Tuesday, July 30, 2013

Splitting Harriet Review

Synopsis:
Once upon a time, I was a rebel. And I have the tattoo to prove it.

Then there was the spiked hair–the shade of which changed monthly–“colorful” language that can’t be found in your everyday sixteen-count crayon box, a pack-a-day habit, less-than-modest wardrobe, and an obsession with guitar-trashing, drum-bashing music.

Did I mention I’m also a preacher’s kid? That’s right. And like the prodigal son after whom I modeled myself, I finally saw the error of my ways and returned to the fold.

Today my life is all about “lead me not into temptation.” When I’m not serving as Women’s Ministry Director at my father’s church, I’m working at Gloria’s Morning Café. I even have worthy goals, like saving enough money to buy the café, keep my Jelly Belly habit under control, and to never again hurt the people I love. No more parties. No more unsavory activities. And no more motorcycles! You’d think I was finally on the right track.

But since my dad’s replacement hired a hotshot church consultant to revive our “dying” church, things aren’t working out as planned. And now this “consultant” says I’m in need of a little reviving myself. Just who does this Maddox McCray think he is anyway? With his curly hair that could use a good clipping, tattoo that he makes no attempt to hide, and black leather pants, the man is downright dangerous. In fact, all that’s missing is a motorcycle. Or so I thought… But if he thinks he’s going to take me for a ride on that 1298cc machine of his, he can think again. Harriet Bisset is a reformed woman, and she’s going to stay that way. Even if it kills me!
Review:
I absolutely adored this story. A story of Love, Forgiveness, and Grace. This story as about Harriet, a prodigal daughter. Who goes from a rebellious motorcycle riding, tattoo loving, to a reformed Christian woman running from her past. Along the way she gets torn between to guys, Stephano and the the swoon worthy character, Maddox McCray. If you want a cute, and quirky read pick up *Splitting Harriet.*

TOP SECRET!!!!

Hey guys, sorry I haven't blogged in a while. I have been waiting for books to land on my front porch. I got Anomaly by Krista McGee today! (SUPER STOKED!) Been waiting for this to release for weeks! I'm still waiting for some other books, sometimes it takes a while.

Well, on to what this post is REALLY about! I have a really awesome opportunity with a very well known Christian website. I'm not going to give it all away just yet, at least not until it's official. So I'm going to just tease you for now. But I am very excited for it and hope it all becomes official. Now, this doesn't mean I will be neglecting Literary And Lace, not at all. I will still be posting here periodically, like I do now. Well, logging off. See ya!
 ~Alyssa Faith

Tuesday, July 16, 2013

Faking Grace by Tamara Leigh

REVIEW:
Faking Grace by Tamara Leigh is a book about a woman named Maizy Grace Stewart, who wants nothing more than to become a investigative reporter. She eventually gets an opportunity to get a shot at a part-time position at a Nashville newspaper. But to pay the bills she needs another job to keep her afloat. She applies to a local Christian Resources store but they only hire committed Christians. She decides that she can fake it, but some trouble comes when the editing manager and absolutely gorgeous Brit, Jack Prentiss, is going out of his way to prove Maizy Grace a fraud. And when boss at the newspaper asks her to dig up some dirt on Steeple Side Christian Resources and the people in it. Maizy has to decide whether to expose some secrets or trust her new faith in God.

Faking Grace is a contemporary romance that I found to be sweet, bubbly, quirky, and full of hilarity! I mean really, how many books are out there about a woman who fakes being a Christian just to get a job. And not to mention a gorgeous British man, what girl doesn't like that.

So, if you want a fun and cute read, this is definitely the book for you and your literary collection.

About Writing Series: Part 2

About the book:
Scarlett O'Hara, Anne Shirley, Wilbur the pig, Katniss Everdeen. Why do we love these characters? Why do we remember them long after we've forgotten the details of their stories? In this second book in the Writing Lessons from the Front series, Angela Hunt explains how you can create unforgettable characters that will bring your fiction to life.

Review: 
I just finished Angela Hunt's second book in her series of books about writing. FIVE STARS!!! Book #2 helps you develop your characters and gives you ways in which to do that. Angela suggests that you take a personality tests/ or quizzes online. Angela also tells about a friend who, to help develop her characters, she journals in the voice of that character. Which I think is a great idea, but only if you have the time to immerse yourself in that.
Another great book that will help me in my NaNoWriMo endeavor!!

Monday, July 15, 2013

"Rise" by Skillet Review

 REVIEW:
 For the past almost two weeks I have been listening to Skillet's new album, "Rise." And I have to tell you right off the bat, Skillet has a WINNER!!!! In my opinion this may be the best Skillet project to date. This coming from a girl who remembers listening to earlier albums such as, Invincible, Alien Youth, and a self-titled album just called Skillet, you know, the one with an actual skillet on the front. This is a must have for any lifelong Skillet fan or any rock fan for that matter! Also, I must say I am fangirling over the artwork for "Rise". And the meanings behind the art. Which was done by their drummer, Jen Ledger, who's drumming on this album is absolutely phenomenal. So I recommend you grab this album ASAP!!!!
 

