Book Review - Jen Turano's A Change in Fortune

A Change of Fortune

Jen Turano

 

Bethany House

c. November 2012

ISBN 978-0-7642-1018-1

Print: $14.99

E-book: $9.99

 

Darling Debut!

 

Finally, a historical romance not set on the prairie. It’s 1880, New York City, but it’s still the aristocratic side of town – Park Avenue, balls, dinners, carriages, the El, and shopping. Glasses and padding under her corset help Eliza Sumner hide in plain sight. She’s come across the ocean from her home in England when her late father’s fortune is stolen and no one, not even her fiancé in London, will help her get it back.

 

Eliza can’t pass as a peon for long, however, when she lands a job as a governess. Agatha, the eldest sister of her current charges, forces her to come clean, and the two of them embark on an adventure to recover Eliza’s inheritance and for Agatha, write an articles for the newspaper. They encounter the Beckett brothers along the way who have their own troubles with a man associated with Eliza’s thief, a charmingly chauvinistic investigator, and Hamilton Beckett’s scheming mother who may be the most dangerous of all.

 

Precocious children, women’s rights, trousers, jail—they’re all here in this marvelous romp of a story to regain not only a woman’s stolen fortune, but lost faith in the goodness of people and God.

 

Turano’s debut is a fast-paced adventure from beginning to end. While predictable, the fun is in the journey, and Turano doesn’t disappoint. From the moment Eliza puts on glasses in a disastrous dinner, loses her skirt in a break-in attempt and goes to jail in a prostitute round-up, to meeting the Beckett children, I enjoyed the twists and turns of the characters. Mrs. Beckett is an absolute hoot. The others were personable, with enough background subtly strewn about that their current actions and inactions made sense. The story got a little out of control toward the end when surprising people appeared, but I imagine the author was creating a set-up for future related adventures, which I look forward to. Certainly Hamilton’s charming brother, Zayne, with his mysterious fiancé would make a delicious tale, as well as their suffragette sister who didn’t make an appearance but was much referred to.

 

Mostly historically accurate if a bit rambunctious and occasionally over the top, emotionally satisfying, and thoroughly entertaining, A Change in Fortune is a sweet debut novel.

Book Review: Dreaming of a Father's Love by Sharon A. Lavy

Dreaming of a Father’s Love

By Sharon A Lavy

Story and Logic Media Group (December 26, 2012)

ISBN 978-0615724362

ASIN: B00ATTLBO6

Price e-format: 6.99

Print: 15.99

 

Enjoy the trailer:

Old Order Fiction

From the publisher: Sara Brubaker was two years old when a German Baptist couple adopted her. She has become a beautiful woman, and works as a secretary for Alexander's. Now she's torn between wanting to live in the normal world of fun and fashion, or joining the Dunkards to truly belong with her adoptive family. Birdie Alexander thinks if she works at the family business hard enough and long enough she will gain her father's love. Can she learn a thing or two from the German Baptist secretary? Irene West is Birdie's lifelong Sunday school friend. Irene misses having a father figure around, and is very boy crazy, which causes Birdie to struggle with the friendship and Irene to struggle with life. Will Birdie overcome her self-righteous nature before it's too late—for Irene?

 

Sharon Lavy’s debut novel is a trip back in time. I hate to admit it, but I knew all the Helen Reddy songs that Birdie sings.

Dreaming of a Father’s Love is a many-layered story of finding love, or realizing that it’s been there all along, for Lavy’s characters. Growing up in the crazy early 1970s when women were beginning to assert themselves was tough enough in the general population, but when you belong to a fairly strict mainline faith, it’s even harder. Birdie wants to make choices about her future for herself, but it’s difficult with a father she feels is over-critical and harsh when he really wants the best for her. During the summer after high school graduation all the dreadful events that happen to her family and friends could have sunk her, if not for the deep-seated faith which was her foundation. Dealing with a love triangle, figuring out how to help or deal with her friends, both old and new, and her family help her realize her place in the community in which she lives and wants to stay.

 

Lavy’s story is told in many and occasionally dizzying viewpoints, so readers will want to pay close attention to who belongs to whom. I enjoyed the snippets of life in that era, as well as getting to know a little more about the various faiths in their culture. It was sometimes hard to cheer for Birdie and her decade-older love interest, Dax who was searching for missing family, as their lives and romance seemed to move along pretty quickly from a standstill, but I adored the house and history behind (and inside) that Dax bought and restored. Hopefully future books from Story and Logic Media Group will take a bit more care with proofreading to avoid missing punctuation as I found, but didn’t mind too much, in the e-version supplied by the author.

