Books, Movies, and Chinese Food

LAST DAY TO ENTER! WIN A FREE BOOK! **This is a sticky post. Please scroll down for current entries.** Camy Tang is having a contest that runs until October 31, 2007 on her website where you can win an 8GB Ipod Nano and LOADS of books. You have to join her newsletter YahooGroup to enter and then fill out the entry form on her site. When you do, please say that beatccr referred you. DO NOT UNSUBSCRIBE BEFORE THE END OF THE CONTEST . If you do you will NOT be eligible to win. Click here for all the details. Then come back here and leave a comment telling that you entered and then you'll be entered to win a book from me! (And yes I will know whether or not you entered Camy's contest and use me as your referral!) The winner will get to choose out of 1 of these 6 books (more may be added in the future): Playing with Fire by Melody Carlson Notes from a Spinning Planet - Mexico by Melody Carlson The Dead Whisper On by T.L. Hines Off the Record ...

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing SURRENDER BAY (Thomas Nelson November 6, 2007) by Denise Hunter ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Denise lives in Indiana with her husband Kevin and their three sons. In 1996, Denise began her first book, a Christian romance novel, writing while her children napped. Two years later it was published, and she's been writing ever since. Her books often contain a strong romantic element, and her husband Kevin says he provides all her romantic material, but Denise insists a good imagination helps too! In addition to Surrender Bay , the second Nantucket book releases in April 2008. The title is The Convenient Groom and features Kate Lawrence, a relationship advice columnist, whose groom dumps her on her wedding day. Denise is currently at work on the third Nantucket book (Oct 2008) which is untitled so far. ABOUT THE BOOK: When Sam's estranged step-father dies, she inherits his ocean-front cottage in Nantucket--not because he kindly bequ...

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing THE RETURN (Navpress Publishing Group July 13, 2007) by Austin Boyd ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Austin Boyd writes from his experience as a decorated Navy pilot, spacecraft engineer and an astronaut candidate finalist. Austin lives with his wife Cindy and four children in America’s “Rocket City”--Huntsville, Alabama, where he directs business development for a large NASA and defense contractor. His creative talents include inspirational fiction and poetry, finely crafted reproduction colonial furniture, archery and long distance cycling. He serves his community as an advocate for a crisis pregnancy center and as a motivational speaker in the area of lifestyle evangelism. THE RETURN is part of the Mars Hill Classified Series with The Evidence and The Proof ABOUT THE BOOK: IS SEEING BELIEVING? Six years after completing a manned mission to the Red Planet, Admiral John Wells is set to make another journey to Mars. But this time his ...

CONTEST CLOSED I 'm giving away a bran d new copy of today's book! Leave a comment with your email address so I can contact you if you win. I'll pick a name and announce the winner on Monday, November 5. Good luck! Oh there's no place like Skary for the Holidays Welcome back to Skary, just in time for the holiday season! Lois, the town's budding playwright, has got it set in her mind that the town will put on a Christmas play this year. Not just any play, her revised version of the Dickens' classic A Christmas Carol. Since Lois is in charge, chaos ensues. Wolfe feels like this play will be a flop but he goes along with it to escape the doldrums of being a father. Meanwhile his editor, Alfred Tennison, keeps avoiding being in the play but instead helps out with marketing. His efforts have hyped up the play so much that hundreds are planning to come by for opening night. But is the marketing deceiving? Will the show go on as planned? I love going back to Skary...

I don't know about you but I enjoy a good movie musical. The Sound of Music, The King and I, Newsies. I know some people don't like singing and would prefer to fast forward through those parts. But those are the people who don't really listen to the words in the songs. Sometimes it's easier to show your emotions through singing and music than it is to just speak them. I was iffy about seeing Dreamgirls. Normally I avoid movies that get too much hype, with all the media declaring it the best movie ever before anyone else gets to see it. So I missed out on it during its theatrical run, but I knew I was going to see it eventually because it was an Oscar winning movie. Well I was more than pleasantly surprised after watching. I can now see why Jennifer Hudson won every award she was nominated for last year. She was absolutely amazing in her role. If I didn't know that this was her first movie, I would have never guessed she was a rookie. The same goes for Eddie Murph...

I 'm giving away a bran d new copy of today's book! Leave a comment with your email address so I can contact you if you win. I'll pick a name and announce the winner on Thursday, November 1. Good luck! In the very small house, on the very grand hill, in the very small town author Rachel Thoene – daughter of veteran bestsellers Bodie and Brock T hoene - masterfully explores the captivating notions of forgiveness and grace in The Vase of Many Colors . Th is beautifully written and colorfully illustrated family tale peeks into the world of the very bouncy girl and her old, crooked grandmother. A world where rainbows appear on the walls and simple flower-gathering is a nightly ritual. And where broken things are mended with the gentle breath of love to become a masterpiece for all generations to enjoy. In a world where broken things are tossed aside with ease, Rachel Thoene’s story is a captivating reminder of the power of forgiveness and grace to mend life’s cracks and c...

