This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Dark Pursuit
Zondervan (December 1, 2008)
by
Brandilyn Collins Sabrina Here: I haven't had much time to review lately as I've been working on my own book, but when I got Dark Pursuit in the mail I put everything aside so I could read this newest book by one of my favorite authors. I've loved Brandilyn's books for years and had highly anticipated this new arrival. It started off a little slower than some of her books do. I'm not sure if it was the back and forth between present day and the manuscripts (Thoughout the book, we switch into a story or manuscript) or if it was just because the main character was a lot older than most of her books. I kept reading, determined to finish the book. I'm glad I did. I wasn't disappointed. Brandilyn always throws a unique twist in there. She has a gift of weaving interesting stories together. This was so unique from everything she's written and from much of what's out there today. I think if you like suspense and don't need a lot of romance, this is a great book for you. I hope you'll pick up a copy soon. :)

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:


Brandilyn Collins is known for her trademark Seatbelt Suspense®. She is currently working on her 20th book. For chances to win free copies of her work, join her Fan Club on Facebook. Here’s what Brandilyn has to say about why she wrote Dark Pursuit:

In John Milton’s Paradise Lost Satan’s followers, kicked out of heaven, boast about storming the gates and reclaiming their territory. Beelzebub scoffs at their boasting as merely “hatching vain empires” and suggests a different revengeful scheme: seduce mankind away from God. So Satan visits the Garden of Eden to teach humans the very thing he and his cohorts have learned to be futile—the dark pursuit of hatching their own vain empires instead of following God. He presented man with this “gift” of death, disguised as life. And man fell for it.

Upon this theme of man’s fall and spiritual blindness, I created the characters and events in Dark Pursuit. The story clips along at a fast pace, with much symbolism running underneath.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Dark Pursuit—A twisting story of murder, betrayal, and eternal choices

Novelist Darell Brooke lived for his title as King of Suspense—until an auto accident left him unable to concentrate. Two years later, reclusive and bitter, he wants one thing: to plot a new novel and regain his reputation.

Kaitlan Sering, his twenty-two-year-old granddaughter, once lived for drugs. After she stole from Darell, he cut her off. Now she’s rebuilding her life. But in Kaitlan’s town two women have been murdered, and she’s about to discover a third. She’s even more shocked to realize the culprit—her boyfriend, Craig, the police chief’s son.

Desperate, Kaitlan flees to her estranged grandfather. For over forty years, Darell Brooke has lived suspense. Surely he’ll devise a plan to trap the cunning Craig.

But can Darell’s muddled mind do it? And—if he tries—with what motivation? For Kaitlan’s plight may be the stunning answer to the elusive plot he seeks...

Read the first chapter of Dark Pursuit, HERE.

One Perfect Day

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
One Perfect Day
FaithWords (October 22, 2008)
by
Lauraine Snelling


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Today, Lauraine Snelling is a member of the more than Two Million Books In Print club, but when she first began, she was a mother of three teenagers with a simple dream to write “horse books for kids.”

All told, she has over 50 books published. She thinks. She’s not sure. She’d rather write them than count them. Lauraine’s work has been translated into Norwegian, Danish and German as well as produced as books on tape.

Awards have followed her dedication to “telling a good story”: the Silver Angel Award for An Untamed Land and a Romance Writers of America Golden Heart for Song of Laughter.

Helping others reach their writing dream is the reason Lauraine teaches at writer’s conferences across the country. She mentors others through book doctoring and with her humorous and playful Writing Great Fiction tape set. Lauraine also produces material on query letters and other aspects of the writing process.

Her readers clamor for more books more often and Lauraine would like to comply, if only her ever-growing flower gardens didn’t call quite so loudly over the soothing rush of the water fountains in her back yard and if the hummingbirds weren’t quite so entertaining. Lauraine and husband Wayne have two grown sons and a cockatiel named Bidley, who loves to tease their Basset Hound named Chewy.


ABOUT THE BOOK


Two mothers end up more closely connected that they could dream...and yet they are strangers to one another.

The first has two children--twins, a boy and girl, who are seniors in high school. She wants their last Christmas as a family living in the same home to be perfect, but her husband is delayed returning from a business trip abroad. And then there's an accident--a fatal one involving a drunk driver.

Meanwhile, the other mother has a daughter who needs a new heart, and so the loss of one woman becomes the miracle the other has desperately prayed for. While one mother grieves, and pulls away from her family, the other finds that even miracles aren't always easy to receive.

If you would like to read the first chapter of One Perfect Day, go HERE

And the winners are...

Free Book Winners

Thank you to those that entered the drawings. Sorry it’s taken so long to post winners. I have dial up Internet at home (DSL still not available and I’m too cheap for cable thus far) so I’m not on as much as I used to be.

Anyway, here is the list of winners. I’ll contact you for your address, but if you see this and want to go ahead and email me, that’s fine too. :)

I just put the names in a hat and drew for all four drawings.

Jennifer Tiszai wins Courting Miss Adelaide by Janet Dean

Malia Spencer wins The Perfect Blend by Allie Pleiter

Carole wins The Briton by Catherine Palmer

Crystal Adkins wins four gently read Love Inspired Books, See No Evil by Gail Roper, The Rogues Redemption by Ruth Axtell Morren, Just Cause by Susan Page Davis, and Death Benefits by Hannah Alexander.

Hope you all enjoy them and thanks for playing. I’ll give away a few more soon. =)

Review of Courting Miss Adelaide and Free Book

COURTING MISS ADELAIDE

Back Cover Blurb

The “orphan train” seemed like small-town spinster Adelaide Crum’s last chance to know the simple joys of family life. So many lost children, every one of them dreaming only of a caring home—the home she longed to offer. And yet the narrow-minded town elders refused to entrust even the most desperate child to a woman alone….

Newspaperman Charles Graves believed his heart was closed forever, but he swore to stand by this lovely, lonely woman who was fighting for the right to take some motherless child into her heart. And her gentle soul and unwavering faith made him wonder if even he could overcome the bitter lessons of the past, and somehow find the courage to love….

