Time for me to give away a few of my own novels! No, I did not write Mockingjay (and, alas, I'm not exactly experiencing Suzanne Collins' success at this point in my career). That's not why I've included a picture of the book here. I've included it because I recently read Mockingjay, and recently read novels is what this short post is about.
But first I want to announce that the winner of the drawing for the signed copy of The Road to Mercy, by Kathy Harris, is:
meashy@ . . .
Congratulations! I'll email you today to get your mailing address, and we'll get your book to you right away. I encourage readers to keep commenting and/or subscribe at right (above my list of books) in order to participate in future book give-aways!
Now, back to today's topic!
Typically I use this blog to focus on fellow Inspirational authors and their recent releases. Today I'm curious to know what you've read recently and what you thought about your most recent read. Obviously the novel doesn't have to have been an Inspirational novel. Mockingjay is a mainstream novel, the third and final installment in the Hunger Games trilogy.
NO SPOILERS HERE: You'd have to have been in a coma or a media-deprived jungle to not know about the HG trilogy at this point. If you haven't read Mockingjay but plan to, you need to read The Hunger Games and Catching Fire first--this isn't a series of stand-alone books.
Briefly, my reaction to Mockingjay included relief in learning how Katniss deals with the big romantic choice between the two heroes. (I am, after all, a romance writer.)
But that's not the only thread in the story, and the book is hard to set aside. There are a number of points which Collins resolves--whether the rebels will succeed, whether the Hunger Games will continue into the future, whether any dear characters will lose their lives for the sake of others--and loyal readers get plenty of answers by the final page of Mockingjay. The writing is strong and this book moves quickly, as do the first two in the series.
Although I'm not a big fan of dystopian novels, I thoroughly enjoyed all three books in the HG series. They featured multi-faceted characters--some weak, some evil, and some wonderfully noble--most of whom underwent significant change and growth. I would recommend the books to YA readers and beyond.
Now, how about you? What was the last novel you finished, and what did you think of it? Post your answer below, and next Monday, October 8, I'll draw two names at random and will send each of those winners a signed copy of one of my books--winner's choice. Be sure to leave your email address so I can notify you if you win.
Be sure to check out my interview with Jill Williamson, below. Leave an appropriate comment at the bottom of the post to enter the drawing for a copy of the book.
And see my post about an exciting new cell phone plan. I signed up recently and am truly jazzed. Send me an email through the "Email Trish" button, above, if you'd like me to send you a link to learn more about the phone plan and the income opportunity it presents.
Also, I'd love it if you'd connect with me on Facebook. Just click on my name at the right of today's post.
Annoying legal disclaimer: drawings void where prohibited; open only to U.S. residents; the odds of winning depend upon the number of participants. See full disclaimer HERE.
Finally, here is a list of Inspirational novels releasing in October. Maybe your next read is listed below!
Garters for Lace by Brandi Boddie -- Civil War veteran and preacher Rowe Winford arrives in town intent on leaving the tragic memories of his deceased family behind. Although Rowe has no plans to fall in love anytime soon, the plans of God rarely match those of man. Faced with adversity and rejection from the town and Rowe's family, can Marissa overcome her past, renew her faith, and experience the life of love that God has planned for her? Can this small-town saloon girl trade her fancy garters for a respectable life? (Historical Romance from Realms (Charisma Media).
Guardian by Heather Burch -- The mission to safeguard Nikki Youngblood depends on the fragile alliance of two half-angel, half-human guardians, both struggling with intense feelings for the girl who has been assigned to their care. (Young Adult from Zondervan).
Against the Tide by Elizabeth Camden -- A woman struggling to create a respectable life in 19th century Boston is derailed when she falls in love with a dashing spy. When he draws her into his dangerous world, she must find the courage to infiltrate a remote wilderness mansion to unravel a plot that threatens to destroy them both. (Historical Romance from Bethany House).
Shattered Silence by Margaret Daley -- When a serial killer is targeting illegal aliens in southern Texas, Cody Jackson, a Texas Ranger, and Detective Liliana Rodriguez race to discover who is behind the murders and bring peace to the area. (Suspense from Abingdon Press).
A Lady in the Making by Susan Page Davis -- David Stone sets out to claim his estate and title, and finds himself a fellow passenger with the woman who tried to cheat him out of his fortune. (Historical Romance from Barbour Publishing).
Where the Trail Ends by Melanie Dobson -- A young woman traveling the Oregon Trail in 1842 must rely on a stranger to bring her to safety. But whom can she trust with her heart? (Historical Romance from Summerside Press (Guideposts)).
