A Personal Note

Here we are, finally coming together as a powerful force in the literary world, with people, even publishers, asking about how they can "partner" with us. So what do I get? Well, I'm thrilled, but let me tell you about the physical side of what I recently received.

Last night had to be the coldest night so far this season. When I got to my computer this morning the little digital thingy that tells me the outside temperature read 6 degrees. In an hour it had raise a full degree to 7 degrees. What really makes this special is that last night, somewhere around 10:30 and 11:00 PM I noticed our funace wasn't going on. I tried relighting the pilot, but it wouldn't stay lit. Finally, with the smell of propane filling our trailer, we decided to let the matter rest with the propane company. It appears that our check for the last propane refill did not clear. We had no idea at all about that, then late last night, of all nights, the tanks emptied out letting us endure the coldest night this winter with little more than an aluminum shelter of our trailer and two very small space heaters.

Our worries weren't over. The smell of propane gas continued to increase. I was afraid of even lighting a candle. My wife was afraid to let me sleep for fear that I wouldn't wake up. Apparantly there's a way to shut off the gas line when the tanks go empty. I wish I knew that, but I'm mechanically challanged.

My prayer was "God keep us safe and don't let us get sick or a fire start in the house." The Lord heard our prayers. Although we endured a miserably cold night and most of the day, He kept us safe. It was around 2:30 PM when we finally had our tanks refilled. The service man was worried about us. It seems we forgot to turn off any of the pilots and gaseous propane had filled our humble abode. Still, we were able to relight everything and when the heat finally came on it was like witnessing God's first miracle.

So I wish to all of you, a very warm, safe and joyful time during these otherwise cold and dreary winter days. Cling always to the truth that "This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it."

You know something? For a fiction writer I keep finding reality much, much stranger than fiction. God bless you all.

David Brollier

CFRB Author Chat

Thanks to Karina Fabian, who has opened up her website to CFRB for author chats, we are not able to offer this feature to all our members. We'd like to have the author run a short (yeah right) chat a week or two before their book goes on tour. Then sometime during the blogtour of their work have another author chat. During these chats all CFRB members are welcome as is the general public, so if you have a book coming up, but it's down the road a bit you may wish to join in with us and have some fun.

Last night we had a "trial run" with Cynthia MacKinnon, editor for LIGHT AT THE EDGE OF DARKNESS as the guest host. It was a total blast. After the "designated" chat time ended we stayed on for a while. I have no idea how long the others stayed on, but I bowed out at around 10:40 PM. I knew if I didn't get off I'd be up all night. It was so much fun talking, joking and learning from each other.

Any CFRB member who would like to schedule an author chat needs to contact Karina Fabian, either through the yahoo site http://groups.yahoo.com/group/CFRB or through emailing her personally at karina@fabianspace.com

Join us and join the fun.

How Fitting this is for February

Coming This February -
Light at the Edge of Darkness,
compiled by Cynthia MacKinnon

I hope all of you enjoyed last month's book tour. Sure there were problems that we encountered, but we're working on correcting them. Coming this February LIGHT AT THE EDGE OF DARKNESS. To me this is so fitting. February is the most dismal month of winter for me. I'm not a big fan of winter, the cold, the dark nights. It's way too dismal for me. That's why I find LIGHT AT THE EDGE OF DARKNESS so fitting. It brings you that dark, dismal reality that all of us are acquainted with, and sometimes in the most unrealistic manners, but the darkness is real. Here, when we wish to withdraw, to pull the covers over us and call it quits. "Wake me up when it's spring," is what I'd like to shout. Yet LIGHT AT THE EDGE OF DARKNESS doesn't leave you with depression and darkness. It goes to the very edge of sanity and there finds that one hope, that one ray of light that says, "Hang on just a bit longer." So gear up and get ready for one fantastic collection. Oh, that's right. I didn't tell you it was a collection. Unlike our first book this comprises a number of different and strangely dark stories that each bring the reader to find the light of hope in their own way. There are some of you that this is the only kind of book you'll read. Others will find this a fantastic approach, full of fresh ideas and points of view. All of you are going to want to get in on this and follow this book as we send it out on a blog tour. Look for it this February 4th.

Don't forget to visit Dan I. Weaver's blog at:
http://www.danieliweaver.com/blog/

ARMS OF DELIVERANCE - Day 7

It's been a fun week. I hope Tricia has enjoyed it and that it bolsters the sales for her book ARMS OF DELIVERANCE. We've had reviews from several different people, some with CFRB, others not from among us. I really wanted to have an interview, but the best I could get was something off of A Frank Review (with permission of course). Anyway, Tricia, the best of blessings on this and your future writing career. I think I can say for all CFRB members we wish you only the best and pray that your stories touch the hearts and lives of many people to the glory of God.

