Redeeming Love?

The following comment was posted on my blog post about The Incredibles:
Anonymous:
Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers. How come that one didnt' make the list? Just wondering...

I thought about it, and I think my list, and how I came up with the titles may be confusing. The Incredibles is a list of the Christian novels that managed to stay in my mind a long time, and that I've READ over the last few years...FOR THE MOST PART. I think the fact that one of the titles, A Moment Of Weakness, has a publication date of 2000, made the titles on the list confusing. Even though A Moment Of Weakness was published in 2000, I didn't read it until a couple of years ago! So, to me, it's a recent title.

I didn't think about all of the Christian titles I've read in my entire life. I read so much that I didn't feel like mentally going through all of the titles I've ever read over the last ten or so years! I'd have gone crazy trying to come up with ALL my favorites over that time frame. So I chose to focus on the titles I've read recently, like, since I've started blogging regularly.

I did read Redeeming Love and enjoyed it. I read it about ten years ago? Here's the content, and my thoughts about the novel:
Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers (originally published in 1999)

Hardcover: 480 pages
Publisher: Multnomah Books; 1 edition (October 16, 2007)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1601420617
ISBN-13: 978-1601420619
Amazon.com Review
In this splendid retelling of the biblical story of Hosea, bestselling author Francine Rivers pens a heartbreaking romance between a prostitute and the upright and kind farmer who marries her; the story also functions as a reminder of God's unconditional love for his people. Redeeming Love opens with the Gold Rush of 1850 and its rough-and-tumble atmosphere of greed and desire. Angel, who was sold into prostitution as a child, has learned to distrust all men, who see her only as a way to satisfy their lust. When the virtuous and spiritual-minded Michael Hosea is told by God to marry this "soiled dove," he obeys, despite his misgivings. As Angel learns to love him, she begins to hope again but is soon overwhelmed by fear and returns to her old life. Rivers shines in her ability to weave together spiritual themes and sexual tension in a well-told story, a talent that has propelled her into the spotlight as one of the most popular novelists in the genre of Christian fiction. This is one of her best. --Cindy Crosby --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
===
I read this book a long time ago, and I believe it's considered a classic. I recall that it shows that the Lord keeps forgiving us again and again, no matter how many times we mess up. Angel is a prostitute who had a poor and unhappy homelife. When Michael Hosea spots her, the Lord tells him that Angel will be his future bride. I recall their getting married and their relationship was full of problems. Micheal is a holy man, relying on God. Angel is initially unsaved in the story. It's a long book, but I recall reading it fairly quickly and enjoying the story. The book keeps getting re-released, so I can assume it'll probably continue to stay in print for a long time! It's a wonderful tale that demonstrates God's grace and forgiveness.

~Cecelia Dowdy~

And The Winner Is...

The winner of my May Book Giveaway is Sarah Heath - Grand Prairie, TX

Sarah, I'll probably be mailing your fifteen books sometime this weekend!

I'll be posting another book giveaway soon...probably on June First!

~Cecelia Dowdy~

Demon - A Memoir by Tosca Lee

Demon - A Memoir by Tosca Lee
Paperback: 336 pages
Publisher: NavPress (May 18, 2007)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1600061230
ISBN-13: 978-1600061233
From the backcover:
Recently divorced and mired in a meaningless existence, Clay drifts from his drab apartment to his equally lusterless job as an editor for a small Boston press--until the night Lucian finds him and everything changes with the simple words, "I'm going to tell you my story, and you're going to write it down and publish it."
What begins as a mystery soon spirals into chaotic obsession as Clay struggles to piece together Lucian's dark tale of love, ambition, and grace--only to discover that the demon's story has become his own.

And then only one thing matters: learning how the story ends.

===
See the thrilling book trailer here.

Clay is muddling through life, not enjoying himself. Recently divorced, he's depressed, daily going to work, barely existing. His life changes when he goes to a restaurant for a mysterious meeting. The Mediterranean-looking stranger knows Clay's name, and he also knows all sorts of facts about Clay's childhood. Stunned, Clay wonders why he's been invited to meet this person. Who is he? Clay even asks if this stranger is some kind of Jehovah's Witness. He soon realizes he's received an invitation from Lucian - a demon. Lucian wants to tell his story to Clay so that Clay can publish it.

Clay's life goes from bad to worse from this first meeting. Lucian continues to appear in different forms throughout the book. Sometimes he's a man, sometimes a woman, sometimes he's Black, sometimes White. He tells of how the demons came into existence and about their leader, El.

Since Clay is an editor at a publishing house, Lucian figures Clay can get his story published. Clay is not interested in doing so, but, his numerous conversations with Lucian make him stop and wonder. And he begins looking through the scriptures for himself. He's also stunned to see that Lucian has great power - even the power to kill.

Clay does pen Lucian's story...but the story needs an ending as Clay's life continually spirals downward into an abysmal depression.

This book was kind of deep. Makes you stop and think about Biblical spiritual beings and good versus evil.

~Cecelia Dowdy~

Amish Fiction Author Featured On Nightline

If you recall, I blogged about the appeal of Amish fiction in the Christian market a couple of months ago.

Amish Fiction author Cindy Woodsmall was featured on Nightline last night. Here's the link to view the show. After opening the link, simply click on WATCH: Amish Love in the right-hand sidebar.

I have Cindy's book in my ever-increasing TBR pile!

Enjoy the show!

~Cecelia Dowdy~

Bittersweet Memories! More Reviews!

Reviews for Bittersweet Memories are up here on Goodreads. You may need to be a member of Goodreads in order to look at these reviews. I'm not sure. That's why I'm providing the link AND I'm copying and pasting the content from the Goodreads reviewers below:
Erin gave Bittersweet Memories 4 stars!
Bittersweet Memories by author Cecelia Dowdy was my first christian fiction romance novel. I must say, thoroughly enjoyed this book.

As I started reading, I learned about Karen Brown and how her fiance had embezzled money from their church and ran off with his assistant. This left Karen feeling heartbroken, abandoned, and confused. Overall, leading her to return home to her childhood home with her mother in Annapolis, Maryland. After returning home, she comes to realize lots of things have changed.

If you are looking to read something good and wholesome, this is the book for you.
I personally enjoyed getting to know each character, seeing their weaknesses, and following their walks with God through the thick and the thin.
***
Janet gave Bittersweet Memories 4 stars!
Bittersweet Memories is the first book that I have read by author Cecelia Dowdy. From her writings, I can appreciate the bond of family, friendship and forgiveness. Karen and many of the characters were in a close relationship to the Lord. I liked that the characters prayed and did so on a regular basis.

Karen's fiancé breaks her heart after she learns that he embezzled money from their church, has a secret affair and runs away with the church assistant. Feelings of abandonment, being over-whelmed by pain and embarrassment, she runs home to her mother in Annapolis, Maryland.

I don’t want to give away all the details of this wonderful read. If you enjoy Christian romance novels, then I suggest you read this one. I enjoyed getting to know Karen and her new friend Keith. I think you will too.
***
Renee gave Bittersweet Memories 4 stars!
This is a nice sweet love story. Girl's heart is broken, tries to escape by leaving town, meets new guy (but won't admit she's falling for him), obstacles in the way and a resolution of them living happily ever after. Sometimes I just really enjoy a happy story with a happy ending with no big surprises.

~Cecelia Dowdy~

I'm Perfect, You're Doomed

***Note that this is a non-fiction title. I haven't talked about a non-fiction title on my blog in a long time.

I'm Perfect, You're Doomed - Tales from a Jehovah's Witness Upbringing by Kyria Abrahams

From Amazon.com:
Editorial Reviews
From Booklist
*Starred Review* Given that Abrahams is now a stand-up comic and spoken-word poet, it makes perfect sense to begin her very funny memoir with her performance debut at the Pawtucket, Rhode Island, Kingdom Hall, at age 8 (her presentation was about freedom from demon possession). She describes the children’s books she read as a child as a cross between “Dr. Seuss rhymes and tales of how sinners would scream and gnash their teeth at Armageddon.” In her world, Smurfs were “little blue demons” and yard sales were enticements from Satan. As a bored teenager with OCD, she didn’t know what to do with herself or how to make sense of the world. On the verge of 18, she married a 24-year-old part-time college math teacher because, even if his interest in her was, at best, halfhearted, she wanted a boyfriend and didn’t know any other Jehovah’s Witnesses who liked her. Anyway, she reasons, “this is what adults did, and I was an adult.” It wasn’t long before she longed to be out of the marriage. Between threats of suicide, she tried to be “disfellowshipped,” or shunned, by her congregation, which proved surprisingly difficult to accomplish. Abrahams is a natural writer whose prose flows effortlessly as she easily mixes throwaway humor and painful memories in a compelling narrative. --June Sawyers

===
I spent a great deal of my Memorial Day weekend reading this book. I purchased it about a month ago, but due to other reading commitments, just got around to reading it last Saturday.

