May 2012

As the end of May approaches, we are looking forward to summer, which is my favorite season. It’s synonymous with reading outdoors, which I just love, almost as much as I love the long days. I definitely am a creature who is energized by light --- and thus it's lot easier to get going in the early mornings this time of year, and I love leaving the office when it still is light. My older son, Greg, graduated from Fordham last Saturday (and yes, this is hard to believe) --- and I’m happy to say that he has joined The Book Report Network’s full-time staff!

Meanwhile, early summer also brings the next big holiday --- Father’s Day! The big --- and small --- things dads do for us are countless, and too often we forget to say "thanks," so it’s nice to pause like we do in June to do just that. We encourage you to take a moment and pay tribute to the men around you who are called “Dad.” To celebrate his special day on June 17th, FaithfulReader.com has compiled a number of books that honor, help and inspire the dads in our lives, serving as a reminder that we will always love, respect and appreciate them. Click here to see our roundup of Father's Day titles, which will make great gifts.

We have some great contests for you this month as well. In our latest monthly contest, 25 readers will be awarded a copy of RELENTLESS PURSUIT, the final book in Kathy Herman's Secrets of Roux River Bayou suspense series. As an added bonus, one of these lucky winners will receive a Cajun-themed basket, "From The Bayou," which represents a collage of what makes Louisiana cuisine unique. (My husband loves cooking Cajun cuisine; another thing to thank him for!) The deadline for entries is Friday, June 15th at noon ET. Click here to read all the contest details and find out what goodies are in the basket!

In STARDUST, an East Texas widow, determined to start over, inherits a rundown motel. But when her first guest is her dead husband's mistress, pregnant and stricken with polio, a change of plans leads to a change of heart. This cover screams "summer reading" to me. We are celebrating the release of Carla Stewart’s latest novel with a special contest that will give 10 readers the opportunity to win a copy of the book. The deadline for entries is Friday, June 15th at noon ET.

We are also celebrating the release of SUBMERGED, which kicks off the Alaskan Courage series, with a special contest. 50 readers will have the opportunity to each win a copy of Dani Pettrey's debut novel. The deadline for entries is Friday, June 15th at noon ET.

In addition to these contests, we have a new study guide this month for TRAVELERS REST by Ann Tatlock. Jane Morrow is devastated when her fiancé returns from the Iraq War severely injured and assured their relationship --- and his life --- is over. With the help of a retired doctor, seeking redemption of his own, can she hold on to hope --- and love?

We’re also running an excerpt of MY STUBBORN HEART, a debut novel by Becky Wade. Kate Donovan, burned out and in need of an adventure, is only too happy to help her grandmother restore her childhood home. But when she encounters the wounded former hockey star hired to renovate the house, Kate discovers her heart has other plans.

We have seven new reviews for you this month, including CHOOSE JOY: Because Happiness Isn’t Enough by Kay Warren, NEED YOU NOW by Beth Wiseman and COVENANT CHILD by Terri Blackstock.

And in some exciting news, the Christian Book Award winners have been announced. You can see the complete list here.

Here’s to a month of great reading, and to all you dads out there, Happy Father’s Day!

Carol Fitzgerald ([email protected])
 

An East Texas widow, determined to start over, inherits a rundown motel. But when her first guest is her dead husband's mistress, pregnant and stricken with polio, a change of plans leads to a change of heart. We are celebrating the release of STARDUST with a special contest that will give 10 readers the opportunity to win a copy of Carla Stewart’s latest novel. The deadline for entries is Friday, June 15th at noon ET.

STARDUST by Carla Stewart (Fiction)
Shortly after burying her unfaithful husband, Georgia Peyton unexpectedly inherits the derelict Stardust motel from a distant relative. Despite doubts from the community and the aunt who raised her, she is determined to breathe new life into it. But the guests who arrive aren't what Georgia expects.

-Click here to read more about the book.
-Click here to read an excerpt.
-Click here to read Carla Stewart's bio.
-Click here to visit Carla Stewart's official website.
 

We are celebrating the release of SUBMERGED, which kicks off the Alaskan Courage series, with a special contest. 50 readers will have the opportunity to each win a copy of Dani Pettrey's debut novel. The deadline for entries is Friday, June 15th at noon ET.

SUBMERGED: Alaskan Courage, Book One by Dani Pettrey (Romantic Suspense)
Bailey Craig has reluctantly returned to her small Alaska hometown only to bury a loved one. But when dark evidence emerges surrounding the death, can she and a former flame move beyond the hurts of the past to find the murderer --- before Bailey becomes the next victim?

