Black 'n' Gold Girl's Book Spot

It is so hard for me to believe that I have been blogging for almost a year now! March 3, 2009, was the date of my first blog entry . I have certainly come a long way since then! I've met so many great people through my blog who have been such a blessing to me! To celebrate one AWESOME year of blogging I'm holding a Blogaversary celebration, March 15-19th! Some of my very favorite Christian fiction authors will be stopping by during the week to help me celebrate and I would love for you to stop by too! Not only will there be great posts featuring some great books but there will be giveaways as well! How awesome is that?! After all what is a party without presents? ;-) On top of all that I will also be giving a gift to one lucky person who comments during the week! Below is a list of my Blogaversary VIPs who will be guest posting throughout the week! Be sure to click on each authors name to visit their terrific websites! Trust me, they're beautiful and feature a lot of...

My favorite writer and good friend Julie Lessman , author of the Daughters of Boston series is preparing for the debut of the first book in her brand new Winds of Change series, A Hope Undaunted to be released this Fall! I am privileged to share the beautiful cover for what is sure to be a beautiful story! I CAN'T WAIT!!! Without further ado here's "Katie" on the cover of A Hope Undaunted !!!!!!! A Hope Undaunted (Winds of Change, Book 1) by Julie Lessman Copyright 2010 Revell Publishers ISBN: 9780800734152 Historical Romance As the 1920s come to a close, Katie O'Connor epitomizes "the new woman"---smart and sassy with goals that include a law career and the perfect husband. But when she spends the summer of 1929 with childhood nemesis Luke McGee, Katie faces an unexpected choice: commit to her ideal boyfriend, Jake---or the man she's always despised?

Faithful Heart (Angel of Mercy Series, Book 2) by Al Lacy Copyright 1995, 2010 Multnomah Publishers 304 pages ISBN: 9780307458759 Historical Fiction From the publisher : Dottie Harper fears for her children's safety. Her husband, Jerrod, is struggling with dementia brought on by shell shock during the Civil War. It's as though there are two Jerrods locked inside him: the tender and loving Christian man she married, and a harsh man given to unpredictable fits of violent rage. Dottie loves her husband with all her heart, and with God's help, she'd determined to remain steadfast. Dottie's sister, Breanna Baylor, is a certified medical nurse. She's headed west with a wagon train, planning to visit Dottie in California and meet her family for the first time. Along the way, Breanna meets up with wounded soldiers, contagious townspeople, and injured outlaws. Compassionate and highly skilled, she tends to their physical hurts and shares the gospel whenever she can. Li...

The Hidden Flame (Acts of Faith, Book 2) by Davis Bunn and Janette Oke Copyright 2010 Bethany House Publishers 400 pages ISBN: 978-0-7642-0742-6 Historical Fiction From the Publisher: In first-century Judea, the followers of the Way have burgeoned into a vibrant, growing community that cannot be ignored. Jerusalem is in turmoil as its religious leaders on one side, and their Roman rulers on the other, conspire to stamp out the fledgling Church. And Abigail, who thought she had finally found home and safety, is caught between the opposing forces. Two suitors desire the lovely Abigail's hand in marriage. Ezra, a successful Hebrew merchant and widower with important connections among the Sanhedrin, is looking for a mother for his children. The Roman soldier Linux is fascinated by her winsome charm and possibly could offer the sanctuary--maybe even the love--for which she yearns. But her heart has been captured by neither of these. Will her faith and courage survive a heartbreak beyo...

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 & 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 !!!!! Today I just received my copy of The Raven Saint from the UPS man so I'm sharing a short teaser that I hope you enjoy! The Raven Saint (Charles Towne Belles, Book 3) by MaryLu Tyndall Copyright 2009 Barbour Publishers 320 pages ISBN: 978-1-60260-158-1 Fiction/Christian/Romance Teaser from page 176: 'A gentleman does not enter a lady's chamber without knocking, Rafe.' 'I am no gentleman. And this is a cabin aboard my ...

Swinging on a Star (Weddings By Bella, Book 2) by Janice Thompson Copyright 2010 Revell Publishers 336 pages ISBN: 978-0-8007-33443-8 Contemporary Romance From the publisher : There's a fine line between ambitious and crazy. Bella's just not sure where it is. Bella Rossi's life is nearing perfection. Not only does she have the perfect guy, but she's also running a successful wedding-planning business and is about to plan its most ambitious wedding yet--a Renaissance-themed fairy tale come true, complete with period costumes and foods, horse-drawn carriages, and even a castle. There's only one hitch. The best man just happens to be Hollywood's hottest and most eligible bachelor, and he's showing an interest in Bella. Oh, and did we mention he's staying at her house to avoid the paparazzi? With all the pressure surrounding this wedding, Bella's not sure she's going to make it through. Add her starstruck sister and her feuding aunt and uncle, and ...

