How fun! Thanks to Hachette, I am able now to give five sets of these wonderful books away! I have just drawn my winners using random.org and our winners are:
(ahem…. bring on the drum roll please)
WORDLILLY
DIANE
DIANA
JACKIE LESTER
AMY STEELE
CONGRATULATIONS!!!! ENJOY THE BOOKS – WINNERS HAVE BEEN NOTIFIED BY EMAIL
I just now drew (using random.org) a winner for the wonderful giveaway from Cami , author of The Sister Pact (which I really enjoyed!) This winner will receive an autographed copy of the book from the author.
And…. our winner is….
Congratulations! Remember to sign up for more giveaways happening here under the Giveaway Tab
Michale Connelly’s thriller is set mostly in Hong Kong. I was so glad I had my passport ready for this one! ~ Sheila
From the streets of L.A. to the shimmering skyline of Hong Kong, Harry Bosch must find his missing daughter.
Harry Bosch is assigned a homicide call in South L.A. that takes him to Fortune Liquors, where the Chinese owner has been shot to death behind the counter in a robbery. Joined by members of the department’s Asian Crime Unit, Bosch relentlessly investigates the killing and soon identifies a suspect, a Los Angeles member of a Hong Kong triad.
But before Harry can close in, he gets the word that his young daughter Maddie, who lives in Hong Kong with her mother, is missing.
Bosch drops everything to journey across the Pacific to find his daughter. Could her disappearance and the case be connected? With the stakes of the investigation so high and so personal, Bosch is up against the clock in a new city, where nothing is at it seems.
Book Tour
My Thoughts:
Michael Connelly is an author I just became a reader of this year. This is actually his 14th book where he uses Detective Harry Bosch as the main character and I was a bit concerned that this would put me on the outside looking in to a series of books that had started long ago. This was not a concern in this book, Michael Connelly writes his character so well that I did not feel that I was missing information needed to fully understand Harry Bosch, who he was, and where he was coming from.
I don’t know what it is about this time of year but my reading style actually changes up from the lighter reads of summer (beach reads, vacation themes, chick lit…) to almost a need for a more hearty style book as the cooler weather creeps into Minnesota. Michael Connelly delivers such a read. A gripping and colorful background layout of Hong Kong lead me deeper into this story. Twists and turns galore I was not lacking for adventure as I hit the road with Detective Harry Bosch.
Fast paced – starting the book out in LA and our Detective has his hands full right from the start with a homicide with connections (leaving that for the reader to discover), a partner who is causing concern, and leading up to the kidnapping of Harry’s own daughter, Maddie.
I thoroughly enjoyed this read and found it hit the literary spot that I was craving!
Michael Connelly decided to become a writer after discovering the books of Raymond Chandler while attending the University of Florida. Once he decided on this direction he chose a major in journalism and a minor in creative writing — a curriculum in which one of his teachers was novelist Harry Crews.
After graduating in 1980, Connelly worked at newspapers in Daytona Beach and Fort Lauderdale, Florida, primarily specializing in the crime beat. In Fort Lauderdale he wrote about police and crime during the height of the murder and violence wave that rolled over South Florida during the so-called cocaine wars. In 1986, he and two other reporters spent several months interviewing survivors of a major airline crash. They wrote a magazine story on the crash and the survivors which was later short-listed for the Pulitzer Prize for feature writing. The magazine story also moved Connelly into the upper levels of journalism, landing him a job as a crime reporter for the Los Angeles Times, one of the largest papers in the country, and bringing him to the city of which his literary hero, Chandler,
had written.
Michael lives with his family in Florida.
Thank you to Hachelle Book Group who has offered me four copies of this wonderful book to give away. Here is how to enter:
1) Leave a comment here with the name of a Michael Connelly book you have read OR if you have not read Michael Connelly before please look at his books here and leave me the title of one you think you would enjoy. (*This must be done to receive your entry into the drawing for this book)
For Additional Entries:
2) Receive a second entry if you Twitter, Facebook, or blog about this. Be sure to leave me a separate comment here with where you did this.
