Tag Archive | Prism Book Group

Accept this Dandelion (Book Review)

Feb6
Reading Time: 2 minutes

AcceptThisDandelionBrooke Williams has taken a national icon, The Bachelor and served it up with a twist in her delightful romantic comedy, Accept this Dandelion.

Both Renee Lockhart and Ben McConnell go into this localized version of the dating game with hidden motives. Renee wants to boost her popularity as a radio show host, potentially winning the morning co-anchor spot at her station. And she was entered by her co-workers so it’s more a matter of making the best of an uncomfortable situation. Especially when she discovers the identity of the bachelor.

Ben McConnell is wealthy and a popular man on the social circuit with a new girl on his arm at every event. But he secretly longs for a woman who will love him for who he really is, not for what his money can buy. He hopes that among the hopeful women vying or his hand, he can find one who is real and honest.

When mishap after mishap occurs, Renee is amazed that as the least likely candidate for Ben’s hand (and weed) she continues to stay in the competition. But her motives change as time goes on and she gets to know the real Ben.

This is a story that will have you smiling from page to page, and maybe groaning in sympathy for the challenges that Renee seems to find herself in on the way to falling in love. You might even bust out laughing a time or two. Williams has written a fresh and thoroughly enjoyable romp of a romance.

Legitimate Lies (Book Review)

Jan16
Reading Time: < 1 minute

legit lies ebookLegitimate Lies is the sequel to Hush in the Storm by suspense author and abolitionist activist Julie B. Cosgrove. She has a unique story to tell that pulls you into the web of deceit and treachery of the human slave trade that takes place around the world. While Hush is centered in the United States, this book takes the reader to Great Britain because this is an international problem.

Suspense is paramount as Jen’s cover in Witness Protection is blown by the Tom, the man she loves. She is whisked away to Great Britain to undertake a new identity. When her smooth talking criminal husband hunts her and kidnapps her, she fights to hold on to truth in the web of lies keeping her prisoner. Can she escape? And where is Tom? Will he find her? Is there any hope they could be free from the lies, free from her marriage to a criminal mastermind and free from the sins of her past? Only God can lead the way to that as well as providing perhaps healing and hope for others caught in her husband’s web of slavery.

This book is hard to put down. Fast paced and filled with action and drama as well as heart-rending romance, it is sure to satisfy any reader while drawing attention to the very real evils that are currently at play in our world.

Love Takes Flight (Book Review)

Dec5
Reading Time: 2 minutes

LoveTakesFlight copyLove Takes Flight is the latest novel by Lee Carver. Her first offering was a historical World War II novel called A Secret Life. This story, while contemporary romance is no less filled with adventure!

Camille Ringold is an American nurse whose dream of marrying a doctor and living a fine life in the suburbs is destroyed. To escape the shame and give herself time to heal she volunteers to serve for two weeks in the Amazon. She is forced to face the harsh reality of life in the jungle and the desperation of the lost souls she learns to love.

On a mission of mercy the Wings of Hope plane is hijacked and she and missionary pilot Luke Strong barely make it away alive but have to survive in the jungle. Luke has been a challenge for her, a woman used to finer things and afraid of flying. But his faith compels her to dig deeper within to seek God’s leading. Her heart plays tug of war with the growing attraction to the handsome pilot and her struggle to give up on the more comfortable life she temporarily has left behind.

Returning home she is confronted with the persistent pursuit of the rejected lying doctor and she discovers that the dangers of the Amazon are nothing compared to what was waiting for her at home from this man.

Does she have the faith to risk it all for love? Is that even what God is asking of her or is it another escape? And as much as she adores Luke Strong, would he ever consider her as a possible partner in ministry and life?

This is a fast paced book filled with adventure and a realistic look at the hardship faced by those who serve indigenous people groups who desperately need to hear the gospel. I loved the way Camille’s struggles are portrayed. No idealistic dreams of saving the world but the reality of just how much sacrifice is involved is told with brutal clarity. Luke Strong is not a perfect hero either but is steadfast and lives up to his name as he protects and guides Camille . . . only to find him being saved by her dedication.

I loved this story and highly recommend it. Lee Carver is a master story-teller with an eye to detail that will make you feel like you are right there with the characters.

World Wide Blog Hop

Oct27
Reading Time: 4 minutes

I’m answering four questions from Cheri Burbach for the World Wide Blog Hop.

Baganz 0524 Edited color

What am I working on?

I’ve got a lot of things going right now. I’m trying to finish up some editing projects for other authors with Prism Book Group so I can be ready for November which is National Novel Writing month. I’ll be writing my fifth book in a series (the first two are already contracted. Pesto and Potholes releases Spring of 2015). This will be my third full length novel this year. I’ve never accomplished that before. This will be my sixth year doing NaNoWriMo. I also am working on edits of my historical.

