Mary DeMuth is an emerging novelist (Watching the Tree Limbs) and a keen observer of postmodern culture. In addition to her ongoing fiction projects, she is an active blogger about parenting issues and family life.

Although divided into three sections, Authentic Parenting is two books in one. One book uses stories and metaphors to pass along useful ideas about raising our children. The other book looks at several of the major hallmarks of postmodernism--a cultural phenomenon that is admittedly hard to define.

Most readers should begin with Section 2, starting their reading with Chapter 6. In addition to being one of the book's strongest chapters, DeMuth's views on conversational parenting are a marvelous addition to family education. Reading forward from Chapter 6 brings you the best of DeMuth's parenting advice.

Save the first five chapters for another time. Although useful, this section looks at postmodernism and may be less interesting to a 'parenting' reader. Having said that, it's an excellent introduction to the key ideas that underlie today's trends in thought and writing. (See also: Rob Bell, Brian McLaren.)

Filled with moments of transparency from the author's own parenting journey, Authentic Parenting is just that--a look at how well-meaning but imperfect parents (i.e., all of us) can help mold and shape the young lives in our care.

Realistic but also hopeful, DeMuth's perspective is well worth discovering.

-- Together with wife Lisa, Dr. David Frisbie is co-executive director of The Center for Marriage & Family Studies in Del Mar, California. He is the author of numerous articles and eight books, including "Raising Great Kids on Your Own: A Guide & Companion for Every Single Parent."

Armchair Interviews says: Nice to see this non-fiction from an author known for her well-written fiction.

Author's Web site: http://www.pioneerparenting.blogspot.com

Seranella is the author of eight Munch Mancini mysteries. Mancini is a woman auto mechanic. This is the first in the Charlotte Lyons series.

Charlotte Lyons is a well-known consultant who is called when a company faces a horrible crisis such as a disaster, an accident, or thefts. She counsels them on how to deal with the public, the media, their shareholders, and their employees.

Charlotte even investigates, on occasion. A terrible train derailment in California calls her out to work for Sun Rail. There were only two deaths, but one was the experienced engineer. Many unanswered questions remain. Still recovering from her husband's death in an accident, she welcomes the distraction of intense work.

Charlotte is perfect for such a job--she has Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), and is always worrying about worse case scenarios. Along with strikingly handsome Todd Hannigan, an investigator for the Nation Transportation and Safety Board, she rummages around until she finds the truth to those unanswered questions.

Despite her home being invaded, being shot at by a sniper, dealing with a complaining hypochondriac mother (who actually seems to be sick this time when she is suddenly hospitalized), and dealing with her every-day fears, Charlotte manages to triumph.

This is a stellar first in a series with a fascinating and enjoyable character that has great promise. However, the author died in January of 2007, from liver disease while waiting for a liver transplant. Seranella grew up in California and had a wild youth, riding with a motorcycle club, running away from home, and when she decided to settle down, she became an auto mechanic.

Armchair Interviews says: Charlotte is one resilient woman.

Author's Web site: http://www.BarbaraSeranella.com

(a Josie Prescott Antiques mystery)

Jane Cleland used to own a rare book and antiques store in Portsmouth, New Hampshire and now lives in New York City with her husband. Jane is the President of the Mystery Writers of America, New York Chapter. Her witty web site has recipes, appraisal facts and challenges, interviews, and more. This book follows the first in the series, Consigned to Death.

Josie Prescott's business, Prescott's Antiques, Auctions and Appraisals, is doing well. She has attracted a gala fundraising event for the Portsmouth, New Hampshire, Women's Guild. The auction of antiques and the dinner are both going really well, until the organizer, Maisy Gaylor, chokes on her wine and dies. It is poison.

Detective Rowcliff is antagonistic; he is not sure whether Josie is the murderer, or holding back important information, or is the intended victim. Josie's new love, Rocky Point Police Chief Ty Alverez, is out of town caring for a dying aunt in Los Angeles, and can only offer verbal support.

Practically everyone in Josie's life is a potential suspect--her staff, Maisy's dour husband Walter, gala organizers Dora Reynolds and lawyer Britt Epps, and the caterer, Eddie. A missing valuable tureen, and an attack on Josie with a car, confuse the issue. Reporter Wes Smith tries to enlist Josie's help in finding the solution, and he does find some important clues.

Josie is a wonderfully sympathetic, independent, and smart woman who recalls at times of stress adages from her dead father that inspire her and keep her going.

Armchair Interviews says: A beautiful locale, absorbing characters, and unusual details make this mystery a particularly enjoyable read.