Kyria was raised in The Truth (this is what the Jehovah's Witnesses call their religion). She became active in the Theocratic Ministry School (when JW's give skits about preaching door to door and "witnessing" to others) when she was eight, and continued to be active in the religion until her early twenties.

During the course of her life, she had a lot of issues to deal with. Her parents were unhappily married, and half of the time her father did not work. Wanting to escape her unhappy homelife, she quits school at seventeen and marries another JW who's in his mid-twenties. She doesn't love this man, but no longer wants to remain living at home.

As she struggles with OCD, alcoholism, and self-mutilation (cutting herself) Kyria realizes that The Truth is not working for her and takes steps to leave the controlling religion.

It's hard to talk about all that happened in this book without giving away spoilers. Overall, the book was funny while talking about seriously depressing issues, giving the story a bittersweet tone.

Kyria also has a humorous glossary in the back with various JW terms. I didn't notice the glossary until I was almost finished with the book, but didn't really need to refer to it since I was already familiar with most JW terms.

While reading this book, I felt like I was taking a step back in time. I was raised a JW until I was twelve - when I was abruptly stopped from going to the Kingdom Hall(this is what JWs call their church). While away at college, I hooked up with JWs again, still erroneously thinking they were the "true religion."

I became a Christian after college, while still in my twenties, after discovering all sorts of things about JWs that I did not like - too many things to discuss within this blog post.

Anyway, Kyria's book depicts the life of JWs very realistically. The details and descriptions of the meetings, the Kingdom Hall, the programs, going out in service, and the terminology is accurate. If you want to really know what it's like on the inside, being a JW, then this book will give you an accurate picture of life in The Truth.

However, if you read this book, you'll have to remember that Kyria had a lot of problems with her OCD, alcoholism, and self-mutilation. Although being a JW certainly contributed to her problems, I felt that she still would have led an extremely troubled life even if she were Catholic, Baptist, or any other religion. I didn't think that JW's caused ALL of her problems, but, she did make some crazy decisions that she probably would not have made if she hadn't been a JW.

I could really relate to her experiences with education. Her husband is a college professor, a job the congregation frowns upon since JWs don't advocate higher eduation. They don't see the benefit of preparing you to take care of yourself financially for the future...because there is no future...Jesus will be here any day now and we must preach the good word and not worry about going to college and getting a good job to support ourselves!

However, I've heard their views on education have changed in recent years.

I thought the book ended rather abruptly. It appears that the author never finds another religion. She doesn't talk about becoming a Christian, so the reader is left unsure about Kyria's religious beliefs. You're kind of left hanging about what happens next.

Oh, just wanted to end this blog post by stating this: If you're an active JW, don't think The Society has the power to decide your salvation...they don't. Read the Bible (NOT THE NEW WORLD TRANSLATION) for yourself, ask lots of questions, and think about the Word independently of the Watchtower and Awake.

~Cecelia Dowdy~

Bittersweet Memories - A Book Review

Here is a favorable review of Bittersweet Memories. Check it out and leave a comment on the reviewer's blog if you wish!

~Cecelia Dowdy~

On The Run by Bill Myers

I blogged about this a few days ago here.

This book was okay. It's geared toward a young crowd - ten to twelve-year-olds, I guess. A mute boy named Elijah has special powers. When a TV camera catches Elijah on film, healing a dog (the dog was hit by a car), Elijah's enemies see the footage, placing his life in danger. There's a society out to steal him from his family, and as a result, the family has had to move a lot since Elijah's birth. In this book, young Elijah and his brother and sister escape from their home alone, seeking refuge from those who are hunting them down.

If you have a young boy (or girl) they might find this book enjoyable. It's VERY easy reading, and you can breeze through the story fairly quickly.

~Cecelia Dowdy~

Unconventional by J.J. Hebert

Unconventional by J.J. Hebert
This book won't be available until July 2009, but I've had the opportunity to read it and I thought it was a great story! Here's the summary of the novel:
YOUNG JAMES FROST just knows, deep in his bones, that he's a writer. He writes far into early mornings, after his wearying hours of scrubbing toilets and sweeping floors. He loves writing that much.
But it's not only the joy of words that keeps him grinding; it's his desire to retire the janitor's mop. He sees being published as the key to living an improved life. James has another deep-seated conviction: that he's not good enough. He secretly longs to be accepted. However, the conventional others in his life seem all too willing to remind him that he's wasting his time.

Then he meets and falls in love with Leigh, the one bright spot in his endless misery of self-doubt. A quiet but resolutely religious girl, she has to fight off disapproval of her own from overly critical parents, whose insults are countered by James's often-voiced admiration of her. Likewise, Leigh's faith in his talents begins to build his confidence, eventually allowing her to introduce him to a different way to help himself: relying on God.

Ultimately, James's newfound faith is sorely tested to the point of doubt when his dream to be published seems to melt into a mirage, smothered by countless rejection slips from agents and publishers. His faith is also battered by having to fight highly emotional battles and suffer fear and loss. Just when James appears hopelessly sapped by devastating events, one last door opens, and he's rocked by an epiphany.

UNCONVENTIONAL is designed to inspire readers to reach for their dreams. Buy this book. Read it. Share it with everyone you know. You—and they—will be glad you did!
===
The characters in this novel had so many issues to work through and that's what made the story so engaging to me. James Frost wants to get his Science Fiction/Fantasy novel published. He spends his free time writing a book and he works for his father's janitorial company. He hates being a janitor. If he has to clean up after one more person, young James feels as if he'd lose his mind! He wants to be a writer!

He meets attractive Leigh online. When they meet in person, James is smitten by the pretty woman, and wonders what she sees in him. He has no money, a beat-up car, plus his teeth are decayed! Leigh does have feelings for James and while they date, her affluent parents object to their relationship. James wonders if Leigh's parents will ever accept him.

Leigh is a Christian and her influence prompts James to go on a spiritual journey while he tries to get his novel published. James also develops a friendly relationship with an old female novelist that gives the story a unique twist.

This novel had a young adult flavor to it. I enjoyed it, and I could see teens relating to the young characters in this story. The author deals with the subjects of salvation, alcoholism, and following your dreams.

I guess one reason that I really loved this book is because the author has an alcoholic secondary character in the story. If you've read enough of my novels, you know that's a subject that I repeatedly place into my own work. Also, James is a young janitor - When I was around the age of James Frost I worked as a student housekeeper during the summers while in college. It gets kind of gross cleaning up after people - especially those all-male dorms! Yuck! It definitely wasn't a job that I enjoyed and those dormant memories came tumbling back into my mind when I read J.J. Hebert's novel.

Here's my quote on the back cover:
"I loved UNCONVENTIONAL, a stirring love story and spiritual journey that will surely touch your heart. You'll remember James Frost for a long time!"

~Cecelia Dowdy~

The Incredibles!

No, I'm not talking about the Disney animated movie! I've decided to use that term to describe the four books mentioned in this blog post. These four novels are the best I've read in the last few years. What makes them incredible? Various reasons. Keep in mind that I didn't scroll through my blog, making a decision about the top four books. For the MOST PART, these are books that keep coming to my mind, long after I've read them, over and over. I've read a TON of great books over the last few years that come to mind, however, all books don't come to mind as frequently as these.

You'll have to understand that if I keep thinking about a book nowadays, it has to be a great read! My mind is very cluttered with my full-time job, our son, my husband, making dinner every night, trying to write my own books, being on deadline, etc.! You get the picture! If somebody is able to write something that I keep remembering, crossing into my cluttered brain, then that's an accomplishment! So here's Cecelia Dowdy's list of The Incredibles!:

1.
A Moment Of Weakness by Karen Kingsbury

I think one reason why this book made my list is because I actually stayed up half the night reading it! As I get older, I don't stay up late very often. If a book can interrupt my beauty sleep, then it's a great read! :-) The story line wasn't even very complex or original in this novel, but, the writing grabbed me and I had to finish the book, losing sleep!









2.

A Touch Of Grace by Linda Goodnight

This book made my list because it was a very emotional read that'll make you cry. Also, it's a Love Inspired, and when I started reading it, I had certain expectations since it is a category romance. I felt this story was more emotionally intriguing than any other Love Inspired I'd ever read. I felt it should have stayed on the shelf for a long time, not just one month! (For category romances, you're only the shelf for a month, and that's it! Most Harlequins are removed and replaced by new titles monthly, kind of like magazines!)




3.
The Shape Of Mercy by Susan Meissner

This book made the list because it's different, unusual, and it crosses my mind occasionally! I think the subject matter made this book really stand out, as well as the great writing!















4.
A Passion Denied by Julie Lessman

I have never read Christian fiction quite like this. I'm not saying other titles like this don't exist, but, I just haven't found another author that I can compare to Julie. Her book is spicy spaghetti (explained in yesterday's post) and I KNOW I'll remember and think about this book for a long time!

What are some of YOUR favorite Christian fiction titles over the last few years? Why are they your favorites? Please share your recommendations!

