Wednesday, March 25, 2015

Reader's Choice -- Any Genre

GIVEAWAY


I have to admit that this post wasn't in the plans for today. I was supposed to review A Thing of Beauty by Lisa Samson. Normally I read at least a week ahead of my reviews so that if I find something questionable or I'm just not into a certain book, I'm not committed to review it. I just move on to another title from my TBR pile. However, time got away from me, and this week I'm reading and reviewing by the seat of my pants. So, I included A Thing of Beauty in my Next Week lineup posted in Sunday's blog. However, I can't in good conscience review this book or offer it as a giveaway. Here's why:

Before reading further, please note these are my personal feelings and I do realize that other readers might have different opinions. And that's fine...but I still have to be true to myself and my personal standards. So, why am I not reviewing A Thing of Beauty?

Questionable language. Which is surprising since it is published by Thomas Nelson and the author has even won a Christy Award for another book. Lisa Samson is a new-to-me author but I felt confidant, given those credentials, that this book would be a good fit for me. I was wrong.

The use of a crude (though not swearing) word a couple of times in the first few pages put my guard up. I got that the heroine was flawed and wounded and the author was bringing me into her gritty world. Fine, point made, let's get on to the story. But then I stumbled upon a different questionable word and began to have second thoughts about continuing. When I came upon blasphemy I closed the book. Fast. Fumed a bit. Picked it up again and skimmed through the rest of the book. In just a few seconds of flipping the pages, my eyes landed on more questionable words, including a terribly crude and vulgar phrase.

Disappointment doesn't begin to describe how I feel. Betrayed might be a better term. This might be the redemption story to end all redemption stories, but I just can't read it. Does that make me shallow? Narrow-minded? Naïve? I don't think so.

For me it comes down to Philippians 4:8 : Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

I may be in the world, but I'm striving not to be of it.

So...today's giveaway is your choice. Must be Christian Fiction. Must be a 2015 release date -- anywhere from January - April 2015. Leave a comment mentioning the title you want to win and if your name is picked, that's the book that will be shipped to you.

I HAVE SHARED MY TBR LISTS BY GENRE IN THE COMMENT SECTION IN CASE YOU'RE NOT SURE ABOUT WHAT WAS PUBLISHED BETWEEN JAN AND APRIL THIS YEAR.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of a new release (Jan - April 2015) Christian Fiction title, please leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you post a comment and add your email address, please use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in the address to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email please remember to put the title in the subject line so that it's easy for me to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday March 29 2015. Offer open to international readers. Good luck!

95 comments:

  1. Ah, Kav, I am so sorry.
    I understand that Lisa personally went through some diffucult parts on her path of life and it could change her - let´s call it "perception" or what.
    This is just for the explanation, in no way I am fighting your opinion.
    I read "The Passion of Mary-Margaret" by Lisa and I can recommend it. It was written a few years ago, what could be the explanation :)
    Hugs!

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    1. Thanks for that recommendation, Janka. I might just give that book a try. I'm still reeling from the profuse profanity in this one though. It's way more than I've seen anywhere else in Christian fiction and from a giant of a Christian publisher. And in reading other reviews this morning it appears there isn't even an inspirational thread in the story either. Makes me really worried for the genre I love so much.

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    2. Oh -- and you forgot to say what book you'd like to win if your name is drawn.

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    3. I would love to win "Dauntless" by Dina Sleiman :)

      I myself see that Thomas Nelson has some questionable choices/things in their books - probably could be good to contact them and address the issue? I will try to read the book and contact them if unsatisfied myself.

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    4. I was thinking about that too, Janka. Even if they created some way to brand the edgier stuff so innocent buyers were aware before they made a purchase. I might write and suggest that to them. And good luck with the draw. Dauntless is a great choice.

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  2. I totally agree with you! I hate when a book has language in it and it's even worse when it is supposed to be a Christian book. I actually accidentally received a copy of this book and I wasn't very interested to begin with. But when my sister told me that there was language in it it quickly went into the get rid of pile. I admire you for sticking by your convictions and for tactfully sharing your opinion! Keep up the good work!
    Sadly almost all of the books that I really want released in December. But after some searching I realized that I'd missed my chance to get The Wood's Edge by Lori Benton for review so that's my choice!
    gatorade635(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. Thanks for the support, Abbi. Hmmmm...I didn't think it would be hard to pick a new release out of four months. Maybe I need to change the date? But you picked a good one. Wait...I just looked at my TBR list...there's over 40 and I haven't even hit April yet. Maybe I should post them so people can pick? Anyway, good luck, Abbi.

