Rose McCauley, Christian Author

2012-01-23T00:36:00.002-05:00

Monday Spotlight on Theresa Franklin and Journey to Fulfillment
1. What books/short stories/articles/poems have you written, whether published or not?
Journey to Fulfillment is my personal testimony. It chronicles the painful events in my life and how they formed my principles and convictions. Don’t Forget Daddy is a children’s book about accepting a new step-parent. A Sunny Tomorrow is a collection of Christian based stories for children. Triumph Through Trial is an adult fiction about a family whose private and public life are completely different. Night of the Cossacks, The Lesson Plan is a curriculum for teachers and home-school parents. It covers all major subjects using the novel Night of the Cossack by Tom Blubaugh.

2. Do you have an all time favorite book? My all time favorite is always the one I just finished writing. I tend to fall in love with my books and characters.

3. What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of? My greatest accomplishment would have to be the lives my children. They are a blessing to me and I am proud of the people they have become.

4. What was your greatest roadblock in writing Journey to Fulfillment and others, and how did you overcome it? It was extremely emotional to relive the painful events in my life. I wrote when I was alone in the house. I allowed myself to go through the experiences and laugh or cry as I needed. It was very cathartic.

5. What advice would you give to an author just beginning? Write from your heart. Don’t just write the book, live it as you are putting the words on the paper.

6. How can readers find the book and where can they find you on the Internet? I would love for the readers to check out my blog. http://theresa-lifesjourney.blogspot.com/ There is a link to all of my books on that blog. They can also be found on amazon.com and barnesandnoble.com

7. Can you tell me a little bit about your newest book? My latest book is Triumph Through Trial about a family living in crisis behind closed doors.

8. When a reader gets done with your book, what do you want them to come away with? I want the readers to have a closer relationship with God because of what they read.

Biography

Theresa Franklin grew up in Houston, Texas. After graduation she attended East Texas Baptist College. There she met her husband on a blind date. They married a short time later and moved outside of Beaumont, Texas where they raised their three children.
She taught school for 12 years. Students with disabilities won her heart and she became Director of Special Education in an effort to better serve them. She retired in 2010 and began writing children’s books.
Theresa is the author of children’s books, Don’t Forget Daddy and A Sunny Tomorrow. Her adult books include non-fiction Journey to Fulfillment and fiction Triumph Through Trial. She has written one curriculum guide for the novel Night of the Cossack, a historical fiction for young adults by Tom Blubaugh, titled Night of the Cossack, Lesson Plan.

2012-01-11T03:42:00.001-05:00

Guestblog by Joy DeKok

A Time When My Life and Fiction Intersected by Joy DeKok

From the time I could read, I wanted to write my own stories. Maybe because I was a little girl when the dream was born, I was certain I was going to write children’s books. Determined to make this happen, I wrote, read books on writing, joined critique groups, and went to conferences. Editors and other writers said, “Write articles – they reach the largest reading group.” Others said, “Write articles on topics that matter most to you.” Wanting to write for children wasn’t a topic I could write potential magazine articles, so I wrote about my life. I wrote about infertility.

At another conference, a novelist told a group of dreamers like me to write a novel involving a topic very close to our hearts. I slapped my notebook shut thinking, “No way.” A few years later I was cleaning house when an idea for a novel took up residence in my mind. It came with two well-developed characters, a plot line, and a few scenes so clear I could see them playing out movie-style. I told God it was a good idea and I hoped He’d find another writer. I reminded Him about the children’s books I wanted to write. Then, I argued with Him about what I’d been taught – autobiographical novels don’t sell. Neither do issue-based books and this one was both. Really – who wants to read about a woman who can’t have children and one who chooses abortion? It was as if I felt His eyebrow rise at me. Next I told Him, “Besides, the emotions and struggles are years in the past – I won’t remember them with the kind of clarity needed to write them into a novel.”

I thought I had Him. I really did. Instead, He reminded me of the journals stored in our basement full of my real-time struggles. I sat on the cold cement, reading my words, and weeping for the young woman I had been. He didn’t want me to waste those experiences. Still, I resisted Him. I’d never had an abortion – how could I write that character’s story? I kept reading my scribbles and there they were – women in my life who I loved dearly who had chosen abortion.

So I waved the white flag at Him and started writing. Day after day, God graced the effort. The novel became a back and forth journal of two pretend women driven by women I knew – one of them me.

My surrender wasn’t a spiritual thing as much as it was a way to get God off my back. I knew I was breaking a lot of writing rules and for a first time novelist, that’s not a great idea. On hard days when the memories or the revelations were painful, I’d stomp the foot in my heart and remind Him of all the ways this book was going to fail. I felt Him massaging my heart and preparing me for something – for a gift He had for me in the process. Blessings came and each time I was sure I’d found the one I knew He had for me.

It happened at a book signing when a beautiful women walked up to me hugging Rain Dance in her arms as if it were precious to her. She whispered in my ear, “I’m a Stacie.” I asked her if she was okay and she said, “I am now.” Later, another said, “I’m a Jonica.” At the end of the day, I stood looking at an empty table realizing that while the book was in part about me, it had always been about them. That was the gift my heavenly Father wanted me to have.

The book has been in print for awhile – I self-published it first and then Sheaf House Publishers picked it up and released it in 2010. Every week this work of fiction intersects with my real life as readers send me notes after reading the book. A few have come to faith. Others to healing and some to the point where they can offer grace instead of condemnation to women they once considered the enemy. Many have found forgiveness. A few admit they read the book to understand two types of women they just couldn’t “get” but now love and accept.

I’d expected the intersecting of my real and pretend worlds to be a head-on collision. Instead I watched God weave it gently together in a pattern and with a purpose only that could only come from Him.

You can tell your real life story or you can write it as a work of fiction. Either way, your story matters.

2012-01-10T05:10:00.006-05:00

A new book by Joy DeKok--Your Life A Legacy

Legacy – Guest blog post for Rose McCauley January 10, 2012 (please come back tomorrow for another post by Joy)

When Life and Fiction Intersect by Joy DeKok

“Nothing goes wrong for a writer – it’s all material" (Garrison Keilor).

When things go a different direction than I’d planned, I cling to memorized Bible verses and remember the above quote. I know that at some point, God will use what I’m living in the words I write.

For example, when my husband and I moved to the country, I had no idea that the experiences God gave me with the birds I fed would become a devotional titled, Under His Wings. Or, that as I poured my heart and soul onto the pages of my journal as we walked through infertility, that God would use that part of my life in Rain Dance, a novel.

We’re told that autobiographical fiction doesn’t work. We’re also told by famous authors how they’ve used people and stories from their own lives in their writing. So, what’s a fiction author to do?

Let your life and your fiction intersect, naturally. If a part of your history breathes life into your story, it belongs there. If you have to force it, your readers will know, and they will not only lose interest in your story, but they will not be able to trust you with their time or hard-earned money.

My new book, Your Life a Legacy, is a non-fiction book full of reasons and practical ideas for people who want to preserve their stories. Part of my personal legacy involves saving the stories from a few of my ancestors with a writer’s agenda.

I’ve discovered bootleggers, a madam at an upscale house of ill-repute, a great grandmother who chased Sioux braves with her broom, tended bar with a pearl-handled pistol at her waist, and tolerated a friendly ghost. There’s an uncle who drank with Hank Williams, Sr. and an aunt who read tea leaves and trusted the Ouija board with stunning accuracy. A grandmother who sang on radio, cattle rustlers, and a great-aunt who married a movie star, then became a Chicago gangster’s moll who ended up with a price on her head. Add to this list some war heroes, prayer warriors, preachers, Dutch immigrants, and a great-great-great grandfather who was the king of Iceland. I’ve met most of them and have been loved by a few.

Reviewing this roll call of relatives, I’ve started a potential cast list for my future fiction projects. I tape my favorite picture of the person on a large index card. Then I record some of their personality traits and a few intriguing details of their lives. I know enough about them that I can easily “upgrade” them into a contemporary character – that’s part of the beauty of fiction.

When I get stuck, I can turn to these cards for inspiration. I’ve lived an ordinary almost beige life, so it’s fun to record the stories of my family’s renegades. If they slip into the story I’m working on with an easy blend of energy and grace, I welcome them to the pages. Otherwise, I take what they can teach me, and wait – the time for them to be in a story hasn’t come yet.

Joy DeKok Bio

Joy started writing as a little girl. She carries a large purse so she can take her journal and an assortment of pens with her.
Joy lives on thirty-five acres of woods and field in Minnesota between Rochester and Pine Island. She’s been married to Jon for thirty-five years and they enjoy their many nieces and nephews. Their dogs, Sophie and Tucker, keep them company when they explore the land riding their John Deere Gator or while watching the many birds that visit their feeders.
She has seven books in print and is working on a novel series featuring main character, Olivia Morgan. Joy is also developing a writing group called, Write Yourself Strong, for hurting women.
Faith is a vital part of Joy’s life. When she was sixteen, Joy asked God to find her and He did.

2012-01-09T15:40:00.000-05:00

Our First Monday Musings of 2012

I spent about half of the Mondays last year doing spotlights on other authors and plan to do that some more this year, but for today I want to share with you some wise words from Chuck Swindoll on Attitude.

“The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of attitude on life. Attitude, to me, is more important than facts. It is more important than the past, than education, than money, than circumstances, than failures, than successes, than what other people think, say or do. It is more important than appearance, giftedness or skill. It will make or break a company… a church… a home. The remarkable thing is we have a choice every day regarding the attitude we embrace for that day. We cannot change our past… we cannot change the fact that people will act in a certain way. We cannot change the inevitable. The only thing we can do is play the one string we have, and that is our attitude… I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% how I react to it.”
And so it is with you… we are in charge of our Attitudes. In 2012 may we choose to have the "mind (attitude) of Christ."

2012-01-06T00:01:00.002-05:00

Fridays with Friends--Lillian Duncan

For our first Friday with Friends post of 2012 I am happy to introduce you to Lillian Duncan and her book Deception. And if you read to the end you can hear how you can enter her contest to win a NOOK on her website.

Here's how the backcover blurb describes this exciting novel:
Twins are supposed to have an unbreakable bond, but Patti and Jamie have serious “relationship issues.” Patti hasn’t seen Jamie since her twin ruined her upcoming nuptials years before. When a niece she knows nothing about calls, Patti must unravel the yarn of Jamie’s life and her disappearance.

Detective Carter Caldwell takes his job seriously, and it's his job to keep Patti and her adorable niece safe. But Patti is determined to help find her sister. Each step brings her closer to the truth, but pulls her further into a web of danger and deception.

They must find the courage and faith to continue the search for her sister. Her journey will take her down a road of deception where they will have to fight for her life and the lives of countless Americans.

To celebrate the release of DECEPTION, Lillian has a no-strings attached contest on her website (http://www.lillianduncan.net/) until Feb. 1. Grand prize is a NOOK.

2012-01-02T18:20:00.001-05:00

Two more great Christmas books! A Quaker Christmas and On Christmas Morning

I read one of these book the hectic week before Christmas, then started the other one but didn't get time to finish it until two days ago, as I'm sure most wives, moms and grandmothers can understand! But I still want to go on and do the reviews in hopes that some of you will buy them now to read later.

The first book I want to tell you about is A Quaker Christmas, pubbed by Barbour. Like my anthology, this book contains 4 novellas, each written by a different author. I enjoyed the varieties of stories in this collection. The first one by Lauralee Bliss is set in an inn run by a Quaker family. One of the guests doesn't seem to like being there when he first arrives, then later stays around. Could the innkeeper's daughter have something to do with that?

The second story by Ramona K. Cecil is centered around a pregnant widow and her husband's friend who comes to her aid. But he bears a secret he thinks will drive them apart if she ever finds out. Can they both find and give the forgiveness they each need?

I've never heard of pirates and Quakers joining, but Rachael Phillips combines them in a fun story about a man from a pirate family who rescues a Quaker maiden, leading to her falling for his brother before she finally is rescued by the first man from another mistake.

The final story ups the tension with a newlywed wife of a Quaker who chooses to lead a pregnant slave to freedom on the Underground Railroad while her husband is out of town. All of these stories take place during the Christmas season, and I found it interesting to read about the various ways and extent some Quakers joined in Christmas celebrations.

Although our Walmart no longer has these Barbour anthologies, I think you can still find them at your local Christian bookstore, Lifeway stores, and online at cbd.com and amazon.com

The final Christmas book I read this Christmas season is Love Finds You on Christmas Morning, pubbed by Summerside Press. I've enjoyed several of their Love Finds you in...collections. This one is a little different in that the title does not bear the name of a real town (although both stories take place in Cary, North Carolina), and there are two stories, one historical and one contemporary, both by a different author. I liked this format, and hope they will do more of these in the future.

The first story Deck the Halls by Debby Mayne, was set right before the depression, and the story tells of a young hardworking girl with an injured father who has to work to support her parents. A young man from one of the prosperous farms in the area seeks her out, but does she dare to hope he really is interested in her? Or are they from two different lifestyles?

The last story 'Tis the Season by Trish Perry, is set in the present day, with a great-granddaughter of the couple in the first story dreaming of buying and restoring the home her great-grandparents built, only to have it bought out from under her. Can she bear to help the buyer restore it? What will happen when he finds out her connection to the house? Both enjoyable reads!

2012-01-01T16:21:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year to all, especially to Vannetta Chapman!

Vannetta is the winner of Give My Love to the Chestnut Trees by Beverly Varnado. And anyone with a US mailing addy who leaves a comment during the month of January will be eligible to win a copy of Dry as Rain by Gina Holmes, so leave a comment on this post and the rest of the month for more chances!

Here is the review I posted for Dry as Rain in Nov. 2011:

Dry as Rain by Gina Holmes

A book review by Rose McCauley

When I first started, I wasn't sure I would like this book, but I ended up loving it! It is written in 1st person which I don't read a lot of and was written solely in the POV of the male character, but it works well! Gina Holmes is a master at getting you inside the POV character's head, and his POV was the perfect one for this story.

I don't want to give away a lot of the details because I want you to read this book for yourself, so I will share some of the back cover blurb: "When Eric and Kyra Yoshida first met, they thought their love would last forever. But like many marriages, theirs has gradually crumbled, one thoughtless comment and misunderstanding at a time, until the ultimate betrayal pushes them beyond reconciliation...A richly engaging story of betrayal and redemption, Dry as Rain illuminates with striking emotional intensity the surprising truth of what it means to forgive."

One additional thing I want to say is that I disagree with another review I read that said this kind of book should not be published by a Christian publisher. If that is true, they better be careful reading their Bible, because they will be exposed to a lot worse! The story of David and Bathsheba has a less satisfying ending than this story does!

So, bottom line, I hope you will give this book a try so you won't miss out on a great read from a great writer! I give the book and lovely cover both 5 stars!

2011-12-25T00:01:00.002-05:00

The Greatest Christmas Story ever--part two

King James Version (KJV)
Luke 2: 1-20

1And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed.
2(And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)
3And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.
4And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)
5To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
6And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
7And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
8And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
9And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
10And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
11For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
12And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
13And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
14Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
15And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.
16And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.
17And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.
18And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.
19But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.
20And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.

2011-12-24T00:01:00.000-05:00

The Greatest Christmas story of all time--Part one

Luke 1:26-38

King James Version (KJV)

26And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth,
27To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name was Mary.
28And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women.
29And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be.
30And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God.
31And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS.
32He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David:
33And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.
34Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?
35And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.
36And, behold, thy cousin Elisabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age: and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren.
37For with God nothing shall be impossible.
38And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her.

2011-12-23T00:01:00.001-05:00

Day 23 of Christmas Cheer, part five from A Place Called Home by Janet Lee Barton

Scene five
Beth had come down earlier, and now he found her in the kitchen, just closing the oven door on the huge turkey she’d put in to roast while they were at church. Jeb leaned against the doorframe, thoroughly enjoying the chance to watch his new bride putter around, until she finally turned and spotted him.

The delicate color that stole up her cheeks and the sweet smile she gave him when she saw him were enough to warm him clear through.

“Jeb! I didn’t hear you come downstairs. Coffee will be ready soon.”

“I should have known you’d be down here with this stove. It’s the real reason you accepted my proposal, isn’t it?” he teased.

Beth giggled. “Well, I’ll admit, my fingers have been itching to cook a meal on it ever since I found out you bought it. But, it’s certainly not the reason I married you.”

Jeb crossed the room in two strides and pulled her close with his good arm. “No?”

She shook her head as she gazed into his eyes. “No. I married you because I do love you, Jeb. . .more than I ever thought possible.”

Jeb’s heart seemed to expand in his chest. He knew she loved him, as he did her. They’d told each other so over and over in the past few days. But he’d never tire of hearing it. . .nor of saying it. “I love you, Beth.”

Jeb bent his head and captured her lips in a kiss meant to assure her completely that he was telling the truth. Cassie and Lucas yelled for them to hurry, and Beth quickly broke the kiss and pulled away.

“We’re coming,” Jeb answered. But he caught Beth’s arm as she started out of the kitchen and pulled her back into his embrace. The children could wait another minute or two.

“Merry Christmas,” he whispered right before his lips claimed Beth’s once more in a lingering kiss.

“Uncle Jeb, Aunt Beth!” Lucas was getting impatient to open his presents.

Jeb chuckled as Beth broke the kiss and pulled him toward the parlor. He followed willingly, thanking the Lord above for leading him to Beth. . .and to a place called home.

2011-12-22T00:01:00.001-05:00

Day 22 Christmas Cheer, part four of Janet Lee Barton's A Place Called Home

Scene four

Jeb stood only inches away, looking deep into her eyes. “I told you I was going to ask you again once the house was done. Well, it’s done and you need to make up your mind.”

“Jeb, I—” Beth’s heartbeat sounded like thunder in her ears, and she wondered if Darcie could hear it. She’d never felt so flustered in her life. She knew she needed to be doing something. . .she was at work. She turned around and found Darcie watching the two of them, several lines in her hand waiting to be plugged into sockets. “Can this wait? I’m working. I—”

“I’ve waited long enough.” Jeb pulled her close with his good arm. “I need an answer now.”

Now. He needed an answer.

Beth looked back to see her switchboard lighting up all over the place and Darcie trying to take care of both switchboards while trying not to miss a thing going on in the office. For the first time since she’d come to work here, Beth decided some things were just more important than the Roswell Telephone and Manufacturing Company.

“An answer to what?”

“You told me that if I finished the house by Christmas, you just might marry me. Back then, when I asked you to marry me, we barely knew each other and it was for the children’s sake. This time I’m asking simply because I love you. . .with all my heart, and I can’t imagine not seeing you every day. I want you out at the ranch with me and Cassie and Lucas. I know you may never love me like you loved Harland, but Beth, will you please marry me?”

It suddenly didn’t matter if the whole town would soon know what went on here. She turned her undivided attention to the man she loved. “Oh, Jeb! I. . .you. . .”

Beth stopped and took a deep breath. She had to tell him everything. “I thought I could learn to love Harland. I truly did. But I’d been having second thoughts about marrying him for weeks before he died. I was going to tell him the next time he came into town, only I didn’t have a chance before he was killed in the stampede. I promised myself that I would never marry a man I didn’t know and didn’t love after that. Then, you came into my life, and I’ve felt so guilty over the growing feelings I’ve had for you. I—“

Jeb shushed her with a finger at her lips. “I understand. I’ve had my share of guilt over falling in love with you. But I have. Deeply and completely. And I want nothing more than to marry you, if you’ll have me—”

Beth’s heart seemed to have wings as it rapidly beat in her chest. “Oh, Jeb. You are the only man I’ve truly loved. . .and yes, oh yes, I will marry you.”

Beth tried to be careful of his bad arm and sore ribs as Jeb pulled her closer and bent his head toward her. Their lips met and clung in a kiss that turned the challenge of a moment into a promise of a lifetime.

2011-12-21T00:01:00.002-05:00

Christmas Cheer Day 21, part three from A Place Called Home by Janet Lee Barton

Scene three
It hadn’t. It was a short note. . .from Jeb’s boss. . .telling him his job was open and the children were welcome. Beth’s heart twisted in her chest. Was Harland right? Was Jeb fixing up the house only to sell out and go back north?

Well, there was only one way to find out. Beth ran though the house, down the porch steps, and around to the ladder leading to the roof. She clambered up it as fast as she could in her long skirts and holding the offending letter in her hand.

Jeb’s back was to her when her head cleared the roof line. “Can you tell me the meaning of this, Jeb Winslow?”

“Beth?” Jeb whirled around. “The meaning of what? What’s wrong?

She waved the paper in her hand. “This is wrong! Have you been planning on taking this man up on his offer? Are you leaving here? Fixing up the house just to sell out? Are you taking the children with you?”

Jeb got to his feet and stared down at her. . .his mouth opening and shutting at first. Then he found his voice. “How could you think that? I just asked you to help me decorate this house! Why would I be working this hard. . .trying to get this roof finished before the first snow. . .the house ready before Christmas. . .if I didn’t plan on making a home here?”

“You said that Mr. Snow thought it would add more value to the property!”

Jeb shut his eyes and shook his head before meeting her gaze again. “Beth Morgan—can’t you see. . .I’m trying my best to get this house finished by Christmas to answer your challenge. And why would I be doing that?”

“I don’t know. Why?”

“Because I—” Just as the words were out of his mouth, Jeb slipped and started sliding down the roof.

“Jeb!” Beth yelled, but there was nothing she could do except watch him fall. She didn’t know if she heard or felt the thud as he hit the ground, but her heart seemed to stop beating as she saw him lying on the ground. Jeb didn’t move. No! Tears streamed down her face. It was all her fault. Had she killed the only man she’d ever loved?

2011-12-20T00:09:00.001-05:00

Christmas Cheer, Day 20, scene two from Janet Barton's A Place Called Home

Scene two
“I’m glad I’ve had good weather,” Jeb said. “Christmas will be here before we know it.”

“It sure will be. And it will be time to decorate that tree at school. How about we string some popcorn and cranberries?”

“Sounds good to me.” Jeb chuckled. “How about you, Lucas? You ready to learn how to thread a needle?”

Cassie ran to get Beth’s sewing basket while Jeb and Lucas popped the corn. Then Beth brought out the cranberries she’d found at Jaffa-Prager, and they began making garland.

It took only a moment to teach Lucas what to do, and for the next few hours, they took turns stringing and eating the popped corn. By the time the popcorn was gone, they found that the cranberry garland was longer by at least half, but they had two beautiful contributions to the decorating of the school tree.

“Next time, I’ll have to pop more,” Beth commented as she began to clean up. “I think it’s time for bed, children. You have school tomorrow.”

Jeb got to his feet. “Guess I’d better get back to the ranch.”

Cassie and Lucas gave him a hug, and Beth walked him to the door.

“Did you ever get a chance to talk to Liddy about Christmas?” Jeb whispered.

Beth nodded and pulled a piece of paper from her pocket. “I telephoned her. These are some things she suggested.”

“Thank you. I haven’t had a chance to get by their place. I guess I ought to see about getting one of those telephones installed. Can I get one out there?”

Beth nodded. “Yes, you’re close to town, and there are lines out that way now. Cal and Liddy live farther out than you and they have one. Would you like me to place your order tomorrow?”

“Would you, please? I’ve never had a use for one, but I suppose it would be good to have, once I move Cassie and Lucas out there.”

“Well, naturally, I’m a big believer in having a telephone. Liddy and I can keep in touch much easier, instead of waiting to see each other on a Sunday or running into each other when she comes into town. Plus, if one of the children gets sick and you need a doctor to come out, it will make it easier and faster to get hold of him.”

“I hadn’t thought of all those things. Please, do put my order in tomorrow.”

“I will.”

Jeb stood looking at her for a moment. “You know. . .Christmas is almost here. The house is going to be finished soon.”

Beth held her breath.

He reached out and touched a wayward curl of hair on her forehead. “You haven’t forgotten your challenge to me, have you?”

She could only shake her head.

“Well, then. . .it appears you have some thinking to do. Because I haven’t forgotten, either.”

2011-12-19T00:01:00.003-05:00

Christmas Cheer, Day 19, part one from A Place Called Home by Janet Barton

This week we will be enjoying five scenes from Janet Barton's A Place Called Home. I want to thank Janet again for being so generous in her sharing with us this Christmas season! Enjoy, and come back tomorrow for part two.

Part One
Still, it would be the perfect answer for keeping the children with her, and something deep inside wished that what Jeb was proposing could become a reality. But it couldn’t—no matter how many somersaults her heart did or how fast her pulse raced each time he came near. After all Harland had told her about Jeb, she just couldn’t believe he could commit himself to her and the children. It was only a matter of time until he took off. . .in spite of how good his intentions seemed to be.

Now, she tried hard not to let Jeb see how deeply his proposal had affected her. “Jeb, your brother and I corresponded for months before he moved out here. Enough to get to know each other a little.” But, not well enough. “You and I have only known each other a few days.” And you cause my heart to race in a way your brother never did. “Besides, Harland told me you would never settle down. . .that you were used to going wherever you wanted to, whenever you wanted to. You aren’t used to staying in one place.”

“That doesn’t mean I can’t or won’t.”

Could he? Would he? Her heart thudded against her chest. If he did, might this be an answer to her prayers as a way to keep the children? Dare she allow herself to hope that he would stay? No. She couldn’t. She would only be setting herself up for disappointment and heartache.

Beth just couldn’t see him staying for long, and she had a feeling the only way she could deal with his proposal was to treat it lightly. “Well, I tell you what. If you stay around long enough to finish the house. . .maybe I’ll just agree to marry you.”

“Lady, I’m going to accept your challenge. I’ll have it finished by Christmas. And when I finish it, you are going to have a decision to make.”

Beth tried to ignore the warm wave of elation flowing through her at his words. She forced herself to laugh off his acceptance, praying he couldn’t tell how flustered she felt. “By Christmas?”

“Yes.”

“We’ll see.” Christmas was over three months away. He’d probably be long gone by then.

“Yes, we will.” Jeb grinned at her as he stood to go. He sauntered over to the back door and took his hat off the hook beside the door. “We sure enough will. Good night, Beth.”

Beth shut the door behind him and locked it with trembling fingers. Leaning her forehead against the curtained window, she took a deep breath and tried to will her rapidly beating heart to slow down. Had she really said she might marry him if he finished the house by Christmas? She thought back over the conversation. It appeared she had. And he had accepted her challenge.

She shook her head and pushed away from the door, trying to put it all out of her mind as she busied herself cleaning up the kitchen. But, she couldn’t get Jeb Winslow out of her mind. Part of her was sure he hadn’t meant what he’d said. . .and another part was afraid to hope that he did.

