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This Month on FaithfulReader.com |
May 2015 |
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Celebrating Dads and the Inspiring Words of a Beloved Author
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Although it’s still technically spring, the beautiful weather has all of us marching ahead to summer. And with the start of the season comes Father’s Day, a time when we turn our attention to the special men in our lives and thank them for their love and support. Just as we did with Mother’s Day, we have assembled a Father’s Day roundup of both fiction and nonfiction titles from a variety of authors that are sure to be a hit with the fathers, grandfathers and uncles in your life. Whether you are looking for the perfect way to honor your favorite man, or are a dad in need of some guidance on supporting your family with God’s grace, you are sure to find the perfect title in our roundup.
We have a special contest celebrating THE CHOOSING by Rachelle Dekker, the daughter of bestselling author Ted Dekker. Like all citizens in her dystopian society, Carrington Hale has spent her whole life preparing for her Choosing ceremony, a day when eligible teens are either chosen for marriage or cast out of society as Lints. Although Carrington was a favorite among her instructors, she is shocked when she is sent outside the city to live out her days as a Lint, the lowest level of society. But as she begins in her new role, she starts to hear whispers of rebellion against the Authority. When she is offered a chance at the life she has always dreamed of, she worries that she is being tricked --- but with a killer targeting Lints, she must find out the truth before it’s too late. In celebration of THE CHOOSING’s release, we’re giving 10 readers the chance to win a copy of this thrilling novel that is currently in stores. The deadline for your entries is Wednesday, June 17th at noon ET.
For May’s monthly contest, we’re awarding 10 readers a copy of WATER FROM MY HEART, a profound new novel from bestselling author Charles Martin. Living alone by the age of 16, Charlie Finn had to grow up fast. Gifted by a superior intelligence, he earned a scholarship to Harvard, where he learned how to navigate in a privileged society. Now as a cutthroat businessman, Charlie uses his skills in dangerous ventures off the coast of Miami. But when his business decisions end in disaster, he sets out to make amends, traveling to Central America. There he meets a woman and her young daughter who have been directly affected by his choices --- and finds a chance at the redemption he never thought possible. The deadline for your entries is Wednesday, June 17th at noon ET.
Our latest study guide is for TIFFANY GIRL by Deeanne Gist. Preparations are underway for the 1893 World’s Fair in Chicago, and Louis Tiffany seizes this golden opportunity to unveil his state-of-the-art, stained glass, mosaic chapel. But when a glassworkers’ strike months before the opening of the Fair jeopardizes these ambitious plans, he turns to the female students at the Art Students League of New York. Eager for adventure, the young women move to boarding houses and assume new identities as the “Tiffany Girls.” Flossie Jayne, a beautiful, budding artist, is handpicked by Louis to help complete the Tiffany Chapel.
We ran a very special contest for TIFFANY GIRL back in February on ReadingGroupGuides.com, where we gave one group the chance to win a dinner with Deeanne. We’re happy to share that Deeanne had a fabulous time with the winning group, the “Rambunctious Readers” from Orlando, FL; they even got to visit the Tiffany Chapel, which is located in the Morse Museum! Click here to read all about their experience and see some photos from the event.
This month’s special feature celebrates the publication of Sarah Loudin Thomas’ UNTIL THE HARVEST. Set in 1970s Appalachia, this second Appalachian Blessings novel follows Henry Phillips as family tragedy postpones his college studies, leaving him feeling disconnected and alone. He throws himself into caring for his family farm, but also finds comfort in his friendship with the sweet Mayfair Hoffman. Unfortunately, Mayfair’s older sister, Margaret, always seems to get in the way just to frustrate him. Henry soon realizes, though, that Margaret has her own troubles --- including her sister’s health. As Henry and Margaret begin to lean on one another, they find that family bonds can heal us in surprising ways.
In addition to reviews of THE CHOOSING, WATER FROM MY HEART and TIFFANY GIRL, we have nine reviews to share with you this month. They include WHAT KEEPS YOU UP AT NIGHT?, Pete Wilson’s guide for following your dreams; NO PLACE TO HIDE, the third book in Lynette Eason’s Hidden Identity series; and UNDIVIDED, the incredible story of an American Islamic convert and her devout Christian mother as they struggle to reconcile and heal their family divided by faith.