~Cecelia Dowdy~

A Passion Denied by Julie Lessman

A Passion Denied by Julie Lessman
Paperback: 480 pages
Publisher: Revell (June 1, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0800732138
ISBN-13: 978-0800732134

From Amazon.com
Editorial Reviews
Product Description
Young Elizabeth O'Connor is the little sister John Brady always longed for. But she wants much more than that from her spiritual mentor. As she blossoms into a beautiful young woman intent on loving John, he must push back the very real attraction he feels for her. His past just won't let him go there. Unfortunately, Lizzie won't let him go anywhere else--until she discovers he is not all that he seems. Can true love survive such revelations? Full of the romance and relationships Lessman readers have come to love, A Passion Denied is the final book in the popular Daughters of Boston series.

From the Back Cover
Has she fallen in love with a man who cannot love her back? Elizabeth O'Connor has been like the little sister John Brady always wanted, sharing his love of literature and his thirst for God. But in the throes of the reckless Roaring Twenties, Lizzie has grown up. Suddenly she wants more from the man who has been her friend since she was a child. When this shy little bookworm blossoms into a beautiful young woman bent on loving John, she discovers that his past won't let him return that love. But Lizzie refuses to give up--until his shocking secrets push her away. Can true love survive the betrayal and deceitful of a painful past . . . or will it be shattered like the fairy-tale dreams of a girl in love? Brimming with romance, longing, and redemption, A Passion Denied, will quicken your pulse and gladden your heart with a riveting story of the true power of love. Julie Lessman is the author of A Passion Most Pure and A Passion Redeemed and is the recipient of ten Romance Writers of America awards. She resides in Missouri with her family.

===
This book was incredible! I loved it! If you haven't purchased it, then you need to run out to a bookstore or access the Amazon link at the top of this post and place your order! This is another one of the greatest books I've read this year and it's the first I've ever read by this author (at least I think it is!)

Lizzie O'Connor is in love with John Brady. From the first scene, where she explodes into the printing shop, professing her true feelings - demanding to know why John won't reciprocate, you're hooked into the story. Lizzie has spent a great deal of her life reading romance novels, and she has definite views of what incorporates a perfect, romantic relationship and holy John Brady suits her needs to a T. However, John's past is riddled with secrets, secrets that continue to haunt his daily life. Will he ever find the courage to love Lizzie, or any other woman?

John is Lizzie's spiritual mentor and they meet during their lunch breaks to study the Bible. Will this spiritual relationship now be shattered since Lizzie is so focused on becoming more than friends?

A host of secondary characters heighten the tension in this story: you have Cluny, a practically homeless teenager who Brady befriends, and you also have Lizzie's siblings and her parents. Lizzie's family work through their relationship problems which gives this book more depth...and passion!

On the cover, Romantic Times says: "This isn't your mother's inspiriational fiction." I have to agree! I think one reason why this book pulled me in, holding me, making me want to read more because there was so much passion....yes, passion! Really! In most inspirational fiction, you can't describe the way that you feel when you're being kissed, but, think about it. When you kiss someone you love (or like a lot), think about how you feel...warm, glowing, heightened feelings of arousal that most Christian pubs won't allow you to discuss. Well, Julie discusses these feelings and she discusses them well. Also, the characters drink and swear a few times, but it's done in a realistic and non-offensive manner, making the story more intriguing.

I also loved the way she kept this plot moving. It's one of the largest books I've read in a long time (463 pages), but Julie has enough plot threads interspersed within the story, causing it to move forward...and I guarantee, you'll NEVER get bored reading this! Also, I love reading about identical twins, and what happens during the second half of the novel really surprised me!

So, definitely read this book. The passion, drama, and humor will amaze you. I have another book by this author called A Passion Most Pure. I plan on reading that soon! I realize A Passion Most Pure is book #1, and I should have read them in order. I don't have book #2, but I plan on getting that one too!

If you've been reading this blog long enough, you know that I enjoy food and recipes. This book is really spicy. I'm going to use a food analogy to make my point. It's kind of like, you have a big plate of spaghetti and it's something you love (kind of like you have a big stack of Christian fiction novels), but this book, has some hot sauce thrown in, but not too much, and when you taste your spaghetti with hot sauce, it's like, "Whoa." But then you want to eat more because you've discovered a new kind of spaghetti that's different than the kind you're used to eating. Although you still enjoy the old spaghetti, the spicy spaghetti gives your tongue something new to try, making you aware of flavors that you didn't know existed. I'm about ready for another plate of spicy spaghetti!

~Cecelia Dowdy~

PLAGIARISM!!!

Yesterday, my local Romance Writers of America (RWA) Chapter, Washington Romance Writers (WRW), had a discussion about plagiarism. Author Nora Roberts and blogger/author Sarah Wendell talked about the different reactions from readers once plagiarism is discovered. Nora was plagiarized by Janet Daily back in the late nineties. I remember this well. I was still going to RWA conferences regularly back then, and everybody was talking about it. Here's a summary of what Roberts talked about yesterday. This is from this Wikipedia link, under the Plagiarism heading:
In 1997, another best-selling romance writer, Janet Dailey, admitted to repeatedly plagiarizing from Roberts' work. The practice came to light after a reader read Roberts' Sweet Revenge and Dailey's Notorious back-to-back; she noticed several similarities and posted the comparable passages on the Internet. Calling the plagiarism "mind rape," Roberts sued Dailey. Dailey acknowledged the plagiarism and blamed it on a psychological disorder. She admitted that both Aspen Gold and Notorious lifted heavily from Roberts's work. Both of those novels were pulled from print after Dailey's admission. In April 1998 Dailey settled the case. Although terms were not released, Roberts had previously indicated that any settlement funds should be donated to the Literacy Volunteers of America.

When Sarah Wendell exposed the Cassie Edwards’ case on (NOTE, THIS IS A SECULAR ROMANCE SITE AND THERE'S SOME PROFANITY ON IT. I'M LINKING TO IT BECAUSE IT'S THE BLOG POST THAT EXPOSED AUTHOR CASSIE EDWARDS' PLAGIARISM AND IT WAS THE SUBJECT WE WERE TALKING ABOUT YESTERDAY.)her blog, it was a more recent event, but there were mixed (many negative) reactions from her blog readers.

It appears that when this happens, some make the plagiarizer out to be the victim! Now, that's frightening! And we're not talking about just one sentence that was copied. We're talking about whole passages that were copied from one author's work to another author's book...several passages! They may have changed the character names, and a word or two, but it's basically the same passage!

If a writer is the victim of plagiarism, then they have every right to let others know that their words were stolen! I feel that some readers don’t realize how much time and effort goes into writing a book! If this were to happen to me, I’d be dumbfounded, hurt, and highly upset.

Nora and Sarah took questions, and somebody asked how they felt about the younger generation and plagiarism. With the internet, it’s easy to look stuff up, copy and paste it into a document, change a few words, and then call it your own? Nora said that the kids need to be taught that it’s wrong to take words, change them a bit, and then call them their own! This question prompted me to mention this fairly recent case, involving Kaavya Viswanathan, and her novel How Opal Mehta Got Kissed, Got Wild, And Got A Life. Kaavya was around twenty when this novel was released. What bothers me is, Kaavya apparently got to keep her advance? I did read this novel (even though it had been pulled from the shelves) I already had a copy. I also had the Megan McCafferty book from which Kaavya had stolen passages. I loved the Kaavya novel, but couldn't get through the McCafferty book. Was it youth and immaturity that played into Kaavya's decision to plagiarize? I feel she knew what she was doing! Also, since I enjoyed the novel, I feel that she could have developed a talent, eventually, to write a good novel. By making this foolish decision, she ended her literary career forever (at least I think she did)?

However, when plagiarism happens, the plagiarizer will sometimes go on to another publisher, and continue to write books and get them published! That's a frightening thought!

A used bookstore owner was present. She had two old Harlequin/Silhouette titles by two different authors. She said that someone came into her store a long time ago, upset because, apparently, there were passages that were copied from one book to the other. This made me think that plagiarism is a problem that needs to be fully brought to light and squelched! Often, when the crime happens, the offender continues to publish books! It doesn’t always ruin their career!

I believe there MAY be several books out there that were plagiarized – however, the crime may never be discovered since there are a gazillion books published, and the chances of someone reading the two books back to back (which seems to be how this crime is sometimes discovered) is minimal. However, with the internet, it is sometimes easier to find copied books, especially with some books scanned on Google. This would therefore make it easier at times to find passages from novels that were used elsewhere.

I got to thinking about this yesterday and wondered if this problem exists in the Christian market? I've never heard of it happening there, but if anybody has, please comment on this blog post and let me, and other blog readers, know the details.

Oh, well, I guess we have to do what we can, and leave the rest in the Lord’s hands!

~Cecelia Dowdy~

The House In Grosvenor Square by Linore Rose Burkard

The House In Grosvenor Square by Linore Rose Burkard
Paperback: 348 pages
Publisher: Harvest House Publishers (April 1, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0736925651
ISBN-13: 978-0736925655
From Amazon.com
Product Description
Readers who loved the author’s first book, Before the Season Ends, will delight in this charming sequel set in Regency London.