Here are some more pictures I took yesterday and today of the icicles outside my window! The first photo was taken yesterday before I broke off some of the biggest pieces. Today when I looked out, the broken icicles were back!!! Notice the wasp climbing on the icicle in the last pic! He was on the inside of the window but I thought it looked like he was on the icicle! I guess the wasp siting means that Spring will be hear soon...I hope!

Two Brides Too Many by Mona Hodgson Copyright 2009 WaterBrook Press 312 pages ISBN: 978-0-307-45894-0 Fiction/Romance/Historical From the publisher : Kat and Nell Sinclair are headed west—away from the manicured lawns of Maine to the boisterous, booming mining town of Cripple Creek, Colorado to start new lives for themselves as mail-order brides. Aboard the train, romantic dreamer Nell carries a photo of her intended close to her heart and imagines an exciting and love-filled future, while her pragmatic older sister Kat resigns herself to marriage as a duty, not a delight. But when the ladies disembark at the train depot, neither fiancé Patrick Maloney or Judson Archer awaits them with open arms. The well-bred Sinclair sisters find themselves unexpectedly alone in the wild, frontier town—a place where fire threatens to reduce the buildings to rubble, the working women strut the streets, rogues will gamble for the shoes on one’s feet, and God’s grace is found amongst the most unlikely o...

Jill over @ Breaking the Spine hosts a weekly meme that features one book that you can't wait to be released! Be sure to stop buy to see what she and other readers can't wait to get their hands on!!! I love a good high seas adventure and MaryLu Tyndall never disappoints! I'm so excited for the first book in her upcoming Surrender to Destiny series, Surrender the Sea. Surrender the Sea (Surrender to Destiny, Book 1) by Marylu Tyndall Copyright 2010 Barbour Publishing 320 pages ISBN: 978-1602601659 Historical Fiction/Romance From CBD.com : For the sake of her ailing mother, Constance Denton becomes engaged to Jonah Brennin---a merchantman she despises. But as the War of 1812 escalates, Jonah's ship is captured by the British, and the ill-matched couple learns vital information that could aid America's cause. As they battle to save their country, will they also find love? Available late Summer 2010!

The Apothecary's Daughter by Julie Klassen Copyright 2008 Bethany House Publishers 416 pages ISBN: 978-0-7642-0480-7 Historical Fiction From the publisher : Lilly Haswell remembers everything—whether she wants to, or not.... As Lilly toils in her father's apothecary, preparing herbs and remedies by rote, she is haunted by memories of her mother's disappearance. Villagers whisper the tale, but her father refuses to discuss it. All the while, she dreams of the world beyond—of travel and adventure and romance. When a relative offers to host her in London, Lilly discovers the pleasures and pitfalls of fashionable society and suitors, as well as clues about her mother. But will Lilly find what she is searching for—the truth of the past and a love for the future? Blending romance, family drama, and fascinating historical detail, The Apothecary's Daughter is a novel to savor and share. My Review: After reading Julie Klassen's latest release, The Silent Governess (my rev...

Here are a few pictures that I took from my back yard after it FINALLY stopped snowing. Even though the snow is a pain and inhibits everyday activities such as shopping, visiting, and going to the post office to mail out and pick up books it sure is a pretty site! Enjoy!

This year I was kind of disappointed in the Super Bowl ads but there were a few that made me laugh out loud! Here are my top 3! #3: Doritos "Underdog" #2 Bridgestone Tires It was a really tough choice but my FINAL decision for my favorite 2010 Super Bowl XLIV Commercial was... #1 truTV "Punxsutawney Polamolu!!!"

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: Kim Vogel Sawyer and the book: Katy’s New World (The Katy Lambright Series) Zondervan (February 1, 2010) ***Special thanks to Bridgette Brooks of Zondervan for sending me a review copy.*** ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Bestselling, award-winning author Kim Vogel Sawyer wears many hats besides “writer.” As a wife, mother, grandmother, and active participant in her church, her life is happily full. But Kim’s passion lie...