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    2. It wasn't that there weren't books it's just that I've received pretty much all the ones I wanted through review programs!

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  3. Good Morning Kav,

    (I think Google ate my original comment, so I am writing a new one.)

    Thank you for standing by your convictions.

    I also wish to please my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and will not read or watch anything that doesn't fit His standards.

    Thank you, too, for the chance to win a book. I would like to read Betting on Hope by Debra Clopton.

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    1. And that's exactly why Christian Fiction is so important to me! But it seems more publishers are going 'mainstream'...I guess for the profit? Betting on Hope is a great choice, Tammy. Good luck.

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    2. Oops, I forgot to leave my email: dandtdearing {at} earthlink {dot} net.

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  4. Glad I'm not alone in this. And yes, Lori Benton is an awesome author. Good luck, Kate.

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  5. Thank you for giving the heads-up on the questionable language in Thing of Beauty. I absolutely cringe when I am reading a book that I think is going to be clean and come across things that aren't clean. How disappointing.

    I would love to read Dina Sleiman's newest book, Dauntless. Thanks for the giveaway! momrain(AT)aol(DOT)com

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    1. And I think what got me about this book was that there was so much of it. No sneaking in just a couple of words. It's pretty blatant in my opinion. Great book choice. Good luck, Loraine.

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  6. Here's some suggestions for Suspense:

    Double Cross – Mills
    Taken – Henderson
    Buried Secrets – Hannon
    Then Sings My Soul – Sorrells
    Vines of Entanglement – Carter
    Hidden Agenda – Harris
    Sabotaged – Pettrey
    Deadly Echoes - Mehl

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  7. Some Amish suggestions:

    The Beekeeper's Son - Irvin
    A Woodland Miracle - Reid
    Love's Abundant Harvest - Shriver
    Keys of Heaven - Senft
    One True Path - Cameron
    The Amish Cradle - novellas
    The Amish Clockmaker - Starns, Meissener
    The Matchmaker - Price
    Anna's Crossing – Fisher
    The Love Letters – Lewis
    A Faith of Her Own - Fuller

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  8. Some Contemporary ideas:

    At Home in Last Chance - Armstrong
    Pieces of Granite - Anderson
    Always On My Mind
    Paper Hearts - Walsh
    The Dandelion Field - Springer
    Betting on Hope - Clopton
    How to Catch a Prince - Hauck
    Heaven Help Heidi - John
    Spring Brides - novellas
    By Your Side - Calvert
    Hand me Down Husband - Hoffman
    Unlocked - Kingsbury
    Jaded - Deriman
    Together With You - Bylin
    Finding Me - Cushman
    From the Start - Tagg
    An Inn at Ocean's Edge - Coble
    Summer by Summer - Burch

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  9. And some historical suggestions:

    Beyond All Dreams - Camden
    Brentwood Hall - Griep
    Hope Reborn - MacAdoo
    Gabriel's Atonement - McDonough
    Caught in the Middle - Jennings
    Homestead Brides Collection - novellas
    The Last Heiress - Ellis
    Meek and Mild - Newport
    Remember the Lilies - Tolsma
    An Uncertain Choice - Hedlund
    After a Fashion - Turano
    Outlaw Takes a Bride - Davis
    Dauntless - Sleiman
    Daughter of the Regiment - Whitson
    Spy of Richmond - Green
    Mist of Midnight - Byrd
    The Creole Princess - White
    Oregon Trail Romance - novellas
    Until the Harvest - Loudin
    Sparrow in Terezin - Cambron
    A Stranger's Secret - Eakes
    Sable Hill – Gray

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  10. Kav, I totally agree with you....how disappointing to find that language in a book like that! I love to read Christian fiction, and there are so many out there I could choose...but will say When Grace Sings by Kim Vogel Sawyer. Kim's writing never disappoints me!
    jacsmi75 at gmail dot com

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    1. I'm so grateful we have such good books to choose from. And how did I miss When Grace Sings? It's not on any of my lists! Thanks for the heads up...and good luck. Jackie.

