Carol Moncado

Acclaimed New York Times bestselling author Tosca Lee brilliantly adapts the life of Judas Iscariot into a dazzling work of fiction—humanizing the man whose very name is synonymous with betrayal.

Based on extensive research into the life and times of Judas Iscariot, this triumph of fiction storytelling by the author of Havah: The Story of Eve revisits one of biblical history’s most maligned figures and brings the world he inhabited vividly to life.

In Jesus, Judas believes he has found the One—the promised Messiah and future king of the Jews, destined to overthrow Roman rule. Galvanized, he joins the Nazarene’s followers, ready to enact the change he has waited for all his life. But soon Judas’s vision of a nation free from Rome is crushed by the inexplicable actions of the Nazarene himself, who will not bow to social or religious convention—who seems, in the end, to even turn against his own people. At last, Judas must confront the fact that the master he loves is not the liberator he hoped for, but a man bent on a drastically different agenda.

Iscariot is the story of Judas, from his tumultuous childhood to his emergence as the man known to the world as the betrayer of Jesus. But even more, it is a singular and surprising view into the life of Jesus that forces us to reexamine everything we thought we knew about the most famous—and infamous—religious icons in history.

This is my first Tosca Lee book [though I think I may have Havah on my Kindle…] and I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. As most of you who follow my blog with any regularity know [that’s like 4 of you ;)], I have lots of writer friends and I’d heard from one of them – and the hubby of one of them – that this is Tosca’s best work yet. Since it’s my first book, I can’t attest to that but I can say it was very thought-provoking.

The story is, by necessity, made up.

There’s only so much we can get from the Bible itself and from extra-biblical sources like Josephus and so the rest of it must be made up.

I won’t begin to second guess her research [her list of resources is beyond impressive] and so will accept what she has at face value.

One thing I think I was hoping for was… a more human side of Jesus. Sitting around the campfire, shooting the breeze with the disciples. There wasn’t much here [that I noticed anyway] that was extra-Biblical in the sense of the words Jesus said or things he did. Perhaps a bit different interpretation than what I’d always presumed, but nothing that didn’t make sense or seem out of place to me.

I’ve never really given much thought to Judas other than he’s the ultimate in betrayal. The one traitor who almost everyone knows [he even got a shout out from Sheldon Cooper, alongside Benedict Arnold and Leonard Hoffstader on The Big Bang Theory].

After all, he betrayed Christ.

But the more I thought about it as I read Iscariot, the more I wasn’t sure he deserved the title. Sure, he betrayed Christ for 30 pieces of silver, but God the Father [and presumably, God the Son] knew before the foundation of the earth how this would play out. SOMEONE had to turn Jesus over to the leaders of the day.

I always figured Judas to be one who wouldn’t end up in heaven, when I thought about it at all.

But Tosca challenges all of those thoughts.

Why did Judas do what he did? Was there any possible reason that could justify what Judas did?

Sure, Christ had to die on the cross to absolve us of our sins [while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us], but to be the one to send him there? Sure, lots of others were complicit, but Judas turned him over.

In Iscariot, Tosca created a Judas I could sympathize with. Understand.

And even commend for turning Jesus over.

I know that doesn’t make much sense. I won’t spoil the whys and wherefores of it, but I understood Judas’s thinking. And why he would do what he did.

It doesn’t make sense. I know that.

To see for yourself why, you’ll need to read the book ;).

Or email me privately.

Immediately after finishing my ecopy of Iscariot, I ordered a hard copy to loan out.

Overall rating: 9 out of 10 stars

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an ecopy in exchange for my honest review.

She’s trying to focus on her future. How can one make make everything feel so . . . fuzzy?

Hannah McDermott has a successful photography studio. She’ll soon be featured in Texas Bride magazine. And she has a celebrity client whose Galveston ceremony will be her ticket to the top spot on wedding coordinator Bella Neeley’s list of recommended photographers. But it could all come crashing down around her because of one man: archrival and photographer extraordinaire Drew Kincaid.