3) A third entry is available if you comment on any other non giveaway post here and be sure to let me know on a separate comment which post you commented on
Thats it! Have fun! This giveaway is open to USA and Canada. Giveaway will end on November 20.
My review copy came from Valerie from Hachette Book Group
I am excited to be able to offer this book, The Heretic’s Daughter for giveaway thanks to Valerie at Hachette Book Group
This giveaway is now closed 11/15/2009
Martha Carrier was one of the first women to be accused, tried and hanged as a witch in Salem, Massachusetts. Like her mother, young Sarah Carrier is bright and willful, openly challenging the small, brutal world in which they live.
Often at odds with one another, mother and daughter are forced to stand together against the escalating hysteria of the trials and the superstitious tyranny that led to the torture and imprisonment of more than 200 people accused of witchcraft.
This is the story of Martha’s courageous defiance and ultimate death, as told by the daughter who survived.
John Bevere paints a picture for us of what living Extraordinary lives can look like… ~ Sheila
About This Book
Isn’t it true that we long to see the extraordinary, experience the extraordinary, do the extraordinary? Yet, so often we settle for mediocrity when greatness is within our grasp.
Why are we drawn to stories of heroic triumph over seemingly impossible circumstances? In our fascination with adventure movies, superheroes, and tales of incredible human feats, do we reveal an inherent desire for something larger and greater in life? Maybe what we think is a need to escape or be entertained is actually a God inspired longing…for the extraordinary.
Best-selling author John Bevere reveals how all of us were “meant for more,” extraordinarily created and intended for a life that is anything but ordinary. Here is the roadmap for your journey of transformation. You are marked for a life that far surpasses the usual definitions of success or fulfillment.
Isn’t it time to pursue your extraordinary life?
My Thoughts…
This is my first read written by John Bevere and I found it enjoyable. I like it when an author of a book like this shares insights into their own lives, almost breaking down the point of the book into layman terms…. what could be an overly heavy book is not – due to the style in which John writes.
In one point early on in the book, John shares about a moment he had with his sons at the dinner table. He told them that there was nothing they could do to make their parents love them anymore than they already do or anything they could do to make their parents love them any less. However – they were in charge of how pleased their parents were with them.
I had to smile here as I have had a similar conversation with our sons stating that no matter what they did we would always love them…. however, we didn’t always have to like the choices they may make in life. (I believe John Bevere worded it better. Out of this area of the book came a reminder that God feels the same way about each of us. No matter what… no matter what we do – God is going to love us. Unconditionally. He may not always like what we do, we may cause Him great pain and tears…. yet He calls us to Him again and again. Humbling isn’t it?
At the end of each chapter John has left questions, or reflections, as he calls them, on the chapter. The questions are through provoking and would make for good discussion with a group.
John Bevere is an internationally popular conference speaker, teacher, and author of bestsellers, including The Bait of Satan, Drawing Near, and Driven by Eternity. His award-winning curriculum and books have been translated in over sixty languages and his weekly television program, The Messenger, is broadcast around the world. John and his wife, Lisa—also a bestselling author and speaker—reside with their family in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Find John’s website here.
I have graciously been offered a copy of this book for giveaway. To enter:
1. Leave a comment here and tell me about someone who has been EXTRAORDINARY in your life
EXTRA Entires: **Extra entries must each be on separate comments to be counted
2. Twitter or blog about this giveaway AND leave that link on a separate comment for 2 bonus entries
3. Follow this blog for an extra entry (let me know here)
4. Follow me on twitter for an extra entry (let me know here with your twitter name)
5. Earn 5 extra entries by grabbing my blog button and putting it i=on yur sidebar (button is on upper right side)
Have fun! Giveaway will end Nov 9. US and Canada entrants only please.
Valerie at Hachette Book Group has graciously offered this book for me to review and do a giveaway for!
