she is showing great patriotism when she decides to sneak into a posh party and hand Jack Benningham a white feather.  One to show his cowardice.  But what she doesn’t know is the chain of events she puts in motion once she accomplishes the deed. 

Drawing Fire – Janice Cantore – Releases in August - #1 Cold Case Justice – Abby is anxious to capture the serial killer of elderly women.  Her most reliable witness is an annoying private investigator who may have more ties to her that she planned on.  Will they be able to stop the killer before he strikes again?

A Love like Ours - Becky Wade - (from the backcover) Former Marine Jake Porter has far deeper scars that the ones that mark his face.  He struggles with symptoms of PTSD, lives a solitary life and avoids relationships.  That is until childhood friend Lyndie re-enters his life.

As Water Gone By - Cynthia Ruchti - Emmalyn husband is serving a 5 year sentence.  She is struggling to survive a marriage while being alone.  A self-sentenced exile to Madeline Island may provide a roof over her head, but a home needs so much more than a roof and walls.

The Inn at Ocean's Edge - Colleen Coble - A Sunset Cove novel - On her 4th birthday, Claire disappears.  Mysteriously she reappears a year later with no explanation as to where she was or who had her.  Luke's mother disappeared about the same time and it seems the two mysteries are linked.

Hollywood Lost - Ace Collins - Hollywood's Golden Age is tainted by someone who is murdering beautiful women.  Shelby just wanted to have a job, but her job makes her a target for the murderer.  Will she survive with her morals intact or will the Hollywood strangler claim another victim. 

Deception on Sable Hill - Shelley Gray - #2 A Chicago World's Fair Mystery - Eloisa appears have it all.  But she has a dark secret.  She was assaulted months ago and has told no one that is until she meets Detective Sean Ryan.  Now with a person assaulting debutants, Sean makes it his mission to protect Eloisa from the killer.

Conversations with Saint Bernard - Jim Kraus - George Gibson is crossing off the last item on his bucket list.  The trip across America he and his wife could never take.  Along the way his daughter encourages him to adopt a Saint Bernard.  Lewis and George become traveling companions and George is able to start the healing process.

Anna's Crossing - Suzanne Woods Fisher - An Amish Begins Novel - Anna sets sail with her fellow Amish believers for the new world.  She goes as a translator only and hopes to return home soon.  Bairn resents the "Peculiars" as the deck hands call them, but there is something about the bonny lass Anna that has caught his attention.

New Release - Five Brides - Eva Marie Everson

Dear Readers,

Imagine it is the 1950's.  Five very independent young women live in downtown Chicago.  They are busy, in fact it is hard to get them all in one place at one time.  But one beautiful Saturday afternoon that all decide to go shopping together.  As women do, they oh and ah over many of the wonderful window displays, but then there is the one that stops them all.  The one with a marvelous wedding dress.

They all fall in love with that dress.  They all want to buy the dress and yet none of them can afford it, in fact none of them even have a boyfriend right now that would justify buying the dress.  But they decide to buy the dress anyways. 

That is the thought behind the book 5 Brides by Eva Marie Everson.  A beautifully covered love story that starts with a wedding dress instead of the man.  But of course that is how it always goes right?  :-)

I have loved Eva's books in the past and am looking forward to reading this one.  I really excited to find out which one of the brides will get to wear the dress first and maybe even who won't get to wear the dress and why. 

Happy Reading,

New Release - The Midwife's Tale - Delia Parr

Dear Readers,

Delia Parr has been part of the Christian Fiction market for as long as I can remember.  In fact I went looking for her titles to see what I have read of hers.  It turns out I have read several of her titles and found a few that I have not.  With her newest release, The Midwife's Tale, I am not sure I will have time to go back and read some of her older titles. 

The Midwife's Tale is the story of Martha the midwife for the little town of Trinity during the 1800's.  Things are beginning to change for Martha.  Not only is her daughter not willing to follow in her footsteps, but Victoria ran away from home.  With no one to take over for her Martha is wondering about her life's work and when a new doctor moves into town, maybe she is not doing what she should be.

With not only her life's work at risk, but also her faith, Martha believes she is still doing God's work.  Now she just has to figure out how that fits in with the town and all that is going on in the community.

A gentle story about a woman who is facing changes in her life that she is not sure she is ready for. One that may make you long for time that have long past, but are so very fun to visit again and again.

Happy Reading,

New Releases May 18 - 23

Dear Readers,

Thank you to all who have served to keep us free.