As the competition between Hannah and Drew heats up, Hannah is surprised to find that it’s not the only thing getting more intense. She can’t get the handsome man out of her thoughts–or even out of her line of sight–and the job of her dreams is turning into a nightmare. Will everything she’s worked for slip out of her hands? And can she see past her pride to find a picture-perfect love?

With contagious humor and a cast of quirky characters, Janice Thompson gives you crazy bridal-business drama, sweet romance, and a satisfying dose of laughter.

Bella’s Back!!!!

I’ve been excited about this series since I first heard about it. I loved Bella and the whole Galveston-Splendora crew! I also loved Janice’s Backstage Pass series which included a couple of the characters from Weddings by Bella. I’ve been looking forward to catching up with Bella, DJ, the Splendora Sisters and everyone else.

Janice doesn’t disappoint.

In fact, immediately after reading this I posted the following on Facebook:

Janice Thompson’s first offering in her Weddings by Design series is, quite simply, Picture Perfect.

Or something to that effect anyway ;).

I absolutely loved Hannah. I loved Drew. I loved Hannah and Drew together. I loved their families.

I really, really loved seeing Bella and the gang.

But Hannah is like most of us. She wrestles with insecurities much like the rest of us. Some from high school. Some well-founded. Some completely groundless. Through it all, she learns to trust God. She learns that not everyone has it as all-together as they seem. She learns to “let go and let God”. And when she lets God, everything seems to turn out all right.

The Bob and Bing Party is fabulous [and Janice will be having one on Facebook soon! See my post from last week for more details].

Everyone, it seems, learns to step outside their comfort zones and into the life God has planned for them.

If only I could learn that lesson as well ;).

Overall Rating: 9.25 out of 10 stars

Very special thanks to Janice and Revell for a copy in exchange for my review.

Bella’s Back!

Enjoy this fun interview with author Janice Thompson, where she shares the story-behind-the-story regarding Bella’s return.

Janice, welcome! I’m really enjoyed the Weddings by Bella series and am excited to read the spin-off series.

1. Can you tell us more about why you decided to write it?

Sure! (Thanks for hosting me, by the way!) When I wrote Fools Rush In (book one in the Weddings by Bella series) I knew I had something special on my hands. The characters really resonated with me, but there was more. I felt as if I’d created a world of real, wonderful, wacky people. Sure, I’d breathed life into them on the page, but they seemed to take it from there, springing to life and moving the story forward as they willed. I wrapped up the series with Swinging on a Star and It Had to be You, but my readers weren’t satisfied! At least once a week I got a letter from a fan saying, “Are there more? Please keep this story going!” I sent several of those letters to my editor, and before long she agreed that we should, indeed, keep the story going! That’s how the Weddings by Design story began. I’m so relieved to have more to offer. Since Fools Rush In went free on kindle, it has been downloaded nearly 300,000 times. Crazy! So, I have many, many new readers, aching for more!

2. How are these stories similar to the novels in the Weddings by Bella series?

This is a wedding-themed series, just like the first, and loaded with fun, quirky mishaps on the way to the altar! Readers will experience the same “feel” of Galveston Island and my ever-present humor, which drives the stories forward. I truly hope that readers pick up the first book in this new series and sigh with relief as they catch up with their favorite characters from the last series: Bella, D.J., Aunt Rosa, Uncle Laz, the three ladies from Splendora, Brock Benson, and so on. Here’s what the publisher had to say about the new series: “With her contagious humor and cast of quirky characters, Janice Thompson gives readers more of the bridal business drama they want in a brand-new series all about those long-suffering people who make beautiful weddings happen. Readers are desperately waiting for more of Bella and this new series brings her back in a big way, while introducing new characters fans will love. Fans will laugh out loud as they experience this breezy and entertaining novel from a great storyteller.”

3. What sets this new series apart from the last one?

The Weddings by Design novels are told from the point of view of new characters. Book one, Picture Perfect, is about a wedding photographer named Hannah. Book two, The Icing on the Cake, is about a wedding cake designer named Scarlet. Book three, The Dream Dress, is about a dress designer named Gabi. Book four (yet unpublished) is about a wedding florist named Gina. Each of these ladies longs to work with the most fabulous wedding coordinator on the island—Bella (Rossi) Neeley, so everything loops back to Club Wed, just like the first series.

