I Have a Giveaway Winner!

Congratulations to gayejunk(at)vaterlaus(dot)org, the winner of the Whiter Than Snow giveaway!

gayejunk(at)vaterlaus(dot)org, I have sent you an email.

And, Page Turner, you were the only one to express interest in the Delivering Happiness book, so if you will send your address to seizethebookblog(at)gmail(dot)com, I will mail that one to you ASAP.

Thanks to all who commented. I appreciate all of my readers and followers!

Have You Entered Your Name In My Giveaways?

There is still time to enter my two latest book giveaways! I will be picking a name for these tomorrow at midnight EST. Be sure to click on the links and comment (on those posts) with your email for a chance to win! (U.S. addresses only, please!) Do not comment on this post for these giveaways! It will not be in the drawing if you do. You MUST comment at the post(s) linked below for a chance to win:

Delivering Happiness by Tony Hsieh:
http://seizethebookblog.blogspot.com/2010/06/book-review-delivering-happiness-by.html

Whiter Than Snow by Sandra Dallas:
http://seizethebookblog.blogspot.com/2010/05/guest-blog-sandra-dallas-author-of.html

Book Review: The Last Track by Sam Hilliard

I like to read books that are fast paced and keep me on my toes. I enjoy mystery and suspense, stories that keep me guessing until the very end.

The Last Track by Sam Hilliard is that kind of book. I didn't want to put it down. Each scene pulled me into the next as the characters entered conflict after conflict.

Have you ever read the last few pages of a book before you read the rest and then regretted it later? I admit I was tempted to do that with this one because as I read the first few chapters, there were so many suspects in my mind that I was getting impatient to know "whodunit". However, I'm so glad I didn't. It would have spoiled the whole experience for me. Instead, I went on reading, content to try and figure it out as I went along. And as I came to the last chapters, I found that I had figured some of it right, but there were still some surprises at the end. This was good writing.

The main character of The Last Track is Mike who, with great accuracy, can track people who are missing. The local police ask him to find a boy who has witnessed a murder and has run into the nearby woods. Mike sets off with one of the officers and finds himself the target of the ones who are behind the murder. There's also Mike's ex-wife, Jessica, and his son, Andy, who have their own share of troubles as a result of Mike's involvement in the case. As Mike gets closer to finding the boy, the murderers scheme to get rid of him and anyone else who threatens to reveal their identity.

I thought the story was entertaining. The characters were believable and the theme quite unique (I don't remember reading a book of fiction about tracking before). There seemed to be just enough detail about the art of tracking to keep my interest without making the author look like a know-it-all.

This is a great debut novel. I'm looking forward to more by this author.

(I received this book from Pump Up Your Book! for review purposes. I received no monetary compensation for this review. All opinions expressed are completely my own.)

Notable Blogs

I always love to come across new (to me) book review blogs. There are so many out there that are doing such a good job and I want to share some of these with you. So, occasionally, I will be telling you about these in posts entitled Notable Blogs. I hope you will visit these blogs and when you do, please tell them I sent you!

One of my favorite book bloggers is Carrie at Reading to Know. Carrie has "book reviews from a Christian wordview". She writes like she is talking to a friend over a cup of tea. Although I haven't met Carrie, I feel that she and I would get along very well together. I would love to meet her some day. Her blog is fun to read and I always find good book recommendations there. I want to be a blogger like Carrie when I "grow up"!

Another blog I love to read is Miss Remmers' Review. I like what she says on the header of her blog: ". . . to instill in students a passion for recreational reading". Miss Remmers is an English teacher who started her blog to tell her students about good books. This is how she describes her "mission": "I am constantly looking for a wide range of books to put in my classroom. My teaching philosophy is this: While I enjoy the 'classics' as much as any one else, I want to instill in young readers a passion for recreational reading. The only way to do this is to find books that students want to read, that they won't be able to put down, and that will leave them begging for more." Isn't that cool?

Do you know of other good book review blogs that you enjoy reading? Let me know in the comment section!

WWW Wednesdays

WWW Wednesdays is a meme from Should Be Reading, where we answer three questions: What are you currently reading? What did you recently finish reading? and What do you think you'll read next? If you want to participate, answer the three questions, then put your link on the Should Be Reading Blog in the comment section. Happy reading!



What I am currently reading: Against All Odds by Irene Hannon - I checked out this book from the library to read for the Summer Reading Program. I have read and reviewed the third book in the series (In Harm's Way) and liked it so much that I wanted to read the others.




 What I recently finished reading: The Last Track by Sam Hilliard- I will be reviewing this one for a blog tour on Friday. Come back here then to see what I thought about it.


What I'll probably read next: The Homecoming by Dan Walsh- This author also wrote Unfinished Gift, which I have not read. They both look like good books though. I'm looking forward to this one. (I'll be reviewing it next week.)







Tell me now what you are reading. I love to get comments! And if you have a blog link, please share with us.

The Last Christian Giveaway Winner!