Katy's New World (Book 1, Katy Lambright series) by Kim Vogel Sawyer Copyright 2010 Zondervan 208 pages ISBN:978-0-310-71924-3 Teen Fiction From the publisher : When Katy Lambright is given the opportunity to attend a secular high school outside her Mennonite community, she is ecstatic. But as Katy begins to adjust to life outside her community and begins to make decisions for herself, her relationships with her family and lifelong friends become strained. Can Katy balance her new world with the Old Order? My Review: I've read a lot of books by Kim Vogel Sawyer but this is the first YA book of her's that I've read but it won't be the last. Even though it is a book about a young Mennonite girl I think a lot of teens will be able to relate to what she has to deal with in this book. Some of the themes include, making new friends, fitting in, and standing up for your beliefs while accepting people whose faith may be a bit different from yours. Katy Lambright, the main...

Thicker than Blood by C.J. Darlington January 2010 Tyndale Pblishers 385 pages ISBN: 978-1-4143-3448-6 Fiction/Christian/General From the publisher : Christy Williams finally has her life on track. She’s putting her past behind her and working hard to build a career as an antiquarian book buyer. But things begin to unravel when a stolen Hemingway first edition is found in her possession, framing her for a crime she didn’t commit. With no one to turn to, she yearns for her estranged younger sister, May, whom she abandoned after their parents’ untimely deaths. Soon, Christy’s fleeing from her shattered dreams, her ex-boyfriend, and God. Could May’s Triple Cross Ranch be the safe haven she’s searching for? Will the sisters realize that each possesses what the other desperately needs before it’s too late? My Review: WOW! All I can say is wow! I can not believe that this is CJ Darlington's first book, it is that good! I started it a few days ago and had to set it aside but once I picke...

Jill over @ Breaking the Spine hosts a weekly meme that features one book that you can't wait to be released! This week Jill's pick is Every Last One by Anna Quindlen, click HERE to check it out and to see links to what others are waiting on! Even though I haven't got a copy of The Husband Tree (Book 2, Montana Marriages) I'm really excited for book 3, Wildflower Bride ! It's about a reformed bad boy, Wade Sawyer, who we met in the first book, Montana Rose ! I just love a "good" bad boy :-P Wildflower Bride (Book 3, Montana Marriages) by Mary Connealy Copyright 2010 320 pages Barbour Books ISBN: 9781602601444 Romance From the publisher : Welcome to the wilds of Montana, where humor, romance, and suspense ride the range. Glowing Sun, a white woman raised by the Flathead tribe, has vague memories of her former life, including a name—Abby Lind. When she’s forced to sever all links with her adopted Shoshone family, Abby wonders if she’ll ever find a home...

And the winner of the signed copy of Love Finds You in Hershey, Pennsylvania by Cerella Sechrist and other goodies is... Stephanie Lynn!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Stephanie has be contacted and has 48 hours to get her address info to me so I can forward it to Cerella! If she doesn't respond I will choose another winner using random.org! Remember, Love Finds You in Hershey Pennsylvania is on sale NOW ! Go out and get yourself a copy! If you do, you're in for a real treat! You can also visit Cerella's site and check out her contests section to read about other giveaways going on now!

Winter's Awakening (Seasons of Sugarcreek, Book 1) by Shelley Shepard Gray Copyright 2010 Avon Inspire 298 pages ISBN: 978-0-06-185222-0 Fiction From the publisher : Joshua Graber knows his future is set. He′s expected to work at his family business, the Graber Country Store. He′s expected to marry Gretta Hershberger, who he′s been courting for several years. But when a new English family moves next door and their lovely teenage daughter, Lilly Allen, catches his eye, Joshua wonders if all the plans for his future are too set in stone. Gretta doesn′t know what′s going on with Joshua. When they argue and later stew in silence, it feels a lot like the frosty atmosphere at her home. After promising herself to never have a marriage like her parents, she wonders if perhaps another man might be a better match. A man such as Roland Schrock. He′s steady and kind and somewhat boring. If she marries him, she won′t ever have to worry about loving him and getting hurt. Meanwhile, Lilly is en...

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! For Review: Thicker than Blood by CJ Darlington The Silent Governess by Julie Klassen The Hidden Flame (Acts of Faith, Book 2) by Davis Bunn and Janette Oke Swinging on a Star (Weddings by Bella, Book 2) by Janice Thompson Katy's New World (The Katy Lambright Series, Book 1)by Kim Vogel Sawyer Winter's Awakening (Seasons of Sugarcreek, Book 1) by Shelley Shepard Gray Songbird Under a German Moon by Tricia Goyer Sons of Thunder by Susan May Warren From Bookmooch : Silent in the Sanctuary by Deanna Raybourn The Independence of Miss Mary Bennet by Colleen McCullough My Soul to Save by Rachel Vincent ...

Check out the trailer for The Wolfman starring: Benicio del Toro, Emily Blunt, Anthony Hopkins, and Hugo Weaving. Looks good huh? I'm sooo there!