July Comment Progress

Here is an update on the July Comment Giveaway. No changes to the list this week, but there is still plenty of time to make it into the Top 5. The Top Five commenters are:

1.) Llehn

2.) Mystica

3.) Brandlwyne

4.) Fredamans

5.) Marjorie

Keep those comments coming!

Review: The Faith Dare

The Faith Dare: 30 Days to Live Your Life to the Fullest by Debbie Alsdorf

(For review from Revell)

Synopsis:

Jesus came to give us abundant life. So why are so many Christian women living with worn-out faith, struggling just to get by? What if there was something more? What if we could be set free from worry, fear, and the constant cycle of searching for significance?

The Faith Dare is a 30-day challenge for women who are tired of ho-hum living and want to break the pattern of self-reliance and people pleasing by putting their trust in God alone and learning to live to please him. This energizing book will change a woman's focus from her moods and attitudes to living in the power of God's Word. It will encourage her to take the next step and begin to live out real faith in her real life.

Thoughts:

As many of you know from time to time I will review a book on Christian living and/or about woman living out their faith. The Faith Dare by Debbie Alsdorf is such a book. This is an approach that a lot of authors are using these days. 30 days to a flatter stomach, 30 days to finding the love of your life, 30 days to live. It's amazing what one can accomplish in a month. Most of these types of books fall flat for me, but not this one!

Alsdorf uses a positive approach to living life to the fullest. She lets the reader see a glimpse of what life might be like, if they quit worrying so much and always living for the future. What is happening in your present? What do you need to do to get more out of your Christian life, for yourself and for others? That's what this book is all about.

This book takes you through a 30 day journey into self-discovery, with chapters on figuring out what is important to you, what to do when you are whiny, needy and just plain discouraged. It gives insight into managing your mind and being a woman of worth. I was really happy to see that the author was in tune with all things that woman face today, from hectic careers to balancing home and family.

I liked this one a lot and I'm giving it 4 out of 5 apples from my book bag!

Available July 2010 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

Here is some more information about Debbie Alsdorf.

Debbie Alsdorf was born in Sourthern California and raised in North Redondo Beach. With only one sister who was eleven years older, Debbie was raised most of her life as an only child. Without other children around, the family's player piano became her first best friend and set in motion years of voice lessons, performances, and a life on the stage. Though her talent won her awards and attention, it also left her empty. At the young age of 17, she accepted Christ and at that tender age she felt a call on her life. Though she didn't understand what that meant, she did everything she could to try to be her best for God, which eventually landed her on a wheel of performance and perfection, a wheel that sidetracked her walk for many years with Stepford Christianity. Sadly, she just went from one stage to another-from performing all her life for applause to performing in her Christian walk for other's approval. After going through a painful and humiliating ministry divorce, she was left not knowing who she was and if her life really did have purpose. After years of believing she was called to minister to women, she was left feeling unqualified and unuseable. In the years that followed, Debbie started over with the Lord and got more serious about her faith. She began to learn about the love of God for her in a way that changed everything. For the past 18 years she has leaned into that love for the redefining of her self and her life.

For the past 12 years, Debbie has been doing what she loves the most: ministering to women. She is a popular speaker traveling throughout the year, sharing with women of all ages the reality of God's love for them and the gift of His involvement in their lives. A gifted communicator, Debbie shares with transparency, conviction, and passion as she holds out the Word of Truth to women in a way that is practical, relevant, and life changing. She connects through her stories, her humor, and her practical illustrations of Biblical Truth. Coming from a place of personal brokenness, she is known for exposing the fraility in her own life in a way that helps women look at themselves and the pieces within themselves that are in need of healing and restoration.

Debbie founded Design4Living Ministries in 2000. Her heart's desire is to teach women the practical aspects of walking in Christ so that their foundations will be strong and their lives will be changed. In keeping with that goal, in 2005, Design4Living began a women's spiritual growth conference in Northern California, bringing in keynotes and break out session speakers from all over the country. Over the past few years, the conference has been a source of encouragement for many women.

Debbie has served in women's ministry for over 25 years. For the past 13 years she has served on the staff of Cornerstone Fellowship, in Livermore, California, as the pastor/director of women's ministries. She leads a staff team as well as over 200 women in volunteer leadership. She is also a Biblical lay-counselor and member of AACC (American Association of Christian Counselors), a member of AWSA (Advanced Writers and Speakers Association), CLASS ( Christian Leaders and Speakers Services) and is represented by Speak Up Speakers Services, Outreach Events, and literary agent Les Stobbe.

