TITLE:  Sebastian (Descended, Book 2)

AUTHOR:  Dana Pratola

DATE:  November 2013

STARS:  *****

Men like Sebastian want only one thing, and Natalie has vowed not to give it to him. Yes, he's gorgeous, intelligent and heroic, but he's also a constant reminder that she isn't good enough for him. Can she outrun a club owner who wants her dead when she's weighed down by the failures of her past?

His whole life, Sebastian has viewed women one way - as marvelous distractions. But when Natalie enters his life, he's forced to see the world - and women - in a new light. Teaming with Jett Cestone, they enter a world of sex traffickers to rescue young innocents. But only Natalie can rescue him and give him the one thing his heart needs.

Fantasy, faith, and intense romance: what more could a reader want? Ms. Pratola’s Descended books take the question, what if the “sons of God” mentioned in Genesis 6, who had children with “daughters of men” began a line of special offspring with unique powers. Intriguing premise and not your usual Christian fiction. Fantasy is not my usual choice, either, but I thoroughly enjoyed this book.

If you haven’t read the first book of the series, Jetti, I recommend it, as Jett’s background is helpful to know in order to understand this one. But either way, Sebastian is a great read. I didn’t want to put it down, as the action kept my heart pounding.

The tentative relationship between Natalie and Sebastian drew me in, too. Both are damaged, and their quest to overcome their pasts leads straight to the Savior they both desperately need.
​
If you enjoy Christian fiction with a touch of fantasy, I highly recommend Sebastian¸ and the whole Descended series. It earns five stars for stellar writing and fast-paced, heart-pounding action and romance.
 

TITLE:  Last Chance Hero (A Place to Call Home #4)

AUTHOR:  Cathleen Armstrong

DATE:  2015

PUBLISHER:  Revell

STARS:  *****

The inhabitants of Last Chance, New Mexico, could not be more pleased. Dr. Jessica McLeod has opened an office right on Main Street. Andy Ryan, the best athlete the little town ever produced, has ended his short career in the NFL and has come home to coach the mighty Pumas of Last Chance High.

Unfortunately, Dr. Jess immediately gets off on the wrong foot when she admits that she's never seen a football game, isn't really interested in doing so, and, in fact, doesn't know a first down from a home run. Meanwhile, Coach Ryan is discovering that it's not easy to balance atop the pedestal the town has put him on.

Despite having little in common, Jess and Andy find themselves drawn to each other. But when a disagreement over the future of an injured player puts them both on the defensive, it begins to look like this game is over.

I haven’t (yet) read the first three books in this series, but I found that didn’t matter. Within the first pages of this novel, I was drawn into the small town of Last Chance. I enjoyed meeting the locals as Dr. Jess encountered them: Rita, the town’s mayor and over-the-top booster, Juanita, the local diner’s outspoken and often cranky waitress, and of course Miss Elizabeth, the cherished matriarch of the large Cooley clan.

Ms. Armstrong’s characters quickly feel like friends, and her descriptions of the desert setting make me want to prolong my visit. The story is well-paced and easy to read. I loved the hesitant relationships, not just between Jess and Andy, but also between Jess and the town.
​
Last Chance Hero is a warm, well-written story and convinced me to read the first three books of this series. It earns five stars.
This book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.

TITLE:  The Memory Weaver

AUTHOR:  Jane Kirkpatrick

DATE:  2015

PUBLISHER:  Revell
​
STARS:  *****

Eliza Spalding Warren was just a child when she was taken hostage by the Cayuse Indians during a massacre in 1847. Now the young mother of two children, Eliza faces a different kind of dislocation; her impulsive husband wants them to make a new start in another territory, which will mean leaving her beloved home and her departed mother's grave--and returning to the land of her captivity. Eliza longs to know how her mother, an early missionary to the Nez Perce Indians, dealt with the challenges of life with a sometimes difficult husband and with her daughter's captivity.

When Eliza is finally given her mother's diary, she is stunned to find that her own memories are not necessarily the whole story of what happened. Can she lay the dark past to rest and move on? Or will her childhood memories always hold her hostage?