 On "Rise" there are twelve tracks, or if you buy the deluxe album or download it online there are three bonus tracks.
1. Rise
2. Sick Of It
3. Good To Be Alive
4. Not Gonna Die
5. Circus For a Psycho
6. American Noise
7. Madness In Me
8. Salvation
9. Fire And Fury
10. My Religion
11. Hard To Find
12. What I Believe
    Bonus Tracks:
13. Battle Cry
14. Everything Goes Black
15. Freakshow

L-R: Korey Cooper, Jen Ledger, John Cooper, and Seth Morrison.
 

Friday, July 12, 2013

About Writing Series: Part 1


I wanted to do a quick post before I sign off for the night. I have begun reading a new series by Angela Elwell Hunt, and it's books about writing. First off let me tell you that these posts will be out of order, so I apologize for the inconvenience. The first book a part of the series that I just finished reading tonight is Point of View: Writing Lessons from the Front, (#3). In this book Angela tells us about about the different points of view a story or character can be written in. There is 1st person, 2nd person, 3rd person, and so on. I have to say what I found most interesting is something I have never heard from any english teacher I have ever had. When you write a scene with a particular character and that character's point of view is in 1st person, it should remain in 1st person for the rest of the book. Which if you think about it makes perfect sense. So I can't wait to read the rest of this series. It will definitely help me in my writing endeavors. And keep me from going insane during NaNoWriMo this November. Goodnight Ya'll!!

Faking Grace by Tamara Leigh Review Coming Soon!

REVIEW COMING SOON!!

Thursday, July 11, 2013

Bleeding Heart Review Coming In August


www.bleedingheartnovel.blogspot.com

The Champion Review

http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/238305420

Blood Covenant Review

http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/227554697

This Thing of Ours: How Faith Saved My Mafia Marriage Review

http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/269538554

Right Where I Belong Review

http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/597682698

Out of Control Review

http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/618285986

Perfectly Dateless Review


http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/650370709

Though My Heart Is Torn Review


http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/649221992

Gentleman of Her Dreams by Jen Turano


http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/626213524?fb_action_ids=10200154692414511&fb_action_types=books.rates&fb_source=other_multiline&action_object_map=%7B%2210200154692414511%22%3A283279138439089%7D&action_type_map=%7B%2210200154692414511%22%3A%22books.rates%22%7D&action_ref_map=%5B%5D

Stealing the Preacher by Karen Witemeyer

Stealing the Preacher by Karen Witemeyer

Goodreads only allows up to 5 stars, but my rating is a 11 out of 10. Yes, an 11 out of 10. This lovely novel definitely satisfied my literary craving I’ve had for over a month! This my first Karen Witemeyer book and I have fallen in love with this story. It is my new favorite book, and Karen Witemeyer is one of my new favorite authors! Nuff’ said!! Read it, you won’t be sorry you did!

The Prodigal Comes Home by Michael English

The Prodigal Comes Home by Michael English
Goodreads Synopsis:

Eleven years ago, amidst scandal, sin, and shattered lives, Michael English fell from the pinnacle of the Christian music world. In 1994, newspapers around the world blared the headline, “Gospel Singer Named Artist of the Year Turns in His Awards After Confirming He Had an Affair with a Fellow Married Singer." From 1994 to 2002 Michael English’s life went from bad to worse. Public shame, divorce, broken relationships, drug addiction, even homelessness. But in 2002, God reached out and rescued Michael from himself. Today Michael is whole again, and in this book he tells his story of redemption.

My Review:

I gave this book 5 stars because I cannot give it 100 stars. If you are a Michael English fan or a Gospel music fan in general I recommend this book to you. You learn about his childhood, career, and personal life. Along with his personal demons, dealing with depression, drug addiction, and the event that took place that changed him and his career. Also learn how he overcame his demons. A MUST READ!

Currently Michael English is back touring and recording with the Gaither Vocal Band.