Author's Web site: http://www.JaneCleland.net

Even the best mothers in the world have experienced her child's tantrum, public misbehaving or some other seemingly uncontrollable behavior problems. Elizabeth Pantley is a mother and an expert on raising children. In her latest book The No-Cry Discipline Solution, she shows us simple tricks that we can use every day to avoid behavioral problems and deal with them if they do appear.

Pantley lets us see the world through our children's eyes and helps us understand why our children act the way they do. They do not throw tantrums because they hate us and want to make our lives miserable. They do it because they have limited capabilities of showing us their needs and understanding their own emotions. The author shows us how to avoid judging our child's behavior by our adult standards and seeing them from our grown-up perspective. Instead she shows children as innocent and often quite egocentric human beings who need a lot of direction and help to reach their full potential and become well- mannered and responsible adults themselves.

The book is very warm and supportive. The author does not point fingers, she does not expect us to know everything right after the baby is born and, finally, she does not expect anyone to be perfect. The layout is very clear and helpful. The book is divided in short and comprehensive chapters that explain the children's behavior patterns and how to deal with them in the wisest and more efficient way. The author gives a lot of practical tips for many situations that we as parents may encounter.

I found the book very helpful and encouraging. I have used it many times as a guide, and I'm sure it's going to be one of the books that is going to be passed from hand to hand and from one mother to another.

Armchair Interviews says: This is a perfect and very concise source of knowledge for both new and more experienced parents.

Author's Web site: http://www.pantley.com/elizabeth

Subtitled: Changing Lives Through Worship, Justice and Evangelism

Mike Pilavachi, the founder of Soul Survivor, an international organization that empowers young people, writes a book that is both easy to read and challenging.

When Necessary Use Words discusses the connection between worship, evangelism and justice. Mike states emphatically that true worship will arise out of the Christian's life, and conversely that true worship has a tremendous impact on the daily life of the worshiper, both in how they talk about Jesus, and how they treat their neighbors.

The author makes his points with stories and humor rather than deep theological thinking. This makes the book readable for anybody in the church, lay or clergy. Don't be fooled by his casual style, Mike's work is biblically and theologically sound. He challenges the reader to make their whole life one that praises God. He takes a look at worship in the Bible as revealed by the Psalms, by the prophets, and by Jesus himself. He shows that authenticity and compassion are the hallmarks of worship. Mike also argues that God expects that justice will be part of worship. Compassion for God's people will lead not only to striving for justice, but to living in such a way that the Gospel become clear through our actions. Thus the final part of the trio comes into play. Evangelism, according to the author is more about living out God's love than preaching at the people we are trying to reach.

This slim volume can be read in a couple of nights. It would make an interesting study for clergy, worship leaders, or people in the pews who want to add a new dimension to their worship living.

Armchair Interviews says: Reading this book could very well change not just how you worship, but how you live.

Life... It only takes a moment to be trodden down, forgotten, and cast aside like garbage.

Nineteenth Century New South Wales could be a pleasant place to live, if you had money. But those who challenged the upper class received severe and unwarranted punishment.

When Hannah loses her mother to an untimely death, it sends her spiraling downward, like a whirlpool. Frazzled, one poor choice tumbles into desperate actions. The penalty is unimaginable.

John should be happy. He has a successful tool business and a dear wife. But his restless spirit dreams of world travel, and the unknown. However, when a defensive action turns sour, his new journey becomes a nightmare.

Eventually John and Hannah meet while crossing the ocean. Packed like rats beneath the deck, the conditions are vile and impoverished. Month after tortuous month gradually passes while faith in God is their only comfort. But hope is vanishing with the setting sun.

Reaching Australia, will the cruelty of injustice continue? Hannah and John rarely see each other and the future is bleak. Trying to make the best of individual circumstances, they are thankful for the smallest kindness. Will fate, the hand of God, or unexpected compassion bring them full circle? Or are they doomed to a life of servitude?

To Love Anew is vividly written and the horrors of history are depicted with shocking realism. When heroic efforts unfold that challenge the strength of the human spirit, only the indomitable will prevail.

Armchair Interviews says: Powerful 5-star story.

Author's Web site: http://www.BonnieLeon.com

Eleven-year-old Theodosia Throckmorton spends most of her time at The Museum of Legends and Antiquities in London. Her father is the head curator and her mother is an archeologist who brings back her latest finds to the museum. Theo is very busy since she has the unique ability to sense dark magic and curses. Using a blend of intuition and science, she has successfully lifted many curses and has learned what to do when your cat is possessed by a demon.

Her mother's latest find is Thutmose's Heart of Egypt. Unfortunately, legend has it that whoever removes the Heart of Egypt from the tomb will bring about famine, plague and pestilence. Members of a secret society give Theo an important mission: return the Heart of Egypt to the tomb to save the British Empire!