How does my work differ from others of its genre?

Every author has their own unique voice. The Orchard Hill series is set against the backdrop of Orchard Hill Church to show the importance of a viable faith in this crazy, mixed up world. I guess that would be the biggest uniqueness is that the church is its own character in the novels. I love the local church and have found my own biggest growth has taken place in community with other believers and especially under healthy, godly leadership. I want to show how wonderful and messy that can be . . . and how vital it is for any believer. I think I manage that without being preachy as I focus more on relationships than deep theology.

Why do I write/create what I do?

The world is scary and hard and I wanted to tackle the reality of those struggles for especially 20-30 something adults but make faith in Christ an integral and fundamental part of facing those challenges. I think my hope is to give them solid truth to cling to in a world that tells them compromise is acceptable. Ultimately our emotional and spiritual growth compels us to maturity in our faith, but it’s through the challenges we really grow. I’m a romance author so that is woven in. I love happily-ever-afters.

How does my writing/creating process work?

I’m a panster which means I write by the seat of my pants. I often will come up with a title and maybe my two main characters. Sometimes I will do a character interview with them before I start writing but sometimes the story just comes. I get that first inciting incident and I write it and the characters take over from there. It’s a wild roller coaster ride wondering what’s going to happen next and at times even I am surprised at the way things go in my story or how my characters react to events. I love the rush of a first draft.

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That’s enough about me! Here are three writers I’d like to introduce you to. Feel free to visit them as they continue with the blog hop:

Rachel A JamesRachel James

Born and bred in England, Rachel writes inspirational medieval romance, she is also a pastor’s wife, and has three beautiful little princesses. She minored in creative writing at university and strives to entertain, inspire and encourage others in their own spiritual journey. She’s also captivated by romantic tales… combine it with a little history and a hot cup of tea, and she’s smitten! Find her at www.rachelajames.com for more information.

Connect with Rachel: Website   Facebook   Amazon Author   Twitter   Google+

 

Renee Headshot2Renee Blare

Renee Blare’s nose has been buried in a book for as long as she can remember. Raised in Louisiana and Wyoming, she started writing poetry in junior high school and that, as they say, was that. After having her son, a desire to attend pharmacy school sent her small family to the awesome town of Laramie. She’s been counting pills ever since. While writing’s her first love, well, after the Lord and her husband, she also likes to fish and hunt as well as pick away on her classical guitar.

After a brief detour to Texas, she back home, nestled against the Black Hills with her husband, crazy old dog and ornery cat. Add her son and parents dropping in for a home-cooked meal, and life’s never dull around her house. She serves the community of northeastern Wyoming as a pharmacist and pens her stories about struggling Christians as they travel along the journeys of their lives—meanwhile keeping things interesting with some action and intrigue, of course. She loves to interact with readers and invites you to check out her website, blog, and social media.

Social Media Contacts: Website   Facebook   Twitter     Groupblog   Pinterest   Goodreads  Tumblr    LinkedIN     Google+

HeadShotAug2014Lee Carver

Lee has lived in six foreign countries and studied nine languages including German and French. She and her husband traveled extensively throughout Europe while living in Spain. A five-week World War II history tour covering the areas where her father-in-law fought created the stimulus for this book.

Lee taught biology and chemistry, served as a volunteer church musician, and in retirement was a missionary in the Brazilian Amazon. She is a member of ACFW and president of its ACFW-DFW “Ready Writers” Chapter, and is active in Stephen Ministry and Kid’s Hope.

Lee is a member of ACFW and president of its local chapter, ACFW-DFW Chapter aka Ready Writers, and enjoys quite a few non-writerly endeavors.

Website   Facebook

 

The Right Ingredients (Book Review)

Sep26
Reading Time: < 1 minute

EbookTRI copy (1) (200x300)The Right Ingredients is a multi-flavored romance by Nancy Shew Bolton. Well, come on, the main character is a baker so this story is about faith, love and, my favorite–frosting!

This is such a sweet story and I loved the transformation that the main character Ann went through as she struggled throug her work-a-holic baker lifestyle and grappled with her need for God. As she emerges from her shell to embrace love and her new faith in God, challenges conspire to destroy both of these new and wonderful things in her life. Through it all Ann grows and matures. Of course this is a romance too but Ann doesn’t let her love for a man make her compromise what she has come to believe in. A happily-ever-after wedding too! And cake. Lots of cake!

