Tuesday, March 2, 2010

Review/Giveaway: Beaded Hope

A WINNING READINGS GIVEAWAY!

Title: Beaded Hope
Author: Cathy Liggett
Genre: Christian fiction
How to enter: Leave a comment on THIS post right here! If you're a subscriber or a follower, leave a second comment for a second entry.
Entry deadline: March 25, 2010
Restrictions: Open internationally!

That's right, enter right here for this giveaway. This is my review copy, so it has been gently read.

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It is time for a FIRST Wild Card Tour book review! If you wish to join the FIRST blog alliance, just click the button. We are a group of reviewers who tour Christian books. A Wild Card post includes a brief bio of the author and a full chapter from each book toured. The reason it is called a FIRST Wild Card Tour is that you never know if the book will be fiction, non~fiction, for young, or for old...or for somewhere in between! Enjoy your free peek into the book!

You never know when I might play a wild card on you!


Today's Wild Card author is:


and the book:


Beaded Hope

Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. (February 15, 2010)

***Special thanks to Maggie Rowe of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. for sending me a review copy.***

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:



Cathy Liggett is the author of several contemporary romances and one nonfiction book. She worked in advertising copywriting and gift product development before turning to her passion for writing fiction. She was inspired to write Beaded Hope after traveling to South Africa on a mission trip like the one described in the story. Cathy and her husband, Mark, have two grown children and live in Loveland, Ohio.

Visit the author's website.

Product Details:

List Price: $12.99
Paperback: 400 pages
Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. (February 15, 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1414332122
ISBN-13: 978-1414332123

AND NOW...THE FIRST CHAPTER:


Suburb of Columbus, Ohio

“Hey, Gabby, what are you doing?”

Even after all their years together, the sound of her husband’s voice could still make Gabrielle Phillips’s heart skip a beat. She pressed the cell phone closer to her ear. It had been such a long week without Tom at home. “I’m running into Hirscham’s to pick up a shirt for Dad’s birthday.”

“Running? You’re running?”

His overly cautious tone brought a smile to her face. “Not running, silly, although I could run, you know. I’m walking briskly. Hurrying. I have to be back at church by 1:30 for a meeting with the other directors.”

“Is everything . . . ?” His hesitancy to finish the sentence told her everything he feared. How many times had he asked the same question only to hear the worst? No wonder Tom could barely ask anymore. Only fools got too close to a fire after getting burned time and again.

But at least today she had good news.

“Everything is fine. Absolutely fine. Wonderful. Really.” Closing her eyes, Gabby whispered her thanks to God. Tom’s audible sigh and then silence made her think he might be doing the same. “Except for . . . I miss you terribly.”

“Yeah?”

“When does your flight get in? Soon, I hope. It’s supposed to storm today.”

Dressing for work this morning, she’d seen the weather report on the small television sitting on top of the dresser in their bedroom. The meteorologist hadn’t just predicted rain; he’d more like ranted about it, threatening a downpour, pointing to patches of colors ranging from alarming yellow to raging red on his Doppler 10 radar screen.

“My plane gets in around five. But I looked online. I don’t think the rain’s supposed to start till later tonight.”

“Oh? Well, good.” That concern dismissed, she thought ahead. “Pizza for dinner?”

“Should you eat pizza?”

Smiling, she rolled her eyes though no one was nearby to notice. “How about half-veggie, half-pepperoni?”

“Perfect. Just like you. Love you, Gabby.”

“I know.”

Somehow through all the pain and drama and disappointments over the years of their marriage, they had survived, shakily at times, but together just the same. And now they’d been rewarded.

So rewarded! She let out a contented sigh.

As her boots scuffed against the dry parking lot pavement, Gabby had to admit she must’ve heard the weatherman wrong. At the moment, nearly white clouds with only hints of gray streaked a blue-brushed sky, looking far too benevolent for any monstrous storm to crackle through the heavens anytime soon.