The Evangelical Christian Publishers Association (ECPA) has announced the winners of the 2015 Christian Book Awards and the 2015 Christian Book of the Year --- representing the best Christian book and Bible releases of the year in Nonfiction, Fiction, Inspiration, Children’s, Bible Reference, Bibles and New Author. The announcements were made at the ECPA Awards Banquet, held in conjunction with the ECPA Leadership Summit hosted in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. Congratulations to all the winners and finalists!
Finally, I’d like to share with you an article I came across last week about beloved author Phyllis Tickle. In April, just three months after her husband passed away, Phyllis was diagnosed with Stage IV lung cancer, which had already spread to her spine. Despite being told she has no more than six months to live, Phyllis' devout faith and positive outlook on life remain stronger than ever: “At 81 you figure you’re going to die of something, and sooner rather than later… I could almost embrace this, that, OK, now I know what it’s probably going to be, and probably how much time there is. So you can clean up some of the mess you’ve made and tie up some of the loose ends.”
Phyllis was very kind to me when we were starting FaithfulReader.com. Her smile and laugh are infectious. I wanted to take a moment to publicly thank her here for all of her support, as well as her wonderful writing.
I wish you all a fabulous start to June. Please take a page out of Phyllis' book and make the most of everything that life has to offer!
Carol Fitzgerald ([email protected])
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Click here to see this year's Christian Book Award winners. |
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FaithfulReader.com’s 2015 Father's Day Books Roundup
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We at FaithfulReader.com are blessed with the opportunity to celebrate and give thanks to the special men in our lives --- be they dads, grandfathers or even uncles. As we take the time to reflect on all the advice and support they have given us throughout the years, what better way to repay them than with a thoughtful book? In this year's Father’s Day roundup, we have collected an assortment of both fiction and nonfiction titles that will not only make you appreciate your relationship with your father, but perhaps give him some inspiration as well. As June 21st approaches, be sure to take a look at our wonderful selections. You may even find the perfect gift!
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Click here to see our roundup of Father's Day titles. |
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Special Contest: Win a Copy of THE CHOOSING by Rachelle Dekker
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We are celebrating the release of THE CHOOSING, the debut novel of Rachelle Dekker (whose father is bestselling author Ted Dekker) with a special contest that will give 10 readers the opportunity to win a copy of the book, which is now in stores. To enter, please fill out this form by Wednesday, June 17th at noon ET.
THE CHOOSING by Rachelle Dekker (Dystopian/Science Fiction)
Like all citizens since the Ruining, Carrington Hale knows the importance of this day. But she never expected the moment she’d spent a lifetime preparing for --- her Choosing ceremony --- to end in disaster. Ripped from her family, she’ll spend her days serving as a Lint, the lowest level of society. But then Carrington is offered an unprecedented chance at the life she’s always dreamed of, yet she can’t shake the feeling that it may be an illusion. With a killer targeting Lints and corruption threatening the highest levels of the Authority, Carrington must uncover the truth before it destroys her.
-Click here to read more about the book.
-Click here to read a review.
-Click here to read an excerpt.
-Click here to read an interview with Rachelle Dekker on Teenreads.com.
-Click here to read Rachelle Dekker’s bio.
-Click here to visit Rachelle Dekker’s official website.
-Connect with Rachelle Dekker on Facebook and Twitter.
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Click here to enter the contest. |
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FaithfulReader.com's Latest Monthly Contest: Win a Copy of WATER FROM MY HEART by Charles Martin
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In FaithfulReader.com's latest monthly contest, 10 readers will win a copy of WATER FROM MY HEART, a breathtaking novel of love and redemption from bestselling author Charles Martin. To enter, please fill out this form by Wednesday, June 17th at noon ET.
WATER FROM MY HEART by Charles Martin (Fiction)
Charlie Finn earned a life-changing scholarship to Harvard, where he learned how to survive and thrive on the outskirts of privileged society. That skill served him well in the cutthroat business world, as it does in more lucrative but dangerous ventures he now operates off the coast of Miami. Charlie tries to separate relationships from work. But when his choices produce devastating consequences, he sets out to right wrongs. He travels to Central America where he will meet those who have paid for his actions, including a woman and her young daughter. Reviewed by Susan Miura.
-Click here to read more about the book.
-Click here to read a review.
-Click here to read Charles Martin’s bio.
-Click here to visit Charles Martin’s official website.
-Connect with Charles Martin on Facebook and Twitter.