I Have a Giveaway Winner!


Congratulations to estherym, the winner of The Last Christian giveaway!


estherym, I have sent you an email.

Thanks to all who commented. I appreciate all of my readers and followers!

Book Review: Delivering Happiness by Tony Hsieh (and a GIVEAWAY!)

(Be sure to read to the bottom of this post to see how you can enter to win a copy of Delivering Happiness.)

Delivering Happiness by Tony Hsieh is not the type of book that I read very often. I have enjoyed business books by Seth Godin, and others, but unless I am reading for a particular need, like when I am beginning a new business or reading for work, I don't read this kind of book on a regular basis. Therefore, some of the language in this book was "over my head". I had a hard time getting through it.

At the risk of sounding too negative, I have to say that I didn't get very much out of this book. I kept trying to read it to find good business ideas or advice, but all I saw was the story of how a company began and has become a billion dollar business because of good customer service and building great company "culture". I honestly was surprised by the account of Mr. Hsieh continuing to spend his millions of dollars on the business instead of investing it and being able to spend his time on other pursuits.

I think maybe some will enjoy this book because of the personal stories told in it, and I'm sure some will gain insights on how they might make changes in their businesses for the better as a result of reading this book. If you want a good business book, however, I think you could do much better looking elsewhere.

I do have a copy of this book for a giveaway. If you would like to read this book, please leave a comment. I will choose a winner on June 13th.

If you want to learn more about this book, go to http://www.deliveringhappinessbook.com/.

(I received this book from the publisher in return for an honest review. I received no monetary compensation. All opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.)

Book Review: Shoot to Thrill by P.J. Tracy

If you have been reading this blog for more than a few weeks, you probably know that I read all kinds of fiction, including romance, suspense, contemporary, historical, mystery, etc. I think I would become bored reading just one genre all the time. I also don't read only Christian books, although I am a Christian. I think there is talent in almost all areas of writing, and I can't limit myself to those books that are written by Christian authors and/or published by Christian publishers. Christian writers are not the only talented ones. So, I read a variety of writers as well. If this makes me unpopular with one group or another, so be it.

I say that so that no one will be shocked whenever I review a book that has coarse language in it, or scenes that are not exactly what you would want your children to be reading. Shoot to Thrill by P.J. Tracy is such a book. If there was a rating system for book content, this one most likely would be rated R. I would not recommend it to just anyone, but if you like a good mystery/suspense/romance novel and don't mind a little of the "bad" stuff, you would probably enjoy this book.

It is the story of a group of computer geeks (Monkeewrench) and law enforcement officers who join forces to solve a particular crime that is sweeping the country. There are people who are videotaping murders and posting them on the Internet. The police, FBI, and computer hackers use their skills to track these murderers down and at the same time try to solve a case involving mysterious boxes that are left in several public places in Minneapolis. What is in these boxes? Who would murder someone, then put the video out for the whole world to see? Who is it that they are killing and why?

I have read all five of P.J. Tracy's books, which include Monkeewrench, Live Bait, Dead Run, Snow Blind, and Shoot to Thrill. I have been impressed with the writing style of this mother/daughter team. The writing is seamless, and the books are dripping with sarcasm on every page. Here is just one example of the humorous exchanges between characters that make these stories so fun to read:

"It's too hot to fight crime. You know what I've been thinking? About shifting from Homicide over to Water Rescue, just for the summer."

Magozzi glanced over at his partner's generous paunch.

"What?"

"I just had a really scary visual flash of you in a wet suit."

Gino gave his protruding belly a fond pat. "Some women find this profile irresistible."

"What women?"

"Some women. Somewhere."

Funny.

If you have a hard time wading through the language and innuendos to get at the story, then this book is not for you. However, if you can read around all that to enjoy the great suspenseful plot, then by all means, get a copy of this book and read it. I liked it. I think you will, too.

(I checked this book out of the local library to read. I received no compensation for this review.)

Guest Post - Cathy Bryant (author of Texas Roads)

This Road Leads Home
by Cathy Bryant, © 2010


There are many sayings about home.

"Home is where you hang your hat."

"Be it ever so humble, there's no place like home."

"Home is where the heart is."

The last statement is my favorite, because it reminds me of Jesus' words: "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." (Matthew 6:21, NIV)

I periodically have to do what I call a "Heart Check" just to make sure my heart is where it needs to be. It's sad, really. Christ has done so much for me. Why would I ever allow my heart to dwell on any other treasure?

Yet time and time again, I find myself holding onto earthly baubles that mean nothing in the vast span of eternity.

I don't know about you, but I want my treasure to be Jesus. I want my heart to be undivided in its love for Him. I want Him to be my home--the place where I hang my hat, my hope, and my heart.

* * *

For my first novel, Texas Roads, my husband wrote a beautiful song which is included in the storyline. The song is entitled This Road Leads Home. The lyrics so adequately capture the spiritual theme of my book that I asked for his permission to share them with you.