As Ariana Forsythe plans her wedding to Philip Mornay, she must adjust to the realization that she is soon to become the wife of an extremely wealthy man. She wonders if it’s wrong to rejoice that her future husband is rich. But she promises herself to use her new position to do what she can to aid the numerous street waifs she sees all too often in London.

During a tour of her future home—the house in Grosvenor Square—Ariana makes plans to redecorate according to her tastes. But when Philip arrives home later, he is informed that an expensive silver candlestick and a miniature portrait of George III have gone missing. Moreover, each time Ariana visits the house, accompanied by a friend or relation, another item disappears.

Shortly thereafter Ariana is abducted as she leaves a performance at Covent Garden Theatre, leaving Philip to unravel the pieces of the mystery. Where has his future bride been taken, and by whom? For what reason? How does Ariana’s faith play a role?
Finally, after the safe return of his intended, how does Philip—a man of intense discrimination in his tastes—find the many alterations in his house? And what on earth is behind the sudden influx of bills from every charity in London, all thanking him profusely for his uncommon generosity? Will he have second thoughts about his future bride?

Readers will find romance, intrigue, humor, and inspiration in this new book of spirited romance for the Jane Austen soul.

==

I featured the prequel to this novel here.

This book is a delightful mix of comedy, drama, and suspense all wrapped up into one novel! Ariana Forythe is planning to marry wealthy Philip Mornay. She finds it hard to grasp the fact that after the marriage, she will be a wealthy woman. She wants to help the poor people in her area, and when they visit a place in need, Philip asks Ariana to decide how much should be given to the charity. Ariana is pleased that Philip has asked for her opinion, since he’s been cool towards her lately. Does he still want to get married?

Philip is smitten with his future bride. So much so that it’s hard for him to wait until the wedding! He’s attracted to her, and when they kiss, it’s hard for him to stop! He explains his aloofness to Ariana, hoping she’ll understand why they must keep their distance until the nuptials.

Meanwhile, Philip is greatly concerned for his fiancé’s safety. It appears her life is in danger, and he must protect her from the thugs that want to kidnap her.

As Ariana visits Philip’s home, wanting to redecorate, one of the housekeepers tries to keep Ariana away from permanent residence in Philip’s home. The employee tells Philip about items turning up missing after each of Ariana’s visits. Would his future bride deign to steal from him? Also, later, as both Ariana and Philip visit friends, they see Philip’s missing items in the homes of their cronies. What’s going on?

Ariana has a hard time connecting with Philip’s servants. Don’t they realize in a matter of time she’d be the new mistress of the house?

Missing items, multiple kidnappings, and an impending marriage make this novel a delightful read. There’s also has a prophetess in the story, which adds to this novel’s entertaining plot.

If you like Jane Austen and novels set during the Regency period, then you'll enjoy this book. The story is entertaining and I found myself chuckling a couple of times.

~Cecelia Dowdy~

The Elijah Project - On The Run by Bill Myers

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:

Bill Myers

and the book:

On the Run-book 1 in new series: The Elijah Project

Zonderkidz (May 1, 2009)

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Bill Myers is a bestselling author and award-winning writer/director whose work has won forty national and international awards. His books and videos have sold eight million copies and include such titles as The Seeing, Eli, The Voice, My Life as…series, and McGee and Me.


Visit the author's website.

Product Details:

List Price: $4.99
Reading level: Ages 9-12
Paperback: 128 pages
Publisher: Zonderkidz (May 1, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0310711932
ISBN-13: 978-0310711933
AND NOW...THE FIRST CHAPTER:

“Beginnings …”


Zach Dawkins headed for the schools.

“Schools” as in the high school, junior high, and elementary school that were all lined up side by side on the same street. “Death Row,” he called it.

Zach was pretty good looking—sixteen with dark hair that stuck out in so many directions it looked like it got cut by a lawnmower gone berserk. It’s not that Zack was sloppy … he just had better things to do than worry about his looks—especially when he was late for school, which was like every day.

Zach wasn’t exactly the responsible type.

Unfortunately, Piper, his thirteen-year-old sister, was.

It seemed her job was to remember everything Zach and the rest of her family forgot. Like her brother, she was good-looking (though you couldn’t convince her of that). She had these chocolate brown eyes that were incredible … but you had to work hard to find them beneath all that hair she hid under.

Piper was a bit on the self-conscious side.

At the moment, she was trying to keep up with Zach while also shouting back to her little brother. “Elijah, come on, hurry up!”

As usual, six-year-old Elijah dragged behind them. Nothing new there. The guy was always lost in his own world and he hardly, if ever, talked. Piper loved him fiercely and she always looked out for him.

But there was no getting around it—the kid was weird.

“Come on,” she called. “We’re going to be late!”

Elijah nodded and then immediately slowed to watch a butterfly.

Piper blew the hair out of her eyes and stopped with her hands on her hips. “Elijah … ” She was about to traipse back and get him when she heard Zach use that voice he reserved only for making her life miserable.

“Well, well, lookie here …”

With a certain dread she turned to her older brother … and cringed.

Cody Martin, the all-school heartthrob, walked just across the street. He was tall with deep blue eyes and a smile that literally made it hard for Piper to breathe. Of course he didn’t know her from Adam, or Eve, but that didn’t stop her from pulling up her sweatshirt hood or ducking further under her hair whenever he was around.

Unfortunately, she had stupidly asked her brother about him when the two had played baseball together. And that was all the ammunition Zach needed.

“Look who’s across the street,” he teased.

“Who?” Piper asked, trying to sound bored. “Oh, you mean Cody. What do I care?”

“Yeah, right,” Zach snorted. “So you don’t mind if I call him over?”

Suddenly her heart was in her throat. “Zach!”

With a sly grin, he shouted, “Yo, Cody. What’s up?”

Cody turned and spotted them. “Hey … Zach?” Then, nodding to Piper, he added, “How’s it going, Patty?”

“Piper,” Zach corrected.

She turned away, whispering between her teeth. “Zach!”

“What?” Cody asked him.

“My sister’s name, it’s Piper. Actually, it’s Naomi Sue, but if you don’t want her to beat the tar out of you, I’d stick with Piper.”

“Gottcha,” Cody grinned.

Zach turned to her and whispered, “So do you want me to call him over?”

“Please, no!” She begged.

“Then you admit you’ve got a crush on him?”

“No, I just—”

He turned back to Cody and yelled. “So, Cody—”

“Yeah?”

“Alright,” Piper whispered, “Alright, I admit it!”

Zach grinned. “Nothing. Just wondering if you were going to play ball this spring.”

“Probably. You?”

“Yeah, probably.”

“Cool.” Then, spotting a geeky, overweight friend, Cody speeded up to join him. “Take care.”

“Right,” Zach called.

“You, too … Piper.”

Piper’s head snapped up to him. The only thing more startling than hearing him speak her name was the grin he flashed her before moving on.

He had grinned .... at … her.

Suddenly Piper’s hood was up, her hair was down … and her knees were just a little wobbly.

It wasn’t until she heard Zach snicker that she came to earth and turned on him. “Is it your goal to be the jerkiest brother on the face of the planet?” She demanded.

Zach laughed. “It’s not a goal. It’s a duty.”

She blew the hair out of her eyes. Looking back to their little brother she called, “Elijah, please hurry!”

Elijah came to attention and ran toward them. That’s when Piper noticed the KWIT-TV news van heading up the street.

So did Zach—which explained him immediately waving and shouting. “Hey, TV news guys! Over here. Check me out. You’re next TV star is right here!”

Piper gave another sigh. What was God thinking when he made older brothers?

Suddenly, she noticed a small Cocker Spaniel puppy running into the street in front of them. It was followed by a little girl, probably in kindergarten.

Neither of them saw the car coming from the opposite direction.

“Watch it!” Piper shouted.

The little girl looked up but was too late.

The car hit the brakes, tires screeching. Its right front wheel ran over the dog with a sickening K-Thump while the front bumper hit the little girl. It knocked her hard to the ground causing the back of her head to slam onto the concrete.

Neither the girl nor the dog moved.

The shaken driver opened his car door and slowly stepped out. The crossing guard, who had seen the whole thing, began running toward them. And the news van had jerked to a stop with the woman reporter now leaping out.

“Get the camera rolling!” She called over her shoulder.

“I’m on it!” the cameraman shouted just behind her.

Students quickly gathered, pressing in around the car and little girl. By the time Zach and Piper arrived, the crossing guard was already shouting, “Stand back! Give her air! Everybody, stand back!”

Piper glance around for her little brother, but he was no where to be found.

“Elijah?” She called. “Elijah?”

She turned to Zach but he was too busy trying to get a look at the girl to pay attention.

“Elijah!”

The news crew pushed past them for a closer shot.

