The REAL Christy Awards Challenge!!

A while back, I tried to issue a challenge to read the books on the Christy Awards list but it ended up being a personal challenge. Since then, I have found that others are interested in doing this. Amy, Deborah, and Shauna have created the official Christy Awards Reading Challenge and I intend on being a part of this one!

As with any great challenge, there are different levels of participation. I intend on doing the Perpetual Challenge, as I really want to read every book on this list. Here are the levels you can choose from...

Total Christian Fiction Newbie

This is only for those who have read no Christian fiction before...the challenge is to read one book from any of the Christy Awards Winners!

Baby Steps

1st Tier - 2009 Favorite Category Read All Nominated Books 3-4 books
2nd Tier - Any ONE Years Favorite Category - 3-4 Books or mix 3-4 winners from any category

It's All in the Winners

3rd Tier- 2009 Winners - 9
4th Tier- Any ONE Year's Winners 7-9 or mix'n'match 7-9 winners

Dedicated

5th Tier - Read 2009/or ANY Year All Books 36-40 Books

Hardcore

6rd Tier - Read all the nominees in your favorite category
7th Tier - Read all of the winners in every category

The Christy Challenge--Perpetual Challenge

Read all of the books nominated and awarded the Christy challenge throughout the course of your lifetime.

So, what books are on the list? Glad you asked...here they are! The ones I've read will be linked to my review, the ones that I own but haven't read yet will be in green. Good luck to all who participate and I hope we can all find a book from this list that will change our lives!

2000

Contemporary

A New Song by Jan Karon – WINNER
By the Light of a Thousand Stars by Jamie Langston Turner
Romey's Place by James Calvin Schapp

Futuristic

By Dawn's Early Light by Grant R. Jeffrey and Angela Hunt – WINNER
Apollyn by Tim LaHaye and Jerry B. Jenkins
Assasins by Tim LaHaye and Jerry B. Jenkins

International Historical

Out of the Red Shadow by Anne de Graaf - WINNER
The Power and the Glory by Clint Kelly
Triump of the Soul by Michael R. Joens

North American Historical

The Meeting Place by Janette Oke and Davis Bunn – WINNER
The Dark Also Rises by Denise Williamson
For Whom the Star Shines by Linda Chaikin

Romance

Whispers from Yesterday by Robin Lee Hatcher – WINNER
Blue Mist on the Danube by Doris Elaine Fell
Surrender of the Heart by Sally John

Suspense

Final Witness by James Scott Bell – WINNER
The Chairman by Harry Kraus
A Ship Possessed by Alton Gansky

2001

Contemporary

Home to Harmony by Phillip Gulley – WINNER
The Trial by Robert Whitlow
The Book of Hours by T. Davis Bunn
Bookends by Liz Curtis Higgs

Futuristic

Transgression by Randall Ingermanson – WINNER
The Mark by Tim Lahaye and Jerry B. Jenkins
Eli by Bill Myers

International Historical

Unashamed by Francine Rivers - WINNER
The Black Road by Stephen Lawhead
Unveiled by Francine Rivers

North American Historical

Edge of Honor by Gilbert Morris - WINNER
Reaping the Whirlwind by Rosey Dow
Passing by Samaria by Sharon Ewell Foster
Valley of the Shadow by Stephanie Grace Whitson

Romance

A Touch of Betrayal by Catherine Palmer - WINNER
Awakening Mercy by Angela Benson
True Devotion by Dee Henderson

Suspense

The Great Divide by T. Davis Bunn - WINNER
Blind Justice by James Scott Bell
Lethal Harvest by William Cutrer and Sandra Glahn

First Novel

Passing by Samaria by Sharon Ewell Foster - WINNER
Refiner's Fire by Sylvia Bambola
Winter Passing by Cindy McCormick Martinusen

2002

Contemporary

A Garden to Keep by Jamie Langston Turner – WINNER
Ain't No River by Sharon Ewell Foster
Carly's Song by Patricia Sprinkle

Futuristic

Oxygen by Randall Ingermanson and John Olson - WINNER
Desecration by Tim Lahaye and Jerry B. Jenkins
The Last Guardian by Shane Johnson

International Historical

While Mortals Sleep by John Cavanaugh – WINNER
Jerusalem's Heart by Bodie and Brock Thoene
Riona by Linda Windsor

