CFRB Tour and Book Review: One Smooth Stone by Marcia Lee Laycock

This month, CFRB presents One Smooth Stone by Marcia Lee Laycock.

About the Book:

Alex Donnelly is trying desperately to hide from his past, the police and especially God. He picks a good place to hide – the wilderness of Canada’s Yukon, but he finds even there he is pursued by all of the above. Confronted with intriguing information and burning to know more about his real parents, Alex returns to his birthplace, Seattle Washington, only to discover that his mother had tried to abort him. The trauma sends him on the run again but God has orchestrated a divine appointment for him back in the Yukon. The story is filled with miraculous healing, struggles with rage and an obsession with revenge. It illustrates that God never gives up, as Alex learns that no matter how far you run, God will find you and no matter what you have done, God will forgive you.

About the Author:

Marcia’s writing began in the attic of her parents’ home where she wrote stories for her dolls. They didn’t complain so she kept it up. God has blessed her with publication in magazines, newspapers, on radio and the web. Her work has garnered praise from notable writers Mark Buchanan, Sigmund Brouwer and Phil Callaway. Her first devotional book, The Spur of the Moment won an Award of Merit at Write Canada and her novel, One Smooth Stone, won the Best New Canadian Christian Author Award in 2006. Marcia writes a weekly devotional column that goes out to over 4,000 people. Her devotionals have been published by The Upper Room and The Quiet Hour, among others, as well as in anthologies compiled by Multnomah and Thomas Nelson. Marcia is currently the Sunday devotional columnist for Novel Journey.com and was a contributor to Hot Apple Cider.

My thoughts:

This book really exceeded my expectations. It was flat-out just a good story that had a little bit of a mystery going on, a little possibility for romance, and a whole lot of God's love. It was so very refreshing to read a story that dealt with real problems that could only be solved by turning to a real God, and also the continual theme that simply was, "You can't run away from God."

Alex is not a perfect person...not by a long shot. He pretty much becomes a loner once he becomes of age because of how badly he was treated in his early years, especially while he was in the foster system. All of a sudden, there is the possibility that he's about to receive a huge inheritance. That is...if he is the Alex Donnelly that's supposed to be receiving it. Alex actually doesn't care one whit about the money. He just wants some answers for why it involves his parents who passed away when he was just a child.

I loved how, in spite of Alex trying to run away from all that was happening to him at once, there were people all around surrounding him with Christian love. Even though the road was long and hard for pretty much everyone that was involved in Alex's life in some way or another, they never gave up on him. Wow...if only all Christians could respond like that on a daily basis, who knows what God might have in store for them?!?!

This is a great book for men and women alike. It deals with some tough issues, including rape, so it's probably best for just adults. Also, there is supposed to be a sequel in the works to One Smooth Stone....well, there's gotta be one because the very last line of the book is a cliffhanger! Hurry, Marcia, hurry! I'm ready to read it! :o)

4 Stars

Visit the author's website.

Purchase One Smooth Stone from
Amazon, Barnes and Noble, or the publisher.

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

CFRB Tour and Book Spotlight Revisit: Drawing Marissa and Forgiving Sean by Jessica Adriel

Back cover of Drawing Marissa:

When Marissa Gladstone's father dies, she runs to her neighbor, Sean Moffit, for comfort. Three years later with a ring on her finger Sean suddenly skips town and Marissa wakes up in the emergency room. Her heart takes its final blow when she learns the truth and tries to hold her shattered life together. But the only one who can heal her wounds is God, and getting to Him is the last thing on her mind. That is, until Sean's college buddy reveals a drawing that holds the key to her heart.

Back cover of Forgiving Sean:

Marissa Gladstone is happy and in love, or so she thinks. When her ex-boyfriend returns home after a two-year absence, he has plans to win her back, that is until he sees her with his arch nemesis, Hawke Davies. Faced with Forgiving Sean and reopening an old wound, Marissa confides in Hawke who has more secret of his own to reveal. Will Sean's troubled past finally release Marissa from his old or will Sean's old ways rekindle a flame that died way too soon?

My thoughts:

Young adult fiction has changed A LOT since I was a teenager. I was about 11 or 12 when I started reading books on a regular basis, and I started off with the Trixie Belden books and the Babysitter’s Club books. From there, I started to discover Christian YA fiction, and found books by Judy Baer, Robin Jones Gunn, and Patricia Rushford. I pretty much devoured everything by these 3 authors, and loved every minute of it. The books were great, but most of the time, they were pretty sugar-coated. In hindsight, I wish I’d had the opportunity to read some YA back then that had a little more depth.

