book review: skizzer

I love books that hold my attention from the get-go and that I can read in a day. Skizzer, the debut novel by author A.J. Kiesling, is just such a book.

From time to time I get offers to review books, and honestly, I don't say yes all that often. But it was A. J. Kiesling's bio that changed my answer from no to yes:

A.J. (Angie) Kiesling grew up loving trees and words--trees because they formed the natural backdrop and playground for her childhood years in rural North Carolina, and words because they captivated her from as far back as she can remember. When she wasn't romping through the woods with her siblings, she might be found with her nose in a book--or lost among the shelves at the local library.

I related to every bit of that ... except that my woods were in Washington, not North Carolina. And when I found out that the location of her mystery was set partly in England (where I'm headed for the first time this fall), I was even more anxious to read the book.

I liked the author's easy style and her descriptions. She's great at filling in the blanks in such a way that you find yourself right there in the scene, hearing the approach of footsteps or smelling the mustiness of old books in a office long used by scribes. The storyline was compelling, and though in places I couldn't suspend my disbelief, it didn't mar my enjoyment. The book held me until the end.

About Skizzer: After receiving news of her sister Becca's abrupt disappearance, Claire Trowling must piece together the shadowy remnants of a past she's long forgotten in order to find her. A cryptic note scrawled in Becca's handwriting leaves more questions than it answers. When a stack of mysterious letters bound by a rare necklace is found, Claire races to discover the secrets that hold her family captive. Suspenseful and full of intrigue, Skizzer takes you on a transcontinental hunt for answers, weaving seamlessly between the distant past of childhood and the urgency of the present.

"This debut novel from Kiesling is a quick and engaging read with plot revelations meted out skillfully enough to keep the pages turning.... [The book has] an adventurous story, a compelling protagonist and thoughtful musings on the real meaning of sisterhood." -Publishers Weekly

And as always, there's a contest ....

Win a gift certificate for $40 to the restaurant of your choice by clicking over to the blog tour post and leave a comment answering this question:

What's the Most Important Thing You've Ever Lost and Then Found?

A.J. Kiesling will select the winning response based on originality and sizzle.

blog tour: do hard things

When the invitation came to do another book review, my immediate thought was, No time. But then I read the book's title: Do Hard Things: A Teenage Rebellion Against Low Expectations.

I have teenagers. I hate low expectations. So I accepted the invitation and waited for my book. When it came, I was interested to discover that the authors, Alex and Brett Harris, are the twin sons of Gregg and Sono Harris, homeschooling pioneers I've heard in person, and the brothers of Joshua Harris, author of I Kissed Dating Good-bye. Somehow, being familiar with their family made me feel I already knew the boys. I assumed they'd tackle their chosen topic with the same passion their brother and parents had always shown, and I wasn't disappointed.

I'll be honest and tell you that I'm only half-way through the book. But this is a book I'll not only finish, I'll pass along. My daughter has already informed me she's the first in line. I'm grateful.

Summary:

With over 10 million hits to their website TheRebelution.com, Alex and Brett Harris are leading the charge in a growing movement of Christian young people who are rebelling against the low expectations of their culture by choosing to “do hard things” for the glory of God.

Written when they were 18 years old, Do Hard Things is the Harris twins’ revolutionary message in its purest and most compelling form, giving readers a tangible glimpse of what is possible for teens who actively resist cultural lies that limit their potential. Combating the idea of adolescence as a vacation from responsibility, the authors weave together biblical insights, history, and modern examples to redefine the teen years as the launching pad of life and map a clear trajectory for long-term fulfillment and eternal impact.

Written by teens for teens, Do Hard Things is packed with humorous personal anecdotes, practical examples, and stories of real-life rebelutionaries in action. This rallying cry from the heart of revolution already in progress challenges the next generation to lay claim to a brighter future, starting today.

With over 10 million hits to their website TheRebelution.com, Alex and Brett Harris are leading the charge in a growing movement of Christian young people who are rebelling against the low expectations of their culture by choosing to “do hard things” for the glory of God.

Alex and Brett Harris founded TheRebelution.com in August 2005 and today at age 19 are the most popular Christian teen writers on the Web. The twins are frequent contributors to Focus on the Family’s Boundless webzine, serve as the main speakers for the Rebelution Tour conferences, and have been featured in WORLD magazine, Breakaway, The Old Schoolhouse, and the New York Daily News. Alex and Brett live near Portland, Oregon.

Want to win a copy of Do Hard Things? Leave a comment on this post and you'll be included in the drawing later this week.

book giveaway

I have two copies of Cindy Woodsmall's new book, When The Morning Comes (from her Sisters of the Quilt series) to give away. All who comment here or email me by December 5th will have a chance to win. If you don't win (or don't want to wait to see if you do win), you can buy the book here.

