Black 'n' Gold Girl's Book Spot

The Christmas Dog by Melody Carlson Copyright 2009 Revell Publishers 172 pages ISBN: 978-0-8007-1881-7 Contemporary Fiction From the publisher: Christmas miracles can come from unlikely sources. Betty Kowalski isn't looking forward to the holidays. She just can't seem to find Christmas in her heart. Maybe it's because her husband is gone. Maybe it's because she's missing her children. Or maybe it has something to do with her obnoxious new neighbor, who seems to be tearing his house apart and rearranging it on the lawn. But when a mangy dog appears at her doorstep, the stage is set for Betty to learn what Christmas is really all about. My Review: If you're a fan of Christmas fiction you will probably like this book. I'll admit, I chose to review this book because of the cute Yorkie puppy on the cover, however I was not disappointed in this book. Like most short stories it didn't really include all the details that I would have liked, for example the backg...

The Gladiator by Carla Capshaw Copyright 2009 Steeple Hill Books 276 pages ISBN: 978-0-373-82824-1 Inspirational Historical Romance Synopsis: The greatest challenge of Caros Viriathos life was not in the pits of Rome's Colosseum but inside the walls of his own home in the form of beautiful Christian slave, Pelonia Valeria. Pelonia, purchased by Caros on a whim from a passing slave trader after being sold into slavery by her cruel uncle Marcus, vows to keep her distance from Caros. During her time serving in Caros's house she learns that he is not a violent, angry, gladiator but a kind man scarred by the tragedies he's experienced in life and in the pits. When it is discovered that she is a Christian Pelonia's life hangs in the balance and Caros must decide between life as a gladiator and slave or the safety of the woman he has come to care for. My Review: The Love Inspired books have been some of my favorite romances for a long time. This book by new author, Carla Cap...

Vicki @ Reading at the Beach hosts a weekly meme that introduces different books whose titles feature a different letter of the alphabet each week. It's a great way to find new books to read or rediscover some classics. Here are the rules: ~ Post a photo of the cover and a short synopsis of the book, sites like Amazon.com and bn.com are great places to find cover blurbs! ~ Post a link to where the book is available for purchase. ~ Please swing by and leave a comment along with your A-Z post on Vicki's blog and be sure to visit the blogs of others to see their selection of the week! ~ Add a link to your review of the book if you have one. This week the letter is "P." Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen First published 1813 Wordsworth Classics 262 pages ISBN: 978-1-85326-000-2 Fiction Preview from Barnes and Noble : In a remote Hertfordshire village, far off the good coach roads of George III's England, a country squire of no great means must marry off his five viv...

Though Waters Roar by Lynn Austin Copyright 2009 Bethany House Publishers 430 pages ISBN: 978-0-7642-0496-8 Historical Fiction Synopsis: While in jail after having been caught with bootleg liquor in her car during Prohibition, Harriet wonders how she ended up there. There's a lot of time to think when you're sitting in a small jail cell about finding her purpose and how she reached that point in her life. Harriet retraces her past as well as her great grandmother Hannah's, who raised a family during the Civil War to her own mother's life of wealth and privilege in the latter part of the 19th century. My Review: Lynn Austin's, Depression based book, Hidden Places is one of my favorite Christian fiction books ever. Though Waters Roar very much reminded me of that book. It was very touching and it was told in a similar fashion with flashbacks to the pasts of strong and determined women. The last book I've read by Ms. Austin, A Proper Pursuit, was okay but this ...

Every week Marcia @ The Printed Page hosts Mailbox Monday . This is the chance for you to showcase all the great reads that you have received during the past week. Also it gives you an opportunity to check out what great books others received too! Be sure you stop by Marcia's page...you never know, you might get some ideas for your wishlist! This week I got 5 books and they all look like winners, what do you think? From Bookmooch: Vision in White by Nora Roberts Copyright 2009 Berkley Books 344 pages ISBN: 978-0-425-22751-0 Fiction Yellow Rose Bride by Lori Copeland Copyright 2006 Steeple Hill Publishers 313 pages ISBN: 978-0-373-78572-8 Historical Romance From Swaptree : The Van Alen Legacy (The Bluebloods, Book 4 ) by Melissa de la Cruz Copyright 2009 Hyperion 384 pages ISBN: 978- YA Fiction For review from publishers: The Sheriff's Surrender by Susan Page Davis Copyright 2009 Barbour Books 320 pages ISBN: 978-1-60260-562-6 Fiction/Christian/Romance Though Waters Roar b...