“Hey, check it out,” the reporter pointed. But she wasn’t pointing at the little girl. She had noticed something across the crowd and on the other side of the street.

Piper followed her gaze to see … Elijah.

He sat on the curb holding the dead puppy. But instead of crying, his lips quietly moved—almost like he was whispering to it. And then, to Piper’s astonishment, the puppy began to move. A little at first, but it soon began wiggling, squirming, and even lifting up its head to lick Elijah’s face.

“Did you see that?” The reporter cried.

“I’ve got it!” The cameraman shouted.

“It’s like he healed it or something!” She exclaimed.

With a grin, Elijah set the dog down. It began jumping and running around like it had never been hurt.

“Get in closer,” the reporter ordered. “I’m going to talk to him.”

Only then did Piper realize what she had to do. “Elijah!” She brushed past the reporter and raced for her little brother. “Elijah, come on!”

The little boy looked up, grinning even bigger.

“Excuse me?” The reporter called from behind her. “May I ask you a few questions?”

Piper ignored her. “Come on little guy,” she said as she arrived. She put her hand on his shoulder, looking for a way to get out of there. “Mom and Dad won’t like this. Not one bit.”

“Excuse me!” the reporter shouted.

Spotting the school, Piper figured it was better than nothing, and started toward it. “Let’s go.”

“Excuse me?”

They walked faster.

“Excuse me!”

They started to run, neither turning back.


* * * * *


Judy Dawkins was struggling with the vacuum cleaner when her husband burst through the front door.

She looked up startled. Seeing the expression on his face, she asked, “Mike, what’s wrong?”

He tried to smile, but something was up.

“Mike, what is it?”

He walked over to the TV remote. Without a word, he snapped it on and found the news. Finally, he spoke. “They’ve been playing this all morning.”

An anchorman with gray hair was addressing the camera: “Carly Tailor, our Newsbeat reporter is still on the scene. Carly?”

A young woman appeared on the screen. She stood perfectly poised in front of the news van. “Thank you, Jonathan. As we’ve been saying, something very strange happened over on Walnut Boulevard this morning. Let’s roll the footage, please.”

The scene cut to an accident sight where a little girl was being loaded into an ambulance.

The reporter continued. “At approximately 8:00 this morning, LeAnne Howard ran into the street after her dog and was struck by an oncoming car. From there she was taken to St. Jerome’s Hospital where her condition is reported as critical. There is speculation that she will shortly be transported to the Children’s Surgical Unit at Eastside Memorial. But there is another issue to this story that we found most interesting . . .”

The scene cut to a Cocker Spaniel lying if front of a car.

“This footage was taken immediately after the accident. As you can see, the dog looks … well, he looks dead … or, at least severely injured.”

Again the picture changed. This time a little boy sat on the curb holding the dog and whispering to it.

“Oh no.” Mom brought her hand to her mouth. “It’s Elijah!”

The reporter continued, “But moments later, as people were trying to help the girl, this small boy picked up her dog and … you’ll have to see for yourself. This is simply unbelievable.”

Tears filled Mom’s eyes as she watched the dog suddenly sitting up in Elijah’s lap and then lick his face.

“That’s amazing,” the anchorman said. “Let’s see it again.”

While the scene replayed, the reporter continued. “We tried to interview the boy, but a girl, the girl you see here, led him off.”

Mom stared at the screen as Piper appeared and hurried Elijah away from the camera and toward the school.

The report continued but Mom no longer heard. Tears blurred her eyes as her husband wrapped his arm around her.

“Don’t cry, sweetheart,” he said. “We knew this day would happen, didn’t we?”

She tried to answer, but her throat was too tight with emotion.

Dad repeated the words more softy. “Sooner or later we knew it would happen.”


* * * * *


Monica Specter and her two male assistants sat in the dingy, cockroach-infested hotel staring at the same newscast.

With a sinister grin, she switched off the television. “Alright team, the objective’s been sighted.” She rose and started for the adjacent room. “Pack up. We’re leaving in fifteen minutes.”

Bruno answered. He was a hulk of a man, whose neck was as thick as most people’s thighs and whose upturned nose looked like he’d run into a brick wall as a child (several times). “Uh … okay. Where are we goin’?”

Monica stopped, flipped aside her bright red hair, and stared at him in unbelief. “Santa Monica, you dolt. You saw the news. The boy we’re tracking is in Santa Monica.”

Bruno nodded. “Uh ... right.”

She looked at him another moment. Then, shaking her head, she disappeared into the other room.

Silas, their skinny partner with a long, pointed nose, shut down his laptop. “You shouldn’t ask stupid questions like that,” he said to Bruno.

Bruno nodded then stopped. “But how do I know they’re stupid if I don’t ask ‘em?”

Silas sighed. “Because you’re going to try something brand new.”

“What’s that?”

“You’ll try thinking before you speak.”

Bruno frowned, not completely sure he understood the concept. Then summoning up all his brain cells, he answered, “Huh?”

Silas answered. “We’ve been looking for this kid eight months now—checking newspaper articles, surfing the net … and, then out of the blue, he suddenly winds up on TV?”

Bruno grinned. “Yeah, some coincidence, huh?”

“Yeah, right. That was no coincidence.”

“You think Shadow Man had something to do with it?”

Silas shrugged. He never liked talking about the head of their organization. To be honest, the man gave him the willies.

“Come on,” he said, changing the subject. “Let’s get packed and grab the kid.”

==
I haven't had the opportunity to read this novel yet. It's a short book, so I can probably knock it out in a day. I'll be reading it sometime in the future and I'll be posting my review.

I read the book entitled Eli by Bill Myers several years ago, and I recall enjoying that novel.

~Cecelia Dowdy~

Daisy Chain by Mary E. Demuth

Daisy Chain by Mary E. Demuth

Paperback: 368 pages
Publisher: Zondervan (March 1, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0310278368
ISBN-13: 978-0310278368

From Amazon.com
Editorial Reviews
Product Description
The abrupt disappearance of young Daisy Chance haunts the small town of Defiance, Texas. Fourteen-year-old Jed Pepper searches for answers in this gritty and compelling story of love and sorrow, revealing God’s hand of redemption in impossible situations. Lyrical fiction from a bright new literary talent.

From the Back Cover
The abrupt disappearance of young Daisy Chance from a small Texas town in 1973 spins three lives out of control—Jed, whose guilt over not protecting his friend Daisy strangles him; Emory Chance, who blames her own choices for her daughter’s demise; and Ouisie Pepper, who is plagued by headaches while pierced by the shattered pieces of a family in crisis.

In this first book in the Defiance, Texas Trilogy, fourteen-year-old Jed Pepper has a sickening secret: He’s convinced it’s his fault his best friend Daisy went missing. Jed’s pain sends him on a quest for answers to mysteries woven through the fabric of his own life and the lives of the families of Defiance, Texas. When he finally confronts the terrible truths he’s been denying all his life, Jed must choose between rebellion and love, anger and freedom.

Daisy Chain is an achingly beautiful southern coming-of-age story crafted by a bright new literary talent. It offers a haunting yet hopeful backdrop for human depravity and beauty, for terrible secrets and God’s surprising redemption.
==
Although this book was well-written, I thought it could have been a bit more upbeat. I think Mary’s a great writer, but this story was so full of sadness…although the ending is somewhat hopeful, it’s not as hopeful as other Christian novels I’ve read.

Fourteen-year-old Jed blames himself for this best friend, Daisy’s, murder. If he’d walked her home that evening, would she still be alive?

Jed’s home life is full of abuse. His preacher father, Hap, abuses his family, both physically and mentally. It’s kind of hard to see this kind of abuse going on throughout the story. Jed's mother, Ouisie, is plagued with headaches, a result of the torturous life she's forced to endure being married to Hap.

There’s also a bald woman named Muriel who’s dying of cancer. Hap objects Ouisie's befriending Muriel since Muriel is a Catholic. Hap believes Catholics are evil.

Then you have a Black man, Hixon, who people call a prophet. He helps Jed with his pain with his deep knowledge about life and scripture. Hixon's life has been full of grief since he was rejected by his mother. He learns to find solace through his faith in God.

There was just a lot of sadness in this book, too much sadness for me. It reminded me of an Oprah book I read a long time ago. Can't recall the author or the title but, although the issues in the Oprah book were very different than the ones in Daisy Chain, the magnitude of sadness reminded me of this novel.

Also, there were a lot of loose ends that remained…things that should have been tied up at the end of the story.

For starters: Who killed Daisy? Who’s lurking in the woods, chasing children, watching? Why is it that Jed’s father (Hap) used to be nice before he decided to become a preacher? Why did he turn mean when he changed his profession? Will this string of abuse against Jed, Ouisie, and Jed's sister ever end for good?

I did read the first scene for the next novel, book two in this series, and realized that it's the same story time-frame as the first book. However, you see a scene that was not revealed in book one. So, I'm assuming the missing plot threads will be revealed in books two and three? I just don't feel like reading another book to find out the answers to the unsolved questions! Mary did a great job of creating realistic characters you care about...but you don't know the reasons behind certain events in the story! Not really sure why the publisher decided to do the series this way? I don't believe I've seen this done before? If I have, I can't recall!