North American Historical

Hidden Places by Lynn Austin – WINNER
Edge of Wilderness by Stephanie Grace Whitson
Highland Hopes by Gary Parker

Romance

The Guardian by Dee Henderson – WINNER
Spring Rain by Gayle Roper
The Truth Seeker by Dee Henderson
Wildflowers by Robin Jones Gunn

Suspense

Drummer in the Dark by T. Davis Bunn – WINNER
Out of the Shadows by Sigmund Brouwer
Sadie's Song by Linda Hall

Western

The Long Trail Home by Stephen Bly - WINNER
Picture Rock by Stephen Bly
Sea of Glory by Ken Wales and David Polling

2003

Allegory

Arena by Karen Hancock – WINNER
Covenant Child by Terri Blackstock
A Sword for the Immerland King by F. W. Faller

Contemporary

All the Way Home by Ann Tatlock – WINNER
Not a Sparrow Falls by Linda Nichols
Women's Intuition by Lisa Samson

Futuristic

Time Lottery by Nancy Moser – WINNER
The Fifth Man by John Olson and Randall Ingermanson
Ice by Shane Johnson

International Historical

His Watchful Eye by Jack Cavanaugh – WINNER
Hallelujah by J. Scott Featherstone
The Shadow Women by Angela Elwell Hunt

North American Historical

Candle in the Darkness by Lynn Austin - WINNER
The Tender Vine by Kristen Heitzmann
Virginia Autumn by Sara Mitchell

Romance

True Honor by Dee Henderson – WINNER
The Healer by Dee Henderson
Summer Shadows by Gayle Roper

Suspense

Directed Verdict by Randy Singer – WINNER
Crown of Thorns by Sigmund Brouwer
They Shall See God by Athol Dickson

Western

Toward a New Beginning by R. Williams Rogers – WINNER
Last of the Texas Camp by Stephen Bly
The Outlaw's Twin Sister by Stephen Bly

First Novel

A Place Called Wireglass by Michael Morris – WINNER
Daughter of China by C. Hope Flinchbaugh
Yucatan Deep by Tom Morrissey

2004

Allegory/Fantasy

The Light of Eidon by Karen Hancock – WINNER
Crying for a Vision by Walter Wangerin Jr
Dark Horse by John Fischer

Contemporary

Songbird by Lisa Samson – WINNER
Finding Alice by Melody Carlson
The Living End by Lisa Samson

Futuristic

Soon by Jerry B. Jenkins - WINNER
Apocalypse Dawn by Mel Odom
Armageddon by Tim Lahaye and Jerry B. Jenkins

Historical

Fire by Night by Lynn Austin- WINNER
Beyond the Sacred Page by Jack Cavanaugh
First Light by Bodie and Brock Thoene

Romance

Hideaway by Hannah Alexander – WINNER
Happily Ever After by Susan May Warren
Playing by Heart by Deborah Raney

Suspense/Mystery

Thr3e by Ted Dekker – WINNER
Into the Nevernight by Anne de Graaf
The Lies of Saints by Sigmund Brouwer
Steal Away by Linda Hall

First Novel

Welcome to Fred by Brad Whittington - WINNER
Flabbergasted by Ray Blackston
The Yada Yada Prayer Group by Neta Jackson

2005

First Novel

The Mending String by Cliff Coon – WINNER
The Dead Don't Dance by Charles Martin
There is a Wilderness by Mark McAllister

General

Bad Ground by W. Dale Cramer – WINNER
No Dark Valley by Jamie Langton Turner
Tiger Lillie by Lisa Samson

Historical
King's Ransom by Jan Beazley and Thom Lemmons – WINNER
Retribution by Randall Ingermason
Third Watch by Bodie and Brock Thoene

Romance

Secrets by Kristen Heitzmann – WINNER
Wild Heather by Catherine Palmer
Winter Winds by Gayle Roper

Suspense

Tiger in the Shadows by Debbie Wilson – WINNER
The Assignment by Mark Andrew Olsen
River's Edge by Terri Blackstock

Visonary

The Shadow Within by Karen Hancock – WINNER
Beyond the Summerland by L.B. Graham
Dragonspell by Donita K. Paul

2006

Contemporary (Standalone)

Levi's Will by W. Dale Cramer – WINNER
Grace at Low Tide by Beth Webb Hart
Wrapped in Rain by Charles Martin

Contemporary (Series, Sequels and Novellas)