She was trav'ling down a road to a place she'd been before,
Though it was such a long time ago.
Broken and afraid, it seems she'd lost her way,
Lookin' for a place that she could call her own.

This road leads home where the Father waits for you.
This road leads home; have the faith to see it through.
You will find hope and peace when you fall down on your knees.
The Father is waiting there for you.
This road leads home.

When the struggles of this life leave you broken and afraid,
Your faith is shattered by the fear of the unknown...
The Father hears your plea; only He can meet your needs.
His holy heart's desire is to make you heart His home.

This road leads home where the Father waits for you.
This road leads home; have the faith to see it through.
You will find hope and peace when you fall down on your knees.
The Father is waiting there for you.
This road leads home.

The home that you are longing for is right before your eyes.
Keep your faith in Jesus; He will lead you to the prize--
Heaven is waiting for the faithful and the few.
His arms are open wide; He is waiting there for you.

This road leads home where the Father waits for you.
This road leads home; have the faith to see it through.
You will find hope and peace when you fall down on your knees.
The Father is waiting there for you.
This road leads home.
This road leads home.

© 2010; Words & Music by Travis Bryant

BIO:

A Texas gal since birth, Cathy lives in a century-old farmhouse with her husband and a phobia-ridden cat. Her debut novel, TEXAS ROADS, was a 2009 ACFW Genesis finalist and tells the story of a disillusioned widow's quest to find home. The book is available through Amazon.com. For more information, visit http://www.catbryant.com/.
 
 
 
 
 
 

Texas Roads by Cathy Bryant

I just wanted to let you all know about a book I've read recently. My book review for it will be coming soon.

TEXAS ROADS

2009 ACFW Genesis finalist

by Cathy Bryant

Dani Davis longs for a place to call home. With quaint country charm, quirky residents, and loads of business potential, Miller's Creek, Texas seems like the perfect place to start over...except for the cowboy who gives her a ride into town. Then malicious rumors and a devastating discovery propel her down a road she never expected to travel.

Cowboy mayor Steve Miller is determined to rescue his dying hometown. When vandals jeopardize the Miller's Creek renovation, he can't help but suspect Dani whose strange behavior has become fodder for local gossips. Will Steve and Dani call a truce for a higher cause, and in the process help Dani discover the true meaning of home?

Book Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QA_DMRqCOWg

Purchase links:

Print version: http://www.amazon.com/Texas-Roads-Cathy-Bryant/dp/0984431101/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1267824883&sr=8-1

eBook version: http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/8963

Book Review: Theological Terms in Layman Language by Martin Murphy

I received Theological Terms in Layman Language from the author and when it came in the mail, I thought it looked like a good resource for anyone who might want a handy guide for those terms that one may be unfamiliar with. You know, like when your pastor is preaching and he says one of those long words that he learned in seminary and you write it down, hoping someone could tell you what it means.

Well, I looked inside the book and was instantly impressed with how thorough it is. And because I saw so many terms in it that I didn't know, I asked my pastor to read it and tell me what he thought. He took it and told me he liked it. He said it seems to be quite theologically sound. I think this is one I can recommend to any serious student of Christian theology and doctrine. It's a really useful tool for your home or church library.

Available from Amazon.

You can read more about Mr. Murphy's book from his website.

(Thanks to Martin Murphy for sending me a copy of this book for review.) 

WWW Wednesdays

WWW Wednesdays is a meme from Should Be Reading, where we answer three questions: What are you currently reading? What did you recently finish reading? and What do you think you'll read next? If you want to participate, answer the three questions, then put your link on the Should Be Reading Blog in the comment section. Happy reading!



What I am currently reading: Second Time Around by Beth Kendrick

I received this one from GoodReads and I'm finally getting the chance to read it. It is one I am reading for our local library summer reading program.







What I recently finished reading: Shoot To Thrill by P.J. Tracy - I have been waiting for another book from this mother/daughter team for a long time. I have to say, they haven't lost their touch. Great mystery/suspense!








What I'll probably read next: The Last Track by Sam Hilliard - This is one I will be reviewing for a blog tour. Sent to me by Pump Up Your Book!.








OK, that's it. What are you reading? Let me know and, if you have a blog, send a link to your own WWW Wednesday, if you have one.

More On Banned Books

I received a comment from a reader who wanted to know more about banned books. Here are the questions that were asked along with my answers:

Do you have resources you can share? I basically Googled the words "banned books" and found LOTS of info on the subject. The ALA website has things you can order from them, such as T-shirts, posters, buttons, etc., to help you raise awareness on the subject in your area.

Where can I find a list? There are many different lists of banned books on the internet. Just Google "banned books list" and you will find several.

Do they have reasons for the banning and/or challenging of said books? Some of the lists do have reasons for the banning of certain books. Wikipedia has an interesting article you may want to read about books that have been banned by governments and why.

So, who's going to join me? I'm asking you to read a banned book during the week of Sept. 25 - Oct. 2, 2010 and, if you have a blog, to write a review of that book. Any takers?