But Gabby still felt glad she’d decided not to take any chances before she’d left home this morning. No way she wanted to risk slipping and falling on a rain-slicked floor. Not with their baby growing inside her—the baby she and Tom had waited for for so long. So painfully long.

Instead, she’d tossed her black ballet flats back into the closet she shared with her husband, opting for ragged but sure-footed snow boots from the garage. Not so attractive, but luckily she worked at a historic stone church and not in some glossy corporate tower. Everyone at work dressed neatly but casually. No one at Graceview cared as much about her fashion statements as they did about her dedication as head of the church’s children’s ministries.

When Gabby reached Hirscham’s entrance, she held open the door for a young mom struggling to push a baby stroller while tugging on the hand of a squirming toddler.

Not exactly an idyllic Norman Rockwell scene, but still Gabby could feel the jealousy. Rearing. Scratching. Trying to catch hold. Wanting to seep in and creep through her like a heart-strangling vine.

But it couldn’t control her anymore. These days she refused to let it. Now hope wasn’t just some fuzzy mirage in the distance. It had become more of a reality. On days when the green monster reared, she could more easily shoo it away with a genuine smile, not a false one. With positive thoughts, not negative ones. And by counting blessings, not subtracting them.

Heading for the men’s department, Gabby already knew exactly what to get her father. Her mother had been explicit about the size, brand, and color of shirt Gabby’s dad would like from her and Tom. Even though Gabby thought a shirt sounded less than exciting, she and Tom couldn’t afford much more than a shirt anyway. Tom’s new job with a national nonprofit organization had been a step up, but they still didn’t have a lot of disposable income, especially not with all the medical bills from the past—or the present.

Besides, next year would be different. By the time her father’s birthday rolled around again, she’d already have given him a special gift. A precious one.

Something money just can’t buy!

The salesperson couldn’t have been more efficient, and package in hand, Gabby glanced at her watch. She could slow down a bit. She still had ten minutes to kill before she had to head back to Graceview.

Strolling through the store, she took in the new spring fashions. It looked as if pink might be a big color again this season. But the women’s clothes held little interest for her, so she meandered over to the baby department and stood at the edge, looking in. Did she really want to venture into that sea of heart-tugging adorability?

Then a sleeper caught her eye. A pale yellow sleeper, almost the color of the underside of a lemon peel, with the cutest fuzzy lamb embroidered on the chest. Even from a distance it tempted her, seeming to promise a high cuddle factor.

Could the sleeper really be as soft as it looked?

Inching her way over, Gabby tried not to notice the endless racks and shelves of pastels, the cotton candy pinks and hushed baby blues of the infant clothes, the girlie lavenders and boy-bold navies of the toddler outfits. Instead, keeping her eyes focused on the sleeper, she made a straight path. She just wanted to touch it and feel its softness. That was all.

She took the foot of the sleeper in her hand and rubbed it between her fingers. Exquisite. Addicting. As soft as a downy feather but not feathery at all, of course. Holding it up to her cheek, she could almost imagine she smelled the unmistakable scent of baby powder. Could almost swear she felt the weight of a tiny foot wrapped in the velvety fabric.

“Soft, isn’t it?” A salesperson appeared out of nowhere and smiled at her knowingly.

Gabby attempted to let the fabric drop from her fingers, but she couldn’t let go. “Unbelievable.”

“And they’re on sale.”

Glancing at the price tag without really seeing it, Gabby tilted her head, pretending to do a mental calculation. But really her decision—or rather indecision—had nothing to do with money. Not this time.

As she clasped the material tighter and tighter in her fingers, she already knew there’d be an aching sadness that would spread to her limbs and then, without a doubt, find her heart if she let the fabric slip from her hand. Oh, how she didn’t want to let go.

But should she? Should she really buy it?

But then . . .

It had been ten weeks. She’d almost made it through the entire first trimester. She had never, ever, carried a baby that long before. Not in all the eight years since she and Tom had tried to conceive.

