Thursday, March 24, 2011

Review: A Vicious Cycle by Terri Blackstock



This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Vicious Cycle
Zondervan (February 22, 2011)
by
Terri Blackstock


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:


Terri Blackstock is a New York Times best-seller, with over six million copies sold worldwide. She has had over twenty-five years of success as a novelist. She sold her first novel at the age of twenty-five, and has had a successful career ever since.


Besides entertaining her readers, Terri tackles issues that she hopes will change lives. Her recent book, Predator, was inspired by her experiences on Facebook and Twitter, and her concern that people posted too much personal information about themselves. The book deals with an online predator who uses social networks as his playground. She hopes the book will change readers’ online habits. Her New York Times best-seller, Intervention, was inspired by her own personal struggles with a daughter on drugs. In the book, a mother hires an interventionist for her drug-addicted daughter. But on the way to treatment, the interventionist is murdered, and the daughter disappears. Barbara, the mother, sets out to search for her daughter. Terri modeled Barbara after herself, and poured many of her own emotions and experiences into that character. As a result, many families experiencing drug addiction have written to thank her for telling their story and giving them hope. Vicious Cycle, Book Two of the Intervention Series, releases February 22, 2011. She’s currently working on Book Three.



Other recent books include a stand-alone novel called Double Minds, as well as Last Light, Night Light, True Light and Dawn’s Light (from her acclaimed Restoration Series). She is also known for her popular Newpointe 911 Series and Cape Refuge Series. Terri makes her home in Mississippi, where she and her husband Ken are enjoying their empty nest after raising three children.



Terri has appeared on national television programs such as “The 700 Club” and “Home Life,” and has been a guest on numerous radio programs across the country. The story of her personal journey appears in books such as Touched By the Savior by Mike Yorkey, True Stories of Answered Prayer by Mike Nappa, Faces of Faith by John Hanna, and I Saw Him In Your Eyes by Ace Collins.


ABOUT THE BOOK
When fifteen-year-old Lance Covington finds an abandoned baby in the backseat of a car, he knows she's the newborn daughter of a meth addict he's been trying to help. But when police arrest him for kidnapping, Lance is thrust into a criminal world of baby trafficking and drug abuse.



His mother, Barbara, looks for help from Kent Harlan---the man whom she secretly, reluctantly loves and who once helped rescue her daughter from a mess of her own. Kent flies to her aid and begins the impossible work of getting Lance out of trouble, protecting a baby who has no home, and finding help for a teenage mother hiding behind her lies.
In this latest novel of suspense and family loyalty, bestselling author Terri Blackstock offers a harrowing look at drug addiction, human trafficking, and the devastating choices that can change lives forever.


If you would like to read the first chapter of Vicious Cycle, go HERE.Watch the Book Video:






My Review:
“Vicious Cycle” is what the name implies, the vicious cycle of sin and drugs and the characters trying desperately to break their chains to a silent, ravaging enemy.

I have long been a Terri Blackstock fan and am used to her style, so this one took me a bit by surprise-- in a good way. I kept expecting to find a dead body at the turn of the next page and was always surprised. So while that was unexpected, what I found is there didn’t need to be one to keep the story going. It moved at a swift pace, the challenges for the characters battling their drug addictions, the fear for baby Grace and the child traffickers, got nail biting.

I have never had any connection with drugs, I don’t understand the addiction and have never seen anyone “high”. I could feel it while reading. It gave me chills, it was nerve wracking how clear she painted the picture, the research is that powerful. You don’t need an explanation to know what the terms the characters use mean.

This book is good. I’m giving it five stars, not only for the emotional impact, but also for the story it communicates. It gives a whole new meaning to “vicious cycle” and I think your eyes will be opened a bit more after reading it.

This review is my honest opinion. Thanks to the publishers through CFBA for my copy to review.

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Wrapping Up the Proverbs 31 Series

She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her childredn arise and call her blessed; her husband also and he praises her.

Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all. Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Give her the reward she has earned and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.

Proverbs 31: 26-31

Not much needs to be said in this final* post in our Proverbs 31 series. We have covered many of the verses this month and as I have written them I have been moved by the the words penned so long ago that still very much apply to our lives today. How in the everyday tasks that we perform, even if we are in situations that either aren't the most pleasant or are not where we want to be, we can still exemplify these qualities.

The world has told us we should chase beauty. Power and prestige. That family isn't as important as making that next career move. And in a world where at every corner we are compounded with the world's values it can be easy to forget what precepts God laid down in His word.

We aren't called to be chasing the latest star on the horizon, we are called to be women of God wherever He places us. We are called to be noble and wise, loving, fearing of the Lord.

We are called to be helpmates to our husbands, to submit to him as the head of our household and if you aren't married, then to submit to our Lord and Savior.

Don't pass over this passage thinking it doesn't apply to you if you aren't married. Single women can just as easily be swept away in the current of today's world. Be grounded in God's word, where every answer is found to sustain your needs.