The Triumph of Deborah by Eva Etzioni-Halevy Copyright 2008 Plume 358 pages ISBN: 978-0-452-28906-2 Historical Fiction Synopsis: Deborah a highly respected Israelite leader and judge, has convinced military leader, Barak to attack the neighboring Canaanites. With Barak's success comes more trials,including the love triangle between Barak and the two captured Canaanite princesses, beautiful Asherah and loving Nogah. On top of it all, Deborah finds herself increasingly attracted to Barak which leads her husband to divorce her. Deborah exhibits much strength and character and independence that many modern women of today strive to achieve. My Review : First off let me say that if you are a reader of Christian fiction you may not like this book because there are some love scenes although not romance novel descriptive, they are still there nonetheless. As for the story of Deborah I have to admit that I'm not all that familiar with her story in the Bible however, I thought that Eva d...

This month I was mistakenly shipped a copy of Things Worth Remembering by Jackina Stark from Jim @ Bethany's House's Book Review Program. When I let Jim know about this mistake he let me know that I could keep the book...sooooo I decided to offer it to you, my wonderful blog readers! Things Worth Remembering by Jackina Stark Copyright 2009 Bethany House Publishers 316 pages ISBN: 978-0-7642-0711-2 Contemporary Fiction Here's a preview from the Bethany House website : An Emotionally Gripping Story of Broken Relationships Restored Kendy Laswell and her daughter, Maisey, used to do everything together--until one fateful summer when Maisey witnessed something she shouldn't have, and their relationship fractured. Now, Maisey is back home to get married and Kendy realizes this is her last chance to reconnect with her daughter. Will Kendy and Maisey be able to reclaim the bond they once shared? Maisey asked for a bride doll the Christmas she was five,...

MizB @ Should Be Reading hosts Teaser Tuesday every week at her blog! This gives everyone the opportunity to share a few lines from a new book they're reading or one of their old favorites. Here are the rules for Teaser Tuesday! 1. Grab your current read. 2. Let the book fall open to a random page. 3. Share two teaser sentences from that page, somewhere between lines 7 and 12. 4. Share the title of the book that the “teaser” comes from, so people can find the book if they like the teaser. 5. PLEASE avoid spoilers!!!!! This week I chose to take my teaser from In the Shadow of the Sun King , Book 1 in the A Darkness to Light series. This novel centers around France in the 17th century and the persecution of French Protestants, particularly the Clavell family. In the Shadow of the Sun King (A Darkness to Light series, Book 1) by Golden Keyes Parsons Copyright 2008 Thomas Nelson Publishers 366 pages ISBN: 978-1-59554-626-5 Fiction/Christian/Historical Teaser from page 195: "Fra...

Every week Marcia @ The Printed Page hosts Mailbox Monday. This is the chance for you to showcase all the great reads that you have received during the past week. Also it gives you an opportunity to check out what great books others received too! Be sure you stop by Marcia's page...you never know, you might get some ideas for your wishlist! I got 8 books last week! I'll be busy ;-) From Bookmooch : Gwyneth and the Thief by Margaret Moore Copyright 2002 Avon Books 279 pages ISBN: 978-0-06-447337-6 Teen Fiction/Romance Nice Girls Don't Have Fangs (Jane Jameson Series, Book 1) by Molly Harper Copyright 2009 Pocket Star Books 384 pages ISBN: 978-1-4165-8942-6 Paranormal Romance My REVIEW From PBS : Outlaw's Bride (The Western Sky series, Book 1) by Lori Copeland Copyright 1999 Harvest House Publishers 255 pages ISBN: 978-0-7369-2751-2 Fiction/Romance From blog giveaways: A Forever Christmas by Missy Tippens Copyright 2009 Steeple Hill Publishers 218 pages ISBN: 978-0...

Her Colorado Man by Cheryl St. John Copyright 2009 Harlequin 280 pages ISBN: 978-0-373-29571-5 Historical Romance Synopsis: Mariah left her small Colorado hometown when she realized she was expecting a child. Not wanting to shame her family with the scandal of having a child out of wedlock Mariah and her grandfather make up an absentee husband who is supposed to be in Alaska trying his luck in the gold fields. One day he shows up in the form of ruggedly handsome Wes Burrows. Not willing to break her sons heart by revealing the truth about Wes, she begrudgingly agrees to let him stay. When Mariah discovers the man underneath the handsome exterior is just as nice, she must decide whether to risk her heart and reveal the secret of her sons true father and risk losing the man she has come to care for very deeply. My Review: I was expecting another great story by Cheryl St. John and I was not disappointed. Even though the imaginary husband concept and how she and her grandfather went abou...