The Carpenter's Inheritance by Laurie Alice Eakes -- In 1893, Lucinda Bell is that rarity--a lady lawyer, but her choice to take on only civil cases might not be the safest choice for her life or her heart. (Historical Romance from Heartsong Presents (Barbour).
Flight of Fancy by Laurie Alice Eakes -- Cassandra may be more interested in balloon flights than ball flirtations until Lord Whittaker is near, when love seems a fine alternative to the physics of flight until disaster strikes. (Historical Romance from Revell (Baker).
Colonial Courtships by Laurie Alice Eakes, Carla Olson Gade, Lisa Karon Richardson, and Amber Stockton -- Set during the years 1752-1762, will adventure thwart the four Ingersoll brothers' plans or set them on a course of love? (Historical Romance from Barbour).
Love Finds You at Home for Christmas by Annalisa Daughety and Gwen Ford Faulkenberry -- Love finds a home in two heartwarming stories of Christmas past and present. (Romance from Summerside Press (Guideposts)).
Twice a Bride by Mona Hodgson -- Love lost doesn't mean love lost forever. Can unexpected romance deliver a second chance for two deserving widows? (Historical Romance from Waterbrook/Multnomah (Random House).
The Trouble with Cowboys by Denise Hunter -- Horse trainer Annie Wilkerson must write a write a lovelorn column to make ends meet. There's only one problem--Annie's never been in love so she turns to ladies' man Dylan Taylor for help but ends up with more trouble than she bargained for. (Contemporary Romance from Thomas Nelson).
A Heart Made New by Kelly Irvin -- Annie Shirack is trying to fight her feelings for David Plank, a young Amish man who's struggling with an aggressive case of Hodgkin's lymphoma. David loves Annie too much to let her into his life, only, he fears, to leave her. (Contemporary Romance from Harvest House).
The Preacher's Bride by Laurie Kingery -- Can a woman who has lost her faith, and the town's new preacher find happiness together, or will Comanche raiders destroy all chance of peace and a love that lasts forever. (Western Romance from Love Inspired).
No Safe Harbor by Elizabeth Ludwig -- Lured by a handful of scribbled words across a faded letter, a devoted sister sets off on a quest to find the brother she'd thought dead. (Historical Romance from Bethany House (Baker)).
Accidentally Amish by Olivia Newport -- With her high-tech career in jeopardy, Annie Friesen runs from her fast-paced life straight into the hospitality of San Luis Valley's Amish community. There she meets cabinetmaker Rufus Beiler, and the more time she spends with him, the more attracted she becomes. When Annie finds she shares a common ancestor with Rufus, she feels both cultures colliding within her. But is her love for Rufus strong enough for her to give up the only life she's ever known? (Contemporary Romance from Barbour).
Critical Condition by Sandra Orchard -- Book 3 in Undercover Cops series A nurse. An undercover cop. A killer who'll stop at nothing to avoid being caught. (Romantic Suspense from Love Inspired).
Trapped! The Adulterous Woman by Golden Keyes Parsons -- Completely unaware she is a pawn in a complicated scheme to frame Jesus, Anna's foolish heart plunges her into a role that goes into eternity as a poignant example of the compassion and forgiveness of the Messiah. (Biblical Fiction from WhiteFire Publishing).
The Doctor's Defender by Terri Reed -- Fearing for her life, Dr. Brenda Storm must trust handsome bodyguard Kyle Martin to keep her safe, but can she trust him with her heart? (Romantic Suspense from Love Inspired).
Dead Wrong by Susan Sleeman -- Book two in the Justice Agency series. When a killer threatens private investigator Kat Justice's life only one man can help her say alive. A man who once broke her heart and it's never recovered. (Romantic Suspense from Love Inspired).
Love in Three-Quarter Time by Dina Sleiman -- The former belle of the ball must
teach the dances she once loved and risk her heart in order to restore her family. (Historical Romance from Zondervan).
The Women of Valley View: Callie by Sharon Lynne Srock -- A baby is dead and Callie feels responsible. Can she put her self-imposed guilt aside long enough to help the two girls who need her now? If she'll step out on faith, God will rescue her as well as them. (General Contemporary from Harbourlight Books (Pelican).
Stealing Hearts by Amber Stockton -- Grace Baxton struggles to forgive a thief who took precious family heirlooms, yet threatens to steal her heart. (Historical Romance from Barbour).