The Road to Home by Vanessa Del Fabbro – WINNER
Living With Fred by Brad Whittington
Moment of Truth by Sally John

Historical

Whence Came a Prince by Liz Curtis Higgs – WINNER
Glimpses of Paradise by James Scott Bell
The Nobel Fugitive by T. Davis and Isabella Bunn

Romance

A Bride Most Begrudging by Deeanne Gist – WINNER
Chateau of Echoes by Siri L. Mitchell
In Sheep's Clothing by Susan May Warren

Suspense

River Rising by Athol Dickson – WINNER
Comes a Horseman by Robert Liparulo
Last Light by Terri Blackstock

Visionary

Shadow Over Kiriatch by Karen Hancock - WINNER
Legend of the Emerald Rose by Linda Winchman
The Presence by Bill Myers

First Novel

This Heavy Silence by Nicole Mazzarella – WINNER
Like a Watered Garden by Patti Hill
The Road Home by Vanessa Del Fabbro

2007

Contemporary (Stand alone)

Winter Birds by Jamie Langston Turner – WINNER
Dwelling Places by Vinita Hampton Wright
Straight Up by Lisa Samson

Contemporary (Series, Sequels and Novellas)

The Brethren by Beverly Lewis – WINNER
Escape from Fred by Brad Whittington
The Proof by Austin Boyd

Historical

Madman by Tracy Groot - WINNER
Glastonbury Tor by LeAnne Hardy
Grace in Thine Eyes by Liz Curtis Higgs
Pieces of Silver by Maureen Lang

Lits

Sisterchicks in Gondolas by Robin Jones Gunn – WINNER
The Cubicle Next Door by Siri Mitchell
Everything's Coming Up Josey by Susan May Warren

Romance

The Measure of a Lady by Deeanne Gist - WINNER
Monday Morning Faith by Lori Copeland
The Redemption by M.L. Tyndall

Suspense

Plague Maker by Tim Downs – WINNER
The Begotten by Lisa. T. Bergren
The Hidden by Kathryn Mackel

First Novel

Where Mercy Flows by Karen Harter – WINNER
Watching the Tree Limbs by Mary DeMuth
William Henry is a Fine Name by Cathy Gohlke

Young Adult

William Henry is a Fine Name by Cathy Gohlke- WINNER
Bad Idea by Todd and Jedd Hafer
The Way of the Wilderness by Jonathan Rogers

2008

Contemporary (Standalone)

Chasing Fireflies by Charles Martin – WINNER
In High Places by Tom Morrissey
Quaker Summer by Lisa Samson

Contemporary (Series, Sequels and Novellas)

Home to Holly Springs by Jan Karon – WINNER
A Time to Mend by Sally John and Gary Smalley
What Lies Within by Karen Ball

Historical

A Proper Pursuit by Lynn Austin – WINNER
Lady of Milkweed Manor by Julie Klassen
Tendering the Storm by Jan Kirkpatrick

Lits

Hallie's Heart by Shelly Beach – WINNER
Doesn't She Look Natural by Angela Hunt
Let Them Eat Cake by Sandra Byrd
Trophy Wives Club by Kristin Billerbeck

Romance

Remembered by Tamera Alexander – WINNER
Lightning and Lace by Diann Mills
Remember to Forget by Deborah Raney

Suspense

The Cure by Athol Dickson – WINNER
My Hands Came Away Red by Lisa McKay
The Pawn by Stephen James

Visionary

Scarlet by Stephen Lawhead – WINNER
Auralia's Colors by Jeffrey Overstreet
The Restorer by Sharon Hinck

First Novel

The Stones Cry Out by Sibella Giorello - WINNER
Auralia's Colors by Jeffrey Overstreet
Demon: A Memoir by Tosca Lee

Young Adult

Hollywood Nobody by Lisa Samson – WINNER
In Between by Jenny B. Jones
Maggie Come Lately by Michelle Buckman

2009

Contemporary Romance

Beyond the Night by Marlo Schalesky – WINNER
Finding Stefanie by Susan May Warren
Zoe and Nicky: A Novel in Black and White by Claudia Mair Burney

Contemporary Series, Sequels and Novellas

You Had Me at Goodbye by Tracey Bateman – WINNER
Sisterchicks Go Brit by Robin Jones Gunn
Summer Snow by Nicole Baart