****4 1/2 Stars, Romantic Times BOOK reviews

Sabrina Here

(I can't get my book links to work right now...I'll load them later)

It was such a thrill to see Courting Miss Adelaide on the bookshelf at the store the other day. The author, Janet Dean, is a fellow Hoosier and member of our local Indiana ACFW chapter. I’ve heard Janet speak about the book for the last couple years so I knew it was coming out last month, but honestly wasn’t sure I’d pick it up since it’s a historical.

Now don’t get me wrong, I love historicals. Cut my teeth on Christian Fiction with Historicals. Mainly because that’s all that was offered back in the day. Anyway, even though I like them, I seldom buy them…especially the shorter ones. Mostly because I don’t find a lot of authors that can find a happy medium between enough and too many details. I think historicals are unique in that we really need superior imagery to see the scenes.

With contemporary novels we can see the scenes because it’s so familiar.

So I was both excited and uneasy to pick up Janet’s book the other night.

Though the cover was so lovely that I found it almost impossible to walk by. LOL.

The story opens with the lovely spinster, Adelaide Crum, trying to convince the stuffy elders of the town to allow her to adopt an orphaned girl. She’s a well-respected storeowner, specializing in lovely hats, and feels she can offer the child a promising future.

Not surprising they reject her request and send her home brokenhearted. Adelaide refuses to give up hope and continues to pray for a child. She sees one girl on the platform when the orphan train comes to town that she immediately connects with. When the little girl and her brother are sent to live with a family that Adelaide feels will mistreat them, she’s furious

and impassioned to find a way to save these children.

Without giving away too much of the story, I’ll say that the suspense in the book is very well done. Not just a romance story by any means. The way Janet intermingled the romance between Adelaide and Charles beautiful and kept me turning the pages. The backstory of Charles’ childhood was so touching and well written that I could believe the conflict that separated the two main characters and could understand the reluctance

of Charles to get involved with Miss Crum or her God.

I read the story in one long evening and am eager to read the next installment from Janet. Courting the Doctors Daughter. I loved Janet’s writing and can imagine we’ll be

seeing quite a bit from her in the future. :)

Leave me a comment about why you’d like to read the book and

I’ll draw a name for a copy in the next few days. :)

The second book in the Courting series, Courting the Doctor’s

Daughter will release in May 2009.

ABOUT JANET

Janet grew up in a family that cherished the past and had a strong creative streak. Her Social Studies/Art teacher father was a storyteller, like his father. The yarns her father and grandfather told instilled in Janet a love of the past and the desire to tell stories on paper. At twelve Janet wrote her first “novels,” even illustrating her little books, but when it came time to choose a career, she wanted to teach.

Janet attended Indiana University and graduated with a BS in Education. She married her college sweetheart, then taught first grade before leaving teaching to rear two daughters. During those early years together, Janet and her husband found the church they still attend, joined Bible studies and developed a love of scripture and a closer walk with God.

As her daughters grew, Janet joined them in front of the television set to watch Little House on the Prairie. Janet read books that reawakened her love of American history and the tales of the strong men and women of faith who built this country. She volunteered in her daughters’ schools, taught Sunday school at her church, and pursued creative hobbies until one day she could no longer ignore her girlhood dream of being a writer. As soon as she put pen to paper, she knew she was meant to write historical romances.

Only later did she understand her fiction could also honor God, and

she eagerly turned to Inspirational historical romance.

Janet’s journey toward publication took nine exciting, sometimes painful years

of learning her craft and dealing with rejection. Her stories of maintaining faith in trying circumstances show the power of God to strengthen families. Fascinated by history and the role of strong women in our nation's past, Janet brings both together in her faith-based love stories. Two of her manuscripts were 2005 and 2006 Golden Heart finalists. One of those manuscripts was a 2006 Genesis finalist. Today Janet writes inspirational historical romances for Steeple Hill.

Weddings....ahhh

My boss of 16 years got married yesterday. He's 44 and his new wife is 35. Both doctors and both have never been married before. Unlike most women I don't particularly care for weddings. I know...how ungirly of me. LOL. But really the dressing up thing is no picnic in itself, but mostly the sitting there witnessing them express their feelings for each other seems intrusive to me. I don't know why, just does.

Anyway, I'm sitting there listening to this man that I've worked with for 16 years express how he feels for this woman and I'm in awe. I've never seen this side of him, nor had anyone else. He's the epitome of the contented bachelor. Travels, golfs, enjoys life. Always smiling and happy. Very easy going personality and yet as he spoke his vows he said something to the effect of "I've waited all these years, praying each year for God to send me a partner. Someone to love and cherish. And as each year passed I started to wonder if maybe I'd never find someone. Then I met you. And little by little with each date I knew you were the one." (He said it much sweeter, but I can't remember it exactly) Ahhh. How sweet. But also how sad that those of us that know him so well had no idea he was so discontent with his life. That he was lonely even though he smiled and laughed most every day.

It made me think about all the people in my life and how we really don't know what's going on inside their minds. We really don't know who's sad, lonely, hurting, or even scared. I know. I'm reading too much into his declaration, but it just surprised me so much. :0/ Makes me wonder, ya know. LOL.

It was a lovely wedding and really a joy to see their happiness. The colors were cream and crimson. Both graduates of IU it was more than appropriate. Very fun.

On another note, I'm still looking for someone to leave me a comment for the free book drawing. :) I need to go write my review of Courting Miss Adelaide by Janet Dean. If I finish it I'll post it today. Otherwise, have a happy Sunday. Hug someone you love today!

John 3:16

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
John 3:16
Tyndale House Publishers (September 9, 2008)
by
Nancy Moser


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Nancy Moser is the author of three inspirational humor books and eighteen novels, including Solemnly Swear, Time Lottery, a Christy Award winner, and her latest historical, Washington's Lady.

Nancy and her husband Mark live in the Midwest. She’s earned a degree in architecture, traveled extensively in Europe, and has performed in numerous theaters,
symphonies, and choirs. She gives Said So Sister Seminars around the country, helping women identify their gifts as they celebrate their sisterhood. She is a fan of anything antique—humans included.