I'm so grateful to Vicki @ Reading at the Beach for choosing me for this award! Thank you Vicki!!!!! As a part of this award I have to tell you 10 honest things about me and pass the award on to 10 more bloggers! 1. I read too much. 2. I eat way too much pizza! 3. I drink A LOT of Mtn Dew and Dr Pepper (I think I could live on these alone.) 4. Whenever I order iced tea at a resaurant it has to look like a snow globe before I drink it. 5. I don't like talking on the phone...I can never think of anything to say. 6. I'm a pretty good quarterback. 7. I'm addicted to Vampire Diaries (books and tv show) 8. I love chick flicks! 9. I think a good car chase makes a movie! 10. I hate computers. Now to pass on this great award! 1. Heather @ Gofita's Pages 2. Mimi @ Woven By Words 3. Carman @ A Sequence of Continuos Delights 4. Angie @ Never a Dull Moment 5. Hannah @ Project Journal 6. Sharon @ Sharon's Garden of Book Reviews 7. Jen @ So Many Books... 8. Christy @ ...

Woohoo! I am sooooo excited that I get to announce TWO winners this month! You ladies are each getting a great book! Enjoy! Without further ado...here are the lucky winners!!!! Ladies I am emailing you at the addresses you gave me in your entires. I look forward to hearing back from you soon! Remember if I don't get emails back from the winner(s) within 48 hours I will draw a new winner(s)!

Thirsty by Tracey Bateman Copyright 2009 WaterBrook Press 376 pages ISBN: 978-0-307-45715-8 Fiction/Suspense Synopsis: Nina Parker, a divorced mother of two is fighting the most challenging problem of her life, not raising a teenage daughter or the love she still has for her ex husband, Hunt, but the demon that is alcoholism. Deciding to move back to her home town of Abbey Hills that she abandoned as a teen, Nina along with her teenage daughter, Meagan, try to become reacquainted with life in a small town. With their arrival, the small Ozark town must deal with strange and ritualistic murders that are taking place and officials must find who or what is responsible before another life is taken. Along with these terrifying murders and events from Nina's past, and the mysterious new neighbor, Markus her tenuous hold on sobriety is severely tested. My Review: Having read Tracey Bateman's sweet prairie romances I wasn't really sure what to expect with her latest release, Thirs...

Hi everyone! I just wanted to let you know that I will be leaving today for a trip to Ohio to visit family and then take a trip to Ohio Amish country. That being said, I won't be back until Sunday November 15th so there won't be any posts! I will be back in time to announce the winners of each of my book giveaways. There's still time to enter both so be sure to click on the covers on the right sidebar for Love Finds You in Holiday, Florida by Sandra D. Bricker to enter for that one and the cover of Tracey Bateman's book, Thirsty if you would like to enter for that one. Remember you can enter to win both if you wish to! Good luck and see you Sunday!!!

Nice Girls Don't Have Fangs (Jane Jameson Series, Book 1) by Molly Harper Copyright 2009 Pocket Star Books 384 pages ISBN: 978-1-4165-8942-6 Paranormal Romance Synopsis: Jane Jameson's life literally sucks, after being fired from her job as a librarian, she visits Shenanigans and has one too many neon colored drinks. On her way home, car trouble leaves her stranded and literally left for dead after being mistaken for a deer. Thanks to the handsome stranger she met at Shenanigans she isn't dead...just undead. For Jane, adjusting to her knew lifestyle isn't easy even though she gets a gift basket from a perky vampire whose the head of the undead welcoming committee. Someone is trying to frame her for murder, her best friend tries to stake her, and she has to decide how to tell her parents the news. To top it all off someone is out to frame her for a series of vampire murders. What's a book loving vampire to do? My Review: I haven't reviewed a paranormal for a whi...

Vicki @ Reading at the Beach hosts a weekly meme that introduces different books whose titles feature a different letter of the alphabet each week. It's a great way to find new books to read or rediscover some classics. Here are the rules: ~ Post a photo of the cover and a short synopsis of the book, sites like Amazon.com and bn.com are great places to find cover blurbs! ~ Post a link to where the book is available for purchase. ~ Please swing by and leave a comment along with your A-Z post on Vicki's blog and be sure to visit the blogs of others to see their selection of the week! ~ Add a link to your review of the book if you have one. This week the letter is "N." No Place for A Lady (Heart of the West, Book 1) by Maggie Brendan Copyright 2009 Revell Publishers 303 pages ISBN: 978-0-8007-3335-3 Historical Romance From Revell: Nothing in her past had prepared her for a Colorado cattle drive--or Luke Weber. Longing for a new start, Crystal Clark arrives amid the s...