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Click here to enter the contest. |
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Study Guide Now Available: TIFFANY GIRL by Deeanne Gist
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TIFFANY GIRL by Deeanne Gist (Historical Fiction)
As preparations for the 1893 World’s Fair set Chicago and the nation on fire, Louis Tiffany seizes the opportunity to unveil his state-of-the-art, stained glass, mosaic chapel. But when his dream is threatened by a glassworkers’ strike months before the Fair opens, he turns to the female students at the Art Students League of New York. Eager for adventure, the young women move to boarding houses and assume new identities as the “Tiffany Girls.” Flossie Jayne, a beautiful, budding artist, is handpicked by Louis to help complete the Tiffany Chapel.
-Click here to read more about the book.
-Click here to read a review.
-Click here to read an excerpt.
-Click here to read Deeanne Gist’s bio.
-Click here to visit Deeanne Gist’s official website.
-Connect with Deeanne Gist on Facebook and Twitter.
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Click here for the study guide. |
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Special Feature: UNTIL THE HARVEST by Sarah Loudin Thomas
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UNTIL THE HARVEST by Sarah Loudin Thomas (Historical Romance)
When family tragedy derails Henry Phillips' college studies, he's left unmoored and feeling abandoned. The only things that can tamp down his grief are the family farm, his fiddle, and an unexpected friendship with sweet but unusual preteen Mayfair Hoffman. Unfortunately, Mayfair's older sister, Margaret, is always around, ready to push his buttons, and it seems at first that she doesn't care about his troubles. Henry soon realizes, though, that Margaret is facing her own struggles.
-Click here to read more about the book.
-Click here to read an excerpt.
-Click here to read Sarah Loudin Thomas’ bio.
-Click here to visit Sarah Loudin Thomas’ official website.
-Connect with Sarah Loudin Thomas on Facebook and Twitter.
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Click here for the special feature. |
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Now in Stores: TRULY FREE by Robert Morris
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TRULY FREE: Breaking the Snares That So Easily Entangle by Robert Morris (Christian Life/Spiritual Growth)
In TRULY FREE, bestselling author Robert Morris invites us into a glorious truth --- that the promise of being set free from the slavery of sin is a promise to be set free completely. Although evil is real and Christians can be oppressed by it, we have the promise that the one who is in us is greater than the one who is in the world (1 John 4:4). Jesus saves us, trains us to resist the power of evil, and delivers us from anything that holds us back. With Jesus, we can be truly free forever. Reviewed by Michele Howe.
-Click here to read more about the book.
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Click here to read a review. |
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Now in Stores: WHAT KEEPS YOU UP AT NIGHT? by Pete Wilson
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WHAT KEEPS YOU UP AT NIGHT?: How to Find Peace While Chasing Your Dreams by Pete Wilson (Christian Life/Spiritual Growth)
It's easy to feel paralyzed by uncertainty. We want our questions answered, our decisions affirmed, and our plans applauded. But life doesn't come with an instruction manual and rarely follows a straight path. How would your life change if you learned to lean into uncertainty instead of waiting on the sidelines for just the right moment or opportunity? Pete Wilson provides a plan for living that will lead you to a place of peace that you've only dreamed about and a life filled with meaning, significance and satisfaction. Reviewed by Maggie Harding.
-Click here to read more about the book.
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Click here to read a review. |
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Now in Stores: NO PLACE TO HIDE by Lynette Eason
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NO PLACE TO HIDE: Hidden Identity, Book 3 by Lynette Eason (Romantic Suspense)
It's not every day you see your childhood friend and onetime crush on national news. Jackie Sellers just wishes it were under different circumstances. She can't believe that Ian Lockwood is wanted in connection with a terrorist plot, and she's determined to find him and help him clear his name. Unfortunately, she's not the only one looking for him. The FBI wants him captured. The bad guys want him dead. Ian just wants to stay alive long enough to prove his innocence and prevent a catastrophe. Reviewed by Melanie Reynolds.
-Click here to read more about the book.
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Click here to read a review. |
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Now in Stores: UNDIVIDED by Patricia Raybon and Alana Raybon
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UNDIVIDED: A Muslim Daughter, Her Christian Mother, Their Path to Peace by Patricia Raybon and Alana Raybon (Memoir)
They didn’t talk. Not for 10 years. Not about faith anyway. Instead, a mother and daughter tiptoed with pain around the deepest gulf in their lives --- the daughter’s choice to leave the church, convert to Islam and become a practicing Muslim. UNDIVIDED is a real-time story of healing and understanding with alternating narratives from each as they struggle to learn how to love each other in a whole new way. Reviewed by Evelyn Bence.
