Crossroads Book Review-Fantastic!

About the Book

a Miller's Creek novel and Christian contemporary romance

 

A former soldier battles for the soul of a prodigal...

 

After a devastating divorce, a bitter single mom and atheist starts her own real estate company in the nostalgic and picturesque town of Miller’s Creek, Texas. Then her young daughter’s disturbing symptoms lead doctors to discover that her leukemia has relapsed. With her new life now turned upside down, Mara Hedwig struggles to keep her business afloat. And her daughter’s worsening condition forces her to rethink her beliefs about Carter Callahan and his God. Will Mara make the return to Christian faith in the face of life’s greatest challenge?

An ex-military operative struggles with the return to civilian life while coping with his rebellious teen-aged daughter. During a house-search, Carter meets Mara, a headstrong Realtor who wants nothing to do with his God. But when Mara’s little girl is diagnosed with leukemia, the clock begins ticking for him to convince Mara to return to a life of faith. Just as he seems to be making headway, circumstances beyond his control throw his efforts into a tailspin. Can Carter learn to rest in the sovereignty of God?

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About Cathy Bryant

Amazon best-selling author Cathy Bryant writes Christian fiction set in the heart of Texas. Her popular romance and romantic suspense novels take place in the fictional town of Miller's Creek, where folks are friendly, the iced tea is sweet, and Mama Beth's front porch beckons. All the Miller's Creek novels have been on the Amazon Best-Seller list and are rated at 4.5 stars or higher on Amazon. Her debut novel, TEXAS ROADS, was a 2009 ACFW Genesis finalist. Since then five other stand-alone novels have been added to the series, one of which was a reader-nominated 2013 Grace Award nominee (PILGRIMAGE OF PROMISE). Readers have compared her work to that of Karen Kingsbury and Nicholas Sparks. 

A native Texan, Cathy currently resides in the beautiful Sangre de Cristo mountains of northern New Mexico with her minister husband of over thirty years. She's written devotions for The Upper Room devotional magazine, two devotional books in collaboration with other Christian authors, and for online sites. She also has released a Bible study book, THE FRAGRANCE OF CRUSHED VIOLETS. In addition to her writing, she enjoys thrift store shopping, romping in the great outdoors, and mini-farming. To learn more about Cathy and her books, visit her website at www.CatBryant.com or make contact with her in these places:

|Facebook| Twitter | Pinterest | Goodreads |  Amazon | YouTube | Google+|

My Review

I have been pleasantly surprised by Cathy's books thus far. This is the second book that I've read in the Miller's Creek series and I'm a fan! Cathy's writing is so very good and her characters have depth and emotion. This book is about Mara and I really loved getting to know her and her daughter. I found the storyline to be realistic and the conversations about God interesting to read. Carter shows Mara what it really means to have a relationship with Christ and I think that was a strong point in the storyline. Mara's daughter starts to get sick again and it pulls the readers into the life of a single mom struggling to make ends meet.

This is such a great book and it reminds me a bit of Katie Ganshert's writing.

Highly recommend!!

Five stars.

"Thanks to Cathy for offering me a free copy in exchange for an honest review."

 

Order CROSSROADS here: http://bit.ly/CRKAA

(You can also snag a free digital copy of TEXAS ROADS by subscribing to Cathy's monthly newsletter. Your e-mail will be kept confidential, and you can unsubscribe at any time.)

Read the first chapter here!

 

YOU'RE INVITED!

 

What: CROSSROADS Book Launch Party

 

Where: Facebook (from the comfort & convenience of your own home)

 

When: April 30, 2015 ~ 7:00-8:30 p.m. (Central time)

 

Why: To celebrate the book launch of CROSSROADS (a Miller's Creek novel and Christian Romance by Cathy Bryant)

 

LOTS of Fun, Games and Prizes!

 

Prizes Include: Miller's Creek pens, tote bags, t-shirts, mugs, digital books, autographed print books, Amazon gift cards, and

an Amazon Kindle Fire HD6!

Click here to RSVP and enter the Kindle Fire drawing.