Based on true events, The Memory Weaver is New York Times bestselling author Jane Kirkpatrick's latest literary journey into the past, where threads of western landscapes, family, and faith weave a tapestry of hope inside every pioneering woman's heart. Readers will find themselves swept up in this emotional story of the memories that entangle us and the healing that awaits us when we bravely unravel the threads of the past.

Yes, this story is based on real events, and that’s what makes it such a powerful and often heartbreaking tale. The massacre of 1847 was unfamiliar to me, even though the names Spalding and Whitman did sound vaguely familiar. Ms. Kirkpatrick’s intricately woven tale made me wish I had listened better in history class back in the dark ages, but I am thankful for her impressive research that brought Eliza’s story to life.

The Memory Weaver is not an easy, light-hearted read. Rather, it is a compelling study of personalities and how different people deal with tragedy and normal hardships of life, all wrapped in a story of faith. Eliza Spalding Warren was a strong woman, even in her weakest moments, and her story will stay with me for a very long time.
Not to missed are the author’s notes at the back of the book. The Memory Weaver is highly recommended, and I award it five stars.

Disclaimer: I was given a book by the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion, which I have given here.

TITLE:  Rust

AUTHOR:  Corbin Bersen

DATE:  October 2015

PUBLISHER:  Pelican Book Group

STARS:  ****

In the midst of a crisis of faith, a man finds hope where he least expects it—his hometown. James Moore is a former pastor who returns home to discover his childhood friend is implicated in the arson of a farmhouse and the murder of an entire family. Convinced of his friend's innocence, James sets out to find the truth. In the process he reclaims a relationship with his father, restores hope to a floundering congregation, and rediscovers his own lost faith. Rust is an uplifting tale about faith, family and the powerful ties that bind a community.
​
This story grabbed me from the very beginning: a broken relationship, a mystery, and a town in distress. What a scene! I loved the faith story and that it was the hub of the whole plot. Bersen surprised me with his exquisite prose and obviously deep faith. There was, however, one plot point that didn’t ring true to me, and that did detract a bit.
Rust is a beautiful tale of loss, hope, and redemption, and I highly recommend it. It earns four stars.

Congratulations, Carolyn! You  have won a copy of Jan Elder's Manila Marriage App! Thank you for visiting Grace Notes and commenting on Jan Elder's interview. I know you'll enjoy her book! 

Don't forget, dear readers, to comment this week on the interview with Cindy K. Green. 

Welcome to Grace Notes! I can't wait to introduce you to today's guest, Cindy K. Green, so let's get started.

Cindy K. Green has worked as a middle school history & English teacher, a frozen yogurt server and a golf magazine employee. Today she's a multi-published, award-winning author, a mother, a wife, and a homeschooler too. This native Californian now resides in North Carolina with her husband, two boys, and two cats named Chloe & Kassey. Visit her website www.cindykgreen.com & her blog cindykgreen.blogspot.com. She's on Facebook (Cindy K. Green) and Twitter (@cindykgreen) too. Email her at cindy@cindykgreen.com        Join the newsletter: http://eepurl.com/bgISMz.

Here's your treat, dear readers: Cindy k. Green is offering a free read to EVERY person who comments, so be sure to include your email address.

Today we're spotlighting Cindy's latest book, Challenging Miss Valentine. 

Cindy, could you tell us a little about this story?

Ella Valentine doubts she'll ever recover when her twin brother passes away in college. Four years later, living in a new city and working for a large corporation, she gets caught in a lie and saddled with a new boss who she suspects might be losing his mind. Now he has her enacting insane acts of espionage while trying to catch the culprit who has embezzled money from their company. If it wasn't for his deep brown eyes and lazy smile she just might quit. Is this God's plan for her life? She isn't even sure who she is anymore without her twin and the way things are going she just might end up in the loony bin.

Charles "Charlie" Murray II may be the heir presumptive to his father's industrial dynasty, but all he really wants is to create--be it drawings or a marketing campaign. When he's summoned to the home office to take over the position of CFO, he discovers his new assistant is the same woman who passed him a phony phone number in a diner the previous weekend. If he can figure out who's been stealing from the company, he just might attain the position of his dreams or will he sacrifice it all to be with Ella.
 
What was your inspiration for this story?
I started this story just for fun as a possible serial for my newsletter subscribers, but I had so much fun with it I decided it needed a whole novel to do it justice. It just started as a what if scenario and took off from there.