Find out more at Nancy Moser.com and Sister Circles.com


ABOUT THE BOOK

Five people looking for a reason to keep living are about to find it in the last place they expect... In my usual "big cast" style comes a story of what happens when one man puts his faith on the line and holds up a John 3:16 sign at a sporting event. Roman Paulson's life revolves around his son, Billy, a University of Nebraska football hero with a promising life ahead of him. But when Billy's coach encroaches on Roman's relationship with his son, Roman fears he'll lose Billy forever. Roman isn't the only one whose world turns upside down. He's one of five unsuspecting people whose lives intersect on a bright fall day.

If you would like to read the first chapter of John 3:16, go HERE

FREE BOOKS

Books, books, and more books. LOL.

Like many book reviewers, I have accumulated a huge surplus of books.

So much that I asked my husband for a couple more bookcases for my birthday. Realizing that bookshelves are not really a fun birthday present it's time to get rid of some much enjoyed books.

If you'd like to be entered in a drawing for 2 packs of 4 Love Inspired books, please leave a comment within the 5 days. I'll draw a name and post it by next Friday. Also, every week in October I'm giving away at least one book so check back often. Some of these books have been gently read but all are in good shape. In your comment you might mention the types of books you like to read. Suspense, romance, women's fiction, etc...

Good luck. :)

When the Soul Mends

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
When The Soul Mends
WaterBrook Press (September 16, 2008)
by
Cindy Woodsmall


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Cindy Woodsmall is a veteran homeschool mom. As her children progressed in age, her desire to write grew stronger. After working through reservations whether this desire was something she should pursue, she began her writing journey. Her husband was her staunchest supporter as she aimed for what seemed impossible.

Her first novel, When The Heart Cries, released in 2006 to much acclaim and became a Christian Book Association best seller. Cindy was a 2007 ECPA Christian Book Award finalist, along with Karen Kingsbury, Angela Hunt, and Charles Martin.

Her last book, When the Morning Comes, hit the New York Times best-sellers extended list and the Christian Book Association best-sellers list.

Cindy’s real-life connections with Amish Mennonite and Old Order Amish families enrich her novels with authenticity.

Cindy, her husband, their three sons and daughter-in-law reside in Georgia. Her husband is a registered land surveyor and a vice president at an engineering firm. Their oldest son has a bachelor’s degree in nuclear medicine and works at a local hospital. Their second son and his wife are both students at the University of Georgia. Their teen-aged son keeps the household energized with his love of music, books, and writing.


ABOUT THE BOOK

Returning to the home she fled in disgrace, will Hannah find healing for the wounds of the past?

After receiving a desperate and confusing call from her sister, Hannah Lapp reluctantly returns to the Old Order Amish community of her Pennsylvania childhood.

Having fled in disgrace more than two years earlier, she finally has settled into a satisfying role in the Englischer world. She also has found love and a new family with the wealthy Martin Palmer and the children she is helping him raise. But almost immediately after her arrival in Owl’s Perch, the disapproval of those who ostracized her, including her headstrong father, reopens old wounds.

As Hannah is thrown together with former fiancé Paul Waddell to work for her sister Sarah’s mental health, hidden truths surface about events during Hannah’s absence, and she faces an agonizing decision. Will she choose the Englischer world and the man who restored her hope, or will she heed the call to return to the Plain Life–and perhaps to her first love?

If you would like to read the first chapter of When The Soul Mends, go HERE

“A skillfully written story of forgiveness and redemption. Woodsmall’s authentic characters illustrate beautifully how wounded souls can indeed be mended.”
–Susan Meissner, author of The Shape of Mercy

“Like the stitches on a well-loved quilt, love and faith hold together Cindy Woodsmall's When the Soul Mends, the brilliantly written third story in the Sisters of the Quilt series. With deft plotting and characters that seem to jump off the page, this novel offers the timeless truth that forgiveness is the balm which heals all wounds and a blanket for the soul.”
–Kathleen Y’Barbo, author of Beloved Castaway

“What a vibrant, strong, emotional story! When the Heart Cries will grip you and not let go, I promise. Highly recommended!”
–Gayle Roper, author of Allah’s Fire and the Seaside Seasons series

“Reaching deep into the heart of the reader, Cindy Woodsmall pens a beautifully lyrical story in her debut novel When the Heart Cries.”
–Tamera Alexander, bestselling author of Rekindled

Faking Grace

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Faking Grace
Multnomah Books (August 19, 2008)
by
Tamara Leigh


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

After Tamara Leigh earned a Master’s Degree in Speech and Language Pathology, she and her husband decided to start a family, with plans for Tamara to continue in her career once she became a mother.

When the blessing of children proved elusive, Tamara became convicted to find a way to work out of her home in order to raise the children she and her husband longed to have. She turned to writing, at which she had only ever dreamed of being successful, and began attending church. Shortly thereafter, her agent called with news of Bantam Books’ offer of a four-book contract. That same day, Tamara’s pregnancy was confirmed. Within the next year, she gave up her speech pathology career, committed her life to Christ, her first child was born, and her first historical romance novel was released.

As Tamara continued to write for the secular market, publishing three more novels with HarperCollins and Dorchester, she infused her growing Christian beliefs into her writing. But it was not enough, and though her novels earned awards and were national bestsellers, she knew her stories were lacking. After struggling with the certainty that her writing was not honoring God as it should, she made the decision to write books that not only reveal Christianity to non-believers, but serve as an inspiration for those who have accepted Christ as their Savior. Her inspirational romances are peopled with characters in varying stages of Christian faith, from mature believers to new believers to non-believers on the threshold of awakening.

Tamara Leigh enjoys time with her family, volunteer work, faux painting, and reading. She lives near Nashville, Tennessee with her husband, David, and two sons, Skyler and Maxen.

Two of her latest books are Splitting Harriet and Perfecting Kate.


ABOUT THE BOOK

All she wants is a job. All she needs is religion. How hard can it be?

Maizy Grace Stewart dreams of a career as an investigative journalist, but her last job ended in disaster when her compassion cost her employer a juicy headline. A part-time gig at a Nashville newspaper might be her big break.

A second job at Steeple Side Christian Resources could help pay the bills, but Steeple Side only hires committed Christians. Maizy is sure she can fake it with her Five-Step Program to Authentic Christian Faith–a plan of action that includes changing her first name to Grace, buying Jesus-themed accessories, and learning “Christian Speak.” If only Jack Prentiss, Steeple Side’s managing editor and two-day-stubbled, blue-jean-wearing British hottie wasn’t determined to prove her a fraud.

