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April 2012

This Month on FaithfulReader.com April 2012

Quick Links to Features on FaithfulReader.com

Reviews, Authors, Study Guides, Awards

 
Happy Mother's Day!

Spring is officially here, which means the weather in New York City is all over the place! One day we have rainstorms and cold temperatures all day, and the next, it’s 70 degrees and sunny. I was looking at the collection of shoes that I have worn over the past week, and it ranged from flip flops to loafers to cowboy boots, which sums things up pretty nicely. But regardless of the weather, spring means some special holidays and plenty of great features and giveaways. As a mother, I vote for Mother’s Day as the most important upcoming holiday!

In honor of this special day, we have compiled a special Mother's Day feature with a number of titles celebrating one of the most important people in our lives. Our selections include novels that mothers especially will relate to and appreciate; devotionals to remind them of God’s grace and why they have the best job in the world; parenting books to help them nurture a happy family guided by His love; and much more. All would make for nice presents, so if people are asking what you would like, you may want to guide them towards a title or two in this feature.

We also have Mother's Day news happening on Bookreporter.com that you may want to take note of. First up is our Seventh Annual Mother's Day Contest, where readers can win eight books --- and mom-pampering treats --- in a contest that will be running until Tuesday, May 8th at noon ET. Also, we are once again featuring our Mother's Day blogs, a very popular Bookreporter.com feature that is back with close to 30 authors weighing in with inspirational pieces about mothers and daughters and how books and reading have mattered to them in their lives.

To commemorate the 100th anniversary earlier this month of the sinking of the Titanic, we are giving away ECHOES OF TITANIC --- a novel in which the great-granddaughter of a Titanic survivor must race the clock to protect her family legacy, her livelihood and her future --- with a special contest. 75 readers will have the opportunity to each win a copy of Mindy Starns Clark's latest novel (which she co-authored with her husband, John Campbell Clark, a lifelong Titanic buff). The deadline for entries is Friday, May 18th at noon ET.

By the way, I had a memorable Titanic experience. Four years ago, on the 96th anniversary of the ship's sinking, I was on the QE2 sailing with the family as part of my older son's graduation present trip. We stopped over the site of the disaster for a moment of silence and to place a wreath out on the ocean. I remember looking out across the water thinking how scary and lonely it would have been in those lifeboats.

Knowing how our readers love Amish stories, I am happy to share that we have TWO Amish-themed contests this month. The first contest features THE FIDDLER, which takes readers to the beloved fictional Amish town of Hickory Hollow, where restless hearts find peace and Old World charm soothes the soul. 50 readers will have the opportunity to each win a copy of the first book in Beverly Lewis' Home to Hickory Hollow series. The deadline for entries is Friday, May 18th at noon ET.

Finally, in our second Amish-themed contest, we are awarding copies of AN UNCOMMON GRACE --- which centers on the forbidden love between an Amishman and his "Englisch" neighbor --- in a special contest. 50 readers will have the opportunity to each win a copy of Serena B. Miller's latest novel. The deadline for entries is Friday, May 18th at noon ET.

Sticking with Amish-themed novels here, Wanda E. Brunstetter’s new work of fiction, THE HALF-STITCHED AMISH QUILTING CLUB, introduces readers to an Amish widow who teaches quilting classes to an unlikely group of students. We have an interview with Brunstetter, in which she talks about writing novels featuring Amish characters and shares details of the forthcoming musical based on the book.

And on a different note, PROPHET, the first installment in R. J. Larson’s Books of the Infinite series, follows Ela Roeh of Parne as she struggles to understand why her Creator, the Infinite, wants her to become His prophet --- and faces the ultimate sacrifice as she devotes herself to him. We have an interview with Larson, in which she talks about her decision to pen a fantasy novel and the process of naming her characters.

We are also featuring a new study guide this month for THE DISCOVERY by Dan Walsh. When literary giant Gerard Warner dies, he leaves his Charleston estate to his grandson, Michael. As he settles in to write his own first novel, Michael discovers an unpublished manuscript his grandfather had written --- something he'd kept hidden from everyone but clearly intended Michael to find.

Meanwhile, we have eight new reviews this month, including HEART OF GOLD by Robin Lee Hatcher, JUST A MINUTE: In the Heart of a Child, One Moment...Can Last Forever by Wess Stafford with Dean Merrill, and KNEELING WITH GIANTS: Learning to Pray with History's Best Teachers by Gary Neal Hansen.