Jessica Adriel is a YA author who has a great sense of what teenagers are facing today, and it shows in her writing. From what I have been able to glean from her website, she has “been there, done that,” and lived to tell about it. She currently has 2 books available—Drawing Marissa and Forgiving Sean—and she’s definitely given a picture of the real world of a teenager in both books. I was so impressed that she didn’t hesitate to show her characters as flawed individuals who didn’t have all the answers, but who needed to rely on God for their strength. Not only did she portray the kids that way, she cast the parents and other adults in the same light. One parent in particular really caught my attention. It was a dad who pretty much let his daughter do whatever she wanted as long as it wasn’t anything illegal. The sad thing is that I have known kids with parents exactly like this who care nothing about their child’s morals or their integrity.

These two books would be very high on my list of recommendations for anyone, but particularly teens, simply because they are the real deal. You won’t find summer trips to the beach or sleepovers with friends. Instead, you’ll get a look at the real world that some teenagers face daily, full of struggles, heartache, and love.

4 Stars for both books
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Check out these other member blogs this week for more info.

Revisiting Jessica Adriel

Last year, I had the pleasure of meeting a new, up and coming young adult author that has a big heart for teens. Since this week is the Christian Fiction Review Blog's tour of Jessica's latest book, Forgiving Sean, I wanted to give you the opportunity to get to know Jessica a little better.

Hope you enjoy!

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How did your journey begin as a writer?

When I was a kid, I played library. I would make my mom take me to the library and I loved to check out books. I just didn't like to read them. I began writing seriously in high school, everyone says they start with poetry but I really did. I wrote over 800 poems by my senior year.

If you weren't a writer, what would your dream job be? (this is assuming, of course, that writing is your dream job) :o)

That's easy: A Marine Biologist. I fell in love with Sea World in 5th grade.

How much of your own personal experiences do you use for your books?

Most of it. I've had a rather vibrant life. I use stories I was either involved in or observed.

Tell us about the books that you currently have available.

The Chatham series follows the young Marissa Gladstone through the perils of teenage life with a deceased father and a sudden miscarriage. Running head on into the stigma's and rumors of her past, Marissa encounters God through a series of events that lead to her spiritual awakening and salvation. The greatest part of the story, is who God uses to draw his daughter back to him. In the second book, Marissa comes face to face with the father of her unborn child and the secret that tore their relationship apart. When Marissa is forced to choose between a new path or an old one, the readers experience for themselves that life long bonds are formed through physical intimacy and first loves...and even though there is forgiveness, wholeness is a virtue only God can give.

You seem to have a handle on the issues that teens face today. Besides writing, are there any other areas where you're able to help and provide advice to teens?

Yes, I speak to small groups, at conferences or retreats and even at a local Mom's night out, homeschool meeting or a mother-daughter breakfast. We talk about dating, courting, relationships, etc. I have a lot to share and speaking to groups helps get that message across. There is contact information on my website JessicaAdriel.com.

What do you hope your readers take with them after reading one of your books?

Hope. Hope that God is real, and that He is listening. Hope that they too can tune into hear his voice, and feel his tender call. God is with us even when we feel alone and under a mountain of pressure. I want my readers to know that He is waiting for the invitation to show up in their lives.

I believe the last book in the Chatham Series will be available next year. Do you have any other books that you're working on for the future?

Yes, The Great Erin Walker was a novel I penned back in 2006. It's being revamped for the teen market and deals with a lofty teen model who takes a nasty fall due to her pride. And when love finds her, she sees that its been right in front of her the whole time. The book delves into mother daughter issues, self-esteem and physical boundaries in dating.

What authors do you enjoy reading?

I'm a big Non Fiction Reader. I enjoy Sigmund Brouwer, Francine Rivers, William Young.

When you're not writing, what do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

I love board games, I shop online (big pocketbook fetish) and I research a lot of history, especially the slave trade era.

Where can readers find you on the web?

I have a Facebook fan page with great updates and insight, and my website DrawingMarissa.com is another great source. I hope to release Hawke's journal this winter...its a precursor to Hawke's Tale the final book in the trilogy.

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In addition to this "revisit" with Jessica today, I'll also share a couple of reviews with you later this week for both of Jessica's books. Be on the lookout! :o)

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

CFRB Tour: Forgiving Sean by Jessica Adriel

Forgiving Sean
by Jessica Adriel

This month, CFRB presents Forgiving Sean by Jessica Adriel.