What is its take-away message?
Let God lead the way. Stop trying to be in control and let God lead. 
Oh, that's a lesson I still need to learn.

Tell us a bit about your writing routine. 
I have a very busy schedule. I have two boys home with me everyday and we homeschool. I have responsibilities tutoring other children as well and running book studies. When I get a chance to write, it is a respite  from the craziness of life. Fall is when I get the most writing done. I am the most rejuvenated and inspired at this time of year. And I participate in NANOWRIMO in November. It makes me get the words out and a whole book finished in 30 days.
Wow!

 What’s your next writing project?
I am preparing for NANO right now. It will be the third book in a western historical series called the Lawmen of the Comstock Lode. I’m still working out the plot but it concern a widow from Philadelphia moving to Nevada to be near her grown nieces (all the family she has left) and the US Marshal who she met and almost married 12 years ago. The plot will concern a child labor ring and an Indian school. I’m getting very excited to write this one.
Sounds intriguing. I look forward to reading it.


Here are a few more questions, just for fun:
1.      Coffee or Tea? Tea definitely!
2.      Snacks: Sweet or Salty? Sweet
3.       Dream vacation The beach. Just quiet and the sound of the waves.
4.      #1 on your Bucket List Visit Europe next year when my oldest son graduates from high school

And to whet your appetite for Challenging Miss Valentine, here's a short excerpt:

Taking a wobbly second step back, Ella’s heel slid on the slick tile flooring of the diner. Her feet flew out from under her, and she landed down on her backside in a matter of seconds. This couldn’t have been more embarrassing if she’d planned in every detail the best way to make a total fool of herself in front of a complete stranger. Then she connected with his amazing eyes as he looked down at her.
“Are you okay?” He offered her a hand up, but she could tell he held back a smile.
Great! He thought she was as much of a klutz as she did.
“I’m fine.” With his help, she came to her feet. Then she brushed off the back of her black dress pants. 
“You are sure?” His voice was as dreamy as the rest of him—low and smooth with just a trace of teasing. “Maybe I should check your eyes for a concussion.” His dark eyes danced with his restrained laughter.
“Are you a doctor?” She played along.
“No, I just always see them do that on TV.” He grinned. “Here.” In his hand, he held a packet of sweetener. “You wanted some of these, right?” His gaze wasn’t mocking, as she’d thought earlier. It was more like curious and amused.

What a fun read. Thank you, Cindy K. Green, for guesting on Grace Notes today. And readers, don't forget to comment! Here's the purchase links for Challenging Miss Valentine:

​http://www.amazon.com/Challenging-Miss-Valentine-Cindy-Green-ebook/dp/B01267604E/
http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/562102
https://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/challenging-miss-valentine
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/challenging-miss-valentine-cindy-k-green/1122343696?ean=2940151144018#productInfoTabs

Today is Canadian Thanksgiving Day, one of my favorite holidays. Thankfulness is not only a good idea, it's commanded by God--with good reason. Thankfulness blesses the both the giver and the receiver, as I'm sure you all know.

I could fill several pages with blessings I'm grateful for, starting with God's saving grace and my family. Incredible joys!

But i'd rather hear from you, so my question for you today is: 

​What are you thankful for? What gives you joy?

TITLE:  Plum Upside Down (A Farm Fresh Romance Book 5)
AUTHOR:  Valerie Comer
DATE:  2015
STARS:  *****
​
Green Acres newcomer Chelsea Riehl is annoyed she’s assigned to farm work alongside the only other single, a faith-filled hippie with a missionary vision.  She'd hoped to organize events and keep her heart safe, not pit plums with annoying Keanan Welsh. 

Discouraged by Chelsea's lack of spiritual depth, Keanan is confused when she offers to arrange meals for the church Alpha program he is co-hosting. Maybe he misjudged her, after all.  