Readers will enjoy Theodosia as she is precocious and a lot of fun. Her observations are dry and often hilarious. For example, she is able to identify one of the curators based on his signature scent of onions and boiled cabbage. She is also a sympathetic character because she has learned to be self-sufficient. While her parents love her, they often get caught up in their latest discovery. Theo has learned to fend for herself. She does what she can to get her parents' attention and admiration. Although Theo is often told she is a bit too clever for her own good, this trait helps her stay one step ahead of the villains.

This is a very well-written adventure story that will appeal to adult and younger readers. I started to read this book before going to bed, thinking that I would just read one or two chapters to start. I stayed up late because I kept turning the pages to find out what happened next.

I can't wait for Theodosia's next adventure! She even has her own website http://www.theodosiathrockmorton.com which features her blog and more information about Egypt and Edwardian England.
Armchair Interviews says: Two thumbs up for Theodosia Throckmorton!

Author's Web site: http://www.RLLaFevers.com

(5-CD abridged set--also available in hard cover)

David Baldacci is synonymous with mystery, intrigue and suspense. With a distinct flair for weaving a bit of truth into his fictional creations, Baldacci captures the reader's imagination, while presenting a believable story. Add the talented actor/author Ron McClarty narrating, and Simple Genius is a knock-out, one-two punch. He uses all the narrative tools--and the result is an audio experience second to none!

After her latest outburst of self-destructive behavior and threatened with jail time, investigator Michelle agrees to enter a private clinic. While she is under treatment, her partner, Sean contacts his ex-lover for an assignment. With funds drying up, he did not have the luxury of holding grudges.

Did Monk Turing die of suicide or murder? The official findings said suicide, but Sean was interested in the unofficial version. Monk had been investigating suspicious activities at CampPearcy. His body was found just inside the perimeter of the CIA's top secret training facility, Camp Peary--known as the "secret place" by the locals. It didn't take long for Sean to understand that the research conducted there was highly sensitive.

Monk's autistic daughter, Viggie, was frightened and had great difficulty expressing her feelings. When anyone got too close she would withdraw into her own world. At times Viggie would play a specific selection on the piano, shout "codes and blood," then disappear up to her room. When Michelle arrives, Viggie takes to her instantly. Numbers and codes, secrets and stories--Monk had programmed his daughter--and now the only way they could protect her was if she trusted them enough to tell them what she knew. And that was a very big if.

Baldacci takes the reader on a fast-paced, breathtaking journey into a town's buried secrets, where lives depend on the codes hidden in the mind of a grieving child. The character interaction, combined with a multi-layered plot line, creates an engrossing story that builds upon itself with the turn of each page. Baldacci successful ties up all the threads in a shocking, but satisfying conclusion.

Armchair Interviews says: If you enjoy an entertaining story, with depth and intrigue, Simple Genius delivers.

Author's Web site: http://www.DavidBaldacci.com

Back then it all seemed so innocent. But now the web of deception has stretched into the future, stealing another life.

This winter Fog Point harbor was unusually crammed with ice. Reporters and photographers snapped endless pictures while snowplows constantly cleared the streets. Most of the locals stayed indoors, and it was rumored that the ice was a bad omen. But that was before the shocking discovery.

Lenore glanced out the back window of her bed and breakfast. She noticed a dark spot in the snow. Had her sons carelessly tossed the garbage outside? It seems they were so lazy at times. Lenore marched outside in a huff. When the truth struck her senses, she inhaled sharply and covered her pounding heart. There, in the wintry snow, was the lifeless form of a young woman. Kneeling beside her, Lenore gently brushed the snow from her icy cheek. A scattering of freckles appeared. Her hair was in a ponytail. She seemed so young. Why, Lenore thought. Why would someone want to hurt her?

No one came forward claiming to know the young woman. But rumor quickly spread that she was an angel, sent by God, to protect Fog Point from impending doom. Had the entire town gone berserk? People were lining up in droves behind Lenore's Bed and Breakfast. They wanted to see where the angel miracle happened. Many prayed in the snow bank, some left gifts, and others came in search of inner peace. Guests arrived and left on a daily basis, but the TV reporter and cameraman stayed for several days before disappearing suddenly. When Jake and May, two part-time investigators, discover that danger still lurked, fear spread like a rushing flood.

After the snarled past eventually connects with the present, the elusive answers are just a stroke away. When long-hidden truths finally surface, who will float away free and who will drown in their lies?

Black Ice is crammed full of imaginative characters, past and present. At first they appear unrelated and a bit hard to keep straight, but just keep reading.