Broken Wings Blog Tour

Broken Wings Blog Tour
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WELCOME! 
Goodreads Synopsis:
   Giant angels with metal wings and visible song. A blind demon restored from the pit of darkness. And a girl who has never felt more broken.
Brielle sees the world as it really is: a place where the Celestial exists side by side with human reality. But in the aftermath of a supernatural showdown, her life begins to crumble. Her boyfriend, Jake, is keeping something from her—something important. Her overprotective father has started drinking again. He’s dating a much younger woman who makes Brielle’s skin crawl, and he’s downright hostile toward Jake. Haunting nightmares keep Brielle from sleeping, and flashes of Celestial vision keep her off kilter.
What she doesn’t know is that she’s been targeted. The Prince of Darkness himself has heard of the boy with healing in his hands and of the girl who sees through the Terrestrial Veil. When he plucks the blind demon, Damien, from the fiery chasm and sends him back to Earth with new eyes, the stage is set for a cataclysmic battle of good versus evil.
Then Brielle unearths the truth about her mother’s death and she must question everything she ever thought was true.
Brielle has no choice. She knows evil forces are converging and will soon rain their terror down upon the town of Stratus. She must master the weapons she’s been given. She must fight.
But can she fly with broken wings?
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My Review:
   Man! I waited for this for months! I was so excited when I won an ebook of this title! After I read Angel Eyes and it ended with a cliff hanger I could not wait for Broken Wings. And it was just as I suspected, it was a great read! It is so well- written, but not dumbed down. I don’t know about others, but for me it was a quick read, I believe I read it in 1 day. And of course I love Brielle and Jake! I really love Jake, for some weird reason I am pulled into stories more through male characters than female characters. I have no clue why, LOL! Anyway, I highly recommend this title. If you like stories about the supernatural and the celestial, but in a Christian perspective than this is the book for you! :)
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Summary from Goodreads:
Once you’ve seen, you can’t unsee. Everything changes when you’ve looked at the world through …

ANGEL EYES

Brielle’s a ballerina who went to the city to chase her dreams and found tragedy instead. She’s come home to shabby little Stratus, Oregon, to live with her grief and her guilt … and the incredible, numbing cold she can’t seem to shake.

Jake’s the new guy at school. The boy next door with burning hands and an unbelievable gift that targets him for corruption.

Something more than fate has brought them together. An evil bigger than both of them lurks in the shadows nearby, hiding in plain sight. Two angels stand guard, unsure what’s going to happen. And a beauty brighter than Jake or Brielle has ever seen is calling them to join the battle in a realm where all human choices start.

A realm that only angels and demons—and Brielle—can perceive.

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Shannon Dittemore has an overactive imagination and a passion for truth. Her lifelong journey to combine the two is responsible for a stint at Portland Bible College, performances with local theatre companies, and a focus on youth and young adult ministry. 

The daughter of one preacher and the wife of another, she spends her days imagining things unseen and chasing her two children around their home in Northern California.
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***GIVEAWAY*** 
(1) Print copies of Angel Eyes and Broken Wings (US Only)
(5) Print copies of Broken Wings (US only)
PLEASE click the link below to enter the giveaway! Thanks!

Some People Change by Michael English

Some People Change by Michael English
Some People Change
Produced by Jay DeMarcus, Bill Gaither, Benjy Gaither
Curb Records
RATING: 5 STARS
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TRACKS: 
1. I Ain’t Giving Up On Jesus
2. Come To The River (featuring Russ Taff)
3. I’d Rather Have Jesus
4. Some People Change
5. I Knew You Were Waiting (For Me) (featuring Crystal Lewis)
6. On That Great Day (featuring The Martins)
7. In Christ Alone
8. I Wouldn’t Take Nothing For My Journey (featuring David Phelps, Wes Hampton, and Mark Lowry)
9. Waking Up The Dawn
10. Stubborn (Psalm 15)
11. I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry

REVIEW: 

First of all, I have to say I was kind of apprehensive about getting Michael’s new record, because all of his other projects are pretty amazing. I mean, I’m a 90’s kid so I grew up listening to Michael’s music. I really bought this record for the title track, “Some People Change”,  I fell in love with this song as soon as I heard a clip of it on Michael’s website. But I wasn’t too sure about how I would feel about the rest of this project, but to my suprise when I finally got it in the mail and began listening to it, I was floored! This entire project is perfect! The mix of country and gospel, up tempo and ballads, the absolute perfect combination. I love all the up tempo songs. (No shock there)  But I have to say the ballad-like songs are beautiful. (That says a lot, I’m pretty partial to fast tunes) Of course, “In Christ Alone” is great as usual, but the Hank Williams tune, “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry”, WOW! When I first saw this song on the track list, I wasn’t sure about it, but as soon as I heard it I thought it was one of the best tracks on the entire project. 
Alright, I can blab on and on about this all night. So I’ll end this review with this,ADD THIS TO YOUR COLLECTION!!!! You will not be sorry, I promise you. 
In God’s Love, 

Alyssa Faith 

The Heiress of Winterwood by Sarah E. Ladd


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REVIEW:
5 star debut novel!! This story captured me from the very beginning! Full of adventure, romance, even a bit of mystery within the story! It has something for everyone! And it’s CLEAN!! You can give it to your teen without worry! Get this book you won’t be sorry! Can not wait for book #2!!

*Disclaimer: I received this book free from the publisher, Thomas Nelson Publishers, in exchange for an honest review! These thoughts are my own!