When fake it ’til you make it gives way to stepping out in faith, both Chelsea and Keanan have some soul-searching to do. And while getting on the same page spiritually is a good start, other barriers may keep their budding romance from flipping right-side up. 
As a latecomer to the community named Green Acres Farm, Chelsea feels like an outside, even though her sister has been involved since the beginning. Adding to her discomfort is a through-back to the Jesus People of decades ago, Keanan. Prissy Chelsea and hippie look-alike Keanan are in agreement on one thing: they don’t like being pushed together by the happily married other occupants of the communal farm.
I enjoyed this story and the contrasts between the two lead characters. The farm was somewhat familiar, as I’d read the first book of the series some time ago. So we settled in like old friends, and I took a ring-side seat to watch their up and down relationship.
The faith message in this story is gentle but important, and Ms. Comer’s research brings locations and other details to life.
Plum Upside Down is a fast read, but the story and characters linger in my memory. It earns five stars.
 

This Monday's Spotlight features the lovely Jan Elder and her latest book, Manila Marriage App. Before I tell you about her book, let's get to know Jan a little better.

​Jan Elder is a Christian romance writer with a zeal for telling stories other women can relate to, a book that will strengthen the reader’s faith, while also providing an entertaining and engrossing love story.

Besides writing romance, she enjoys the occasional hazelnut cappuccino while watching Turner Classic Movies. Always an avid reader, she devours books voraciously, both Christian and secular. She was born a cat-lover and her books will, no doubt, feature a feline in some way or another.

Happily married for twelve years to loving (and supportive) husband, Steve, the two live in central Maryland along with Jamie (a tuxedo cat), and Shu-Shu (a tortoiseshell cat). On the weekends, Jan and Steve comb the nearby countryside in search of the perfect ice cream flavor.

Jan is graciously offering a copy of Manila Marriage App to one commenter, a print copy within the US or an e-copy or pdf to international readers. 

Here's my review of Manila Marriage App.

Why in the world would a reasonably sane young woman fly halfway across the world to meet a stranger? Especially when that stranger thought she was coming to marry him?
Shay Callahan is on a mission to teach a missionary a lesson—and enjoy a tropical vacation in the exotic city of Manila. The small magazine ad and subsequent letter by Dr. Timothy Flynn had piqued Shay’s feminist ire with its requirements for a “suitable wife.”
And so off she goes, and the adventure begins before the plane even touches down. Manila Marriage App is a fun read with quirky and multi-dimensional characters, lush settings, and some wonderful details that took me to the Philippines along with Shay.
The hesitant relationship between Shay and Dr. Timothy kept me enthralled throughout the twists, turns, and trials they faced.
Manila Marriage App is a wonderful story, and it earns five stars. I look forward to reading more from Ms. Elder. Highly recommended!

Question and Answer Time:

​Interview questions:

1. What was your inspiration for this story?

It all started in a little café in Silver Spring, MD. I was meeting with a few other ACFW members (American Christian Fiction Writers) and fellow writer, Carole T., mentioned that Pelican Book Group was searching for authors to write for their Passport to Romance series. What did I do after I hurried home? You got it. I checked it out. Pelican/White Rose publishing has a lovely website with terrific handy-dandy info all about their requirements.
Here’s an excerpt from their website at www.pelicanbookgroup.com/ that shows the requirements for their newest series.
PASSPORT TO ROMANCE
Take a trip and fall in love! Passport to Romance™ titles are contemporary romances set in exotic locations around the world. These stories offer the contemporary Christian reader adventure, vivacity, romance, and faith. Passport to Romance™ features chic heroines who are sparkling, confident, open for adventure—and who are a perfect match for a contemporary alpha male who has a zest for life, a thirst for God, and who likes an intelligent woman who can hold her own.

1. What is its take-away message?

I think it’s important that the characters in a novel, especially a Christian book, grow and change throughout the story. The hero and heroine we see at the end of the novel should be very different from the people we meet on page one. When one or both of the main characters cry out to God, how does He change the direction of the story?
 
In Manila Marriage App, what I would like the reader to take away, is that when God speaks, listen up. He loves you to pieces and has your very best in mind. I tried my best to achieve that goal and as the story unfolds, I hope the reader will be pleased and surprised at the character development…and with the way Shay and Timothy discover true love—God’s way.

1. Tell us a bit about your writing routine. Do you have set hours? Do you get dressed first? Do you travel for research? Where and when do you do your best work?

I have a full time job so I mostly write on the weekends, and since I’m a night-person, I can sometimes fit in a couple of hours late at night during the week. I write on my laptop while sitting on the couch in my living room, feet crossed up under me, a cat or two plastered to my side.
 
