Saturday, July 11, 2009

CFRB Tours Stephanie Reed


The Christian Fiction Review Blog is touring Stephanie Reed's books, ACROSS THE WIDE RIVER and THE LIGHT ACROSS THE RIVER. Although I have both books I've only read the one, the 2nd as it turns out. When I finish the other book I'll put up a review of that book, but for now can only speak about THE LIGHT ACROSS THE RIVER.

While sometimes she seems to fly through the year at the speed of a 747, she does get down to business when she lands on the important parts of the story. I'd rather have this than a story that drags along hoping that you are getting all the picturesque foundation that they want to lay. Reed seems quite capable of getting enough description to the reader while allowing the story to keep its pace. If something isn't important in her mind she simply doesn't include it, which is a real joy for the reader.

I found her characterization really marvelous. Her descriptions of Johnny, the son of Rev. Rankin, and Eliza, the slave around whom the story is built, are ingenious and even moving. I can identify with Johnny, trying to just get alone, then having his little secret place invaded. I can identify being unjustly accused of something I didn't do, just as Johnny was. Her introduction of Johnny here is nothing short of wonderful. There is a definite shift when she introduces us to Eliza. Although I cannot identify with Eliza I can picture her and think of people who may be like her. It was easy for Eliza to come alive for me in this book. Her husband George also adds a marvelous touch. I didn't quite get Beulah, Eliza's daughter at first, but if you stick with her you'll understand. It's her grandson Shad that sparkles, even as a secondary character.

Reed has found a way to bring history to life. I want you to know that I am not normally a fan of historical fiction. They usually come off dry and boring. Let me assure you, there is very, very little about her works that can be considered dry or boring. From gazing out at the sun setting to a dangerous crossing on the breaking ice of the Ohio River she finds ways to make it all interesting. These books are good for all ages but may well take the place in young adult readings of the Little House books by Laura Ingalls-Wilder. In fact, while the Little House TV show was excellent, I found the books a bit dry. You won't find that here. These books are moving, filled with wonder, surprises, and color at every point along the way.


Be sure to check out Stephanie's site here.









You can purchase LIGHT ACROSS THE RIVER AT:

Christian Books

Amazon

Target

And Yahoo.


Check out these other member blogs this week for more info.


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Tangerine

Tangerine by Marilynn Griffith



This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is posting about Tangerine (Revell, January 2007) by Marilynn Griffith (fellow CFBA member, blogger, writer, and mother of *GULP* seven!)

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Marilynn Griffith is wife to a deacon, mom to a tribe and proof that God gives second chances. Her novels include Made of Honor (Steeple Hill, Jan. 2006), Pink (Revell, Feb. 2006), Jade (Revell, June 2006), and If the Shoe Fits (Revell, 2007). Her other credits include Chicken Soup for the Christian Woman’s Soul, Cup of Comfort Devotionals and her Shades of Style series (Revell, 2006). She lives in Florida with her husband and children. To book speaking engagements or just say hello, email: marilynngriffith@gmail.com.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Tangerine is the third book in the Shades of Style Novels.

Fans of Pink and Jade will eat up Tangerine, the third book in the cutting-edge Shades of Style series. Jean Guerra, a designer at Garments of Praise design firm, doesn't like surprises. These days though, the unexpected meets her everywhere. Since Jean's return to the church a year ago, her God-encounters occur with increasing frequency, along with thoughts of her husband-the one she vowed to divorce and gave up on long ago. The one nobody at work knows about, not even her best friend, Lily, or her boss, Chenille. But when the designer assigned to work with Jean on a line of men's suits shows up, her heart flips. It's her husband, Nigel Salvador. Jean is finally rendered speechless. Can her bruised heart become whole enough to love again? Or will she remain in the trenches of loneliness forever?



The book link: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0800730429


Marilynn's website link: http://marilynngriffith.typepad.com/rhythmsofgrace/

THE 3RD COVENANT - a Comparison

The following table shows where THE 3RD COVENANT stands against 7 top authors and 14 other books.

Title

Author

Times out

times per month

Judge and Jury

Cold Moon

Death Dance

Promise Me

The 3rd Covenant

The Camel Club

Violet Dawn

3rd Degree

The Collectors

Web of Lies

The 12th Card

Words of Silk

Above and Beyond

Entombed

No Second Chance

James Patterson

Jeffery Deaver

Linda Fairstein

Harlan Coben

David Brollier

David Baldacci

Brandilyn Collins

James Patterson

David Baldacci

Brandilyn Collins

Jeffery Deaver

Sandra Brown

Sandra Brown

Linda Fairstein

Harlan Coben

CHO 9

CHO 17

CHO 17

CHO 16

CHO 11

CHO 21

CHO 4

CHO 34

CHO 2

CHO 2

CHO 17

CHO 29

CHO 30

CHO 19

CHO 31

2.25

2.43

2.43

2.28

1.83

1.71

1.3

1.08

1.00

1.00

.94

.94

.91

.82

.72