When Maizy’s boss at the newspaper decides that she should investigate–and expose–any skeletons in Steeple Side’s closet, she must decide whether to deliver the dirt and secure her career or lean on her newfound faith, change the direction of her life, and pray that her Steeple Side colleagues–and Jack–will show her grace.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Faking Grace, go HERE

“Tamara Leigh takes her experienced romance hand and delights readers with Chick-Lit that sparkles and characters who come alive.” - Kristin Billerbeck, author of The Trophy Wives Club

“A delightful, charming book! Faking Grace has romance, truth, and a dollop of insanity, making Tamara Leigh a permanent addition to my list of favorite authors. Enjoy!”
- Ginger Garrett, author of In the Shadow of Lions and Beauty Secrets of the Bible

“Tamara Leigh does a fabulous job looking at the faults, the love, the hypocrisy, and the grace of Christians in a way that’s entertaining and fun. Maizy Grace is a crazy character I couldn’t help but like. I loved this book and highly recommend it!”
- Camy Tang, author of Sushi for One? and Only Uni

The Bride Bargain

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
The Bride Bargain
Barbour Publishing, Inc (September 1, 2008)
by
Kelly Eileen Hake


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Life doesn't wait, and neither does Kelly Eileen Hake. In her short twenty-three years of life, she's achieved much. Her secret? Embracing opportunities and multitasking. Kelly received her first writing contract at the tender age of seventeen and arranged to wait three months until she was able to legally sign it. Since that first contract five years ago, she's reached several life goals. Aside from fulfilling fourteen contracts ranging from short stories to novels, she's also attained her BA in English Literature and Composition and earned her credential to teach English in secondary schools. If that weren't enough, she's taken positions as a college preparation tutor, bookstore clerk, and in-classroom learning assistant to pay for the education she values so highly. Currently, she is working toward her MA in Writing Popular Fiction. No matter what goal she pursues, Kelly knows what it means to work for it!

Kelly's dual careers as English teacher and author give her the opportunity explore and share her love of the written word. A CBA bestselling author and dedicated member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Kelly is a reader favorite of Barbour's Heartsong Presents program, where she's been privileged to earn numerous Heartsong Presents Reader's Choice Awards; including Favorite New Author 2005, Top 5 Favorite Historical Novel 2005, and Top Five Favorite Author Overall 2006 in addition to winning the Second Favorite Historical Novel 2006!

Her Prairie Promises trilogy, set in the 1850s Nebraska Territory, features her special style of witty, heartwarming historical romance.
ABOUT THE BOOK

Set down upon the wild American plains during the 1850. Clara is desperate for a home and a future for herself and her aunt. When Clara Fields and her aunt are kicked off their wagon train, a store owner in Buttonwood offers a chance at redemption. If Clara is able to wed his grandson off to any of the local girls within a month, he'll sign over his two-story house.

Desperate to provide for the woman who raised her, Clara agrees to find a bride for the man's son--a stalwart bachelor. How hard can it be to find a bride for one handsome Doctor? Apparently more difficult than she imagined when Saul Reed seems determined to ramain single.

Will Clara's faith and wits help her wrangle a resolution to The Bride Bargain. Striking a bargain with a lonely trader to fool a head-strong doctor could lead Clara to an unexpected avenue of romance.

If you would like to read the first chapter of The Bride Bargain, go HERE

Journalism...if you can call it that...

Have you seen the little segment with MSNBC correspondent Ron Allen interviewing Newt Gingrich at the RNC? That in and of itself spurred this post. If you didn’t see it, it was a little segment where Ron Allen does a quick impromptu spot with Newt. He asks the former speaker something to the effect “…isn’t it odd that Governor Palin’s resume isn’t one we’d normally see of a VP candidate?” He must have hit Gingrich at just the wrong moment because he tells Allen exactly what he thinks about the question.

Saying that Palin has run a town and a state and Obama hasn’t really run anything. When Gingrich is asked later on a network show why he was so upset he says something like he’s tired of the news media running their smear campaign against the Governor and he wanted to set the record straight. That running a town and a state is a pretty big deal. She ran a state with an 11 billion dollar budget and 15,000 employees. While her opponents’ work with a 4.6 billion dollar budget and employ about 60 employees.

This isn’t a post about Palin, though one will be forthcoming. Just a warning. :) This is a post about journalism or rather the decline of journalism as we’ve known it.

Remember when you could listen to correspondents or even read their piece and not be swayed by their personal viewpoint? Remember when you’d watch a news presentation and wonder to yourself what political affiliation the correspondent had. For instance, I used to love Tom Brokaw. Always have. Probably always will. There was a time I couldn’t really figure out his political affiliation. When he’d present a segment, I couldn’t discern where he stood on the topic. I’ve noticed that even my Tom has wandered into a more liberal journalistic voice. For sure, he’s more open to giving an opinion than he used to be. (btw this isn’t a post about Tom, he’s just a case of for instance)

What happened to those days when journalist presented the facts and allowed the American public to determine for themselves what they believe? When did “they” decide we Americans were so brainless or ill suited to make up our own mind, that they needed to spoon feed us only nuggets of information to bring us around to their way of thinking?

I’m tired of it. Mostly because that’s not what journalism is. At least not what it was conceived to be. I watch a lot of cable news. Though I confess I really only watch one network faithfully. Mainly because the other networks make it painfully clear on where they stand politically. They also make you feel stupid for believing differently. I don’t always agree with everything on the channel I watch, but at least I’m able to come away feeling like I made up my own mind. :0/

As far as newspaper correspondents go, I’m small potatoes. When it comes to covering politics, the biggest news I get to cover tend to be current events announced at the local council meetings. Local government isn’t very glitzy, but I always try not to show my opinion in my articles. In fact, I’m a conservative living in a far left town. The council is comprised of four democrats and two republicans. Our board of works is made up of all democrats. So here I am, a lonely little conservative covering these meetings. What would happen if every article I wrote showed my distaste for the democrat’s viewpoints? (Not that that would happen anyway, as party lines very seldom show up in local government) I’d lose my job. So, who holds these network characters accountable? We do. The American people. The viewers and readers. It’s our job to convey to the networks and other media outlets that we refuse to be manipulated.