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  11. Thanks for the heads-up. I can understand wanting to write a story that's gritty and real, that will reach unbelievers too - but there is definitely a line, and cursing is one of those things that can easily be described without being used. Thanks so much for always being real in your opinion - I know I can trust your reviews.

    If I remember correctly, Like a Flower in Bloom by Siri Mitchell was from January - I'd still love a copy of that one!

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    1. Oh, and my email is rachaeldalquist AT yahoo DOT com (got all distracted writing and hit send a moment too early)

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    2. That's a great point, Rachael -- an author can portray that gritty angst without resorting to use profanity. And Samson does manage to do that in between the questionable words that, for me, actually distracted from the story. Like a Flower in Bloom is a great choice too. Good luck.

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  12. I certainly agree, Kav, that Christian publishers need to maintain a higher standard. The book I'd LOVE to win right now is Jocelyn Green's Spy of Richmond. Love her books!

    ckbarker at gmail dot com

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    1. Yes, otherwise what sets them apart from other publishers? Good luck, Cheryl. I haven't read any of Jocelyn Green's books yet. Must rectify that. Good luck.

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  13. I want to read Tracie Peterson's new book, Steadfast Heart!

    kleehar[at]gmail[dot]com

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  14. I admire your courage to not only take a stand but share your thoughts with everyone.

    I'd love Gabriel's Atonement by Vickie McDonough!

    colorvibrant at gmail dot com

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  15. Thank you for your honesty. I'm glad you stuck by your convictions. I have been disappointed that some books published by major Christian publishers have hardly any spiritual content or run towards edgy in the romance department. I wonder if they're trying to get more readership or what their reason is but I just find it disappointing. Anyway, thanks for offering another giveaway instead! I'd love A Love Like Ours by Becky Wade (releasing April 28 on Amazon). Thank you!
    garfsgirl AT hotmail DOT com

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    1. oops, I just saw that the paperback copy of Becky Wade's book isn't released until May. So, if that doesn't count, my wish is for Beyond All Dreams by Elizabeth Camden. Thanks again!

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    2. I agree, so frustrating. Some publishers seem to be trying to reinvent themselves to appeal to a broader market. Unfortunately they are going to lose a lot of loyal readers in the process and I doubt they'll be any better off. Good luck on the draw, Lis.

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  16. Sorry for the disappointing read. I think we've all been there in one way or another....

    I would love
    Anna's Crossing: An Amish Beginnings by Suzanne Woods Fisher

    Hugs, Diane
    dianemestrella at gmail dot com

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    1. Anna's Crossing was sooooo good. Great choice, Diane. Good luck!

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  17. BUMMER! I'm SO sorry Kav! I hate it when this happens, and sadly I know just how you feel! I am happy to learn though that I'm not the only one that closes the book fast and fumes! :) And I am SO happy I didn't get a copy of this! Thank you for sharing!

    There are a handful I would like to win and wouldn't mind being surprised if I do win! ;)
    Daughter of the Regiment by Stephanie Grace Whitson

    Dauntless by Dina Sleiman

    Sweet Surprise Romance Collection by Wanda Brunstetter, Kristin Billerbeck, Kristy Dyke

    Many Blessings and I hope your next books are wonderful!

    Amada (amada_chavezATyahooDOTcom)

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  18. Yay -- a kindred spirit -- and just like a kid in a candy store you had trouble picking just one, didn't you, Amada? LOL Good luck.

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    1. Of course I did! LOL! I LOVE your winner's choice giveaways, but I can NEVER choose just one! ;)
      I greatly admire those above and below who can restrain themselves! :) Plus there's also the surprise factor if I do win! :D Then you have to choose! HAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!! I guess I could eeny, meeny, miny, moe it if I had to! :)

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  19. ((hugs))

    I know these kinds of posts are hard to write, but I'm grateful for it! I know not to put this one on my list now. I'm super disappointed in Thomas Nelson for publishing it. When I read other genres, I'm typically on alert(unless I KNOW it's clean). It shouldn't be that way with Christian fiction!

    Thank you for taking a stand, and I hope publishers take it to heart! :)

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    1. And I'm thinking Thomas Nelson is doing this more and more. I looked through their book lists and there's a few that I had issues with and won't buy those authors now. Thanks for the cyber hugs!