4. When does the new series release?

Book one, Picture Perfect, is already available on amazon. The kindle version will be ready for download on February 15th. (Happy Valentine’s Day, y’all!) I received my author copies last week, so autographed copies are available for purchase ($12) if readers are interested in that. They can email me at booksbyjanice@aol.com for more information.

5. Can you tell us about Picture Perfect, the first book in the series?

Ooo, I’d love to! The synopsis should answer any questions:

She’s trying to focus on her future. How can one man make everything feel so . . . fuzzy?

Hannah McDermott has a successful photography studio. She’ll soon be featured in Texas Bride magazine. And she has a celebrity client whose Galveston ceremony will be her ticket to the top spot on wedding coordinator Bella Neeley’s list of recommended photographers. But it could all come crashing down around her because of one man: archrival and photographer extraordinaire Drew Kincaid.

As the competition between Hannah and Drew heats up, Hannah is surprised to find that it’s not the only thing getting more intense. She can’t get the handsome man out of her thoughts-or even out of her line of sight-and the job of her dreams is turning into a nightmare. Will everything she’s worked for slip out of her hands? And can she see past her pride to find a picture-perfect love?

6. How is the new series doing with readers so far?

Great! Folks who’ve read the book have already contacted me to say they love it! I’m also thrilled that Picture Perfect got a great Romantic Times review. . .four stars! Here’s what the reviewer had to say: “Fans of romantic comedies are in for a treat just in time for Valentine’s Day. Book one in the Weddings by Design series does not disappoint! Funny one-liners and absolutely lovable character combine with just enough romantic tension to keep the pages turning at a brisk pace — but readers will want to slow down to savor this one.”

7. How are you kicking off the new series?

I’m hosting an online party! I’m calling this my “Bing & Bob” party and it will be held on the night of February 18th at 7:00 p.m. central time. These two funny fellas hold a special place in the heart of my characters and they will provide the entertainment at our gathering! This fun, interactive party will take place inside the “Bella’s Back” group on facebook. Join me for an interactive chat, video teasers, Bing Crosby music and giveaways! Some lucky reader/participant will win a free kindle fire! To be entered, you must join the Bella’s Back facebook group and attend the party. (i.e. “Must be present when your named is called.”)

For more information about the party, check out this video invitation.

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hw0Z5wuYIaA]

8. Can you share a little bit from the novel?

Prologue

Going My Way

May your troubles be as few and as far apart as my grandmother’s teeth.

Irish proverb

My life has been a series of almosts.

Take, for instance, the time I almost made the cheerleading squad in high school but lost out to my archnemesis, Jacquie Practically-Perfect-in-Every-Way Goldfarb. Then there was the time Matt Hudson, the hunkiest football player at my high school, almost asked me to the prom but ended up going with Jacquie instead. Oh, and we can’t forget the time I almost got a photographer’s dream job, shooting superstar Brock Benson’s wedding. Yep. Another almost. That time, the opportunity of a lifetime slipped through my fingers and into the open palms of my chief competitor, Drew Kincaid of Kincaid Photography.

Some people are haunted by memories of things they’ve done. Me? I’m haunted by all of the things I nearly accomplished but missed by a quarter of an inch. That’s why, when faced with yet another unbelievable opportunity—a profile piece in Texas Bride magazine to promote my new Galveston-based photography business—I couldn’t blow it. No more almosts for me. This time I would hit the finish line a winner. My meeting with the Texas Bride reporter would transform my career and propel me into the limelight, winning me the favor of the island’s top wedding planner, Bella Neeley. If I could just keep from messing it up.

Oh, but this time I wouldn’t! In fact, I could almost hear my Grandpa Aengus cheering me on from the great beyond: “Hannah Grace, if you’re lucky enough to be Irish, then you’re lucky enough.”

I didn’t happen to believe in luck, but if being Irish meant I stood a better chance at succeeding in business, I would embrace my heritage as never before. I would bathe with Irish Spring soap, dress in the vibrant colors of the family crest, skip through fields of shamrocks, and listen to my father’s nightly tales of Clan McDermott’s glory days. And I would do it all with a smile on my face and confidence in my stride.