Be sure to visit her site: It's Real Life
And the reviews on Amazon: Arms of Deliverance

ARMS OF DELIVERANCE - Day 4

CFRB Presents

Arms of Deliverance, by Tricia Goyer - day 4

A review by Deborah

I love historical fiction. For me, it helps me to understand history better. I learn more and it's easier to relate too. It was because of historical fiction that I changed my major to history. I love reading all types, from ancient Greek and Roman history right to stories based during the Cold War. Historical fiction brings the people, places and events to life. "Arms of Deliverance" is Tricia Goyer's fourth novel set during World War II. Mary and Lee are two female reporters each struggling to prove they deserve to have the top story. Katrine is a Jew, living the life of an Aryan, pregnant with a Nazi's child. Their lives become intertwined as Mary and Lee are sent to Europe to report about the war and Katrine learns the risk of keeping her secret. Along the way, the reader learns about the Nazis view of children and bloodlines, the role of women reporters during war times and the true meaning of sacrifice. I found this book fascinating. I love stories set during WWII. This was such a dramatic time period. I found the Katrine story very captivating, as she is a Jew being able to pass for a Aryan. Learning about the birthing houses where women gave birth solely to make new generations of Aryans was very interesting. I felt like I was really in the story especially during Mary and Eddie's adventure. Very edge of your seat. The amazing thing is is that many people probably faced that exact situation during the war. It makes the story more exciting and nerve wracking. You can tell there was a lot of research done in writing the book. I really liked the strong female characters. Mary and Lee kept trying to make their name on their own and allowed themselves to be pushed to the limit. Katrine risks her life to finally let the truth be known. I'm not sure I could do the same had I been in their situation. Currently in one of my courses, we are studying about WWII and the Nazis. This book helped me get a better outlook on their thinking and way of life. I'm really glad I read it and I'm looking forward to reading the rest of Tricia's books. I would recommend this for anyone who likes historical fiction.

For more information and sales go to:

Link to Amazon.Com

To visit Tricia's personal blog go to:

It's Real Life

Be sure to visit Deborah's blog at:

Books, Movies and Chinese Food

ARMS OF DELIVERANCE - Day 3

CFRB Presents

Arms of Deliverance, by Tricia Goyer - day 3

A review by Michelle Sutton

Arms of Deliverance is a powerful and fascinating tale portraying the evil of the Nazi regime and the heroic people who resisted by refusing to conform. And, as usual, Tricia's storyline and writing is as gripping as the Thoene's, and I've read all of their books. One character's plight I found particularly gripping. Rebecca Lodz, a Czech Jewess, had to change her name to Katrine and pass herself off as Aryan to survive, only to end up in the Lebensborn project, where German babies were bred for the Reich.

Two female reporters were sent on dangerous missions (at their request) to report tales of heroism to inspire Americans and boost morale. Unfortunately, they both encountered terrors of war that made them question their judgment, but they "hung in there" despite their fear. They experienced things that imbedded in their minds and changed their hearts forever. (I love how Tricia always has strong female heroines in her books. Yes, even Rebecca had incredible strength.)

The Destiny's Child navigator, Eddie, is incredible and handsome--the ultimate hero, and of course, a Christian. He bonds to one of the female reporters during their plight and he proposes a plan that has Mary afraid--the title's name sake, yet she agrees to trust God. (I don't know how she does it, but Tricia always has me sighing over the guys in her stories.)

The author also does what most excellent authors do...she takes the characters' worst fears and makes it happen, then adds even more trials to their load. Great writing. Excellent twists and turns. Incredible plot. Strong faith element. Enthralling story. I don't want this series to ever end. What a great way to teach young people today about true heroism in the midst of a cynical society obsessed with self-preservation. Arms of Deliverance is Published by Moody and released in July 2006.

For more information and sales go to:

Link to Amazon.Com

To visit Tricia's personal blog go to:

It's Real Life

Be sure to visit Michelle's blog at:

Edgy Inspirational Author

ARMS OF DELIVERANCE - Day Two

CFRB Presents

Arms of Deliverance, by Tricia Goyer - day 2

Tricia Goyer is the author of five novels, two non-fictionbooks, and one children's book. Tricia was named Mount HermonChristian Writers Conference "Writer of the Year" in 2003. In 2005,her book Life Interrupted was a finalist for the Gold Medallion.Also in 2005, her novel Night Song won ACFW's Book of the Year forLong Historical Romance. In 2006, her novel Dawn of a ThousandNights also won Book of the Year for Long Historical. She's writtenover 250 articles for national publications and hundreds of BibleStudy notes for the Women of Faith Study Bible. Tricia lives inMontana with her husband and three kids where she homeschools,leads children's church, and mentors teenage mothers.

For more information and sales go to:

Link to Amazon.Com

To visit Tricia's personal blog go to:

It's Real Life

ARMS OF DELIVERANCE, day one

CFRB Presents

Arms of Deliverance, by Tricia Goyer

Welcome to the debut of Christian Fiction Review Blog as we begin with the awesome historical novel ARMS OF DELIVERANCE. If things look a bit shakey, all I can say is that we are all feeling our way through this process, but hope that you enjoy the reviews, interviews and other promotional data supplied here. We must learn to walk before we can learn to run and Trica Goyer has graciously given us that very opportunity.

CFRB hopes that you've enjoyed the booktrailer for this marvelous work. It's only a teaser, but gives you some idea of what the book is about. For more invormation try visiting the CFRB Members listed in the blogroll.

For more information and sales go to:

Link to Amazon.Com

To visit Tricia's personal blog go to:

It's Real Life