2011-12-18T00:18:00.002-05:00

Christmas Cheer, Day 18, a book review of Remembering Christmas by Dan Walsh

I have read and enjoyed all of Dan Walsh's other books, so I wasn't surprised to find that Remembering Christmas is now one of my all-time favorite Christmas books, which is saying something since I write and collect Christmas books! And since my husband and I just listened to a Nicholas Sparks book on a long trip, I was struck by how similar their writing is.
All of the characters seem so real, flaws and all. The main male lead, Rick Denton, is the most unlikeable at the beginning, which makes his later transformation seem like the miracle all true transformations are. His mom and step-dad are very giving, people-loving individuals, well-loved by all who know them. His step-dad's aneurysm compels Rick to show up to help out in the imaginary town of Seabreeze, Florida.

Rick notices Andrea, a good-looking brunette, as soon as he walks in his parents' bookstore, but they are miles apart in many ways, plus she has a young daughter. The daughter and Andrea soon win Rick's attention, then his heart. But could it ever work?

I don't want to tell too many details, but there is romance, drama, and a big surprise near the end that I didn't see coming, but which helped tie many of the pieces together. I know this book will become a Christmas classic, so be sure to add it to your shelf and/or buy a copy for someone on your list who loves to read Christmas stories. You/they won't be disappointed!

I highly recommend this book to all Nicholas Sparks fans! And for those who haven't read Dan Walsh's books before, I suggest you buy all 4 because after you read one, you will want to read the others!

I did receive this book from the publisher (Revell) for review purposes, but this review is entirely my own opinion, not based on the gift.

2011-12-17T00:04:00.002-05:00

Christmas Cheer Day 17--Savanna's Gift by Camille Eide
Savanna’s Gift is a Christmas story about second chances and recognizing God’s true gifts in your life, set in an elegantly adorned, rustic ski lodge in the beautiful evergreen Oregon Cascades.

(tagline) When Savanna gets a second chance at the love of her life, will her dream that divided them get in the way?

(summary) Forced to return to the ski lodge where she once worked, Savanna Holt is reminded of one special Christmas and how ambition led her to make the worst mistake of her life: Leaving Luke Nelson. Stunned to discover Luke never left, but worked his way up from lift operator to manager, Savanna sees the opportunity as a gift from God. She’s determined to win Luke back. But Luke wants no reminders of his past hurt, or a relationship with the woman who put ambition before love. Can Savanna convince Luke she’s changed and her interest isn't because of his position? And when her dream job beckons, will she sacrifice her dream for a second chance at love?

A snippet of the story: (Chapter one)
The steady drizzle switched to a fierce spattering of rain mixed with snow as Savanna Holt exited the freeway and headed east toward the mountains. She switched the wipers to double time and checked the rearview mirror. Mylie was still dozing, her soft, red curls pressed into her princess pillow. Savanna smiled. Her goddaughter had turned out to be a pretty good little traveler and hadn’t complained much in the four hours since she’d waved goodbye to her mama. Savanna suspected her best friend, Natalie, had mustered every scrap of willpower she had to keep from gathering up little Mylie for another last hug before sending her off to spend Christmas with her grandparents. Savanna also suspected Natalie was the one needing the extra hugs, considering what the coming days with her dying dad would bring.

Savanna scanned the radio stations until she found one playing upbeat Christmas music and hummed along with the melody. “But as long as you love me so, let it snow, let it snow, let it—”

She let a flat chuckle slip out. “OK, scratch that.”

According to the forecast, the pass was already getting plenty of snow. The couple winters she had spent working at Evergreen Ridge Resort taught her several things—like how a blast of fresh powder would heighten the holiday spirit at the popular Oregon ski lodge. Not that this trip would have her sticking around long enough to sample the Christmas spirit or the skiing. If she’d left home earlier, as she’d intended, she wouldn’t have to be on that mountain any longer than it took to deliver Mylie-Bug to her grandparents and kiss her goodbye. But as late as it was now, driving down a slick mountain in the middle of the night after a full day on the road was asking for trouble. The Freemans had insisted on booking her a room as a way of saying thanks for delivering their granddaughter. No problem; she could leave early in the morning and still get to her mom’s place in plenty of time to catch a Christmas Eve re-run of It’s a Wonderful Life.

Now that was ironic.

Lord, help my mom. I’ll do what I can to help her, but I can’t change her. Only You can.

Savanna eased out a sigh. I should know—You changed me.

The windshield fogged. She cranked up the defrost and checked on Mylie again. Turning up Rocking Around the Christmas Tree, she focused on the road. When Natalie asked Savanna for this favor, she had smiled to cover her reluctance and agreed to help her friend. Natalie's father was dying and her husband was deployed. Besides, all she had to do was take Mylie to Evergreen Ridge where Natalie's in-laws were celebrating Christmas. Natalie would do the same for her in a heartbeat. But the gnawing in her gut reminded Savanna what the task would entail. Seeing Evergreen Ridge at Christmas would unleash an avalanche of memories, taking Savanna back to her last Christmas there, summoning all the emotions and sensations as if it were only yesterday. The majesty of the pristine, snow-coated mountain rising behind the lodge, the glow of twinkling lights, the rustic-yet-elegant beauty of the décor, the blazing fire in the massive stone fireplace, the amazing aromatic blend of fir and peppermint and spice—everything would probably be just like it was before. Everything except for Luke’s quiet, heartfelt proposal and her melting into his arms with a breathless yes. Everything except that part.

Without warning, images of Luke’s calm, green eyes and amused smile spilled into her thoughts, stirring up a fresh burst of regret. The kind of regret she could only put to rest by praying, again, that she was done learning life’s most important lessons the hard way . . .

(where to find it:) SAVANNA’S GIFT by Camille Eide: a Christmas Romance Novella (eBook) *special holiday price: $1.00 thru 12/31/11* Available December 3, 2011 at: http://www.camilleeide.com/books.html

(bio) Camille Eide writes contemporary romance and romantic women’s fiction. She lives in Oregon with her husband and is mom to three brilliant college-age kids. She’s grateful for the amazing grace of God, and either in spite of or thanks to that grace, she has a PhD in Learning Stuff the Hard Way. She’s also a church secretary, a bassist, and a passably devoted fan of classic rock, muscle cars, and Jane Austen. Visit Camille at www.camilleeide.com .

2011-12-16T00:01:00.002-05:00

Spotlight on Jude Urbanski, author of Joy Restored

We interrupt our Christmas Cheer to share an interview I set up several months ago with my friend Jude Urbanski whose first book released this fall. My comments are in bold, and Jude's are in regular type.
1. Tell us about your favorite book as a child and your favorite book as an adult. Can you see a connection between those books?
Rose, the Holy Bible aside, my favorite books as a child were a series about Mary Carlton, MD. Mary was a doctor when female doctors were scarce. She was a strong character and a trailblazer. As an adult, I've had many, many favorites, but one sticks with me and that is Mitchner's Centennial. Again strong women characters forging new boundaries.

2. What is your favorite Scripture? Do you also have a favorite Scripture that encourages you in your writing?
Oh, that's almost like asking 'which child do I love the best.' I feast upon the Word in all its fullness! But I have to say Isa 49:16 "See, I have you engraved in the palms of my hands" is one of my favorites. As far as one that encourages me when I write, it would be again Isaiah-58:11 where He tells me He will guide me always and satisfy my needs in a sun scorched land. I love both of those Scriptures also!

3. If you could go to any place in the world to research/write a book, what setting would you choose?
Wow, Rose, these are incredible questions. I have been a lot of places in the world, but a place with the combination of water and mountains would be my pick. An island with mountains in the background? Sounds like Hawaii to me which is one of my favorite spots!

4. I often wonder if I would write if I had to do it the old-fashioned way without computers and spell-checks and email. Is there anything about technology that you don't like? Or anything about it that you feel enhances your writing?
I have done 'by hand' writing in the past and enjoy that pencil to paper. I've heard David McCollough, the history writer, still writes on a legal pad from a small cabin behind his home. Will confess, I don't know how I would do without a computer now though! I love how easy it is to correct, reorganize. I adore the electronic dictionary and thesaurus.

5. As a writer how have you had to grow and stretch out of your comfort zone?
Oh me! I've had to spend time reading craft books, taking classes, giving up relaxation time and have had to invest time and money to travel this journey. That said, I've also had to hone my observation skills, my imagination, my vocabulary. I've had to really put myself emotionally into my characters. Will say, I never view a movie the same anymore and that I like things I've had to learn about writing and the person I have become through it. I agree with all of these words of wisdom, Jude!

6. What advice would you give to a beginning writer that you wish someone had given you?
It's not a perfect science. There is much subjectivity to the whole industry. It takes discipline and perseverance, but if you feel writing is the way you can use your creativity for God, don't give up. Do it unto Him and it will be used how He wants. Amen!

7. Do you want to add anything about your book such as how to order it?
My book is called a modern historical, which just cracks me up if I have lived that long! It starts with the end of the Vietnam War as a young widow lashes out at God and almost misses the incredible love offered by a Christian widower, who's no stranger to grief himself. I once had a story idea that began with the VietNam war, and was told it wasn't contemporary and too soon to be historical, so maybe it's time to get it out again.

You can always go to http://www.desertbreezepublishing.com/ or my web site http://www.judeurbanski.com/ or any electronic publisher.

Thanks for having me, Rose, and you can pick the lucky winner of an electronic copy of my book from your visitors who leave us a comment and email address. I will do that Jude. Let's give them a week to comment, so the drawing will be next Friday with the winner posted at the top of Saturday's blogpost. And thanks for visiting, Jude. I enjoyed getting to know you better through your thoughtful answers.

AUTHOR BIO

Jude Urbanski writes women's fiction featuring a strong inspirational romance element. She invites you to stories of heroes and heroines who spin tragedy into triumph with help from God. She has been writing in some fashion nearly all her life. Her mother wrote sweet romances in the 1930's, her daughters write, as do her grandchildren and several other family members.

First published in non-fiction, Jude continues to write in this field also. She has two electronic novels, The Chronicles of Chanute Crossing, published by Desert Breeze Publishing. She is a columnist for Maximum Living, a magazine focusing on spirituality and wellness for women. She has been a blogger for Ellechor Publishing, Hoosier Ink and her own blog.

Jude graduated from Indiana University with a Masters Degree in Nursing. After launching a family, she spent years in her beloved nursing career. She says, ''I thoroughly enjoyed being a nurse." Look for her nurse practitioner experience in her novels.

She is a member of national and area chapters of American Christian Fiction Writers and the National League of American Pen Women and her local fiction group. Jude and her husband Conrad live in Indiana, volunteer in the community, love travel and biking and share a blended family of eight beautiful children and lots more beautiful grandchildren.

2011-12-15T00:01:00.002-05:00

Christmas Cheer, Day 15--Zeke Lam and SUBMISSION

This post is not an ordinary Christmas Cheer message, but since Jesus is the Reason for the Season, I believe Zeke Lam's book does tie in well with the Christmas message. Here's what church leaders are saying about this book:

Prepare to be stirred by this authentic calling to return to Scriptural obedience.

—Pastor Gabe Turner, The Point Church of Charlottesville, Virginia

In my opinion Zeke has laid his finger on the defining message for our time. This message is essential for believers everywhere…
—Eric Stephens, Pastor of Life Changing Ministries and Fellowship in Sugarland, Texas

What is the greatest challenge that the Church is facing today? Zeke Lam suggests that one word is the greatest challenge: submission, or the lack thereof. It is not external forces that nullify the testimony of a Christ-centered believer, but rather the failure to humbly submit to the voice of the Lord. This book will help you to live a surrendered life abiding in Christ.

Ø Is the approval of God more important to you than the approval of man?

Ø Is the presence of God evident in your life?

Ø Do you fiercely protect your intimacy with Christ?

Ø Do you desire to live a life of truth, free from the lies of the devil?

Ø Is God’s divine character visible to those around you?

Learn how to submit your life wholeheartedly to the Lord so that you can dwell continually in the secret place—a place of intimacy, surrender and joy.

Now for some answers to some questions to help us better understand where Zeke is coming from:

1) Tell us more about yourself.

I am 27 years old and have been married to my beautiful wife, Kathleen, for 6 years. We have three children (4, 2, and 2 months) that we love very much. I have ministered since the age of 18 as a youth minister and evangelist. In addition to this, I operate a small business which constructs ornamental concrete such as flower pots, bird baths, etc. I also help out with the family furniture when time permits. We are passionate to see Christ glorified through our lives, and constantly seek to use our lives to share the Gospel. This has led our family all over the world. Our most recent “adventure” involved us literally driving to a town in Texas, renting an apartment, and seeking the Lord. Although we knew nobody or anything about the place, God gave us an entire church fellowship in 2 days! This turned into an incredible 7 month stay that is surely not finished yet.

2) What motivated you to write this book?
Compromise is way too commonplace today. I have seen it in the church, in families, and in my own life. If revival is to take place in our society, God’s people must be willing to operate with the level of obedience and submission God requires. Mixing our opinions with God’s commands or desires is the very recipe for disaster. If we will fully release ourselves to Jesus Christ, and be willing to follow Him the way He commands, a shift will take place in our society! Ultimately, shortcomings in my own life with regards to submissions sparked this fire.

3) What do you hope this book accomplishes?
My hope and prayer is that Christians nationwide will be challenged to step into a realm of Scriptural obedience that will spark revival!

4) Did you learn anything (or did God show you anything) as you were writing?
I certainly experienced moments where I was convicted about the level of submission I lived under. God revealed to me the importance of denying any and all voices that seek to lure us from His presence. Submission to Him will position us for spiritual greatness!

5) Do you believe people struggle with the idea of "submission"? If so, why?
Yes, we all struggle with the idea of full submission. It means releasing our control and desires to the Lord. When we do not feel in control, it creates an emotion of insecurity. This insecurity is what makes us resists submission on many levels. When it comes to submitting to our Lord Jesus, we must reject these emotions, and faithfully surrender our lives.

6) Your subtitle mentions obeying only God's voice. What are some ways people can hear God's voice?
God desires to interact with us in ways we could never imagine. The Holy Spirit is very much alive and active, but the question is, will we allow ourselves to get in position to hear Him. He speaks through the Scriptures, His written word. He speaks to our hearts as we intimately seek Him daily through prayer and fasting. He can speak through people and situations around us. God is not limited to anything and can therefore speak any way He chooses. The only real issue is that which restricts and hinders us from hearing.

Bio: ZEKE LAM is the founder of SUBMISSION Ministries—a ministry devoted to seeing lost souls encounter God and live lives fully surrendered to the risen Christ. A graduate of Liberty University, Zeke’s deep passion for following Christ’s will has led him through many years of youth ministry and itinerant evangelism. Both of these experiences have enriched and fueled his desire to hand others the keys to a Christ-centered life. Zeke resides in Virginia with his beautiful wife, Kathleen, and a growing family of future world-changers.

3. ISBN-13 978-1-9374-8100-1
4. ISBN-10 1-9374-8100-X
5. Author website http://submissionministries.org/

2011-12-14T00:01:00.003-05:00

Day 14 of Christmas Cheer--Christmas Cookies by Carol Hungerford

Christmas Cookies

Blowing and drifting snow did not prevent me from walking the four blocks to school that day for our school Christmas concert. I sang our first grade class song for the school concert as I plowed through the snow drifts on my way home that afternoon. “Oh little town of Bethlehem.” My hands were warm thanks to my red mittens, and a red hat kept my ears covered against the harsh wind. In mid December of 1957, girls wore a pair of slacks under their dress to keep warm. Excitement filled my spirit all the way down to my black rubber snow boots. When I get home today, Mom is going to help me make Christmas cookies.

The cookie dough was ready for rolling out. I stood on a two step ladder to reach across the giant deep freezer where I could roll and cut to my hearts' delight. I reached across the huge circle of cookie dough , I pushed the star cookie cutter into the dough until I could feel it stop against the top of the freezer. Standing on the ladder I could sprinkle flour on the surface and continue to roll out the dough into circles large enough to cut several cookies. I used nine different cutters to make the cookies. A star, candy cane, holly sprig, angel, snowman, Christmas tree, snow flake, mitten and hat.

Carefully, I placed the cutouts onto the cookie sheet with Moms' help. Mom deftly slid the loaded sheet into the oven to bake to a lightly golden brown then to be deposited onto the cooling racks.

I mixed up frosting in colors of white, green, red, blue and yellow. While I waited for the cookies to cool enough so the frosting wouldn't melt, I thought about who would receive the gift of these delicious cookies.

A plate to Grandma and Grandpa. Another plate to our neighbors. One for an elderly couple who seldom had visitors. A plate for two elderly sisters who attended our church. And finally, the Hansen family of seven, whose father lived in another town and the mother took care of the five children by herself and worked at two jobs to support them.

Mom said we could send some clothes or toys along with the cookies to the Hansen family. I thought about what things I could give to the Hanson kids. I went to my room that I shared with my sister Becky. I went to my dresser and brought out a sack with marbles in it. In another drawer I found a doll with peekaboo eyes and a blue plaid dress. I asked Becky if she could give something of hers and she gave me a pink sweater with rhinestone buttons on it. I went to the storeroom and found a spinning top in a bag. I went to the closet and pulled out my pair of red mittens. Now I had something for all the kids. Mom put together a box of groceries for Mrs. Hanson.

Frosting the cookies with so many wonderful colors was great fun and messy too. I licked my fingers off from time to time until every cookie was frosted. Carefully we placed each cookie onto the selected plates and wrapped them in Christmas wrap. We wrapped the gifts with paper and ribbons too.

That evening, Dad drove the whole family around town to distribute the plates as we'd planned. When we got to the Hanson home, we were greeted by excited children at the door. Maggie Hanson was in my class at school. We handed the gifts to Mrs. Hanson and she expressed her thanks for making their Christmas a special one. She unwrapped the cookies so everyone could have one. Mrs. Hanson picked up the angel frosted in golden yellow and said, “for the angel said to the shepards on that first Christmas night, “Fear not, for behold I bring you good tidings of great joy which shall be to all people, for unto you is born this day in the city of David, a Savior which is Christ the Lord.”.”

I learned some important lessons that day. First, that it is better to give than to receive. Second, it is good to share joy and hope with those less fortunate than us. And finally, God can reach down and touch our hearts with something as simple as a cookie shapeed like an angel. May the hope that is Christmas always live in your hearts.

2011-12-13T00:01:00.006-05:00

Christmas Cheer Day 13, a scene from A Christmas Wish by JoAnn Swearingen

JoAnn and I have traded critiques over the years, and I love her writing and artwork. (See sample below of her holding a prize-winning picture she painted of her daughter hanging an ornament on the Christmas tree!) This passage below from A Christmas Wish brought an "Aww" from my lips when I got to the end of it. Hope she gets this book published so I can read the rest of the story. Now, here are JoAnn's thoughts about Christmas:

Christmas brings out the child in all of us--the wonder, the excitement, and anticipation of the season. We look forward to nativity scenes, Christmas lights and decorations, giving and receiving gifts, and a candle light service at church. This scene is part of a romance I'm working on titled A Christmas Wish. I pray for all of you a joyous holiday as we share the story of the birth of our Lord and Savior. JoAnn Swearingen, author and artist.

Scene from A Christmas Wish

. . . Emma and Talon circled the tree, clapped their hands, and squealed. Another scene, decades ago, flashed into my mind. The week before Christmas when my Mom brought the family tree home. She would wrap cotton around the stand and then place the evergreen on the counter. The counter separated the kitchen from the living/dining/bedroom area in the small trailer we lived in. The angel topper touched the rounded ceiling.

Then she brought out the magic—the lights, which she had hidden in a cupboard in my parents’ room. We weren’t allowed to touch anything in their room, so we saw those lights only once a year.

They had round bases, like old-fashioned lamps, and tiny chimneys. Colored fluid bubbled up when the lights were plugged in. Mom draped the string around the tree, and we helped fasten the thin metal clips to the branches. The scent of fresh pine reminded me of the outdoor books I read and enjoyed—Lassie Come Home and Jack London’s Call of the Wild.

We would turn off the overhead bulb and watch green, red, yellow, and blue lights flicker like stars. When we finally had to put down the folding dining table to make a bed, my sister, brother, and I begged to leave the tree on. Mom would give in. I suspected now, years later, the tree was really Mom’s tree. She never mentioned celebrating Christmas at my grandparents’ house. Grandpa thought Christmas was a waste of good money.

As a child I stayed awake most of the night listening to the gurgle of colored gas floating up the stems. I thought about the present I would receive on Christmas morning. Mom would ask us what one thing we wanted and sure enough that was what we found under the tree.

The year I turned nine I asked for a Bible. Mom mentioned she had read both the Old and New Testaments when she was in the eighth grade, and I thought I wanted to do the same.

Christmas morning the Bible was all I found with my name on it. No toys. Nothing but what I asked for. I turned the little mahogany –colored book over and over in my hands while I watched my brother play with the toy he wanted. My sister, who was older, asked for a blouse, which she modeled for us. I sat with my Bible and felt the pangs of growing up. But I didn’t want to grow up. I wanted Mom to care enough to know my heart and tuck a toy or small doll in my package as well as what I'd asked for.

My heart still ached for the little girl I was then.

Emma and Talon snuggled into my lap. I held them close, and we watched the tree lights twinkle.

“What do you want for Christmas, Mommy?” Emma asked.

JoAnn's bio:

Words have always fascinated me. However, a third grade teacher and my Dad inspired me to be an author. Nancy Drew Mysteries and later Mary Higgins Clark's books hooked me on mysteries and suspense. My Dad grew up in an orphanage and couldn't read or write. So I was thrilled to go to school and learn how. However, words and books didn't connect for me until a third grade teacher read to us everyday after lunch.

All my life I’ve found ways to express myself either through writing or art. Even my paintings tell a story. I’m a former freelance photo-journalist, college writing professor, newspaper feature editor, managing editor, and have written articles for national and international magazines. In fiction, I am a finalist in the Tony Hillerman Mystery Writers competition. I hold a Master of Arts degree in English and Literature and have extensive training in oil and pastel painting.

I am the South Central Kansas area coordinator for ACFW, belong to the SouthCentral chapter, member of Oil Painters of America, and Kansas Academy of Oil Painters. My life verse—“I will instruct you says the Lord and guide you along the best pathway for your life; I will advise you and watch your progress.” Psalms 32:8 The Living Bible

JoAnn Swearingen

Suspense & mystery with a twist of humor

http://www.joannswearingenauthor.com/

http://www.joannswearingenfineart.com/

2011-12-12T00:01:00.001-05:00

Holiday Cheer Day 12--Polar Bear Plunge by Linda Glaz

Today's author/agent is Linda Glaz who sent a blurb about her just-released Polar Bear Plunge from White Rose Publishing. I've never met Linda, but her humor comes through in her bio, so I think this book would live up to the endorsement on the front cover: "Heart-warming, funny and poignant...a real winner." ~ Deborah D. Harper

Polar Bear Plunge Blurb:

Striving to put meaning back into her life after her husband’s death, Aleni Callan immerses herself in hospital work. Angry with God, she finds herself even angrier, when hero, Brice Taylor, author of The Human Shield, arrives in the Emergency Room with a concussion and hypothermia after participating in the Polar Bear Plunge. Aleni wants nothing to do with a man who willingly takes chances with his life.

Brice doesn’t understood how God could bring him through being a captive in Iraq, when he failed his troops so miserably. Writing about his escape brings fame he would rather avoid. And by meeting widow, Aleni Callan, his feelings of failure only increase.

Megan Callan with the help of her three-year-old grandson, Ty, scheme to bring Aleni and Brice together. And while the best laid plans often go awry, Megan isn’t one to accept no.

Linda S. Glaz Bio:

I’m a wife and mother of three. I balance being a child of God while also being older than God. Hmmm, scary, but almost true. I’ve been blessed to have had an amazing life so far: Air Force meteorologist during Vietnam era, teaching karate and self-defense along with soccer for 25+ years. I sing and direct in church and community theatre musicals where this little old lady sounds more like the guys than the gals. Also scary, but true. I work in a physical therapy clinic three days a week to earn money to keep my writing afloat. My writing life is a 24/7 proposition. When not writing my own stories, I am an agent for Hartline Literary Agency. I wear so many different hats I’m surprised I wasn’t invited to the Royal wedding. Blessings to everyone, may your writing dreams all come true.

2011-12-11T00:09:00.002-05:00

Day 11 of Christmas Cheer--another selection by Janet Lee Barton

I remember reading this darling story several years ago, and am glad for this chance to revisit it. And I hope everyone will come back next Sunday for another sweet scene with Jonathan, his twins and Cindy.

Christmas Scene from the Novella The Cookie Jar in A Connecticut Christmas:

It didn't take Jonathan long to have an idea of what his twins were up to with all their whispering that evening. When they took Cindy home, he pulled up in her drive, got out and hurried around to open the door for her while she told the twins goodnight.

He peeked into the backseat and said, "I'm just going to walk Cindy to the door. I'll be right back, okay?"

"Okay, Daddy," Lydia said as he shut the door.

He'd left the car running to keep it warm, and before he and Cindy had rounded the front of the car, Landon's window rolled down. "Daddy!"

Jonathan turned, "What, son?"

Landon motioned him over to the car and whispered loudly. "Don't forget to kiss her goodnight. That's what you're 'posed to do on a date."

"Roll up that window," Jonathan said sternly to his son. He wasn't sure what to say. He just grasped Cindy's elbow as he walked her to her door. He took her key from her and unlocked the door, then he turned to find Cindy looking a bit bemused . . . and trying not to laugh. "I'm sorry," he said. "You just never know what's going to come out of a five year olds mouth, especially, the two of mine. What I'd really like to know is how they learned so much about dating?"

Cindy's laughter broke free."I wondered about that, too."

Jonathan shook his head and chuckled. "Thank you for being such a good sport. I . . . ah . . . I would like to kiss you, though."

Her eyes opened wide and her lips curved up into a half-smile. "You would?"

"Of course I would. I wanted to kiss you, even before Landon spoke up. You are a beautiful woman and I had a wonderful time tonight. I'd be crazy not to take my son's advice, don't you think?"

Her smile widened, seeming to give him permission. Jonathan began to lower his head, and then paused. "But I'm not going to let him know I did." He led Cindy a little closer to her door and turned her so that she couldn't be seen from the car. Only then did he bring his lips down to touch hers briefly . . . once . . . then to linger a moment the second time. He felt a slight pressure, and thought it was a response, but he wasn't pushing his luck. He raised his head and looked into her eyes. "Have a good day tomorrow. I'll be talking to you."

2011-12-10T00:01:00.002-05:00

More Christmas Cheer--showcase of a Christmas devotional book by Saundra Dalton-Smith MD

Today I am happy to announce Saundra's upcoming e-newsletter devotional series based on Set Free to Live Free. The series is called 12 Days of Unwrapping the Gift of You.