Even though everything indicated the in vitro fertilization had worked, even though her belly had the slightest protrusion and her breasts felt more tender than usual, still, after so many years, so many tests, failures, and tears, it seemed too hard to believe, too good to be true.

But Gabby couldn’t go on thinking that way. This baby—their baby—was real.

The thought made her tremble with a thrilling excitement that lifted her heart sky-high.

Until the other tremors came too, clutching at her throat, bringing fear and trepidation. Sadness of remembered losses. Feelings so easy to give in to, such a familiar place to be.

Her baby couldn’t thrive in shadows and fear. A protective feeling, stronger than anything she’d ever felt before, surged through her. She needed to shove those feelings away. Her baby needed light and love. Positive thoughts and prayers. Nourishment. Gentleness. And softness.

“I-I want it,” Gabby stammered. “I want it,” she repeated, taking the sleeper, handing it to the salesperson. “I’m going to get it.”

But as she watched the salesperson wrap her precious purchase in white tissue paper, horrible thoughts struck again. What was she doing? Something wrong? Something that might possibly jinx their baby?

No, she wouldn’t let herself believe it. After all, she’d bought baby clothes ahead of time for friends before. And had anything awful ever happened to their babies?

Besides, if she’d learned anything through the trials she and Tom had endured together, it had been that there were no signs. No spells. No talismans. No right words to chant. No fairy godmother’s wand. Nothing that could create a baby.

Nothing beyond the ability of her body . . . and God’s gracious will. Every minute of every day, Gabby prayed they were one and the same.

My Review

I've lived in South Africa, so I was especially intrigued with this book, which describes a mission trip taken by four ladies to a remote area of South Africa.

It is a heart-warming book, filled with beautiful children, developing friendships, restored relationships, changing lives... And of course, I loved the South African setting, and all the 'culture shock' descriptions! I could just visualize the dog in the story. And Siphone's driving skills. Sadly, the security and medical and HIV scenarios described are all too true. And I pray this book serves as a wake-up call for readers who can help.

My only complaint with this engaging, easy-to-read, uplifting book is that all the ends tied so neatly together. So, if you like a happy ending, this book is for you! Though be warned, there are some tears along the road...

78 comments:

Julia M. Reffner said...

I'm very interested in reading Beaded Hope. Please enter me.

julesreffner(at)gmail(dot)com

Anonymous said...

I would love to be entered in your draw. Thanks.
wandanamgreb(at)gmail(dot)com

Anonymous said...

I am a follower of your blog.
wandanamgreb(at)gmail(dot)com

Margie said...

I'd like to read this one.
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Margie said...

follower of your blog
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misskallie2000 said...

Love this book. I would love to win so I can read it now,,LOL
Pls enter me. Thanks for the opportunity to enter.

1 follow you

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misskallie2000 said...

I am a subscriber


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Linda said...

This book has definitely piqued my interest. Please enter me. Thanks.
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Linda said...

I am a follower of your blog.

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Linda said...

I subscribe by email newsletter.
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Nancye said...

I would love to win this book. Thanks for the chance.

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Nancye said...

I'm a Follower

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Jennifer @ Quiverfull Family said...

I love reading novels set in Africa, please enter me!

Jennifer @ Quiverfull Family said...

I'm a subscriber :).

Simply Stacie said...

Please count me in.

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grannyvon said...

I am a big reader. I would love to read this and pass it on to my daughter who loves to read Christian Fiction also. Thanks ybutler@oppcatv.com

grannyvon said...

I subscribe and follow. Thanks for the extra entries. ybutler@oppcatv.com

Anonymous said...

thanks for the opportunity to read this book :)

karenk
kmkuka(at)yahoo(dot)com

Anonymous said...

i'm a subscriber :)

karenk
kmkuka(at)yahoo(dot)com

Anonymous said...

Please enter me.

Wendy
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Anonymous said...

I follow with google reader.

Wendy
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Benita said...