About the Book:

Marissa Gladstone has already buried her father and had one man walk out on her, so when her boyfriend Hawke Davies suddenly proposes, Marissa’s unsure things will last. Hoping that her quiet summer at home will give her time to think, Marissa forgets that her first love may be home for the summer. Before she can give Hawke an answer, she needs to find out why Sean disserted her. But when the competition heats up between the boys, Sean tries to win her back by making a staggering confession that links his former life to Hawke. Forgiving Sean may be the answer she has needed all along and allow her to choose the man she’s always loved.

About the Author:

Jessica Adriel is a licensed minister, author, mother and speaker. She spends her days penning books, preparing talks and delving into the world of teenagers. Her gifts of communication and compassion were noticed early on when she composed over 800 poems during high school and yet spent a great deal of time with volunteer efforts. A native to New England, it was Jessica’s tragic stint of car accidents, assaults and a four year career in modeling, that inspired her to write ‘real life’ novels that impact teenagers. Today Jessica inspires and ignites teens to find their God given purpose through her books and challenging seminars. Her stories provide a bridge between today's generation and the pressures of media and peer pressure which lead teens in the wrong direction. Armed with a plethora of stories and a deep love for God, Jesus introduces her audience to Christ in unconventional, yet very powerful ways.

Visit the author's website and
check out the Free Chapter Downloads.

Purchase Forgiving Sean at
Amazon, or Barnes and Noble.

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

**Be watching later on this week for a re-visit with Jessica and the interview I did with her last year. I'll also be re-posting my thoughts on both of the books that she currently has available. Stay tuned!! :o)

CFRB Blog Tour: The Wordsmith, the Kid, and the Electrolux by Clifford Leigh

This month, CFRB presents The Wordsmith, the Kid, and the Electrolux by Clifford Leigh.

About the Book:

"I was not certain if the whole world I had fallen into was upside-down and I was right-side-up, or vice versa."

Young Corey's secret life began the day his father refused him a cup of coffee. It drew him, again and again, to the coiling dragon on his father's green Chinese box and to the Carnival Surprise of the ice-cream man, Mr. Good. But he had no idea his desires would propel him with a whoosh into the strange, dark closet...or a headlong, terrifying fall and the adventure of a lifetime. It was a strange day...but nothing like the night Corian Griffin met the Electrolux.

Fantasy. Adventure. Surprise. A tale of growing up and growing wise.

About the Author:

Clifford Leigh is an author and illustrator, has had numerous gallery exhibitions in SoHo, and, as “Chief Idea Person” to Pop Artist Mark Kostabi, his work is exhibited in major galleries and museums worldwide. His continuing collaboration with Kostabi most recently produced an illustrated Book of Genesis and pieces for Pope Benedict XVI.

Cliff is also a designer for Evergreene Achitectural Arts, the world’s largest art and historical restoration firm. His design work can be seen in notable buildings such as The Eisenhower Executive Office Building in the White House complex, St. Peter’s Church, San Francisco, the Miami City Hall, Grey Towers Historic Preservation, the Allen County Courthouse, and the Meridien Grand Opera House.

Cliff lives in New York with his wife and three sons. The Wordsmith, The Kid, and The Electrolux was entirely written and illustrated during his daily three-hour train commute. He is currently working on its sequel, Islandship River.


Visit the author's website and the WKE Blog.

Purchase The Wordsmith, the Kid, and the Electrolux at Amazon, Amazon Kindle, or Barnes and Noble.

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

CFRB Tour and Book Review: The Cat That Made Nothing Something Again by James Maxon

This month, CFRB presents The Cat that Made Nothing Something Again by James D. Maxon

About the Book:

A nameless cat lives in a town of dry, unhappy people devoid of moisture, joy and creativity. How did the townspeople get this way? Who stole the moisture? And how can one crafty cat return moisture -- and life -- to his town? The Cat That Made Nothing Something Again tells the tale of how a feline hero discovers these answers. On his journey he overcomes obstacles with wit and determination, finds new friends in unexpected places and learns the simple joy -- and transcendent power -- of helping others.

About the Author:

James was born in Anchorage, Alaska, and now lives with his wife, Cindy, in a suburb of Minneapolis, Minnesota. A writer of stories, poetry, expository, narrative and persuasive genres, James targets children and teens with messages of faith, hope and insight. Current work in progress is A Wizard Tale, which is a story about a fifteen-year-old boy who is involuntarily forced to walk in his father's footsteps-after his death-and finds himself fighting against a powerful and opposing force.