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  20. Good for you, Kav! That is why I gave up secular fiction, and I sure don't want to read it in supposed Christian fiction. I'm afraid this is becoming a new trend, and we as Christian readers and reviewers are going to have to stand firm in our beliefs before it will stop.

    I am still itching to read The Promise of Palm Grove by Shelley Shepard Gray! I'm so enamored with the cover! ;) Thx for the opportunity to win it!

    dianalflowers(at)aol(dot)com

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    1. P.S. I wanted to add that an alarming number of reviews on Amazon are very low bc of the bad language. I'm glad people are showing these publishers that this is not what we want to read!!

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    2. I hadn't checked Amazon, but I did check Christian Book and there were a number of one star reviews for this book. I'm debating posting reviews there since I only read about thirty pages of the book. Anyway, so happy to hear that others feel the way I do. Good luck, Diana, great choice.

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  21. Thank you for your honest comments, Kav. I've read other books by Lisa Samson, and liked them. The description of A Thing of Beauty sounds like it would be good. It's disappointing to find out the language is less than beautiful! However, it's good to know that now so I don't have to waste my time (or money) on it. I have enough books on my "want to read" list that I don't need one that is questionable.
    A book I'd love to win is Always on My Mind by Susan May Warren. I really enjoy that series.
    pmkellogg56[at]gmail[dot]com

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    1. Thank goodness we have loads of other wonderful and appropriate books we can choose from. Good luck, Pam.

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  22. I admire your courage to take this stand publicly Kav. May God bless you for doing this. If we as Christians start to compromise, how should the world see Jesus. Shouldn't they be able to see Him through us, our words and our deeds should be a reflection of Christ. You are sending out a beautiful message ... with Christ you will stand and all that brings glory to His name. Hope you have a blessed Easter!!

    I'd love to win "Taken" by Dee Henderson

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    1. Thanks so much, Becky. And you're so right -- compromising for all the wrong reasons isn't going to reflect Jesus in the right light. Great choice -- I'm anxious to read Taken as well. Good luck.

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  23. If I were charted by how long it took me to respond after finding your wonderful post as always ~ I would be left in the dust. I have been looking up all of these wonderful reads.... Like potato chips, "...can't choose just one," as the famous logo says.
    Hmm... even sticking with Historical Fictions which I love, how will I decide??

    Okay, I will pick The Oregon Trail Collection because I love the ruffled edges on those books!! :D

    Blessings to you, Kav, and it is always fun to come to your blog. I agree. I turned down reviewing a DVD after watching it yesterday.

    Kathleen ~ Lane Hill House lanehillhouse[at]centurylink[dot]net

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    1. LOL -- I know those lists are rather daunting, aren't they? And that's just four months of the books I know about! I don't know what I'd do if I couldn't read. Good luck, Kathleen.

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    2. So appreciative of you and all you do, Kav. Thank you. Kathleen ~ Lane Hill House

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  24. Kav - Been having computer problems (in the shop) so decided to look your blog up on my tablet, which I'd never done before. I'm so glad I did. I'm with everyone else; I applaud you for taking a stand against Christian fiction that does not live up to our Christian beliefs, which you stated so eloquently in your comment. I trust your opinion & reviews implicitly. Isn't Thomas Nelson affiliated with Zondervan Publishing? If so, I'm downright shocked they would be publishing this kind of book(s). I'm so glad we have you to critique all the books and give us an honest opinion. I would love to have TAKEN by Dee Henderson. I've got it on my Amazon wish list...just haven't been able to order it yet since I'm without a computer. Please use lbucher1 AT comcast DOT net. Not able to use my Gmail addresses as I think they might have been hacked, and haven't been able to do anything about it since my PC is out of commission. Thanks. Lynn

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    1. Oh, Lynn -- aren't computer woes soooo frustrating? Hope your computer gets healthy really soon. And yes, Thomas Nelson is a leading publisher in the Christian Industry -- their tag line is: "We Inspire the World." I'd just like it if they marked these books so wary consumers wouldn't be shocked and out of pocket. Taken is a great choice. Love Dee Henderson. Good luck.

