October 2014

Now that we are well into autumn, am I alone in thinking how fast this year is going? Fortunately, the lovely warmth of summer is taking its time to fade away, giving us the chance to admire the beautiful foliage without the weight of winter layers. Although autumn is a busy time for everyone, we at FaithfulReader.com are taking the time to really enjoy the season: the colors, the smells, and the cozy mood that signal fall’s arrival.

Another great advantage of this time of year --- the number of books being published in preparation for holiday gift-giving. Can you believe that Christmas is almost upon us? I got an email from a yarn shop with a countdown to the holidays, and I realized that if I am making presents this season, I am way behind! Luckily, books make fantastic gifts, and we already have plenty of selections to jumpstart your holiday shopping.

First, though, we wanted to call attention to Left Behind, the film version of Tim LaHaye and Jerry B. Jenkins’ mega-bestselling series of the same name, which is now in theaters. In this adaptation, a group of survivors is left behind when millions of people vanish from Earth. One of these survivors, pilot Rayford Steele, must juggle his frantic passengers, trying to land his plane, and fearing for his family. Meanwhile, unbelieving journalist Buck Williams struggles to understand the devastating event. I remember devouring this series and my boys reading the series for kids!

In our latest monthly contest, we’re celebrating the release of THE BRICKMAKER’S BRIDE, the first installment of Judith Miller’s Refined by Love series, by offering 10 readers the opportunity to win a copy. Ewan McKay’s uncle Hugh has purchased a brickmaking operation from a Civil War widow and her daughter, and it’s up to Ewan to get it up and running. He seeks help from Laura, the former owner’s daughter, and sparks begin to fly. But Laura is courting a lawyer with far more money and social influence than Ewan. When the brickmaking operation suffers a setback, Laura reveals a surprising secret --- and Ewan gets a chance to win her heart. To enter, please fill out this form by Wednesday, November 19th at noon ET.

This month, we’re pleased to be featuring interviews with two prolific bestselling authors. First up is Lauraine Snelling, whose new book, TO EVERYTHING A SEASON, marks the beginning of her Song of Blessing series. Miriam Hastings intends to complete her training to become a nurse in Blessing, North Dakota, and then return home. But her growing attachment to local Trygve Knutson soon has her questioning all her future plans. Click here to read Lauraine’s interview conducted by Marcia Z. Nelson for Publishers Weekly.

The second interview is with Lynn Austin, who continues her Restoration Chronicles series with book two, KEEPERS OF THE COVENANT. The novel is based on the biblical story of Ezra, a quiet Jewish scholar who is called upon to deliver his people from Babylon to Jerusalem and to bring hope in a time when dreams of the future seem impossible. For much more about the series, and this installment in particular, click here to read the Q&A with Lynn.

A PROMISE TO PROTECT, the second book in Patricia Bradley’s thrilling Logan Point series, is now available, thus we’re pleased to be sharing a study guide for the book. Although Sheriff Ben Logan hasn’t seen nor heard from Leigh Somerall in quite some time, he can’t forget their decade-old whirlwind romance. When she unexpectedly calls him, it isn’t to talk of old love, but to request that he protects her brother, Tony. Before long, Ben finds that he must also protect Leigh from the men who are after her brother --- but the secret she’s hiding stands to change their lives forever.

Next up, we have four special features for your reading pleasure. First up is THE AUSCHWITZ ESCAPE by Joel C. Rosenberg, which is now available in paperback following its hardcover release back in March. In this historical thriller, young Jacob Weisz flees his beloved home in Germany to join an underground resistance group in Belgium. As if that were not enough, Jacob soon finds himself captured and trapped in a crowded cattle car on the way to a life of hard labor in Auschwitz. There he meets Jean-Luc Leclerc, imprisoned for helping Jews. Together the unlikely duo must find a way to escape the notorious labor camp.

Reunite with Mercy Medallion in Michael Landon Jr. and Cindy Kelley’s FINDING MERCY, the second book in their trilogy. Following the events of TRACES OF MERCY, Mercy has abandoned Captain Elijah Hale to search for her true identity. Followed by both Captain Hale and dangerous bounty hunters, Mercy must stay one step ahead of everyone. When she finds clues about her origins, she must learn to keep her friends and enemies at bay --- but how will she determine who they are?

Prepare for a dangerous love triangle with BUTTERMILK SKY, Jan Watson’s latest novel. Mazy Pelfrey is 18 and ready to leave her country home for the city of Lexington, where she’ll attend secretarial school. But school isn’t the only thing on her mind when she meets the charming Loyal Chambers, a wealthy young man who seems to have his sights set on Mazy. There’s only one obstacle to their relationship: Chanis Clay, Mazy’s former beau.

Our last special feature is for DREAMING ON DAISIES, the third installment in Miralee Ferrell’s Love Blossoms in Oregon series. Leah Carlson’s family ranch is in danger, and the fiery redhead will do anything to save it. Her father’s debts, brought on by his alcoholism, have finally become too much. Now she must ask handsome banker Steven Harding for help. Although Steven cannot give her a loan, he desperately wants to assist the beautiful young woman. When his home is destroyed in a mining accident, he decides to serve as her part-time ranch hand --- until Leah’s family secrets threaten them both.

Let’s not forget this month’s reviews…we have 13 to share with you! Among them are MR. MIRACLE, Debbie Macomber’s holiday book about a guardian angel who helps a young woman prioritize her life and find love; BEFORE AMEN: The Power of a Simple Prayer, Max Lucado’s hopeful book of prayer; and VANISHING GRACE: What Ever Happened to the Good News?, an exploration of grace by Philip Yancey. We’re also delighted to present a review of ROOM AT MY TABLE: Preparing Heart and Home for Christian Hospitality, a collection of 52 lovely meditations by longtime FaithfulReader.com reviewer Evelyn Bence.

As October progresses, we hope you’ll make the time to relax with at least one of these terrific reads. We will be back to you the week before Thanksgiving with a special new holiday feature and contest called "The Christmas Collection." Be sure to check back for more about that.

Carol Fitzgerald ([email protected])

Lauraine Snelling has written 80 books since launching her writing career in 1982. Her latest novel, TO EVERYTHING A SEASON, marks the beginning of her Song of Blessing series. Miriam Hastings intends to complete her training to become a nurse in Blessing, North Dakota, and then return home. But her growing attachment to local Trygve Knutson soon has her questioning all her future plans. In this Publishers Weekly interview conducted by Marcia Z. Nelson, Snelling opens up about why she initially started writing, what inspires her, and how she manages to write so prolifically.

TO EVERYTHING A SEASON: Song of Blessing, Book 1 by Lauraine Snelling (Historical Romance)
Although Trygve Knutson is devoted to his family and his community, he sometimes dreams of other horizons --- especially since meeting Miriam Hastings. Miriam is in Blessing, North Dakota, to get practical training to become an accredited nurse. Although eager to return to her family, Miriam is surprised to find how much she enjoys the small town of Blessing. And her growing attachment to Trygve soon has her questioning a future she always considered set in stone.

-Click here to read more about the book.
-Click here to read an excerpt.
-Click here to read Lauraine Snelling’s bio.
-Click here to visit Lauraine Snelling’s official website.
-Click here to connect with Lauraine Snelling on Facebook.