The Pearls of the Stone Man, Edward J. Mooney – Giveaway
The Pearls of the Stone Man is an inspirational novel with plot elements that touch both older and younger generations. Main characters Joseph and Anne Marino are rare. They’re still in love after 53 years of marriage and with little time left, Joseph’s priority becomes finishing the stone wall that Anne requested years ago – a special reminder from her childhood.
Needing the help of someone younger, Joseph turns to his son, estranged for five years, in hopes of rebuilding a severed relationship as well as the wall. Two teenagers also come to Joseph’s aide, and he to theirs, as they all work to finish Joseph’s promise to Anne.
The Pearls of the Stone Man was written in the town in which the book is set: Pine Mountain, California. The settings in the novel are real locations and Edward takes groups of readers there regularly.
Edward filmed 5 short video vignettes highlighting the real settings of The Pearls of the Stone Man. Check them out at: http://www.edwardmooney.com/pearls-author-visit.htm or,
THE GIVEAWAY...Thanks to SourceBooks, I'm giving away 3 copies of The Pearls of the Stone Man. Simply leave a comment, become a subscriber, tweet (add '@farrah1230 #tbfr') and/or share this giveaway. The giveaway ends June 30th.
Rain Dance, Joy DeKok – Author Guest Post
Jonica is infertile. Stacie chooses an abortion. One is prolife the other prochoice. Both are suddenly alone in misunderstanding, facing hypocrisies in their belief systems, and grieving – one the death of a dream and the other the death of her child. As their hearts break where in the world will they find healing and grace? Can shattered dreams be part of the plan?
AUTHOR GUEST POST...Viral
There’s some bad junk out there this year – contagious stuff and I don’t mean the flu. In spite of the economic crisis, people are still shopping for gifts, bargains, decorations, and their favorite foods.
And, they are cranky.
I realize as they hand their credit cards to the cashier visions of payments are dancing through their heads and they’re wishing a jolly man in a sleigh with eight tiny reindeer was in charge of their lists.
Then, there are the parking lots – look out for runaway carts shoved your way by frazzled shoppers. Be aware there are the drivers who want your spot long before you’ve backed out of it. They are willing to rev their engines to let you know they’re waiting and a few are bold enough to toot their horns just in case you didn’t see the grill of their SUV rolling closer and closer.
Since I do most of my shopping online and am profusely thankful for my UPS and Fed Ex guys, I have the privilege of sitting on the shopping sidelines and letting my senses take in the chaos that seems to be Christmas these days.
I’ve seen more angry mothers, crying children, and arguing couples than other years. Clerks are weary from the burdens of complaints – really people – they didn’t manufacture the product, order it, price it, or decide you should buy it.
I entered the local mall the other day and within minutes I felt the symptoms nagging me. The coffee I just had to have tasted a little on the strong side. The hardcover book I’d wanted so much sure didn’t have very many pictures in it for what I’d paid. (Seconds before I was totally immersed in the writing and couldn’t have cared less about the photos!) The symphony of languages and voices I usually find fascinating grated on my nerves. My head started to ache and I was warm enough I wondered if I had a fever.
As I stuffed my book into my bag, I decided I wasn’t up to facing the parking lot just then so I sat back down to finish my actually quite good cup of coffee. Instead of reading I decided to observe my surroundings. Someone at the popcorn shop had burned a batch. Tired children whined and cross mothers scolded in various languages. Teens in Goth apparel walked silently by as if the noise jarred them as well. Holiday music played in the background, but was drowned out by the constant buzz of discontent.
I felt the negativity rise to nearly suffocating levels. An irate customer returned a more than half-eaten sandwich that was too cold to eat. A little boy threw himself on the floor in a fit of something and I was tempted to join him.
At one table a heated discussion about Sarah Palin rose above the din and at another someone critiqued President Obama and George Bush. A different group discussed the idiots who watch FOX News (I’m a FOX watcher, but declined to engage the already enraged speaker!).
Just when I thought I might be plowed completely under by the anger and negativity, something happened. A little boy raced by his dad in hot pursuit and both of them were laughing. Out loud. I felt a grin pull across my face at their play and watched amazed as their little tiny bit of joy caught the attention of this little corner of the food court. Arguments paused and stressed faces eased into smiles.
