Wiser Than Serpents, Bringing Social Issues To Light In A Thriller!

I read a book last month that drew me into the world of modern day slavery and into the main character's (Yanna) world. She's out to rescue her sister, as you'll read more on below. When the chance to review this book came about, I jumped right away, I knew I'd want to read it.

I hadn't given any thought to human slavery and the world of sex-trafficking until this year. My son, Cody, has been involved with a group aimed at bringing awareness to this very issue and even gave a presentation about it at our church this past Winter. And, as life sometimes does, God further placed this issue on my heart last month, even after I had this book in my hands. When I went to the CBF in Memphis, one of the most dynamic speakers I've ever heard in my lifetime spoke about the sex-trafficking issues through Lauren Bethell. She knocked my socks off with her message of hope, acceptance, and her ability to be Jesus to the women who have fallen pray to this horrendous trade. So in my mind, it was providential that I get the opportunity to read and post information about this book.

A Note From Susan:

Did you know that there are 27 million people around the globe held as slaves today – more than 80% of them women and children, and up to 50% minors. In fact, there are MORE slaves today than were in the time of William Wilberforce. That leaves me horrified, and it was those stats that compelled me to write a story with a human trafficking plotline.

Wiser than Serpents (buy here)is a continuation of the Mission:Russia series, a thriller about Yanna, whose sister is snatched through a Russian dating service, and disappears. Yanna enlists the help of Delta Force Captain, David Curtiss to find and rescue her. Readers who’ve read, In Sheep’s Clothing and Sands of Time will recognize Yanna as the tech expert, and David as the solid Christian of the group. (Read the 5-Rose Review here!)

The book is written from the point of views of the rescuers, not the victims, and offers hope and empowerment, instead of feelings of helplessness. It raises awareness without lowering the standards of Christian fiction. (Our reliance on God and how he can bring us through is woven throughout this book.)

Susan is giving away 15% of the royalties from this book to International Justice Mission, check out their site when you get the chance. I like knowing part of my purchase, combined with everyone else's, will make a great difference in lives.

About Susan:

Susan May Warren is the award-winning author of seventeen novels and novellas with Tyndale, Steeple Hill and Barbour Publishing. Her first book, Happily Ever After won the American Fiction Christian Writers Book of the Year in 2003, and was a 2003 Christy Award finalist. In Sheep’s Clothing, a thriller set in Russia, was a 2006 Christy Award finalist and won the 2006 Inspirational Reader’s Choice award. A former missionary to Russia, Susan May Warren now writes Suspense/Romance and Chick Lit full time from her home in northern Minnesota.

About Wiser Than Serpents:

When her sister vanishes into a human slave ring, FSB agent Yanna Andrevka is determined to rescue her. Unfortunately, she's in over her head, with no way out, especially after destroying the undercover operation of Delta Force Operative David Curtiss, who is deep undercover in the Twin Serpents crime syndicate. David has his hands full trying to save Yana, and his operation--on that could rescue hundreds of women from the Serpent, or cost he and Yana their lives. The thrilling next chapter of the Mission: Russia series!

Susan is giving away three sets of this Mission:Russia series, so if you're like me and want to dive into a great series this summer, head over to Susan's blog and leave a comment. Not just any comment, but tel her about the mission organizations you currently support and why it is you support them. I'm headed over now to do just that! Good luck, and happy reading.

What Do YOU Want?

I devoured this book pretty much the day I received it in the mail. This is FANTASTIC! The little tag line on their blog says 'Buy it today and start on the journey!'. It's true, I keep coming back to it to re-read some of the chapters that meant so much to me. It's a Christian based book that is just what the title says it is. The two authors, Lisa T. Bergren and Rebecca Price, have asked just that question and compiled a journey worth taking.