I highly recommend this book if you want an emotional read with great characters. Demuth is excellent with character development! Really! Just try not to be disappointed at the end when all your questions are not answered!

~Cecelia Dowdy~

Bittersweet Memories & Heartsong Presents

If you're a member of the Heartsong Presents Bookclub, you should have received the shipment including my novel, Bittersweet Memories. I just received my bookclub shipment today, so if you haven't gotten your novels yet, you'll probably be receiving them shortly!

After you read my novel, be sure to fill out the Reader Survey in the back of the book and snail mail it back to Barbour. Both the publisher, and the author, enjoy hearing reader feedback.

If you're not in the book club and haven't purchased my novel...then what are you waiting for?!! You can call this number: (800) 847- 8270 to place your order. Better yet, purchase all three of my novels (John's Quest, Milk Money, and Bittersweet Memories) for less than ten dollars! Where else can you get a full-length paperback novel for $2.97 nowadays? Visit this link for more ordering information!

~Cecelia Dowdy~

The Note II by Angela Hunt

The Note II by Angela Hunt
Paperback: 228 pages
Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers (April 2, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1414332955
ISBN-13: 978-1414332956
From Amazon.com
Editorial Reviews
Product Description
Newspaper columnist Peyton MacGruder has returned to her job after covering the story of an ill-fated Pan World flight. Having recently discovered Christine, the daughter she gave up to an adoption agency nineteen years ago, she is reluctant to commit to the handsome sportswriter Kingston Danville. She feels she owes it to Christine to set her love life aside and make up for lost time. But when a reader challenges Peyton’s advice to “let caution trump passion,” Peyton determines to learn the reason behind her reader’s cynicism . . . and in the process, discovers answers to her own heart-rending dilemma.
A sequel to Angela Hunt’s best-selling novel, The Note, on which the Hallmark movie was based. This novelization based on the Hallmark movie sequel will contain color images from the second movie.==
I thought this book was okay. It wasn’t very deep. It’s a simple read, and from the description, and from the cover, I believe that the Hallmark movie was made first, then Angela Hunt wrote this novel from the movie.

Peyton struggles to be a mother Christine, the girl she gave away for adoption several years ago. Christine is now eighteen and both of her adoptive parents are dead. Can Peyton, Christine’s biological mother, step in to fulfill the role as parent?

Peyton’s romance with Kingston Danville escalates when he asks her to marry him. Should she accept? King’s son, David, a college drop-out, struggles to find himself through art. Will his father get angry when he discovers David no longer plays baseball and is flunking out of college? What will King say when he finds out that David wants to be an artist?

David confides to Peyton, but Peyton doesn’t know if she’s cut out to be a step-mom.

This book was not a page-turner for me, and I believe I might feel that way because the book was written based upon the movie. I just didn’t really feel the characters…I didn’t think they were deep, neither was the story.

~Cecelia Dowdy~

A Secular Novel...

A secular novel…
White Hot by Sandra Brown
From Amazon.com:
From Publishers Weekly
White-hot labor disputes, family conflict, murder and romance are ablaze in bestselling Brown's latest romantic thriller (after Hello, Darkness), when Sayre Lynch returns to Destiny, La., for her brother Danny's funeral. Estranged from her family for 10 years, Sayre arrives in town believing Danny committed suicide, but suspects otherwise after a surprise encounter at the cemetery and a disquieting interview with the sheriff's deputy. The Bayou-born firebrand now San Francisco interior decorator stays to investigate her brother's last days, confronting her father, Huff Hoyle, the powerful owner of the foundry that provides most of the town's jobs and all its corruption; defying her brother Chris, Huff's heir apparent and OSHA's worst nightmare; and becoming the first woman on the floor of the hellish factory that fuels the family fortune. At every turn, Sayre crosses paths with Huff's handsome lawyer henchman, Beck Merchant, irresistible although he represents everything she despises. The steamy pair cannot escape each other or their conclusions about Hoyle Enterprises. Brown makes up in pace and intensity what she lacks in prose style, guaranteeing readers a brain vacation in print, much like watching a favorite movie: an exciting yet familiar experience, the satisfactory resolution never in doubt.
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.====
I’ve had this book on my shelf for years. Back in the day, before I started reading inspirationals, Sandra Brown was one of my favorites. I finally pulled this novel off my shelf as I’m trying to get rid of clutter in this messy house! I started reading and I couldn’t stop. I read the bulk of this book in one day, recalling why Brown was one of my favorites.

When Sayre Lynch returns to her hometown for her brother, Danny’s, funeral, it’s the first time she’s “visited” in ten years. Estranged from her highly dysfunctional family, it takes the untimely death of her brother to bring her back. However, Danny’s suicide has left a bitter taste in her mouth and when she meets a mysterious woman at the graveyard, she realizes that Danny may have been murdered. Recently saved, Danny had gotten engaged, and his fiancé tells Sayre her doubts about Danny’s suicide, stating he’d been bothered by something shortly before his death. She also tells Sayre about Danny’s love for the Lord, and that Danny’s father, Huff, and his brother, didn’t accept his salvation. Danny’s sudden church attendance bothers his troubled family, and he keeps his engagement a secret from his father and siblings.

Beck Merchant, Sayre’s father’s business attorney is by her side, trying to make her see that the foundry is not the hellhole that she’s imagining. Beck takes Sayre on a tour of the foundry and Sayre is determined to help the foundry workers since her father is against providing safe working conditions for his employees. The foundry is her birthright, one that she does NOT want to claim. Tension rises when an employee loses a limb from a faulty machine. A strike ensues, placing a damper on the profitability of the foundry.

The attraction between Beck and Sayre jumps off the pages, making you want to continue reading. Plus, as is common with Brown, there’s a big surprise on the last few pages, ending the novel with a bang!

I especially liked how Brown used the foundry as a setting in this novel. It was very realistic, and it appeared that it took a lot of research to write this book. I emailed the author, asking about the research she had to do for this novel, and here's her response:
Cecelia,

The foundry was a metaphor for Huff's character. Very dangers and ugly on
the inside. The New York Times had done an expose on the dangers of
foundries, including a 30 minute video which helped me visually. I lived in
Tyler, Texas, for five years and there was an iron pipe manufacturing plant
there, so I had experienced first hand how ugly such a place could be.

Thank you so much for recognizing the research that was required, and for
appreciating it.

All best,

Sandra

I enjoyed every page. However, as I’m apt to do while reading a secular novel, in my head, I wonder how this storyline could have been made into an inspirational.

Also, on a personal note, when I was reading about the workers strike, I thought about my childhood. I recall when I was in the fourth grade, back in the seventies, the teachers at Halls Cross Roads Elementary school (as well as some other schools in the area) went on strike. I remember the teachers walking in a line, picketing. We still had school, but they had to get substitutes to fill the classrooms. I remember the librarian was our substitute during the strike!

~Cecelia Dowdy~

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!

HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY TO ALL! My husband and my son gave me a bush
and some flowers to plant! Here's some pics with my son beside my new plants!

I hope all the mothers out there enjoy this glorious, God-given day!

~Cecelia Dowdy~

Always Watching by Brandilyn Collins & Amberly Collins

Always Watching by Brandilyn and Amberly Collins
I blogged about this novel yesterday. I thought the book was good, and it doesn’t take a long time to read this novel. You can probably finish it in a day or so. Shaley O’Conner is the daughter of the famous rock singer, Rayne. Her world changes when she finds Tom, her good friend and her mother’s makeup artist/hairdresser, dead in one of the rooms backstage. Plus, his eye is missing! Stunned, she wonders if the killer is after her next, especially when clues start popping up: A white rose and a photo with a mysterious message.

Over the next three days Shaley can barely eat or sleep since she doesn’t know who the killer is, or if she’s the next target. She wonders if her unknown father is trying to reach out to her. Her mother, ever busy, slows down and pays more attention to Shaley during the three-day ordeal, as the police struggle to find Tom’s killer.

This book provided a few hours of chilling enjoyment. I highly recommend this book.

~Cecelia Dowdy~

Always Watching by Brandilyn and Amberly Collins

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:

Brandilyn and Amberly Collins

and the book:

Always Watching, book 1 in the new Rayne Tour series

Zondervan (May 1, 2009)

ABOUT THE AUTHORs:

Brandilyn and Amberly Collins are a mother/daughter team from northern California. Brandilyn is a bestselling novelist, known for her trademarked "Seatbelt Suspense". Amberly is a college student in southern California. She and her mom love attending concerts together.

Visit the author's website.