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  25. I have heard controversy over this book. It sounds like it is best for me to pass.
    Thanks for your honesty.
    I am really wanting to read A Faith of Her Own by Kathleen Fuller.
    campbellamyd at gmail dot com

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    1. Thanks, Amy. A Faith of Her Own is one I really want to get my hands on too. I haven't read a book by Kathleen Fuller in a while. Good luck.

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  26. I will pick an Amish book, The Love Letters, by Lewis.
    I would not finish a book that had a lot of bad language in it either. It is disappointing to start a book and then find it is not what you are expecting.
    pbclark(at)netins(dot)net

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    1. And the really sad thing is those words stay in the forefront of your mind for quite a while afterwards. Good luck on the draw, rubynreba. The Love Letters has captured my attention as well.

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  27. Kav, I admire you for the stand you took. I, like you, do not appreciate crude, vulgar or obscene language in books. Thank you very much for the great job you do and the books you present to us.

    I am going with The Dandeloin Field by Kathryn Springer. Thank you for this great giveaway!

    mauback55 at gmail dot com

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    1. We seem to be in the majority so maybe our voices will be heard. The Dandelion Field it is if you win. Good luck, Melanie.

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  28. Kav, I have the utmost respect for you as a reviewer and am so glad you made that decision. The only Lisa Samson book I've read is one of her earlier ones, The Church Ladies, and it was wonderful, one of my very favorites. She writes in the more literary style that I like, but something must have happened over the years. I did read somewhere last year that she made the decision not to write any more. Not sure if she meant Christian fiction or fiction in general, but I think it was because of complaints she had received. I've also heard that Thomas Nelson has taken some heat because of books with questionable content that they've published. I guess it will all come down to sales, so maybe money is the bottom line. Very disappointed to see the lowering of standards, though.

    My choice would be A Woodland Miracle by Ruth Reid. I loved the previous book in this series, so different from typical Amish fiction. Thanks, Kav!

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    1. Thank you for your confidence, Carole. There seems to be lots of layers to this issue, doesn't there? And yes, the Ruth Reid book intrigues me too. Good luck.

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  29. I hope I'm not doing this twice but my earlier comment disappeared! Anyway, I would like to choose "Spy of Richmond" by Jocelyn Green if I win the drawing.

    I quite agree with your statement about the other book, just so sad to see this happen. So senseless, too. As far as Thomas Nelson is concerned, I had a similar thing happen to me not long ago with one of their books & I refused to finish it as well. So perhaps this is one of the reasons they have gone out of business?? Perhaps a few too many compromises of principles they worked hard for many years to build up & audiences have come to expect, only to be disappointed now.

    Thanks again for this chance to win a book of our own choice! My e-mail is lauradrumb at att dot net

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    1. I didn't know they were going out of business...I know they are a division of HarperCollins now. Wonder if that has anything to do with the lapse in standards? Sorry that your first comment disappeared, Laura. Blogger seems to do that occasionally. So frustrating. Good luck on the draw.

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  30. Thank you for taking a stance on this! I will pass on this book with no affront to Lisa Sampson or Thomas Nelson. I just so appreciate your insight and willingness to give us your honest opinion. Nancy Mehl is my choice. cregnier(at)twinvalley(dot)net

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    1. Thanks so much, Cindy. And yes, Deadly Echoes by Nancy Mehl is an excellent choice. Good luck.

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  31. Thank you for your honest opinion. Sometimes I question if every book is a 5 star..from the different blogs I've read. It's like R movies. ... yrs ago I was convicted to not see them. Didn't mean everyone else couldn't. ..between me and God.

    missionwife at hotmail com

    Caught in the Middle!

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    1. That's a good point of view, Melody. "between me and God'. And yes, Caught in the Middle has escaped me so far and I don't know how. Good luck!

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  32. Any book you choose will be fine with me since I will be putting it in the church library. I know what you mean. I put a book in the library as a Memorial for a lady who had died. I should have read the book first. I wrote a note to her family and apologized and told them why I couldn't put that book in the library.
    Janet E.
    von1janet(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. Oh, that must have been a difficult situation. Good luck, Janet.

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  33. And Kav, that's exactly why your readers trust you and why you are my go-to reviewer. Has anyone told you lately that YOU ROCK?!!!! YOU DO!!! I thought there were not so many books I wanted, but reading through your list of suspense I realized I missed Taken...that's by Dee Henderson, right? Please continue to stick to your convictions. Thanks for the opportunity to win.
    Marianne
    mitziUNDRSCOREwanhamATyahooDOTcom

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    1. Thanks, Marianne. And yes, Taken is by Dee Henderson and about to release...not out there just yet. Good luck.