If I had to take one chapter out of the book to call my favorite, it has to be Chapter Four, Soul Sisters. And they recognize we all want deep friendships with other women, it's so important to our well being, in my opinion. They break this into the Whitewater Classes of Friendship, with Class I being acquaintances and Class V being friends who have weathered the whitewater and came out on the other end still friends. I like that....I think many of you know I find great joy and comfort in my friendships with other women and am so grateful I have such wonderful friends (blogfriends included). It wasn't always like that for me, I was a 'keep your distance' kind of woman. Until my family fell apart and I realized if I was ever going to have the closeness and security I had with my sister, I was going to have to be vulnerable and let my friends in. I did and I have been blessed beyond my wildest imagination. I could have used this chapter to navigate the path.

I'm thinking of getting a group of friends together every other week or so just to read the chapters and get a good discussion going. I can use the accountability AND I could use the support. We all do. Some of the other topics you'll find include:

• Peace/Contentment in your life (would be nice!)


• Your relationship with God (the most important relationship)


• Finding purpose in your life

AND then Part 2, all the chapters that include how God satisfies these wants. It's such an innovative way to do a book like this!

Okay enough of my excitement, of course there is a contest! If you tell them about your sister of the heart and email it to amy@litfusegroup.com you'll get this story published on their blog ( http://www.satisfiedheart.com/blog/) . Okay it gets cooler...the story with the MOST comments will win a copy of this incredible book, a soundtrack of your choice for your 'sister of the heart' AND will be entered to win $15 at Starbucks. Let me know if you do this, I'll be sure to go over and comment.

You can check out the Five Minute Survey HERE, and check out Chapter One HERE.

If you do nothing else, at least consider the book for your next Bible study...I think there's more than one topic that will impact everyone in your group. Click the photo of the book and it'll take you straight to Amazon.com. I honestly think it would make a great Mother's Day gift too. This book is geared for women of EVERY age.

A Mother's Heart Knows....And Two Giveaways Too!

When I tore open the package that contained my copy of A Mother's Heart Knows, I was pleasantly surprised. I found stunning and poignant illustrations on every page...and nestled in between the pages are all the things we as children, as mothers, aunts, godparents...know a mother's heart knows.

I went through the book several times and couldn't help lingering on this one: "A mother's heart knows and wants to understand". Oh my...if that isn't written just for my daughter and me, I don't know for whom!

To buy this book is to help support WINGS, a program offering their services to homeless and abused women and children. I looked at the site and found their mission statement to share with you:

Our Mission: The mission of WINGS is to provide a continuum of integrated services in an effort to end domestic violence and homelessness one family at a time

ALL of the royalty proceeds to to this program in addition to supporting a student missionary scholarship fund. The way I see it, to buy this book is to support two great causes AND at the same time give your mom or special mom-figure in your life, a book that is for certain going to put tears in her eyes. If you click here, HERE you can purchase the book online in plenty of time for Mother's Day.

Okay it gets even better! Want to win a "My Favorite Mom" spa basket? Maybe for yourself or maybe to give away? Here is what you do:

Go on over to Margaret's blog and share your favorite story about your mother or someone who is like a mother to you and you will be entered. I KNOW you have some, I've read them and I'm certain Margaret will want to hear them as well. She'll share them on her blog (with your permission) and enter you for the contest. AND if you comment on the post I've linked you to, you'll not only get a blog tour schedule, but you'll be entered to win a copy of this book for yourself. I like book tours like this, great giveaways. Let me know if you enter, I'd love to read your story on Margaret's blog.

Two Books One Lucky Winner Giveaway!

The tour is revved up and hitting the road! I'm pretty excited to share my take on Tricia Goyer's book, Generation NeXt Marriage. I devoured it quickly, relieved I wasn't the only one bringing obstacles to the marriage table. But more about that later when it's my turn on the tour (April 7). Until then, I want to get this fantabulistic giveaway going on! I get to give away both Generation NeXt Parenting and Generation NeXt Marriage.

What do you have to do? Not a lot...just leave a comment on this post letting me know you want to be entered. Using fantabulistic won't get you an extra entry this time, but it will make me smile. On April 10th, I'll use the good old random number generator and draw a lucky reader. If you win, I'll email you so you can let me know where you'd like your two books sent! That's it! Even I could do this. Probably.

For more information on the tour dates, click HERE! And, of course, good luck!

**You know, this would be a great way to come out of lurking and say hello! I'd love it!