Happy Reading,

Walking on Water - Richard Paul Evans - #5 of the Walk Series - The Final Book in the series - Alan has finally began to heal from the loss of his beloved wife and his company.  The walk across America has taught him many things.  Now there is one more crisis that threatens to upend his world again.

A Simple Prayer - Amy Clipston - #4 Hearts of the Lancaster Grand Hotel - After being orphaned at the age of 4 Linda is raised by her Uncle Reuben. She longs to be worthy of someone, but old injuries and being bitter have limited her chances.  That is until Hannah Peterson asks her to work at the Paradise Bed and Breakfast.

A Blessing for Miriam - Jerry S. Eicher - #2 Land of Promise - Miriam is settling into her new community while back in Possum Valley her sister is starting to see the Englisher again.  When twin tragedies strike both sisters, lives will never be the same.

A Worthy Pursuit - Karen Witemeyer - When Charlotte became Lily's guardian she promised to keep her away from her grandfather.  Stone is hired to hunt down Lily, who Charlotte is accused of kidnapping. Will they be able to learn to trust each other enough to figure out what is really going on?

Love's Rescue - Christine Johnson - #1 Keys of Promise - Elizabeth returns home to become the perfect Southern belle.  Nothing goes according to plan, not only does her brother resent her, the servants don't listen and her father is not who he seems.  Now she has to decide whether to live a life of privilege or follow her heart.

Centralia - Mike Dellosso - Peter Ryan wakes up to an empty house.  He doesn't remember the car crash that kills his wife and daughter, but when he finds a note from his daughter he begins to question what is real and what isn't.  Soon he is on the run trying to discover what to believe.

Drawing Fire - Janice Cantore - #1 Cold Case Justice - The only lead Abby Hart has on a possible serial killer is a very irritating private investigator.  Will she be able to figure out who is murdering elderly women and why before Luke drives her crazy or before something else develops?

Five Brides - Eva Marie Everson - 5 independent women who live together are out shopping in downtown 1950 Chicago.  They spy a wedding dress and decide to pool their money and buy it, even though none have a steady boyfriend.  What will their future hold and who will get to wear the dress?

Lemony Snicket

Summer Reading List part 1

Dear Readers,

Here is my summer reading list for 2015.  Once again I had a hard time narrowing down the list as there has been so many good reads this past 12 months.  They are not in any particular order and are all available at our store or on bakerbookstore.com. 

Next week will be the second installment.

Happy Reading.

Summer Reading 2015

Until the Harvest – Sarah Loudin Thomas – Henry's plans for his future are derailed by the death of him father.  He no longer can afford college and his mother needs help around the house.  The only things keeping his spirits up are his fiddle and his friendship with Mayfair Hoffma.  Mayfair's older sister on the other hand is more of annoying...

The Covered Deep – Brandy Vallance - Operation First Novel - Biance is looking for a man who can quote Shakespeare and Jesus equally.  But they are hard to find in her little back water hometown.  So when she wins a trip to London and Palestine she may finally find her true love.  

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.

The Third Target – Joel Rosenberg – What if ISIS got a weapon of mass destruction?  J.B. Collins hears rumors that has happened and heads to the Middle East to find out if the rumors are true.

Tiffany Girls – Deeanne Gist - The story of Flossie and the "Tiffany Girls" that were hired to finish the Stained Glass Mosaic Chapel for Louis Tiffany in time for the 1893 World's Fair.  Flossie was handpicked to help complete the task and she is excited to become an independent woman.

Lizzy and Jane – Katherine Reay - Lizzy and Jane have had a difficult relationship. Partly because of their age difference and partly because of what happened when their mother died.  Jane now is fighting breast cancer and Elizabeth, as she is now know by, arrives to help.

Shadow of the Mountain – Exodus – Cliff Graham - Caleb awaits with the nation of Israel to attack the city of giants, Hebron.  As the warriors wait for the weather to clear, Caleb shares is story with a younger officer.  The one of how Yahweh had his hand on Caleb even before he believed.

The Art of Losing Yourself – Katie Ganhert - Carmen looks like a woman who has it all together.  On the inside she struggles with doubt and whether she made a mistake marring her husband.  When her 17 year old sister shows up, maybe Carmen will find the answers to her questions.

By Your Side – Candace Calvert - ER Nurse and foster care survivor, Macy has one motto:  Land on your feet and trust no one.  When she finds the one person she loves like a sister, Macy finds herself butting heads with a cop.   