That’s my two cents for the day. Now back to your regularly programmed blogcast. :)


P.S. I will be posting on the VP pick this week. As a warning, I will be playing devils advocate. LOL. I’m sure some of my conservative friends will be shocked along with my few liberal friends.

REVIEW OF THE CONVENIENT GROOM

I’ve not done many reviews lately due to other obligations, so look for several that have been sitting on my desk to write in the coming months.

I finally read The Convenient Groom by Denise Hunter this weekend. Well, I should say I finally read it this past Saturday. LOL. I started the book at around 1:30 P.M. and finished it around 10:00 P.M. Once I finally found time to read it, I couldn’t put it down.

The Convenient Groom is the second installment in Hunter’s new Nantucket Love Story series. The books are written as stand alones and have no carry over characters. More of a series based on location only. In fact, the author does such a great job drawing us into the setting that the location feels like another character.

Both Convenient Groom and the first book, Surrender Bay, are written as modern day parables. Though Thomas Nelson publishes both, neither are preachy or even “Christian” in nature. Moreover, the spiritual thread comes at the end when you see the whole picture and can relate the main characters love story to our own love story with Christ.

Back Cover Blurb:

Five hours before her Nantucket beach wedding—and on the eve of her big book launch—celebrity marriage counselor Kate Lawrence has everything in place.

Everything, that is, but the groom. She might not have a career, either, when her nationwide audience finds out their marriage guru has been left at the altar.

Enter Lucas Wright, who offers to stand in for the missing husband to be and marry her. Kate’s desperate enough to agree—though she’s sure this Mr. Wright is completely wrong for her. But can they pull it off? And why would Lucas marry her in the first place?

Could it be that “Dr. Kate” doesn’t know the first thing about love?

Sabrina Here:

I loved this story. I think because it was written to enjoy and absorb. Not to dissect and try to figure out some greater meaning like a lot of “Christian Fiction”. The message was so subtle I was able to just enjoy the great story.

There were a few times when Kate annoyed me and I wasn’t sure I could believe she would marry Lucas just to save her hide. However, as the story went on, it became increasingly believable. You could see how her need to succeed and to control her own future meant so very much to her that she was willing to do just about anything to save her career.

Personally, Kate’s parents failed marriage and subsequently her mother’s alcoholism were somewhat easy for me to relate to. So easy that by the end of the book I found myself lost in Kate’s life and almost praying she found her way out of the turmoil she created for herself. Hunter did a great job wrapping up the story and subtly showing us the parallel of Kate and Lucas’s love to Christ’s love for us. I’d definitely recommend this book. Especially if you love romance. Because of the parable nature of the book, it would also make a great gift for those that prefer clean secular fiction.

Ramblings...

It's been so long since I've updated this blog that I have gobs to chat about. First, I'm sick and on cold medication so take that into account as you read my ramblings. LOL.

If you've missed me it's because I've actually been busy writing lately. I've gotten rid of most of my correspondent jobs and am now taking time to work on my fiction. I'm making progress and am pleased with how the book has changed over the last couple weeks. I cut the prologue and cut out the villain's POV. I now only have the two POV's which makes it easier to get to know the two main characters. I've tightened up the plot quite a bit and I look forward to having a good friend take a look at it and give me some feedback. I'll keep you posted.

Like the rest of the world I've been addicted to the Olympics the past week and a half. What a tremendous showing this time. Either I'm getting older and more appreciative of the work and dedication these athletes put into their sport, or the competitors have really upped their games so much that I can't tear myself away from the t.v. However, I'm actually ready for it to be over so I can get to bed before 12:30 every night.

Tanner, my son, started school this month. Tonight he had football practice. This is the first year he'll play tackle. I'm actually pretty excited. I love watching football and look forward to seeing his competitive side come out. Within reason of course. He's usually so passive that I love that he loves sports.

Getting together with the other board members of Indiana ACFW tomorrow. Looking forward to a time of work and fellowship with these ladies. Praying I feel better so that I can enjoy our time together.

Finally, congrats to Lisa P. the winner of one of the Deadly Exposures by Cara Putman. Since I only had the one winner I'll try giving away another copy in a couple weeks so stay tuned. :)

Win a copy of Deadly Exposure

MURDER AT INTERMISSION

How could a killer have struck in a crowded theater? That was the question plaguing tv news reporter Dani Richards. She'd been in the box next to the victim - and hadn't heard or seen a thing. Now the very man who had broken Dani's heart years ago was investigating the murder. And when her coverage of the story led the killer to stalk her, police officer and former flame Caleb Jamison insisted on protecting her. Dani was afraid to let Caleb close again. Yet she had no choice. The killer's sinister phone calls left no doubt that he'd come for Dani next.

It's no secret that Cara Putman is a friend and fellow Hoosier. So I'm sure it's no surprise that I'm thrilled her first Love Inspired Suspense is out as of May. (I know...I'm a little behind) This is a book dear to my heart as it's the first book that Cara and I somewhat brainstormed together.

She already had the book pretty much sketched out but on our trip to the 2005 ACFW conference in Nashville we chatted our way there talking about this book. Since then Cara worked diligently on this book along with a whole other series for Barbour. As of today she has three books out and has one more out this year and another three that will be completed this year. Whew. She sure is a hard worker. :)

I'm going to give away two copies of Deadly Exposure. All you have to do is go to Cara's website and find the answer to this question. Cara is an attorney by trade. Where did she go to Law School? Email me the answer and I'll draw a couple names for a free book. Happy sleuthing.

And just where have you been missy?

Ever wonder if your blog wants to disown you? I do. I'm pretty sure if it could mine would tell me to hit the road. :0/ I've not given her much attention as of late. Sigh. Poor thing. I'll try harder. I promise.

How cool!

Dear friend and crit partner Cara Putman has a new book! Deadly Exposure is now available for order.