My thoughts:

I must confess that this is the first children's book I've read...well, since I was a child. Being that I don't have any children yet, and I'm hardly ever around kids (at least, long enough to read a book to them), children's books are just not something I normally read.

James Maxon's book The Cat That Made Nothing Something Again is a great book for either kids or adults. Throughout the entire book, I could visualize each scene as though I was watching a cartoon movie. I know that sounds corny, but that's just how I envisioned it. :o) In the first part of the book when the cat is on his way to see the king, I could visualize the ground being dried up from no moisture. Also, when he meets all the different characters along the way, I could hear the bird and the seed talking in a great "cartoon" voice, in spite of the world around them looking so dreary and dull. In the second part of the book when the moisture is returned, everything comes alive, and it's so easy to imagine all the colors of this new and changed world.

For a Christian children's book, I was actually impressed that it was not too preachy. Instead, it was heavy on the symbolism, but not something that would go over a child's head. Because of that, it provides the perfect opportunity for parents to help their kids with questions that they may have at a young age about becoming a Christian. For example, the "moisture" in the book, in my opinion, represents the love of God, and that if we let that love be sucked out of our lives, we're left with a very unhappy life. Also, without that love, we don't treat others as we should, and our hearts can become hard toward one another.

This is definitely a book I would recommend for anyone, regardless of your age group. The truths found in this book apply to everyone, and are easily understood. I look forward to reading James Maxon's future books, even if they are written for kids. *grin*

Visit the author's website.

View the book trailer.

Purchase The Cat That Made Nothing Something Again at
Amazon or download for FREE from the Author's Website.

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

**My apologies that I was a day late in getting this post up!

Book Review: Talking to the Dead by Bonnie Grove

This month, CFRB presents Talking to the Dead by Bonnie Grove.

About the Book:

Twenty-something Kate Davis can't seem to get this grieving widow thing right. She's supposed to put on a brave face and get on with her life, right? Instead she's camped out on her living room floor, unwashed, unkempt, and unable to sleep-because her husband Kevin keeps talking to her.

Is she losing her mind?

Kate's attempts to find the source of the voice she hears are both humorous and humiliating, as she turns first to an "eclectically spiritual" counselor, then a shrink with a bad toupee, a mean-spirited exorcist, and finally group therapy. There she meets Jack, the warmhearted, unconventional pastor of a ramshackle church, and at last the voice subsides. But when she stumbles upon a secret Kevin was keeping, Kate's fragile hold on the present threatens to implode under the weight of the past. And Kevin begins to shout.

Will the voice ever stop? Kate must confront her grief to find the grace to go on, in this tender, quirky story about second chances.

My thoughts:

Very rarely do I come across a book that just leaves me floored the whole way through. Except for one tiny little break, I read this book from cover to cover, and loved every second of it. While it's not a book that I would normally go out of my way to read, words cannot adequately express how impressed I was after reading this fabulous debut novel.

Talking to the Dead is a great example of an author thinking outside the box and finding a new niche in the Christian fiction arena. I have never come across a Christian fiction novel that dealt with any type of mental illness, much less mental institutions and shrinks, and how individuals seek help (be it worldly or spiritual) for those problems in the real world. Even though the Christian aspects of the novel were a tad bit watered down in places, I really applaud the author for showing what some churches/pastors are like in the real world, particularly, the scene with Jack's father. It literally broke my heart to read through Kate's experience with this fictitious pastor, knowing that there really are pastors and church leaders out there that use the same tactics.

Talking to the Dead is now firmly planted on my all-time favorites list. Now, I must begin the impatient wait for whatever she has in store for her next book. If all of Bonnie's books are as great as this one, I'll be a fan for life.

About the Author:

Bonnie Grove started writing when her parents bought a typewriter, and she hasn't stopped since. Trained in Christian Counseling (Emmanuel Bible College, Kitchener, ON), and secular psychology (University of Alberta), she developed and wrote social programs for families at risk while landing articles and stories in anthologies. She is the author of Working Your Best You: Discovering and Developing the Strengths God Gave You; Talking to the Dead is her first novel. Grove and her pastor husband, Steve, have two children; they live in Saskatchewan.


Purchase Talking to the Dead at
Barnes and Noble and Amazon.

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