Online Promotions-Sweepstakes, Book Trailer, Facebook and More

The Rayne Tourseries is being promoted heavily to teen readers online. The LIVE LIKE A ROCKSTAR SWEEPSTAKES is a chance for teens ages 13-18 to win an $850 night out on the town, including dinner for six at a restaurant of their choice and limo service. To enter, teens must promote the series online. They can post information about the new series and the sweepstakes on their Blog, favorite social media sites, or other Web site. The first 200 entrants will receive a free copy of Always Watching. Official rules and entry details are available here.

Other promotions include “The Rayne Tour Series” Fan Club page on Facebook and “The Rayne Tour Series” Shoutlife page.



Product Details:

List Price: $9.99
Reading level: Young Adult
Paperback: 224 pages
Publisher: Zondervan (May 1, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0310715393
ISBN-13: 978-0310715399

AND NOW...THE FIRST CHAPTER:

FRIDAY

PROLOGUE

It’s not my fault I have to kill.

He’d been watching since the tour began. Eyes straight ahead, keeping cool, like he wasn’t even paying attention. But he noticed everything. Even got a sense for what was happening behind his back. His past life had taught him how to do that—out of necessity. When it was something bad, he felt a vibration in the air, pulling up the hair on his arms. And he’d know. He’d just know.

Sometimes he acted behind the scenes. Nothing that would be noticed. Just ended up in a certain place at a certain time—a presence that kept the wrong thing from happening. Other times he’d say what needed to be heard. Real casual, not sounding like a threat at all. No, he was just talking, shooting the breeze about some previous experience. But beneath the words there’d be a point: don’t cross me or mine.

Sometimes people were too dumb to get it. He’d give them every chance, trying to be the nice guy. Trying to do it the easy way. But no. Those kind of people had stubborn minds and black hearts. Couldn’t be trusted. They were headed for a fall and about to take some good people with them. His people.

That’s what it had come to now.

“Hey, can I see you a sec before you go?” He motioned, and the one who must die came, humming.

Humming.

Like a lamb to slaughter.


CHAPTER 1


The screams of twenty thousand people sizzled in my ears.

“Rayne, you reign! Rayne, you reign! Rayne, you reign! …”

At the sold-out HP Pavilion in San Jose, California the crowd chanted and clapped and stomped for my mom’s group, Rayne—named after her—to do one more song as they left the stage. As usual I stood backstage with Tom Hutchens, my mom’s twenty-five-year-old hair dresser and makeup artist, and my closest friend on tour. Tom was short and slim, with thick black hair and an intense-looking face that didn’t match his crazy personality at all.

Tom feigned the pucker of a hip-hop artist and splayed his fingers in front of his red T-shirt. “Yo, she reign, they go insane!” He had to shout at me, his Vans-clad feet dancing. Tom always wore these wild-looking sneakers with blue, white, and red checks and a red racing stripe on the sides. “Ain’t nothin’ plain about rockin’ Rayne!”

I punched him in the arm, laughing. His silly rap rhymes were getting worse by the day.

Blonde hair bouncing, Mom came flying down the steps on the way to her private dressing room for the two-minute break. Sweat shone on her forehead as she passed by. She flashed her red-lipped grin at me and raised a palm. We high-fived as she sped past.

“They love us, Shaley!”

“’Course, Mom, they always do!”

The rest of the rock group—Kim, Morrey, Rich and Stan—descended more slowly, their faces showing fatigue. None of them had the energy of my mother after a concert. Tom and I gave them a quick thumbs-up before scurrying after Mom.

As we hit the dressing room with Rayne O’Connor’s name on the door, I checked my watch. 10:45. Yay! Almost time to head to the airport and pick up my best friend, Brittany. I hadn’t seen her since Rayne started touring three months ago, and I couldn’t wait to be with her again. This was Rayne’s third tour, and I always found it hard to leave all my school friends behind.

Without Tom to keep me laughing, touring would be terribly lonely.

I closed the dressing room door, shutting out some of the noise.

“Whoo.” Mom crossed to the left side of the room and plopped into the makeup chair facing a long, brightly lit mirror. To her right sat a wooden armoire full of her clothing. She always changed outfits during intermission. Along the back wall were the blue sofa and matching armchairs specified by contract for her dressing area in every arena. Opposite the makeup counter was the table loaded with catered food, also specified by contract—bowls of fruit, sandwiches, pasta salad, cheese cubes, chips, and M&Ms for me.

Mom studied herself in the mirror with her large crystal blue eyes. “Okay, Tom, do your magic.” She guzzled a drink from a water bottle on the counter.

Like she needed any magic. With her high cheekbones, oval face, and full lips, Mom was drop-dead gorgeous.

Tom winked at me as he snatched up a tissue. Sticking his scrawny neck out, he scrutinized Mom with animation, eyes narrowed and his mouth a rounded O. “Hm. Hmm.”

He sighed, stood back and spread his hands as if to say nothing to be done here, you’re perfect.

Mom rolled her eyes at me. I shrugged. As if I could control Tom’s antics.

“All right, lover boy.” Mom took another swig of water. “Get to it, I’ve got one minute left.”

“Yo, big Mama.”

Mom swatted his hand. “Would you stop calling me that? I don’t know why I put up with you.” Her mouth curved.

Tom leaned in to blot her face with the tissue. “’Cause I make you look bodacious, that’s why.” Expertly he retouched her blusher and lipstick, fluffed her hair.

Out in the arena the crowd’s yells and applause was growing louder. I smiled and squeezed Mom’s shoulder. Every concert the fans went wild, but it never got old for me. Night after night their adoration set pride for my mom welling in my chest.

Five years ago when I was eleven and Mom was twenty-eight, Rayne was barely hanging on. Mom and the band played little concerts here and there, working night and day to get noticed. I remember how hard she tried back then. A great lyric writer with a distinct, throaty-edged voice, she deserved to make it big. Then the song Far and Near hit the radio and after that—a rocket launch.

Tom stood back and surveyed Mom, his head cocked to one side. “Not bad. Not bad a-tall.”

“Rayne, you reign! Rayne, you reign!” The crowd was going crazy out there.

Mom tossed her hair back, looked at herself from side to side. “Great.” She sprang from the chair. “Gotta go.” She hurried toward the door.

I moved out of her way. “Mom, don’t forget we’re going to pick up Brittany in ten minutes. We’re leaving a little early because Tom wants to stop by a drugstore.”

“Oh, that’s right.” Mom pulled up short, one hand on the door knob. She looked to Tom. “Somebody else doing your clean-up?”

He glanced at me. “Got it taken care of.”

Disappointment pulled at my mouth. Mom knew how I’d counted the days until Brittany’s and my junior year of high school ended—just yesterday. My tutor had flown home this morning, and now Brittany was coming for two weeks. Mom was paying all her expenses—for that I was so grateful. But Mom could get so wrapped up in her work. Sometimes I just needed her to remember me.

Mom looked my way—and caught my expression. She smiled too wide, as if to make up for her distraction. “I’m so glad Brittany’s coming, Shaley. We’ll show her a great time.”

I nodded.

“Mick’s going with you, right?”

“Yeah.”

Mick Rader had been my mom’s main personal bodyguard for the past three years. The other two, Bruce Stolz and Wendell Bennington, would guard her on her way to the hotel tonight while Mick was with me.

“Okay, good. You’ll be safe.” Mom smiled as she opened the door. The crowd’s screams rushed in. “See you at the hotel.”

She blew me a kiss and disappeared.

The yelling suddenly frayed my nerves. I pushed the door shut and leaned against it.

Tom shot me his sad clown look, his lips turned down and eyebrows pulled into a V. He always read my mind so well.

I couldn’t help but smile. “It’s okay.”

His expression whisked away. Tom struck his hip-hop pose. “Got a new one for ya.”

“Oh, yeah?” I knew he’d create the lyrics as he went along, just to get me laughing again.

Tom’s feet started their shuffle-dance. “Let’s go for a ride down the avenue. Top down, wind-blown, my VW. The talk of the town in all we do. Shaley O’Connor puttin’ on the view—”

He froze, mouth open, frowning hard. Then jerked back into dancing. “Can’t think of another line, can you?”

I giggled. “Great, Tom, as fabulous as all your others.”

He bowed. “Thank ya, thank yaaa.”

Pulling up straight, he glanced at the wall clock. “Yikes, I gotta take care of some things before the limo comes. Meet you at the back exit?”

“Okay.”

As the door closed behind him, I crossed the room to check myself in the mirror. Excitement pulsed through my veins. Almost time to see Brittany! I chose a neutral lipstick and leaned toward the glass to apply it. Thanks to Tom I’d learned a lot of makeup tricks, and my face needed little retouching. Finished with the lipstick, I ran a brush through my long brown hair. Tom had recently layered it and feathered the bangs. I liked the look.

Despite the difference in hair color, many people said I looked like my mother. I considered that a high compliment.

I stood back and turned side to side. Not bad. My new designer jeans fit well and the blue top matched my eyes. Brittany would love the outfit. I grinned at myself, then glanced at the clock. Almost time for the limo to arrive.

In the arena the crowd roared. Rayne was taking the stage. The first of two encore songs started—the band’s new hit Do it Up Right.