Synopsis and author bio:

Her relationship with former fiancé Paul Waddell in tatters, Hannah Lapp has fled her home in hopes of finding refuge with another Amish outcast, her shunned Aunt Zabeth in Ohio. Hampered by limited education and hiding her true identity, Hannah struggles to understand the confusing world of the Englischers and embrace unfamiliar freedoms, but a deepening friendship with the handsome Martin Palmer renews her courage to face the future.

Meanwhile, Hannah’s absence and the distressing events that led to her disappearance create turmoil among her loved ones in Owl’s Perch, Pennsylvania. Her father stubbornly refuses to search for her or to acknowledge increasing signs of instability in daughter Sarah, who suffers secret guilt over her sister’s ruined reputation. Fiancé Paul Waddell is wracked with regret over his betrayal of Hannah’s trust and is concerned with her whereabouts. He befriends Hannah’s remaining allies—brother Luke, best friend Mary, and loyal Matthew Esh—trying to convince them to help search for his love.

Rich with authentic details of Amish community and powerful in its theme of hope beyond measure, When the Morning Comes succeeds as a compelling follow-up to Cindy Woodsmall’s best-selling debut novel, When the Heart the Cries.

Cindy Woodsmall is an author, wife, and mother of three sons. Her first novel released in 2006 to much acclaim, including a Reviewer’s Choice Award from the Road to Romance website, and became a CBA bestseller. Her real-life connections with Amish Mennonite and Old Order Amish families enrich her novels with authenticity. Cindy lives in Georgia with her husband and the youngest of their three sons.

blog tour: amy grant's mosaic

Almost immediately after agreeing to an invitation to review Amy Grant's new book, I thought, What have you done? Everyone in my life will tell you I am buried in writing projects--truly, no-visible-daylight buried. But I had promised.

When the book came, I devised a plan. I figured I'd trick myself into reading it by attacking it in barely noticeable increments. It's the same method I use for keeping the house clean: pick up something every time you enter a room, and before you know it, your house is clean. The problem was, my scheme crumbled within the very first chapter. I didn't want to stop reading. So I read another, and another. And twice in three chapters, I got goosebumps. Twice in those same three chapters, I cried.

Amy Grant is a long-time friend. Mind you, she has no idea who I am. But we go back a fair distance. The year I turned 19 (which was the year she turned 19), I went to visit an ex-boyfriend turned good friend (Jeff Ellis) at Pacific Lutheran University. He had arranged for me to stay in the dorm room of two girls he knew there. Before they headed out to morning classes, they set me up in their room and gestured toward their record player. "You should hear this album," one suggested as she left. It was Amy's first release. I listened the first go-round out of a mixture of politeness and boredom; the second time out of just-awakened hunger. I listened to that album all morning. And to this day, whenever I recall the words to "My Father's Eyes," I'm back in that dorm room, heart pounding madly, wanting to know Amy's Father, and wondering if He wanted to know me.

Since the year it was released, her first Christmas CD is the first to go into the player whenever I pull all our Christmas things from the back of the closet. It's the CD I put on just before we call the kids downstairs to tear through their gifts.

I've loved Amy as a far-off encourager, and loved her music. But could she write? I had my doubts. She had them too, for she addresses that unspoken, but clearly present question in her introduction. But it didn't take long for me to find the answer for myself. She can write. Her voice is easy; her timing unflawed. She knows when to pull in for poignancy. She understands rhythm. I enjoyed every page and wished the book was longer.

In Mosaic, Amy shares vignettes from her life. Most are ordinary moments that another soul might have drifted through unthinkingly. But Amy has an ability to catch the lessons others miss. She hears God's heartbeat in places you wouldn't think to listen. Interspersed between her stories, Amy has included the lyrics to many of her songs. You'll read about the moments that spurred her to write those lyrics and meet characters who begged to be captured in song. And along the way, you'll find yourself feeling thankful that this woman thought to share her life in just this way.

My sister, Megan, and I have an odd ability to laugh at a joke a good second or two before anyone else in the room catches on. We're always just a tiny bit ahead of everyone else hearing the same jumble of words. Meanings fly toward us. I felt that sensation as I read Mosaic. Amy would lead me to a point, but I'd find that truth rushing to meet my heart before I think I should have gotten there. At one such moment, when describing what it was like for her sister to send her first son to college, I knew what was coming before I really knew, and I couldn't stop the tears. I anticipated that extra long phone cord, because I'm that same mother these days, keeping the cell phone charging near my ear, just in case Zac should call.

This book is a gift. I hope you'll read it, and I hope you'll pass it on.

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* To purchase a copy of Mosaic, CLICK HERE.

Want to win a copy of Mosaic? I have three copies to give away. Everyone who comments on this post between now and October 21 will have a chance to win. Names of all posters will be put in a hat (more likely, some sort of bowl I will snag from the kitchen) and I will ask my husband, the pastor, to draw three names. Does that make you rest easy? Make sure you give me a way to contact you--email, blogger i.d., etc. Books will be sent out early next week.

Want to double your chances of winning? Run over to Christian Women Online and read their review. Darlene is also giving away three books this week.

Happy posting!