Special Christmas Devotional Series based on Set Free to Live Free by Saundra Dalton-Smith MD

I want to invite you to join me in creating a new holiday tradition - unwrapping the gift of you each day during the 12 days of Christmas. During these 12 days you will receive an original email devotional based on the principles in Set Free to Live Free: Breaking Through the 7 Lies Women Tell Themselves. You will uncover new truths about who you are in Christ and the gift He has deposited inside of you. We will work together through scripture passages and reflect on the truth it sheds on your value. In addition to unwrapping the gift of you, a wonderful group of authors, life coaches, health coaches and nutritionists have teamed up to offer special gifts ($15-100 gift cards, books, CD’s, coaching packages, and more) to those participating in these 12 days! Sign-up at: http://bit.ly/Unwrap

~You can download the entire first chapter of Set Free to Live Free at http://www.setfreetolivefreebook.com/ ~

Author Bio
Saundra Dalton-Smith MD is a board-certified internal medicine physician who has been practicing medicine since 1999. She treats a predominantly female population and has firsthand experience with the struggles women face trying to imitate the American dream. Dr. Dalton-Smith has been an adjunct faculty member at Baker College and Davenport University in Michigan. She teaches courses on health, nutrition, and disease progression. Dr. Dalton-Smith has offered health care from 2002-2007 through the National Health Service Corp. She lives in Alabama with her husband and two boys. She is a committed Christian and passionate about helping others experience freedom in Christ.

Back Cover Copy
Imagine life with unlimited possibility, where fear, misconceptions, and insecurities don't have the power to rob us of our potential or our dreams. Many women have trouble seeing this vision because they are bound by mental ties that keep them from living free.

In Set Free to Live Free, Saundra Dalton-Smith shows women how to break free from seven mental ties that hold them back, including striving for perfection, comparing themselves to others, all-or-nothing attitudes, and more. Through case studies and inspirational writing, she encourages women to embrace spontaneity, be transparent, nurture their bodies, and cultivate a balanced life.

Endorsements

"Finally a book that brings to light the lies that women have been fed since childhood--and how to break their emotional grip on our lives forever. Saundra Dalton-Smith shows us just how precious we are to God, and how we can live empowered and drama-free lives."--Carol M. Mackey, author of the bestselling Sistergirl Devotions: Keeping Jesus in the Mix on the Job

"The God part of our brain is powerful. Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith has captured the role of Spirit in the healing process with clarity and love in her book Set Free to Live Free."--Jane I. Honikman, MS, founder of Postpartum Support International

What readers are saying about Set Free to Live Free …

“Set Free To Live Free, is a book every woman should read. Better yet, read it with your daughters. Oh, the lies we tell ourselves!” –Robin

“Free to be my personal best, to not compare myself to others but to be the best unique me that God created me to be...what a wonderful freeing message.” –R Kay

“There are other books that discuss lies that women tell themselves. Did we need another one? I did. Even if you think you have heard it all before, I would encourage you to read Set Free to Live Free. I’ve taken seven pages of notes and made liberal use of a yellow highlighter.”- Patricia

“Wow, what a powerful book! This might be the best book I've read all year!” –Lori

“I love books that are not `self-help,' but `Christ-help.' Such is the case with Set Free to Live Free. I really feel like the Lord has brought this book to me `for such a time as this.' I think He is going to do some mighty works in my life in the near future, and I think He wanted to bring these truths to my attention at this point in time! ” –Andrea

“I think all women would benefit greatly from this book.” –Brenda

“This book is very, very real and practical - there are no frills and no band-aids offered every other sentence. This makes the book very good for those of us who lead busy lives as adults and really do not want to be talked down to by someone who is writing a book that is supposed to offer help and strength. Strength is tough! The author understands that.” – Ashley

“Set Free to Live Free is just that freedom from all the lies we as woman have become comfortable with through the years.” –Mrs. Bailey

“This is a book I will need to read again and really ponder how to apply the principals to my life. I sure could use a little setting free that's for sure.” –Mary

Saundra’s Interview Q and A
1. What motivated you to become a writer?
I've always loved reading and for me writing is a natural extension of that love. My writings began with my own personal journals. I never thought I would ever pursue publication, but a few precious women helped change my mind. One was a patient who presented to my office during a particularly busy day. I just did not have the time to spend with her that I desired. That night I thought, "I wish I had something I could have given her that shared my heart on her issues." From that I started putting together ideas for handouts to use at the office and it just escalated from there into a book.

2. In Set Free to Live Free, you address not only patient’s physical issues but also their emotional and spiritual ones. To be able to give this type of guidance it seems like you would need longer than normal appointments with your patients. How much time do you set aside for appointments?
My office operates like most medical offices in that appointments are set at 15-30 minute intervals depending on the type of appointment. Every patient visit does not have the dynamics of those discussed in the book. There are quick visits for acute issues as well as longer visits where I manage chronic medical issues for my patients. During all visits I pay attention to the non-verbal language of my patients. I ask pointed questions based on my observations and see if a patient is ready to discuss further those areas. Some will be receptive leading to an extended visit and some will still have their personal walls up cutting our time short. So for every visit that goes over 10 minutes there is usually a corresponding visit that will be under the allotted time. It all just seems to work out in the end.

3. Was there a section or chapter of Set Free to Live Free that was more difficult for you to write? If so, why?
The section on balance (chapters 9 and 10) was definitely the most difficult for me to write. Balance is an area I am still working through myself, so it was as if I had to take a dose of my own medicine with each word. A much needed dose I must add. I think learning how to balance family and career is one of the hardest things a working mom faces. When I finally got to the point of writing Chapter 10 I had a hard time wording what I was feeling. So instead of just talking about what I was feeling I began that chapter actually describing the feelings as an analogy. Sharing your raw emotions has a healing quality of its own. It began as the hardest chapter to write and ended as the one that gave me the most joy and peace.

4. There are many practical responses recommended in Set Free to Live Free. Do you recommend women go through the book on their own, join a study group, or go to a counselor for help in implementing the principles on a deeper level?
It really depends on the woman. I've had women come to me that have such a difficult time with self-disclosure that they would do best beginning the process alone (or one on one with a counselor) and then branch out to a group setting. I love small groups and I wrote the book with small groups in mind. It's beneficial to be with other women who are going through similar issues. You can build each other up and support each other. I would love to see little Diamond Societies popping up all over with women bound together in God's love and a shared journey to living free.

5. What’s next for your writing pursuits?
That's a great question but I don't have an answer for it! I do not currently have any other books penned. Of course I have some ideas and other areas I feel strongly about, but Set Free to Live Free is the book which discusses the issue I'm most passionate about: women living a flourishing and fulfilled life in Christ. For now I'm just thankful for the opportunity to share it with others and elaborate on applying it’s principles through online webinar bible studies and e-newsletter devotionals.

~You can download the entire first chapter of Set Free to Live Free at http://www.setfreetolivefreebook.com/ ~

2011-12-09T00:08:00.001-05:00

Today's post was scheduled a couple months ago, before I came up with the Christmas Cheer idea, but Salena Stormo's article reminds us all of what is really important, and how unencumbered Christ was His entire life which made me think of how different His birth was almost 2,000 years ago from births nowdays. May we remember His humble beginning and humble life and go back to the basics.

Ramen Soup

by Salena Stormo

A smile crossed my face as I looked up at the clock! Ah it was noon, time for lunch. I ran to the break room, heated up my lunch and went back to my desk for a few moments of solitude. No pressure, no deadlines and no phone calls for exactly 60 minutes.

Staring down at my bowl of tightly wound white noodles, soaking in a brownish sauce I had to laugh. At 35 years old how did I get started on a diet of Ramen Soup for lunch? This is the food of college freshmen who are too poor to eat anything else, yet hungry and driven enough to eat it just so they can keep going. It is meant to sustain them during their learning process and fill their stomachs to keep them going. At 12 cents a bag and a variety of flavors how can they go wrong? But here I was, eating the bowl of pre-cooked wheat flour and hydrogenated oil, disguising itself as a hearty bowl of soup. In countries like South Korea, Japan and China you can actually order ramen soup at fancy restaurants. You know what they say, what’s good for the goose…

It did make me wonder though, at what point in our lives did we start craving an elaborate meal of crab legs or thick sirloin steak? When did we begin to desire more than the basics meant to sustain us through our own spiritual learning process? And how did what we eat, what we wear and where we live suddenly become so important that our lives became consumed by it? Keeping up with the Jones’ has allowed many businesses to prosper because we always feel the need to have the latest and greatest of everything, whether it is a new iPhone or the latest fashion.

In the same way, those of you who do not give up everything you have cannot be my disciples. Luke 14:33 NIV

But Jesus didn’t live in fancy houses as he traveled mile after mile on foot teaching about God’s love. He slept under the stars, taking shelter under trees, even fasting in the wilderness with no food and only angels to look after him. He didn’t weigh himself down with materialistic items, clad in his tunic and sandals, carrying with him only the words God put in his heart. He asked for compassion and simplicity from those who traveled with him.

When Jesus heard this, he said to him, “You still lack one thing. Sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” Luke 18:22 NIV

Jesus taught us that we don’t need to have elaborate meals or fine furniture to win God’s love and the grace of His forgiveness. We can lead simple lives and still be greeted at the Kingdom of Heaven with open arms. Just like Ramen soup is nourishing and filling, so is God’s love. It doesn’t have to come in fancy packages tied with gold strings. It can be a simple act of kindness from a stranger, the love of those we surround ourselves with or the joy of nature that God has blessed us with.

Sustain yourself with basics and see God’s love shine brightly on you. Can living a life less bogged down with possessions bring about a happier lifestyle filled with opportunities to reach out and do His calling in a cloud free environment? Can your soul live on Ramen Soup?

BIO: My love of writing has been apparent from an early age when I would construct short stories and staple the sides of the pages together and declare myself “published”. Penning stories of romance in the wild-west has taken me on many journeys in my attempt to become a published author. A member of ACFW, I have met many wonderful people who have guided and supported me. My family and God have been my rock and my strength. I am truly blessed to be surrounded by people who encourage me to follow me dreams! My first “break” came in September of 2011 when I received word that one of my short stories had been picked up by Harpstring Magazine for their November 2011 issue. I am currently working on one full length novel while polishing another in hopes of someday seeing them in print. Until then you can connect with me on my blog site: http://throughhiseyestoo.blogspot.com/

2011-12-08T00:06:00.001-05:00

Two posts again today--Tom Blubaugh's book launch for Night of the Cossack and Day 8 of our Christmas Cheer Postings--another scene by the talented Janet Lee Barton

The following info was sent me by Tom Blubaugh for his book launch today for Night of the Cossack, an exciting book based on a fictionalized account of Tom's grandfather who was a Cossack in the Ukraine. I am about 1/4 of the way through and love it so far! And if you order today, you can get loads of free gifts, so order a copy for yourself or a friend!

Today, December 8th only!

Purchase a Kindle ebook or a new paperback copy of Night of the Cossack
from AMAZON and receive multiple FREE gifts PLUS an entry to win a $50 Amazon gift card.
*You must purchase from Amazon either the Kindle version or a 'new' paperback from Bound by Faith Publishers to qualify.
The new paperback version will be a signed copy by the author and shipped FREE to an address in the USA.
Thank you and blessings,
Tom
Here is the landing page for a list of the free gifts: http://www.nightofthecossacklandingpage.com/

******************************************************************************

And now for our Christmas Cheer selection from Family Ties by Janet Lee Barton:

After making himself concentrate on business until nearly noon the next day, Luke headed into town on the pretense of meeting John for lunch. He knew the real reason he’d accepted the invitation was with the hope of running into Rae somewhere along the way. But, he’d promised himself that he would leave all of that in the Lord’s hands. Only He knew where she’d be today.

Luke opened the door to go in and collided with a small woman on her way out.

“Oh, I’m sorry, are you all right?” he asked, reaching out to steady her. He gazed down at the woman whose shoulders he held, and his heart collided with his chest bone. After hunting for Rae all over town for days, here she was. At last.

“I’m fine.” She sounded a little breathless. “How about you?”

“I’m good.” Now that I’ve found you, better than good. Luke just stood there staring at her, blocking the door until he heard Dee clear her throat. He glanced at his friend and realized she was looking at the mistletoe above Rae’s head. He grinned and tightened his hold on Rae’s arm. Ducking his head quickly, before she had a chance to pull away, he planted a quick kiss on her soft lips, but not so quick that she didn’t have time to respond. His heart seemed to soar when she did.

Luke heard several handclaps and chuckles in the background. He raised his head.

“I. . .ah. . .what?” Rae seemed a little confused.

“Merry Christmas,” Luke whispered, surprised at the huskiness in his voice.

“Look above your head,” one of Dee’s regulars yelled out amid more laughter.

“Oh.” Rae glanced up and color flooded her cheeks as she glanced back at him. “Merry Christmas.”

Her lips turned up in a smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes, and Luke had a feeling he’d messed up. Again. She’d responded, he was certain she had. Did she think he’d only kissed her because they were under the mistletoe? “Rae, we need to talk. Do you have time for a cup of coffee?”

2011-12-07T00:08:00.000-05:00

An announcement of a book winner and Christmas Cheer Day 7 Post

Anita Mae Draper informed me the winner of her book giveaway for her post last week is KarenK, so the book is already on its way to Karen. Congrats, Karen, and thanks to Anita for her generosity!

Now for our daily dose of Christmas Cheer!

Excerpt of Sarah’s Christmas Miracle by Mary Ellis

“What drew you here this morning?” the priest asked. “Why did you come inside St. Stephen’s?”

“Because I saw everybody coming to your church looked happy. I haven’t felt that way in a long time.” Cal’s words were little more than a whisper. “I wanted to know what was going on that folks were so all-fired-up eager to come.”

“I would like to say it’s the rousing sermons, but more likely, it’s the season. It’s impossible not to get fired-up when we remember God sent his only Son to earth that we may be saved—that through our steadfast faith in Him, we can one day enjoy the rewards of heaven.”

There it was—the same basic principle taught by the ministerial brethren—here in a place looking like a king’s palace. “God wouldn’t be too happy about your church spending this money on fancy decorations when so many are suffering out there.” Cal gestured toward the street and spat the bitter words, borne of frustration.

The priest’s expression revealed surprise but not outrage. “Sounds like you’re angry, son. Who are you mad at?”

“The job market, my mess of a life, mostly me, I guess.” Resentment drained away as quickly as it had appeared.

The priest placed his hand on Cal’s shoulder. “Then what’s keeping you? If the city life holds nothing for you, why not go home?”

Cal released a weary sigh. “I can’t go home. You don’t know what I’ve done. One night I drank an entire six-pack and passed out on the couch, sleeping all night in my clothes.” In a barely audible voice he continued, “I haven’t prayed or opened my Bible in ages. I haven’t kept myself pure for marriage, and I’m a disgrace to my family.”

Several long moments passed before the priest spoke as the magnificent church grew deathly quiet. “Do you think you’re the only Christian who has sinned? Do you think you’ve done so much wrong your parents could never forgive you? Do you think God can never forgive you? Because I assure you, if you are penitent, God will hear and answer prayers for forgiveness. God the Father, the Holy Spirit, and our Savior Jesus are the same here in St. Stephen’s as back home. Just close your eyes, still your mind, and listen with your heart.”

Cal couldn’t speak.

He could barely breathe. His throat had swelled with a burning tightness. Tears he’d been holding back since the priest sat down filled his eyes. He didn’t want Father Al to see his weakness. He was a grown man, not a boppli.

For the first time in years, a Deutsch word came to mind instead of English. He hadn’t forgotten the dialect of his childhood. Memories of his mamm and daed flooded back, with her gentle words and his guiding hands. No longer able to contain his emotions, Caleb bowed his head and wept. The priest squeezed his shoulder once more and silently crept away. Tears flowed uncontrollably down Cal’s face, washing away the last vestiges of his arrogance, pride, and shame.

Author’s Bio:

Mary Ellis grew up near an Amish settlement and fell in love with their agrarian lifestyle. She has now written eight novels set in their peaceful communities. When she's not writing she enjoys gardening, bicycling, swimming and traveling with her college sweetheart, her husband of many years. Before "retiring" to write full-time, Mary taught middle school and worked as a sales rep for Hershey Chocolate--a job with amazingly sweet fringe benefits. Her debut Christian book, A Widow's Hope, was a finalist for the 2010 ACFW Carol Awards.

2011-12-06T10:18:00.000-05:00

Day 6 of Christmas Cheer Posts

To help spread the cheer for the whole month, I am using a selection from my own 2011 released book Christmas Belles of Georgia for today's post.

I need to preface this scene with the reason my hero and heroine are dressed like burglars! The have decided to make Christmas brighter for a young single mom with two little girls and are taking them a gift each day for the 12 days leading up to Christmas. In the midst of helping others, they realize they are falling in love.

Excerpt from Nick’s Christmas Carol in Christmas Belles of Georgia

Nick arrived at seven. Also dressed in black down to his ski mask and gloves, he pulled another ski mask from his pocket. “I love the golden streaks in your hair, but we need to cover it tonight.”

“Thanks.” He’d used the word love again. This time about her hair. Would he ever say he loved her? She took the mask and pulled it over her hair, only leaving her eyes, nose and mouth uncovered.

When she turned to face him, he kissed her on the tip of her nose. “You sure make a cute burglar.”

“I guess that’s better than a cat burglar.”

“I’m allergic to cats, so I’m glad you’re not one.”

“Me, too.” She had a lot to learn about this man, but she already knew the important things like his love for God and others.

He helped her into the truck.

“Thanks.” She looked at the tree filling up most of the truck bed. “It’s beautiful, so full and green.”

Nick hummed then began to sing, “Lavender’s blue, dilly dally. Lavender’s green.” His eyes locked on hers. “I’ve been humming that song ever since we met again this fall. I see your lovely lavender blue eyes every night when I go to sleep and when I awake in the morning.” He moved closer to her. “But tonight, in the dark, your eyes look lavender green.”

“Maybe it’s the reflection from the tree.” Me and my wise mouth. Right when he might have kissed me.

He scooted back to his side and started up the truck. “Maybe.”

The young mom’s home was only a few blocks from the Warren House. They drove the dark streets in silence. Nick shut off the engine and coasted to a stop two doors down in his minister friend’s drive.

“Stay warm inside until I get it untied.” He hopped out of the truck and spent a couple minutes unloading the tree, then brought it around to her door. He tapped on the door—two shorts and three longs.

“I’ve got the heavy end. You get the top of the tree.”

“Okay.” The light brown bird nest near the top glowed in the moonlight. She wished she could be inside when the children noticed it.

They quietly situated the tree on the small front porch. Nick motioned her to go on and hide behind the neighbor’s bushes. As she did, she heard the sound of a doorbell then felt two strong arms around her as he slid into place beside her.

The front door opened. A child’s high-pitched voice hollered out, “Mom, come look what’s on our porch.”

Another child began to clap. “It’s a Cwismas tree, a Cwismas tree.”

Phyllis stood on the porch, her arms around each child protectively.

The older girl pointed up. “Look, Mom, a card.”

The young mother picked off the note and read, “Every good and perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights.” Her gaze searched the yard, and Carol could see the woman’s tears glistening. “God sent us this gift through His helpers.”

“Like Santa’s elves?” asked the younger child.

“Only better.” Phyllis motioned to the taller girl. “Connie, if you get hold of the treetop and pull, I think I can get the rest of the tree inside.”

The shorter child began to jump up and down. “Can we decowate it tonight? Pwease?”

“Yes, honey. God has given us this tree, and we will decorate it to be the prettiest one on the block. I’ll even pop some popcorn and teach you—” The mom’s words faded as the door closed on the happy family.

Carol lifted one gloved hand to wipe at the moisture in her own eyes. Surprised to find her other hand warmly held in Nick’s, she wondered when and how it got there. Although he might not know it, he also held her heart. She loved him.

***

Nick loved the wonder on the faces of the two young girls, and the joy and pleasure he read on Carol’s face. I love Carol Peterson. Now what am I going to do about it?

You’ll have to read the rest of the story to find out!

2011-12-05T00:02:00.001-05:00

Day 5 of Rose's 25 Days of Christmas Cheer from Spring for Susannah by Cathy Richmond
Christmas morning dawned clear, a definite improvement over the murky overcast of December in Detroit. Susannah popped the corn the Volds had given them, strung it, and hung the strings from the rafters. She longed for a Christmas tree, but didn’t mention it. The nearest pine might be hundreds of miles away, and there was no room in the soddy, anyway. After a breakfast of cinnamon pancakes, baked apples, and sausage, Jesse read the story of the first Christmas from the Gospel of Luke.

When he got to the part about Mary giving birth to Jesus, Susannah found herself fighting her emotion. No tears on Christmas, she reprimanded herself. It’s a time for joy and celebration.

From her trunk, Susannah brought out three packages wrapped in brown paper.

“All this?” Jesse leaned over and whispered to the dog curled under the table, “Maybe she does like me.” He opened the first two: a red woolen stocking cap and a matching scarf. The third package contained one gray knee length sock, a skein of matching yarn, and a pair of knitting needles.

Susannah explained, “With me getting sick and you spending so much time in the house, I didn't finish the second sock.”

Jesse’s eyes twinkled. “That’s a relief. Figured the first one was a pattern and you expected me to make the second-- revenge for me teaching you to play by ear.”

“Since it’s no longer a surprise, I can work on it now.” Susannah reached for the yarn.

“Not so fast.” Jesse kissed her hand, then slid a narrow silver band on her ring finger. “I should have given this to you sooner, but I wanted something special for our first Christmas.”

Susannah gasped. Jesse, who kept track of every penny, who wouldn’t spend more on the soddy than absolutely necessary, who wore his clothes until they fell apart, had bought a wedding ring for her. Tears filled her eyes. “I can’t believe it. Thank you!”

He grinned. “One more present. Close your eyes.”

He rustled and pounded, then said, “Merry Christmas!”

Her mirror stood over the washstand on a hand-carved pine shelf. Jesse had arranged her comb and brush on either side.

“It’s wonderful! Merry Christmas to you, too.” She rose up on tiptoes, aiming for his cheek. He turned and caught her kiss with his lips.

“My sisters fill their houses with doodads and geegaws.” He swept the soddy with a grand gesture, almost knocking over the new shelf. “Our house is clean, and there’s your trunks, but nothing else of you here. You need to leave a mark, besides the one you’ve left on my heart.”

“I wouldn’t want to clutter--”

“Halt right there. None of this practical stuff on Christmas.” Pulling on the stocking cap, Jesse posed in front of the mirror. “I am ze famous French fur trader, Pierre Chouteau.”

“Joyeux Nöel, Monsieur Chouteau.” Susannah curtsied.

“And you are ze first woman I’ve seen in a decade.” He swept her into his arms.

“But Monsieur, I am married.” Susannah held up her hand, displaying her new ring.

“You are so beautiful, I cannot restrain myself.” He waggled his eyebrows.

“Monsieur!” Susannah giggled as he nuzzled her ear. “Stop! Your beard is ticklish!”

“Stop? What is ze meaning of zat word?”

Susannah dug her fingers into his ribs. Jumping back, Jesse grabbed her wrist. “Ah, I zee you are full of fire.”

“Speaking of fire, Monsieur, we are nearly out of firewood.”

“So, where is zis husband of yours when ze wood bin needs filling?” He kissed the back of her wrist. “Madame, I will embrace you later.”

Susannah yanked his hat down. “If you can find me.”

Catherine Richmond lives in Nebraska, where it's easy to imagine being snowed in at Christmas. Her website is http://www.catherinerichmond.com/

2011-12-04T00:43:00.002-05:00

Day 4--Rose's 25 Days of Christmas Cheer, another visit from Making Memories by Janet lee Barton

If you haven't read Day 3, I suggest you go back and read it first, as this scene is from later on in that book--Making Memories by Janet Lee Barton. See book cover there also.

Josh was still shaking on the inside from their close call. Had that car taken a slightly different path, they both could have been killed and he would have died without ever letting Amanda know how he felt. He sent a silent prayer upward, thanking the Lord again for watching over them and for giving him another chance to tell Amanda how he felt about her.

“Amanda, you didn’t pull me in. I offered to come with you, remember? It was my idea. The last thing I want to do is turn around and go back home. Besides, you can’t take the blame for the weather. I was the one who should have realized we needed to leave even earlier. If anything had happened to you, I would never have been able to forgive myself.”

Still sniffling, Amanda looked up at him with those big tear filled eyes. “I promise you, I’ll make sure my family knows you aren’t in love with me as soon as we get there so you won’t feel any pressure to act as if you do.”

Josh pulled her into his arms. He had to tell her now. “Oh Amanda, I assure you, letting your family think I’m in love with you won’t be an act.”

He heard her quick intake of breath but he didn’t give her a chance to say anything as his lips claimed hers in a kiss he hoped left no doubt in her mind just how he felt. His heart sang with joy when she kissed him back. Knowing Amanda as he’d come to over the past few months, Josh was sure she wouldn’t have responded the way she did if she didn’t feel the same way.

When she ended the kiss and pulled back, Josh reached into the backseat and pulled a small package out of one of the sacks. “Here, open this.”

Amanda ripped open the paper and opened the box the mistletoe ornament came in. She pulled it out and held it to her heart. “Mistletoe . . .”

“I wanted you to always remember our first kiss when you hang that ornament on your tree. But my heart's wish is for it to be hung on our tree one day.” He hurried to say the words he’d wanted to say for weeks. “I love you Amanda—with all my heart. And if you are willing, we can tell your parents a simple truth . . . we are engaged. Will you marry me?”

Amanda answered him with another kiss that told him all he needed to know. When it ended, she whispered, “Oh, Josh, I love you too. I’ve loved you for weeks—and yes, oh yes! I will marry you.”

2011-12-03T00:17:00.002-05:00

The Third Day of Rose's 25 Days of Christmas Cheer

Scene from the novella, Making Memories by Janet Barton—is up on the White Rose Press site for $1.00 in their Christmas Extravaganza, I think it will be available elsewhere mid-December

“Men.” Melissa shook her head and grinned. “No telling what they are plotting.”

“You're right about that,” Amanda chuckled and nodded. She’d seen her dad and uncles pull one prank after another often enough to recognize the signs. “We’d better be on guard.”

Melissa insisted they have a cup of hot chocolate before heading out into the cold night air and Amanda thoroughly enjoyed the next half hour of small talk. She was feeling more and more at home in Oklahoma City and knew a lot of her ease was due to the three people at the table. She sent up a silent prayer thanking the Lord for sending them into her life.