Romantic Times gave Cara a great review. Deadly Exposure was the very first book Cara started when she got the go ahead to chase her writing dream. It's also the first book of hers that I've critiqued. So you can imagine my pride at seeing her dream come to fruition. The book's been through many iterations as she learned and honed her writing skills and the final product is great.

Cara loves journalism, so she made the heroine a television reporter. There's romance, there's suspense, there's a woman in jeopardy. The difference -- there's also a spiritual thread. You can order Deadly Exposure here. Please do! You can get a nice discount, and you'll get the book a couple weeks before it shows up in stores. Cara's working on a proposal for Deadly Judgment, the hopeful sequel to Deadly Exposure.

Congrats to Cara and I know you'll all love the book so much that I'm planning on giving away a few copies in the next month or so.

P.S. Cara is expecting her third child any day. So you might say a prayer for her. :)

Overwhelmed....

Ever have those days when you're overwhelmed? I'm having one of those years. LOL. I'm trying to find the balance between home life, work, church, being an active mother, an attentive wife, and a caring daughter...at what point does it become too much and we drop all the balls we're juggling at once?

I'm there and I'm only sharing this with you so you know where I've been lately. Other than the obligatory book reviews, I've not been blogging much. I still try to find time to check out all your great posts, even if I'm not leaving comments. :0/

So for any and all of you that are still stopping by wondering where I've been...I've been up to my eyeballs in life. LOL. I'm going to try and post again tomorrow or the next day so please stop by and I'll catch you up on a few things. Until then, have a great weekend!

Truffles By The Sea

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance

is introducing

Truffles by the Sea
Bethany House (February 1, 2008)

by

Julie Carobini


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Julie Carobini is an award-winning writer whose stories often spotlight her family, the sea, and God's timely work in the lives of those around her. She lives with her husband, Dan, and their three children in Ventura Beach, California.

She also likes to blog! Go leave her a comment at Waves of Grace.


Julie left you all a special message:

To celebrate my upcoming CFBA tour March 5-7, I'll be giving away a copy of Truffles by the Sea AND and a 1/2 lb. box of yummy truffles to three of your readers.

All they need to do is drop by my blog http://juliecarobini.blogspot.com/ during the tour and leave a comment and a way to contact them if they win!


ABOUT THE BOOK:

If you read, Julie's first book, Chocolate Beach, then you might remember Gaby as Bri’s dramatic, lovesick best friend. Unfortunately, things get worse—much worse—for her before they get…well, best not to give it away.

Sometimes all a girl has left is chocolate...

Gaby Flores has a penchant for drama and an unfortunate knack for dating Mr. So Wrong. After breaking off yet another relationship, watching her apartment building burn to the ground, and discovering that her dippy delivery guy has run off with most of her business, Gaby decides it’s time to turn things around.

So she moves to a tiny waterfront loft and takes on a new motto: “Be gullible no more!” With help from her friends, she works to rebuild her flower shop—and her life. But when legal troubles and quirky neighbors and two surprising romances enter her beachy world, Gaby’s motto and fledgling faith are put to the test.

Can a young woman prone to disaster in both work and love finally find happily ever after?

What they're saying about the book:

"Truffles by the Sea is delightful! Julie Carobini has a new fan in this reader, and she's earned a spot on my keeper shelf." --Kay James, RomanceReaderatHeart.com



"This book is a delight to read, and the author has us rooting for Gaby from page one. This girl's never-say-die attitude is incredible, and her life is filled with all kinds of foibles. This is chick lit with heart – about so much more than finding a man.... While keeping the light chick lit tone, this book satisfied while avoiding the tired old formulas. Just when I’m ready to give up on the genre, I stumble across an author who can write without relying on stereotypes." --Cara Putman, writerinterrupted.com

"I liked Julie Carobini's first novel, Chocolate Beach, but her sophomore release, Truffles By The Sea, greatly surpasses it. I thoroughly enjoyed Carobini's second book and felt her writing was much stronger throughout. The characters are deeper and yet funnier – a great combination.... It's a great read for a cold winter day – you can curl up with the book, a nice fire and pretend you're the one by the sea." --Jill Hart, RadiantLit.com

This week, the

Christian Fiction Blog Alliance

is introducing

My Name is Russell Fink

Zondervan (March 1, 2008)

by

Michael Snyder

I hope to contact Mike soon and have an interview and review of the book. I'm really excited to share this book with you since I first got a glimpse of Russell Fink when Mike joined Jennifer Tiszai, Jenny Cary, Malia Spencer, and myself, on a round robin blog story. It was a long time ago, but even then I could tell the story was going to be an unforgettable one. :)



ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Michael Snyder has spent the bulk of his professional career in sales, has fallen in love, and continues to struggle with the balance between art and vocation. He's never investigated a murder, much less that of an allegedly clairvoyant dog.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Russell Fink is twenty-six years old and determined to salvage a job he hates so he can finally move out of his parents house for good. He's convinced he gave his twin sister cancer when they were nine years old. And his crazy fiancée refuses to accept the fact that their engagement really is over.

Then Sonny, his allegedly clairvoyant basset hound, is found murdered.

The ensuing amateur investigation forces Russell to confront several things at once-the enormity of his family's dysfunction, the guy stalking his family, and his long-buried feelings for a most peculiar love interest.

At its heart, My Name is Russell Fink is a comedy, with sharp dialogue, characters steeped in authenticity, romance, suspense, and fresh humor. With a postmodern style similar to Nick Hornby and Douglas Coupland, the author explores reconciliation, forgiveness, and faith in the midst of tragedy. No amount of neurosis or dysfunction can derail God's redemptive purposes.

Christian Writers Market Guide

The CFBA is pleased to present:

Christian Writers' Market Guide 2008


WaterBrook Press (January 15, 2008)


by

Sally Stuart

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Sally Stuart has been writing for the last 40+ years, and has been putting out the annual "Christian Writers' Market Guide" for the last 23 years. Her other writing includes several Christian education resources books, a children's picture book, a basic writing text, writing resources, and a western novel--plus hundreds of articles and marketing columns. She writes marketing columns for the "Christian Communicator," "Advanced Christian Writer," and the Oregon Christian Writers' Newsletter. She speaks and teaches at Christian Writers' Conferences nationwide. Sally is the mother of 3 and grandmother of 8. She and her husband, Norm, spend their free time vacationing on the Oregon coast.