The Frangrance of Crushed Violets Book Review

The Fragrance of Crushed Violets: Forgiving the Inexcusable

The Fragrance of Crushed Violets: Forgiving the Inexcusable is a companion Bible study booklet on forgiveness written to go along with the spiritual theme of the fifth Miller’s Creek novel, A Bridge Unbroken by Cathy Bryant. The book is designed to work for either individual or group study. A women's Bible study group has been formed on Facebook, and will be studying the topic of forgiveness using this book beginning July 1, 2014. We would love to have you join us at LifeSword: https://www.facebook.com/groups/LifeSword/.

Book Description:

What do we do when a loved one, boss, co-worker, friend, or enemy seem determined to bring us down through an attack? How do we handle it when their assault is personal, public, deep, unjust, unfair, and unfounded? Take it one step further. How do we deal with meaningless acts of destruction and death, say in something similar to the Twin Towers incident or a school shooting, especially when the offender shows no remorse? Do we file it in our brains and rack it up to “one more senseless act” and chance to think that God somehow messed up?

In short, how do we move past the hurt and anger to a place of forgiveness?

Join us as we examine relevant scriptures about forgiveness and come away with a scriptural understanding of:

• what forgiveness is and what it isn’t
• God’s role in the process of forgiveness
• what Jesus did at the cross for each of us
• our mandate to forgive as we’ve been forgiven
• what gets in the way of forgiving others
• how to truly forgive

Quotes From the Book:

"Ultimate forgiveness can only be found in God, because all sin is ultimately against God."

"Forgiveness isn't natural; it's supernatural."

“…through forgiveness, we reveal to a watching world the perfect illustration of what Christ has done for each of us.”

 My Review

I really enjoyed this Bible study. Cathy has a way of writing that makes sense. I have read her fiction work and I was pleasantly surprised by her study. I thought this book was very strong in holding true to the Bible and what it says. I liked how easy the book is to read while still holding depth. Sometimes Bible studies get a bit dry and this one had the right balance. I found myself asking a lot of personal questions and it really made me actually think, not just gloss over. How do we forgive? Sometimes its easy but other times it's way more difficult and this books talks about what hinders us from forgiving. How God can help you through a difficult time of forgiving how to make it real and not just words.

If you are looking for a fresh study on Forgiveness you really need to read this one!

"I received this book from Cathy for free in exchange for an honest review."

Print Version Purchase Link

Kindle Version Purchase Link

About the Author:

Cathy Bryant writes both Christian fiction and devotional materials. She’s written devotions for The Upper Room devotional magazine, two devotional books, and for various online devotional sites including her own website, www.CatBryant.com. The Fragrance of Crushed Violets is her first Bible study booklet.

Cathy's standalone novels are set in the fictional town of Miller's Creek, Texas, where folks are friendly, the iced tea is sweet, and Mama Beth's front porch beckons. Her debut novel, Texas Roads, was a 2009 ACFW Genesis contest finalist and has been on the Amazon Kindle Best-Seller list. Since then she's added four other books to the Miller's Creek novels, the latest one released in Spring 2014. Readers have compared her novels to those of Karen Kingsbury and Nicholas Sparks and have called Miller's Creek the Texas version of Mayberry.

A native Texan, Cathy currently resides in the beautiful Sangre de Cristo mountains of northern New Mexico with her minister husband of over thirty years. When she’s writing, you can find her rummaging through thrift stores, hiking through the wilderness, or up to her elbows in yet another home improvement project in the mountain cabin she calls home.

A Bridge Unbroken Book Review and eBook Giveaway!

via

Mrs. Pedersen is the winner! I have emailed her to let her know. Thank you all for stopping by!