“I guess we’d better be on our way,” Josh said. “We wouldn’t want to be late for Sunday school.”

“No, that wouldn’t be good,” Andrew said. “Especially for me as I’m teaching the class this quarter.”

Melissa retrieved their coats from the closet in the entryway and Josh helped Amanda on with hers before putting on his own.

“Thank you so much for your hospitality,” Amanda said to the Bensons as they all stood in the entryway.

“Thank you for coming.” Melissa gave her a hug.

Andrew cleared his throat and pointed up to the small chandelier hanging above the women.

There, hanging right above their heads was a large clump of mistletoe tied to one of the crystals with a red ribbon. Andrew pulled his wife into his arms and planted a quick kiss on her lips as Amanda watched, slightly bemused. Then, before she realized she was still standing in the same spot, Josh had turned her face toward his and touched his lips to hers in a kiss so light and sweet Amanda almost thought she’d imagined it.

2011-12-02T00:01:00.003-05:00

The Second Day of Rose's 25 Days of Christmas Cheer! Thanks for all those who read and commented yesterday. Hope you will come back for this Cup of Christmas Cheer each day and tell your friends about it, too!

I read this story last year, but still laughed and felt for her as I read the assistant's plight below. And I can't think of a more romantic place to set a Christmas story than on the Riverwalk in San Antonio!
Excerpt from: Remember the Alamo From the novella Riverwalk Christmas

By Kathleen Y’Barbo

Chapter 1

Los Angeles, California

“What do you mean we have no Davy Crockett?”

Sienna Montalvo held her breath and prayed the executive producer of the most talked-about film of the year would not call her on to answer the question. While the prize role of the defender of the Alamo had gone to John Wayne some fifty years ago, the role was not yet as strongly cast.

Or rather, it wasn’t any more.

This time Art Kelton’s attention was squarely focused on Sienna. “Who told Brent Campbell the schedule gave him no time off for Christmas?”

All eyes turned toward Sienna as heat flamed her face.

“Anyone?”

This time, Mr. Kelton looked right at her.

“I-I-I might have mentioned it.” She turned her attention to the pages on the conference table in front of her. Nowhere in the perfectionist producer’s minute-by-minute agenda did she see this topic on the schedule.

Not that she could have read it if it were there, as the words blurred as tears threatened.

After splitting the silence with a few choice expletives, Art Kelton drew in a deep breath and released it with gusto. “Why in the world would you tell an Academy Award winning actor he would be required to work during the Christmas holidays?”

“He asked,” was a poor defense, but Sienna lifted her gaze to meet his icy stare as she offered it.

“And you told him?” Mr. Kelton’s busy gray brows rose. “Someone please explain to Miss…”

“Montalvo,” she offered. “Sienna Montalvo. I’m your new-”

“Does it matter?” He peered over glasses that dangled precariously at the end of his rather prominent nose.

“No,” came out barely above a whisper.

“No,” Mr. Kelton echoed. He made a great fuss of taking his seat at the head of the table then adjusting the stack of papers before him until they were exactly square with the edge of the table. Finally he leaned back against the chair and let his hands fall into his lap.

“Our new PA has obviously not been instructed on protocol on the set. Would someone educate her?” He shook his head. “No, let’s say it together on three.”

While the producer counted, Sienna braved a look across the table to the casting director who should be catching the heat on this debacle. Was that a sympathetic look she spied before the director looked away?

“Always ask Art,” the group said in unison.

Sienna nodded. “Absolutely,” she said.

“So when the talent come to you, Miss…”

“Montalvo,” Sienna said.

“Right. When the talent comes to you for information of any kind except perhaps the whereabouts of the john, what will you tell them?”

“Ask Art?”

“Miss…”

This time Sienna didn’t bother to help. Instead, she kept her mouth shut and her gaze intently focused on the Los Angeles skyline outside the window.

“Montalvo,” the casting director offered.

“Miss Montalvo,” the legendary producer said. “We are in the business of filming a remake of The Alamo that would make John Wayne proud. We are not filming an episode of Jeopardy. Thus, there is no need to phrase your responses in the form of a question.”

“Yes sir,” Sienna managed as she made a vain attempt at not withering under his glare.

“Now shall we all put our heads together and see if we can’t figure out how to undo the damage Miss Montalvo has done? Who here knows how we can get a box office draw who will work for peanuts during Christmas?”

A shaky hand went up at the far end of the table. “How much money are we talking, Art?”

“Take what we were going to pay Campbell and subtract what we’ve already spent on promoting the fact we had last year’s big action hero playing next year’s war hero.” He shrugged. “Anything left goes to the next guy.”

Sienna shrunk further into her chair.

She kept a brave face throughout the rest of the meeting, only dissolving into tears when she returned to the tiny cubicle she called her first real Hollywood office.

She did but he was the last person she intended to call.

Bio: RITA and Carol award nominee Kathleen Y’Barbo is now the best-selling award-winning author of more than forty novels, novellas, and young adult books. In all, more than one million copies of her books are currently in print in the US and abroad, and her books have been translated into Dutch, German, and Spanish, to name a few. Her next historical novel, THE INCONVENIENT MARRIAGE OF CHARLOTTE BECK (Waterbrook) released in June 2011, and in 2012 she debuts a contemporary Texas beach series for Love Inspired.

Recently, Kathleen was nominated for a Career Achievement Award from Romantic Times magazine. In addition, her novel THE INCONVENIENT MARRIAGE OF CHARLOTTE BECK was nominated for a Reader’s Choice Award as well as being named an RT Top Pick.

Kathleen is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, and Romance Writers of America. She holds a BBA from Texas A&M University’s Mays Business School and a certification in Paralegal Studies, and is a member of the Texas Bar Association’s Paralegal Division.

A tenth-generation Texan, Kathleen Y'Barbo has a daughter and three grown sons. She recently added her own hero in combat books and is proud to be a military wife even if it did mean giving up her Texas drivers license.

2011-12-01T00:03:00.003-05:00

Welcome to the First Day of Rose's 25 Days of Christmas Cheer!

Excerpt from A Simple Amish Christmas by Vannetta Chapman, Abingdon Press, 2010.
This book is in my TBR pile for the month of December, so I am getting a head start on it now! If you have ever been away from home and missed loved ones during the Christmas season, this scene will grab your heart!

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

December 1, 2010, 6:55 a.m.

Annie Weaver threw her coat and scarf into her locker,
slammed it shut, and twirled the lock—once, twice, three
times as Jenny had shown her.

Turning to go, she nearly ran over her best friend.

“Tell me you are not headed out on the floor.” Jenny’s voice
sounded like Annie’s first year teacher—stern and low and
slightly disappointed. Sporting short blonde hair and a figure
even slimmer than Annie’s, Jenny looked nothing like an
Amish schoolteacher.

“I’m not?”

“You are, aren’t you?”

Blue eyes laughed at her, even as Annie tossed a panicked
look at the clock—six fifty-seven a.m.

“Ya. Why?”

“Cap.”

Annie’s hand flew to the top of her head and met only a
mass of curls. Searching, she found her nursing cap slid to the
back and side of her head.

“Scope.”

Looking down, she realized she’d left it—

“I.D.”

Left them both in her locker.

As she turned and fumbled with the combination on her
locker, Jenny re-pinned her nursing cap firmly in place on the
top of her long, chestnut hair.

“I’m running late,” Annie explained.
“Sleep in?”

Annie shook her head. “I was up early enough, but I made
the mistake of turning on the radio. The music reminded me
that it’s December.”

“They’re already playing Christmas songs,” Jenny fussed. “I
still have leftover turkey in the fridge.”

“When I heard the music I realized I hadn’t written home
this week. I thought I had enough time, but then a letter to
my parents was followed by another to my schweschder.”
Annie’s voice trailed off. How could she explain that the
Christmas decorations popping up everywhere were making
her homesick?

Garlands hung from the halls of her boarding house.
Colorful displays crowded the store windows lining her walk
to work. Lights blinked above the streets, and Santas rang bells
at nearly every door.
She longed for the simple celebrations of home.

Home.

Annie grabbed her I.D. and stethoscope, allowing her fi ngers
to brush over the engraving, marveling that it bore her
initials.

She had actually earned her R.N. degree. One year she had
studied and earned her high school equivalency, then for two
years she had been enrolled in and graduated from the local
nursing program.

Three years of living with her aenti.
Three years working among the Englisch.
Three years away from her family.

She spun around to face Jenny. “I shouldn’t have spent so
long writing my mamm and dat this morning, but ya—I was a
little homesick because of the holidays.”

“Your mother and dad will appreciate the letter. Why don’t
you stop by my place after your shift ends? I’ll make baked ziti,
a giant salad, and fresh rolls—your favorite meal.”

Annie blinked through the tears which suddenly sprang
to her eyes, accepted the hug Jenny offered, and hurried out
to the floor, glancing again at the clock as she passed underneath
it.
Bio:

Vannetta Chapman holds a BA and MA degree in English and has published over one hundred articles in Christian family magazines, receiving over two dozen awards from Romance Writers of America chapter groups. Her first Amish novel with Abingdon Press, A Simple Amish Christmas, quickly became a Christian Books Distributor bestseller. Her first Shipshewana Amish Mystery, Falling to Pieces (Zondervan) released in September of 2011 and is also a CBD fiction bestseller. She also writes Amish romance for Harvest House. A Promise for Miriam: Pebble Creek Series will release in June of 2012.

2011-11-30T15:02:00.000-05:00

Monthly giveaway winner and new book to win in January--Give My Love to the Chestnut Trees by Beverly Varnado

Since I plan to run Christmas stories and scenes the whole month of December, I am drawing for this month's giveaway of a copy of Christmas Belles of Georgia a day early. And the winner is...Deborah H. Bateman whom I have contacted.

To read my review of the lovely book you can win on January 1st if you leave a comment on my blog anytime during the month of December (with a US address and a way to contact you), go to my November 14th posting.

And hope you will check in December 1st and often this month for the 25 Days of Christmas Cheer! And if you haven't ordered or bought a copy of Christmas Belles of Georgia yet, what's stopping you? It's available at most Christian bookstores, WalMart, Sam's Clubs and can be ordered online at http://www.cbd.com/ and http://www.amazon.com/ and http://www.barnesandnoble.com/

2011-11-29T18:16:00.001-05:00

Book Review--Mind Over Madi by Lynda Schab

I can't get my mind off Mind over Madi, Lynda Schab's debut novel! I read this book in three evenings, laughing, crying and even snorting several times at the humor and drama in this story.

Madi McCall, stay-at-home mom to three, has had issues with trusting men even since her dad left them when she was a teenager and her mom told her all the details. Her insecurities heighten when she finds lipstick in a shade she would never wear on her schoolteacher husband's shirt. Not giving him a chance to explain, she asks him to leave.

Told in first person with a chick-lit voice, this story grabs you by the heartstrings with emotions for Madi and her husband and the kids who all experience distress in their own way. Madi has a lot to learn, and God knows just the people to bring into her life to help her, even when it is painful for her and the others.

Each chapter begins with a quote. My favorite which I believe sums up the story well is:
"Nobody can go back and start a new beginning,

but anyone can start today and make a new ending." Maria Robinson

This story also has many fairy-tale references which fit the story perfectly, and like all fairy-tales has its happily-ever-after-ending! Treat yourself to a copy for Christmas and buy several for your girlfriends, too! And I hope she is a fast writer because I can't wait to read the sequel.

BIO:

LYNDA LEE SCHAB got her writing start in greeting cards (Blue Mountain Arts, Dayspring) and from there went on to write articles and short stories (Mature Living, Christian Home & School) and in many places online (including www.Examiner.com and www.wow-womenonwriting.com), but her passion has always been fiction.

Mind Over Madi, her debut novel, is near and dear to her heart. Lynda admits she has a lot in
common with the character of Madi. Not only are they both addicted to ice cream, chocolate, and computer games, they struggle with the same types of insecurities and continually require a hefty dose of God’s grace.

Lynda works behind the scenes at FaithWriters.com and is a member of ACFW. She is a regular book reviewer for FaithfulReader.com and is the Grand Rapids Christian Fiction Examiner and the National Writing Examiner for Examiner.com. Mind Over Madi received Runner-up in the 2007 FaithWriters Page Turner contest, was a finalist in the 2007 RWA Get your Stiletto in the Door contest, and won second place in the 2008 ACFW Genesis contest, Chick Lit category. Lynda lives with her husband, Rob, and two teenagers in Michigan. You can contact her or read more about her at http://www.lyndaschab.com/ and http://www.on-the-write-track.blogspot.com/

2011-11-28T00:01:00.002-05:00

Monday Spotlight on Anita Mae Draper--and giveaway

Anita Mae Draper may not be pubbed in fiction yet, but I think it won't be long after reading her descriptions of these weather scenes and after reading all the contests she has finalled in! Anita is also very talented in photography, and I am so glad she shared her beautiful Canadian countryside with the rest of us.

She's also very generous, and has offered to give away a copy of Lynette Eason's LIS Threat of Exposure to someone who leaves a post on this blog before next Monday. So be sure to let her know how much you enjoy her photos and leave your email info so we can contact you if you win!

Prairie Weather Treasures by Anita Mae Draper

It’s almost December and the only reason I haven’t been listening to Christmas music yet is because the weather has been so nice this year. Sure it’s windy out there and we’ve had our share of snow, but a couple inches is nothing compared to the 2 feet we sometimes have by this time. Because our weather is fickle and dangerous, I thought I’d show you some photos and a video of the gamut we can run through each year.

First off are the sundogs which show up when there are ice crystals in the air. Sundogs (also called mock suns) are a phenomena we see several times a winter. They are caused by light refracting through ice crystals – you know, the kind that turn the trees white. Although the twin mock suns on either side are the actual sundogs, the whole thing is commonly called a sundog in these parts much like a ring around the moon is called a moondog.

The photo above was taken at approx. 9:30 am on our way to church on Feb 7, 2010, but sundogs can appear throughout the day.

We see other things in the winter, too like the effect of frost on things. One morning, I went out and found the frost on certain items, only. It particularly liked our van antenna:

And some mornings, it’s just beautiful when it latches onto the trees…

I have to show you this video I made last March during a blizzard warning... a porcupine got the drop on me…

I can't believe it took so long to sink in that he was there. Sheesh.

Anyway, weather plays a big part of our life here on the Canadian prairies. We have hot, lazy summer days, spring floods and autumn northern lights as well, but ‘tis the season for snow.

Have you ever seen a sundog? Felt the cold bite of a -40C/F wind? Tasted a snowflake before it touched the ground?~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Anita Mae Draper is retired from the Canadian Armed Forces and lives on the prairie of southeast Saskatchewan, Canada with her hubby of 30 plus years and 2 of their 4 kids. She writes stories set on the prairies of Saskatchewan, North Dakota, Montana and Wyoming. Anita Mae has semi-finaled in the Historical Romance category of the ACFW's 2011 Genesis contest and finaled in the Inspirational category of the 2011 Daphne du Maurier, the 2011 Fool for Love, the 2011 Duel on the Delta and 2009 Linda Howard Award of Excellence contests. You can find her at http://www.anitamaedraper.com/

2011-11-21T08:42:00.000-05:00

Rose’s Thanksgiving Week Giveaway!

I am so thankful to have my first fiction book pubbed—Christmas Belles of Georgia—that I am doing a giveaway of the e-cookbook Novel Morsels to anyone who orders Christmas Belles of Georgia from Amazon November 21-27.

Novel Morsels is a cookbook compiled by Nicole O’Dell with over 100 recipes from books written by 65 authors. This book will soon be listed on Amazon at $2.99 a copy. But this week you can receive it free by ordering a copy of Christmas Belles of Georgia on Amazon, then going to this blog page at http://www.rosemccauley.blogspot.com/ where you will be able to hit the contact button to email me your amazon order code and then I will email you back with the code for the free copy of Novel Morsels.

So hurry on over to Amazon.com and order a copy or two or three of Christmas Belles of Georgia (as my husband tells everyone--they make lovely Christmas gifts!) and then get a free e-gift for yourself. You will have lots of recipes to try out in the coming months and can read about some more great books! And right now Amazon is having a special deal if you buy 3 books under $10 you get one free!

It’s a win/win deal! You can do your shopping with a couple clicks and not have to battle all the crowds!

To whet your appetite I am including my version of a Southern-style dressing copied from the book.

Recipe Title: Best Dressing Recipe Ever!

Book info: Christmas Belles of Georgia, Barbour Publishing, 2011. My novella is entitled Nick’s Christmas Carol.

Recipe: Start early in the morning (or can do the night before): cook 2 Jiffy cornbread mixes per package instructions in a 13x9 pan at 400 degrees until done. (15-20 min.) Let cool then crumble into bite-sized pieces. (I cut into 1 in. squares in pan and then crumble it up.) Toast 12 slices bread (I like whole wheat but have used white) cool, then pulse in the food processor until tiny crumbs. Pour breadcrumb mixture on top of crumbled corn bread.

Next (or next day after you get the turkey in the oven) prepare turkey broth by cooking the giblets in 4-6 cups of water or use 4 chicken bouillon cubes in water or prepared chicken stock. Use food processor to chop one medium onion, then 3 or 4 stalks of celery. Place skillet on top of stove on medium and melt one stick of margarine, then add 1 pound pork sausage and cook, chopping it into small pieces with spatula. To this mixture add the celery and onion and cook together.

To the 13x9 pan with cornbread and bread mixture add 1 t. pepper, 1 t. sage, 1 t. poultry seasoning and mix throughout. Then pour everything in the skillet on top and blend together in pan. Then pour 2 cups of the broth over this, adding more broth ½ cup at a time until it forms a stiff dough. It can now be cooked in a couple buttered baking dishes for 20-25 min. at 350 degrees if you prefer your dressing soft.

My husband’s mother always made dressing balls, so if you wish to do that you can roll the mixture into balls or I scoop it with a buttered ¼ cup measuring cup and place the humps into a buttered dish and cook at 350 for 25 minutes. This recipe will make 28- ¼ cup balls which should serve around 14 guests.

Blurb: The hero’s aunt who raised him makes this recipe for Thanksgiving dinner each year. She lives in Atlanta, Georgia, so is a great southern cook. This is also the recipe I make for my Thanksgiving dinner each year. I got the ingredients I needed yesterday at the grocery! It is a several-steps process, but well-worth the effort—just ask my kids who don’t like anyone else’s dressing as much as mine! I got the basic recipe from the cooks at the school where I taught for two years in South Carolina and have gradually tweaked it to make it my own.

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone! May you be surrounded by those you love!

2011-11-20T21:33:00.001-05:00

Dry as Rain by Gina Holmes

A book review by Rose McCauley

When I first started, I wasn't sure I would like this book, but I ended up loving it! It is written in 1st person which I don't read a lot of and was written solely in the POV of the male character, but it works well! Gina Holmes is a master at getting you inside the POV character's head, and his POV was the perfect one for this story.

I don't want to give away a lot of the details because I want you to read this book for yourself, so I will share some of the back cover blurb: "When Eric and Kyra Yoshida first met, they thought their love would last forever. But like many marriages, theirs has gradually crumbled, one thoughtless comment and misunderstanding at a time, until the ultimate betrayal pushes them beyond reconciliation...A richly engaging story of betrayal and redemption, Dry as Rain illuminates with striking emotional intensity the surprising truth of what it means to forgive."

One additional thing I want to say is that I disagree with another review I read that said this kind of book should not be published by a Christian publisher. If that is true, they better be careful reading their Bible, because they will be exposed to a lot worse! The story of David and Bathsheba has a less satisfying ending than this story does!

So, bottom line, I hope you will give this book a try so you won't miss out on a great read from a great writer! I give the book and lovely cover both 5 stars!

This book was given for review by Tyndale House Publishers, but my thoughts and comments are my own.

2011-11-19T12:42:00.001-05:00

Spotlight on April Gardner

Until a few weeks ago, April was a cyber-friend of mine whom I had met through the John316marketing network. But when I travelled to Georgia for a booksigning tour early this month, we were able to attend church with her and eat lunch with her and her family, then she spent the afternoon with me at the Books a Million signing, (which she had first told me about) and we became fast friends, so I am very pleased to introduce her to my readers today. I asked her to answer some questions so you can get to know her better.

1. Tell us about your favorite book as a child and your favorite book as an adult. Can you see a connection between those books?

What an intriguing thought! Okay, let me think… “Black Beauty” was my favorite book as a child and today, my favorite book is “Behold the Dawn” by K.M.Weiland. “Behold the Dawn” is set in medieval times. The hero is a knight that fights in tourneys. A key element of the book is the horses. They’re living, breathing characters. The reader smells their musty flesh, sees the froth as it flies from their mouths, feels their muscles bunch and stretch beneath the rider’s legs. It’s safe to say that yes, there’s a connection between the two books—the horses! I adore horses.

2. What is your favorite Scripture? Do you also have a favorite Scripture that encourages you in your writing?
This is always a tough question! The answer changes regularly. This week God spoke to me through the following passage:
“Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” Phillipians 3:13-14 KJV

The phrase that stood out to me was “this one thing I do.” Pressing toward God’s high calling for me should be my main focus.

3. If you could go to any place in the world to research/write a book, what setting would you choose?
Guernsey Island! Two years ago, I lived a short plane ride away but never managed to make it work. This week, my children’s book “Lizzie and the Guernsey Gang” became available in e-book format, and I find myself wondering if I’ll ever have another chance to visit Guernsey.

4. I often wonder if I would write if I had to do it the old-fashioned way without computers and spell-checks and email. Is there anything about technology that you don't like? Or anything about it that you feel enhances your writing?
I’ll share a little secret with you. If I had to write long-hand, I wouldn’t do it. I’m dyslexic and while I overcame my reading difficulties, good handwriting and spelling continue to elude me. I tear up a keyboard, but looking at my own handwriting is very disturbing for me. So technology definitely enhances my writing. LOL. Without it, I simply wouldn’t write.

5. As a writer how have you had to grow and stretch out of your comfort zone?
Being a writer has forced confidence into me. I’m naturally filled with self-doubt, but with each passing year that I’m a writer, I find myself being forced to write things I never would have thought I could. It constantly pushes me beyond my limits. It’s never comfortable, but it’s always helpful.

6. What advice would you give to a beginning writer that you wish someone had given you?
Be flexible. With your writing and with the timeline you feel should exist between now and publication. God’s plan rarely equals our own. It’s better! So keep your knees bent and be ready to jump from prayer to action. We never know what wonderful things He has in store!

7. Do you want to add anything about your book such as how to order it?Wounded Spirits Kindle edition is on sale today for $1.99. http://tinyurl.com/3klg52c But I’ll warn you that as soon as you’re done reading it, you’re going to need the sequel. The good news is that it’s now available! You can purchase your copy here: http://tinyurl.com/c5ebhlg

2011-11-18T00:05:00.001-05:00

Friday with Friends--Guestblog by Lisa Jordan

While shopping with friends at Sam’s Club, we milled around the book/DVD section. One of my friends picked up a movie and showed it to another friend in our group since it had one of her favorite actors in it. We had discussed this movie when the trailers were first shown, but none of us had seen it yet. The friend who adores this actor said she refused to watch the movie because she had talked with friends who had seen the movie and were disappointed in the ending—the lead character died in a shocking way. The friend who brought the movie to our attention asked if the movie was any good, despite the ending. The other friend and I spoke at the same time, "Doesn't matter."

Have you ever read the ending of the book to see if you’re going to like how the story is resolved? I admit to being a second-generation ending reader. Sometimes I really try hard, especially while reading suspense, not to skip ahead because I like to guess whom the villain is and see if I’m right.

I want a promise of hope and a happily ever after. Since I'm investing my heart into this story and these characters, I want a heart-satisfying conclusion.

Quite a few years ago, I watched a movie based on a novel written by a popular secular author who writes love stories—notice I did not say romances—yes, there is a difference. I loved the movie’s storyline and adored the characters until I saw the ending. My heart had been ripped out. I sobbed and not in a good way. If I had been reading the book, I would've been flung across the room. I was that angry! I vowed never to read that author's books or view movies based on that author's books again.

Endings affect the way a reader enjoys a novel. Some readers like me want the fairy tale and happily ever after. Other readers want a satisfying conclusion as long as the story is good. Of course, the novel genre influences the ending, too.

Romances need to have a happily ever after where boy and girl fall in love and commit to a future. Women’s fiction novels need to have a satisfying ending for the character’s story arc. Suspense and mystery novels should have a solved crime at the end. The villain isn’t always caught, especially if the novel is part of a series, but most often, all loose ends should be tied up neatly for the reader. Fantasy and sci-fi novels should have a satisfying resolution to fit the story premise. Basically, the reader needs to have an answer for the proposed story question at the beginning of the novel.

“If you want a happy ending, that depends, of course, on where you stop your story.” ~Orson Welles

Share Your Thoughts: Do you read endings first? What kinds of endings upset you? For you writers, what genre do you write and how do you know when you’ve written a satisfying ending?

I’m holding a scavenger hunt to promote my Lakeside Reunion release. Plus, blog commenters on my blog hop will be put in a drawing for fun prizes—breakfast basket, Love Inspired Authors basket, autographed copies of Lakeside Reunion. Visit my Lakeside Reunion Contest page for more information.

The token for this blog is an emerald necklace.

Bio: Heart, home and faith have always been important to Lisa Jordan, so writing stories that feature both comes naturally to her. She has been writing contemporary Christian romance for more than a decade. Her debut novel, Lakeside Reunion, will be released in November by Love Inspired, followed by her second novel, Lakeside Family, in August 2012 by Love Inspired. Happily married for twenty-two years, Lisa and her husband have two young adult sons. When she isn’t writing or caring for children in her in-home childcare business, Lisa enjoys family time, romantic comedies, good books, crafting with friends and feeding her NCIS addiction. Visit her at www.lisajordanbooks.com to learn more about her writing.

Book Blurb: Lakeside Reunion: Bed-and-breakfast owner Lindsey Porter prays she won’t run into Stephen Chase when she returns to Shelby Lake. Five years ago, the cop jilted her to marry another woman, and Lindsey fled town. But no sooner does she hit city limits than Stephen pulls her over for a broken taillight. Despite the past, he’s still able to stir up Lindsey’s old feelings for him. Now a widower and single dad, Stephen recognizes a second chance when he sees one. And he’ll do anything to make Lindsey trust in God and take a risk for love—again. Read an excerpt of Lakeside Reunion

2011-11-14T14:51:00.000-05:00

Monday Book Review--Give My Love to the Chestnut Trees by Beverly Varnado

I've read several books lately, but haven't had time to post reviews due to all the travelling I have been doing both to Georgia and places here in KY to hold booksignings and cyber-appearances on other people's blogs to promote Christmas Belles of Georgia.