For a few minutes I paced the room impatiently, munching M&Ms. Rayne launched into their final song of the night.

Two hard knocks sounded on the door—Mick’s signal. He stuck his square-shaped head inside. Mick is in his forties, ex-military. A thick neck and muscles out to here. Nobody messes with Mick. “Shaley, you ready?”

“Yes! Is the limo waiting?”

“Yeah.” His deep-set brown eyes swept the room. “Where’s Tom?”

“He said he had to take care of a few things. He’ll meet us at the door.” I crossed to the couch to pick up my purse.

“Okay. I’m going to stop in the bathroom, then I’ll see you there.” He gave me his squinty-eyed stare. “Don’t step outside of the building without me.”

I flicked a look at the ceiling. “Yeah, yeah.” Mick was so protective. It’s not like I’d be in any danger walking out that door. As with all arenas where Rayne sang, the HP Pavilion had a special entrance for performers, guarded by their own local security. And that whole section of the parking lot was roped off and guarded. No chance for any fans or paparazzi to sneak in.

Mick jabbed a finger at me for emphasis, then left.

Tingling with anticipation, I scurried out the door, intent on checking the other dressing rooms for Tom. No time to wait, let’s go, let’s go! Having been at the arena since four o’clock when sound checks began, I’d already learned the layout of the backstage area. There were eight dressing rooms—Mom’s the biggest.

I hurried down the wide hall, mouthing “hi” to people I passed. The sound and light crew were still working, but the backline crew—the guys who maintain all the instruments and switch them out during performances—were done now. Set carpenters, the managers, and all the people who tore down the stage also milled around until the concert ended.

First I went to the back exit and peeked outside. Tom wasn’t there.

I returned all the way up the hall, figuring I’d work my way back down.

For the first time I noticed all the dressing room doors were closed. Strange. If Tom had gone into one to pack up something, he’d have left the door open as a courtesy. Those assigned rooms were personal space to members of the band and Rayne’s production manager, Ross Blanke.

I peeked in the one next to Mom’s.

Empty.

Shoving my purse handles higher up my shoulder, I went to the third.

Empty again.

The fourth.

No Tom.

This wasn’t right. Tom was never late. Where was he?

Mick approached, signaling me with a roll of his finger—let’s get moving.

I nodded. “He wasn’t in the bathroom?”

Mick shook his head.

Together we walked to the fifth dressing room. Mick poked his head inside.

Empty.

I ran down to look in the sixth. No Tom.

I banged the door shut and looked around. What was going on? If he didn’t show up soon we wouldn’t have time to go out of our way to a drugstore. The airport was minutes away from the arena. We didn’t want Brittany waiting around by herself after dark.

“You take the next one.” Mick strode past me. “I’ll look in the one on the end.”

The seventh dressing room had been allocated as Ross’s office. At every venue he needed a private area for calling people, dealing with last-minute problems and basically seeing that everything in the contract was honored. I couldn’t remember seeing Ross in the hall. He might be inside, and I didn’t dare just barge in. The production manager’s office was off-limits to everyone unless invited.

I knocked, waited. Knocked harder.

No answer.

I opened the door.

Like Mom, Ross ordered the same room set-up each time. For him that included an oversized desk with black leather chair. On the desk he would stack his papers and folders, carefully position his laptop. A fax machine had to be on his left, a telephone with multiple lines on his right. Looking at Ross—a short, fat man with scraggly hair to his shoulders—you’d never guess what a neat freak he is.

And always on the wall—a large round clock.

As I stepped into the room, my eyes grazed that clock. 10:55. Brittany’s plane would be landing soon.

On the floor beside the desk I glimpsed a splash of color.

Something twisted inside my stomach, almost as if my subconscious mind had already registered the sight. Time seemed to slow.

Clutching the door handle, I turned my head toward the color.

A foot. On the floor sticking out from behind the desk. Wearing a Vans with blue, white and red checks, and a red racing strip. The foot lay on its side, toes pointed away from me, heel dug awkwardly into the carpet.

Deathly still.














CHAPTER 2




I stared across the room at the foot. The back of my neck prickled.

Run, my mind shouted. Run and check on Tom! But my feet rooted to the carpet, my fingers digging into the doorpost.

Onstage, the music stopped. Wild clapping and cheering rose from the arena.

The noise jerked me out of my zombie state. I lowered my purse from my shoulder. Set it on the floor. Holding my breath, I crept forward.

As I edged around the side of the desk, Tom’s jeaned leg came into view.

It wasn’t moving.

My legs stopped.

“T-Tom?” My voice cracked into a whisper.

No answer.

So what? He couldn’t have heard me above the crowd.

I took another step. Now I could see his second leg, drawn up and bent at the knee. Tom was lying on his side. I moved again and saw an arm flung out, fingers half-curled toward the palm.

I leapt forward until his head came into sight. Tom’s second arm lay crumpled against the carpet, his face partially turned into the short sleeve of his red T-shirt. His one visible eye was open, staring at the wall.

Air gushed out of my mouth. He was tricking me.

“You rotten thing!” I pushed at his leg with my toe. “How—”

No change. Just that wide-eyed stare.

All the relief that had spilled out of me reversed back down my throat. My windpipe closed until I could hardly breathe. I sank to my knees beside his chest.

“Tom?” I leaned down to look into both his eyes.

The other one was gone.

I mean gone. Just a black, bloody, gaping hole.

For the longest second of my life, all I could do was stare. It pulled at me, that hole. Like it wanted me to tumble inside it, a horror-film version of Alice in Wonderland.

Faintness gripped me. I swooned toward Tom’s ravaged face, my nose almost touching where his eye used to be …

At the last possible moment, my muscles jerked me back.

I shoved to my feet and screamed.














CHAPTER 3




My shrieks bounced off the walls during the crowd’s final shouts. In the same second all noise died away.

Silence rang in my ears.

I turned and ran.

Mick materialized in the doorway as I hurtled into it. I rammed into his rock-solid chest. With another scream I bounced off and collapsed on the carpet.

“What--?” Mick bent over me. I looked up, mouth flopping open. No sound came. I pointed a shaking finger toward Tom. Mick’s head jerked up.

Horror crossed his face.

He jumped over me and ran to Tom, his hand reaching for the gun clipped to his belt.

Mick bent down and disappeared behind the desk. I couldn’t get up. I couldn’t do anything.

Voices of band members mingled in the hall, commenting on the performance. How strange the words sounded. So naïve. So unknowing.

Heavy footsteps approached. Ross rounded the corner and almost stepped on me.

“Ahhh!” I rolled away from him.

Mick raised up from behind the desk. Ross froze at the look on his face. “What’s going on?”

“Tom’s dead.” Mick’s voice was tight.

“What?”

“Somebody shot him.”

Ross blinked rapidly, then leapt around me to see for himself.

Mick reached for the phone on the desk. “I’m calling 911.”

I stared at the ceiling, mind going numb. My limbs felt like water. Tom was dead. Dead. My heart couldn’t grasp it. I’d just been with him. How could he be gone?

“Oh.” The word choked from Ross’s throat. He backed away from Tom.

“Yes,” Mick said into the phone. “I need to report a homicide. Hang on a minute.” He shoved the phone into Ross’s hand. “You talk to them. I need to get Bruce and Wendell. We’ll round up the band members, make sure they’re safe.”

Mom. Could whoever did this to Tom want to hurt her?

Mick ran past me, gun in hand. “Shaley, stay here.”

I barely heard him. Panic pushed me onto weak knees. I had to find my mother!

Somehow I crawled out the door. “Mom. Mommmm!”

Every person in the hallway jerked around.

Mick spun back to me. “Shaley, stay there!” He swung toward the others. “Everyone, against the wall and don’t move. Wendell, Bruce, where are you?”

People melted back, calling questions, their voices buzzing like a thousand bees in my head.

“Where’s my mom!”

Bruce ran out of the men’s bathroom, hand automatically going for his weapon. “What?” At six-foot-six, he has powerful, long legs and arms. I could see his head about everyone else’s.

Wendell burst from the stage area. “Here!”

“Shaley?” Mom’s sharpened voice filtered from up the hallway. “What’s happening?” She came toward me, eyes wide.

“Rayne, stay where you are!” Mick shouted.

Mom picked up speed. Her head whipped back and forth, gawking at everyone pressed against the walls. She started to run. “Shaley, are you all right?

I teetered to my feet. “Tom’s dead, Mom, he’s dead!”

Gasps rose from dozens of throats. Mom didn’t even slow. Mick grabbed her arm, but she yanked away. As if in a dream—a nightmare—I watched her tear-blurred form hurtle toward me. Mick, Bruce and Wendell spread their feet, guns raised, eyes darting back and forth, searching the hall for danger.

I flung myself forward, sobbing.

After an eternity Mom reached me. I collapsed into her arms, screaming Tom’s name.

My thoughts? I'm in the middle of the book right now and lovin' it! I'll be posting a review soon!

~Cecelia Dowdy~