I prayed the father son team would pass by again. Instead an older couple did. Holding hands and smiling at each other like no one else existed. They talked loudly so their hearing aids could pick up each other’s voices. They could hardly wait to get home and get the presents for the great-grandkids wrapped. A young woman on a cell phone announced to whoever was on the other end, “He’ll be home from Iraq in a few days!” I was so happy for her I nearly gave her a standing ovation. A young couple with purple hair and pierced faces walked by totally immersed in each other and although I smiled at the intensity of their young love I confess I did wonder if they ever hurt each other kissing – there was enough to metal on their lips a permanent lip lock was a real possibility. Even that thought wasn’t negative – only curious. Then, a young mother gathered her little ones around a table, cut up their sandwiches and divided out French fries. She sipped on some water and gazed lovingly on her brood. I wondered if she was dieting (she didn’t need to) or if she didn’t have enough to buy food for herself. It didn’t matter to her – she was where she wanted to be. The crème de la crème was a kid with catsup all over his face grinning and saying “hi” to everyone. He was eager to give away the priceless gift of his tomato-y smile.
These positive moments filled me with courage – maybe I could brave the parking lot now. As I left the building a teenager held the door for me and a driver waited for me to pass in front of them in the crosswalk. In a very few seconds I’d been able to thank two people for their kindness.
Yes there are a lot of things going around these days. I caught some of the good stuff the other day and am determined to go viral with it! Imagine an epidemic of genuine Christmas joy spreading peace and goodwill to all. A little Tiny Tim-ish I know – but why not? It worked on that Scrooge – it might rescue a few of us so easily dragged into the abyss of discontent. I can hardly wait to sneeze some kindness on somebody. Guess I’ll have to tackle the mall again.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR...Joy DeKok and her husband, Jon, live in Minnesota on thirty-five acres of woods and fields. Joy has been writing most of her life and as a popular speaker shares her heart and passion for God with women. In addition to writing novels, she has also published a devotional and several children’s books.
Visit Joy online at: www.joydekok.comwww.raindancebook.com,www.believe4kids.com and www.gettingitwrite.net.
Texas Dreams 1: Paper Roses…4.27.09
"Leaving the past behind in Philadelphia, mail-order bride Sarah Dobbs arrives in San Antonio ready to greet her groom - a man she has never met but whose letters, her paper roses, have won her heart from afar. But there is a problem - Austin Canfield is dead, and Sarah cannot go back East.
As Sarah tries to reconcile herself to a future that is drastically changed, Austin's brother Clay wants nothing more than to shake the Texas dust from his boots, but first he must find his brother's killer. And then there's Sarah.
Something is blooming out in the vast Texas landscape that neither Clay nor Sarah is ready to admit, and the promise of redemption blows like a gentle breeze through the prairie grasses." - from the book back
Visit the Amanda Calbot at her author site.
FROM THE BOOK FAERY REVIEWS...If you're looking for inspiration, love, a need to forgive, and/or a need to ask for forgiveness, this is a great book for you. Calbot will have you reminded that God has a purpose for everything no matter the situation and that with faith in him you'll make it through. "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." (Philippians 3:14) As I've said before, I believe books come across our paths at different times of our life to remind or soothe of something we are in need of. Reading this novel reminded me of that day 7 years ago when I gave my life to Christ. I was reminded of the wonderful and light feeling I had knowing that God loved me so much that He sent His son to die on the cross for my sins. Thank you Amanda, for the opportunity to read and review your novel AND for the reminder I so needed. I look forward to your next two books that will come out in the future to complete this trilogy.
A Lady of High Regard
FROM THE AUTHOR'S WEBSITE..."A Lady of High Regard features Mia Stanley, a winsome socialite with a knack for matchmaking. Despite her wealthy upbringing, Miss Stanley works for Godey's Lady's Book magazine, much to the disdain of her family. When Mia insists on researching the downtrodden seamen's wives on the docks of Philadelphia, she uncovers a scheme that puts her own life in danger. But her heart ends up on the line as well. Has her determination to always make a match driven away the one man whose esteem she covets?
FROM THE BOOK FAERY REVIEWS...I thought this was another good inspiration novel about determination to help others in need. Reminded me that as a community we should be doing more for others while being sensitive to the differences in life. I also enjoyed the main character, Mia, and her headstrong mind, her desires to help others, and for being more than what society is accustomed to in women.
Sunday Salon…I’m Behind!!
Oh dear...I'm behind...I have not posted a Sunday Salon in 2 weeks...I'm STILL "reading" the same 3 books that was posted 3 Sunday's ago...Blue Diary by Alice Hoffman, Turbulent Seas by Christine Feehan, and Lady of High Regard by Traci Peterson. So today, since I am SICK (eee) and I have Tuesday posts up for my other site at www.wifeandmomof3.net posted and placed an update here, I'm sitting either on the couch or in bed today and READING!!! I have less than 100 pages left of Blue Diary and then I want to dig into Lady of High Regard. I WILL get these done before the coming Sunday and have reviews completed on at least Blue Diary. I want to start on some new books!! I WILL, I WILL, I WILL!!