Starting today I plan to post more reviews of books as I read them. I read two books and started a third while on our trip to Georgia, so will review one of them today.

Give My Love to the Chestnut Trees is the debut novel of author Beverly Varnado. She tells the coming of age story of fourteen-year-old Mary Helen Reynolds the summer she spends with her elderly aunt on St. Simon's Island, GA while her mom has cancer surgery. Ms. Varnado writes in a lyrical, artsy style which fits the genre. The Georgian poet, Sidney Lanier, and his poems are woven into the story like fine silk threads, adding beauty and grace to the design of the story.

Saint Simon's Island is a character itself in this story, with many hours spent on the "wonderful marshes of Glynn." Several other characters are highlighted as the "chestnut trees" of Mary Helen's young life. In her "author's notes," Ms. Varnado encourages us to thank the "chestnut trees" in our own lives.

A lovely story which will be enjoyed by young adults and older adults alike, Give My Love to the Chestnut Trees needs to be in your TBR pile!

2011-11-11T09:39:00.001-05:00

FRIDAYS WITH FRIENDS and book giveaway

I'm so happy to welcome Laurie Kingery to my blog today as I love her writing. And since I am writing a series, her advice below is priceless. Everyone keep reading to find out how to win a copy of Laurie's newest book!

FRIDAYS WITH FRIENDS—by Laurie Kingery

I've known Rose McCauley several years now, and I was pleased as the proverbial punch when Rose received what I am sure will be the first of many contracts with Barbour, during the traditional surprise contract announcements the publisher makes at each ACFW conference.

When she asked me to guest blog on her "Fridays with Friends" feature, I was pleased, too, and thought I'd take a little time to not only talk about my new release but writing series in general.

THE RANCHER'S COURTSHIP is the fourth book in my "Brides of Simpson Creek" series from Love Inspired Historicals. After my first two books from LIH, I finally achieved my dream of writing series, which had been a long-time goal of mine. I wanted to make it different, and what I came up with was a unique twist on the western romance trope of mail-order brides—mail order grooms. I set up a fictional town in the hill country of Texas that was without marriageable men because of the Civil War. The first book, which became MAIL ORDER COWBOY in 2010, featured a spunky heroine who formed the Simpson Creek Spinsters Club and advertised in the newspaper for eligible bachelors—the 1860's version of online dating. (Since I was an eHarmony.com bride, you know it was a concept I could appreciate ) Each subsequent book features another member of the Spinsters' Club and her path to True Love, and each book can stand alone, readers have told me, so don't fear you'll be lost if you haven't read the others. (But if reading THE RANCHER'S COURTSHIP whets your appetite for the previous books, they're all still available on Amazon)

Here are some facts and opinions about series which I've picked up or developed as I've written the series:

---You may not get to write a series the first time you're published. Publishers are wary of letting first time writers commit themselves to a series, and some publishers like series more than others. Series are popular now in Christian fiction, but a former publisher of mine in the general market wouldn't call my books a series even though they featured members of the same family, and so it became an "unofficial" series.

--It's good to have a system to remember details. When you write the first book in the series, you think you'll never forget the hero and heroine's eye and hair color, but you do. And you may need to know the name of a walk-on character from book #1 when you reach book #4. NO FACT IS UNIMPORTANT, because you don't always know what you'll need later. Whether you write it down on paper or keep an Excel spreadsheet—I do the former because I started writing before computers, and have had a couple of them crash—keep written details where you can easily find them. I'm now writing book 5 in the series, and I need to refer back all the time.

---keep an overall timeline of the series. This is something I wish I'd done, because I need to know when a character who found her match in the previous book is due to have a baby in the next book. It gets confusing, but some readers will catch you, because they frequently read series books back-to-back.

--www.dateandtime.com is your friend. No, the reader doesn't care if October 28 was a Wednesday in 1868 (it was), but if you have a tendency to absentmindedly put two full moons a week apart, consulting this handy website will prevent that. This hint works for non-series books too, of course.

---There are two kinds of series, closed and open-ended. Closed refers to series set of characters, like several brothers or sisters, an object like an heirloom ring, or a mystery to be solved over the course of several books. The most popular form of a closed series is a trilogy. An open-ended series means the series can go on as long as the author and the reading public are happy with it. "Brides of Simpson Creek" is an example of this type, and I will go on with it as long as I can keep each story fresh and interesting.

We've all probably read series where the plots have gotten stale and repetitive—I don't want to do that! In this type of series, each book is more apt to have a stand-alone feel, which is great since readers tend to find them at all orders.

THE RANCHER'S COURTSHIP is the story of Caroline Wallace, a woman who lost her fiancé in an influenza epidemic and then decided to devote her life to teaching. But then Jack Collier comes along with his twin daughters and gradually changes her mind…

If you'd like to see the marvelous trailer Barbara Hunt of Paperbackflyers did for me, go to http://www.youtube.com/user/LaurieKingery . You can contact me at my website at http://www.LaurieKingery.com .

Thanks, Rose, for giving me this opportunity to talk about my books and writing series. Blessings, Laurie Kingery

Thank you, Laurie. And all who leave a comment on this post with an email addy so we can contact you, will be entered into a drawing for a copy of this new book by Laurie. Drawing to be held next Friday when I post a new Friday with Friends. Rose

2011-11-10T00:04:00.002-05:00

Spotlight on Deborah Bateman

Today I want to introduce my readers to someone who is passionate about teaching the Bible. Deborah H. Bateman loves studying the Bible and is dedicated to “Sharing God’s Word”. She is the Founder of Christian Daily Resources, a Christian Online Ministry.

Deborah has a Daily Bible Reading Blog where she does a Daily Bible Study. This is where “The Book of Ruth” was started. Deborah has learned to trust God through the many trials of her life. She can relate to Naomi and Ruth’s dependence on God to see them through their lives' experiences.

Here's how Deborah describes her study The Book of Ruth A Story of Love and Redemption:

The Book of Ruth is a Daily Bible Reading Devotional. The characters in “The Book of Ruth” deal with loss, lack, and romance. Through their many trials they learn to lean on God and His sovereign will for their lives. Even though Ruth is a Moabite she decides to follow her mother-in-law, Naomi back to her homeland of Judah.

The two ladies travel back with nothing and are not sure how they will survive, but they trust God to make a way for them. As you read “The Book of Ruth”, you will see the story unfold and see God’s provision for these two ladies. Reading “The Book of Ruth” will help you recognize God’s sovereignty and provision in your own life.

Here are some additional benefits of studying The Book of Ruth:

· You will have the benefit of studying a beautiful book of the Bible.
· You will see God’s hand of provision throughout this story.
· You will get a clearer picture of God’s sovereignty.
· You will see a beautiful picture of God’s plan for redemption.
· You will see how God brings different people into our lives.
· You will better understand God’s love for us.
· You will enjoy a beautiful love story.
· You will learn about what a kinsman-redeemer is.
· You will see who our kinsman-redeemer is.
· You will see God’s blessings in Ruth’s life.
· You will learn how God provided for the salvation of humankind through the genealogy of Ruth.
· You will be encouraged by reading The Book of Ruth.

The Book of Ruth-A Story of Love and Redemption is available at:

Smashwords, Amazon.com, Amazon.co.uk, and Amazon.fr
The link for Smashwords is: http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/96550
The link to Amazon.com is: http://tinyurl.com/3gwpfz2
The link to Amazon.co.uk is: http://tinyurl.com/6be9lvj
The link to Amazon.fr is: http://tinyurl.com/3onrgvj

2011-11-04T03:50:00.002-04:00

Guestblog by Deborah Vogts on Researching Your Contemporary Novel

Every novelist must "jump" into their characters' skins, and that often means we must learn things we don't already know. How do we do this? The Internet is an invaluable tool, as is your local library or bookstore. Sometimes, though, your questions can't be answered that way and you have to go to your "source." Often that means interviewing someone by email, by phone, or in person. For an introvert writer who spends the majority of her time in front of a computer, this can be terrifying.

So what sort of research might a contemporary author need to do? Below are a few things I did for the books in the Seasons of the Tallgrass series, published by Zondervan.

In my first book, Snow Melts in Spring, the opening scene is one where a horse is terribly injured. Right off, I had to know technical terminology, and not only that, but I had to create a scene that was accurate and believable, not just something that looked good on paper. To get it right, I contacted a handful of veterinarians, asked them a bunch of detailed questions all the way down to possible accident scenarios, which would create the type of injuries needed for the story. I even shadowed one small animal vet for a day in order to get a feel for what a "day in the life" might look like for my character who was also a vet.

I also needed to know something about football. Again, not my specialty. For this research, I went to the children's section of the library and checked out an armload of books. Here's a good tip to know: Children's books are easy to read and they are chock full of valuable information. I also watched a lot of football games on television and asked my football loving friends and family hundreds of questions--all so I could write two or three scenes with authenticity.

For my second book, Seeds of Summer, which released late May, I needed to learn about the Miss Rodeo America competition because my main character, Natalie Adams is a former Miss Rodeo Kansas and first runner up Miss Rodeo America. My research for this story included visiting with those at the Miss Rodeo America headquarters, as well as interviewing and questioning the current MRA at that time, Miss Amy Wilson, Miss Rodeo America 2008.

The highlight of this research culminated when I met and visited Amy at her home in Colby, KS. Amy was a joy to work with and is such a lovely person. My visit to her home was an unexpected blessing, as she shared some special moments from her time as Miss Rodeo Kansas and then as Miss Rodeo America.

I learned that Miss Rodeo America has a host of sponsors who shower their queen with lovely gifts, some of which include: a wardrobe of Wrangler Jeans, Justin Boots, Bailey Hats , fully tooled Court’s Saddle with custom Miss Rodeo America conchos and an official Miss Rodeo America trophy buckle from Montana Silversmiths. Accompanying the perpetual Miss Rodeo America tiara made by Landstrom’s Original Black Hills Gold Creations, Amy was given a wardrobe of matching jewelry. These items, along with other prizes were presented to her throughout her reign. To see some pictures of these items, please visit my blog HERE:

For the book I’m currently writing, I have to learn about running a cafe. So guess what? I've been visiting small town cafes and asking the owners lots of questions. Research such as this never ends, but taking the time to do this for your stories might mean the difference between someone loving your book or tossing it against the wall because it wasn't accurate. Sure, you'll never please everyone, but by doing the necessary groundwork, you'll at least know you did everything within your means to bring accuracy to the story. Again, it's important. Your readers will thank you for it.

Reflective Question: When you’re reading a book, do you notice the amount of research the author has done? And if you are a writer, do you have any tips you’d like to share for getting research facts?

Thanks for having me on your blog, Rose. I hope you will have a great November!

Thanks for a great post, Deb! I love research online, but have found as you did that the personal touch is always best by talking online, by phone, or visiting with people who actually live there.

Bio: Deborah Vogts and her husband have three daughters and make their home in Southeast Kansas where they enjoy their Golden Retrievers and their American Quarter Horses. As a student at Emporia State University studying English and journalism, Deborah developed a love for the Flint Hills that has never faded. In writing the Seasons of The Tallgrass series, she hopes to share her passion for one of the last tallgrass prairie regions in the world, showing that God’s great beauty rests on the prairie and in the hearts of those who live there. Visit Deborah at her web site: http://deborahvogts.com/ or her Country at Heart blog: http://deborahvogts.blogspot.com/ to learn more about her research for the Seasons of the Tallgrass series.

2011-11-02T09:14:00.001-04:00

We have a winner for Christmas Belles of Georgia...

Liz Tolsma. And this will be the last month I offer the above Christmas book as the giveaway this year, since it will be for my last drawing this year on Dec. 1, 2011. Everyone except Liz who has a US mailing addy and leaves an email so I can contact you for mailing info is eligible. So what is stopping you? I love to read Christmas books the whole month of December, so if you win, you can do the same.

2011-10-31T00:25:00.009-04:00

Spotlight on Cynthia Hickey

Our spotlight today is on Cynthia Hickey. Let's learn more about her from her interview answers:

Welcome, Cynthia. Tell us about your favorite book as a child and your favorite book as an adult. Can you see a connection between those books?

My favorite books as a child were the Black Stallion books and the Nancy Drew mysteries. I've always had diverse reading likes. I do not write about horses, but I do write mysteries.

What is your favorite Scripture? Do you also have a favorite Scripture that encourages you in your writing?
My favorite scripture is Philippians 3:14. Scriptures in my stories vary depending on the theme of the novel, but one message seems reoccuring. Let Go and Let God.
I love to travel. If you could go to any place in the world to research/write a book, what setting would you choose?
Definitely Ireland or Scotland. Most of my characters are of those nationalities. Since I'm Scot-Irish, it fits.

I often wonder if I would write if I had to do it the old-fashioned way without computers and spell-checks and email. Is there anything about technology that you don't like? Or anything about it that you feel enhances your writing?
I would still write. Sometimes I still write with pencil and paper, especially plotting and designing my characters. I think today, we put so much faith in our technology that when it goes out on us, we're completely lost. We need to back up our back ups.

As a writer how have you had to grow and stretch out of your comfort zone?
I would prefer to sit, write the book, get it published. Done. Having to talke about, pitch, and market something has definitely stretched me. What if they don't like my book? What if they don't like me? Very difficult.

What advice would you give to a beginning writer that you wish someone had given you?
DON'T GIVE UP. This is not an easy journey, and one that should not be undertaken without a true heart and calling to write.

Do you want to add anything about your book such as how to order it?
My mysteries have been re-released as ebooks and can be found at http://www.amazon.com/ and http://www.smashwords.com/

For a listing of Cynthia's titles, check out her info below:

Cynthia Hickey's books:

FINDING LOVE-DISCOVER THE LIFELINE
FUDGE-LACED FELONIES, CANDY-COATED SECRETS, CHOCOLATE-COVERED CRIME Coming soon to ebook

http://www.cynthiahickey.com/ http://www.cynthiahickey.blogspot.com/

http://www.spyglasslanemysteries.com/

2011-10-28T12:03:00.001-04:00

Spotlight on Amanda Stephan and her romance novel Lonely Hearts

I've enjoyed getting to 'know' Amanda through our John316MarketingNetwork, and am happy to introduce my readers to her and her book today by shining my spotlight on her even though her bio says she doesn't like the spotlight! Here's what Amanda has to say about her book:

Lonely Hearts ~ a sweet Christian romance
by Amanda Stephan

One lonely mother. Two matchmaking kids. Three eligible bachelors, and some very yummy apple pie!

When widow Becky Callis moves to a new town, she thought it would be easier to start over in a place where she's not reminded of her dead husband. Her kids on the other hand, take it as a chance to help their mother start over romantically. The only problem is, there seems to be quite a few eligible bachelors they can choose from! They soon realize it's easier to find someone to like their mother than it is to figure out which man is best for her.

Even though this handsome cowboy is younger than Becky, Scott makes his interest plain and starts courting her almost immediately to the delight of both kids.

Jack and Becky have been friends since childhood. When they're reunited years after their lives have taken very different paths, this lonely preacher begins to wonder if God has brought her back into his life for a reason.

Pearce Morgan is a single parent raising his young daughter after his wife deserts them soon after Emily's birth. Divorced and disillusioned, an unlikely friendship arises between him and Becky when his shy daughter decides she loves Becky and her kids.

True love is harder than it looks!

Rose back: This book sounds as yummy as the apple pie to me--all the right ingredients baked up in a story to satisfy anyone who loves gentle Christian romances like me! Check out her bio and other info below and order this book right away!

Bio: Amanda Stephan is just a normal, everyday country girl. She resides near Columbia, TN with her husband and children, three cats, one dog, and multiple roosters that love to roost under their bedroom windows. She loves to laugh and have a good time, and loves to read a good book.

Out of love for her family and love for God, she finds writing to be an opportunity to share God's love for others in a fun and entertaining way. Her first novel, The Price of Trust, was published in May of 2010, her second novel, Lonely Hearts, is due for release at the end of October, 2011, and her Slade series was just picked up by TreasureLine Publishing.

If you were to ask her to share one thing about herself that most people don't know, she'd have so many to choose from that she'd probably hesitate for a moment. Not quite a recluse, she's rather camera shy, doesn't like to be in the spotlight, and absolutely LOVES to have her feet tickled. But she would say her most interesting accomplishment is that she laughs like Scooby Doo.

You can usually find Amanda lurking in several online places at once like her

Facebook fan page http://www.facebook.com/thepriceoftrust
her Facebook author page http://www.facebook.com/creativehomemomma
Twitter http://www.twitter.com/amandastephan
her website http://www.booksbyamanda.com/ or http://www.thepriceoftrust.com/
or her personal blog http://authoramanda.blogspot.com/

2011-10-28T00:31:00.003-04:00

Friday with Friends (and chance to win a free book)--Tiff Stockton

Tiff and I met at the first ACFW Conference in 2002 when she was Amber Miller. Now, one husband and two children later, she writes as Amber Stockton. I have enjoyed reading several of Tiff's books, both in draft form and published form as we used to critique for each other. I'll let her tell you the rest.

SMALL TOWN LIVING

by: Tiffany Amber Stockton

I’m sitting here staring at my computer screen and loving the header graphic on Rose’s site. She invited me to come here and spend a little time with you today. As Rose will attest, she and I have traveled this long journey toward publication almost from the start. Her first book released in August this year and mine released in 2008. But many years ago, we started out as critique partners through ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers). Btw, my name is Tiffany, but I publish under my middle and last names of Amber Stockton.
So, my latest book takes me back to my home state of Delaware and the small town of Brandywine. My first series during the Colonial era was set in the small town of New Castle, but at the time it was the center of trade and commerce. For Bound by Grace, I jump forward a little over 100 years and connect my characters to the family I featured in the Liberty’s Promise trilogy. It was a lot of fun returning to this setting and linking the stories. Many of my readers asked me if I would do that at some point down the line, and I’m happy to be able to answer with a resounding “yes!”
Now, a “small town” for a lot of people wouldn’t include many areas on the East Coast. That’s likely because so many big cities exist there. Philadelphia, Boston, New York, Baltimore, D.C., Richmond, Atlanta, etc. And this area has often been called the Megalopolis stretching from Boston to D.C. But while it’s true the interstate allows you to get from one end to the other of these cities in about 7-1/2 hours, if you zip along that highway, you miss all the charming small towns you pass along the way. You never know what little treasures could be tucked in those nooks.

That’s the focus of my first series, and now this current series. Far too often I hear folks assuming Delaware is in New England, and I almost always have to correct them by saying that’s Rhode Island. Delaware is actually a little state occupying most of the DelMarVa Peninsula right smack in the middle of the Mid-Atlantic states of Maryland and Virginia. There is a unique culture here, but most drive right on by on their way to one of the bigger cities.
When I sold my first book, the editor told me I had 3 hurdles to jump as a new historical author: 1) a unique setting (check); 2) a unique time period (check); and 3) good writing. I can check that off now, but it took a little work at the onset. Nevertheless, the editor was impressed with the story and loved the setting, so he was eager to acquire it for the line.
As much as he loved the story, though, my readers have written time and time again to thank me for opening up their eyes and taking them on a journey to an area of the U.S. they wouldn’t think to explore. In one reader’s words, I “take you into the world of an influential little state most people blink and miss." I “offer a history lesson without being boring and blend the lives of the characters seamlessly into the history of the region.”
Needless to say, this series and my first occupy quite a significant chunk of my heart, and I’m thrilled to share those stories with you.
So, when you think of small towns, what areas of the country come to mind, and why? Are you a small town kind of a person, or do you prefer the sprawling areas of suburban dwellings? Share your thoughts in the comments for your chance to win a FREE autographed copy of my latest book, Bound by Grace. And visit my web site to read about this as well as my other 10 books. (http://www.amberstockton.com/) I will draw the name of the winner in one week.
Thank you for dropping by today.
* * * * *
Tiff

Bio:

Tiffany Amber Stockton has been crafting and embellishing stories since childhood. Today, she is an award-winning author, speaker, social media consultant, and a freelance web site designer who lives with her husband and fellow author, Stuart Vaughn Stockton, in Colorado. They have a daughter and a son, and a vivacious Flat-coated retriever named Roxie. She has sold 11 books and 1 novella to Barbour Publishing with more on the horizon. Three of her novels have won annual reader’s choice awards, and in 2009, she was voted #1 favorite new author for the Heartsong Presents book club. Read more about her at her web site: http://www.amberstockton.com/.

Wow, Tiff, I feel like a slacker since you have 10 books already out! You know I am very happy for you and all your success. And, I love this cover! When Tiff mentioned the DelMarVa Peninsula it reminded me of a trip my husband and I took and Tiff came to visit us at Chincoteaque Island during the running of the ponies, an annual event there. We had a fun day in spite of all the walking in the rain we did! Memories!

2011-10-21T16:50:00.000-04:00

Second Guest blog and book giveaway contest by Shannon Taylor Vannatter

Shannon has come back to post another guest blog today and has graciously offered to give away another copy of Rodeo Dust. Salena Stormo won a copy for her comment on last week's blog. Now here's Shannon.

Guest Blog by Shannon Taylor Vannatter
My Inkslinger Blog features inspirational authors' real life and fictional romances. It's geared to celebrate marriage and help readers discover new authors. I post one, two, or three day features with weekly book giveaways. If an author chooses to do more than one post, the first usually focuses on their real life romance. This lets the reader get to know the author. Some authors choose to write three posts about their real life romance and those are really popular with readers.

I also feature single authors. They either blog about a real life romance in their family tree or their characters' romance. Only two single authors have been brave enough to tackle my interview for singles with questions like--Are you open to romance? Many single authors choose to interview their heroes and heroines about their romances.
Writers don't have to be published on my blog. They can share their real life romance and I provide a book giveaway for them. I feature all genres of books as long as there is a romantic thread, the books are inspirational and follow the guidelines posted on my blog.
When my books release, I share something about my real life romance, then usually a romantic destination post, or interview my characters, with an excerpt from the book to wrap up the feature.
Here's the 1st post from the week that Rodeo Dust released:
I've talked about my supportive husband before. When I first started writing, we thought it was easy to get published. Once we realized it wasn’t, he never threw in the towel–even when it hit his wallet and it didn’t seem like we’d get any of the investment back.
Over the years, my writing has taken me to many locations. But I’m one of those people who doesn’t like to drive unless I know the area well and lots of traffic freaks me out. Luckily, I have a great chauffer. I was thinking of the many places he’s taken me in my pursuit of writing and research. Here’s the list I came up with:
* Little Rock, Arkansas – attended 2 conferences and 4 writers group meetings. (2 1/2 hour round trip)
* Nashville, Tennessee – attended ACFW Conference (12 hour round trip)
* Dallas, Texas – attended 2 ACFW Conferences (12 hour round trip)
* Council Bluffs, Iowa – so I could ride with my critique partner to attend the ACFW Conference in Denver. (19 1/2 hours round trip)
* Springfield, Missouri – spoke at a conference. (8 hour round trip)
* Eureka Springs, Arkansas – attended a conference once and spoke there once. (8 hour round trip)
* Scott, Arkansas – book signing at an outdoor festival. (3 hour round trip)
* Blytheville, Arkansas – book signing. (7 hour round trip)
* Cordova, Tennessee – spoke at a conference. (6 hour round trip)
* Siloam Springs, Arkansas – spoke at a writers workshop. (8 hour round trip)
* Fort Worth, Texas – researched the Fort Worth Stockyards for my Texas rodeo series. (14 hour round trip)

* Jonesboro, Arkansas – attended Book Fair (5 hour round trip)
Besides all that, he’s met my writer friends at numerous drop off points, so I could ride with them to conferences and workshops. I truly couldn’t have honed my skills, gotten published, helped other writers in their pursuit of publication, or written the Texas books without him.
We often make our trips into mini family vacations and we often have a lot of fun. But we’re both directionally challenged and are hard-pressed to read a map. We travel strictly by Mapquest and GPS–it takes both for us. Since technology isn’t perfect, we sometimes get almost to our destination, but not quite. We often end up lost. On top of that, he’s currently a bi-vocational pastor, so he basically has two jobs and is often running on empty. Usually his only reward is exhaustion and a nice steak dinner. But he carts me around anyway.
Because he loves me.
Bio:
Central Arkansas author, Shannon Taylor Vannatter is a stay-at-home mom/pastor’s wife. Her debut novel, White Roses won the 2011 Inspirational Readers Choice Award in the short contemporary category. The 18th Annual Heartsong Awards named Vannatter 3rd Favorite New Author, and White Roses #1 and White Doves #8 in the contemporary category. The Arkansas Democrat Three Rivers Edition voted Vannatter one of 20 to Watch in 2011.
She has taught fiction workshops at The White County Creative Writers Conference in Searcy, AR, Life Press Christian Writers Conference in Memphis, TN, Ozark Creative Writers Conference in Eureka Springs, AR, and Ozark Romance Authors Conference in Springfiled, MO. She also taught a writing class as a continuing adult education course at the Arkansas State University.
The first book in her Texas rodeo series, Rodeo Dust will be available through Heartsong Presents in October. Rodeo Hero and Rodeo Ashes release in 2012. Learn more about Shannon and her books at http://shannonvannatter.com.