Married for 18 years to her husband Ray, together they have raised a blended family of four children, who are now adults. They share the passion of reaching others who are trying to navigate the blended family, and will release a book for blended families in 2010, David C. Cook.

Their greatest joy in this life are their children: Justin, Ashley, Cameron, and Megan. Justin is a graduate of Biola University who works in sales and serves as a worship leader. Ashley is a graduate of Colorado State Univ. and will graduate in 09 with her masters in school psychology. Cameron is a recording artist and songwriter signed to Universal Music Group Publishing, BEC/ EMI. The front man of the band Jaymes Reunion, their CD debut release will be May 09. Megan, also a graduate of Colorado State Univ., is currently in the nursing program at Samuel Merritt.

They have four other joys that they now come home to-3 small dogs (Molly, Bubba, and Lucy) and one cat (Pugsly). They make their home in Livermore, California.

Please visit Debbie's website, Design4Living Ministries. I'm sure you'll enjoy it.

Review: Courting Morrow Little

Courting Morrow Little by Laura Franz

(For review from Revell)

Synopsis:

Morrow Little is haunted by the memory of the day her family was torn apart by raiding Shawnee warriors. Now that she is nearly a grown woman and her father is ailing, she must make difficult choices about the future. Several men—ranging from the undesired to the unthinkable—vie for her attentions, but she finds herself inexplicably drawn to a forbidden love that both terrifies and intrigues her. Can she betray the memory of her lost loved ones—and garner suspicion from her friends—by pursuing a life with him? Or should she seal her own misery by marrying a man she doesn't love?

This sweeping tale of romance and forgiveness will envelop readers as it takes them from a Kentucky fort through the vast wilderness to the west in search of true love.

Thoughts:

I was really interested in doing this review, for several reasons. One of my main reasons was because I am from Kentucky and the setting for this book is in my general neighborhood. I was really excited to see if Laura Franz was able to capture the pioneer spirit of the early Kentuckian's, the hardships they had to face and the determination they had to succeed here. I was pleasantly surprised by her in depth descriptions of the area and her knowledge of life in a wilderness fort.

When I was in 6th grade we had a unit on Kentucky history and from there I was hooked. I've always been a history buff and I minored in history in college. This is a time period that I have considered in my own writing. I really enjoyed reading Franz's book. Her family still resides in Madison County and she gets her great love of Kentucky History from her grandmother.

Another reason I liked this one was the cover art. I am a huge fan of great covers and Revell never seems to disappoint. Most of their fiction covers feature beautiful portraits of the heroine's in the book and Courting Morrow Little is no exception. I loved the colors and the representation of Kentucky life. I look forward to reading Franz's next book with another great cover.

The characters in the book including Morrow, were very well developed and readers will want to delve into this story and try to figure out ways to help Morrow work through her problems. She is faced with haunting memories, the possibility of marrying a man she doesn't love and the attraction of a forbidden love. Makes for a great story!

Available July 2010 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

I give this one 5 out of 5 apples from my book bag!

Here is some more information about Laura Franz.

Laura Frantz is the author of THE FRONTIERSMAN'S DAUGHTER and credits her grandmother as being the catalyst for her fascination with Kentucky history. Frantz’s ancestors followed Daniel Boone into Kentucky in the late 18th century and settled in Madison County, where her family still resides. She is a member of the Kentucky Historical Society, American Christian Fiction Writers, and Romance Writers of America. Frantz currently lives in the misty woods of Port Angeles, Washington, with her husband and two sons. Visit her website, http://laurafrantz.blogspot.com.

Review: To Conquer a Highlander

To Conquer a Highlander (Scottish Highlander series - Book 1)by Mary Wine

(For review from Sourcebooks)

Synopsis:

"A fierce Highland laird ready to kill for king and country... When Torin McLeren discovers his neighbor's plot against his king, he takes their daughter as his prisoner, thereby stopping her father's plot from going forward. But that leaves him with a woman under his roof whom he can't ignore, and not just because she's his enemy's daughter... A woman who's as much trouble as she is temptation... Shannon McBoyd decides to use her captor to experience passion for the first time, and then to destroy him. But her plan goes awry because once she has lured Torin into her bed, she no longer wants to hurt the one man who seems to value and understand her... Even if her father will kill him-and her-when he discovers what they've done... "

Thoughts:

Being of Scottish ancestry I am always interested in books set in the highlands. Though I have questioned the authenticity of some romance novels set in this area and time period Mary Wine does a wonderful job with her new novel, To Conquer a Highlander. She has great insight into the dynamics of the Scottish clans and what it meant for women living during these times. Wine's descriptions of Highland life, make the reader feel as though they are right there with the characters experiencing what they are experiencing and seeing what they are seeing.