The nominees for the Christy Awards and Christian Book Awards have been announced, and the winners of the Christian Small Publisher Book of the Year Awards have been revealed. Click on the links to see which of your favorite titles from 2011 are being honored.

And finally, in our latest monthly contest, we're giving one lucky reader the chance to win a copy of MISSING, which kicks off Shelley Shepard Gray's trilogy, The Secrets of Crittenden County. The deadline for entries is Friday, May 18th at noon ET.

Here’s to a month of more flowers than showers --- and, of course, plenty of great reading! And Happy Mother's Day to all the mothers among our readers.

Carol Fitzgerald ([email protected])

FaithfulReader.com’s 2012 Mother's Day Roundup

In honor of Mother’s Day, we have compiled a number of titles celebrating one of the most important people in our lives. Our selections include novels that mothers especially will relate to and appreciate; devotionals to remind them of God’s grace and why they have the best job in the world; parenting books to help them nurture a happy family guided by His love; memoirs that are humorous, heart-wrenching and inspiring; a cute picture book; and a whimsical cookbook. Whether you are looking for a gift for your mom or a mother wanting to add to your reading list, you are sure to find some wonderful choices here.

Click here to see our roundup of Mother's Day titles.
 
Special Contest and Feature: ECHOES OF TITANIC by Mindy Starns Clark and John Campbell Clark
We are celebrating the release of ECHOES OF TITANIC --- in which the great-granddaughter of a Titanic survivor must race the clock to protect her family legacy, her livelihood and her future --- with a special contest. 75 readers will have the opportunity to each win a copy of Mindy Starns Clark's latest novel (which she co-authored with her husband, John Campbell Clark, a lifelong Titanic buff). The deadline for entries is Friday, May 18th at noon ET.


ECHOES OF TITANIC
by Mindy Starns Clark and John Campbell Clark
(Fiction)

Kelsey Tate comes from sturdy stock. Her great-grandmother Adele endured the sinking of Titanic and made it safely to America, where she not only survived but thrived. Generations later, Kelsey works for the firm Adele founded nearly 100 years ago. Now facing a hostile takeover, the firm’s origins are challenged when new facts emerge about Adele’s actions on the night Titanic sank.

-Click here to read more about the book.
-Click here to read an excerpt.
-Read bios of Mindy Starns Clark and John Campbell Clark.

Click here to read all the contest details.
 
Special Contest and Feature: THE FIDDLER by Beverly Lewis
We are celebrating the release of THE FIDDLER --- which takes us to the beloved fictional Amish town of Hickory Hollow, where restless hearts find peace and Old World charm soothes the soul --- with a special contest. 50 readers will have the opportunity to each win a copy of the first book in Beverly Lewis' Home to Hickory Hollow series. The deadline for entries is Friday, May 18th at noon ET.


THE FIDDLER: Home to Hickory Hollow, Book 1
by Beverly Lewis (Romance)

When Amelia Devries, thoroughly modern and equally disillusioned, takes a wrong turn during a rainstorm, she unexpectedly meets an Amishman --- and a community --- that might just change her life forever.

-Click here to read more about the book.
-Click here to read an excerpt.
-Click here to read critical praise.
-Click here to read Beverly Lewis' bio.
 
Click here to read all the contest details.
 
Special Contest and Feature: AN UNCOMMON GRACE by Serena B. Miller
We are celebrating the release of AN UNCOMMON GRACE --- which centers on the forbidden love between an Amishman and his "Englisch" neighbor --- with a special contest. 50 readers will have the opportunity to each win a copy of Serena B. Miller's latest novel. The deadline for entries is Friday, May 18th at noon ET.

AN UNCOMMON GRACE
by Serena B. Miller
(Romance)

Military nurse Grace Connor and pacifist Levi Troyer are thrown together when she comes to his family’s rescue and saves his mother’s life. A deep attraction develops --- even though a relationship between them is strictly forbidden.

-Click here to read more about the book.
-Click here to read an excerpt.
-Click here to read critical praise.
-Click here to read Serena B. Miller's bio.

Click here to read all the contest details.
 