From his mansion up in heaven, Grandpa Aengus smiled down on me, his gold-capped front tooth gleaming like the precious stones in the pearly gate. I could sense his pleasure as I made up my mind to do the McDermotts proud. Like my warring ancestors of yesteryear, I would fight to the finish, wielding my bloody sword—er, my two-thousand-dollar digital camera with stellar resolution and optical zoom—until I took the prize. I would come out a victor in the end, or make a fool of myself trying.

Either way, I wouldn’t go down without a fight. A true McDermott never did.

Thanks for visiting with us, Janice! Looking forward to the new series! Check out my review of Picture Perfect tomorrow!

STAY CONNECTED WITH THE AUTHOR: Visit Janice’s Website Connect with Janice on Facebook Join the “Bella’s Back” Facebook group Watch the Bing & Bob party video invitation Check out the Bella’s Back Video on youtube Read Fools Rush In (the first Bella book) for free on your kindle

Will Lauren risk losing her heart…to a man she’s never met?

Lauren Phillips tries to keep busy while recovering from a broken engagement. Then one day, through her home computer, Lauren accidentally connects on the Internet with a mysterious man she knows only as K.C. 

Lauren’s e-mail relationship with K.C. quickly becomes the thing she loves most in life..and the source of dreams she cannot bear to relinquish. 

After a year of corresponding, the opportunity appears for them to meet. Lauren faces a tough choice: Is she willing to risk everything…including another broken heart?

Like the last RJG book I read, this is a rerelease of a book from the 90s. I know at the time I said I wouldn’t seek one out but I was intrigued by this cover copy and it was available to review.

One thing that dated the book was the internet. The technology is so far beyond what was available then that it kind of seems to have a bit of historical nostalgia to it. There’s still a stigma related to meeting that special someone online, though not near as much as there used to be and it depends on HOW you meet them online, too.

It has a bit of a “You’ve Got Mail” vibe to it – and I loved that movie.

So, with all that in mind, it wasn’t a bad read. The characters were what you’d expect in a RJG novel. The character growth was in line with what you’d expect.

All in all, pleasant, but I need to get my hands on a recent contemporary release of RJG’s to see how much I enjoy it.

Overall rating: 7.75 out of 10 stars

Thanks to the publisher for a review copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

Lady Eliza Sumner is on a mission. Her fortune was the last thing she had left after losing her father, her fiance, and her faith. Now, masquerading as Miss Eliza Sumner governess-at-large, she’s determined to find the man who ran off with her fortune, reclaim the money, and head straight back to London. 

Mr. Hamilton Beckett, much to his chagrin, is the catch of the season, and all the eyes of New York society–all the female ones, at least–are on him. He has no plans to marry again, especially since his hands are full keeping his business afloat while raising his two children alone.

Eliza’s hapless attempts to regain her fortune unexpectedly put her right in Hamilton’s path. The discovery of a common nemesis causes them to join forces and, before she knows it, Eliza has a whole retinue of people helping her. Eliza’s determination not to trust anyone weakens when everyone’s antics and bumbling efforts to assist her make her wonder if there might be more important things than her fortune and independence.

When all of Hamilton’s and Eliza’s best-laid plans fall by the wayside, it will take a riot of complications for them to realize that God just might have had a better plan in mind all along.

I went into this novel with a bit of trepidation. I’d heard some mixed reviews from friends and wasn’t quite sure what I was getting myself into. Of course, this was after I’d requested it. :p

Despite my fears, I did enjoy Change of Fortune. Mostly. The characters were fun, the dialog quirky and the plot believable.

Where I had my… problems was near the end where it seemed everyone was involved in the final showdown with the bad guy. I had a hard time keeping everyone – and everything they were doing straight. :/ I muddled through [muddled is a bit strong – it wasn’t that hard to get through] and am glad I did. Despite my confusion at times, I enjoyed the overall story and the characters.

I loved Eliza and Hamilton and his children as well as the secondary characters. I hope to read more from Ms. Turano in the future.

