Thursday, September 13, 2007

Crimson Eve Earns Starred Review


Library Journal has awarded Crimson Eve a starred review, calling the novel "Collins' best suspense thriller so far" in an article about this fall's Christian novels. LJ is the magazine "bible" for libraries across the country. Books with good reviews are recommended "buys" for libraries, and the buyers for these libraries do pay attention to the reviews as they make their purchasing decisions.

The full review:
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Real estate agent Carla Radling is showing a private estate to a dashing and charming British gentleman when he reveals himself to be a hit man who has been hired to kill her. Barely escaping, Carla goes on the run. Meanwhile, a woman from Carla's past is trying to get to her before the hit man to give her information that will change everything. In the third book of the "Kanner Lake" series (after Violet Dawn and Coral Moon), Collins tops herself by creating a suspenseful, nonstop thrill ride. As the lives of Kanner Lake citizens are drawn into a game of cat and mouse, Carla fears that the secret she has kept for 16 years is about to get her killed. Truly the best CF [Christian Fiction] suspense title so far this year, this book deserves a place in all collections.

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I must tell you why this book has earned the coveted starred review. If I don't tell you, my sister, Sandy, certainly will. You see, the book is dedicated to her. Each of the Kanner Lake books has been dedicated to one of my phenomenal sisters, starting with the oldest. The Crimson Eve dedication:

For Sister #3,
Sandy Sheppard,
a.k.a. "Perfect Sister."
Because you are.
(It helps that you prayed for me to be born.)

Sandy has teased me that I just had to get that last line in there, since obviously the world "is really all about you." (Meaning me.) Well, with this raving review, she's now changing her tune: "Of course it got a starred review! It's my book! See, it really is all about me."
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Also of note, pal Angela Hunt's latest book, Doesn't She Look Natural, was awarded a starred review:

When Jennifer Graham learns she has inherited real estate in Florida, she never imagines it is a funeral home, especially one in need of so much repair. Thomas, Jennifer's husband, recently left her for their nanny, and she is at a crossroads in her life. A newly single parent with two boys, she sets off to settle her uncle's estate and sell the Fairlawn Funeral Home, but things don't go so smoothly, and Jennifer may find that this new life God has thrust upon her may be the answer to her prayers. Award winner Hunt's latest book (after The Elevator) is a topnotch inspirational tale that maintains a lighthearted touch. Anyone who has had to rebuild a life after an unexpected loss will appreciate the honesty of Hunt's characters and uplifting plot. Highly recommended for CF and women's fiction collections.

6 comments:

Deborah Raney said...

Huge congrats on that starred review, Brandilyn.

Susanne said...

Congratulations, Brandilyn. That's exciting news.

Bonnie S. Calhoun said...

Congratulations Brandilyn...but we already know that you are one of the best! Now the rest of the world gets to know that also!

Way cool!

Kathie said...

Wow! A starred review. Congratulations. Can´t wait to read Crimson Eve.
Blessings

Lynette Sowell said...

Way to go! They're right. I had a quiet evening and what else to do? Finished it tonight. Well done. :)

J. Mark Bertrand said...

That's really splendid news -- congratulations! As they say, it couldn't have happened to a better person. :)