 

Readers who enjoy a trip down memory lane to the tumultuous seventies and a really special house restoration layered with a search for one’s identity, will find Dreaming of a Father’s Love a fascinating read.

Changing Zip Codes by Carol Stratton

For Immediate Release: A new moving devotional hits the market.
 

 

As the moving van drives off you have a knot in your stomach. You ask yourself, “Are we moving to a better place? Will my children like their new school? Will I ever make friends?” As someone who has moved over twenty-two times; this author understand the fears and excitements of relocating and has grown a passion to help families who need to change their zip code.

 

Changing Zip Codes: Finding Community Wherever You’re Transplanted is a forty-day devotional full of wisdom and humor to encourage families and lift the spirits of those finding themselves moving to a new home and potentially a new lifestyle. Carol knows the stress of changing addresses as she has moved twenty-two times with a husband, four children and a dog. She is the mover’s cheerleader; her goal is to help women survive a move while keeping their families and humor intact.  Written for those relocating, it is helpful for anyone facing big changes in their life. This book would make an excellent gift for military families, realtors, and churches who want to welcome newcomers into their community.

 

Carol is a freelance writer published in two anthologies (Writing so Heaven will be Different and Extraordinary Answers to Prayer (Guideposts), and has over sixty articles published in national publications such as InTouch and Your Church. She has also written for regional and local publications such as The Herald, Forsyth Women and Forsyth Family). She speaks to women’s groups such as MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) and has taught at national writing conferences. Her website is www.ChangingZipCodes.com or catch the book on Facebook/ Changing Zip Codes.

 

As many more veterans return from deployment it is devastating the challenges couples face readjusting to a normal routine and back into daily family life. With the passion to support these families, Carol dedicates a portion of all proceeds to the Family Life Ministries project, “The Art of Marriage Ops.” This initiative provides workshops and weekend retreats to returning military personnel and their spouses; strengthening their marriage after serving their country overseas.  www.theartofmarriageops.org

This book is published by Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas and is available through Amazon.com, Barnes and Noble and Christian bookstores. A portion of the book's proceeds will go to Family Life to help military couples have a Weekend to Remember retreat. For more information on the book and speaking engagements, contact Carol at carolgstratton-at-gmail.

 

Author page: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B007N7NZ1O

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChangingZipCodes

Website:http://tinyurl.com/cow3jnkhttp://www.changingzipcodes.com/

 

The Treasure Seeker by Teena Stewart launches today

Teena Stewart is launching her book THE TREASURE SEEKER on Tuesday, Jan. 8.

The Treasure Seeker is searching for you, His precious lost treasure. Learn your true value and how the Treasure Seeker wishes to refine and polish you into the gemstone you were meant to be.

You can help Teena achieve ‘best seller’ status by purchasing the book at amazon.com TODAY – and receive all kinds of cool free gifts while you’re at it plus enter for a free necklace drawing!

Here’s how:

1. Go to the Landing Page on Teena’s Website http://teenastewart.com/id119.html

2. Buy the book at amazon.com.

3. Go back to the Landing Page http://teenastewart.com/id119.html and fill in the form with your name, email and purchase number.

It’s that easy! You’ll be directed to your free gifts and all you have to do is choose which ones you want.

About the book:

One of the toughest women's issues is that many women, even the most outwardly self-assured ones, wrestle with feelings of inadequacy and worthlessness. Though we want to believe we have value, messages bombard us daily, telling us if we don’t look a certain way, dress a certain way, drive a certain car, weigh a certain weight, or work in a certain type of career, we are worth very little.

 

The Treasure Seeker, our Heavenly Father’s only Son, has a different opinion. He knows your true value and will stop at nothing to recover you, His cherished one. He longs for you to come into a close, loving relationship with Him so you can not only feel cherished but also cherish Him, the greatest treasure of all.

 

Through practical truth this Christian Living book will draw you closer to the Treasure Seeker who takes on the role of Master Jeweler who: lovingly shapes, refines, polishes, and even incorporates your flaws, to transform you into a jewel of stunning beauty.

He will help you find your remarkable true worth so that you become the dazzling gemstone you were created to be.

