ABOUT THE AUTHOR:



Amy Wallace is the author of Ransomed Dreams, a homeschool mom, and a self-confessed chocoholic. She is a graduate of the Gwinnett County Citizens Police Academy and a contributing author of several books, including God Answers Moms’ Prayers and Chicken Soup for the Soul Healthy Living Series: Diabetes. She lives with her husband and three children in Georgia.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Facing a new threat.

When FBI Agent Clint Rollins takes a bullet during a standoff, it might just save his life. But not even the ugly things he’s seen during his years working in the Crimes Against Children Unit could prepare him for the overwhelming powerlessness of hospital tests revealing an unexpected diagnosis. If only Sara weren’t retreating into doctor mode…he needs his wife now more than ever.

Frozen in fear.

Sara Rollins is an oncologist with a mission–beating cancer when she can, easing her patients’ suffering at the very least. Now the life of her tall Texan husband is at stake. She never let the odds steal her hope before, but in this case, the question of God’s healing promises is personal. Can she hold on to the truth she claimed to believe?

Faith under fire.

As Clint continues to track down a serial kidnapper despite his illness, former investigations haunt his nightmares, pushing him beyond solving the case into risking his life and career. Clint struggles to believe God is still the God of miracles. Especially when he needs not one, but two. Everything in his life is reduced to one all-important question: Can God be trusted?

If you would like to read the first chapter, go HERE



My Thoughts: 
It didn't take me long to be captured by this book and Amy Wallace's writing style.  She has done her research and uses this knowledge to write a great book.  Even though I had not read the first Defenders of Hope book, I was able to quickly jump into the middle of the storyline.  Each character is "real" and the plot is unpredictable. 

This book reminded me a lot of Dee Henderson's O'Malley series, the only difference was my ability to better relate to the characters.  The fears the characters in Healing Promises are facing are the same life fears that we face.  Yet, Amy Wallace weaves a thread of God's goodness and grace throughout her book.  God is good all of the time and when we are weak, He is strong. 