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Illuminated (Thomas Nelson August 7, 2007) by Matt Bronleewe ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Matt Bronleewe is a recognized producer, songwriter and author. The former member of the band Jars of Clay, has earned numerous awards producing and co-writing albums that have sold a combined total of over 20 million copies. His songs have recently been recorded by Disney pop sensations Aly & AJ, American Idol finalist Kimberley Locke, and more. Bronleewe has worked with Grammy Award-winning artists such as Michael W. Smith, International pop singer Natalie Imbruglia and Heroes star Hayden Panettiere. Born in Dallas, Texas, Bronleewe was raised on a farm in Kansas, where he lived until he left for college in 1992. At Greenville College in Illinois, Bronleewe formed the band Jars of Clay with his dorm roommate and two neighbors, and the group soon found success. Though Bronleewe opted to leave Jars of Clay early on to pursue an academic career...

Not Just a Plain Jane What if Jane Austen had kept a diary of what inspired her to write her novels, her relationships, her hopes, her worries, her life? This book recreates that very question with an inside look at what Jane Austen's life would have been like. Told from first person narrative, Nancy Moser imagines what Jane Austen would have told only her diary her innermost feelings as she struggles to become a writer and hopefully discover love along the way. Fans of Jane Austen will enjoy this fictional autobiographical tale of one of the world's most beloved authors. I love all things Jane Austen. I love all the movie versions that have come out of her books. Right now it's very "in" to be an Austen fan especially with the two recent movies that have come out about Jane Austen. I kept forgetting at times while reading that this was a fiction novel and not really Jane Austen's memoirs! The first person narrative is done extremely well that will make the re...

Set amid the close-knit community of Clear Creek, Let Me Fly is the first book in a series that weaves the reader into the lives of the Clear Creek family. It is a journey of fulfillment as Celia Martin struggles to find herself amid the conflicting views of the world's definition of suc cess--searching for safety and security, while running from her past and the memories lingering on the banks of Clear Creek--Celia watches her life crumble, finally turning to the Lord for redemption. Will Celia fall for the handsome, forbidden Vince or will she find another love waiting in Clear Creek? Will she pull herself from the trap of wealth and success and conquer the ghost of lost young love? Elisa Mayo was born in the state of Mississippi , which is located in the southern part of the United States . She attended college in Mississippi and graduated with a B.S. in accounting. While she enjoys her life as a financial guru, she had always had the desire to write. “Many stories h...

I'm a huge figure skating fan. It's the reason why I watch the Winter Olympics (well there are many reasons but this was the reason why I started watching them). I can name tons of figure skaters and I know all the moves they do. I wish I could skate like a pro. The best I can do is circle around the rink several times without falling. Ironically I am much better on ice skates than I am on roller skates (but that's a story for another day). So when this movie was advertised, I wanted to see it. Will Ferrell's a riot, Jon Heder is funny. Figure skating was going to get a laugh one day. The ads made the sport look incredibly gay but who can resist Will Ferrell in a unitard? The movie is actually really funny. You end up liking Heder's character a lot even though that hair cracks me up and I'm not sure why he wears pastels. Ferrell plays his characters so well that you can help laughing everytime he's onscreen. The villians, played by Amy Poheler and Will...

I 'm giving away a bran d new copy of today's book! Leave a comment with your email address so I can contact you if you win. I'll pick a name and announce the winner on Thursday, October 25. Good luck! Never Look Back by Kathy Herman The day Ivy Griffith walks out of jail after serving her sentence for withholding evidence in the Joe Hadley murder case, she is ready to put her years of pain and drug abuse behind her. A new job at her parents’ Christian camp in Colorado promises stability in this new season, but she is unprepared for her brother’s indifference toward her and her son, Montana . When camp worker Rue Kessler takes an interest in Montana, Ivy hopes the attention will make up for the rejection her son is feeling—and she doesn’t mind the attention Rue directs her way either. Then a rash of crimes turns deadly, and Ivy suspects that Rue isn’t all he appears to be. But how can she condemn another when she knows the pain of accusation? The mysteries increase as...

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing CRIMSON EVE (Zondervan October 30, 2007) by Brandilyn Collins ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Brandilyn Collins is a best-selling novelist known for her trademark Seatbelt Suspense™. These harrowing crime thrillers have earned her the tagline “Don’t forget to b r e a t h e… ® ” She’s so well known in the industry there’s actually a club for her non-readers. That’s right. The Big Honkin’ Chickens Club (BHCC) members are proud of the fact that they’re too wimpy to read Brandilyn’s intense fiction. Now and then one of them tries. Bribing works pretty well. (Just ask Deb Raney.) Somehow they live to tell the tale. Brandilyn writes for Zondervan, the Christian division of HarperCollins Publishers, and is currently at work on her 17th book. Her first book, A Question of Innocence, was a true crime published by Avon in 1995. Its promotion landed her on local and national TV and radio, including the Phil Donahue and Leeza talk shows. She’s also k...