My husband is generally watching TV while playing on his computer, and we often converse back and forth about the show he’s watching or an article he’s reading. In between all of that noise, I come up with plot, characters, and dialogue. I’ve tried writing when it’s quiet, but it doesn’t work as well. Weird, huh?
As to research, in 2009, I was finally able to visit my brother in the Philippines—my first trip to a third world country. In writing the book, I rolled back my memories of this amazing country and took off. Having a reliable source of information (my brother) and mental pictures in my mind helped tremendously. I used the seminary where my brother works, as the inspiration for the seminary in MMA. I even somewhat patterned my hero after my brother (except Timothy Flynn is taller—grin.)

1. What’s your next writing project?

I just finished writing a contemporary Christmas novella called A Semi-Precious Christmas and it starts with a bang—a jewelry store heist in progress. It was a great deal of fun to write!
 
Next up, I’ve started a full-length novel tentatively titled A Bittersweet Romance set in a chocolate shop. Can you imagine the fun time I’m going to have researching that subject?
 
Just for fun:

1. Coffee or Tea?

I have at least 10 flavors/varieties of tea in my pantry at all times. My current favorite is Harney’s Hot Cinnamon. I will go for coffee, though, when I really need a jolt of caffeine—hazelnut or salted caramel cappuccino when I can get it.

1. Snacks: Sweet or Salty?

Both. Depends on my mood…and what I remember to pick up at the grocery store. On the salty side, my favorites are barbequed Fritos or peanuts, and on the sweet…peach pie, slightly warm, with a scoop of peach ice cream on top. Yum!

1. Dream vacation

Ireland. Both my husband and I have some Irish heritage and he’s been longing to go there. Maybe in a couple of years on our fifteen anniversary!

1. #1 on your Bucket List

My husband and I would love to buy a little cabin in the woods for a retirement home…on a lake…with ducks…lots and lots of ducks. J
 
Great answers, Jan! I'd love to visit Ireland, too. And a cabin in the woods sounds fantastic--with or without ducks!

Book blurb 
It all began as a lark. Shay Callahan’s life was just fine, thank you, but when the seemingly misogynistic missionary, Timothy Flynn, places an advertisement for a wife in a Christian magazine, she decides to give it a whirl and sends in the five-page application. Why not? After all, she’s not currently seeing anyone, and this man truly needs to be taught a lesson.
 
Finding out she’s Dr. Flynn’s pick of the litter, Shay hops on a plane and flies to The Philippines. The strategy is to jet in, enjoy an exciting two-week vacation, and jet out again, all at his expense. Instead, her plan backfires. The handsome missionary man is not what he seems, and the foreign land has far more to offer than she could imagine.
 
Embark on a tropical adventure with Shay that challenges everything she believes.
 
Short excerpt from Manila Marriage App
 
Being this near to Timothy unsettled me, turning my resolve to mush. I was leaving soon. I didn’t want to fall for this man. Powerless to resist, I reached over and brushed the hair out of his stormy gray eyes.
His arm slipped around my shoulders. Pulling me close, he leaned in for a soft, gentle kiss. If I were the dramatic type, moonlight and romance might have come to mind. Since I wasn’t that sort, I puffed out a modest gasp. The mystifying man had made a move!
I pulled back slightly and touched his check. As delightful as that was—and believe me it was delightful—I really could be contagious.”
“Don’t care.”
My eyes widened as he cupped the back of my neck, wove his fingers in my golden latte hair, and drew me still closer. This time his kiss wasn’t sweet, or shy, or the least bit timid. This time, when his lips met mine, he kissed me with a touch of passion, just enough to let me know he was indeed attracted to me.
I offered him my sweetest smile. “Nice.”
He leaned his head back, his arm still tight around my shoulders. “Yeah. Nice.” 

Here's a link to order Manila Marriage App: http://www.amazon.com/Jan-Elder/e/B00VXW5F2C/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1

And here are the links to contact Jan Elder:
http://janelderauthor.com/books

https://www.facebook.com/janice.elder.author

https://twitter.com/JanElderAuthor

Thank you, Jan, for sharing with Grace Notes and our readers. And now, dear readers, it's your turn. When you post a comment below, you are entered to win a copy of Ms. Elder's wonderful book!