-Click here to read more about the book.
-Click here to read an excerpt.
-Click here to read critical praise.
-Click here to read Dani Pettrey's bio.
-Click here to visit Dani Pettrey's official website.
-Click here to connect with Dani Pettrey on Facebook.
 

TRAVELERS REST by Ann Tatlock (Romance)
Jane Morrow is devastated when her fiancé returns from the Iraq War severely injured and assured their relationship --- and his life --- is over. With the help of a retired doctor, seeking redemption of his own, can she hold on to hope --- and love?

-Click here to read more about the book.
-Click here to read an excerpt.
-Click here to read critical praise.
-Click here to read Ann Tatlock's bio.
-Click here to visit Ann Tatlock’s official website.
 

MY STUBBORN HEART by Becky Wade (Romance)
Kate Donovan, burned out and in need of an adventure, is only too happy to help her grandmother restore her childhood home. But when she encounters the wounded former hockey star hired to renovate the house, Kate discovers her heart has other plans.

-Click here to read more about the book.
-Click here to read Becky Wade's bio.
-Click here to visit Becky Wade's official website.
-Click here to connect with Becky Wade on Facebook.
-Click here to watch an interview with Becky Wade.
 

CHOOSE JOY: Because Happiness Isn’t Enough by Kay Warren (Christian Living)
In CHOOSE JOY, acclaimed author and Christian leader Kay Warren shares the path to experiencing soul-satisfying joy no matter what you're going through. Joy is deeper than happiness, lasts longer than excitement, and is more satisfying than pleasure and thrills. Reviewed by Michele Howe.

-Click here to read more about the book.

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. Reviewed by Lynda Schab.

NEED YOU NOW by Beth Wiseman (Fiction)
When big-city life threatens the safety of one of their children, Brad and Darlene Henderson move with their three teenagers from Houston to the tiny town of Round Top, Texas. Darlene takes a job outside the home for the first time in their marriage, and when the widowed father of one of Darlene's students starts paying more attention to her than is appropriate, Darlene needs God more than ever. Reviewed by Lynda Schab.

COVENANT CHILD by Terri Blackstock (Fiction)
Kara and Lizzie are heiresses to one of the largest fortunes in the country. But when their father dies suddenly, the toddlers are taken from the arms of Amanda, their loving stepmother, and given to relatives who only want the children's fortune for themselves. Kara and Lizzie grow up questioning their worth...until the day when they learn the truth. Reviewed by Susan Miura.

HARVEST OF RUBIES by Tessa Afshar (Historical Romance)
A devastating past has left Sarah, the talented scribe and cousin to the prophet Nehemiah, with two conclusions: that God does not love her, and that her achievements are the measure of her worth --- a measure she can never quite live up to. Darius Pasargadae is accustomed to having his way. A wealthy and admired aristocrat, the last thing he expects is a wife who scorns him. Can two such different people help one another overcome the idols that bind them? Reviewed by Susan Miura.

LOST AND FOUND by Ginny L. Yttrup (Fiction)
When Jenna Bouvier’s mother-in-law accuses her of an affair with her spiritual director and threatens to expose them, Jenna risks losing her reputation as a woman of faith. Andee Bell has a special man in her life --- Jenna’s brother. Despite her success, a secret quells her contentment. Moving between San Francisco and the Napa Valley, Jenna and Andee form an unlikely relationship that leads them to a crossroad. Reviewed by Michele Howe.

GRIEVE LIKE A MAN: Finding God's Strength as You Walk Through Your Loss by Jonathan Fann (Christian Living)
Drawing from personal experience, author Jonathan Fann offers men a practical guide to navigating the path of grief, providing insight into how men grieve differently from women, and how they can come alongside the men in their lives who are hurting from a loss. Reviewed by Michele Howe.

In our latest monthly contest, 25 readers will be awarded a copy of RELENTLESS PURSUIT, the final book in Kathy Herman's Secrets of Roux River Bayou suspense series. As an added bonus, one of these lucky winners will receive a Cajun-themed basket, "From The Bayou," which represents a collage of what makes Louisiana cuisine unique. The deadline for entries is Friday, June 15th at noon ET.

RELENTLESS PURSUIT by Kathy Herman (Suspense)
Sax Landry left home at 17 to escape his father’s abuse, leaving his mother and sister to fend for themselves. Now, 28 years later, both parents are dead, and guilt compels him to find his sister and make peace. His search leads to Les Barbes, Louisiana, where authorities fear a bio-terrorist has injected cyanide into juice cartons and fresh produce at the grocery store. People are dead. It’s not safe. Sax stays, fearing death less than living another day without peace. A divine appointment is about to change all that --- forever.

-Click here to read an excerpt.
-Click here to read Kathy Herman’s bio.