This giveaway is closed as of Oct 28
Preston Clearwater has been a criminal since stealing two chain saws and 1,600 pairs of aviator sunglasses from the army during the Second World War. Back on the road in postwar North Carolina, now a member of a car-theft ring, he picks up hitchhiking Henry Dampier, an innocent twenty-year-old Bible salesman. Clearwater immediately recognizes Henry as smart but gullible, just the associate he needs–one who will believe Clearwater is working undercover for the F.B.I.; one who will drive the cars Clearwater steals as Clearwater follows along in his own car at a safe distance. Henry joyfully sees a chance to lead a dual life as a Bible salesman and a G-man.
During his hilarious and scary adventures, Henry grapples with doubts about the Bible’s accuracy, and we learn of his fundamentalist upbringing, an upbringing that doesn’t prepared him for his new life. As he falls in love with the captivating Marleen Green and questions his religious training, Henry begins to see he’s being used–that he is on his own in a way he never imagined.
So… how to enter?
1 entry: leave a comment here and let me know if you have ever sold anything door to door or over the phone… (If you have not, respond here with something you think you would be good at selling door to door or ove the phone)
2) earn a second entry by following my blog and letting me know that you do is a separate comment
3) leave a comment on any non goveaway post for a third entry
Thats it – I will give away one book per every 10 comments (not counting any of my own comments) up to 5 books. Giveaway open to USA and Canada entrants. Giveaway will end on October 22.
A fantastic Christian read with the combination of incredible food, faith, and friends… what more could you want out of Bo’s cafe?
~ Sheila
High-powered executive Steven Kerner is living the dream in southern California. But when his bottled pain ignites in anger one night, his wife kicks him out. Then an eccentric mystery man named Andy Monroe befriends Steven and begins unraveling his tightly wound world. Andy leads Steven through a series of frustrating and revealing encounters to repair his life through genuine friendship and the grace and love of a God who has been waiting for him to accept it. A story to challenge and encourage, BO’S CAFE is a model for all who struggle with unresolved problems and a performance-based life. Those who desire a fuller, more authentic way of living will find this journey of healing a restorative exploration of God’s unbridled grace.
My Thoughts: Bo’s Cafe was a wonderful read. I really enjoyed the story line between Steve and Lindsey. In today’s world I am believing that this is all to often the circumstances and I found this book believable. Bo’s Cafe is a captivating read… from the great cover picture of a warm inviting cafe filled to the brim with friends, even within the pages you find people like Andy – a little mysterious, but there is something more to that guy that you cant quite put your finger on… and he drive’s an old car and live life with a sense of joy.
On page 228 I found a quote that I think may need to go on the sidebar of this blog somewhere… “Integrity is proven when you admit what you cannot do and honor what you say you can.”
I found the book refreshing. As a Christian read, the book covers well that no one needs another list of do’s and don’ts. I loved that in this book we are reminded that God loves us for who we are. He created us out of His love. Personally, I know how long it took me just to learn that it was ok to be real – it is ok to be flawed and fail and get back up again. God is first in line to hold out a helping hand. Andy’s character is a fine example and I enjoyed getting to know him and the rest of the gang at Bo’s Cafe.
And how fun is it that this book is written by three authors who are friends?
John Lynch
As a great communicator and writer, John Lynch is a vital staff member of the Truefaced team. In addition to speaking nationally with the Truefaced team since 1997, John has co-authored a number of books and resources with Truefaced, including the bestseller TrueFaced and the popular TrueFaced audio-video message.
John also serves as teaching pastor at Open Door Fellowship in Phoenix, Arizona, a position that he has held since 1985. The authenticity, longevity, and playfulness of these two flawed communities, Open Door and the Truefaced group, brings real-world reality and potency to this Truefaced message of Bo’s Cafe.
John used his love for writing and performing as the co-founder and playwright for Sharkey Productions, a theater troupe focused on Gospel-anchored theater productions for those still seeking Jesus. John and his wife Stacey are passionate parents to their three children Caleb, Amy and Carly.