Hush In The Storm (Book Review)

Aug8
Reading Time: 2 minutes

hushI was given an opportunity to read Hush In the Storm by Julie Cosgrove, because someone knew that the subject of Human Sex Trafficking was something I was concerned about.

Jen is wallowing in grief long after her husband’s death. She had loved him and regretted some of the choices she had made in a relationship with him. Why had God done this to her? Late one night her life took a dramatic turn. If she thought things couldn’t get worse she didn’t have an imagination big enough. A dinner date with a coworker in the midst of a storm. She finds herself kidnapped and on a dangerous adventure into the ugly underbelly of human sex trafficking.

Can she trust that Tom is who he says he is, and that he is only fulfilling a promise to her deceased husband, and trying to protect her? Has she only imagined hearing her husband’s voice? Meeting young women who were trafficked jolts her world, especially when one is pregnant.

I don’t want to give any spoilers away in this complex and suspenseful story of betrayal, fear, romance, injustice and intrigue. Can Jen trust Tom and the growing feelings she has for this man? Can love bloom in the midst of such deceit as she tries to unravel the truth of her husband’s life and deal with the reality of what she lost, which was far greater than her marriage? This book is hard to put down but will open your eyes to the dangers and struggle for freedom so many are facing in our country today.

I look forward to the sequel, Legitimate Lies, due out in January 2015.

Writer Wednesday: Anita Klumpers

Aug6
Reading Time: 2 minutes

SONY DSCAnita Klumpers is the author of Winter Watch, a fast paced romantic suspense set in Northern Wisconsin. She lives in the Madison area and was willing to give me a few minutes to share a glimpse into her writing journey.

When did you decide that you would be an author? Was it something you fell into, felt called to . . .?

I’ve always enjoyed beginning a story. When I was little I’d start long rambling tales. Sort of the print version of The Song That Never Ends. In college I even looked forward to writing term papers! Until the time came to finish them. That was always my problem. Pulling it all together.

My mom wanted me to write children’s books but that was a skill I just don’t possess. I wanted to write a novel just to see if I could develop a plot all the way. This tiny core of common sense said it couldn’t happen because I’d need to actually complete something. So I got stubborn, rebelled against my common sense, and did it.

What’s your pet peeve? 

Inanimate objects. They stub my toes, drop on my head, need to be turned when I want to push, burn out, break, freeze up, topple, and are oblivious to my scoldings.

WinterWatch_Ebook (2)What was your most embarrassing moment as a writer?

When the barista at the coffee shop said she liked my book but saw a couple of typos. And I had to admit that for the most part, they were my fault.

What has been your most difficult challenge as an author? 

Writing. Promoting. Quadruple each of those and you have my most difficult challenges. I love to write but seem to think I require long, uninterrupted, isolated days. But that isn’t the real world. Neither is expecting the book to sell itself. I practically apologize when I ask if someone would like to read it.

How do you process rejections and/or negative reviews?

Pretty well, actually. I don’t think I have a particularly fragile ego, and know that I have a long way to go as a writer.

SONY DSCWhat do you feel is the best success so far in your writing career? 

I’m at the infant stage of my writing career. So I guess just being born. In other words, I got published!

Anita can be found on facebook: http://www.facebook.com/anitaklumpers

Her blog:  http://www.thetuesdayprude.com

Falling Like a Rock (Book Review)

Jul18
Reading Time: 2 minutes

ebook cover copy (1)Falling Like a Rock is the latest release by author Bonnie McCune. This contemporary romance is set in the mountains of Colorado.

Elaine’s life is falling apart. Losing her job, and her boyfriend she stumbles into a refuge in the mountains of Colorado at the home of a college friend. In an effort to pick up the crushed pieces of her life and sagging self-esteem, Elaine finds that life is filled with more challenges when she meets the rugged, hunky Joe, the mayor of Falling Rock.

Could Joe help her find a job in the crashing economy of this mountain oasis? Facing her own insecurities as she tries to prove herself in a new town forces Elaine to confront her past as well as her present and future as she learns to take responsibility for her emotions and her life as she repeatedly runs into conflict with Joe, a man she finds attractive and likes but can’t seem to get along with.

Falling and breaking her ankle, fighting an eating disturbance and struggling against his stubbornness are nothing compared to battling with the forest fire that burns the chaff away to reveal to both her and Joe their true feelings for each other.

Sometimes, surrender is the best choice, when one falls like a rock into love. 

This is an enjoyable story that takes the reader on a journey into the heart of personal struggles with doubt, self-esteem and body perception issues and the desire to please that can be at the root of sometimes misguided choices. Elaine learns the hard way that the only person she needs to care for and impress–is herself. And out of the ashes of that can come a wealth of blessings. With the character of the mountains of Colorado playing a major role in this story, the reader is transported into the lives and characters of a small town in America where real life, and love, bloom.