 

Unique accompaniments: 

• Intriguing treasure stories
• A study of the "Lost" parables including the lost coin, the lost sheep, the prodigal son, the treasure hidden in a field, and the pearl of great price
• Points to ponder at the end of each chapter for reflection and discussion
• A chapter highlighting gemstone attributes allowing readers to determine which gemstone they are most like
• A Treasure Seeker Jewelry line created by author/artist Teena Stewart available at a discount when you purchase the book. (Coupon included in the back of the book.)

What others are saying:

I like the way this can help us use this book for a book club discussion or a small study group…
And then, in the Appendix, I enjoyed doing the "Spiritual Gifts Questionnaire"… I think this would make an awesome Bible Study. I would recommend this book. – Penny Henry, Grandma’s Book Reviews

For those who seek a small group guide with meat, book club books, or something to go along with a personal meditation time, The Treasure Seeker is a perfect companion. Never dull or fluffy or overbearing, this book is great, uplifting encouragement the likes of Beth Moore or other Women of Faith personalities.—Lisa Lickel, Author and Reviewer

A gemstone may have flaws. Sometimes those flaws detract from the stone's value, but sometimes they enhance it by adding character. The Treasure Seeker reminds us that we are like those gemstones. A quote from Teena Stewart sums up the book's ultimate message well. "Each one of us is valuable, even if we think we are not. And He [God Himself] desires for us to have a loving relationship with a Father whose compassion makes all other loves pale by comparison." – Marti Suddarth, Author and Teacher

Buy this book if you want to encourage someone to believe in the love of God. You can also use this book to witness to someone, especially a creative person. For people struggling with inadequacy or insecurities, this book will encourage them and help them see themselves in God's light. – Emelia Mosima, Author of “Wait”

Author bio:

Teena Stewart is an author, ministry leader, and artist with hundreds of published articles to her credit in the secular and Christian realm as well as numerous books. Her current focus reflects the spiritual message of brokenness, restoration, and a vibrant relationship with God and others.

When she isn't writing, she is creating artwork and jewelry treasures (often from discarded and found objects) or leading ministry for Java Journey, an innovative coffee shop ministry in Hickory, NC. Java's mission is provide hope and restoration to the hurting and broken by sharing Christ's story, showing His love and by empowering the restored to serve others. Teena is available to speak at your event.

FREE STUFF:

Here’s a sampling of FREE bonus e-gifts from generous supporters:

Live Without Stress by Shelly Hitz

The Legacy of Deer Run by Elaine Cooper (3 Sample Chapters)

Angels of Humility ( 4 Sample Chapters) by Jackie MacGirvin

All if you buy your copy of THE TREASURE SEEKER at amazon.com.on January 8! All links will be operational on the ‘Landing Page’ at teenastewart.com

FREE CHANCE TO WIN FREE GIFTS INCLUDING AN ORIGINAL DESIGN PEARL NECKLACE

Also the following books:

Two Scoops of Grace by Jeanette Levellie

Simple Truths to Personal Success by Krystal Kuehn and Violet James

Changing Zip Codes by Carol Stratton



DISCLAIMER: This ‘Best Seller book launch’ has been coordinated with the help of the ‘John 3:16 Marketing Network’ and many other generous supporters. The free gifts are deliverable electronically over the internet or by email by individual authors and supporters. They are not in any way associated with, nor deliverable by, amazon.com

--
Teena M. Stewart

***AUTHOR***
http://nearly-brilliant.blogspot.com/
http://www.teenastewart.com/
http://www.facebook.com/teena.stewart
https://twitter.com/teenastewart1
***ARTIST***
http://www.serendipitini.com
http://serendipitini.blogspot.com/
***MINISTRY LEADER***
http://www.javajourney.org

Book Review: Irene Hannon's Vanished

Vanished, by Irene Hannon

Book one of Private Justice

 

Revell Books

$14.99

January 2013

978-0-8007-2123-7

 

A bump in the night and eyes full of terror won’t let go of Moira Harrison. Was it her Pulitzer-prize nominated instincts, a bad memory, or guilty conscience that sent her to Phoenix, Inc, seeking justice. But for who?

 

Phoenix, Inc., the PI firm recommended by her colleague at the newspaper doesn’t exactly fit Moira’s idea of the office of private investigators, even though she’s never visited one before. The receptionist’s outlandish taste of dress almost offsets the soothing décor. And then Moira meets Cal Burke.

 

After hearing her crazy story of skidding in front of a woman and hitting her in the rain on a lonely road while Moira was reaching for her long-distance glasses, tincluding a man who said he’d help her but didn’t, and no evidence of anything but burned rubber, Cal Burke, ex-ATF agent and partner at Phoenix Inc., must be nuts to take her case. Pro-bono. Even the cops were hard-put to do anything but close the file.