I'd love to read this book. The first chapter pulled me right in.

bgcchs(at)yahoo(dot)com

Benita said...

Email subscriber/Follower.

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409cope said...

This looks like a great read! cardshark42(at)hotmail(dot)com

Rhonda said...

This seems like a book I would enjoy. Please enter me

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Rhonda said...

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Kristi said...

Please enter me in the giveaway.

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Kristi said...

I'm an email subscriber.

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Lady Araujo said...

Enter me, please.
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grams said...

I would like to check this book out. Enter me please.

Anonymous said...

I love to read Christian fictio

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David Johnson said...

Please count me in, thanks.

apple blossom said...

sounds like an interesting book.

Thanks
ABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com

apple blossom said...

I'm a subscriber too.

ABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com

McKim said...

It sounds like a book I'd enjoy reading.

Bcteagirl said...

I have yet to read a book set in South Africa, but I would love too! Thank you for this (and all the other) contests!

teagirl1 at telus dot net

Bcteagirl said...

Also, I follow via google friend connect!

Anonymous said...

HORTON111@AOL.COM

ALWAYS GOOD READING

mindy said...

this sounds just awesome thanks for the giveaway minsthins at optonline dot net

Nicole C. said...

Sounds like a great book.

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wmmahaney said...

This book sounds great. Would love to read it.
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Linda Kish said...

I would like to read this book.

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Smooshy said...

enter me!

Anonymous said...

Enter me please

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Casey said...

Please enter me. :)

+1 follower

caseymh18(at)gmail(dot)com

Emma said...

Beaded Hope sounds wonderful.Please enter me in the giveaway.augustlily06(at)aim(dot)com.Thank you.

Emma said...

I am a subscriber.augustlily06(at)aim(dot)com.

Sue said...

Sounds good, please enter me. Thank you.

herrins1@harneyesd.k12.or.us

sweetsue said...

I would love to read a book with a happy ending!
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sweetsue said...

I follow your blog.
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grannyvon said...

I would like to read this one. Thanks ybutler@oppcatv.com

grannyvon said...

I follow and subscribe. Thanks ybutler@oppcatv.com

snytar said...

Sounds good.

Anonymous said...

I would like this book. I am always looking for something to read.
debp
twoofakind12@yahoo.com

Vera said...

Would love to read Beaded Hope! vvperesk@gmail.com

lezanac said...

I am interested in reading this book lezanac@yahoo.com

Melissa B. said...

If this is a tear jerker, I'm in!

BookMarc Blogpants said...

Ms Liggett is sooo pretty and a darn good author...some people just have it all!

marc74@inbox.com

Nickolay said...

Great sounding book. Thanks for the chance

jason(at)allworldautomotive(dot)com

Jodi said...

I could use a good happy ending book. Seems like the last few I have read have had to many lose ends.

purehrt555(at)Yahoo(dot)com

Anonymous said...

I like to read!

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Karrie said...

sounds great

Molly K said...

This sounds like a great book. I would love to win. Thanks!!

Molly K said...

I follow on google friends.

lknott said...

This appears to be a good read. Would love to win!! Thanks for the chance.



lknott@partnercom.net

Lisa P. said...

Christian fiction is my favorite genre.

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Lisa P. said...

I follow you on Google Friend Connect.

Karin said...

Would like to be entered --thank you.

karin56381 (at) gmail.com

Roseann K. said...

sounds like a great read. Thanks!

Betty C said...

This sounds like a book I would really enjoy.

SeahorseLady said...

I've always wanted to go to South Africa so maybe I could escape with this great book.

Valerie Taylor Mabrey said...

count me in to win

Unknown said...

Definitely interested

Unknown said...

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ZESTYWONDERLAND said...

I WOULD LOVE TO READ THIS BOOK!
ZESTYWONDERLAND@GMAIL.COM

Timster said...

I'm very interested in reading Beaded Hope.

Anonymous said...

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