{Litfuse Blog Tour} The Rhythm of Secrets by Patti Lacy

Book Description:  Sheila Franklin has masqueraded as the precocious daughter of avant-garde parents in colorful 1940s New Orleans, a teen desperate for love and acceptance, and an unwed mother sent North with her shame. 

After marrying Edward, Sheila artfully masks her secrets, allowing Edward to gain prominence as a conservative pastor. When one phone call from a disillusioned Vietnam veteran destroys her cover, Sheila faces an impossible choice: save her son and his beloved…or imperil Edward’s ambitions.

Inspired by a true story, The Rhythm of Secrets intermingles jazz, classical, and sacred music in a symphony trumpeting God’s grace.

My Review:  The story begins with Sheila playing the piano, trying to get her practice in before choir practice at the church. The church where her husband pastors.  And then she receives a phone call.  A call that she's waited for and wondered about for years.  As the story progresses the reader awaits with bated breath to see what is going to happen.  The secret that Sheila has hidden for years comes to visit her.  A son!  

Thankfully her pastor husband, Edward must leave for a speaking engagement which leaves Sheila at home by herself.  This is where the story takes off . . . the intrigue, the secrets, the shame and the forgiveness.

I'll be honest I really didn't care for Sheila's husband, Edward, at the beginning of the read.  He seemed so pompous, high-minded and totally full of himself.  But as the story progresses Edward becomes a tower of strength of Sheila.

Ah!  The rhythm of the music in this read is pure New Orleans.  The jazz, the classics and of course, the music of the church. 
It's hard to believe that people can be so narrow minded and so biased against another human.  The color of one's skin should not be the justification of the person's heart.  At times I simply seethed with indignation (a great sign that an author can bring forth such emotion).  The injustices!  The hatred!  The selfishness!  The angry!  The love!  The forgiveness!

This is an incredible story!  The intrigue was almost too much to bear at times.  I felt tears well up in my eyes as I read about Sheila's life as a girl.  But the most intriguing part of this whole read is that it is based upon the true story of a true-to-life-girl just like Sheila.  And that is why my heart was stirred. 

This is one of those not.to.be.missed.reads!  But do set aside time for this read because this read requires concentration and you'll want...no, need to finish this story!  A 5 star read for those who enjoy intrigue, adventure and forgiveness. 

*This book was provided for review by the publisher for LitFuse Group*

Click HERE  to see what other bloggers are saying about this book.

Patti's Giveaway:

Patti and her publisher, Kregel, are giving away a NOOK prize package worth over $150 to one lucky winner!!!!

Enter the Nook eReader Giveaway and you could win:

* A brand new Nook eReader with Wi-Fi

* $25 gift certificate to Barnes & Noble

To enter, simply click on the icons below to fill out the entry form/s, then tell 5 or more friends about the contest. 

Oh, and enter soon! Winner will be announced on February 16th at Patti's Rhythm of Secrets Facebook Party.

But, wait there’s more! Come to the Rhythm of Secrets Facebook Party on February 16th!

Patti will be announcing the winner of The Rhythm of Secrets NOOK giveaway at her Party on FB February 16th! She’ll be hosting a book club discussion of The Rhythm of Secrets and giving away other fun prizes! (signed copies of her books and gift certificates to Barnes & Noble, Starbucks, & iTunes!). Don’t miss the fun at Patti’s FB Author Page on February 16th at 5pm PST ( 6 pm MST, 7 pm CST, & 8 pm EST)!

Patti Lacy

***Click HERE to hear music from The Rhythm of Secrets***

Sisterchicks In Wooden Shoes by Robin Jones Gunn {GIVEAWAY at bottom of post}

Book Description:  A multi-tasking mama, Summer Finley has found ways to handle whatever life throws at her with grace and a grin. Until now, that is. An “abnormal” medical test result sends Summer into an emotional tailspin and prompts her to fulfill a life-long dream of “meeting” her best friend and pen pal since fourth grade, Noelle Van Zandt, face-to-face. 

Their blissful week together in the Netherlands finds Summer and Noelle floating down a canal in Amsterdam, visiting Corrie Ten Boom’s Hiding Place, sipping decadent Dutch cocoa in Delft, and bobbing merrily along through a sea of brilliant, spring-fresh tulips. Each day takes them further from midlife anxiety and closer to trusting God in deeper ways. 