Check out her blog!

ABOUT THE BOOK:
The essential reference tool for the Christian writer, Sally Stuart’s Christian Writers’ Market Guide is now in its 23rd annual edition!

Check out the section on Blogging on page 69...the CFBA is listed!

Writers’ Conference listings, Book Publishers, Magazine Publishers, and a Bookstore filled with the resources you need to be successful in this business. Get a Book Contract or Manuscript Evaluation, and check out the Writer’s Resource links. This book has all you need to connect to all these valuable helps for the beginning, intermediate, or professional writer.


To keep you up to date with the latest marketing news, visit Sally Stuart’s new marketing blog, Christian Writers’ Marketplace, at http://www.stuartmarket.blogspot.com/.


A new, updated version of the Christian Writers’ Market Guide is available about January 15 each year.

What's for dinner?

My friend Cara posted this the other day and I thought it was worth passing on here. I think it sounds like a great idea and I'm thinking about signing up. I'm waiting to see how Cara does with it first. :) Using her family as Guinea pigs I guess. Cara has this friend that started a business helping busy moms plan dinner. Here's the blurb...

Hello!

It is 5 o'clock.... what is for supper? This is the stress I want to eliminate from our lives! We lead busy lives and the stress of facing a hungry family every night can be frustrating. We stare into the fridge and pantry and hope something will just jump out.... we need food and we need it now! Having a menu plan, all the simple recipes and the shopping list to go with it gets rid of this "what is for supper?" question! YIKES!! That takes a lot of time and effort!!!! I just want someone to tell me what to make and what I need... then I can cook it!

Well, this is what inspired me to create www.SimpleFamilySupper.com

My name is Heather Corbin, I am a wife and mother of 4 children. We have a busy life and I was tired of the stress of supper. I realized that having my menu planned and having all the ingredients on hand took away a ton of stress from my day. I was trained by the best: a mom and two grandmothers (farm wives that cooked for large families) that took the time to teach me how to cook and prepare delicious food that is easy to prepare and budget friendly. When I consistently took the time to plan the menu and shopping list life went much smoother. I know if having a plan helps me so much then it will help you. I can't be alone in dealing with a hungry family every night!

Simple Family Supper is the answer to the daily "what is for supper?" question. Simple Family Supper provides a family friendly menu with the easy (no cooking school needed) recipes and the shopping list to go with it so you won't have to make any last minute trips to the grocery store. The menu utilizes what I call "efficient" and "fast track" cooking that will save you lots of time and money.... who has tons of time to spend in the kitchen and we could all use help saving money at the grocery store. (please see the attached flyer for more info)

Please visit http://www.SimpleFamilySupper.comtoday! Give the menu a try... Free trial week available!! For only $5 per month you will eliminate the "What is for supper?" stress from your life!

Have a wonderful day,

Heather

(If you sign up let me know, I'd love to know what you think of the recipes. Sabrina)

Happily Ever After...

This week the CFBA is featuring Happily Ever After by Marilyn Griffith. I haven't read this book yet, not because I haven't wanted to. :) More because of the holiday rush and life interrupting my reading time. LOL. However, I have loved ever single book Marilyn has written. I find them refreshing, edgy, and featuring a voice that was long overdue in Christian Fiction. I have no doubt I'm going to love this book just as much. I'll post a review once I finish it.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Marilynn Griffith is mom to a tribe, wife to a deacon and proof that God gives second chances. While best known for her colorful novels about friendship, family and faith, Marilynn is also a speaker and nonfiction writer.

Her nonfiction has been included in CHICKEN SOUP FOR THE CHRISTIAN WOMAN'S SOUL and several other devotionals and magazines. Currently, Marilynn is editor of the SISTAHFAITH:BELIEVING BEYOND SHAME anthology. She is also the founder of Faithchick.com, a blog for faith fiction readers.

Marilynn is the author of six novels dealing with issues such as teen pregnancy, AIDS, abstinence, stress relief, single parenting and marriage. Her recent fiction titles include TANGERINE and IF THE SHOE FITS.

Marilynn has served as Vice President and Publicity Officer of American Christian Fiction Writers. She speaks to youth, women and writers about believing beyond boundaries and daring to reach dreams.

Marilynn lives in Florida with her husband and seven children whom she taught at home for seven years. When not chasing toddlers, helping with homework or trying to find her husband a clean shirt, she can be found scribbling furiously on her next novel.

To book Marilynn for media interviews, speaking engagements, Serious Fun fiction parties or book club call-ins, please contact her thru her WEBSITE.

ABOUT THE BOOK
Superwoman doesn't live here!

I marry a gorgeous executive, have a baby, lose all the weight (most of it), and move to a fine house in the suburbs with a welcoming new church. Wait...did I say welcoming?

One teeny waaah! and new mothers and their crying babies are exiled to a separate room. At least there's some enlightening conversation. Like about my husband and issues I didn't even know about!

And then there's my aptly named mother-in-law, Queen Elizabeth, who can't stand me.

I'm about to lose my mind! So it's high time for a visit to the Sassy Sistahood for some much-needed advice about men, marriage and motherhood!

The Sassy Sistahood: They get by with a little help from their friends.

TANNER'S BASKETBALL WOES...

My friend Jennifer Tiszai, who's new to Indiana this year, mentioned going to a basketball game on her blog today. It made me laugh thinking about my son Tanner's own little basketball catastrophe this week. He loves playing Upward Basketball for our church's team. It's such a positive environment for him to learn the game.

Last year he had a coach that wasn't overly strong on the coaching part but he was kind and encouraging to the kids and for the age group I thought that was sufficient. This year Tan has a coach that loves the game of basketball. You can tell that this man was or is an athlete. He's still very trim and sporty and exhibits all the qualities of the most passionate "college" coach. Right down to making them do a push up if they miss the basket. Too bad he's teaching 1st and 2nd graders. Anyway, my son, who if you're new to my blog you may not know he has asperger tendencies, is very quirky. He's soooo modest it worries me what's going to happen when he gets older and has to shower in front of classmates in gym.

