Review: Dancing on Broken Glass by Pamela Ewen

This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingDancing on GlassB&H Books (August 1, 2011)byPamela Ewen

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Until recently retiring to write full time, Pamela Binnings Ewen was a partner in the Houston office of the international law firm of BakerBotts, L.L.P., specializing in corporate finance. She now lives just outside New Orleans, Louisiana, with her husband, James Lott.




She has served on the Board of Directors of Inprint, Inc., a non-profit organization supporting the literary arts in Houston, Texas, as well as the Advisory Board for The New Orleans Pirate’s Alley Faulkner Society, and currently serves on the Board of Directors of The Tennessee Williams Festival in New Orleans; Pamela is a co-founder of the Northshore Literary Society in the Greater New Orleans area. She is also a member of the National League of American Pen Women.




Pamela’s first novel, Walk Back The Cat (Broadman & Holman. May, 2006) is the story of an embittered and powerful clergyman who learns an ancient secret, confronting him with truth and a choice that may destroy him.




She is also the best-selling author of the acclaimed non-fiction book Faith On Trial, published by Broadman & Holman in 1999, currently in its third printing.


Although it was written for non-lawyers, Faith On Trial was also chosen as a text for a course on law and religion at Yale Law School in the Spring of 2000, along with The Case For Christ by Lee Stroble. Continuing the apologetics begun in Faith On Trial, Pamela also appears with Gary Habermas, Josh McDowell, Darrell Bock, Lee Stroble, and others in the film Jesus: Fact or Fiction, a Campus Crusade for Christ production.



Pamela is the latest writer to emerge from a Louisiana family recognized for its statistically improbable number of successful authors. A cousin, James Lee Burke, who won the Edgar Award, wrote about the common ancestral grandfathers in his Civil War novel White Dove At Morning.


Among other writers in the family are Andre Dubus (Best Picture Oscar nomination for The Bedroom; his son, Andre Dubus III, author of The House of Sand and Fog, a Best Picture Oscar nomination and an Oprah pick; Elizabeth Nell Dubus (the Cajun trilogy); and Alafair Burke, just starting out with the well received Samantha Kincaid mystery series.


ABOUT THE BOOK

In the steamy city of New Orleans in 1974, Amalise Catoir sees Phillip Sharp as a charming, magnetic artist, unlike any man she has known. A young lawyer herself, raised in a small town and on the brink of a career with a large firm, she is strong and successful, yet sometimes too trusting and whimsical. Ama's rash decision to marry Phillip proves to be a mistake as he becomes overly possessive, drawing his wife away from family, friends, and her faith. His insidious, dangerous behavior becomes her dark, inescapable secret.



In this lawyer's unraveling world, can grace survive Ama's fatal choice? What would you do when prayers seem to go unanswered, faith has slipped away, evil stalks, and you feel yourself forever dancing on shattered glass?


If you would like to read the first chapter of Dancing on Glass, go HERE.


Watch the book trailer:







My Review:

I think I understand abuse victims a little bit better after reading this book, which is what, I think, the author was aiming for, though she did it without preaching at me.

There are some books I connect with as a reader and some books I don’t and I’m afraid this is one I don’t. At the beginning, the characters drew me in and I wanted to cry out for Amalise to not go with Phillip. But of course she couldn’t hear me and she continued to flounder deeper and deeper, lost in the hope she could make a change in this man’s life.

I know many readers would become fatigued with Amalise for not walking away, but I thought she was well portrayed and I could emphasize with her soft heart. That doesn’t mean I agree with what she did, I’m completely against it and the reader should be. I believe the book makes that clear.

But neither the writing style nor the story sank its tentacles within me and wanted to keep me reading. I did finish the story and the ending brought good closure for the situation, but this book wasn’t for me.

I think it will help abuse victims or people who know abuse victims, but the target audience was missed on me.

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

Giveaway and Author Interview: Undercurrent

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

I love White Castle. Just can’t get enough of those gut bombs. 5 burgers and a fry…mmm, mmm, mmm! And while I’m on the topic of food, nix on the fruit, please. Can’t abide by it. The only fruit I’ll eat is apples. 

Do you have a favorite genre to read/write?

Wow. Tough question. Reading a gripping story in any genre thrills me to my literary toes. Forced to choose, though, I’d likely stroll down the historical fiction aisle at the bookstore before hitting the spec fiction. As for writing, definitely historical.