An Interview with Wanda E. Brunstetter, Author of THE HALF-STITCHED AMISH QUILTING CLUB
Wanda E. Brunstetter’s new work of fiction, THE HALF-STITCHED AMISH QUILTING CLUB, introduces readers to an Amish widow who teaches quilting classes to an unlikely group of students. In this interview, Brunstetter talks about writing novels featuring Amish characters, explains how she began working as a puppeteer and ventriloquist, and shares details of the forthcoming musical based on the book.


THE HALF-STITCHED AMISH QUILTING CLUB
by Wanda E. Brunstetter
(Romance)

New York Times bestselling author Wanda Brunstetter, a founder of the popular Amish fiction genre and author of almost 50 books, loves sharing stories of the simpler life. In THE HALF-STITCHED AMISH QUILTING CLUB, Amish widow Emma Yoder advertises to teach a quilting class. But Emma’s first class brings the most unlikely group of beginning quilters to her home. While Emma shares her passion for quilting and her faith, the fabric scraps --- and fragmented lives --- begin to take new shape with the helping hands of each other and the healing hand of God.

-Click here to read more about the book.

-Click here to read an excerpt.
-Click here to read Wanda E. Brunstetter's bio.
-Click here to visit Wanda E. Brunstetter's official website.

Click here to read the interview.
 
An Interview with R. J. Larson, Author of PROPHET

PROPHET, the first installment in R. J. Larson’s Books of the Infinite series, follows Ela Roeh of Parne as she struggles to understand why her Creator, the Infinite, wants her to become His prophet --- and faces the ultimate sacrifice as she devotes herself to him. In this interview, Larson talks about her decision to pen a fantasy novel, the process of naming her characters, and what motivates her to write.

PROPHET: Books of the Infinite, Book 1 by R. J. Larson (Fantasy)
Inexperienced, undignified, and a girl, Ela Roeh of Parne is definitely not a candidate for being a prophet of the Infinite...or so she thinks. Suddenly chosen to deliver warnings to a nation torn apart by war, what must she sacrifice as she follows the call of the Infinite?

-Click here to read more about the book.
-Click here to read an excerpt.
-Click here to read R. J. Larson's bio.
-Click here to visit R. J. Larson's official website.
-Click here to connect with R. J. Larson on Facebook.

Click here to read the interview.
 
Study Guide Now Available: THE DISCOVERY by Dan Walsh

THE DISCOVERY by Dan Walsh (Fiction)
When literary giant Gerard Warner dies, he leaves his Charleston estate to his grandson, Michael. As he settles in to write his own first novel, Michael discovers an unpublished manuscript his grandfather had written --- something he'd kept hidden from everyone but clearly intended Michael to find.

-Click here to read more about the book.
-Click here to read a review.
-Click here to read an excerpt.
-Click here to read Dan Walsh’s bio.
-Click here to visit Dan Walsh’s official website.

Click here to read the study guide.
 
Now in Stores: HEART OF GOLD by Robin Lee Hatcher
HEART OF GOLD by Robin Lee Hatcher (Historical Romance)
Back in her beloved Virginia, Shannon Adair loved nursing injured soldiers back to health. But in Grand Coeur, Idaho, the rough-and-tumble place where her father has been called to lead the church, she's not sure where she fits in --- until she meets Matthew Dubois. Reviewed by Susan Miura.
 
Click here to read a review.
 
The 2012 Christy Award Nominees
On April 20th, the nominees for the 13th annual Christy Awards were announced. Named in honor of author Catherine Marshall's novel, and of her contribution to the genre, the Awards celebrate excellence in recently published fiction with a Christian worldview. The 2012 Christy Awards will be presented at a dinner to be held on Monday, July 16th at the Rosen Centre Hotel in Orlando.
 
Click here to see this year's Christy Award nominees.
 
The 2012 Christian Book Award Finalists
The Evangelical Christian Publishers Association (ECPA) has announced 40 finalists in seven categories for the 2012 Christian Book Awards. Presented annually to the finest in Christian publishing since 1978, the Christian Book Awards now honors titles in seven categories: Bibles, Bible Reference, Nonfiction, Fiction, Children, Inspiration, and New Author. A minimum of five finalists are chosen in each category. Winners will be announced at the ECPA Awards Banquet on April 30th in Chicago.
 
Click here to see this year's Christian Book Award finalists.
 