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  34. I will not read that kind of book either. I asked to be released from reviewing a book because it wasn't believable. I would like to read The Wood's Edge by Lori Benton
    dkstevensneAToutlookDoT CoM

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    1. It seems we are all coming upon this problem now and again, aren't we? Love Lori Benton. Good luck, Deanna.

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  35. I wholeheartedly agree with you Kav, and thank you for letting the readers know about the language in this book. I feel the same way and this happens in movies, songs, etc., I turn them off. There are ways of getting the point across without using that language, or at least give a rating. Are we going to have to start rating ALL books like we do movies?

    I think I would like "The Beekeeper's Son", for some reason that book keeps calling my name!

    wfnren at aol dot com

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    1. Wendy, I was thinking just that -- we.ll need movie ratings for out Christian books soon. Good luck!

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  36. I see that at least one other person mentioned my choice, and that would be The Wood's Edge by Lori Benton. Her first novel Burning Sky was one of my favorites in the past few years!

    pattymh2000(at)yahoo(dot)com

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    1. A number of people have mentioned The Wood's Edge, Patty. I think it might just be the most requested one...here anyway. Good luck.

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  37. Thanks for this option, Kav. I would like to request An Uncertain Choice by Jody Hedlund. I agree with you about bad language in books. It is not glorifying to God, so why is it in a Christian fiction book? Frustrating
    Brittany McEuen
    kbmceuen at yahoo dot com

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    1. Brittany, I like the way you phrased that -- if it's not glorifying to God why is it in Christian fiction? That's a great way to sum it up! I'm looking forward to that Jody Hedlund book as well. Good luck.

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  38. Thank you so much for the option this week!
    If I win, I'll like Dauntless by Sleiman.
    Thanks,
    Deborah

    rosebudsinjune at gmail dot com

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    1. Another Dauntless - definitely a popular choice. Good luck, Deborah.

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  39. I totally understand why you stopped reading. I once committed to review a book that was supposed to be clean, but there was a lot of language and innuendo. I was very deceived. I read through the whole book because I felt bad not to review it, but if it happens again, it think I would put the book don't and not pick it up again.
    There are so many other books that are clean and beautifully written that we shouldn't lose our time reading books that aren't for us :)

    If I win I would love Where Trust Lies by Janette Oke ^_^
    samanthabis23 at gmail dot com

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    1. That's a tough call, when you've committed to review a book, for sure. I'm become more selective about the review books I choose because of that. I still haven't read Janette Oke yet. Good luck, Samantha.

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  40. I am saddened and disappointed to hear of the use of bad language in Christian fiction! Thank you for sharing your thoughts, Kav, and standing firm. I would love a copy of The Wood's Edge by Lori Benton.

    texaggs2000 at gmail dot com

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    1. You're welcome, Britney. And here's another Lori Benton. Yep, she'd definitely the most popular choice this week. Good luck!

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  41. Hi Kav. I like that you gave us your opinion on this book and I too wonder why Thomas Nelson would put it in this category. I can remember for years I read books and had to skip over paragraphs of bad language or sex descriptions. Some would have good stories, but seemed all tho't they had to add these unnecessary language and graphics. Much like all of the TV channels are now. Nothing seems to be forbidden. They embarress me. There are so many books on your list I want really bad, but guess I will go with Love Letters by Beverly Lewis. You see she was the one who introduced me to the Amish books. I have a lot of her books I received from my kids on birthday and Christmas, but don't have most of the newest.
    I am really wanting to read Lori's new book tho and Suzanne's. Oh, and I want to thank you for the list. I don't always remember just when they get released. Hoping to win and this one can also be a birthday gift. I will turn 80 on April 7th. So please put my name in. Maxie > mac262(at)me(dot)com <

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    1. I so agree, Maxie. And happy birthday!!!!!!!! That's a milestone one. I love Beverly Lewis too. Good luck!