Maggie Bright – Tracy Groot - Across the Channel the British Army is in full retreat.  Caught between the Blitzkrieg and the ocean, they face certain disaster.  When Churchill recruits the civilian brigade to come to their rescue.

Buried Secrets – Irene Hannon - #1 Men of Valor - Things are supposed to be quiet in a small town.  Lisa Grant, recently from Chicago, was hoping that.  A discovery of a human skeleton puts her on the hunt for a killer who will do anything to keep from being found out, including kill again.

The Love Letters – Beverly Lewis – Marlena did not expect to spend the summer taking care of her sister’s baby.  But she is determined to not let that get her life off track.   But will her hopes for her future become completely altered by what happens this summer?

Reservations for Two – Hillary Manton Lodge - #2 Fresh Flavors and New Horizons novel - Juliette and Neil continue their tour of Provence and Tuscany.  With more answers about her grandmother, they return home to difficulties in their long distance relationship.

Secrets of a Charmed Life – Susan Meissner - The story of two sisters during WWII.  Moved to the country to keep them safe, they are separated and how their lives are transformed.  The story of a American scholar who uncovers their story and the burden it places on her heart.

The Secret of Pembrooke Park – Julie Klassen -  Abigail and her father are offered the use of Pembrooke Park.  They accept the offer before finding out that Pembrooke has a secret.  A secret more than one person is looking to find.  Abigail goes seeking the treasure that is hidden, will she find it before the others?

Checkmate – Steven James - The Bowers File - The final installment of the Bowers File, sad to see this series end.  Patrick is racing to stop an attack on US soil.  One that could prove to be even more deadly than 911.

Beyond all Dreams - Elizabeth Camden - Anna is willing to lead a very quiet life until a mystery catches her attention.  Joining forces with Congressman Luke Callahan to solve the mystery might end up costing both of them their dreams and maybe more.

Spy of Richmond – Jocelyn Green - Heroines Behind the Lines - Civil War #4 - With everything at risk and suspicion growing, Sophie Kent has to decide if it is worth it.  A Unionist living Richmond is not an easy life and being a spy makes it twice as dangerous.

Taken – Dee Henderson - Shannon just wants a normal life.  Kidnapped and used by the Jacoby crime family, Shannon just wants out.  But getting out might cost her her life.  Will Private Investigator Matthew Dane be able to help her find her freedom and keep her life?

The Choosing – Rachelle Dekker - A Seer Novel #1 - When Carrington is chosen for the Lints, the lowest level of society, she believes her life is over.  Hints of a rebellion get her attention and then the promise of being chosen offer a greater hope.  Which is reality and which is just an illusion to secure her loyalty.

The Story Keeper – Lisa Wingate - Jen is drawn into a manuscript that was hiding in the slush file on her desk.  As she starts researching where it comes from it starts to bring her back to a place she thought she would never return to.

A.D.30 – Ted Dekker -The Story of an outcast daughter of a Bedouin sheikh, who goes seeking help from the Roman empire and instead finds a different kind of savior.  

New Release - Fatal Trauma - Richard L. Mabry, M.D.

Dear Readers,

Medical mysteries are huge hit.  When the authors write a very real medical mystery all the better.  Richard Mabry is one of the authors that those in the medical field love to read.  I know it is because he himself is part of medical family, but it also because he writes so well.

Fatal Trama is Richard's newest release and I had people in the first week it was out wanting to read it.  I think that lots of readers like to read him even when they really have nothing to do with medicine because he writes mysteries that can keep you guessing all the way to the end.  There are times where the person you think is guilty can go from being the bad guy to being maybe the good guy and back again.  That makes for a great read.

Dr. Mark Baker and Nurse Kelly Atkinson are trapped in the ER with a  gunman and several patients.  When all it comes to a head, 3 men are dead including 2 men from a dangerous drug cartel.  Just when everyone thinks the killing is over, the cartel comes calling in revenge of the death of two of their own. 

Mark finds himself under suspicion of being one of the shooters and to clear him name and stop more innocents from dying, he turns to an old friend for answers.  Answers to question that will save his life.  Will he be able to prove his innocence before the cartel can find him?

Fast paced, entertaining and fun to read, I recommend Richard's books to anyone interested in medicine or a good mystery.