The 2012 Christian Small Publisher Book of the Year Award Winners
Christian Small Publishers Association (CSPA) has announced the winning titles for the 2012 Christian Small Publisher Book of the Year Award. The Christian Small Publisher Book of the Year Award honors books produced by small publishers each year for outstanding contribution to Christian life. Book lovers and retailers selling Christian products voted on the nominated titles in each of 12 categories.
 
Click here to see this year's winners of the Christian Small Publisher Book of the Year Award.
 
This Month's Reviews

DOWNFALL: An Intervention Novel by Terri Blackstock (Mystery)
Though Emily has been sober for over a year, her family still has trouble trusting her, fearing she’ll relapse. But things get worse --- much worse --- when police discover a bomb planted under Emily’s car, and it becomes clear that Emily’s problems aren’t limited to addiction. Reviewed by Maggie Harding.

A PERFECT SQUARE: A Shipshewana Amish Mystery by Vannetta Chapman (Mystery)
When a dead girl is found floating in a local pond, Reuben, the brother of Deborah’s best friend’s fiancé, is thrown in jail as the prime suspect. Though innocent, Reuben refuses to divulge any information, leaving Deborah and Callie to uncover the truth behind the tragedy that has rocked the quiet Amish community. Reviewed by Lynda Lee Schab.

JUST A MINUTE: In the Heart of a Child, One Moment...Can Last Forever by Wess Stafford with Dean Merrill (Christian Living/Relationships)
Follow along as Dr. Wess Stafford shares stories and experiences to introduce you to the difference you can actually make anywhere on the spectrum of child development. From helping meet physical needs to breaking down emotional barriers and from discovering latent talents to equipping with spiritual insights, these stories are a catalyst for action. Reviewed by Maggie Harding.

WHAT’S NEXT?: Navigating Transitions to Make the Rest of Your Life Count by H. Norman Wright (Christian Living)
The aging paradigm has shifted: "cresting the hill" no longer means being "over the hill." In his latest book, H. Norman Wright shows baby boomers --- and all those wanting to make the second half their best half --- how to embrace the coming changes and navigate life's transitions with passion and purpose. Reviewed by Michele Howe.

KNEELING WITH GIANTS: Learning to Pray with History's Best Teachers by Gary Neal Hansen (Church History/Prayer)
Across the centuries, how have Christian leaders connected to God? What do they teach us about prayer? KNEELING WITH GIANTS is a practical guide that introduces 10 classic prayer styles --- of St. Benedict, Martin Luther, John Calvin, the Puritans, Andrew Murray, and more. Reviewed by Evelyn Bence.

PURSUING GOD IN THE QUIET PLACES by Karol Ladd (Devotional)
Karol Ladd welcomes women to the presence, character and love of God in this fresh, gathering of intimate devotions. One-page meditations with select Scriptures draw from the wisdom and hope of the Old and New Testaments to help readers discover how God’s promises unfold not only in His Word but also in their personal journeys. Reviewed by Michele Howe.

CODE OF SILENCE: Living a Lie Comes with a Price by Tim Shoemaker (Mystery/Suspense)
When three friends witness a robbery where the perpetrators are dressed as policemen, Cooper, Gordy and Hiro are left questioning whom to trust. Is telling the truth always the right thing to do, or in the interest of protecting yourself, is it okay to lie or withhold the truth? Reviewed by Susan Miura.

FaithfulReader.com's Monthly Contest: MISSING by Shelley Shepard Gray
In our latest monthly contest, one reader will receive a copy of MISSING, the first installment in Shelley Shepard Gray's trilogy, The Secrets of Crittenden County. Can two young people survive the suspicions of their friends and neighbors when tragedy strikes a close-knit Amish community? The deadline for entries is Friday, May 18th at noon ET.

More about MISSING:
Perry Borntrager had been missing for months from the quiet Amish community of Crittenden, Kentucky, when his body is discovered at the bottom of an abandoned well. The first death from mysterious circumstances in more than two decades brings the scrutiny of the outside world: A police detective arrives to help the local sheriff with the investigation. His questioning begins with Lydia Plank, Perry’s former girlfriend, and Perry’s best friend, the Englischer Walker Anderson.

Lydia and Walker know they didn’t have anything to do with Perry’s death, but they both hold secrets about his final days. Do they dare open up about the kind of man Perry had become? In the oppressive shadow of these dark times, they discover strength in a most unlikely companionship: one that offers solace, understanding, and the promise of something more.

 
Click here to enter our monthly contest.

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--- Carol Fitzgerald ([email protected])

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