Previous books authored by Bonnie McCune include: Heart Strong, Irish Episode, and A Saint Comes Stumbling In.

Sparks Fly (Book Review)

Jul11
Reading Time: 2 minutes

test copySparks Fly is the latest romantic suspense novella by Daisy Jerico. This is an ebook released as part of the Diamond line with Prism Book Group. 

Good cooking can be the way to a man’s heart, but burning down your shed in an effort to make award winning barbeque ribs is probably not the most auspicious beginning when Carlisle first meets Chet, the firefighter who responds to her emergency call and initially suspects her of being an arsonist.

Chet’s not sure what to do about he petite chef and under the guise of investigating arson he attempts to get to know her better. Unfortunately for Carlisle, the real arsonist is jealous that anyone would think she was capable of copycatting his attempts to bring down the fire chief.

Chet quickly figures out that Carlisle is not the man he is after, but he is intrigued by this feisty woman. When it becomes clear that her life is in danger, Chet seeks to protect her from harm. Carlisle doesn’t want to be protected, but decides that she will try to help Chet solve the string of arsons that now seem to be targeted directly at both of them. Can they survive the sparks of love burning between them as they battle the fires that rage around them?

This is a fast paced and lively romantic suspense that will keep you turning the page (ebook only). Daisy Jerico’s other romantic suspense novella, Love Thief, takes the author on a fun journey as well and is available also as part of this collection. If you enjoy novellas with spunky characters, Daisy is an author to watch and read.

What’s Your Favorite Flavor?

Jun30
Reading Time: 3 minutes
Image courtesy of debspoons / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Image courtesy of debspoons / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

What’s your favorite flavor of ice cream? My oldest son is pure vanilla. My daughter loves cherry and my middle son love Reece’s ice cream.

Hubby will eat about anything. I don’t think he has a favorite.

I love a mint chocolate chip but have been known to enjoy butter pecan or praline ice cream at times. Because ice cream messes with my asthma, it’s a few and far between treat…and it better be the best there is when I do have it.

Now if you asked me about favorite popsicle flavor I would be all over the board. I love cherry but also root beer and banana!

Our reading tastes are as varied and diverse as our taste for cool deserts in summer. For instance, I love a good romance, but I’m not as keen on southern romances and avoid Amish. I’m a fan of western historical and Regency time period. I have friends who love WWII fiction. Others who love thrillers or mysteries. I love a good romantic suspense but not a pure suspense. Women’s fiction is great but not my “go to” kind of thing.

Reviews can reflect more the taste of the reader than the quality of the book. Let’s face it. I’m not a fan of Stephen King but that doesn’t mean he is a poor writer. He’s not. He’s brilliant and has carved out a career for himself. Nicholas Sparks has a following too but while I’ve read him, he’s not my fave either. Now personally, I won’t do reviews on books like that if I don’t absolutely have to. “Have to” is when I’ve been given a free copy and in return write a review–good, bad or indifferent about it. As an author (or even a reader looking at reviews to decide whether you want to read the book), take that into account as you read the especially negative ones. My favorites are those who got a free copy of a Christian book and then take issue with the faith element. Um, duh? It was clearly stated that there was going to be an inspirational component! Yeah, not all readers are as smart as you and me.

Editors and Agents have preferences too! Sometimes a book could be well written but just not quite what we prefer. At Prism Book Group we will often ask another editor to read it to see if they want to take it on. Sometimes we just don’t have the time though. It is hard to say no to a great story, but sometimes we have to because it has to be a favorite, not just dessert for the sake of ice cream.

Even publishing houses have their flavor. I had friend say, “I don’t have a Bethany House voice.” I had to stop and think about that because I do read a lot of Bethany House authors and I think that writer is correct. There is a particular kind of voice they like. But another publisher may not. And you may not either. I’ve had friends read a book I raved about and been disappointed. It wasn’t their flavor! And that’s okay.

Editors and Agents don’t like to give rejections, but let’s just face it. If I don’t love your story as much as you do, then you do not want me to do the editing job on it. It’s hard work to edit a book but I like to enjoy my work and if I have a less than thrilled attitude going in, no matter how hard I try, I can’t guarantee I’ll be bringing my best game to your project. Not that I wouldn’t try. I would. But you want your editor or agent to be a champion for your book, to cheer you on, encourage you to make it the best. You need to know we aren’t being nasty when we give you those edits, but we are trying to polish your book, make sure its flavor is the best it can be, so the right readers can enjoy it too.

What is your favorite flavor–of ice cream or novel?