When Summer finally confides in Noelle about the abnormal test results, Summer’s honesty prompts Noelle to share a long-held heartache. The two friends find they both needed to be together more than either of them realized. Could it be this adventure was tucked away in God’s imagination long before Summer bought her ticket to fly to the land of merry tulips and kalomping wooden shoes?

My Review:  Sisterchicks In Wooden Shoes is probably one of my all time favorite books!  Of course, I absolutely (and I do mean absolutely!)  love all of the Sisterchick books.  The escapades and adventures of the friends or sisters makes one want to grab a suitcase, load up the travel arrangements with your sisterchick and have an adventure of your own.  Sisterchicks In Wooden Shoes is an easy, light read but there are many truths throughout the stories.  
I guess this book would be a favorite because the "girls" go on a trip to Holland.  Not only are there tulips and wooden shoes but the story ties into Corrie ten Boom and her family.  If you've ever seen the movie, "The Hiding Place" which tells the story of Corrie ten Boom and her family during the Nazi regime then you may cry through this chapter as I did. Even though I'm not a crier my nature but this chapter in this story truly touched my heart and the tears just flowed...I had one of those "eye opening" moments where the Lord helped me to "see" beyond the story. 

Summer and Noelle are two sisterchicks after my own heart.  They both love chocolate!  But more than that they both love the Lord!  

 If you want to go on a trip but don't have the time or finances right now then go to Amazon.com and get this book. Reading this book is actually better than a trip---no packing or passport.  
Women of all ages will enjoy this 5 star read!   Readers  will enjoy Robin Jones Gunn’s humorous and uplifting style. True-to-life characters and moments of poignancy bring a deeper understanding of the value of life and the gift of true friends. Readers guide and bonus material included.

*This book was provided for review by Waterbrook Multnomah's BloggingForBooks*


GIVEAWAY  (please leave a separate entry for each):
*Leave a comment with your email address!
Extra Entries:
*Be a follower of this blog
*Post this contest on your Facebook page 
GIVEAWAY ENDS February 11, 2011!

Robin Jones Gunn is the best-selling and award-winning author of over seventy books, including the Glenbrooke, Christy Miller, Sierra Jensen, Katie Weldon, and Christy and Todd: The College Years teen series. The Sisterchicks® series has sold more than 300,000 units, bringing her total sales to more than 3.5 million books worldwide. A Christy Award winner, Robin is a popular speaker, both at home and abroad, and is frequently interviewed on radio and on television. www.robingunn.com www.sisterchicks.com

Fun, Free Kindle Reads!

Fools Rush In {FREE}

This is a fun chick lit read! 
I truly enjoyed this book!

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This is a funny read about an elderly woman!

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A more serious read on biblical history!

The Earth Its Structures And Its Changes

Book Description:  Experience the science of fun!

This fourth book in the 3rd through 6th grade Investigate the Possibilities series makes teaching Earth science a delight!

Explore the planet like never before with 20 fun and educational experiments, highlighted throughout this full-color book. The learning progression helps students engage, investigate, explain, apply, expand, and assess the scientific principles, and is filled with helpful images, diagrams, and inexpensive activities.

Guide students to discover... 

Why caves and sinkholes form 

What is in the soil we walk on every day 

How warning signs are present prior to volcanic eruptions 

What tests can be used to identify rocks

This comprehensive series makes the study of God's creation both enjoyable and educational!

My Review:  The Earth Its Structure & Its Changes is a fabulous book with bright, colorful illustrations for the student to understand what is being taught.  It is also the fourth book in "The Investigate The Possibilities" series and is geared toward the 3rd-6th grade.

The first experiment on pages 10/11 is an experiment that we truly enjoyed!  We made a model of the interior of the earth.  Four different colors of modeling clay are used.  Using modeling clay, toothpicks and strips of paper the student can make the interior of the earth.  

There are 20 experiments for the student to learn about God's creation  using different techniques each time. The main areas of each investigation include engage, explain, apply, expand and assess. The experiments included in this book were the "best" part of the book that we enjoyed. Then after doing an experiment the student is able to do the action part or the What Did You Learn (expand section). The authors realize that children learn in different styles; therefore, the expand section gives different topics and learning styles that will compliment what they have already learned. 