Happy Reading,

New Release - Tiffany Girls - Deeanne Gist

Dear Readers,

Deeanne Gist has found her niche in the fiction world.  Romantic historical comedy.  Her settings are interesting, her characters are not only very real they take on issues that were important to the time they live and sometimes are still effecting us now, and her books are just plain fun to read.

Tiffany Girls by Deeanne is the story of Louis Tiffany and how he had a dream to reveal a state of the art stained-glass mosaic chapel at the 1893 World's Fair.  But when the glassworker's go on strike his dream is threatened, so he decides to hire some students from the New York School of Applied Design to work on and finish the project for him.  Each female is hand picked for her talent and each is ready to take on the adventure and see where it leads her.

Flossie Jayne is our main character, she is excited to start working on the chapel and to be truly independent for the first time in her life.  But living on her own proves to have its own set of problems and Flossie finds that her own heart might be one of them. 

I know that I love reading Deeanne's books because of what I learn about the era she is writing about as it is usually set during something we know so little about.  The World's Fair were big deals back in the day.  A chance for a company or individual to show their new ideas to the world.  It is where several of the things we use today got their start like ice cream cones at the 1904 World's Fair, the telephone at the 1876 Fair and the electrical outlet also at the 1904 fair. 

I could list many more, but that is not the idea behind this post, it is to tell you to read Deeanne's newest book and if you haven't read any of her other ones, you should get started.  They are worth it.

Happy Reading,

New Releases - May 11-16

Dear Readers,

I am off exploring other parts of our wonderful planet.  But that does not stop the flow of books to the shelves.  Thank goodness.

Happy Reading,

Fatal Trauma - Richard Mabry - A hostage situation in the ER turn ER Dr. Mark Baker into a potential victim and yet some suspect he may actually be the killer. To prove his innocence he turns to a old friend to find out who the shooter really is and who the next victim will be. 

As Love Blooms - Lorna Seilstad - Tessa won't let a little thing like a no stop her.  She is ready to use any means to get hired at the Como Park conservatory.  Even a little deception.  But then she meets Reese the handsome gardener, who turns into a major distraction or will he be the answer to her dreams?

Fury - Steven James - #2 Blur trilogy - Daniel's vision helped solve one mystery, but now his father has disappeared. The only answer to his disappearance maybe in Daniel's hallucinations.

In Firefly Valley - Amanda Cabot - #2 Texas Crossroads - When Marisa is downsized she has  no choice but to return to the small Texas town she grew up in.  Even though it feels like a giant step backwards, she excepts a job at Rainbow's End resort. 

Two Roads Home - Deborah Raney - #2 A Chicory Inn Novel - Setbacks have made Grant and Audrey's adventure into inn keeper a bit of a journey.  Throw in issues with their daughter and son-in-law and life is now complicated.

Tiffany Girl - Deeanne Gist - The story of Flossie and the "Tiffany Girls" that were hired to finish the Stained Glass Mosaic Chapel for Louis Tiffany in time for the 1893 World's Fair.  Flossie was hand picked to help complete the task and she is excited to become an independent woman.

The Midwife's Tale - Delia Parr - #1 At Home in Trinity - The world of the midwife is changing.  Martha was hoping her daughter would follow in her footsteps, but Victoria runs off instead.  Then when the new doctor arrives in town, Martha isn't sure how her work will continue.

Water from my Heart - Charles Martin - Charlie Finn has made a place for himself on the fringe of privileged society.  Providing something that "if he didn't do it someone else would."  But when tragedy strikes his partner and friends family, Charlie begins to rethink his life.

Author Visits

Dear Readers,

Last nigh at our store we hosted best seller author Tracy Groot.  I could also say local author or even just simply my friend Tracy Groot.  We here at Baker have carried Tracy's books for years now and will proudly continue to do so for years to come. 

I don't know how many author signings you have gone to, but I love listening to the author.  Whether they are talking about the research they do or the reason behind the topic of the book, it just seems to bring the story to life. 

I remember one author we had at the store years ago, she talked about why she wrote such heavy-on-romance books.  Her reason behind it was because she had noticed the type of book that her youth group girls were reading and she was horrified by them.  They were heavy on romance, but the wrong kind of romance.  The kind that said to have a guy fall in love with you, you have to sleep with him. 

Because of that experience she decided that she was going to put her writing classes to good use, she was going to write something that older teen girls would like to read, but still had a wonderful Biblical message.  Little did she know it would lead to her being a best selling author. 