2011-10-17T17:14:00.001-04:00

Monday Spotlight on Gina Holmes and her new novel, Dry as Rain

Thanks for taking the time to visit, Gina. Tell us about your favorite book as a child and your favorite book as an adult. Can you see a connection between those books?
My favorite book as a child was a Wrinkle in Time. It's been so long since I've read it. I really need to reread it. One of my friends who recently has says she got so much more out of it as an adult that she missed as a child. I can't wait to have the time. What I remember about that book is the realization that books didn't have to be just stories that entertained but could change people and their views.
My favorite book now? Oh, that's a tough one. I have a few. I guess I'll go with Jane Eyre. While it was just the best love story I've ever read, it also was more than just entertainment. The author introduced an idea that I'd never considered-that one person can be the life's ministry of another person. I've always been a save the world type and it really touched me and stretched me to consider that for some, one person is their mission field.
What is your favorite Scripture? Do you also have a Scripture that encourages you in your writing?
The scripture I've had to cling to in trials is Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans for you, declares the Lord. Plans to prosper and not to harm you. Plans to give you a hope and a future." In recent years, I've gone through the darkest periods of my life. Year after year, I thought the light would never shine again and I clung to that verse like I would an anchor in a storm. I knew it was true and when I couldn't trust anything else around me, I could trust that. It touches me every time I read it. God got me through those dark times and the sun is shining again.
If you could go to any place in the world to research/write a book, what setting would you choose?
Oh wow, what a great and thought provoking question. Man. The first place I hope to travel when I can, is Israel but I don't know that it would be research at this point. I think maybe Greece. I did a layover there years and years ago and it was just the most beautiful sight with its whitewashed buildings and turquoise water.
I often wonder if I would write if I had to do it the old-fashioned way without computers and spell-checks and email. Is there anything about technology that you don't like? Or anything about it that you feel enhances your writing?
Without technology, I don't know that I'd be a writer. Back in the day, going to the library to check every fact was so very time consuming and I'm a bit of a perfectionist, so I would have to check every fact. How would I find the time? Also, I learned to type on a typewriter and the thought of corrective tape sends shivers up my spine. I'm somewhat dyslexic, so I make so many typing errors that are so easy to fix on a computer, but on the typewriter, not so much. Instead of editing 10 pages a day, I'd be lucky to get one done. What I don't like about it is how the internet sucks up my day. A facebook post here, a tweet there, a few blog posts and emails and suddenly the day's over and the house still needs swept, dinner made and no real writing was done. That's a struggle.
I hear you, Gina. As a writer how have you had to grow and stretch out of your comfort zone?
Man, how haven't I? I'm an introvert by nature and I'm now teaching at conferences. I've been asked to keynote an upcoming event, and everything inside me cringes, but I say yes, because safety gets you little in this world. If I'm going to touch people, I need to be with them. I'm very content to sit in my little office alone with words but that's not what God would have for me, I'm fairly certain. I've also been stretched in realizing how subjective reading tastes are. I'll get a rave review that calls my latest novel, unique, unpredictable, beautifully written right beside one that calls it predictable, not very well written and familar. C'est la vie. There are a lot of other ways as well.
What advice would you give to a beginning writer that you wish someone had given you?
Relax. It's not going to happen the way you think it will or anywhere near in the time you think it will. You can't make it happen. So concentrate on the writing, stop frothing at the mouth and stalking editors. Concentrate on being the best writer you can be and when you are ripe, you will be picked. No sooner.
Excellent advice. Yes, it will all happen in God's timing. Do you want to add anything about your book such as where to order it?
Sure, thanks for asking. Dry as Rain is my sophomore novel. A very different book from my debut, Crossing Oceans. Dry as Rain tells the story of a couple that drifts slowly apart until infidelity shatters any chance for reconciliation. An unexpected car accident gives our anti-hero a second chance when his wife forgets his affair and begins to look at him again with eyes of love. It is a love story and I'm told it stretches the reader to consider this sin in a new light. It's found on Books a Million, Lifeway, B&N, CBD, Amazon and in brick and mortar stores.

Bio: Gina Holmes is the President and founder of Inspire a Fire and Novel Rocket and award-winning author of Crossing Oceans and Dry as Rain. In 1998, Gina began her career penning articles and short stories, ten years, and a stack of rejection letters later, she held her first published novel. She holds degrees in science and nursing and currently resides with her husband and children in southern Virginia. She works too hard, laughs too loud, and longs to see others heal from their past and discover their God-given purpose. To learn more about her, visit http://www.ginaholmes.com/.

2011-10-14T00:04:00.006-04:00

Guest Blog and giveaway by Shannon Taylor Vannatter
Let me introduce you to my fellow Barbour author, Shannon Taylor Vannatter. She's going to tell you how her just-released book Rodeo Dust came to be. And after you read about this book, I bet you will want to leave a comment so you can be entered in the drawing for a copy of Rodeo Dust. Shannon's giveaway deadline will be next Friday when I post another guest blog by her--this one about her husband. So make sure you leave a comment before October 21 with your email addy so we can contact you next Friday if you win!

How I Got the Idea for Rodeo Dust by Shannon Taylor Vannatter
Rodeo Dust started as a short story. My husband and I had taken our three year old son to the Arkansas State Fair. While our son rode a miniature motorcycle round and round, I noticed a cowboy to the bone wearing his Stetson, Justin boots, and Wranglers. No surprise there. But he was holding hands with a girl wearing a business suit and black suede boots.

Where in the world did they meet? What could they possibly have in common. Thus the story began about the city girl who meets a bull rider at the State Fair of Texas. She detests all things livestock and is terrified of bulls, but she can't stay away from the rodeo because her cowboy rides bulls for a living.
I really wasn't interested in writing short stories. I wanted to write novels. But it initially came to me as a short story. But I realized there was a lot more to it. Maybe like a whole book.
During my teen years, my dad announced at a very small town rodeo. I worked in the concession stand, which provided a little bit of experience to draw from. My husband--who is not a cowboy--is from Texas, so I decided to set the story there.
I needed a rodeo where my hero could compete on a weekly basis without too much travel. The Fort Worth Stockyards fit the bill. Since the heroine is city through and through, I liked the contrast of the Dallas/Fort Worth area. But I wanted my hero to be small town. I found Aubrey--the perfect place for his dude ranch.
After the book sold, I decided I'd better get my facts straight. My family walked the brick-lined streets of the Stockyards, got lost in The Cattlepen Maze, ate at The Cattleman's Steakhouse, toured The Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame, witnessed The Texas Longhorn Cattle Drive, and went to the rodeo in The Cowtown Coliseum.
Though the book went through several drafts, that initial short story remained in tact toward the end of the book. My son is almost ten now and Rodeo Dust releases this month through Heartsong Presents. Here's the blurb:
Ad exec, Rayna Landers meets bull rider, Clay Warren at the State Fair of Texas. While Rayna thinks she’s content solo, Clay longs for marriage and family. Though poised to win his third world championship, his ranch is in a slump. Clay convinces his publicist to hire her advertising firm in a last-ditch effort to keep his employees and lasso her heart.

Soon the city girl is on the ride of her life, until the rodeo unearths buried memories from her past. Clay sees her through the trauma, but an injury and his stubborn determination to get back in the hypothetical saddle threatens their budding relationship. Can they rely on God to find their common ground or will they draw a line in the rodeo dust that neither will cross?

Shannon's bio: Central Arkansas author, Shannon Taylor Vannatter is a stay-at-home mom/pastor’s wife. Her debut novel, White Roses won the 2011 Inspirational Readers Choice Award in the short contemporary category. The 18th Annual Heartsong Awards named Vannatter 3rd Favorite New Author, and White Roses #1 and White Doves #8 in the contemporary category. The Arkansas Democrat Three Rivers Edition voted Vannatter one of 20 to Watch in 2011.

She has taught fiction workshops at The White County Creative Writers Conference in Searcy, AR, Life Press Christian Writers Conference in Memphis, TN, Ozark Creative Writers Conference in Eureka Springs, AR, and Ozark Romance Authors Conference in Springfiled, MO. She also taught a writing class as a continuing adult education course at the Arkansas State University.
The first book in her Texas rodeo series, Rodeo Dust will be available through Heartsong Presents in October. Rodeo Hero and Rodeo Ashes release in 2012. Learn more about Shannon and her books at http://shannonvannatter.com.

2011-10-11T00:04:00.001-04:00

Fit for Faith by Kimberley Payne and SPECIAL GIFTS if you order TODAY ONLY, October 11, 2011!

Today only! Get FREE gifts when you buy Kimberley Payne's e-book, Fit for Faith – 7 weeks to improved spiritual & physical health. For details see:

http://kimberleypayne.wordpress.com/

Book Review: Kimberley Payne has written a book I wish I had read years ago before all the other diet/health books I have consumed! She approaches health from God's viewpoint and helps us see how body, soul and spirit are entertwined with each other. I love the way she begins each day's portion with a prayer and ends it with a Scripture. She also includes many questions and places to record your own thoughts and goals to help keep you on track, and gives an extensive list of books and magazines for further reading and step by step instructions for the exercise program. Whether you are just beginning on your fitness trek or have travelled this road before, Fit for Faith will make an excellent companion on your journey.

2011-10-10T00:01:00.001-04:00

Spotlight on K. Dawn Byrd

I'd like to welcome K. Dawn to my blog and ask her to answer a few questions so we can all get to know her better. Tell us about your favorite book as a child and your favorite book as an adult. Can you see a connection between those books?

That's a hard question. I can't give you just one book. As a child, I absolutely loved the Nancy Drew Mystery series books and read every one at the school library. Twice. As an adult, I still love a good mystery, which has led to me signing a contract with Desert Breeze Publishing for a three book mystery series for next year, the first of which will debut in January. The Zoe Mack Mystery Series is a college-age series that's heavy on the romance.

I loved Nancy Drew, too! What is your favorite Scripture? Do you also have a favorite Scripture that encourages you in your writing?
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 20:11

That's also one of my favorite verses. If you could go to any place in the world to research/write a book, what setting would you choose?
To write, I love Myrtle Beach. I sit on a balcony overlooking the ocean and write as the waves kiss the shore. It's a perfect setting because Myrtle Beach is famous for golf and there's something for hubby to do while I write.
To research? I'd love to visit New York City. I have a plot rolling around in my head for a WWII romance set there.

Great choices! I often wonder if I would write if I had to do it the old-fashioned way without computers and spell-checks and email. Is there anything about technology that you don't like? Or anything about it that you feel enhances your writing?
My favorite item is my netbook. I have problems with my hands due to a neck injury from a car wreck many years ago. My hands don't hurt if I use the netbook.

Glad you found a way to write without pain. As a writer how have you had to grow and stretch out of your comfort zone?
I'm very much an introvert. I enjoy people, but I don't open up until I know someone quite well. I don't like large crowds at all. Since I've become published, I've attended a couple of writers' conferences. I'd never flown before until I took the leap of faith and went to ACFW last year.

I agree, the ACFW conferences can't be beat! What advice would you give to a beginning writer that you wish someone had given you?
Write for fun! If you're writing for fame or money, that may never come. Write because you enjoy it. I write for the simple joy of placing words on the page.

Great advice! Do you want to add anything about your book such as how to order it?

Links:
You tube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=geWeGQ6Ueu4
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Mistaken-Identity-ebook/dp/B0056AT186/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1315948663&sr=8-1
My Publisher: http://stores.desertbreezepublishing.com//-strse-178/K-Dawn-Byrd-Mistaken/Detail.bok
My website: http://www.kdawnbyrd.com/
My blog: http://www,kdawnbyrd.blogspot.com/
Young adult blog: http://www.zoe-mack.blogspot.com/

2011-10-07T23:39:00.000-04:00

Kimberley Payne's new book release Fit for Faith

I am pleased to help get the word out about Kimberley Payne's book Fit for Faith as it touches many areas near and dear to my heart. I am not able, timewise, to help promote all the books I am asked to, but when I read about Kimberley's book I knew I wanted to be involved. To help tell you about it I will share some of the back cover copy:
This is the statement that really jumped out at me:
Prayer, Bible study & journal writing are to the spirit what exercise, healthy eating and stretching are to the body.
Then it goes on to ask--Do you want to feel better?

This book is for every person who wants a balanced approach to health and weight loss,
while improving his or her spiritual walk with God.
You will discover how easy it is to:
Become more physically active
Use the clear advice on goal-planning and exercise guidelines to set up a program for active living. Apply the plan to your health through a home fitness test and three easy-to-follow strength training programs.
Improve your prayer life.
Learn the basics to get you started. Follow simple steps to an active prayer life.
Make healthy eating a habit.
Learn the secrets of eating well. Discover nutrition guidelines and hands-on, action-oriented strategies.
Read and study the Bible
Rely more on God to help you make changes in your lifestyle. Learn simple Bible study strategies to apply to your day.
Stretch your body
Find out about proper flexibility exercises and tips on stretching. Then apply them to your daily health routine.
Write a journal entry
Discover a new way to express yourself and communicate with God on a more intimate level.
Dispel common myths
Learn the facts surrounding more than 40 health and fitness myths.
This program has shown people how to improve physical and spiritual health.
You can improve your health too!
This book unites physical health and spiritual health through a 7-week program to lose weight and develop a deeper relationship with God. It is a reference on cardiovascular exercise, strength training, prayer, healthy eating, Bible study, flexibility exercise and journal writing.
I only started reading this book last night, but I can't wait to finish it soon, and can't wait to put into practice many of its excellent suggestions. Hope you will join me on this journey to a more balanced person, both physically and spiritually. After all, once you study and practice it for seven weeks, you'll see what a difference this lifestyle is making and want to continue!

Bio for Kimberley Payne:

Kimberley Payne is a motivational speaker and author of Fit for Faith – 7 weeks to improved spiritual and physical health. Her writings relate raising a family, pursuing a healthy lifestyle, and everyday experiences to building a relationship with God. Through her work, Kimberley hopes to inspire women to live happier, healthier lives that glorify God. Kimberley is a former personal trainer and has worked in the designing and counselling fields of weight control, stress management, self esteem improvement and wellness programs. She enjoys recreational activities with her husband and two children near Peterborough, Ontario. You can visit her website at http://www.kimberleypayne.com/

2011-10-07T15:23:00.001-04:00

Guest Blog by Mary Ellis

I am happy to introduce my readers to Mary Ellis who grew up near Amish communities and now writes stories set there. Below is the blurb for her latest book, A Marriage for Meghan, and an article Mary wrote about research she did for the book. Very interesting! Read on to find out why she is glad she eats at Subway! And I found out that Mary and I have several things in common, including marrying our college sweethearts, and retiring from teaching to pursue our writing dreams.

Blurb for A Marriage for Meghan:
Meghan Yost is eager to prove to her father, the bishop, that she’s mature enough to teach school by herself. But just as she gains confidence, a troubled student challenges her authority and an enthusiastic suitor challenges her patience. How can Meghan outgrow her nickname of “little goose” if she can’t stand on her own two feet? When a series of apparent hate crimes sweep through the district, the sheriff calls in the FBI, and Special Agent Thomas Mast arrives carrying a secret he’s hidden for years. Will he come to terms with the past and regain his relationship with God before his career hardened his heart? With more on her plate than one girl can handle, Meghan sets out to help with the investigation. Thomas works closely with the bishop, who hopes the criminals will be arrested before Meghan finds herself in love with the most inappropriate of suitors—an Englischer.

A research article for this book:
While researching my current book, A Marriage for Meghan, God placed the perfect person to help me in my path. Although my main plot focuses on a struggling teacher, I developed a concurrent sub-plot which involves escalating criminal acts against the Amish. I met Lieutenant Matthew Linnscott of the sheriff’s department where I live in a Subway Restaurant. He gave me firsthand information about crimes against the Amish in Wayne and Holmes Counties, Ohio. Thugs had been robbing them on deserted country roads as they returned from auction sales or the grain elevator. They would block the buggy’s path with their cars and then rob these pacifistic people of their cash. How does one catch criminals in sparsely populated rural areas? I’ll tell you how the sheriff’s department handled it. In a joint effort of several agencies, including the FBI, teams of detectives borrowed buggies, dressed in Plain garb, and meandered down country roads during the time period the thieves favored. What a surprise for those thugs when their “helpless victims” turned out to be well-armed, highly-trained officers of the law. Now there are a few less criminals on the streets. And I was able to “pump the brain” of one of my local department’s finest for accounts of other hate crimes aimed at the gentle-hearted Plain folk. Nothing like being in the right place at the right time!

Mary's bio and contact info:
Mary Ellis grew up near an Amish settlement and fell in love with their agrarian lifestyle. She has now written eight novels set in their peaceful communities. When she's not writing she enjoys gardening, bicycling, swimming and traveling with her college sweetheart, her husband of many years. Before "retiring" to write full-time, Mary taught middle school and worked as a sales rep for Hershey Chocolate--a job with amazingly sweet fringe benefits. Her debut Christian book, A Widow's Hope, was a finalist for the 2010 ACFW Carol Awards.
http://www.maryeellis.wordpress.com/
https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Mary-Ellis/126995058236

2011-10-06T10:16:00.003-04:00

Spotlight on Linda Rondeau

I am pleased to be blog swapping with my long-time friend Linda Rondeau today. She has written an excellent post that reminds me of a modern day parable! Please leave her a comment and check out her beautiful book cover below. Also hope you will travel on over to her blog and leave me a comment, too.

Cruise Control Woes by Linda Rondeau

“But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you” (John 14:26)

My pleasant daydreaming came to an abrupt end as the police car turned around and followed me. Recognizing that fact, I decided to slow down. Then those annoying, flashing lights reflected in my rear-view mirror. I pulled to the side of the road and wished my glasses were on my face instead of in my purse.
“Yes, officer?” I rummaged through my purse in search of my driver’s license. When successfully retrieved, I fumbled around the glove compartment for the registration.
“I know it’s here, somewhere.” I smiled. “Ah!” I might as well have said “Eureka!”
The officer had not been impressed by my diligent efforts to find my documents. He glanced at the wrinkled registration. “Do you know why I pulled you over?”
I didn’t think it wise to play a game of truth or dare. “Was I going too fast?” He nodded disapprovingly. “Well, I didn’t do it on purpose.”
He looked at me as if I’d just come off the boat. “Don’t you have cruise control?” Now the truth is that I dislike using cruise control about as much as I detest eating Lima beans. “I forgot to set it.”
I would have been less embarrassed if the officer had been a few decades older. “I have mine on all the time. I have a heavy foot, too.” He thought he was being polite. I let it go. He had the gun. I accepted the ticket with as much grace as I could muster, grateful he hadn’t added an extra one for operating a vehicle while vision impaired.
After the officer drove away, I sneered at the cruise control dial. Now I would have to add this feature to my ever-growing list of adaptations. Life changed too quickly. When I first learned to drive, cruise control meant curfew.
As I folded the summons and tucked it away, I felt the Lord nudge me in my spiritual ribs. I thought I heard Him say, “These controls are for your benefit.”
You don’t mean the car, right? You’re talking about my soul?
I didn’t quite understand the analogy, but I was not in a position to argue with the Lord anymore than I had been with the police officer.
“First, there are the flashing lights. Do you think the police use them to frighten you?”
I suppose the lights were his way of getting my attention.
“So, you see, in order to talk to you, I first have to get your attention. Understand?”
Well, God certainly had my attention now.
“Let’s consider your license and registration. Why do think they are important?”
It seemed the connection might be deeper than simple identification.
“They represent that driving is a privilege, and it came with a price. I gave you my one and only Son for the privilege of calling me Father. Does that mean so little that you toss Him aside and don’t call for Him unless you are in trouble?”
I vowed to keep better track of my driving documents. But, God had not finished this segment of my education. “Now, where were your glasses?”
I knew where they were, I just didn’t bother to wear them.
“How can they be of use to you if they are hidden in your purse? I have given you my Word to show you how you must live. It is my roadmap to salvation. But if you refuse to use it, you will wander, hopelessly lost.”
I squirmed with revelation, but God had one more point. “Now, what is the real reason you refuse to use your cruise control?”
I don’t like being reigned in like a horse. I want freedom.
“Did your freedom help you to be obedient? Or did you yield to temptation?”
Put that way, I had no defense.
“I have given you my Holy Spirit to corral your bent toward sin. He is the cruise control to your Faith, whether you are traveling against heavy winds or steep hills.”
I think I’ve got it. These gifts—your presence, your Word, and your Holy Spirit—serve as my cruise control panel for the road of life.
“I knew you’d catch on with a little help. Now as you say, also do.”
As I drove away, I retracted my glasses from their futile reservoir and never drove without cruise control again.

Bio: Award-winning author, LINDA RONDEAU, writes for the reader who enjoys a little bit of everything. Her stories of redemption and God’s mercies include romance, suspense, the ethereal, and a little bit of history into the mix, always served with a slice of humor. Walk with her unforgettable characters as they journey paths not unlike our own. After a long career in human services, mother of three and wife of one very patient man, Linda now resides in Florida where she is active in her church and community. Readers may visit her web site at http://www.lindarondeau.com./
And you can check out her book trailer at

2011-10-02T22:58:00.000-04:00

Spotlight on Diane E. Tatum and her book Gold Earrings

back cover copy on the book

Daughter of a bordello madame and an Italian captain of the seas, Angelina Mercy longs for a new life, free from the condemnation associated with her mother’s home in Boston. A former navy man, Jonathan Thomson has accepted God’s call and become a minister of a small congregation. Adrift from his Yankee heritage in the Missouri plains, Jonathan longs for a family of his own. Pursuing Alice, the daughter of the town’s wealthy patron, Jonathan believes he can tame her wild ways and accomplish more as a preacher once so established. When Angelina’s guardian and Jonathan’s seminary professor learns of Jonathan’s misguided intentions, he seeks out a solution to aid both individuals, providing a new home for Angelina in St. Joseph, Angelina and Jonathan are brought together with a strong initial attraction.
Can Jonathan ignore Angelina’s Gold Earrings, a constant reminder of the implications of her less than pristine parentage? And will Alice succeed in keeping Jonathan from Angelina? The resilient heroine of Diane E. Tatum’s novel will inspire you in this touching tale of love against the odds.

author bio
While in high school in St. Louis County, Missouri, Diane E. Tatum wrote the short story that grew into this novel. After teaching middle school language arts for eleven years in Tullahoma, Tennessee, Diane “retired” in 2009 in order to write full time. She writes for AssociatedContent.com and Suite101.com. Diane works in youth Sunday school and has written Bible study materials for middle school for LifeWay and David C. Cook. Diane and her husband, Ken, live in Tullahoma, Tennessee. They have two sons and daughters-in-law, one couple in Marietta, GA, and one in Bethesda, MD.

2011-10-01T19:07:00.000-04:00

Congrats to Diane Ashley, winner of a copy of Christmas Belles of Georgia in this month's drawing.

It will be on its way to her as soon as she sends me her mailing address. And I will giveaway another copy next month since that winner would still have the month of December to enjoy a Christmas book. So be sure to stop by and comment often to have more chances.

2011-09-30T00:01:00.003-04:00

Fridays with Friends--L. Jagi Lamplighter

Although I have not met Jagi Lamplighter yet in person, we have been online friends for several years--ever since we both took classes from Margie Lawson and then connected in an online group which Jagi is active in called Digging Deep for writers who want to dig deeper in their writing. I am happy to highlight her and her book Prospero Regained today which has received rave reviews. And she also shares a wonderful story about the wonder of writing.

All About The Wonder: Why I Write Fantasy by L. Jagi Lamplighter

Yesterday, I met my first grader at the bus after school. As we walked home, he asked suddenly:, “Mom, why do you write fantasy?”
I must admit, I was taken aback. I did not have an easy answer ready on the tip of my tongue (or any other part of my tongue, for that matter.) After stuttering a bit, I recovered and said, “Because it is filled with wonder—wonder, magic, and enchantment. Because when you write fantasy, you can write about anything.”
And really, that is the reason. For me, it is all about the wonder.
Fantasy can do anything, go anywhere, occur in any milieu. It can take place in your back yard, in the ancient past, on the moon, in another dimension—the nature and laws of which can be anything you imagine. It can be frightening, romantic, mysterious, filled with intriguing factoids. But there is one thing fantasy does better than any other genre, and that is wonder.
Wonder is the sensation we feel when we suddenly discover that there is more to the world than we expected….and that this more is better, or at least more awe inspiring, than we had imagined. When this happens in real life—when we hold our infant son for the first time, or rush outside on our way to work to find a baby fawn, all wet and new, standing on our driveway, what is the first thing we always say when we describe the experience to someone else?
“It was like magic!”
I live in a world where there is wonder all around me, and no one else ever seems to notice it. Amazing things happen all the time.
Once, I went to the Mall in Washington D.C. in hopes of meeting an author I particularly admired. It is rather a rare thing, to have an author one admires in town. By an even rarer quirk of coincidences, I found myself not in line with the hundreds of other people who were waiting for his signature, but standing next to him, talking to his daughter. There was a sprinkling of rain—which did not dismay his die hard fans in the least—and, when I turned around, a huge rainbow arched across the sky. But it was not just in the sky. From our position, it was coming out of the dome of the capital building!
I had seldom seen a rainbow so clearly, much less one in so auspicious a place! (This was just at the very beginning of the bank crisis, while they were first discussing the bailout. I kept wanting to shout: “Hurry! Catch the Leprechaun! Grab the crock of gold!” ) Things like that just do not happen in real life.

But it did. I even have a picture taken by Cat Mihos:

It was like magic!
I have always wanted to have a daughter. I have also always wanted to adopt a child. When I was a teenager, I had friends who needed adopting, but no one wanted to take on children who were so old. Too much trouble. So that became one of my dreams, too: to adopt a teenager.
I also wanted to be a writer. I have always wanted to tells stories. As a child, a group of adults who used to dress up as elves and kidnap their friends for fun once granted me the title “the Legendmaker,” because even way back then, everyone knew that was what I wanted to do.
But wanting to write and succeeding are two different things. It took me nine years to finish my first novel and another six to sell it. By the time the book finally hit the shelves last summer, I had waited 17 years.
Then, July 29th, 2009, a day I shall never forget, not if I lived for a thousand years, it actually happened. My book arrived! After all that time waiting, I held the beautiful volume in my hands.
But it hardly mattered, because just a few hours before, my husband and I had grasped each other while we sent off the email saying, “Yes, we would like to be the parents to the thirteen year old girl who will lose her ability to have a family forever if she is not adopted before her fourteenth birthday in November.” With the return email, saying that our application was going forward, the picture of the beautiful Chinese girl we had received the day before suddenly became a picture of our daughter. For the first time, after waiting four years, we saw our daughter’s face.
On the same day, I gained a book and a daughter!
It was like magic!
And that is why I write fantasy. Because I want to share that, to weave a tale of awe and enchantment so others can experience even a hint of the way I felt upon those two occasions.
Because nothing is more like magic than magic itself.
When you walk into your garden and discover that fairies really are living in your lily-of-the-valley; when you are taking a rest by a cool mountain river and you suddenly realize that what you had taken for an outcropping of rock is peering at you; when you come around what you thought was a familiar corner an catch elves dancing in the moonlight, that is fantasy at its best. When done right, it reminds us of those moments in our lives, those real moments, when the curtain of mundanity is pulled aside, and we see, not a little man from Kansas, but something vast and glorious that, if only for an instance, lifts us out of our every day life and into eternity.
And that is magic.
PS. Being an published author is a delightful thing…but being the mother of a teenage girl is even more wonderful. One’s life is filled with wonder every day.

L. Jagi Lamplighter’most recent release, Prospero Regained, is the stunning conclusion of the critically acclaimed Prospero’s Daughter series. When not writing, she reverts to her secret identity as an at-home mother in Centreville, Virginia, where she lives with her husband, author John C. Wright, and their four children, Orville, Ping-Ping, Roland Wilbur, and Justinian Oberon.