Learning is made fun with all the experiments.  As a mom, though, I was impressed how much my 10 year old son took in from the hands-on learning than just from reading information.  

Whether you're a homeschool mom seeking a great science curriculum or just need some learning activities for your class or child you'll be glad you invested in this 5 star book.

*I reviewed this book for New Leaf Press*

This is the Parent/Teacher's Guide

The Earth: Its Structure & Its Changes     $12.99  The Earth: Its Structure & Its Changes is a study of the fascinating worl ... Go HERE to buy this book or set!

Chasing Francis A Novel by Ian Morgan Cron

Book Description:  Author, musician and speaker Ian Morgan Cron sheds new light on the legacy of St. Francis of Assisi, "the Last Christian." Cron masterfully weaves actual accounts from the life of Saint Francis' into the fictional story of Chase Falson, a New England minister on a pilgrimage to regain his faith. It's an amazing story with profound implications for the contemporary church. Read the story, and then learn even more about St. Francis' radical activism and theology in the robust forty-page study guide.

My Review:  Sometimes a book catches you "off guard."  Such is the case of Chasing Francis A Pilgrim's Tale by Ian Morgan Cron.  

Being familiar with St. Francis of Assisi but not truly knowledgeable about his life only his famous quote, "Preach the gospel at all times and when necessary use words" piqued my interest in reading more about Francis.

The story begins with Chase Falson flying into Florence, Italy.  Then in the next paragraph we "hear"as he tells us about being a mega church pastor and how he loses his faith. 

Chase Falson was the preacher at Putnam Hill Community church - a megachurch in Connecticut - until the day he loses his faith in front of the entire congregation. He calls up his Uncle Kenny, who is a Franciscan Priest living in Italy. Uncle Kenny suggests that Chase come visit with him for awhile and learn about God from Saint Francis of Assisi.  Thus, begins an engaging story of finding one's faith.

Chase begins a pilgrimage even spending the night at the Grotto (cave) that Francis slept in for weeks.

Grotto 

This is a thought provoking book.  At times a heavy read! But a book that begs to be finished not to be left on the table or shelf.  

I wish that like Chase I could fly off and "find my faith" in times of distress.  Yes, I'd like to see the country side, sip espresso at an outdoor cafe and follow the footsteps of a great man.  

Even though I'm not Catholic or of Catholic descent, like Chase, I was immersed in this pilgrimage and found that no matter what your faith God longs for you to commune with him and be filled with all faith!  

On page 172 it tells us that Francis of Assisi was so repulsed by lepers that if he saw on coming he would cover his mouth and nose, turn and run the other way.  One day while riding on the outskirts of Assisi he saw a leper.  He wanted to take off in the other direction but then he heard Jesus telling him to get off his horse and kiss the leper.  He did and that was turning point in his conversion.

A truly enjoyable 5 star read that will encourage you in your faith!

*I reviewed this book for NavPress*

About the Author: 

Ian Morgan Cron is the founder and now senior pastor emeritus of Trinity Church in Greenwich, Conn., a non-denominational faith community committed to social justice as well as to communicating the Christian story through the arts.

To introduce others to St. Francis of Assisi, he authored Chasing Francis: A Pilgrim's Tale. His literary debut received glowing endorsements from The Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams, Brian McLaren, Fr Richard Rohr, Phyllis Tickle, Tony Campolo, Brennan Manning, and artist Makoto Fujimura.

Ian is an adjunct priest at Christ Church in Greenwich, Connecticut and a doctoral student at Fordham University (The Jesuit University in New York) where he is studying Christian spirituality. In his spare time Ian enjoys reading, yoga, hiking, traveling, and kayaking.

Ian is currently writing a spiritual memoir for Thomas Nelson with the working title, This Much I Know ( a memoir. mostly.)which should be released in the Spring of 2011.

He resides in Franklin, Tennessee and Dorset, Vermont with his wife, three children, and his Portuguese Water Dog, Hobbes.