Well until she shared that, I had no idea that is why she wrote the type of books she did and once I found that out, it made selling her books so much easier.  Not only am I selling a good book, I am selling a good book with an author who has a passion for the story.

We have two more fiction authors coming in may and in June.  Lynette Eason will be here on the 27th of May and we have just confirmed Dani Pettrey for the middle of June. June 22nd to be exact.  If you have been reading their books, here is your chance to meet the author behind the stories.

Happy Reading,

Rachelle Dekker

Dear Readers,

When I first heard Rachelle Dekker, Ted’s daughter, was writing a novel, I was a bit worried what it would be like.  I have seen more than one book from a child of a bestselling author come through the bookstore and they don’t always live up to the hype.  Some can be pretty bad.

The Choosing by Rachelle is a very interesting read.  I wasn’t sure I wanted to read it, but I had so many people ask me about it I thought I should and I am really glad I did.  It is a dystopian novel, set in America after the Ruining.   Washington DC area to be exact in the year of 2257.

The Choosing is a time of great anticipation in a young woman’s life.  From the day she is born a girl child is groomed for the Choosing.  She will be chosen to be a bride of one of the eligible young men and to “not be chosen would yield a cruel fate of your own making.”  If you are not chosen you become a Lint, the lowest level of society.  A person who no longer exists to her family or anyone else for that matter.  Someone who will be trained to a trade and must plan to do that trade until the day she dies, uncared for and unloved. 

When Carrington goes unchosen, she knows her life is over and she is not sure she can live as a Lint.  When she connects with Larkin, a young lady from her school, she is given the chance to meet Aaron.  Aaron and his followers are different, they are loved no matter who they are.  What they believe goes against everything the Authority says and Carrington believes. 

All her life Carrington is taught that the Authority is to be followed without question and now she knows many people who are giving her a different view of life.  When another chance to be Chosen becomes available, Carrington believes she has a second chance at life, but is she stepping into a bigger hell than being a Lint? 

This was quite a thought provoking book for me.  There were several parallels that I saw to established religion and I was worried that Rachelle was trying to show how horrible the church is, but I also saw that she was trying to be sensitive to that and didn’t really attack the church so much as people who run a church and don’t seem to have any grace or forgiveness in them.  Where sometimes they hold onto ‘tradition’ too tightly to be able to find a new way to reach others. 

There is a lot I would like to discuss about this book, but it would take time and I think it would only be fair if you have read it also.  So go get a copy, read it and we can discuss the message or messages you got out of the book.  I will wait.

Happy Reading,

New Release - Taken - Dee Henderson

Dear Readers,

Dee Henderson waited several long years for her to write again.  They were rewarded for their patience with Full Discloser.  Dee once again leapt to the top of the fiction lists and has remained firmly in place since.   Her fans have devoured each new book and are looking for the next one with in days of the release.  Thankfully Dee takes her time writing each book as then we as readers get the best possible books from her.

Taken is the 4th book she has released with Bethany House/Baker Publishing Group.  Each of the books has brought something different to the table.  Whether Dee is taking us on the journey with Submarine officer or someone who collects old coins, she always helps us to understand the characters and what they are experiencing. 

This time we will walk along with Shannon Bliss who was kidnapped at 16 and forced to work with the Jacoby crime family.  She really just longs to live a normal life, but knows getting out could cost her everything because she knows to much about the family and its operation.

When Shannon asks Private Investigator Matthew Dan to help her not only get out, but to bring the family to justice, he knows that she is asking him to save her.  Will he be able to help her escape with her life.

I have heard over and over again, that the reason people like to read Dee is because of how well she writes her characters.  They become like family and each one is special to every reader.  Men and women have enjoyed the mystery part of her stories and each one leaves you guessing as to who-done-it to the end and if everyone is going to escape with their lives.

Happy Reading.

New Release - The Choosing - Rachel Dekker

Dear Readers,

Ted Dekker's daughter has taken up the mantel of writing like her father with her first release hitting the shelves.  The Choosing by Rachel Dekker is #1 of the Seer Novels, with I believe 2 more planned. 


Carrington Hall knows the importance of Choosing ceremony.  Everyone prepares for this day their entire lives.  It is where you are chosen for a place in society and when Carrington is chosen for the Lints, the lowest level, she knows her life is over.  But you must obey the authority.