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

Matthew 19:26…with God, all things are possible. That powerful tidbit can empower anything from a stalled out storyline to calming any fears over getting published. God’s sovereignty is freedom indeed.

What do you enjoy most about being a published author?

Royalty checks are nice, but believe it or not, hearing from my readers is even more valuable.

Places for readers to learn more about you?

www.mmgriep.com

Or visit my Facebook Fan Page at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Michelle-Griep/161450551766

You can also follow my reviews on Goodreads at http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2754194.Michelle_Griep

About Undercurrent:

Professor Cassie Larson leads a life her undergrad students hope to attain, until she tumbles into the North Sea and is sucked into a swirling vortex...and a different century. 

Alarik, son of a Viking chieftain, is blamed for a murder he didn't commit-or did he? He can't remember. On the run, saving a half-drowned foreign woman wasn't in his plan. 

Ragnar is a converted pagan shunned by many but determined to prove his Cousin Alarik's innocence. He didn't count on falling in love with Cassie or the deadly presence of evil that threatens his village in Alarik's absence. 

Only time will reveal the outcome.

Readers, here is your chance to enter to win Michelle's latest novel!

Please leave an email adddress! If I draw your name and there is no email, you will not win.


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


Contest is only open in the U.S. and 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 August 26th

Music to Encourage and Inspire on Your Sunday

I just heard this song on KLOVE the other day and oh. my. goodness. I've been humming it ever since! A brand new artist and SUCH catchy song. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!

Jamie Grace ~ Hold Me

Defining What A Novel SHOULD Be: Good Fiction ~ A Sound Among the Trees by Susan Meissner ~ Review

Susan Meissner’s voice in Christian fiction and her authority with words sucks me in with the cadence of her writing in the story she weaves.

There is an incredible amount of subtext in her latest novel “A Sound Among the Trees” and I was excited to pick up a book blending two of my favorite periods: contemporary and historical Civil War. The book didn’t delve into as much of the latter as I would have liked, but was more focused on how the past actions of previous lives rippled down three, four generations.

In one way, I was expecting a “surprise” or “bang” of a literary moment, if you will, and wasn’t surprised with a different twist, but once I closed the book I realized the story really didn’t need one. It’s a story that defies genre and redefines what a novel should be: a really good story – well told.

It’s so hard to write a review for this book, because it doesn’t fit any one mold. I can’t say it had a thrilling romance, or a heartrending tragedy. And for new readers of Susan’s work, I think you have to experience it for yourself.

I can say, Meissner writes with grace and beauty, but with a great authority with the craft. Her dialogue is swift and to the point, her characters three-dimensional. Deep and wide, her stories always leave me craving more. I think you will too.

This review is my honest opinion. My thanks to the Amazon Vine program for my copy to review.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~**~*~*~**~~*~*~*~*~

Would you please consider rating my review? This allows me to continue to provide quality fiction reviews. Your email is required for verification, but you will NOT be spammed. This is to ensure the same person doesn't rate the review more than once. THANK YOU!!

My Top Ten "Meet These Authors" Bucket List

With thanks to Joy from Edgy Inspy Romance for this blog post idea. I give her full credit. ;-)


I love to read. Thus it is inevitable that I would love to meet the genius minds behind these great books I love to read (yes I did mean to state that twice) so following is my "bucket list" of authors I want to meet. :-))

Julie Lessman~ I think you probably don't need an explanation for why I want to meet this lovely lady. ;-) Needless to say she is the sweetest, most generous person I have ever had the priviledge of running into online.

Laura Frantz~ Laura has been a huge encouragement to me in my writing and her blog livens my life everytime I visit. She is one awesome writer and one special lady!

Tamera Alexander~ Wow, this lady is simply incrediable. Such a witness and kindness in everything she does and goes. I would be ever so slightly star-struck to meet Tamera. :-)

MaryLu Tyndall~ I remember the very first email I sent this awesome author several years ago and she wrote back almost immediately with so sweet a message that I saved it. Now I'm a member of her "Motely Crew"!

Jody Hedlund~ I am continually impressed with Jody. She is such an inspiration in my writing life and not only that, she is one great author!

Janette Oke~ I grew up on Janette Oke's books. I still love those stories and squealed with glee when I found a complete set of her books at a yard sale. And I'm still collecting every chance I get. What a Christian fiction icon!