 

Moira’s credentials as an investigative reporter help Cal believe, and when the math doesn’t start to add up, the hunt is on for a Samaritan whose kindness could put Moira in the afterlife before anyone’s ready. Certainly not Cal, whose five-year mourning period for his late wife is melting away, and Moira, who’s been burned by romance one too many times in the past.

 

Join this middle-thirties couple and their friends as they search for justice for a nameless victim.

 

I’ve been an Irene Hannon fan for a while, and enjoyed this story. It’s fast-paced and extremely well-detailed without crossing into the boring. A few little glitches, like adding some extraneous character point of view scenes for a situation that simply didn’t need more explanation felt like filler, but weren’t fatal to the pace. I liked the characters and their inevitable conclusion. I liked the investigative techniques, which might also make the details fall into place a little too coincidentally; but overall, Vanished is a great addition to Hannon’s repertoire. The next books in the series I’m sure will prove to be just as entertaining.

 

Available January 2013 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

Online! Global Women's Expo Jan 11 Free

Global Women’s Ministry Expo Will Train, Connect & Empower Women's Ministry Leaders

 

The 2013 Women's Ministry Expo offers training, connections and fresh ideas for  women's ministry leaders worldwide via its interactive online program.

 

PRLog (Press Release) – January 4, 2013 – The first ever global Women’s Ministry Online Expo is scheduled for Friday, January 11, 2013 featuring 24 trainers, idea generators and worship leaders plus Facebook and Twitter party hostesses and blog partners.

Hosted by International Women’s Ministry Mentor and Trainer, Marnie Swedberg, this online expo for Women’s Ministries is ideal for every leader who works with women’s ministry in any capacity.

 

The online expo is free to attend and will provide not only targeted training in the following eight leadership zones, but will also offer opportunities for leaders to connect with each other and the guest presenters at the live Facebook and Twitter parties which will run throughout the expo.

The eight one-half hour training segments include:

    ● Building Your Women’s Ministry on a Firm Foundation presented by Marnie Swedberg with ideas generated by Della Faye and worship inspired by Kim Bolton.

    ● Getting Yourself and Your Ministry Organized with Andrea Dudley. Kimberly Hooper will get your ideas flowing as recording artist, Dawna Johnson, focuses our hearts on worship.

    ● Establishing a Winning Team will be trained by Sherry Poundstone with ideas from Sharon Hurkens and worship music by Jagee Melton.

    ● Understanding the Personalities in Ministry will help you in every aspect of your life as Phyllis Harmony trains it, Krista Dunk generates ideas and Mela Kamin inspires us.

    ● Attracting Seekers is based on Donna Jones’ book, Seek. Donna herself trains this session with ideas by Teresa Lusk and music by Adele Morgan.

    ● Maximizing Small Group Bible Studies is trained by Mindy Ferguson. Beth Fisher is your idea generator and your worship leader for this module is Trish Tourline.

    ● Taking Your Group to Major Women’s Events. Thomas Nelson Live Event’s Coordinator, Kerri Willoughby, is your trainer with ideas being sparked by Michelle Reynolds and music by Carole Brewer.

    ● Planning Your Own Events and Retreats is taught by Frankie D. Sherman. Your idea hostess is CJ Rapp and worship music is provided by Marnie Swedberg.

Attendees are invited to swap ideas and engage with the presenters and others guests at the concurrent Facebook and Twitter parties.

The expo is 100% online, which means you can participate from any location worldwide.

 

You are invited to attend the 2013 Global Women’s Ministry Expo and may pre-register now for the chance to win prizes at http://www.WomensMinistryExpo.com.

 

Mama was the Queen of Christmas with Linda Gilden

Mama Was the Queen of Christmas! We're happy to supply you with a fun Christmas article and recipe to be used on your blog or in your newsletter or publication. We've also included some background on the book, in case you'd like to spotlight that information. If you do chose to use the article on your site, please also include the author bio. Feel free to use the book and/or author photo as well. Contact Linda directly if you need her to send you the material in some other format. And if you're interested in reviewing the book, request a review copy from her. One reader says: “Mama Was the Queen of Christmas combines the art of storytelling, enthusiastic instruction, and family fun to inspire you and equip you for a meaningful, Jesus-filled holiday.”