A great book, which I highly recommend.  I look forward to book three of the Defenders of Hope series coming out in the Spring of 2009.

~~~in gratitude,

Linda

Each May our activities one by one come to a close, last night it was Awanas.

Poor Grace almost didn't make it to the award event.  One and a half hours earlier we were at the doctor's office for her ear infection.  She is beginning to feel better and was a trooper throughout the evening.

Awana's has been a good for the Liz & Grace this year.   It remains a challenge for me to gently encourage Liz without becoming a nag.  We both agree that next year we will remain diligent during the winter months and not slack off. 

Our three events left are a band concert and two dance recitals.

~His grateful servant,

Linda

It's not about me...it's not about me....it's not about me. 

Yes, that is my continual note to myself.  Not everything is about me, in fact quiet a lot is not about me.  And today the Lord reminded me again, it's not about me! 

Let me explain just a little bit more.  On Monday evening I made a quick trip to a homeschool groups used curriculum sale.  It was a large room, crammed with many tables of books.  I had to move quickly to be done in time to pick Jennifer up from dance.  As I moved through the crowd to another table I ran into a lady from my homeschool support group and whom we used to attend church with.  I smiled and said "Hi, how are you?"  She responded and I moved on. 


This morning when we got home from dance, I received a phone call from this lady. My husband told me she had called earlier also.  I thought, "Oh she must want to get together or something."  Silly me!   She said, "Linda I was just thinking and wondering, have I done something to offend you?"  I said "Oh no, I'm so sorry to have made you feel that way".  Her reply, "Well when I've seen you lately, you've seemed different".  I explained my need to rush through the sale and how I was tired.   I again apologized and we hung up. 

But I need to make a note to myself.  How many times have I been the person wondering what I did to offend someone because they seem quiet or distant?  How many times have I accused another of being snotty or stuck up because they didn't speak to me? I am grateful to this lady for not harboring any ill's between us, but to clear the air.  But today I am making a huge post-it note in my heart, "It's not about me".   Other people have other things and happenings in their lives.  I want to those to become opportunities to pray for them, not to become offended with them. 

I also was thinking how this carried into the blogging community.  I falsely have become upset or offended because someone has not left me a comment when I've commented on their blog.  Yet, how many times do I get a comment but do not return a comment.  Once again, it's not about me. 

I am grateful for the Lord reminding me of this verse, one of my favorite.
"Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God in Christ also forgave you."  Ephesians 4: 26

~Forever grateful for His mercy and grace,

"Olsen, one of the better writers in this subgenre, delivers powerful, action-packed plots that delve into mystical paranormal worlds."
~Library Journal, Feb. 2008

"Olsen delivers an entertaining thriller likely to be enjoyed especially by fans of the spiritual warfare genre."
~PUBLISHERS WEEKLY





My Review~

Although I'm posting this CFBA book tour book, I did not receive a copy of it.  But I it has peaked my interest.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Jenny B. Jones is the author of A Katie Parker Production series. The other books in the series are In Between and On The Loose. Though now an adult, she still relates to the trauma and drama of teen life. She is thrilled to see her writing dreams come true, as her previous claim to fame was singing the Star Spangled Banner at a mule-jumping championship. (The mules were greatly inspired.)

Jenny resides in Arkansas, where, as a teacher, she hangs out with teens on a regular basis.

ABOUT THE BOOK
Sometimes there’s a fine line between comedy and tragedy—and Katie Parker is walking it.

School is winding down for the summer but Katie Parker is having a bad day. After leaving the drive-in, where her imploding love life was the main attraction, Katie arrives home to a big surprise on the Scott's front porch.

Her mother, Bobbie Ann Parker, a former convict and recovering addict, wants to take Katie away from her family, friends, and church. Now Katie's life will be changed by a series of dramatic choices as she struggles to understand what family and home really means.

Katie is forced to walk away from In Between, leaving behind a family who loves her, a town drive-in to save, and a boyfriend who suddenly can’t take his eyes off his ex. When the life her mother promised begins to sink faster than one of Maxine’s stuffed bras, Katie knows she needs to rely on God to keep it together.

But where is he in all this? Can Katie survive a chaotic life with her mother—and one without the Scotts? And if God is there, will he come through before it’s too late?

A Katie Parker Production series offers teen girls real-world fiction balanced by hope and humor. The The Big Picture helps us realize that the difficult chapters in our journey are only part of God's big story for our lives.

You can read the first chapter HERE

"A heroine to love. Jones just gets better with every book, and The Big Picture is her best one yet."
~BARBARA WARREN, author of The Gathering Storm

"Such inspiration in a package of fun and faith!"
~EVA MARIE EVERSON, author of the Potluck Club series


My Thoughts....

When I first started reading "The Big Picture" I was skeptical.  I'm a forty-something mom, and this book is written from the perspective of a high shool girl.  It is also the 3rd book in the Katie Parker story-line, how would I understand the characters since I hadn't read the other two books.  Jenny B. Jones does a wonderful job of quickly drawing you into the story line and into the heart of Katie Parker.   I was hooked after the second chapter. 

This book is a beautifully wrapped package of delightful presents and surprises.  Jenny B. Jones does a wonderful job of weaving a story of disappointments turned into Divine appointments, without making them sound falsely orchestrated. 


I recommend this book as a great book to throw in your bag this summer and take to the beach or pool!  A fun and satisfying read. 

Thursday, May 1st is National Day of Prayer.  We will be going to our church on Thursday for a time of prayer for our nation.  I think we all agree that our nation is in need of revival and prayer.

Please click the logo to visit the National Day of Prayer website:

"All this being done, in sincerity and truth, let us then rest humbly in the hope authorized by the Divine teachings, that the united cry of the Nation will be heard on high, and answered with blessings, no less than the pardon of our national sins, and the restoration of our now divided and suffering Country, to its former happy condition of unity and peace."

President Abraham Lincoln, in his declaration of National Day of Prayer March 30, 1863. To see it in it's entirity click here: Lincoln Prayer Declaration.

Today was a day of leisure for me.  I'm calling it mommy "time out".  The girls have been away getting spoiled by their loving grandparents.  After dealing with allergies in "crisis" all weekend and working, too.  I spent today in leisure mode, it was nice.  I did do a few things, scrubbed the kitchen and did two loads of laundry.   But mostly I bummed around on the computer and took a nap. Tonight my husband took me out to dinner and for a drive.  I physically and emotionally feel better, re-energized. 

Like many of you, May promises to be a busy month.  But I'm looking forward to some quiet away time with my husband.  We will be going to Branson, MO and staying at my favorite place.  I'm grateful for my mother's willingness to care for the children and run them to all of their activities.

So I'm anticipating this...

I'm also anticipating attending my first homeschool convention.  I've purposefully waited to attend this conference until this year.  I was afraid I would find the experience overwhelming and cloud our vision of homeschooling.  Our convention will be the first weekend in June.  The main speaker will be Todd Wilson.  Click the logo to go to the site.   NICHE is a great organization, we are blessed in Iowa by their leadership and support. 

I am also anticipating our end-of-the year school party.  I plan to treat the girls to a "fun" day.  They love to go a convenience store called Quik Trip and buy lunch.  So we will do that, go to a park for a picnic.  Then I want to take them to play minature golf.  In the evening we will scrapbook a page much like we did to start the school year.  I haven't set the final day though, somewhere towards the end of May~probably the 25th.  We have two field trips to get in before that and finish up the books. 

~wishing you a week filled with lots of great memories and His loving Grace,