About the Book

Letting go to build a bridge…

Dakota Kelly wants her painful past to disappear. A plan to start afresh is derailed when she co-inherits her late grandfather’s farm with Chance Johnson, the man responsible for the scars on her heart. But Chance isn’t the only ghost from the past. Someone else is out to get her and will stop at nothing to get what he wants. Will Chance and Dakota lay aside their grudges to restore the old farmhouse and bridge, or will evil forces sabotage their attempt at forgiveness? (Goodreads)

My Review

This book was a great surprise for me to read. The author is new to me so I was excited to see how she wrote! This book reminded me a lot of Katie Ganshert's Wildflowers from Winter but with it's own unique twist. The plot is similar, Dakota returns to her hometown and tries to avoid a man from her past. Meanwhile, she is running from a mysterious someone who the reader does not completely understand "who" until the last part of the book. I really enjoyed the setting and the characters. I thought the romance was a bit rushed but I loved how I didn't know what was really going on with Dakota's past.

 The book is very well written and I highly recommend!! I am excited to read more from this author.

Fans of Katie Ganshert will enjoy this book.

"I received this book from the author for free in exchange for an honest review-Thank you!"


I am hosting an eBook giveaway on my blog for one of my readers. Enter through the rafflecopter below.
Giveaway ends May 21th.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

A BRIDGE UNBROKEN Character Interview (& Giveaway!)

Chance: (finger to lips) Shhhh! Don't tell Cathy. She's supposed to arrive here in a sec to interview me and Dakota. What she doesn't know is that we're gonna turn the interview around and put her in the hot seat for a change. After all, she's put us through the ringer in writing A Bridge Unbroken. It's only fair that we return the favor. Right? Oops, here she comes. (returns to seat and acts all nonchalant)

Cathy: (enters and moves to seat) Hey, you two. Y'all ready to get this interview underway?

Chance: (with a smirk and a sideways glance exchanged with Dakota) Of course. Why wouldn't we be?

Dakota: (her green eyes shooting daggers) Yeah, it's not like we have anything else to do with our time, thanks to you.

Cathy: (shifting in her chair uncomfortably) Uh...what do you mean?

Dakota: Renovate a farmhouse, rebuild a farm, fix a bridge, work on our relationship, get away from the antagonist, all while dealing with an unexpected gift of farm animals and a dog? I mean, really, couldn't you just send us to outer space in a defunct space shuttle or something?

Chance: (reaches over and pats Dakota's arm) Easy, honey, your Irish temper is showing.

Dakota: (doesn't answer, but continues to shoot daggers at Cathy)

Cathy: (swallows hard and glances down at her notes) Um, sorry. First question: Why did you two introduce yourselves to me with such major problems to overcome?

Chance: Ha! That's not the way I see it. You're the one who created us, not the other way around. Why'd you make us with such problems to overcome?

Cathy: Because I wanted to explore the topic of forgiveness. It's such a huge part of our faith, but all believers tend to struggle with it, especially when the offender seems unconcerned and determined to destroy us, you know?

Dakota: (nods, now her eyes hold understanding) What makes it even harder is when our own actions hurt others. We can't go back and undo what's been done. It's especially difficult when we have trouble forgiving ourselves. And then when the other party accepts no responsibility... (her words trail off, and she glances at Chance)

Chance: (frowning) Haven't we discussed this enough already? Yeah, so maybe I have a hard time seeing the speck in my eye--

Dakota: Speck?

Chance: Okay, so maybe it's a little bigger than that.

Cathy: Little?

Chance: You, too?

(Cathy and Dakota share a knowing look.)

Chance: (with an exasperated sigh) Okay, beam. You happy now?

(Both Cathy and Dakota smile and nod.)

Cathy: (staring at the clock) Wow, time really does fly fast when you're having fun. Better move on to question two. Dakota, why do you have the tendency to run away?

Dakota: (crosses arms, a glare on her face) Well, as I recall, you gave me a pretty tough childhood. (inserts sarcasm) Let me express my undying gratitude.

Cathy: (smiling) You're very welcome. Anything to help the story.

Chance: Yeah, speaking of that, why do you put the story above your own characters? Don't we deserve some gratitude for bowing to your commands?

Cathy: Um, first of all, you are the story; the story is you. That's just the way it works. And as for bowing to my commands? Well, let's just say that both of you are two of the most unruly characters I've ever written. You took over on more than one occasion and told the story for me.

Dakota: I would think you'd be grateful.