Armchair Interviews says: A read well worth your time.

Author's Web site: http://www.WriterHall.com

Subtitled: The shaping of a set-apart young woman

As an avid reader I read Leslie Ludy's Authentic Beauty the first time it was published and thoroughly enjoyed the read. As I sat down to read the updated and expanded edition, I didn't think that it could get any better--and was I wrong!

Filled with insights and encouragements, this book challenges you to look beyond yourself toward a Savior that is offering that which we, as humans, often find the hardest things to do: forgiveness, love, and hope. Accompanied by writings from her husband, Eric Ludy, we glean insights on our earthly relationships with men as Ludy invites readers on a journey towards rediscovering the true meaning of femininity and falling in love with your Prince--Jesus Christ.

Throughout this wonderfully written and laid back book, you feel as though you are chatting one on one with the author about your heart's deepest hurts and desires. Covering wide range of topics--such as purity, living a set apart life, feminine mystique, and developing a deeper relationship with Christ--you are challenged to look toward the Prince of your heart to supply all of your needs. "In every generation, a few young women discover passionate, daily, unhindered intimacy with their true Prince, Jesus Christ. Just like the princesses in our childhood fair tales, once they meet this Prince and realize His incredible love for them, they willingly give up everything else to follow Him to the ends of the earth." (p. 247)

Refreshingly honest and sincere Authentic Beauty offers the chance to hope and live a set-apart life through our Heavenly Prince and His amazing love for us, His princess.

Armchair Interviews says: This wonderful book carries a message that women so desperately need in the world today!

Author's Web site: http://www.authenticgirl.com

Jennifer Carman is a high achiever--a bright, dedicated accountant in a major Chicago firm. But, her social life is nil. Her love life is also non-existent. In short, she is a dull, boring drudge--waiting for the big promotion to come her way. So on the day she is passed over for the manager position she coveted, she tries something new. While out for drinks with a friend, Jenny makes eye contact with an attractive man. To impress him she tries on a new persona, Jasmine Coret.

Jasmine is bold, witty and funny. Jasmine is not afraid to seem sexy and to even initiate the action. In no time, Jasmine hooks up with Robert Marshall, the good-looking stranger. He falls for Jasmine just as quickly as she falls for him. But once into the deception, Jenny sees no way out--besides Jasmine is having so much fun.

Cindy Kirk has created a pair of very likeable characters in Jenny/Jasmine and Robert. The story tugs the reader along, hoping that they will have more of a relationship than just a few especially steamy nights.

This is not a book for a prude. Cindy Kirk lets her characters revel in sex and for some readers it could be too much or too well described. While the story is good, a lot of pages are devoted to bedroom antics. Because the characters do seem to think about their situation and do find that they care very much for each other, the sexual romp becomes a love story--and as such the behavior is more palatable.

I enjoyed the book, but would reserve making a recommendation to just anyone.

Armchair Interviews says: For those who love racy romance novels, this romance/chick lit would be a great beach read.

Author's Web site: http://www.CindyKirk.com

(This inspirational fiction and historical romance consists of four stories by four different authors)

The Spinster and the Cowboy, by Lena Nelson Dooley

After her father's death, India Cunningham only wants to run her father's ranch in peace. When a new cowboy joins her ranch hands, she doesn't realize that it is a childhood acquaintance, Joshua Dillinger. Is Joshua here to help, or to hinder her? Should she trust him?

The Spinster and the Lawyer, by Jeri Odell

Lawyer Anika Windsor hasn't seen ex-fiance Tucker Truesdale since they both graduated from law school. When he shows up in her hometown to argue a court case against her, will Anika lose the case--and her heart too?

The Spinster and the Doctor, by Frances Devine

Elaine Daly thinks she is fulfilled with her job caring for orphans. When Dan Murray, the new doctor, arrives in town, she feels instant attraction for him. But when a secret from the past shows its ugly face, will she lose all trust in Dan?

The Spinster and the Tycoon, by Vickie McDonough

Jody McMillan is too spunky to accept the proposal of her boss, the only eligible bachelor in town. Instead, she works to raise money to expand the town orphanage. When Aaron Garrett arrives in town and buys the property she wanted, will the orphanage lose out, or just her heart?

These lighthearted novellas will tickle your funny bone, touch your heart and leave you satisfied in the end. Each author has her own voice and her own story to tell, and all of them are great. The inspirational tone is present but not overpowering.

Armchair Interviews says: This is a great little collection that will brighten your day. Recommended!

Frank Balenger and Amanda Evert have a new and tenuous relationship founded on trauma and devastation from an earlier shared crisis. The security and safety that both sought for healing, they are finding in each other.