Almost as soon as she is getting settled in to her new status in life she starts hearing about a planned rebellion.  Everything she is hearing goes against what she has been taught and yet there is something about it that sinks into her soul.  Who does she believe?  When she is given a chance to be re-chosen, does she support the rebellion or go back to obeying? 

Rachel is following is some large footprints, but I am eager to see what she can do.  It would be nice to have another writer in the fantasy/dystopian genre.

Happy Reading,

New Releases - May 4 - 9

Dear Readers,

A couple warm days and I am ready to read outside all the time.  Here a few titles to enjoy out in the sunshine.

Happy Reading,

The Wood's Edge - Lori Benton - Major Reginald Aubrey is besides himself with grief.  His infant son has died and when he sees an Oneida mother with twins, he decides to leave his dead son for her white baby.  His actions that day will change everything for all those involved.
 
A Stranger's Secret - Laurie Alice Eakes - A Cliff of Cornwall Novel #1 - Lady Morwenna is trying to clean up her reputation.  She is the widowed mother of the heir of Penvenan title.  When she is accused of luring boats to their demise on the cliffs, she sets out to find the real culprits.

Falcon - Ronie Kendig - The Quite Professionals #3 - Raptor team is ready to take down the hacker Meng-Li Jin.  But for Salvatore Russo it means putting his team in the hands of Cassandra Walker and the last time he did that 2 people he loved died. 

The Pharaoh's Daughter - Mesu Andrews - A Treasures of the Nile Novel #1 - Anippe watched her mother and younger brother die during childbirth and has lived with the dread of giving birth ever since.  So when she finds a baby floating in the Nile she is sure the gods have answered her prayers.

Taken - Dee Henderson - Shannon just wants a normal life.  Kidnapped and used by the Jacoby crime family, Shannon just wants out.  But getting out might cost her her life.  Will Private Investigator Matthew Dane be able to help her find her freedom and keep her life? 

Ruins in the Mist - Marion Timmons - Tomos wave goodbye to family as they set sail to the new world and a chance for a life there.  They arrive just as the new country starts its revolt against England and now they need to decide where their loyalties lie.

Choosing - Rachelle Dekker - A Seer Novel #1 - When Carrington is chosen for the Lints, the lowest level of society, she believes her life is over.  Hints of a rebellion get her attention and then the promise of being chosen offer a greater hope.  Which is reality and which is just an illusion to secure her loyalty.

Once Upon a Summer - Melody Carlson - #1 A New York City Romance - Anna Gordon gets the chance of a lifetime, move to New York City and run the new hotel the Rothsberg.  Then she learns she will be up against an old crush for the same job.  Will romance over rule anything else for Anna?

Publisher

Dear Readers,

There is not often you get to see behind the scenes in the publishing world.  I had the opportunity last week in visiting Bethany House Publishers.  They are part of the Baker Publishing Group and I was invited to come visit while I was in Minnesota, MN.

Bethany themselves have been in publishing for over 50 years, joining the Baker family a few years ago.  They continue to be a leader in Christian fiction, publishing over 75 fiction books every year. 

While there I was able to meet with some of the fiction editors and talk fiction and some of what I experience or hear in the bookstore, but also a reader myself.  I was so much fun spending the day with all the good people there, Jennifer for picking me up, Julie for setting up the meeting, Karen for bringing me to the airport... oh dear I knew if I started stating names I would forget some so am going to stop. 

But I wanted to publicly thank them first for all their hard work they do to bring us the wonderful books we get to read every year and secondly for taking the time out of their busy schedule and making me feel so very welcome and part of their family. 

Happy Reading,

P.S.  I did get to meet with Paul from the art department, wait until you see some of the new covers that are coming soon!  WOW!

Lynette Eason

Dear Readers,

Lynette Eason is part of a rapidly growing genre dubbed “Romantic suspense.”  She hit the ground running with her first book Don’t look Back 5 short years ago.  Her newest book No Place to Hide is book #3 in the Hidden Identity series and I have had a very difficult time keeping it on the shelves here at the bookstore.  She has gained popularity because of her fans recommending her to everyone.

Jackie Sellers has two thoughts when she sees her childhood friend’s face plastered all over the new shows.  First he didn’t do what he is accused of and secondly how can she find him to help him.   She knows she need to help in any way possible, even if it means talking him into turning himself in.  Once she catches up with Ian, Jackie realizes that he is innocent and they must run for their lives.  Quickly.  Not only is the FBI after them so are the bad guys, the very bad guys and they won’t let anything or anyone stand in their way. 