We have been given a model example, a glimpse into the heart of what God wants in us. Grasp it, cling to it. Don't shirk the responsiblity He has given us in His kingdom. Because everything you do should be a mirror for Christ. One that points them right back to Him.

That's what it boils down to. Don't be swept away in the deception of charm and the fleeting praise of beauty, those things can and will be snapped away.

Instead, be the image of Christ, wherever He places you.

May you be blessed in the process. Go with Christ dear sisters.

*Next week we will welcome guest blogger Michelle Tuller to share her Proverbs 31 story and her testimony from non-Christian to the helpmate of her husband and her desire to mimic the Proverbs 31 wife.

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Some Things...

Some things can't fully be expressed in words.

Some things are better left with just these two little heartfelt words.

Some times we just have to take them at face value and understand the heart of the person penning the words

Gratitude is too often over looked as over rated and should just be pushed to the way side.

I wasn't raised that way.

No kindness is gone unnoticed and at a moment like this, when I can give nothing but my thanks, I must stop and ponder what this means.

It's more than just a number.

It's more than just knowing you've been a small success.

It's the people.

It's you. The person sitting on their computer and taking their time to read this post.

You see, this week I hit 400 followers.

Something I never expected when I started a blog. Just a little something I wanted to do. Something God has used in innumberable ways in my life.

And sometimes all a person can say (and I hope you truly know the depth of my gratefulness) is...

THANK YOU

Monday, March 21, 2011

Giveaway and Author Interview: Yesterday's Tomorrow

Welcome to Writing for Christ, Cathy West, it is great to have you here! Do you have an interesting fact about yourself the average reader probably doesn’t know?

Thanks for having me! Well, I suppose it’s pretty interesting that I live in Bermuda! Yes, it’s an island in the Atlantic, about 700 miles north off the coast of North Carolina. I was born and raised here, aside from two years at a boarding school in England, and seven years in Canada, where our two children were born.

What surprised you the most about being a published author?
That I have to write another book. Kidding. Actually, I’m not sure anything has surprised me yet, but then I haven’t received a lot of book reviews yet, so maybe ask me in another few months! Actually, it’s a little surprising to discover just how much work goes into promoting a novel. I’m finding that I need to be careful to balance my writing time between doing all the legwork involved in getting the word out about Yesterday’s Tomorrow. So far so good!

Do you have a favorite genre to read/write?

Yes, romance! Well, it’s a toss-up between romance and women’s fiction. I love reading issue-driven books, and I love writing them. But nothing beats a good old-fashioned romance with a a happily ever after ending! I think romances are a lot more fun to write, but I tend to have fun regardless. My characters get up to all sorts of shenanigans. I also really enjoy family-saga novels, which is what I’m working on at the moment. Some of my favorite authors are Deb Raney, Lisa Wingate, Debbie Macomber, Maeve Binchy and Kate Morton, to name just a few. I read widely within CBA and ABA.

When you aren’t writing or interacting with fans, what do you enjoy doing?

Honestly, I enjoy spending time with my husband and two kids. My daughter is away at college and my son is on his way there this fall, so when we’re all under the same roof, it’s really special. We have a great time together, share a quirky sense of humor served up with a side of sarcasm, if you don’t ‘get us’, you’ll sit there thinking we’re a bit shy of a full deck, but we have a blast. My kids and husband are all musical, and I enjoy singing, so sometimes we’ll just bust out the guitars and work on some worships sets, which is awesome.
I’m also an avid gardener, love roses and orchids, and a dog lover. My family will tell you they’re not sure where they’d stand if we were all on a sinking ship and I had to choose to save either them or my border collie, Noah! And I’m not answering that on the internet. J

Do you have a nugget of writing advice that has completely changed how you view writing?

Wow. It would be hard to come up with just one thing. For me, I’d have to say it was realizing just how much I had to learn about the craft. It’s one thing to have a love of story, but it’s another thing entirely to learn how to tell it, and tell it well. It’s important to be part of a writer’s group, immerse yourself in books on craft, go to conferences and get paid critiques, join a critique group. It’s an ongoing process, and a grueling one at times. Don’t take yourself too seriously. J

What do you enjoy most about being a published author?

The money, talking to Oprah, and the free chocolate. Oh, you want a serious answer? Okay. J
Getting that first contract was a moment I’ll never forget. I suppose what I enjoy most is the fact that I no longer have to explain that yes, I’m a writer, but no, I’m not published. Yet. Unless you’re in the business, it’s a tough process to understand. It’s great to know that there is still hope for unpublished authors. It’s a little nerve-wracking to know that at last my dream has come true, I have a book out, because people are, I hope, actually going to read it!

What do you like readers to take away from your books?

I like to hear that the reader has made an emotional connection with my characters and what they go through. I don’t pretend to assume that my stories will change lives, but I hope they at least entertain, and perhaps open doors of curiosity to wanting to know more about the things I write about and the God I believe in.

Places for readers to learn more about you?

My Publisher: Http://www.oaktara.com
Thank you for being with us today!
It was great to be here! J

Okay readers, here is your chance to enter to win Cathy's book.
Please leave an email address. If I draw your name and there is no email, you will not win!