MizB @ Should Be Reading hosts Teaser Tuesday every week at her blog! This gives everyone the opportunity to share a few lines from a new book they're reading or one of their old favorites. Here are the rules for Teaser Tuesday! 1. Grab your current read. 2. Let the book fall open to a random page. 3. Share two teaser sentences from that page, somewhere between lines 7 and 12. 4. Share the title of the book that the “teaser” comes from, so people can find the book if they like the teaser. 5. PLEASE avoid spoilers!!!!! It's been a while since I featured a paranormal romance on Teaser Tuesday so this week I am sharing a bite (pun intended) from Molly Harper's book, Nice Girls Don't Have Fangs . I'll be reviewing it later this month so be sure to watch for that. Nice Girls Don't Have Fangs (Jane Jameson Series, Book 1) by Molly Harper Copyright 2009 Pocket Star Books 384 pages ISBN: 978-1-4165-8942-6 Paranormal Romance Teaser from page 133: "I turned my atte...

Fields of Grace by Kim Vogel Sawyer Copyright 2009 Bethany House Publishers 352 pages ISBN: 978-0-7642-0508-8 Historical Fiction Synopsis: Lillian Vogt and her husband Reinhardt, along with their three sons and Reindhardts' adopted brother, Eli travel to America to start a new life in 19th century Kansas. When tragedy strikes aboard the ship on the way to America, Lillian and Eli must strike a bargain to keep their family together and their dreams of a successful Mennonite settlement alive. Eli, having never had a family starts to believe that a loving family might not be in his future but in the present. My Review: I really didn't think that I was going to like this book after I first started it, simply because it was soooo sad! As the story went on however it got better and when finished I thought it was a good read. Mostly this story was about a family coming together in the face of two terrible tragedies to try and make a new start at life. I really felt for Lillian and w...

I was so excited when Sandra stopped by my blog a few weeks ago and offered to do a blog interview and book giveaway on MY blog! This was my very first "famous author" interview and I was honored to "meet" her and hope you get to know a little bit more about her and her wonderful books too! Be sure to read all the way through to see how you can be entered to win a signed copy of Sandra's newest release from Summerside Press, Love Finds You in Holiday, Florida ! Thank you Ms. Bricker for the wonderful interview and the generous offering of your book to one lucky reader! Sandra D. Bricker BIO: Sandra D. Bricker has been publishing in both the Christian and general market for years with novels for women and teens, magazine articles and short stories. With 8 novels in print and 5 more slated for publication through 2010, Sandie has carved out a niche for herself as an author of laugh-out-loud comedy for the inspirational market. Sandie was an enter...

Every week Marcia @ The Printed Page hosts Mailbox Monday. This is the chance for you to showcase all the great reads that you have received during the past week. Also it gives you an opportunity to check out what great books others received too! Be sure you stop by Marcia's page...you never know, you might get some ideas for your wishlist! I only got 3 books this week, one from Revell, one was a gift, and one I bought! Here they are! From Revell Publishers: The Christmas Dog by Melody Carlson Copyright 2009 Revell Publishers 172 pages ISBN: 978-0-8007-1881-7 Fiction/Contemporary Whirlwind by Cathy Marie Hake Copyright 2008 Bethany House Publishers 358 pages ISBN: 978-0-7642-0319-0 Historical Romance The Returning by Ann Tatlock Copyright 2009 Bethany House Publishers 362 pages ISBN: 978-0-7642-0006-9 Contemporary Fiction

It is time for a FIRST Wild Card Tour book review! If you wish to join the FIRST blog alliance, just click the button. We are a group of reviewers who tour Christian books. A Wild Card post includes a brief bio of the author and a full chapter from each book toured. The reason it is called a FIRST Wild Card Tour is that you never know if the book will be fiction, non~fiction, for young, or for old...or for somewhere in between! Enjoy your free peek into the book! You never know when I might play a wild card on you! Today's Wild Card author is: Kelly Eileen Hake and the book: The Bride Backfire Barbour Publishing, Inc (October 1, 2009) ***Special thanks to Angie Brillhart of Barbour Books for sending me a review copy.*** ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Kelly Eileen Hake is a reader favorite of Barbour Publishing’s Heartsong Presents book club, where she has released several books. A credentialed secondary English teacher in California, she also has her MA in Writing Popular Fiction. Known for ...