As the body count starts to rise, Ian and Jackie with the help of her friends at Operation Rescue stay just one step of the killers.  But they are struggling to prove Ian’s innocent and still figure out what the code for that strange text he got.  What does it all mean and why do the bad guys want Ian dead so bad.

Fast paced, edge of your seat ready, Lynette writes the type of book that make you wish you could read faster.  You just have to know if they are going to be okay while telling yourself “of course they will be fine, what author would kill off her main character.”  I don’t know about you but that never works,  I still need to race to the end to find out what really happens and to make sure the bad guys get what they deserve. 

I enjoy reading Lynette’s books for that reason, they make me want to finish and when done, I am ready for the next one.  Maybe she could write a little faster… J

Happy Reading,

P.S. Lynette will be in our store on Thursday May 28th at 7:00pm.  She will be speaking and signing her books for you. 

New Release - West for the Black Hills - Peter Leavell

Dear Readers,

The one genre that I get asked about that is hardest to find is Western. There is just not that many authors who are writing Westerns any more. But every once and a while I find one that I can carry here at the store.  So I was very excited to find West for the Black Hills by Peter Leavell.  Mountainview books is a small publishing house that is making a few waves in the Christian market.  I love being able to support them and carry their books here at Baker.

Philip Anderson is a quiet person.  He doesn't really mix with others a lot because they would not understand his past.  He was rescued by the Sioux Indians when his parents were murdered.  He knows it wasn't the Indians who killed them, but who did and why?   So he keeps to himself.

That is until Anna arrives on the scene.  He hires her to help train his horses and they find themselves drawn to each other.  But it turns out that Anna is a pawn in a scheme that is brewing in the near by town of Mitchell.  Philip is forced to turn to his gun-slinging skills to help free Anna. 

In true western fashion, you have a rugged man with a tough outer shell who has a heart of gold.  He wants to be left alone and yet is ready to protect those who are important to him.  So if you have been longing for the days of the 'wild' west, West for the Black Hills will be a great fit for you.

Happy Reading,

New Release - Reservations for Two - Hillary Manton Lodge

Dear Readers,

The awaited sequel to A Table by the Window by Hillary Manton Lodge, Reservations for Two is finally here.  You must read Table first and then continue on to Reservations or nothing will make sense.  Of course for those of you that have not read the first one, book 2 is here and you are the lucky ones, the rest of us were left hanging as to what has happened to Juliette and Neil.

The last time we meet our couple, they had just started learning more about Juliette's grandmother.  They have moved on to Italy and are ready to head back home.  Portland for Juliette and Memphis for Neil.  How will their relationship survive the long distance?  Well they be able to find a way to make it work?  What about those letters she has from her grandmother?  Will they give her the answers she longs for?

I don't know any of those answers yet, but I plan on finding out soon.  Very soon, like this weekend. 

Happy Reading,

P.S.  This is not the correct cover, the new one is much better. :-)

New Releases - April 27th - May 2

Dear Readers,

Goodness the good titles keep coming.  I don't even know where to start, but I know of at least two books on this list that are battling for the top spot on my to-be-read pile.

Happy Reading

Reservations for Two - Hillary Manton Lodge - #2 Fresh Flavors and New Horizons novel - Juliette and Neil continue their tour of Provence and Tuscany.  With more answers about her grandmother, they return home to difficulties in their long distance relationship.

The Art of Losing Yourself - Katie Ganshert - Carmen looks like a woman who has it all together.  On the inside she struggles with doubt and whether she made a mistake marring her husband.  When her 17 year old sister shows up, maybe Carmen will find the answers to her questions.

Detained - Don Brown - #1 Navy Jag series - Navy Jag Officer Matt Davis has been given the difficult task of defending two Lebanese men from a charge of terrorism.  He believes they are innocent, but the opposition has an agenda and deep pockets.  Will the woman he loves be able to uncover the truth before innocent men die?

The Book of Told - K. A. Gunn - (from the backcover) Brew discovers he is a single word in the Book of Told, written by another he can't see... Sabotages by a rival understudy, the author must use what words he can to create a most powerful statement.

West for the Black Hills - Peter Leavell - Dakota Sunrise #1 - Philip longs to live a quiet life on his homestead with his horses.  When Anna enters his life that all changes.  They get caught up in a scheme that is brewing in Mitchell and  Philip needs to use his gun-slinger skills.

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This is why I read.