-Click here to read more about the book.
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Click here to read a review. |
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Now in Stores: 52 THINGS SONS NEED FROM THEIR MOMS by Angela Thomas
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52 THINGS SONS NEED FROM THEIR MOMS by Angela Thomas (Parenting)
"He's 100 percent boy...and I just don't understand him!" Angela Thomas, bestselling author of 52 THINGS KIDS NEED FROM A MOM, gets it. The mother of four children, Angela brings wisdom, humor and compassion to her new book for moms. Find encouragement and inspiration as she lays out 52 creative ways to help you connect with your son's heart. One week at a time, learn new ways to engage with your son and raise a godly young man. This fun, guilt-free resource will help you delight in the small moments that make for an abundant life. Reviewed by Melanie Reynolds.
-Click here to read more about the book.
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Click here to read a review. |
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Now in Stores: LETHAL BEAUTY by Lis Wiehl, with April Henry
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LETHAL BEAUTY: A Mia Quinn Mystery by Lis Wiehl, with April Henry (Mystery)
After a young Chinese prostitute is stabbed to death by her rich American client, the tabloids dub Dandan Yee “Lethal Beauty” --- despite the fact that she was the one who ended up dead. Yet even with double standards and naked prejudice working against her, Seattle prosecutor Mia Quinn is determined to get justice for Dandan Yee. But when a key witness goes missing and an unsavory juror shuts down deliberations without explanation, Mia fears the trial --- and the law --- are being tampered with. Reviewed by Lynda Lee Schab.
-Click here to read more about the book.
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Click here to read a review. |
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Now in Stores: THE MOTHER AND CHILD PROJECT compiled by Hope Through Healing Hands
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THE MOTHER AND CHILD PROJECT: Raising Our Voices for Health and Hope compiled by Hope Through Healing Hands (Christian Life)
Melinda Gates, Kay Warren, Senator William H. Frist, M.D., Christine Caine, and other inspirational leaders, cultural icons, political experts, academics and service providers, tackle the little-known topic of maternal and child health in developing countries. Through personal narrative and compelling research, THE MOTHER AND CHILD PROJECT educates and inspires people of faith to partner with Hope Through Healing Hands to empower mothers and children worldwide. Reviewed by Michele Howe.
-Click here to read more about the book.
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Click here to read a review. |
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Now in Stores: GOD’S STORY IN 66 VERSES by Stan Guthrie
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GOD’S STORY IN 66 VERSES: Understand the Entire Bible by Focusing on Just One Verse in Each Book by Stan Guthrie (Bible Studies)
The Bible can seem like a big, intimidating book. How can 21st-century readers make sense of it all? Author Stan Guthrie’s answer: begin by zooming in on one key verse for each of the Bible’s 66 books. Seeking to bring clarity and simplicity to the study of God’s Word, Guthrie has written a concise, easy-to-digest collection of wisdom anchored by one verse for each book, from Genesis to Revelation --- a verse that summarizes or lays the foundation for that book, placing it in context with the rest of the Scriptures. Reviewed by Evelyn Bence.
-Click here to read more about the book.
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Click here to read a review. |
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Now in Stores: HEAVEN HELP HEIDI by Sally John
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HEAVEN HELP HEIDI by Sally John (Fiction)
After an accident leaves her injured and unable to work, Heidi Hathaway leases her home and moves into a cozy little cottage in the charming garden complex where her friend Piper lives. There she finds so much more than a place to rest and recover. Piper Keyes knows Jared is not coming back from Afghanistan. After making it through the fifth anniversary of his death, she wonders if she’s at last ready to get on with life. She gingerly explores new avenues and learns to open her heart again. Reviewed by Lynda Lee Schab.
-Click here to read more about the book.
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Click here to read a review. |
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As always, here are a few housekeeping notes. If you are seeing this newsletter in a text version, and would prefer to see the graphics, you can either read it online or change your preferences below.
Those of you who wish to send mail to FaithfulReader.com, please visit this page.
Happy reading! Don't forget to forward this newsletter to a friend or to visit our other websites from TheBookReportNetwork.com: Bookreporter.com, 20SomethingReads.com, Teenreads.com, Kidsreads.com, ReadingGroupGuides.com, GraphicNovelReporter.com and AuthorsOnTheWeb.com.
--- Carol Fitzgerald ([email protected])
The Book Report Network
250 W. 57th Street - Suite 1228
New York, New York 10107
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