Queen of the Waves by Janice Thompson -- Tessa Bowen reluctantly agrees to trades lives--and situations--with pampered Jacquie Abingdon, a London socialite. This decision places Tessa aboard the Titanic for a journey destined to change her life forever. (Historical Romance from Summerside Press (Guideposts).
His Love Endures Forever by Beth Wiseman -- God has plans beyond what Danielle's mind can imagine . . . loving plans to show a lost young woman that His love never goes away but endures forever. (Contemporary Romance from Thomas Nelson).
Christmas in Apple Ridge by Cindy Woodsmall -- Experience the holidays with the Plain folk of Apple Ridge, Pennsylvania, in these touching novellas centered around love, romance, and restoration. (Contemporary Romance from Waterbrook/Multnomah (Random House).
13 comments:
I just finished the Deliverer by Kathi Macias
ABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com
I just finished last night "Hunter's Prize" by Marcia Gruver.
Below is review on posted on lots of sights:
A story of treasures of the greatest kind - love from the heart.
Addie's Mom loves her enough to let go and leave her with Pricella as a governess to Ceddy.
Pearson loved his family so much he guarded his heart. He struggled with forgiving himself for living when he lost them all. But he found his way back to God's love and as a a bonus found Addie's love.
Ceddy showed him where real treasure was. He feel in love with the little guy. Ceddy gives up his diamond to save Addie's pendant because of his love for her.
A story of love and forgivenss like none I've read. It's coupled with adventure and treasures of the heart.
I just finished The Sweet Scent Of Cherry Blossoms by Cindy Woodsmall...
I really enjoyed it, it is always good to "slow" our pace down by learning or remember the ways and day that took place before us...
The last novel I finished was, God Loves You - Chester Blue by Suzanne Anderson. This was a delightful book in which this beautiful little Blue Bear travels from place to place helping others. I loved how the author used Chester Blue to comfort, give hope, and show God's Love. It is a real feel good book. Loved it!
Blessings!
Judy
judyjohn2004(at)yahoo(dot)com
I recently finished Band of Sisters by Cathy Gohlke. It exposes the kidnappings and enslavement of women in 1910 for the sex trade (which unfortunately is still a problem today). The phrase "What would Jesus do?" from Charles Sheldon's book, In His Steps, is often mentioned as the characters in the book try to determine how they should help. It's a fabulous book.
pmk56[at]sbcglobal[dot]net
Just finished The Frontiersmans Daughter today. My goodness! I'm definitely going to be reading more by Laura Frantz!!
Campbellamyd at Gmail dot com
I just finished reading Vannetta Chapman's "Falling to Pieces" last night, and it was wonderful! I found it to be an accurate picture of Amish life with a mystery that kept me guessing throughout the book. I can't wait to begin "A Perfect Square," the second in the series.
Nancee
quiltcat26[at]sbcglobal[dot]net
The last novel I finished was "The Captain's Courtship" by Regina Scott --it's a part of a LoveInspired Historical series. It's the first time I've seen LIH's in a series, so I enjoyed that some characters from the first book showed up.
jafuchi7[at]hawaii[dot]edu
I am re-reading the Guideposts series, "Mysteries of Sparrow Island".
The book I just finished is "Angels Among Us" by Ellen Harris.
Janet E.
von1janet@gmail.com
Last I read was "Deliver Me From Evil" by Kathi Macias. It was a very enlightening book. Also sad to think about how real evil we have right here in America. It makes you think and want to be involved in some way. I'd love to win one of your books Margaret, since I don't own one yet. Please enter me. Maxie ( mac262@me.com )
The last novel I finished was Tamera Alexander's "Beyond this Moment". I really enjoyed it! Thanks for the giveaway!
Jes
jswaks at gmail dot com
I have (almost) finished reading Rachelle McCalla's series Reclaiming the Crown. It is an easy read, which is exactly what I need in my downtime from schoolwork. So far, the books have been fantastic! Thanks for the chance to win a book!
Randi
wpd_2(at)hotmail(dot)com
Things have been so hectic here
lately, that I haven't finished
a novel in a while. I am reading
The Light Between Oceans and I
think it's going to be fascinating.
A woman married to a lighthouse
keeper had miscarriages & a stillbirth.She hears a baby cry
one day & finds a boat with a
dead man & the crying baby. Desperate for a baby, she convinces
her husband to keep the child.
That decision will have effects she
didn't think about, I believe.
jeanereads(at)sbcglobal{dot}net
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