For extra entries:
~Be a follower
~Be a subscriber


And an EXTRA one:
~Follow Cathy's blog here

Contest is in the U.S. and internationally (since Cathy lives in England) void where prohibited. Chances of winning are based on the number of entries and winner is draw from a non-biased third party- Random.org. I am not responsible for any lost or damaged items for said prize.

Thanks for coming by to enter! Contest ends on April 1st.

Saturday, March 19, 2011

A Favorite Among Favorites: The Convenient Groom by Denise Hunter (review)

This has to be one of my favorite books, a ‘top ten’ hit! What girl doesn’t like the idea of a handsome groom swooping in to the rescue?

“The Convenient Groom” has an amazing premise. Talk about romance! The hero is simply delicious, talk about attraction- and I’m not necessarily referring to the heroine. *grin*  

As the attraction grows between Lucas and Kate, the tension feels like two opposing magnets. They get closer and closer until the reader is literally holding her breath and then something rips them apart.

My favorite scene in the entire story is when Kate finds herself snuggling with Lucas (they are married), but what ensues is just laugh-out-loud funny! You have to read the book to find out more, but let me say this…it sizzles and the humor…oh my.

What I love the most about this book though is the message. The message of God’s love being all encompassing no matter what we might do. Yes, the romance makes my fingers quiver from the pulse of my heart as I read and I laugh out more than once, but it’s the story within the story that makes it powerful.

This book is one of the very best, among my top favorites (and I don’t say that about many books). You won’t be disappointed! Highly recommended!!!

This review is my honest opinion. Thanks to the publishers for my copy to review.

Friday, March 18, 2011

Something to Laugh Over Friday!!! :-)

Almost Cold Call Friday!!

Next week is "Cold Call Friday" with Ruth Logan Herne!! I've gotten a sneak peek of it (because frankly I am the owner of the blog ;-) and let me tell you, this is one great interview. You won't want to miss it!


Question for YOU!

I'm busy working on a synopsis for my Frasier contest entry and I was wondering if any of my writer blog friends had any tips? I have the synopsis written, and learning the ART FORM of this practice is not easy, if you have anything helpful you have learned, please let me know! I would sure appreciate it!
Thanks. :-)


A Winner!!

The winner of Code of Justice by Liz Johnson is....

Splashes of Joy!! 

And the winner of a 5 page critique (sorry I can't do more, I'm on a time crunch this week) is...

Kenneth!

Kenneth if you see this before I can email you, you can email me at: caseymh(@)gmail(.)com with your 5 pages, thanks! :-)


Where I've Been This Week...

I blogged on The Writer's Alley yesterday with a list of freelance editors, blogs, classes, etc. that can help take your writing to that next level. You can find it here AND I'm giving away a 5 page critique. The winner will be announced in the weekend edition on Saturday


GREAT Reads!!

You can find my review of MaryLu Tyndall's AWESOME latest book Surrender the Night here. Such a good book!

And my review for one of my very favorite books The Convenient Groom by Denise Hunter will go up tomorrow.

So have I have to ask,

what have you read recently that has been really good?? Please share!!


Oh Dear, Sorry Ladies....

I hope you'll take a few minutes and just LOL over this video. Especially you, ladies. These are all female drivers and I frankly don't know how they away with some of this stuff.... You'll have to watch the video to find out. ;-)






Have A Fantastic Friday!!! :-)

Thursday, March 17, 2011

Giveaway Hop!! Special Giveaways: 4 Books/ 2 Winners!!


Hey everyone! I am participating in a blog hop hosted by I Am a Reader, Not a Writer

There are over 200 blogs participating in this hop, so scan the list below for your chance to enter to win a book! (this is strictly a book related giveaway)

And I have some to share!! Two winners in fact will be drawn from this giveaway to win TWO books each!

One winner will receive:





And another winner will receive:



Giveaway rules:

U.S. residents ONLY, please. Chances of winning depend on the number of entries. And I am not responsible for any lost and/or damaged prizes during shipping. Winners will have one week to contact me with an address from my first email to them.

Please Read Before Entering!

Leave an email address if I can find no way to contact you, your prize will be forfeited.

Extra Entry Opportunities:

~Be a follower

Contest ends on March 20th with the winners announced on THIS post, here at the end.


**Contest is now CLOSED**

The winners are:

Elise
(caliblue7....)

and

Aaron and Devony
(wilsondev@....)

Thank you SO much for making this such a fun success!!!!

FTC Rules

According to new FTC rules I must let you, the reader know, that all views shared on this blog are strictly my own. Books to review are either provided for me by the author, publisher or ones I have purchased and I am under no obligation whatsoever to present anything, but my true opinion on any product. I receive no monetary compensation for anything written on this blog. Any giveaways on this blog are provided by the author/ publisher and I am not responsible for any views they express in their work or on this site. Giveaways are void were prohibited and chances of winnng are based on the number of applicants. A random winner is draw when a book is given away.

 
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