Shannon's character is a strong woman who is living in a desperate time and situation. The reader is almost happy when Shannon is kidnapped because any situation would have to be better than her own home life. I think many readers will identify with Shannon and feel her struggle as she must decide between the man she loves and the father who raised her.

Torin's character is loyal to God and country and will do anything to save the King, even if that means kidnapping his enemies daughter. What he doesn't expect was to fall in love with her. He is drawn to her in a way that he has never experienced before and his loyalties are truly tested as he learns to trust in someone other than himself.

I truly enjoyed this book and I'm happy to be able to offer two copies for giveaway. Check out the details here. If you love historical fiction, a good romance, or the Scottish highlands this is the book for you.

To Conquer a Highlander is available now from your favorite bookseller.

I give this one 4 out of 5 apples from my book bag.

Interview and Giveaway, Mary Wine, Author of, To Conquer a Highlander

I recently had the opportunity to ask, Mary Wine, the author of To Conquer a Highlander a few questions. Please join me in welcoming Mary to Debbie's Book Bag!

Check out the giveaway details following the interview!

DEB: Mary, can you tell us a little bit about yourself?

MARY: I let the parrot boss me around…um…oh…excuse me. I meant to say, I adore sinking into my fantasies for long hours and…well...maybe that’s not sound quite right either, lol. Honestly, I’m a slightly silly excuse for a person who often has more daring than sense. The parrot does boss me around and he gets away with throwing food on the floor, something I didn’t let my kids get away with for long. I really adore writing, and historicals are my favorite.

DEB: Tell us a little about your new book, To Conquer a Highlander?

MARY: Torin and Shannon are caught on opposite sides of powerful factions in Scotland. Torin wants to stand behind the boy king, James the Second after his father is murdered. Shannon’s father is making alliances with the faction that murdered the king and she’s been sent to wed into that clan to seal the bargain. History is rich with power struggles like this, times when a new faction took control because a child wore the crown. Torin takes Shannon back to his holding to keep her wedding from happening. Both are loyal to their clans but that doesn’t stop them from discovering passion for one another.

DEB: What was your inspiration for these books? Have you always been interested in the Scottish highlands?

MARY: I love reading history. Strange as that may sound, I find myself enthralled with the details of some, long dead kings life and I wonder how the people living during those times must have been involved. Just as we all have opinions on what is going on today, the people living through these times must have cared. That’s where I find my love stories, caught up among the facts and dates.

DEB: What type of research did you do for your books?

MARY: Beyond the reading, I also make historical clothing. I’ve spent an entire week in 1500’s dress and living conditions…well…we had soap, I wasn’t willing to go that far. But I learned a great deal in having to wear the clothing twenty four hours a day and cook using the fire and only having light when the sun was up. Candle light is different and magical in a way. You notice more sounds and slow down just a little when you’re talking. If someone takes the time to play music, it’s festive and having someone read to you while you’re working in the kitchen quite nice.

DEB: What is your normal writing day like? Do you have things that have to be in place to write comfortably?

MARY: I have a desk, squeezed into my sewing room. Writing for me is a discipline. I keep myself to a normal work schedule and that takes a little doing.

DEB: What was it like when you got the word that your first novel would be published?

MARY: There was nothing like picking up the phone and hearing someone on the other end introduce herself…because I knew that name alright and I tried not to shout like a lunatic!

DEB: Do have any advice for new writers?

MARY: Write. You can’t sell an idea. Write often.

DEB: When you’re not writing, what kinds of books do you like to read? Do you have a favorite author?

MARY: I read all sorts of books. At the moment, I’m reading a lot of historicals.

DEB: What are you working on right now?

MARY: Odd as it is…nothing. I’m between book contracts and working on ideas.

DEB: Tell us one thing that people may not know about you?

MARY: I’m a second degree black belt in tae kwon do.

Thanks so much to Mary for giving us this great in sight into her book and her life as an author!

GIVEAWAY DETAILS

Thanks to Sourcebooks I have the opportunity to offer 2 copies, of To Conquer a Highlander, for giveaway. The rules are pretty simple.

1.) There will be two winners, U.S and Canadian only, the books will be sent from the publisher.