Lynn Austin~ The very first book I read by Lynn was Hidden Places and I've been hooked ever since. The way she weaves a story and words is incridable. I hope I get a chance to shake her hand someday!

Siri Mitchell~ There is something about Siri's fiction that is so addicting! If I could someday tell her how BIG I am a fan, I will be a happy girl for the rest of my life. ;-)

DeeAnne Gist~ It took me a little while to become a fan of Dee's books, but now I'm a die-hard fan. If I could stand in front of her table as she signed a book for me...wow. Talk about...yeah. Wow. :)

Deborah Raney~ Is one lovely woman both as an author and as a person. I've heard how sweet she is and I can't wait until the day I can experience this for myself!

Oh why did I limit myself to only 10???? Crazy I know, because there are sooo many more I want to meet. But if I MUST limit myself to 10 on my bucket list, then these would make the top.

Who makes your Top 10 'Meet Your Favorite Author' Bucket List???

Friday's Note:

And the winner of Out of Control by Mary Connealy is...

cjabdelnour@....

Congratulations! And thanks for stopping by to enter everyone!

Be Encouraged

Waiting is tough.

Waiting for something to happen.

Waiting for that something to get here.

Waiting for the patience for that something to happen/get here.

And sometimes that waiting is such a dog gone pain in the patootie. (Don't worry I'm still firmly G-rated)

I just don't want to do it one more day!!!!!!!!!!!

I guess when I think of waiting it usually comes down to two things for me: waiting for my Prince Charming.

And waiting on my writing to catch up to my brilliance. And I think a good portion of my readers can relate to at least one of those issues (or at least at one point in time of their lives).

I get to go to the ACFW conference this year. And I don't normally mention it here, because I KNOW how hard it is for those who can't go to know they are being left behind.

I get it. I walked those shoes. I felt their pinch. It's NOT easy and I'm not going to pretend it is or give you platitudes that 'though it's not your time this year, it could be next year'! That just doesn't cut the mustard, I'm sorry to say.

But I was sitting in church this past Sunday and the verse that was read jumped out at me in a completely new way and I had to share it. Maybe it will jump out for you too.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7

Wow.

Wow.

Okay, I'm switching to that platitude post I promised not to write. But it needs to be written. I waited two long, torturous years. Years I fussed and fumed and cried to God that I would NEVER get to go and drove myself crazy with jealous fever.

But read that verse one more time. EVERYTHING in PRAYER and PETITION, with THANKSGIVING (that means nooo grumbling), PRESENT your requests to God.

GOD knows the right time. I know, I know you've heard that all before. But it bears repeating. Because once you give something to God, I personally, find the time flying. The blessings pouring in (for someone with NO source of consistent income, I was able to save for this conference).

We have to consciously give our dreams BACK to God. He can't do anything while we cling to them.

If you can't go this year, if you have something else you are waiting on, I get it. I know and I'm there with you. But take COMFORT in God's love in those few lines. Your moment is coming. God just has some growing to do with ya yet. ;-)

Swashbuckling, Swordplay and Sweetness Surrender the Dawn by MaryLu Tyndall ~ Review

The professional endorsement on the cover of MaryLu Tyndall’s latest novel reads, “Swashbuckling, swordplay and sweetness.” There isn’t a whole lot to add to that, but I will try.

I can always expect one of three things when I read a Tyndall novel: action/adventure, romance, faith and the sea. Okay, so of course that last one was thrown in there for fun more than anything.

But it is true. The story is crafted in such a way that the faith element is very organic to the story. It isn’t slapped on at the end or left for the reader to wonder, it is an intricate part of the story that never preaches, but always ministers.

Tyndall knows how to craft the rogue hero and I will admit to being partial to her “bad boy” hero types. I think her heroines gravitate there as well. The tension and chemistry in the romantic scenes is enough to soothe the heart of any hopeless romantic. And the “Surrender the Dawn” is not be found without the action of the sea, and the adventures of a privateer against the backdrop of the War of 1812.

From stem to stern, this book was enjoyable, a great read and a welcome diversion. Tyndall has crafted such a niche for herself and a voice in this genre, that I don’t see her going anywhere anytime soon. And may there be mutiny if she does!

This review is my honest opinion. Thanks to the author for providing my copy as an influencer.