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  42. I totally understand your predicament. Seen more and more of that coming through the Christian fiction recently. Makes me thankful for the authors who can publish a book, make it interesting, and still keep it clean. I for one would like to read Mist of Midnight by Sandra Byrd. I love her novels and this one looks quite different. Thanks!!

    esterried[at]yahoo[dot]com

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    1. Exactly, Charity. We need to support the wonderful authors who deliver a riveting tale without stooping to profanity or questionable scenes in order to do so. I haven't read any of Sandra Byrd's books yet but sounds like I need to. Good luck.

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  43. Thanks for your honesty Kav. I too have certain reading standards for books that are marketed as Christian by a Christian publisher. I am sure there is a difference between edgy and crossing the line for sure. But I will say I will always get the author another chance in the future.
    I would choose The Beekeepers Son by Kelly Irvin. I love the theme of the book. God looks at the inside of us all.
    marypopmom (at) yahoo (dot) com

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    1. I agree, there's definitely a HUGE difference between edgy and crossing the line. Good luck, Maryann. I'm about to read The Beekeeper's Son soon myself. I'll definitely let you know what I think.

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  44. I have to agree with you, Kav!
    Even though I read some secular fiction as well as Christian fiction, lately my standards have changed and questionable language, as well as other things that are normal in secular fiction, have begun to bother me a lot more. I find that they make me not like the book and unable to finish it, even if I started the book knowing it is not Christian fiction.
    So to have it be like that in Christian fiction..that's a shock!
    It's not hard at all to make known that the character is frustrated without using actual questionable words. It's possible to just say that they were used, not actual say the words. I can see an author mentioning blasphemy, but not actually using it! It would make me close the book as well!

    And the giveaway, I would really love to win the book Dauntless by Dina Sleiman, it looks like it could become a favorite! :)

    lieniitte(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. Profanity definitely makes more of an impact in a Christian fiction. Instead of making the scene more 'realistic' (which seems to be the main reason authors say they use it), it's just shocking because it's so unexpected. It pulls the reader out of the story, instead of drawing the reader in.

      Dauntless has been pretty popular this time round. It's a great twist on typical historical novels for sure. Good luck.

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  45. Hi Kav, I'm not sure if it's too late for the drawing, but I want to add my verbal support for the stand you have taken. The verse you quoted (Phil 4:8) is the basis of my daily life, and I completely agree with your reasoning. I don't mind "edgy" topics, but I don't need the full description or the vulgar language. I definitely draw the line at any form of God's name used irreverently.

    I will share an experience that I believe was God-led. I received a book from a secular author, who generally writes "clean" novels. I don't normally read those, as I prefer more spiritual themes as a part of the novel. I wanted to read the book, because I was interested in the storyline, which was out of the ordinary. There was nothing objectionable until about 3/4 of the way through the book, the name of Jesus Christ was use as an expletive. I was shocked.

    I did finished reading the book. There were no other words like that. Then, I wrapped the book and sent it back to the author. I contacted her and explained my disappointment. We had a great discussion. I explained why it was not acceptable to use Jesus' name that way. We talked about the 10 commandments. She said she thought she could definitely write without using the Lord's name in a blasphemous way. I haven't read any more of her books to see if she made that change, but I believe I did what God led me to do.

    Keep up the great work. I love your reviews. If, by chance, it's not too late to enter the giveaway, I would be thrilled to receive Lori Benton's The Wood's Edge. Thank you so much for your generosity. Blessings...
    may_dayzee [at] yahoo [dot] com

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    1. Definitely not too late for the draw, Kay. I pick the winners Sunday morning so technically, you could enter into the wee hours of the morning. LOL.

      Thanks for sharing your story. And that was a hard thing to do. Definitely God-led since it opened a discussion. How unfortunate that it was just that one time occurrence the story, though. Definitely shows how unnecessary that would be. Like you, I'm particularly intolerant of blasphemy. It's a definite shut the book and don't look twice situation for me too.

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  46. Bad language jars my reading experience. Always appreciate your reviews.

    Jaded by Varina Denman

    sweetdarknectar at gmail dot com

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  47. Here is a wee hour lady! :) You are so awesome, my friend. I appreciate your godly character and your gracious attitude. Thank you for sharing from your heart. I depend on your honest reviews when choosing uplifting books. Hmm, a book I would enjoy with my daughters is After a Fashion by Jen Turano. :)
    worthy2bpraised at gmail dot com

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