Contemporary Standalone

Dogwood by Chris Fabry – WINNER
Embrace Me by Lisa Samson
Tuesday Night at the Blue Moon by Debbie Fuller Thomas

First Novel

Blue Hole Back Home by Joy Jordan-Lake - WINNER
Rain Song by Alice J. Wisler
Safe at Home by Richard Doster

Historical

Until We Reach Home by Lynn Austin – WINNER
Shadow of Colossus by TL Higley
Washington's Lady by Nancy Moser

Historical Romance

From a Distance by Tamera Alexander - WINNER
Calico Canyon by Mary Connealy
The Moon in the Mango Tree by Pamela Binnings Ewen

Suspense

The Rook by Steven James – WINNER
By Reason of Insanity by Randy Singer
Winter Haven by Athol Dickson

Visionary

Vanish by Tom Pawlik – WINNER
The Battle for the Vast Dominion by George Bryan Polivka
Shade by John D. Olson

Young Adult

I Have Seen Him in the Watchfires by Cathy Gohlke – WINNER
The Fruit of My Lipstick by Shelley Adina
On the Edge of the Sea of Darkness by Andrew Peterson

The next big challenge...where to start!?!?!

Show Me 5 Saturday

Alison over at That's a Novel Idea has decided to start a new MEME. This meme will give each blogger an opportunity to give a brief description of a book they have read or reviewed during the week.

It will work like this:
Each Saturday You will post the answer to these questions. The number indicates the number of answers you will provide.

1 Book you read and/or reviewed this week: Curse of the Spider King by Wayne Thomas Batson and Christopher Hopper

2 Words that describe the book: elves, spiders

3 Settings where it took place or characters you met: Berinfell; Vesper Crag; Lochgilphead, Scotland

4 Things you liked and/or disliked about it: 1. I love the scenery...it's beautiful! 2. My favorite character (so far) is Jimmy Gresham. 3. Polycythemia vera...need I say more!?!? 4. Great mystery of the children and the "other world".

5 Stars or less for your rating? 4.6 stars so far. I'll finish and have a review up by Tuesday at the latest for the CSFF Blog Tour!

If you would like to become a part of this meme, please join in! Alison would love to have you! Create your post and then let her know the link and she'll add you to the linky list!

Thanks Alison for a super fun Saturday meme!

This book is one that I purchased from Amazon.com. I am an Amazon.com affiliate.

A Courtesean's Scandal by Julia London

A Courtesan's Scandal by Julia London


My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is the second book that I've read by Julia London. Earlier this year, I read Summer of Two Wishes and loved it! You can read that review here!

A Courtesan's Scandal is about the life of Kate Bergeron and Grayson Christopher, Duke of Darlington. Kate is a courtesan who is well cared for and highly desired by the Prince. The Prince can't have her until his divorce is final or risk the scandal that will incur when the Princess makes her demands. Instead of risking that scandal, the Prince asks his most trusted man, the Duke, to appear to court Miss Kate until he can have her for his own. Upon meeting, the Duke and Miss Bergeron do not like each other or the arrangement that is in place. However, there is too much at stake for both of them to disobey the Prince. Kate would lose her lavish lifestyle and home that the Prince has set up for her and the Duke's affair with Lady Diana would be exposed and put his desire for the abolition of slavery vote at risk.

Throughout this book, we learn of many people who have influenced the lives of Kate and Christy. All of these people help to shape them into who they are. Their love/hate relationship begins to blossom and before long, they are faced with a decision...to betray the Prince or forget the love they have for each other? What will they decide? Is there too much at risk or is love worth all?

I loved this book and the storyline behind it. I've not read many historical fiction books but they are fast becoming some of my favorites. While Miss London does include some graphic sex scenes and strong language (which I do not like to read most of the time) I enjoy her writing style and the stories she weaves in her characters. Overlooking these things that I find bothersome, she is becoming one of my favorite authors!

This is one of those books that I like to pick my favorite character in and desire to be. IF I was not the person that I am today (picture an imaginary world where there is no right or wrong, where moral decisions are a mute point), I would want to be Kate. I am not a fan of her lifestyle but the love she has for Christy and vice-versa makes me desire to want to be her in a different type of world. She has had a rough life and has finally got a break that she has to decide if the chance of falling in love wholeheartedly is worth it. There is something about her that draws me to her. Maybe it's the way she reaches out to those who are like her on a lower level. Maybe it's the pride she has in herself. Maybe it's her desire to keep her word. Either way, she's my favorite character!