Website: http://www.ljagilamplighter.com/
Blog: http://arhyalon.livejournal.com/

2011-09-26T23:01:00.000-04:00

Monday Musings on the Tenth Annual ACFW Conference
This blog post is later in the day than I usually post, but I am still experiencing conference overload and jetlag from the time change and airplane ride, plus I just got my pictures downloaded from my camera to my computer. I plan to post about conference for the next few Mondays since so much went on it will be hard to capture it fully without being too long for a single blogpost.
I count it a blessing to be a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and to have been able to attend all of the 10 national conferences held. And my roommate each year since then (except for a couple she had to miss) has been Jennifer Johnson. Jim Peterson introduced us at the first conference, and we have been friends and crit buddies ever since. Jennifer is the same age as my oldest daughter, and we get along so well I would adopt her! Above are a couple pictures of us together. The one on the left is Jennifer, myself and Gayle DeSalles in the middle. Gayle is the talented lady who did the wonderful update of my blog last year. The second picture closer to the top is of 3 of us KY gals--Heather Sunseri on the left, me in the middle and Jennifer again on the right. Stay posted for more snapshots next Monday.

2011-09-23T03:08:00.001-04:00

Friday with Friends--Guestblog by Lynn Squire

Lynn Squire from Monday's post is also the author of today's guestblog, so be sure to check out Monday's posting to learn more about her and her book.

Is God Able to Build What Has Been Destroyed? by Lynn Squire

Perhaps one of the greatest tests of a person’s faith is the destruction of everything one owns. If your possessions are your god, then you will hate who or what destroyed them. If the Creator is your God, then you can rejoice in the testing of your faith and wait to see what miracles God will perform.
Walking through a town that has been devastated by a tornado gives you a heavy, surreal feeling. Houses you knew well no longer exist. Trees uprooted. Landmarks disappeared. You are both in awe of the power of the storm and troubled by its destruction. For the first few moments you wander in shock, then like a slow press, the magnitude of your loss bears down on you. You don’t know where to begin to rebuild…you might even question whether there is any reason to rebuild.
Slowly you pick up a board or a piece of paper and look around, wondering where to put it. A picture caught between two pieces of wall flickers in the wind. An old picture of your grandfather’s home that had once been destroyed, just like yours. It kindles a hope. Perhaps, with hard work, not all is lost. After all, you are alive.
In our darkest hour, God does not abandon us. He’s there, waiting, and if we are listening, we’ll hear Him encouraging us to trust Him just a little more. He’ll help us through.
James 1:2-4 says:
“My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.”
Each time we experience a trial our faith in God is tested, as though He is stretching us, helping us see that we can wait a little longer for Him. Just trust Him and persevere.
How do we trust God and persevere?
· Read the Bible daily and remember how He helped people in the past.
· Pray without ceasing, pouring out your soul to Him while working to direct your thoughts to worshiping Him.
· Count your blessings. Yes, that seems like a pat answer, but it is key to recovery.
· Take small steps of action, covered in prayer, and with an ear open to the Holy Spirit’s guidance.
Perhaps we will not see in our life on earth the blessings that Job experienced after his trial, but we can know that when the new heaven and new earth comes, we’ll know even greater blessings than he had.
Dear Lord, give us the strength and courage to persevere. Help us to wait on You to rebuild our lives as You see fit. I pray this, in Jesus name, AMEN.

2011-09-16T20:53:00.003-04:00

Spotlight on Lynn Squire, author of Joab's Fire

I'm happy to introduce my readers to Lynn Squire who is a fellow ACFW member. She agreed to let us get to know her better by answering some interview questions:
1. Tell us about your favorite book as a child and your favorite book as an adult. Can you see a connection between those books?

I loved Nancy Drew books as a child. Fed on them; dreamed about them; acted them out.
As an adult, I claim Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers as my favorite book, although I have read many that have impacted me and I could easily say were favorites.
As to a connection? I’m afraid I really don’t see one, except maybe my passion for both. I loved that Nancy Drew could do anything. She was really an unbelievable character in that way. On the other hand, Angel in Redeeming Love captured my heart. It was a very difficult book to read, but I couldn’t put it down because I wanted Angel to find God’s redeeming love, just as I have.
2. What is your favorite Scripture? Do you also have a favorite Scripture that encourages you in your writing?
I have a difficult time choosing a favorite Scripture. It changes each time God speaks to me through His Word. One book of the Bible that radically changed my perception on life was Ezekiel. I first read it as a young adult, and recently God used it again to hold me on course. Here are some specific verses:
“When I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die; and thou givest him not warning, nor speakest to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life; the same wicked man shall die in his iniquity, but his blood will I require at thine hand…Again, When a righteous man doth turn from his righteousness, and commit iniquity, and I lay a stumbling block before him, he shall die: because thou hast not given him warning, he shall die in his sin, and his righteousness which he hath done shall not be remembered; but his blood will I require at thine hand.” Ezekiel 3:18,20
Those verses resonate in my heart, coupled with Ezekiel 33:11 “Say unto them, As I live, saith the Lord GOD, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn ye turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die, O house of Israel?”
Ezekiel reveals the holiness and righteousness of God along with His great desire to save us and how much He loves us. I fear in today’s Christianity we have created a god of our own and have forgotten the Lord Jehovah God of the Bible, the one true God—merciful and just, holy and gracious, loving and righteous.
3. If you could go to any place in the world to research/write a book, what setting would you choose?
Jerusalem. I would choose the time when Jesus walked on earth. I want to visit every place He walked, and see every sight He saw, and feel His compassion and love, and then climb Golgotha to bow down before Him and remember what He has done for me.
4. I often wonder if I would write if I had to do it the old-fashioned way without computers and spell-checks and email. Is there anything about technology that you don't like? Or anything about it that you feel enhances your writing?
I still find myself itching to use pen and paper. Something about that method makes the work feel more real, more vibrant. I still print out my manuscripts and use a pen to edit them. I can get into the story better that way. For me, technology tends to be less personal. It causes a distance between me and the words, and thus the story. However, computers and the Internet and e-books certainly speed up the process of writing and make research materials much more accessible. For that, I am grateful.
5. As a writer how have you had to grow and stretch out of your comfort zone?
Every aspect of writing, from creating the plot, to writing, to being critiqued, to being edited, to marketing has pushed me, fed me, and stretched me. In the early stages I usually have a theme in mind. The plot evolves from this theme and the characters begin their acts based on this theme. Soon, however, the plot and characters become catalysts for me to dig deeper, think on a different plane, and face my own weaknesses, failings, or misperceptions. Then, to take that baby to be critiqued by others means having to accept criticism, and the process stretches me further as I have to admit that I’m not perfect and neither is my writing. Marketing becomes a matter of balance. On one hand you need to sell books to make money. On the other, it isn’t about the money; it is about reaching the hearts of the readers. There is a constant battle through the marketing stage to keep the right perspective…this isn’t about me; it’s about God.
6. What advice would you give to a beginning writer that you wish someone had given you?
Do not listen to the wisdom of the world. Listen to the wisdom of God’s Word. Evaluate everything people tell you with the measuring stick of Scripture. And pray without ceasing. In other words, take care of your relationship with God before you write anything.
James 3:1-2a says:
“My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation. For in many things we offend all…”
As a writer, you become the master of the reader’s imagination. We direct his imagination to new worlds, to new thoughts, to a new way of looking at life. If that direction doesn’t line up with God’s Word, then we have dealt falsely with that reader. We need to be careful that our work is founded in Biblical truth, not man’s ideology or experience.
When judgment day comes and my works are tested, I want them to come out pure, and I want to hear my Father say, “Well done.” I want to encourage other writers to pursue the same.
7. Do you want to add anything about your book such as how to order it?
As of September 15, 2011 you can go to any bookstore and order a copy, if they do not have one in stock already. You can also order Joab’s Fire off of any major online bookstore, like Amazon.com or Barnes and Noble.
About the Author

Lynn Squire is an avid writer who artistically intertwines Biblical truth with colorful
narrative. Her childhood farm life, coupled with her equestrian experiences, brings
authenticity and heart to her stories. Lynn actively serves her church through her writing
and in other ministries and is currently the president of the American Christian Fiction
Writers San Francisco Bay Area Chapter in California, where she resides with her

husband and three children.
About the book:
Joab black and his wife Sarah overcame the worst of pioneer hardships in order to establish a prosperous farm in Alberta, Canada. But those challenges never prepared
them for the tragedy they now faced—a staggering loss and intense pain causing them to doubt everything they had ever believed. In the midst of their sorrow, even their closest friends interpret their sufferings as a result of God’s judgment. Has God abandoned them? Inspired by the Biblical book of Job, this novel includes a Bible study exploring the perfection of God’s plan and the bounty of His love even in the most inexplicable and intense sufferings.

2011-09-16T00:06:00.003-04:00

Fridays with Friends--Cherie Burbach

God must be trying to teach me something about social marketing because I went to a local conference about it this week, my spotlight on Monday was about J. Steve Miller's book on marketing, and now when I opened Cherie's post it is also about a form of social marketing! Twitter is new to me, and probably to others, so read on to find out some great advice from Cherie. Her post post is specifically geared toward Christian authors and how they can use Twitter, including some links with resources on connecting with other Christian authors on the site.
How Christian Authors Can Use Twitter
by Cherie Burbach

If you're a Christian author and looking for ways to promote your work and connect with others, Twitter is a wonderful option. You only need to spend a few minutes a day on the site in order to receive benefits like these:

Connect With Other Christian Authors

Networking doesn't just involve saying hello on Twitter (although you can do that as well), but by connecting you are also helping to promote others. This lets you give back to the writing community, and also helps your readers. After all, if they enjoy reading your work (and thus, follow you) they might enjoy another author's books, too.

How do you find Christian authors on Twitter? Here are some lists and links to get you started.

Christian Book Videos (list of Christian authors on Twitter)
Everyday Christian (list of Christian authors on Twitter)
We Follow (a list of Christian writers and resources you can follow individually)
Vessel Project (provides a list on Twitter you can follow)

Since the Internet tends to change quickly, you can also find authors by checking out their webpages or blogs, searching for them online (since their Twitter account usually comes up on the first page of their search results), and using the Twitter search box to look for some combination of "Christian" "author" "writer" or "books."

Promote Your Favorite Bible Passages

Do we ever get enough of hearing God's word? When I'm on Twitter, it's amazing to me how I will be feeling (low, happy, grateful, sad) and I'll see someone tweet a Bible passage that completely speaks to me. You can do this as well by tweeting out your favorite passages, or sharing one that really lifted you up that day.

Promote Your Projects

Sure, you can use Twitter to promote your books and articles, but most Christian authors I know also have a passion for something else. For me? Diabetes etiquette and awareness. I retweet helpful posts I find on the subject and try to help educate folks on the best way to help their diabetic friend or family member.

If you have a charity or community project you're passionate about, Twitter is a wonderful resource for this. Tweeters generally respond very well to getting the word out by retweeting or commenting on tweets related to good works.

Author Bio:

Cherie Burbach is an author, blogger, poet, crocheter, and geek. She is the About.com Guide to Friendship and has penned eleven books and ebooks, including Internet Dating Is Not Like Ordering a Pizza and 21 Ways to Promote Your Book on Twitter. She has published over 500 articles on the subjects of health, sports, and lifestyle. For more info, visit her website, http://www.cherieburbach.com/.

2011-09-12T00:01:00.001-04:00

Monday Spotlight on J. Steve Miller
I am happy to spotlight one of my fellow John316marketingnetworkers today. J. Steve Miller has written an outstanding book called Sell More Books that all writers should read. He wrote it especially to help other authors. Here is what Dr. Robert E. McGinnis, author of 15 young adult novels, has to say about it. "Sell More Books! is "filled with useful tips I don't find elsewhere. A masterpiece of research, wisdom, and encouragement."
Here are some questions and answers I asked Steve to share with us.
1. Tell us about your favorite book as a child and your favorite book as an

adult. Can you see a connection between those books?
Interesting question! The earliest books I recall capturing my
imagination were super hero books. In the late 60's many of us felt
restless, like there had to be more to life than going to school,
getting a job, making money, raising a family, and dying. To me, James
Bond or a super hero had significance. They made a difference. That's
part of what attracted me to Christianity as a high school student;
Jesus offered deep significance, like God had commissioned me with a
significant task.
So today I write books, not for fame and fortune, but to help and
impact others. Books have changed my life. With "Sell More Books," I'm
able to help fellow authors who are impacting others as well.
2. That's a great testimony, Steve, which leads right into my next questions. What is your favorite Scripture? Do you also have a favorite Scripture that encourages you in your writing?
Probably the principle expressed by Jesus when He said that He came
not to be served, but to serve. The church I attend is big on finding
practical needs in the community and meeting those needs. They don't
meet a need and preach the gospel; they do acts of kindness with no
strings attached. It's amazing how many people are impacted
spiritually as a result.
So in my books, I try to meet needs - like The Contemporary Christian
Music Debate to help churches choose their worship style, or Enjoy
Your Money! to help young people get a handle on their finances, or
Sell More Books to help authors write and publish successfully.
3. If you could go to any place in the world to research/write a book, what
setting would you choose?
Slovakia. We lived there until my wife was diagnosed with cancer.
Sipping coffee at a cafe on a cobbled street in historic Bratislava,
near a wall that still holds a canonball shot by Napolean's army -
that kind of setting inspires reflection. I'd need my entire family
there as well. They keep me out of the clouds and tell me candidly
whether my writing works or stinks.
4. I often wonder if I would write if I had to do it the old-fashioned way
without computers and spell-checks and email. Is there anything about
technology that you don't like? Or anything about it that you feel enhances
your writing?
I love writing with computers. I can write from any location, can type
crappy first drafts at lightning speed, followed by relentless
editing. Then I can send digital copies to scores of people to get
their input. I'd be very frustrated going back to pen and paper.
5. Me, too! As a writer how have you had to grow and stretch out of your comfort
zone?
By getting constant input, I find that what makes sense to me doesn't
make sense to others. That stretches me, forcing me to constantly
rethink what I'm writing. I'm very idea-driven - getting ideas from
everyone. I sent early manuscripts of Sell More Books to many authors
and publishers. Their candid input - often ruthlessly honest - let me
know where I needed to do further research, or how some of my counsel
applied well to fiction writers, but not to writers of textbooks. Their challenging input resulted in a much more accurate book.
6. What advice would you give to a beginning writer that you wish someone
had given you?
As I was writing my first book, I studied writing and studied the
writing industry. Concerning writing, an editor for InterVarsity wrote
in Writers Market, "If you're writing nonfiction, read Zinsser's On
Writing Well, and do what he says." I read the book and wrote a page
of his suggestions to help me self edit, like "Use active verbs - get
my subject doing something."
I also read up on the industry. Today, it's in such flux that authors
need the latest information to succeed and keep from being scammed.
That's why we wrote Sell More Books. I wish I'd had that information
when I started out.
7. Do you want to add anything about your book such as how to order it? What
are your website addresses?
You can find it on Amazon (Kindle or paper) here:
http://www.amazon.com/Sell-More-Books-Publishing-Revolutions/dp/0981875637/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1314978095&sr=8-1
For other places to order, more reviews, etc., see the press page:
http://wisdomcreekpress.com/press_kits_sell_more_books.html
Thanks for the interview!
Thank you, Steve. I hope my readers will click on that last site to read much more about the book, even the chapter titles. Then check it out on amazon.com and order your copy. I'm sure glad I did! Rose

2011-09-09T22:35:00.000-04:00

Fridays with Friends--Tom Blubaugh

Happy Friday. I hope you will enjoy this article about networking by Tom Blubaugh.

Centers of Influence by Tom Blubaugh
A point of origin, as of influence, ideas, or actions that produces an effect without any apparent exertion of force or direct exercise of command.

Does the above definition sound like you? Apply to you? I assure you it does. It is a perfect description of you and everyone you know. Everything you do influences someone or something in some way. Have you ever tossed a pebble into a river? Did you notice how the impact of the stone moved a circle of water out until it finally returned to the calm apparent before the incident? Your words and actions are like that of the stone. They cause a “ripple effect” and literally move things around you. Whether the effect is good or bad depends on you.

Have you noticed?
* How an action in the Middle East causes the stock market to move?
* How an accident on the freeway backs up traffic for miles?
* How a stuck stoplight disrupts traffic?
* How an injured player stops a game?
* How a comedy scene makes a whole audience laugh?

We could go on and on and on.

Take a piece of paper and draw a small circle in the middle. Write your name in the circle. Then draw a circle for every person with whom you have a relationship. Place their name in the circle. These don’t have to be close relationships. Include family members, friends, fellow employees, neighbors, people you do business with, church members, other organization members, and so on. Then connect all of those circles to the number of other circles representing people with whom they are connected. You will be amazed at your circle of influence.

Do you notice how many of them are people you like or love? Can you see how every word and action affects this vast number of people? I say vast because most weddings and funerals have approximately 200 people in attendance. I say 200 people is a vast number because 200 x 200 = 40,000. Amazing isn’t it? And that is only two ripples in the water.

This ripple affect works when you see a good movie, eat at a great restaurant, and read a good book. You pass positive comments to your family, friends, and neighbors. Who are the centers of influence in your life? On Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn? Have you shared your book with them? Your blog? This is networking at it’s best.

Tom Blubaugh, Author of Night of the Cossack--Read the first chapter get a signed copy by ordering here. FREE shipping in USA. Published by Bound by Faith Publishers.

ebook for Kindle available at Amazon.com. Be sure to like my page and do a review when you finish, if you like my book.
Amazon Author page.
Amazon reviews.
ebook for Nook available at Barnes & Noble
Night of the Cossack Facebook author page. Be sure to like my page while you're there please.
Personal Facebook page
Visit My Blog. Be sure to sign up as a follower.
http://twitter.com/
Author's Den. A great Author/Reader site. You can join free. Look me up and be sure to become a fan while you're there.
Check me out on Goodreads.
Co-author of The Great Adventure published by Barbour Publishing. (out of print).
Genesis Project
Jericho Commission, Inc.

2011-09-02T11:18:00.000-04:00

Fridays with Friends--Janet Barton

I welcome my long-time friend Janet Lee Barton today. She writes a very heart-felt tribute to the Heartsong Presents line which gave her and many other fine authors their first chance at publication. And she also shares with us some info about her last series of books for HP.

A Sad Farewell by Janet Lee Barton

It's a sad thing to see the Barbour Heartsong Presents line come to a close. Along with so many others, I got my start in writing for the line and I feel so blessed to have been able to write for HP. In all I have written 16 novels for the HP line, and this last series is one of my favorites.
I call it my Oklahoma Sooner series because it begins with the land run to Guthrie in 1889, and tells three different love stories taking place in one family during those first 20 years. It only took one visit to Guthrie, which is about 15 minutes away from where I live, to ignite my imagination. I love the historical town that became the capitol of the Territory and played such a huge part in Oklahoma becoming a state.

And I loved telling the story of Faith and Gabe in I'd Sooner Have Love, first book in the series. Both had reasons to keep from falling in love, but they found that God had plans of His own for them. I just recieved my copies of Sooner Sunrise, second book in the series. It tells the story of Samantha and Ben, a widower who longs for someone to share his sunrises at the farm with, and a woman alone and on the run, afraid to trust her heart to any man. The Lord has plans for them, too. Their stories are set amid a growing Guthrie in Oklahoma Territory.
The series comes to a close with the last book, Sooner Sunset, coming out in December. Saying goodbye to a series I loved writing and a line I loved to write for, hasn't been easy. But I know God has a plan and I'm looking forward to whatever it is He has in store.
Janet Lee Barton
Finding a Forever Kind of Love
http://www.janetleebarton.com/
I'd Sooner Have Love-May 2011

Sooner Sunrise- September 2011
Sooner Sunset- December 2011

2011-09-01T23:06:00.000-04:00

September 1, 2011--Book release and book drawing

My book Christmas Belles of Georgia released today! And my sweet children all called to congratulate me! And I booked another booksigning! A great day!

And it is a good day/evening for Chris Weigand, number 21 of my 49 followers. My husband chose her number, so she wins a hot-off-the-press copy! And I have decided to do the same giveaway next month, so all of my current followers (except Chris) and any new followers will all be in the drawing on Oct. 1st for a copy of Christmas Belles of Georgia.

Happy release day to me, and to all my faithful followers! And all praise and thanks to God, the Giver of all good things!

2011-08-29T00:01:00.001-04:00

Monday Musings--I'm officially a published author now!
The official release date for Christmas Belles of Georgia is September 1st, but I have already received my author copies from Barbour as you can see from this picture. This is truly a dream come true, and I give all the praise to God for giving me this opportunity, and for leading me to ACFW where I have learned so much and met so many wonderful, helpful people who had a big part in this happening.

So, I want to share with you my dedication which took over a page to thank everyone. It truly "takes a village" to get a book published!

Dedication

This book is dedicated to two of the most wonderful ninety-four-
year-young women I know—Ruth Seamands and Helen
Jean Wiglesworth. Their Christian witness and zest for life have
been an inspiration to me and countless others. My friends and I
all want to be like them when we grow up!
Special thanks to:
My husband, Chester, for all of his encouragement and help,
even when it means loading the dishwasher
three times in one day!
Becky Germany, Jeanie Smith Cash, Jeri Odell,
and Debra Ullrick for taking a chance on me and my writing.
And to Margie Vawter for her wonderful editing skills.
My encouragers and prayer warriors—Crystal, Dottie, Kathy,
Kim, Connie, Jan, Ann, and Unity Christian
Church Rosebud SS class.
My forever friends, whose names are immortalized
in some of my characters’ names.
Debbonnaire and Jennifer, who helped me brainstorm this story.
And my fabulous critique partners who enriched the story—
Jennifer, Joy, and Loretta.
My two daughters, Christy and Mandy, who also read the story
and gave me encouragement. And my son, Stephen, who now
has to read my book because he promised to
do so when I got published!
My Georgia helpers who answered many questions—Ane and
Greg Mulligan, Thomas Smith, Rod Perry, and Scott Smith.
All of my writing friends at LRW, BCW, and ACFW,
with special thanks to Lynn Coleman for making
my first critique so gentle, yet helpful.
The readers whom I hope will enjoy this
book as much as I enjoyed writing it.
And most of all, praise God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—
from whom all blessings flow, including this opportunity
to see the writing dream He gave me come true.

2011-08-26T00:09:00.001-04:00

Welcome to today's guestblog: A Story Seven Years in the Making by Staci Stallings

In retrospect, maybe I shouldn't have named the book "A Work in Progress." Maybe that was my first clue of how long this particular book would take to write.
The planting of the seed happened over a message board about 10 years ago. Remember message boards? You posted something, then other people responded, and you had a nice little conversation about a certain topic. Well, I started posting about this show that I really liked on TV at the time. Another young lady was posting as well, and we got into this big (but good-natured) argument about which guy on the show was our favorite.
She liked one of the guys that I would never in a million years have ever thought about dating. In the midst of this conversation, I wrote two different books featuring the guy I liked from the show. Then she emailed one day (after the message boards had shut down and we had remained friends despite our different tastes in guys) and said she thought I should write one about the guy she liked.
That sparked a long conversation with myself about why anyone would like this guy. Strangely, the more I asked the question, the more I realized how much he had to offer the right girl. I realized there were things about him that no one probably knew because although part of him was the comedy guy often claiming the center of attention, there was a lot about the other sides of who he really was that got looked over and even sometimes trampled upon.
So I started this story "A Work in Progress" about Rebecca Avery, a college student who would never be one of the popular kids. She watches them, envies them, and hates them. Then one day she literally runs into Eric Barnett in one of the all-time classic scenes I have ever been given the honor of writing. In fact, one of my problems over the seven years it took to write this one was that each time I pulled it up, I thought I just had to start reading it from the beginning to know where I was again.
I read that first scene countless times and it never got old. Each time I read through it, I would think, "Wow, this is really, really good. Why haven't I finished this yet?" Then I would get to the last page I had written and start writing more. Five pages, ten, sometimes even 20 or 30. But time and again, I got stopped either by life or by being like that dog on "Up" going, "Squirrel!" before chasing off in another direction after another great story idea.
The pieces of this one came VERY slowly, but I'm so glad they did. Here's why. When I started this book, I was one person. By the time I finished it, I had literally become someone very different. I started it wanting to be this successful, bestselling author. I read every book on marketing and did my level best to become the success I thought God required me to be. ("Performance Christians, please raise your hands!" I would've had to raise both of mine.)
However, somewhere between 31-years-old and 38-years-old, God--the real God--finally got a hold of my life and showed me that it wasn't about my performance. It wasn't about anything I had ever done or could ever do. My worth was set by Him. Period. As a child of the God of the Universe, I was already a success. I didn't have to prove anything to anybody. I could be me and not apologize or rationalize or justify that to anyone. And, oh, the freedom and relief that flowed from finally understanding that!
Strangely enough, that's exactly what Rebecca learns in the book. She finally realizes that life is less about gaining friends to be popular and more about letting people into your soft spots. Yes, sometimes that hurts. Sometimes it hurts really, really badly. But that's the only way to really live. It's the only way to truly be friends. Otherwise, you're just acquaintances who just happen to know one another's phone number, address, and favorite food.
As for Eric, I finally did learn to have almost as much admiration for him as my friend did. She was right--he is a very cool guy when you give him a chance.
Oh, and you'll be glad to know that the second and third books in The Faith Series didn't take nearly so long to write as this one. In fact, they were finished within nine months of "A Work in Progress" being finished. It was like seven years of learning all came pouring out of me. Lessons about how to be a friend and how to let yourself be open enough to let others in. Lessons about not judging others for their denomination and looking instead at their hearts. Lessons about being true to yourself and standing in the gap for one another.
Those seven years turned out to be worth every second they took to get here. The truth is, I'm still "A Work in Progress" as I think we all are. The more we remember that and stop trying to be perfect--and stop requiring each other to be perfect--the more wonderful life gets because it's only then that we actually learn to live rather than breaking our necks trying to impress everyone else who are breaking their own necks trying to impress us!

A stay-at-home mom with a husband, three kids and a writing addiction on the side, Staci Stallings has numerous titles for readers to choose from. (Pick up the Price of Silence now for only $0.99! http://www.amazon.com/The-Price-of-Silence-ebook/dp/B004E9U7P6) Not content to stay in one genre and write it to death, Staci’s stories run the gamut from young adult to adult, from motivational and inspirational to full-out Christian and back again. Every title is a new adventure! That’s what keeps Staci writing and you reading. Although she lives in Amarillo, Texas and her main career right now is her family, Staci touches the lives of people across the globe every week with her various Internet endeavors including:

Books In Print, Kindle, & FREE on Spirit Light Works:
http://stacistallings.wordpress.com/
Spirit Light Books--The Blog: http://spiritlightbooks.wordpress.com/
And… Staci’s website http://www.stacistallings.com/ Come on over for a visit…
You’ll feel better for the experience!
Connect with her on Twitter: @StaciStallings

2011-08-21T22:54:00.003-04:00

A special book and two special ladies

This past week has been very special to me as I received my author copies of my first fiction book. And I want to share with you the two special ladies it is dedicated to. The dedication reads "This book is dedicated to two of the most wonderful ninety-four year-young women I know--Ruth Seamands and Helen Jean Wiglesworth. Their Christian witness and zest for life have been an inspiration to me and countless others. My friends and I all want to be like them when we grow up!"