Author: Linda J. Gilden Retail: $12.95 (book) Publisher: OakTara October 26, 2012 ISBN-10: 1602903506 ISBN-13: 978-1602903500 (November, 2012 – Spartanburg, SC) Do you love Christmas but feel the real meaning of the season is lost in the busyness? Do you breathe a sigh of relief when the last holiday guest is out the door, the last gift unwrapped, and the last ornament put away? Do you struggle with balancing the preparation and celebration with honoring Jesus? After all, it is His birthday! Mama Was the Queen of Christmas is a collection of stories highlighting “Mama's” role in the season as well as quotes, scripture, and practical suggestions for keeping the holidays focused on Christ. Mama presents creative ideas to plan a meaningful holiday season. SPECIAL FEATURES: “For the Queen” helps the reader focus on the truth of each story. This feature includes suggestions for the reader to implement that truth in his or her life. “For the King” points the reader to the One whose birth we celebrate through a personal activity. “For the Court” suggests family activities to apply the truth in each story.

Article & Recipe Available for Your Use A Game for All Adapted from the recently released book, Mama Was the Queen of Christmas by Linda Gilden How will all the little holiday extras ever get done? I ask myself that question every year. And as much as I enjoy the holidays, there seems to be so little time. One year I decided to let go of expectations and concentrate on celebrating Jesus. I came up with a plan to accomplish a lot of the extras in a very short time. I created a game! “Come on, everyone,” I said. “We are going to play a game.” There was minor grumbling but in the end everyone agreed a family game would be fun. And I was so excited about the end result! “Just give me an hour of your time,” I said. “Then you can get back to your homework.” I found a cute Christmas container and deposited little slips of paper, each describing a job. “I am going to set a timer for twenty minutes,” I said. “When you draw a slip of paper, you have twenty minutes to work at your job. When the bell rings, you will choose another job and change what you are doing. In an hour, you will have helped me with three pre-Christmas chores.” The papers in the container had jobs like: Position the electric candles in the windows. Put the greenery on the mantle downstairs. Wrap presents. (Not your own, although most were willing!) A smile face. This job was really important. The person who got the smile was to circulate, serve refreshments, and make sure everyone was having fun. Address Christmas cards. Plan a family activity that will help us concentrate on the real meaning of the season such as memorize the Christmas story from Luke, find someone to share the season with who hasn’t yet met the Savior, concentrate on a different aspect of Jesus’ birth in daily devotions, etc. Make a Christmas goodie or edible treat. My family favorite is “Rocks!” Christmas music playing in the background created a festive and jovial mood. As it turned out, everybody was a winner in this game. The family gathered in the kitchen for a sample of “rocks,” pointing out that we had become happy little elves, proudly creating an atmosphere of merriment for the holidays. Are there things you can do to make this holiday season less stressed for you and your family? RECIPE: Rocks – Favorite Holiday Treat! 2 cups chocolate chips 1 ½ cups dry roasted peanuts ½ cup peanut butter (1) 12.3 oz. box Crispix cereal Confectioners Sugar Melt chocolate in a large bowl in microwave oven. Heat on high for 1 minute. Stir well. Heat 30 seconds more or as needed to melt chocolate. Stir until smooth. (Chocolate could also be melted in a double boiler over low heat on the stove.) Add peanut butter and stir until well blended. Add peanuts and cereal and mix until thoroughly coated. A wooden spoon works best for this. Put confectioner’s sugar in a plastic bag. Add cereal mixture, close bag tightly, and shake gently until mixture is coated with sugar. If you do a third of the mixture at a time, it is easier to handle. Makes a lot! Store in an airtight container. Enjoy!   About the Author: Linda Gilden’s favorite season is Christmas. But, truthfully, she and her family like to celebrate all year long, so can it really be called a season? Growing up in a home where the spirit of Christmas prevailed throughout the year, she knows she is blessed to have married a man who shares the same philosophy—Jesus is not just for a season but for a lifetime! Linda is the author of over a thousand magazine articles and several other books, such as Love Notes in Lunchboxes, Love Notes on His Pillow, and Mommy Pick-Me-Ups (all by New Hope Publishers), but Mama Was the Queen of Christmas is one she has wanted to write for a long time. Her heart’s desire is to see families enjoy each other and make memories no matter what the season. Linda lives in South Carolina with her husband, three grown children and children-in-law, four grandchildren, and a granddog, all of whom love Christmas as much as she does!

Linda J. Gilden Author & Speaker