Overall rating: 7.75 out of 10 stars

Thanks to the publisher for a free copy in exchange for my honest review.

After the loss of her husband and the birth of her baby, Charlotte has had a long, hard year. But when a notorious robber believes she knows the location of a long-lost treasure, she flees to Cheyenne and opens a dressmaker’s shop to lie low and make a living. When wealthy cattle baron and political hopeful Barrett Landry enters the shop to visit her best customer, Charlotte feels drawn to him.

If Barrett is to be a senator of the soon-to-be state of Wyoming, he must make a sensible match, and Miriam has all the right connections. Yet he can’t shake the feeling that Charlotte holds the key to his heart and his future.

Soon the past comes to call, and Barrett’s plans crumble around him. Will Charlotte and Barrett find the courage to look love in the face? Or will their fears blot out any chance for happiness?

Last year, I had the chance to review Summer of Promise and have been looking forward to Waiting for Spring ever since.

I loved Charlotte from the first book and was so glad to see her story carried forward here. Ms. Cabot does an excellent job of pulling the reader into Charlotte’s world of fabrics and dress-making. Motherhood. And trying desperately to keep from falling for Barrett – a man she’s afraid is just like her late husband.

Barrett believes he’s found the woman he’s going to marry. But then he meets Charlotte.

I loved the characters – both the two main characters and the secondary ones. Gwen, Charlotte’s nanny, is wonderful. I was a bit surprised that some of the storylines carried over from book 1 finished up in book 2 rather than book 3, but I’m looking forward to it and to meeting the third sister in the family!

Overall rating: 8.25 out of 10 stars

Thanks to the author and publisher for a free copy in exchange for my review.

“I made a promise to protect you.”

But pregnant Ali Silver’s husband broke his vow and walked away from her. After being injured in combat, Jericho has finally come home to Bitterroot Valley to make peace with his father and regain Ali’s trust. But the single mom’s keeping secrets of her own. And someone’s killing off Ali’s cattle and sabotaging her horse therapy business. Jericho will do whatever it takes to protect his wife and be a real father to his son. Because when it comes to love and second chances, he’s one determined cowboy.

Anyone who’s read very many of my reviews knows that I’m personally acquainted with a lot of authors. That said, I do my very best to give honest reviews [with the disclaimer that I don’t offer to review books I don’t expect to enjoy].

To be completely up front about it… Jessica Keller is an exceptionally dear friend of mine. She’s my NovelSista and one of those people I hold extremely close in my heart. She [and Kristy – my other NovelSista] were among the first to know about my skin cancer last year, long before it was public knowledge. In the last eighteen months, we’ve walked through the cancer and Bell’s Palsy, two pregnancies, rejections, acceptances, more rejections, contest wins, losses, job stress, financial stress, a cancelled NovelSista retreat weekend at Jess’s house, and so on.

In fact, I was in complete tears before I even got to the first page of the novel because, there in the dedication were the following words:

…Carol and Kristy, my beloved NovelSisters, your prayers made this book a reality…

So this book is much nearer and dearer to my heart than most.

That said, I honestly, truly would not have written a review of it if I didn’t enjoy it. I had the privilege of reading the original [longer] version of it and, while there were bits of that version I missed, overall this is the stronger version and well worth the read.

Jericho is a to-die-for, swoonworthy cowboy hero. And everyone knows how much I love a good cowboy hero. He made a mistake when he was younger – leaving his pregnant wife. To be fair, he didn’t know she was pregnant, but still. He left for the right reasons, though I won’t give those away, but he still left.

Ali has struggled during those years as a single mom trying to keep her ranch from going under and start a non-profit program providing special needs kids with riding therapy.

Chase is a darling boy – wants to be a cowboy just like his new buddy Jericho. He wants nothing more than a dad.

Jessica does a great job of drawing us into the Bitterroot Valley. The people are the neighbors next door, but mostly the story circles around Jericho, Ali, Chase, and the people on their ranch – including Tripp who is vying for Ali’s attentions.

There’s a bit of suspense and Jessica keeps you guessing as to the “bad guy” and the motivation behind it. There’s other revelations along the way to keep anyone smiling and sighing – and crying when things look grim all around.