I was provided a review copy of this book by Pocketbook Publishers. I would like to thank them and the author for this review copy. Thank you for reading this review!

View all my reviews >>

A-Z Wednesday

Welcome to A-Z Wednesday!!

To join, here's all you have to do: Go to your stack of books and find one whose title starts with the letter of the week.

Post: 1~ a photo of the book
2~ title and synopsis
3~ link(amazon, barnes and noble etc.)
4~ Come back here and leave your link in the comments.
If you've already reviewed this book you can add it also.
Be sure to visit other participants to see what book they have posted and leave them a comment.
(We all love comments, don't we?)
Who knows? You may find your next "favorite" book.

THIS WEEKS LETTER IS: "N"

Nothing But Trouble by Susan May Warren

(Taken from Amazon.com)

Product Description It's not fair to say that trouble happens every time PJ Sugar is around, but it feels that way when she returns to her home town, looking for a fresh start. Within a week, her former teacher is murdered and her best friend's husband is arrested as the number-one suspect. Although the police detective investigating the murder—who also happens to be PJ's former flame—is convinced it's an open-and-shut case, PJ's not so sure. She begins digging for clues in an effort to clear her friend’s husband and ends up reigniting old passions, uncovering an international conspiracy, and solving a murder along the way. She also discovers that maybe God can use a woman who never seems to get it right.

I've not had the opportunity to read this book yet, but I do own it. I'm hoping to get to it soon! Have you read this book? What did you think? Please leave your comments here!

Charlie and Mama Kyna by Diana Rumjahn

Charlie and Mama Kyna is an excellent book for reading time with your small child or one that could be read independently. Charlie runs away from home after breaking his mama's vase, afraid of the trouble he will be in. Along the way, he visits with his friends Leo the lion and Joe the giraffe. After being lonely and realizing he misses his mommy, Charlie asks his friends to come home with him. Of course, Mama Kyna welcomes Charlie, Leo, and Joe with open arms and lets Charlie know that she loves him above the vase.

I love how this book parallels the story of the Prodigal Son in the Bible. I'm not sure that this was the author's intention, however the stories are very similar. This story reminds us that our parents love us unconditionally and want us to stay close to them. It also reminds us of the value of friendship and having friends to be there to guide you along life's difficult way.

The illustrations are also wonderfully done and add a dimension to the book. I love the choice of the vibrant colors in the depictions of this book!

I highly recommend this book and give it 4 out of 5 stars. You can check out the book trailer here.


I am an Amazon Affiliate and by clicking on the link to the book, I will receive a small percentage of the sale should you make a purchase. This review copy was graciously provided by Dorothy at Pump Up Your Book Promotion and the author.

Teaser Tuesday

Teaser Tuesdays is hosted by MizB over at Should Be Reading.

TEASER TUESDAYS asks you to:

Grab your current read. Let the book fall open to a random page.

Share with us two (2) “teaser” sentences from that page, somewhere between lines 7 and 12.
You also need to share the title of the book that you’re getting your “teaser” from … that way people can have some great book recommendations if they like the teaser you’ve given!

Please avoid spoilers!!

"I know you don't love me," Aldous said quickly. "Or ever would. But I'd gladly give you and the bairn my name, Kate. Will you marry me?"

Taken from A Courtesan's Scandal by Julia London

Mailbox Monday

Mailbox Monday is hosted by Marcia at The Printed Page each Monday so that other book lovers and bloggers can see and comment on what's in the mailbox. Thanks Marcia for a great way of posting our new (or new to us) books!!

Have you read a book on my list? Please comment on it. It's possible I will use your comment and link back to you when I post my review of a particular book!

To Review:

The Secret of Joy by Melissa Senate (Thanks to Pocket Books for this review copy)
Sand to Stone and Back Again by Nancy Bo Flood (Thanks to the publisher for this review copy)
A Courtesan's Scandal by Julia London (Thanks to Pocket Books for this review copy)


Purchased:

The entire set of 7 books of the Outlander series by Diana Gabaldon
Living with Spinal Muscular Atrophy by Trina Allen
Sense and Sensbility and Sea Monsters by Jane Austin and Ben Winters
Glass Houses by Rachel Caine
The Dead Girls' Dance by Rachel Caine
A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens


Giveaway Books I Have Won:


What's in your box this week?