A special invitation tweaked Frank's long-held interest in history, inviting him to attend an event dealing with time capsules. Frank and Amanda decide they'll check it out. That decision shapes the beginning of a suspenseful game--one laced with modern technology and vestiges of history. A game designed to entice, manipulate, and possibly kill the unwilling players.

Morrell's reputation as the father of the modern action thriller is well earned. His research appears impeccable and brings a level of credibility to the incredible story laid out in Scavenger. You will not experience any stagnating ponds in this read. Instead, strap yourself in for a white-water ride that will leave you breathless and craving more.

This was the first Morrell I've read, but it won't be my last.

NOTE: David Morrell is the award-winning author of First Blood, the novel in which Rambo was created. He has also written Firefiles (memoirof his son), Desperate Measures, The Fifth Profession, Assumed Identity, Extreme Denial and Creepers. Many of his books are best sellers.

Armchair Interviews says: Do yourself a favor, and read this book.

Author's Web site: http://www.DavidMorrell.net

http://www.davidmorrell.net/about.cfm

(Historical/Military genre)

America stands on the brink of extinction, Maine has all but seceded from the Union, Washington D.C. has been sacked and lies in ruins, an amphibious invasion force has made its way around Florida and is in the Gulf of Mexico. Where it will land and continue to punish America, no one knows. There are only two men and one army left in the south that can take the field against overwhelming odds--a crotchety old Indian fighter named Andrew Jackson and a pirate cum privateer named Jean Lafitte.

Patriotic Fire is not a novel about some future war with an as yet unknown foe. It is in my estimation, the best and most thoroughly researched documentation of the events that led up to the battle that changed lives forever in the bayous south of New Orleans in the winter months of 1814.

The British, fresh from their victories over the armies of Napoleon all across the peninsular Portugal and Spain, and much of southern France, were at the time the premier land-fighting force on the face of the earth.

They found themselves in a debacle once the Admiralty and its commander on the scene, Admiral Cochrane, decided that New Orleans was the next logical target. This has become one of those moments in history--that if a single aspect of the events of this battle had not taken place--America as we know it today would be a very different place indeed.

Winston Groom has chronicled the events of the war of 1812 in such a fashion as to provide to the reader an engaging and entertaining recollection of the personalities of brawling, dueling, unbending Andrew Jackson and smuggling business man, turned patriot, Jean Laffite. He details each to such an extant that there is little you won't know about them. He provides footnotes for clarity and an index for quick reference. This is everything you want in an historical biography of the men and the places and events that make up America's "Second War of Independence."

NOTE: In 1994 Winston Groom wrote Conversations with the Enemy, nominated for a Pulitzer Prize. He also wrote Better Times Than These in 1978, but is best known for writing Forrest Gump in 1986 (and subsequent Gump books).

Armchair Interviews says: Fantastically written, funny at times, and horrific in its detail in others. Every American should know where we came from. Patriotic Fire will tell them.

Talie and Luke Ingram have everything they want in life--a good marriage, a wonderful baby boy, and financial stability. When Talie discovers a journal that belonged to an ancestor from Ireland in the mid-nineteenth century, she is intrigued. But when the journal reveals some frightening things about a family "curse," Talie hides it away, refusing to deal with the past. But could the past be affecting the present--her baby boy?

Born and raised in Ireland, though she is half English, Cosima Escott is affected by the curse and has sworn she'll never marry. When a proposal is made by Reginald, an Englishman, Cosima's parents believe the future of the family is redeemed. Cosima travels to England with Reginald, though she refrains from giving an answer to his proposal. Here she meets Lord Peter Hamilton and his family. Although she begins to fall in love with Peter, because he is in line to receive his father's title, Cosima knows she could never marry him and possibly bring the "curse" upon his family for future generations.

Will Talie and Luke be strong enough to face the truth about their son? Will Cosima be able to overcome the fears about her curse and accept Peter's love? How can God bring good through circumstances that seem so bad?

Maureen Lang has created a powerful and poignant story that deals with the fears and hurts of having a Fragile X child. This book could have been written by someone else, but would have lacked the emotion that Lang put into it. Through Lang's own experience with a Fragile X child, she has been able to share the joys of living with this genetic disorder.

Both stories, past and present, are woven carefully between chapters, and it really works well. It is obvious by the historical details in this novel that Lang put long hours of research into making it true to the period. The dialogue and actions between characters was used effectively to portray the strong emotion that this book pours from each page.

Armchair Interviews says: This was a wonderful inspirational read--highly recommended.

Author's Web site: http://www.maureenlang.com