On Friday I took an autographed copy to Helen Jean Wiglesworth who lives in Cynthiana, KY. She went on a girl's getaway cruise with me when she was ninety and walked all over the ship! She still drives herself to church and plays the organ. And she reads voraciously, knits, crochets, and avidly watches and cheers for all the UK basketball games. She reminded me of her daily prayer asking God to use her to bless others and them to bless her. What a great prayer!

Then today, my husband and I drove to Wilmore, KY, to deliver a copy of my book to Ruth Seamands, or Mama Ruth as so many of us in ACFW call her. Those who have met her know how wonderful she is. I told my husband on the way that I was thirsty and wanted to stop if we saw a DQ and get a soda, but we never saw one. Then, when we got there Ruth had tall glasses sitting out for us to make coke floats! I told her she read my mind! She also fed us some yummy Indian trail mix she had made up. Ruth still does her morning stretches and credits them with her being able to get around so well without a walker. Although her eyesight is worse some days than others from her macular degeneration, she still manages to read with a special magnifying machine. Her mind is still as sharp as one of the Fijian spears she has hanging on her walls! And she drives her golfcart named "Ruth's Rocket" around Wesley Village.

I hope now you know why all of us in ACFW want to be like Ruth, and why my "Forever Friends" and I want to grow up to be like Helen Jean--two very special ladies to me and so many others!

2011-08-19T23:17:00.000-04:00

Fridays with Friends--Pam Hillman

Pam Hillman has been a good friend since we met at the first ACFW conference. I am so happy to be featuring her as part of her blog tour for her debut novel, Stealing Jake.

Pam, can you tell us a little about yourself?
I write inspirational fiction set in the turbulent times of the American West and the Gilded Age. My debut book, Stealing Jake, won the American Christian Fiction Writer’s Genesis contest and was a finalist in Romance Writers of America’s prestigious Golden Heart contest. I live in Mississippi with my husband and family on the family farm. I was born and raised in the country and can’t imagine living in the city.

When you were a child did you have a favorite book or books?
When I was about five, my favorite book was The Kitten Twins, about two mischievous kittens named Twinkle and Boo. For some reason, I didn’t have a lot of books at home, and didn’t learn to read until I started first grade. But I caught on quickly and fell in love with books. One day, our teacher, Mrs. Smith, told us to bring something to school to trade with the other children. I remember taking a small stuffed bear I had gotten on vacation in the Great Smokey Mountains in Tennessee. One of the girls brought the book, The Kitten Twins. Oh, I wanted that book! And I got it. I never forgot that special Little Golden book. I even named my real kittens Twinkle and Boo.

Do you have a favorite genre to both read and write?
I love to read and write historical romance, especially prairie romance and westerns set in America during the late 1800s. I don’t know why I fell in love with that genre and that era. Maybe it was all those John Wayne movies and Gunsmoke episodes I watched as a kid.

Did you have favorite authors growing up who have influenced you?
I cut my teeth on the great western writer, Louis L’Amour. L’Amour kept me mesmerized with his tales of cowboys and Indians, outlaws, prim schoolteachers, hot dry deserts and boom towns.

When did you know you wanted to be an author?
I knew I wanted to be a writer by the time I was 8 or 9 years old. There was a small public library where we checked out books once a week on the way home from school. My brother and my cousins were okay with stopping by the library on the way home from school, but it was the highlight of my week! I checked out the maximum allowed (I think it was 3) and my cousin, Joy, checked out 3 more that I wanted to read. I’m sure I even twisted her little brother’s arm and made him check out books I picked out! lol

How did you go about becoming an author?
As a child, I was fascinated by how authors put all those stories on paper. Somehow, my brain just naturally made up stories. But for years, I didn’t write them down. I tried to get started a few times, but didn’t know how to construct a compelling story with an interesting beginning, firm middle, and satisfying ending. So out of lack of knowledge and fear of failure, I just kept dreaming. I think I had the idea that as long as I didn’t attempt to write, I couldn’t fail at writing. In 1994, I decided that if I was ever going to write, I had to stop kidding myself and get to work. This was before the internet changed our lives, and the first thing I did was go to the library and check out the only book they had on becoming a writer. It was “How to write a Romance” by Kathryn Falk. I read it, picked one of the many ideas in my brain to start writing, and began. Oh, and I need to add that this was when Apple came out with the Apple Macintosh computer. I was a young mother with two children and my mother wanted to give me a gift. She asked what I wanted. I told her a computer. I had a computer science degree but no computer at home. So, now I had a computer so I could write. I’m not sure I would have ever attempted it if I had to write long-hand. Next, the librarian called me one day and told me that a lady was there who was also interested in writing a novel. I left work and we met and chatted for a while. She was a member of Magnolia State Romance Writers of America, the RWA chapter in Mississippi. So, that connection led me to RWA. It was there that I met real, live flesh and blood women who were writing novels and getting them published. At that point, I realized my dream was something I could attain. Someday. Somehow.

If you were not a writer what would you like to be?
I’d own a dusty old bookstore with a winding staircase to a little alcove sitting nook, where I’d offer coffee, tea, and cookies to my guests. It really wouldn’t matter if I actually sold any books. Just being surrounded by them would be good enough!

Besides reading and writing what do you like to do?
I like traveling, just meandering all over the place with no set agenda in mind, and eating at really good old-fashioned restaurants.

Do you have a place you love to visit or would love to visit?
I’ve always wanted to travel overseas. I’d love to visit England, Ireland, and Australia. I’m not fond of the idea of being in an airplane for 10-12 hours, but maybe someday, I’ll get the chance.

If you could have a meal with 3 living people who would you choose and why?
I would say my husband and two sons, but then the boys would bring their girlfriends, so that would be six of us, so that’s too many. But I’d rather hang out with them that anyone. So….let’s see. Only 3? Sigh. That leaves out the Seekers, since there are 15 of us. Seriously, I’d rather have dinner with 3 family members or 3 of my writing friends, or agents and editors at ACFW than a Saudi Arabian prince or a king or the President. The very thought gives me hives. Let me sit around a campfire listening to some ol’ cowpoke nobody’s ever heard of spinning tales about his adventures, and I’m happy.

Finally, can you tell us about your current books and/or any that will be coming out soon. Also where we can find you on the web.

My debut novel, Stealing Jake, released from Tyndale House Publishers July 2011.

When Livy O'Brien spies a young boy jostling a man walking along the boardwalk, she recognizes the act for what it is. After all, she used to be known as Light-fingered Livy. But that was before she put her past behind her and moved to the growing town of Chestnut, Illinois, where she's helping to run an orphanage. Now she'll do almost anything to protect the street kids like herself.

Sheriff's deputy Jake Russell had no idea what he was in for when he ran into Livy--literally--while chasing down a pickpocket. With a rash of robberies and a growing number of street kids in town--as well as a loan on the family farm that needs to be paid off--Jake doesn't have time to pursue a girl. Still, he can't seem to get Livy out of his mind. He wants to get to know her better . . . but Livy isn't willing to trust any man, especially not a lawman.

Please visit me on the web at http://www.pamhillman.com/, http://www.calicotrails.blogspot.com/ and http://www.blogger.com/goog_877852749

And I’m giving away a Kindle in October. Deadline to enter is September 30th.
Kindle Giveaway Link: http://pamhillman.blogspot.com/2011/07/pams-blog-tour-kindle-contest.html

Stealing Jake Prologue and 1st Chapter: http://www.blogger.com/goog_877852755

Stealing Jake Amazon link:
http://www.amazon.com/Stealing-Jake-ebook/dp/B0057Z87DK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1309377471&sr=8-1

Stealing Jake B&N link:
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/stealing-jake-pam-hillman/1103995167?ean=9781414366616&itm=1&usri=stealing%2bjake

Rose, it’s been a pleasure to be your guest. Thank you for asking me.

Thank you, Pam. I hope everyone will hurry on over to your sites and order your book.

2011-08-17T21:28:00.000-04:00

Spotlight on Lisa Lickel

Today I want to introduce you to another member of John316marketingnetwork. Lisa is also a member of ACFW, and I met her in person at a writing conference in Chicago a few years ago. Since then, we even did a book proposal together. Here are some questions I asked and her answers.

1. Tell us about your favorite book as a child and your favorite book as an adult. Can you see a connection between those books?

I loved The Pokey Little Puppy, and later Judy’s Journey and then Anne McCaffrey, and still think Ray Bradbury is brilliant. Each of the books are journeys of some kind, whether of discovery and exploration, or of self and coming of age.

2. What is your favorite Scripture? Do you also have a favorite Scripture that encourages you in your writing?
My favorite scripture is Hebrews 10:23 “Let us hold unswervingly to the faith we profess, for he who promised is faithful.” It reminds me that I’m responsible after I’ve made the profession – responsible for my actions and speech, and writing.

3. If you could go to any place in the world to research/write a book, what setting would you choose?
Hmmm…if all the time in the world could pass to research and write without me feeling guilty, I’d love to do an ancient history book about life in Alaska through the ages.

4. I often wonder if I would write if I had to do it the old-fashioned way without computers and spell-checks and email. Is there anything about technology that you don't like? Or anything about it that you feel enhances your writing?
This may sound funny, but I still prefer to plot and think and set up my books with paper and pen. I have notebooks devoted to this. I feel like I can think more creatively, make notes, draw lines and arrows and jot things that I don’t think come out right in typing. Although I love spell check, it doesn’t catch my missing words or sometimes it helps me by filling in a word I didn’t mean, so it comes out wrong while I’ve just passed it by.

5. As a writer how have you had to grow and stretch out of your comfort zone?
Always, the marketing. I am so not comfortable with lots of people around me, and having to talk usually gives me the vapors. I’m fine when I’ve begun to teach a workshop, for example, but the time leading up to big events makes me ill. But I have to go back and get my name out there.

6. What advice would you give to a beginning writer that you wish someone had given you?
I wish someone had been able to make me understand that publishing is a business and everyone at any time will have a different opinion about what’s going to work one place, one moment, will not work the next time. I got the “try” thing done pretty well, but the practice of rejection is still puzzling.

7. Do you want to add anything about your book such as how to order it?

Thanks, Rose. People can buy my last book, the Grace-award-winning Meander Scar, in either print or electronic form at Barnes and Noble or Amazon. In October, I’ll be releasing a new book with Shellie Neumeier, and next spring I’ll have a new book out that’s the long-awaited sequel to my cozy mystery, The Gold Standard. So please keep an eye on my web site or Facebook author page for updates.
Rose again: I bought The Gold Standard at the conference where I met Lisa and really enjoyed it, so I look forward to reading this sequel. I hope you will check out some of Lisa's links for more info on her and her books.

http://www.lisalickel.com/

http://www.shellieneumeier.com/

Amazon print: http://www.amazon.com/Meander-Scar-Lisa-J-Lickel/dp/1934912239/ref=sr_1_1_oe_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1267452628&sr=1-1

Amazon Kindle: http://www.amazon.com/Meander-Scar-ebook/dp/B0037Z6YM8/ref=tmm_kin_title_0?ie=UTF8&m=AG56TWVU5XWC2

Meander on BN: http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Meander-Scar/Lisa-J-Lickel/e/9781934912232/?itm=1&USRI=Lisa+Lickel

Facebook Author page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Author-Lisa-J-Lickel/92717402338

2011-08-12T00:27:00.011-04:00

Fridays with Friends--Elaine Cooper

What an amazing story our guest today has for us! Read it and be blessed. Thanks so much for sharing, Elaine.

The Healing Power of Writing

By Elaine Marie Cooper

Sometimes we can look to the past to help heal the present. That healing can take many forms but in my case it was the balm of writing about my ancestors that helped me recover from the loss of my daughter.

Bethany was 24 when she passed away from a brain tumor and I knew my life would never be the same. As a freelance writer for many years, my mind assumed that I would write a book about that experience in order to help others. But in the months after the Lord took her home, I was not that strong. Just the thought of re-living the two years prior to her death by writing it out in excruciating detail was more than I could endure at the time.

On the fourth anniversary of her passing, a sudden revelation of sorts birthed in my thoughts: I would write about my fourth great-grandparents during the American Revolution. I was always intrigued by the family story of the British soldier who stayed behind in America and married an American woman. I couldn’t think of anything more romantic than two enemies coming together, so caught up in each other that politics was tossed to the wind so they could be together.

But an interesting tapestry of healing took place in my heart as I researched and created the words that flowed from one chapter to the next. Although I was writing fiction, the emotional and spiritual turmoil that unfolded in the characters was real. It was the devastation of loss that was transferred from my heart to my characters lives. And as they recovered and healed, so did I.

The book that was birthed from my pain is The Road to Deer Run. Set in 1777, it involves the unexpected meeting of a wounded British soldier and a colonial farm woman. Both have experienced loss. Both are filled with anger. But besides falling in love with each other, they also learn to have faith and trust in God and to forgive.

This first novel led to my sequel The Promise of Deer Run, which releases in a couple of weeks (by Sept. 1, 2011). The series has now turned into a saga and I am beginning the research for Book Three.

Summary of The Road to Deer Run:

During the American Revolution, British soldier Daniel Lowe has been captured after being wounded at the Battle of Saratoga in 1777. He escapes from his captors and hides in the woods to die, only to be rescued by Mary Thomsen, an American farmwoman. As Daniel’s festering wound heals, his gratitude to the woman who saved him transforms into love. But as an enemy soldier, his presence is endangering Mary, as well as her widowed mother and little sister. As he desperately tries to hide his identity, he is faced with numerous obstacles: exposure by the local Patriots, an attack by a British deserter, and a threat from his worst nemesis, an American soldier who also loves Mary and figures out who Daniel really is.

“With subplots as appealing as the main story, the book is well researched, well written, and well worth the purchase price. Ready for the sequel.”
— Kirkus Discoveries Reviews

Honorable Mention in the 2011 Los Angeles Book Festival Awards

Finalist in the 2011 Next Generation Indie Book Awards

Summary of The Promise of Deer Run:

America’s war for freedom from England has been over for seven years, but the wounds of that conflict still haunt the minds and hearts of the residents of Deer Run. Young American veteran Nathaniel Stearns has withdrawn to a life of isolation as he awaits his father who never returned from the war. A near-tragedy in the woods brings him face-to-face with nineteen-year-old Sarah Thomsen, someone he had long admired but he assumed had eyes for another. This chance encounter opens a crack into the door of his heart as mutual affection quickly blooms. But slander and lies soon mar the budding romance, rendering both Sarah and Nathaniel wounded and untrusting as their faith in both their God and each other is shattered. Set in 1790, this book continues the story of the Thomsen and Lowe families as they struggle to survive in the aftermath of the war that birthed the United States.

Author Biography

Elaine Marie Cooper grew up in Massachusetts but now lives in the Midwest with her husband, her three dogs and one huge cat. She has two married sons and triplet grandchildren who are now one-year-old. Elaine’s only daughter Bethany passed away in 2003 from a brain tumor.

A retired registered nurse, Elaine has been a magazine freelance writer for many years, and is a regular contributor to a blog on the Midwest called The Barn Door (www.thebarndoor.net) and a blog on Christian living called Reflections In Hindsight (ReflectionsInHindsight.wordpress.com) She is also the author of her debut novel called “The Road to Deer Run.” The sequel, “The Promise of Deer Run,” will be available by Fall of 2011.

Elaine Cooper can be reached on FaceBook http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000997223171

or visit her website at:
DeerRunBooks.com

2011-08-09T09:18:00.000-04:00

Today is the day--the launch of Janet Perez Eckles' wonderful, inspiring book Simply Salsa!

Go to her landing page at http://www.simplysalsathebook.com/ to order your copy on August 9 through Amazon.com and get lots of bonus e-gifts and a chance to win a $100 American Express gift card or a round-trip airline ticket good for travel in the continental U.S.

Watch this one-minute video for details: http://www.youtube.com/watbbbbbbbch?v=sW586tTcRxg
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/janeteckles

2011-08-08T21:32:00.000-04:00

We all like contests and here is one you don't want to miss!

Fabulous contest for a chance to win round-trip airline ticket and $100 gift card. For only 24 hours, Tuesday August 9, my author friend, J.P. Eckles is offering all this and more if you order your own copy of Simply Salsa: Dancing Without Fear at God’s Fiesta through Amazon.com.

The book is passionate in its style, sweet in its approach, and bold to point you to Christ. Simply Salsa will uplift you to see life in a brighter light no matter what burdens you today. Watch video with details: http://bit.ly/peQ9n2

I plan to order a copy on Tuesday, August 9th, and hope you will, too. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain!

2011-08-08T00:01:00.001-04:00

Monday Spotlight on Tracy Krauss

I am happy to introduce you to another of my John316marketingnetwork pals--Tracy Krauss. I hope you will enjoy learning more about her as I did from these questions. Perhaps you could leave a question for her yourself.
1. Tell us about your favorite book as a child and your favorite book as an adult. Can you see a connection between those books?
That is a really tough question because I loved reading as a child and it is hard to pick one favorite. I really, really got into Edgar Rice Burrows’ TARZAN series as a kid. I read them all (and there are like 30!) Now that I think of it, this is quite interesting and insightful because my favorite book as an adult is probably MONSTER by Frank Peretti. It’s about a crazy ape-like creature terrorizing the forests. See any connection? Wow. That’s brilliant, Rose!

2. What is your favorite Scripture? Do you also have a favorite Scripture that encourages your writing? Psalm 91 is probably my favorite – ‘He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty …’ etc. I also love Ecclesiastes. It is melancholy and encouraging at the same time. It’s good to know that everything has its time, that the best thing I can do is live whole-heartedly for God, and that I should do my best at whatever I put my hand to do. All of these thoughts are from Ecclesiastes.

3. If you could go to any place in the world to research/write a book, what setting would you choose?
That is tough. I’m currently working on a WIP that has some of its locations in Italy. That would be sweet.

4. My husband and I got to visit Italy a couple years ago, Tracy. We spent our 41st anniversary in a gondola in Venice! I hope you can go someday, too. I often wonder if I would write if I had to do it the old-fashioned way without computers and spell-checks and email. Is there anything about technology that you don't like? Or anything about it that you feel enhances your writing? I started writing before technology. I wrote notebooks full and then I thought I’d hit the jackpot when I borrowed my mom’s old typewriter! In either case, there is so much time spent re-writing and editing it is amazing that people actually got anything written. Imagine Shakespeare or Dickens using a quill and ink! Research is another whole thing, too. I spent hours pouring over encyclopedias, going to the library, and even waiting for information to come by mail. I am so grateful for my computer.
What bugs me is that technology changes so fast. Just when I think I’ve got it figured out, something new comes along. Also, so much of our ‘writing’ time is now spent online doing other related things like promoting etc.

5. As a writer how have you had to grow and stretch out of your comfort zone? Self promotion is not an easy thing. As well, it is always scary when you put something new ‘out there’ for other people to read.

6. What advice would you give to a beginning writer that you wish someone had given you? Seek critique sooner. I spent so many years inside my own head, I didn’t see the flaws. If I had had someone available to read and assess my writing sooner, I probably would have gone on to publication sooner. On the other hand, as I said before, I believe everything happens in due time (Read ‘God’s time’) so I’m not sure that would have made any difference.

7. How can people contact you and where can they buy your books? My books are available at all the regular places – Amazon, Barnes and Noble, etc. You can also visit my website for a link to the publisher or to find other ways to purchase. I’m happy to say that both books are available in e-book as well as physical print editions.

Links and Contact info:

Website: http://www.tracykrauss.com/

Blog: http://www.tracykraussexpressionexpress.com/

FB: http://tinyurl.com/Tracy-Krauss-Author-Fanpage

Twitter: www.twitter.com/TracyKrausswrtr

Amazon: http://www.kraussamazon.com/

Short bio:
Tracy Krauss is an author, artist, playwright, director, worship leader, and teacher. Originally from a small prairie town, she received her Bachelor’s Degree at the University of Saskatchewan. She has lived in many places in northern Canada with her husband, a pastor, and their children. They currently live in Tumbler Ridge, BC. Published works include her debut novel AND THE BEAT GOES ON, a romantic suspense with an archeological and creationist twist, and MY MOTHER THE MAN-EATER, a contemporary romantic suspense. Tracy is also a published playwright and has several other works in progress.

Back Cover – MY MOTHER THE MAN-EATER

What’s a girl to do? Joleen Allen is on the hunt. For a man, that is. Unfortunately, every time the mother of five meets a prospect, he falls for one of her daughters instead!

Meanwhile, her ex-husband, Harold, is back in the picture after a stint in prison, and he’s looking for revenge. He’ll do anything to see Joleen’s reputation and her relationship with their children ruined. Harold has devised an elaborate plan to slander Joleen and ruin her financially, and will stop at nothing – even murder – to see it through.

At forty-four, Joleen has seen a thing or two. She became a mother at sixteen, and her five highly independent children are now grown. Jasmine is a successful ad executive, but has a drinking problem. Jill is a tough cop, while middle child Jennifer surprises them all with her tenacity. Jinger is a self-centered glamour girl, and the baby of the family, Jade, is utterly spoiled.

All the interesting men they meet get tossed around by this pack of barracudas. Adding to the mix are some drug deals, a kidnapping, insurance fraud, and secrets from the past, making life very complicated, indeed.

With grit, humor, action, intrigue and romance, My Mother the Man-Eater is a redemptive story about a woman whose search for meaning in life sends her straight into . . . the arms of God.

Wow! That sounds exciting, Tracy!
Hope my readers will hurry on out and buy one or both of Tracy's books.

2011-08-02T14:37:00.001-04:00

Today's Spotlight is on Sidney Frost, another member of the John316marketingnetwork.

Good morning, Sid. Thanks for stopping by. Can you tell us about your favorite books as a child and now and any connection you see between the two? 1. My favorite books are Christian fiction. The main connection between the books is that they are clean and usually have happy endings. I like books that are tied to scripture in a subtle way. My favorite authors are Jan Karon and Dee Henderson. I love both of those authors, too, Sid. In fact, I have an 80,000 word novel looking for a home that is written in a small town imaginary setting similar to the Mitford books.

Please share with us your favorite Scriptures both for your life and your writing. 2. My favorite scripture is 1 Corinthians 13:13 – And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. The scripture that got me busy writing is Psalm 37: 4. Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart. My pastor said something like this one Sunday when I had been debating with myself about taking on the task of writing a first novel. I took it to mean that God would help me achieve my dream. I wrote a prayer and read it every day before I began to write. Six years later, I had published Where Love Once Lived.

Any favorite vacation spots you have been to or would like to visit in researching a book? 3. My wife Celeste grew up spending the summers on a lake and now we have to opportunity to have a place on the lake here in Texas. This is my ideal place to write. The sounds of nature are enhanced and the sounds of industry are non-existent. Cell phones don't work so great there and so far we have no TV or other distractions. However, I should say I can write most anywhere. I wrote most of my first book during office hours at school or in coffee shops all over the world. The only time I can't write is when someone is talking directly to me.

Technology can be both helpful and frustrating to me! Do you feel technology has enhanced or hindered your writing.? 4. I just recently retired from a career working with and teaching about computers and all things technical. In fact, my latest novel, The Vengeance Squad, includes a computer science professor who uses technology to solve crimes. However, it took me a long time to switch from handwriting to typing directly into the computer. I still have a sort of shorthand I use to write, pencil on paper, to get started. I can write fast that way. Sounds like a very interesting concept. Here is a copy of the cover.

How has becoming a writer stretched you? 5. I am, or was, shy. I say was because I've somehow grown out of it. I don't know when it happened actually, but one day I reached an age where I didn't worry so much about what others thought. That freed me up greatly from a certain nervousness I always had in dealing with people. This shyness didn't keep me from teaching, because in the classroom I knew more than anyone about the subject matter. And, it didn't keep me from singing in 45 different musical productions over a number of years, mostly in the opera chorus. The only concern there was doing an audition and they usually held them privately with the chorusmaster. But it is a stretch for me to publicize my books. I do okay with signings, but I prepare for days before I give a talk. It's getting easier.

Do you have any words of wisdom you would like to share with aspiring writers that you wish you had known before you started? 6. The reason it took me six years to finish my first book was because I didn't know how to write a novel. I took online classes and I recommend that to anyone interested in writing. I was lucky to get a great instructor for all my classes. One thing I missed and wished I had known was about genre and what publishers are looking for.

Thank you for allowing me this platform to talk about myself and my books. If anyone is interested in more information, they may go to http://sidneywfrost.com/. Also, I'll be glad to answer any comments and will check in when I can. Thanks, Sid. I have enjoyed getting to know more about you through John316 and through your blog and now your visit to mine. I hope my readers will check out your sites.

2011-08-02T11:14:00.000-04:00

Contest Winner and new contest to win a copy of my first fiction novel!!!!

Darlene Shortridge is the winner of Love by the Yard by Gail Sattler, so it will be in the mail as soon as I receive her mailing address. For those who wish to be entered in this month's drawing, it makes it much simpler and faster to get the book to you if you leave your addy when you post. Anyone with a USA address is eligible except Darlene.

And I am sooooo happy to be able to give away a copy of my first fiction novella. Getting this book published is definitely a dream come true! The drawing will be held on September 1st which is the day for the release of the book. Here is the back cover blurb for Christmas Belles of Georgia:
Surprised by Life—and Love—at Christmas

Four letters are mailed from Monticello, a small antebellum town in Georgia. Sisters once, now heirs to a historic plantation, each young woman must come to terms with the circumstances of her birth. . . .

When she learns in a letter she’s adopted, Holly feels betrayed by her parents—and she books a flight out of Missouri immediately. Will she ever be able to love again?

Raised in a wealthy, loveless home, Carol rushes to Monticello from college in Atlanta when she receives her letter. She’s searching for family, but finds instead a boy she once mistreated. Will he remember her? . . .forgive her?

In one year, Starr has lost her parents, boyfriend, and job, so she’s sure her letter is more bad news. When the attorney flies to California to offer proof, Starr takes a second look—at the message and the man.

Noelle always knew she was adopted—and she’s always loved the foreman on her father’s Texas ranch too. But he’s so distant. . .perhaps a trip to Georgia is the break in life she needs.

Will the sisters receive a traditional Christmas gift. . .of love?

Enter to win a copy, or hurry out and order one or several copies for Christmas gifts!