She tugs on heartstrings and I absolutely cannot wait to read her next offering!!!! [And, I gotta say, I kinda hope I get to be a first reader and read them early as well ;). I know some of the stuff she’s working on and this gal is gonna take the writing world by storm.]

Overall rating: 8.25 out of 10 stars

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an ecopy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

In light of her father’s death, Mariah Malone sends a letter that will forever alter the lives of her family. When Slade Donovan, strong willed and eager for vengeance, shows up on her front porch, Mariah is not ready to hear his truths: her father’s farm, the only home she’s ever known, was bought with stolen gold. With Slade ready to collect his father’s rightful claim and force Mariah and her family out on the streets, Mariah must turn to God for guidance. Though Mr. Frederick Cooper, a local landowner, promises to answer her financial woes if she agrees to be his bride, Mariah finds herself drawn instead to the angry young man demanding her home.

With the ranch now under Slade’s careful eye, he will unearth more than he ever imagined as a devious plot of thievery, betrayal and murder threatens more than the well-being of the ranch, endangering the lives of those who hold it dear. With days dwindling until the rest of the Donovan clan arrive to the Lazy M ranch, Mariah and Slade must rise above the resentment of their fathers and see their true feelings before greed alters their futures forever.

Hillman’s sophomore offering is better than her first. I enjoyed Stealing Jake immensely, but this one, set on a ranch in the west, was a cut above. Easily the best book I’ve read this year [which I know isn’t necessarily saying a ton since it’s early January as I read this], Claiming Mariah should be on your “must buy” list.

I laughed, I cried. I loved Slade. He’s near the top of my list for all-time favorite heroes. He wants nothing more than to take back what was stolen from his father and help his mother and sisters. Have grown-up on the wrong side of the tracks, and on the bottom end of that totem pole to boot, he just wants to make it to his mother who worked long hours for little pay to feed them.

Slade tries to come off as a heartless rancher taking over what he’s owed, but his soft side begins to show through almost immediately when he lets Mariah and her grandmother continue living in the house until his mother and sisters arrive a month or two down the road. They have nowhere else to go.

His kindheartness grows when he meets a little boy and girl growing up much as he did. Their names are completely escaping me at the moment, but I loved the children and how they interacted with both Slade and Mariah.

Slade’s brother comes with him when he rides onto the Lazy M. I would absolutely LOVE it if Ms. Hillman’s next release featured him as the hero [perhaps with Mariah’s sister as the heroine], but I’m not sure what she has in the works.

The only downside to Claiming Mariah is that it is only available as an ecopy. I would love a paperback to hold in my hands, but since that’s not possible, my Kindle will have to do.

Whatever her next work is, I’ll be one of the first in line to grab a copy.

Overall rating: 9.5 out of 10 stars

Thanks to the author and Tyndale Blog Network for an ecopy in exchange for my honest review.

A Compelling Pioneer Story From Bestselling Author Kim Vogel Sawyer

Fed up with the poor quality of life in 1880 New York, Tarsie Raines encourages her friends Joss and Mary Brubacher to move with their two children to Drayton Valley, Kansas, a booming town hailed in the guidebook as the land of opportunity. She offers to help with expenses and to care for Mary and the children as they travel west by wagon train. But when tragedy strikes on the trip across the prairie, Tarsie is thrown into an arrangement with Joss that leaves both of them questioning God and their dreams for the future. As their funds dwindle and nothing goes as planned, will Tarsie and Joss give up and go their separate ways, or will God use their time in Drayton Valley to turn their hearts toward him?

One of Kim’s crit partners is a friend of mine. She said this is Kim’s best book yet. Since it’s my first of Kim’s novels, I can’t attest to that, but I can say that I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Tarsie and Joss are real, believable characters, saved only through the grace of God – just like all of us.

Kim does a wonderful job portraying the difficulties the characters face as they head west and, if possible, moreso once they arrive.

Joss and Tarsie have obstacles galore to overcome and Kim does a fabulous job showing how they do so.

Overall rating: 8.5 out of 10 stars

Thanks to the publisher for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.