Bill Thrall
As a leader of leaders, and a co-author for the TrueFaced team since 1995, Bill’s genuine desire is to see relational health in those he works with, has been vital in setting the tone of the organization. His eloquence and integrity have given him opportunities to teach TrueFaced’s principles internationally. His wisdom has been penned throughout the entire series of The Ascent of a Leader, Beyond Your Best, and TrueFaced Experience books.
Prior to joining the TrueFaced group, Bill founded and pastored the influential church, Open Door Fellowship, for over 20 years. While there, he developed an effective character development training program, which has influenced thousands.
In his spare time, Bill can be found fishing, golfing, crafting furniture for his family in his wood shop or cultivating fruits, vegetables and herbs in his beautiful backyard garden. Bill and his wife, Grace have three grown children Wende, Bill, and Joy and nine grandchildren.
Bruce McNicol
Bruce is a master at helping people experience the freedom of grace through metaphors and stories, which fill the best-selling Truefaced resources he and his friends have co-authored. These include TrueFaced, The Ascent of a Leader, Behind The Mask, Beyond Your Best, The High Trust Cultures, and others.
Bruce’s degrees in finance law, theology, leadership, and organizational development help hone his gift to speak into the lives of others, which continues to draw international audiences.
As co-founder and president of Truefaced team, Bruce’s passion is to see tens of thousands of safe places like Bo’s Café growing around the world, whether they be families, businesses, schools, hospitals, churches, organizations, sports teams, military or governments.
Bruce enjoys the beach, sports, and observing cultures through history-makers, emerging leaders, mass media, and comedians. His constant interest is his wife Janet, who is a homemaker, nurse and mentor. Together, they absolutely enjoy their three children, Nicole, Chad and Ryan.
Mirian from Hchette Book Group has graciously offered me copies of this book to give away here. I can have up to 5 copies – I will give away one book per every 10 entries….
How to enter?
Leave a comment here for one entry
For 2 extra entries: Go this fun Bo’s Cafe site and let me know which link you enjoyed looking at and why: Bo’s cafe
Be a follower of this blog for another additional entry.
Open to USA and Canada addresses only. No PO box numbers. Contest will end Oct 20.
From the streets of L.A. to the shimmering skyline of Hong Kong, Harry Bosch must find his missing daughter.
Once he decided on this direction he chose a major in journalism and a minor in creative writing — a curriculum in which one of his teachers was novelist Harry Crews.
Thank you to Hachelle Book Group who has offered me four copies of this wonderful book to give away. Here is how to enter:Martha Carrier was one of the first women to be accused, tried and hanged as a witch in Salem, Massachusetts. Like her mother, young Sarah Carrier is bright and willful, openly challenging the small, brutal world in which they live.
Congratulations !!!!
Congratulations!!!!
Isn’t it true that we long to see the extraordinary, experience the extraordinary, do the extraordinary? Yet, so often we settle for mediocrity when greatness is within our grasp.
Preston Clearwater has been a criminal since stealing two chain saws and 1,600 pairs of aviator sunglasses from the army during the Second World War. Back on the road in postwar North Carolina, now a member of a car-theft ring, he picks up hitchhiking Henry Dampier, an innocent twenty-year-old Bible salesman. Clearwater immediately recognizes Henry as smart but gullible, just the associate he needs–one who will believe Clearwater is working undercover for the F.B.I.; one who will drive the cars Clearwater steals as Clearwater follows along in his own car at a safe distance. Henry joyfully sees a chance to lead a dual life as a Bible salesman and a G-man.
High-powered executive Steven Kerner is living the dream in southern California. But when his bottled pain ignites in anger one night, his wife kicks him out. Then an eccentric mystery man named Andy Monroe befriends Steven and begins unraveling his tightly wound world. Andy leads Steven through a series of frustrating and revealing encounters to repair his life through genuine friendship and the grace and love of a God who has been waiting for him to accept it. A story to challenge and encourage, BO’S CAFE is a model for all who struggle with unresolved problems and a performance-based life. Those who desire a fuller, more authentic way of living will find this journey of healing a restorative exploration of God’s unbridled grace.
John Lynch
Bill Thrall 
Bruce McNicol 
Book Journey 