I'm giving away 3 brand new copies of today's book! Leave a comment with your email address so I can contact you if you win. I'll pick 3 names and announce the winners on Monday, October 22. Good luck! Grammy Award–winning artist Amy Grant has lived in the spotlight since bursting onto the Christian music scene as a teenager thirty years ago. In that time her work, marriage, and spiritual life have been subject to varying degrees of adulation and criticism. Now, in her first autobiographical book, Grant bares her heart and soul, giving readers an intima te glimpse into her everyday life and the lessons she’s learning along the way. From lighthearted reminiscences of her Tennessee childhood to painfully honest reflections on the journey of faith, her vivid writing draws readers into her world while simultaneously creating space for them to rethink their own perspectives on life. With honesty and depth, Grant offers poignant and often startling insights on motherhood, mar...

Who knew so much could happen in a small town? What could be worse than a two headed huge snake loose in a small town? Try overzealous publicists, pregnant women who don't want to be pregnant, two men in love with the same women, a sleepwalker, a town play in shambles...and that's just the beginning! Wolf wants to start writing again but is looking to show his faith in his books while his publicists gets a little crazy trying to figure out what exactly Christian fiction is. Ainsley wishes she was pregnant but instead has to put up with reluctantly clueless pregnant Melb. Did I also mention there's a huge two headed snake loose in town? This is one of the few books where I have laughed, cringed, shrieked, gagged, got disgusted, frustrated and thoroughly enjoyed while reading. Yes it is possible to have every single one of these emotions while reading this book. After all this series has been called "Mitford on steroids." I was again worried that since I hadn't...

Russian Historical Fiction at Its Best It is the time of the Russian revolution where anyone connected with the royal family is no longer safe. Anton has been trusted with command by the tsar to take two servant girls from the royal house into safety. He soon falls in love with one of the girls, Oksana who seems to be hiding a secret from him. The two are constantly at odds but Anton has vowed to keep her safe. When he finds out her secret, will he still keep his promise to her or will he betray her trust? I was afraid when reading this book I would be lost because I hadn't read the 2nd and 3rd book in the series. I had read the first book, Ekaterina, and had enjoyed it very much. However this book reads as a novel by itself although reading the other books will probably help to connect the complete storyline. I'm a huge fan of Russian history especially when dealing with the Russian royal family. I have always found the rise and fall of the last Tsar of Russia and his fami...

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing NOBODY (Multnomah Fiction September 11, 2007) by Creston Mapes ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Creston Mapes is a talented storyteller whose first two novels, Dark Star and Full Tilt, made him a finalist in the American Christian Fiction Writers Book of the Year awards and the Inspirational Readers Choice awards. Creston has written for major corporations, colleges, and ministries, including Coca-Cola, TNT Sports, Oracle, Focus on the Family, and In Touch Ministries. Committed to his craft and his family, Creston makes his home in Georgia with his wife, Patty, and their four children. He's been married for twenty-one years to the girl he first loved way back in fourth grade. They have three lovely girls and a boy in a very close-knit family, spending a lot of time together - watching old classic movies, going on outings, and taking in various school and community events and activities. Creston loves to go for morning walks with his do...

Old Ways or New? Nellie Fischer is an Amish girl who is still getting over the recent death of her sister. Troubled by the unknown circumstances surrounding her death, Nellie tries to focus on her relationship with Caleb Yoder and the possibility of a future with him. Meanwhile her father has found a new belief, one that goes against the very traditions of the Old Order Amish. By becoming a believer in Christ along with his family, he faces the punishment of being shunned by the community. This affects Nellie's and Caleb's relationship as their fathers are on different sides of this debate. I was really excited when I heard that this book was coming out. First I love Beverly Lewis so of course I was thrilled that she had a new book on the way. But more important was the subject matter of the book. I have always wondered what exactly is the faith of the Amish based on? In one of my past reviews of Lewis's books, I questioned if the Amish are indeed really Christians. ...

I'm giving away a brand new copy of today's book! Leave a comment with your email address so I can contact you if you win. I'll pick a name and announce the winner on Saturday, October 12. Good luck! Drawing on Biblical prinicples, My Life, Unscripted guides girls through the tumultous teen years by teaching th em to have a plan of attack before temptation or hardship come. Tricia's Script: Looking back at my drama-filled teen years I now wonder ... What was I thinking? The truth? I wasn't. I lived from day to day on every wave of emotion. Some days excitement and passion partnered up, pattering wildly within my heart. Other days, depression and anxiety were my silent friends. I lived each day as it came, with no plan for my future, for my relationships, or for my heart. I lived my life completely unscripted ... and, well, it didn't go well for me. Teen pregnancy and a broken heart were only two consequences. Yet my prayer is that when teen gir...