Revealed…Book 2 of Fountain Creek Chronicles
FROM THE AUTHOR'S WEBSITE..."Words, once spoken, Can mend a broken life...or cripple it. But words left unspoken can haunt the soul, inflicting a far deeper wound. Annabelle Grayson has been given a second chance at life, but she can't claim it with the cloud of her past hanging over her in Willow Springs. After her husband dies, she advertises for a trail guide to accompany her to land waiting for her in Idaho - and a most unlikely candidate applies for the job. Matthew Taylor is a man on the run, with consequences of past mistakes pursuing him at every turn. Meeting Annabelle Grayson the first time was unpleasant enough, but when she crosses his path again, her presence in his life - and what she reveals - is devastating. If given a single wish, Matthew would turn back time and right a grievous wrong. If given a second wish, he would make Annabelle Grayson pay.
FROM THE BOOK FAERY REVIEWS...The 2nd book in the trilogy was another eye-opener on the topic of judgement. It's a reminder that people can and do change from who they were in the past. For those of us who've known someone or who've tried to better their own life, you just have to have faith in them to help them succeed in their transformation as well. I know of many (including myself) who have made wrong choices and done things they/we are ashamed of but who try and struggle to better themself. We have to learn to give people a chance and look deep from within. Alexander's book was a quick and easy read but I still have to say her first in the trilogy Rekindled (the review is located within my blog too) was my favorite.
A Lady of Hidden Talent
FROM THE AUTHOR'S WEBSITE..."When her father is falsely imprisoned for slave trading, Catherine Newbury finds her English world turned upside down. Whisked away with trusted servants to America, she is forced to disguise her past and create a completely new life. Taking on a servant's last name, Catherine becomes an accomplished seamstress whose dress designs are sought throughout Philadelphia. Carter Danby, an architect who was touring England, met Catherine at a party in her English home the very night she was forced to flee. Five years later they meet again when his sister and mother come for a design consultation. Carter is sure he's met the dark-haired beauty before, but can't quite place her…. Drawn to Catherine, yet realizing she is hiding a painful past, Carter longs to create a future together with her. Catherine desires above all else to see her father set free—even at the cost of her own dreams. Will love be the sacrifice?
FROM THE BOOK FAERY REVIEWS...Now this was a book I began and completed in 1 night. I couldn't put it down because I wanted to know what was going to happen to Catherine with Carter, the sewing house, and her secret of her past coming out. Course we ALWAYS know that main male character will likely do everything in his power to help the female so he get's what he desires as well. Catherine and Carter just seemed like the perfect couple to be drawn together even from their first meeting. Can you imagine meeting that certain person years later to just be more drawn to them? Very romantic of course. 
I just wish the sneaky "B" Felecia had gotten more in the end when she thought she could destroy Catherine with her secret. Besides the love and courtship found within these pages, I was reminded once again to have continued faith in God even in times of adversity. Sometimes God just takes longer than we want when rectifying a situation. BUT I do believe the wait is what helps mold us into better individuals.
Rekindled…Book 1 of Fountain Creek Chronicles
FROM THE BACK OF THE BOOK..."At a different time, in a different place, under different circumstances...could two people fall in love once again? Ten years ago Kathryn Jennings made a vow. For better or worse. And that promise still holds true, even though her marriage has not turned out as she expected. When her husband fails to return home one stormy winter night, she struggles to keep their ranch, but her efforts are blocked at every turn. After a shocking glimpse into her husband's past, Kathryn uncovers a hidden truth. What she wouldn't give to turn back time and be able to love her husband for the man that he was, not for the man she always wanted him to be. Larson Jennings has spent his entire life running from a broken past, unable to trust, reluctant to try again. One fateful night, his life takes an unexpected twist and soon he is forced to make a choice. Whatever he chooses, his decision may cost him his life."
FROM THE BOOK FAERY REVIEWS...Let me FIRST begin by saying that if you're going to read this novel, make sure you have a BRAND NEW box of tissues from the very start of the book. I've never cried so much as I did while reading this book. Within the first 23 pages I was already crying and I could not put the book down. In fact...I drove my husband crazy because I read the book from 8pm last night til 3am and then finished the last 2 chapters this morning while cooking breakfast!! (Yeah...I AM a multi-tasker!! LOL) Talk about having faith in God when everything around you seems to be crumbling down then imagine so much more riches HE can give JUST for being faithful!! This novel really touched my soul when it came to the married couple who had separated in the heart years before but still hung on and given a second chance at love. Reminds me of me and my husband (course that's another story! LOL) and the trials we went through in the past 15 years, yet we did find each other again and remained after realizing you can't change a person, only yourself...and to love someone, you must first love yourself. And that is what this book reminds you of. In Rekindled, Kathryn just feels him around her though she is unable to see him but once she sees his eyes in another man, she realizes why she fell in love with this stranger...how beautiful is that. A second chance for both...To just look beyond the surface and just KNOW your loved one...
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