Cathy: If I wrote by the seat of my pants, maybe. But I like knowing what you guys are gonna do before I ever start writing the story.

(Chance and Dakota look at each other.)

Dakota: Great. Our author has OCD.

Chance: Big time. But at least it explains why she put us through so much.

Cathy: Enough about me. Chance, would you explain to my reader friends how you got those scars on your face?

(Chance blushes and squirms in his seat.)

Dakota: (still looking at Chance, with a compassionate expression) Uh, I'll take responsibility for that. Sorry, Chance.

Chance: (smiling tenderly at Dakota) It's over and done with. Besides, I gave you a few scars as well.

Dakota: (smiling back) Yeah, not all scars are visible. But I think we've done pretty well in moving past our scars. (She takes his hand.)

Chance: (brings her hand to his lips and plants a soft kiss there) Agreed. (He stands and pulls Dakota up with him.) Interview over.

Cathy: (her face incredulous) What? But I'm not through.

Chance: Oh yes, you are. (He and Dakota turn and move away.)

Dakota: (glancing back over her shoulder) Seriously, Cathy, how can you expect to write a romance and not give your hero and heroine some alone time? I mean, really.

Cathy: (watches them walk away, then produces a sheepish grin) Sorry. Did I mention that these two characters don't always do what I say? (sighs and waves good-bye) Thanks for coming to the interview.

* * *

A BRIDGE UNBROKEN

Letting go to build a bridge…

A frightened runaway wants her painful past to disappear. A plan to start afresh is derailed when she co-inherits her late grandfather’s farm with the man responsible for the scars on her heart. But he isn’t the only ghost from the past. Someone else is out to get her and will stop at nothing to get what he wants. Will Chance and Dakota lay aside their grudges to restore the old farmhouse and bridge, or will evil forces sabotage their attempt at forgiveness?

CLICK HERE TO READ A SAMPLE CHAPTER.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE BOOK TRAILER.

| Purchase Print Version | Purchase eBook Version |

The Other Miller’s Creek Novels

| Texas Roads | A Path Less Traveled | The Way of Grace| Pilgrimage of Promise|

“Miller’s Creek, Texas…where folks are friendly, the iced tea is sweet, and Mama Beth’s front porch beckons…”

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A Texas gal by birth, Cathy enjoys spinning tales set in the fictional town of Miller's Creek, Texas, where the folks are friendly, the iced tea is sweet, and Mama Beth's front porch beckons. When she's not writing the Miller's Creek Novels, you'll find her rummaging through thrift stores or up to her elbows in yet another home improvement project in the mountain cabin she shares with her minister husband of over thirty years. You can find out more about Cathy and her books at www.CatBryant.com or at her Facebook author page at https://www.facebook.com/Cathy.Bryant.Author

Here are a few other places to meet up with Cathy in cyberspace:

|Facebook| Twitter | Pinterest | Goodreads |  Amazon | YouTube | Google+|

Reader friends on Facebook may want to visit the following groups, the first for book bargains and the second to discuss all things Miller’s Creek.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/ChristianBooks.Giveaways/

https://www.facebook.com/groups/MillersCreekReaders/

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About the $100 Visa Card Giveaway/Launch Party

Cathy is celebrating the new addition to the Miller’s Creek family by making several prizes available to reader friends, including a $100 Visa Card Giveaway. Winners will be announced at the interactive Facebook Launch Party on May 22, 2014.

Other prizes include: t-shirts, coffee mugs, tote bags, bookmarks, eBooks, print books and Amazon Gift cards.

Enter the grand prize drawing for the $100 Visa Card now by clicking one of the links below. But hurry, because the contest ends May 22, 2014. (NOTE: Some contest tasks can be completed daily for extra chances to win.) The grand prize winner will be announced at the A Bridge Unbroken Facebook launch party on May 22.

CLICK HERE TO ENTER THE DRAWING VIA CATHY’S WEBSITE.

CLICK HERE TO ENTER VIA THE GIVEAWAY TAB ON CATHY’S FACEBOOK PAGE.

Don’t miss the fun! See you at the party!