WOW {Warm Oven Wednesday} Paula Deen's Recipe for Stew

Ingredients

• 2 pounds stew beef
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 cups water
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 clove garlic, peeled
• 1 or 2 bay leaves
• 1 medium onion, sliced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Dash ground allspice or ground cloves
• 3 large carrots, sliced
• 3 ribs celery, chopped
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch

Directions

Brown meat in hot oil. Add water, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, bay leaves, onion, salt, sugar, pepper, paprika, and allspice. Cover and simmer 1 1/2 hours. Remove bay leaves and garlic clove. Add carrots and celery. Cover and cook 30 to 40 minutes longer. To thicken gravy, remove 2 cups hot liquid. Using a separate bowl, combine 1/4 cup water and cornstarch until smooth. Mix with a little hot liquid and return mixture to pot. Stir and cook until bubbly.

Chef Joey’s Cupcake Creation by Brenda L. Tuttle

Book Description:  Want to learn how cupcakes are made? Chef Joey will show you how to create delicious chocolate cupcakes in a sweet and interactive baking adventure that will bring children and parents together. A great start for beginning bakers, Chef Joey's Cupcake Creation brings fun and innovation to the children's kitchen. Happy Baking! 

My Review:  Ah!  The adventure of baking.  This interactive book brings the young reader to the heart of a baker's palace-The Kitchen.  

The reader meets Chef Joey as a baby and then we skip a few years ahead to an older Chef Joey walking down a grocery store aisle.  This is where children learn what ingredients go into a cake mix.  The ingredients for a sweet treat are included in this read.  Then on to mixing, baking and icing the treat.  The sweet treat that the reader learns to make is a chocolate cupcake!  Yum! for a neat treat that I can make by myself!

Cupcake facts are also included at the end of this read.  My favorite fact is: "Cupcakes were named because they are a small cake that is the same size as a teacup."  Makes one feel like having a cup of tea to go with that wonderful cupcake.

Children ages 6-10 are going to like this fun 5 star read.  The illustrations are cute, colorful and full of energy.  The process of buying ingredients, mixing and baking are great for a family adventure of learning!

This is a sturdy book so young ones can follow the recipe and then if the book is dribbled on it can be wiped off.  

This is one of those books that makes a wonderful gift for a young.to.be.chef.  And included in the purchase of this book is a free audio book digital download posted at the very end of the book.  

*I reviewed this book for Readers Favorites.com*

Blind Descent by Robert Hess

Book Description: TERROR IN THE ANTACRTIC WASTELAND

After regaining consciousness and crawling from the twisted wreckage of the plane, Robert Hess surveyed the landscape around him: the icy desert of Antarctica stared back, a white emptiness as far as he could see. Then, from inside the plane came the screams of his mangled friend and the keening of frightened sled dogs.

Only a year earlier, Hess had been a retired flight engineer working for the phone company when an old friend made him an intriguing proposition: help fly supplies to Antarctica as part of famous explorer Norman Vaughan's expedition to climb Mt. Vaughan. It was a job Hess couldn t pass up, and he worked tirelessly with his friends to make it happen.

But now, he and his comrades found themselves fighting desperately to stay alive.

Blind Descent is a gripping insider s account of an adventure gone horribly wrong and what really happened on a plane crash that made headlines around the world.

My Review:  Blind Descent by Robert Hess is based/written about his adventure in the Antarctica.  Robert tells of the trip and of he and his comrades attempts to stay alive.  The story begins as the men are in a blind descent 500 feet above the Antarctica.  The heating system wasn't working, the plane's windshield was covered in ice---visibility was zero!  The fog made it almost impossible to see anything!  

The author did fades back to the beginning of the trip.  How he met the pilot, how they came up with a plan, how the trip began and then the story goes into the adventure of the blind descent.

Not being a pilot but having ridden in an airplane a couple of times I can only guess at the terrible uncertainty of a blind descent.  A blind descent is being unable to see, permanently or temporarily.

This is an interesting, tale-gripping read of man against nature.  Robert and his team learn to rely on their instincts, each other and nature.  At times not sure if they will survive or even be able to relay their messages to the outside world they keep plodding on-never giving up.  A hardy crew with a zest for not giving up.

At the end of the tale it's interesting to see how the FAA depicts this blind descent.

There are "real" pictures of the men and the plane in the middle of the book so that the reader can see what the men and the circumstances looked like.  It makes the book seem so more real to the reader.

This is a short, fast read worthy of 4 stars.

*I reviewed this book for Reader's Favorites.com*