2.) You must be a follower of this blog.

3.) You must leave a comment on this post with your e-mail address, so I can contact you.

4.) Deadline for the giveaway is Midnight, EST on August 5th.

EXTRA ENTRIES:

+ 5 for following me on Twitter @justpeachy36

+5 for being an old follower

+3 for being a new follower

+5 for entering any other contest I have going on right now (check sidebar)

+5 adding the giveaway to your sidebar

+10 for getting the word out about this giveaway on Twitter, Facebook or other social media sites (remember to leave your links)

Review: The Brothers of Gwynedd, Pt. 3

The Brothers of Gwynedd, Pt. 3: The Hounds of Sunset by Edith Pargeter

(For review from Sourcebooks)

Synopsis:

Powerful Prince Llewelyn still treasures his vision of a Wales united against the threat of the English kings. The dream seems near fulfilment until Edward, vigorous, ambitious, and arrogant, takes old Henry's place on the English throne—and more than his share of power. Trouble also looms nearer home, where the youngest of the Welsh brothers, David—blue-eyed, charming, and deadly—is plotting Llewelyn's downfall. Threatened on all sides, Llewelyn looks for comfort from the beautiful Eleanor de Montfort, the jewel in his crown and the only shining star as night falls on his dreams of power.

Thoughts:

The Brothers of Gwynedd is a book with over 8oo pages, which is daunting to some people. But, if you are a fan of historical fiction with an emphasis on the history, you will love this book. Originally published as 4 separate novels by Edith Pargeter in the 70's. Sourcebooks has published the quartet as one large book including all four parts. I have already reviewed the first two parts, "Sunrise in the West" and "The Dragon at Noonday."

The third part of the book is called, "The Hounds of Sunset."

In this part, Llewelyn is still committed to a united Wales and he works tirelessly to see that dream come to fruition. King Henry has often said if anything happened to Llewelyn that Wales would fall into disarray because Llewelyn was not married and did not have an heir. But, his love life wasn't what was on his mind up until this part of the story. Just as Llewelyn believes he has succeeded and Wales has come together under his leadership, Old King Henry is succeeded on the throne by his son, Edward. Edward is not only young and ready to take on the challenge of defeating Llewelyn but he is full of rage and revenge is in his heart as he prepares to lead England. Llwelyn turns to the young daughter of Earl Simon, Eleanor for comfort and finds much more. Meanwhile, Llewelyn's brother David continues to plot against him from within.

This book also continues the story of fictional character, Samson. Samson is Llewelyn's clerk and trusted friend. But, he has some problems of his own. The love of his life, Cristin is married to his half-brother, Godred. They met in Part one of the story, when Godred was believed dead and Samson finds him and returns him to Cristin in spite of his love for her. In this part of the story Godred is a constant companion of Samson, spending all of his free time with him. But, Samson will soon learn it is not all for good. He spies on Samson and bids his time, a snake in the grass or a wolf in sheep's clothing.

I have really enjoyed this book so far and when divided into four parts it definitely does not seem that long. Each section is around 200 pages which is very manageable. The longer the story goes on, the characters become more real to the reader and the reader gets more interested in what happens to them. Pargeter has found a way to make a very long story about the history of Wales, more interesting. I like books where you are educated as well as entertained and this book fits into that category.

The Brother of Gwynedd is available now from your favorite bookseller.

I give this section another 5 out of 5 apples from my book.

Waiting on Wednesday (2)

Waiting on Wednesday showcases new releases that we can't wait to read. This week my pick is, A Kiss at Midnight by Eloisa James, releasing next week.

Synopsis:

Miss Kate Daltry doesn't believe in fairy tales…or happily ever after.

Forced by her stepmother to attend a ball, Kate meets a prince…and decides he's anything but charming. A clash of wits and wills ensues, but they both know their irresistible attraction will lead nowhere. For Gabriel is promised to another woman—a princess whose hand in marriage will fulfill his ruthless ambitions.

Gabriel likes his fiancée, which is a welcome turn of events, but he doesn't love her. Obviously, he should be wooing his bride-to-be, not the witty, impoverished beauty who refuses to fawn over him.

Godmothers and glass slippers notwithstanding, this is one fairy tale in which destiny conspires to destroy any chance that Kate and Gabriel might have a happily ever after.

Unless a prince throws away everything that makes him noble…

Unless a dowry of an unruly heart trumps a fortune…

Unless one kiss at the stroke of midnight changes everything.