Anyway, he's on this team and the coach decides he's going to have the kids play shirts and skins. And guess who was on the skins team? Oh man! Tanner was soooo upset. He wanted to quit that night. I'm not a mother that lets her kid quit on a whim. He signed up for the team, he'll finish the season. My only concern is will this overly zealous coach ruin my son's love of the game or could it possibly help loosen him up a bit? Hmmm, I'll keep you posted. :)

Distant Heart by Tracy Bateman

This week the CFBA

blog tour is proud to introduce

Tracy Bateman's

Distant Heart.


Tracey Bateman is the award-winning author of more than twenty-five books, including Defiant Heart, the First in the Westward Hearts series. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and recently served on the board as President. She lives in Lebanon, Missouri, with her husband and their four children.
In the second book in the Westward Hearts trilogy, will the promise of a new life out west heal the scars of Toni's past?

This series tells the stories of three strong women as they struggle to survive on the rough wagon train and lose their hearts to unlikely heroes along the way/ Think Little House on the Prairie meets Francine river's Redeeming Love and you begin to get a sense of the riveting historical series that Tracey Bateman has created.

In this second installment, we follow Toni Rodden, a former prostitute who sought to escape her past and build a new life, and a new reputation, when she joined the wagon train. Despite much resentment and distrust from the other women, Toni has finally earned a place on the wagon train and found a surrogate family in Fannie Caldwell and her two siblings. For the first time in her life, Toni actually feels free.

But while Toni once harbored dreams that her new life might include a husband and family, she soon realizes the stigma that comes with her past is difficult to see beyond and that she'll never be truly loved or seen as worthy. As the trip out west begins to teach her to survive on her own, she resolves to make her own living as a seamstress when the train finally reaches Oregon.

But despite Toni's conviction that no man will be able to see beyond her marred past, Sam Two-feathers, the wagon scout and acting preacher for the train seems to know of a love that forgives sins and values much more than outward appearances. Will Sam have the confidence to declare his love? Will Toni be able to trust in a God that can forgive even the darkest past? Faith, love, and courage will be put to the test in Distant Heart.

LOVE INSPIRED WEDNESDAY...Meet Debra Clopton and win a copy of her newest release...Operation Married by Christmas

I'm back with Love Inspired Wednesday's and this week I have a good one. I just finished Operation Married by Christmas. . . This is the second Debra Clopton book I've read. I started with Meeting Her Match right after the ACFW conference in September. I was so impressed with Debra's honest and real presence that I was eager to see if her style of writing matched her sweet personality.

Meeting her Match was very good. I was immediately drawn into the fictional town of Mule Hollow and right away ordered Operation Married by Christmas to see how Debra progressed with the lovable characters.

I wasn't disappointed. I loved Operation Married by Christmas. A story about a young woman who has left three men at the altar and comes home (wearing the wedding dress from her most recent escapade) only to run into the first man she left at the altar. It would seem that she never got over her love for him and the story is about the two of them coming to terms with their hurt and fears. It's a wonderful story of forgiveness and even how to take responsibility for our own actions, even when we feel we're the one wronged.

I'll be posting reviews of these books soon, but for now, I'd like to introduce Debra Clopton. :)

Debra, tell us about yourself. Your family, day job…basically, anything you want to share.

I write full time now and love it. I was married to my high school sweetheart for 22 years but have been a widow for four years now, a fact that has greatly influenced how I approach my writing. I have two wonderful sons ages 20 and 22 and in April will add a daughter-in-law to the family!

Boys are wonderful, and how fun that you're going to have a daughter soon. :)

What made you want to write a book? And why romance?

I’ve been an avid romance reader most of my life, I love happy endings. I despise books that don’t end well or someone I care about dies in the end. This sort of thing leaves me as stressed out at the end of the book as I may have been when I started it and that isn’t why I read. Also, I love that true romance edifies marriage between a man and a woman. To me a great romance makes a woman appreciate her mate and can help a young girl look for heroic qualities as she searches for her future husband. I want readers to read my books and say “that’s the kind of man I want to marry”. I love writing heroes who make the heroine feel safe, strong and fulfilled. My husband did that for me and so my heroes are modeled after him. Plus, I love writing romance that is fun and I try to never let it get boring!

I agree. I hate being frustrated when I'm reading. Who wants to feel stressed out when they put the book down? Now, what’s a typical day in your life and share your writing schedule with us.

I’m usually at the computer by 7 drinking a cup of coffee and checking email. By 8 or 9 at the latest I’m writing. I write all day, taking breaks every hour. I write at least 8 hours a day and many days, especially if I have a deadline, I write 12 hours or more. I love it!

Tell us about your writing journey and the day you found out you’d sold your first book.

This is sort of complicated but here goes. I wrote for 13 years—three of those years right before I sold my first book I didn’t actually write, I’d felt God urging me to give my full attention to my family so I did. At the end of that time my husband, the love of my life, died suddenly and I became a widow. I thank God everyday for the gift he gave me when He pressed upon me the need to focus on my family during those 3 years. I always tell others if you feel God leading you to stop writing by all means pause your career. You can always go back, but God may have a reason for asking you to lay your dream aside for a little while. Wayne died on July 5, 2003 and in my grief, needing something to help me during those dark lonely hours I was now faced with, I started reading Christian fiction. But, and by no means am I putting these author’s work down--because their work is a blessing to many and meets a need out there...it just wasn’t meeting my need. For me it seemed that all the Christian fiction I was reading was so heavy with the heartaches and “realisms” that the characters were suffering from that it was just too real to me and the fresh heartbreak I was dealing with. I didn’t need “real”, I needed escape, I needed something to help me smile. That’s when I felt compelled to start writing again. I pulled my last book that I’d written off the shelf, tweaked it a bit and sent it in. That was December of 2003 and, long story shortened, it was a romantic comedy about a wacky hairdresser who went to a small town in Texas to try and marry off all the cowboys! THE TROUBLE WITH LACY BROWN was a Golden Heart finalist and Joan Golan of Steeple Hill was judging. Since my story was targeted toward their Love Inspired line I hoped it would catch her attention. It did and she had Krista Stroever call me the week it arrived in New York with an offer! LOL…I was totally surprised—I knew the finalist were going to the editors desk that week but I wasn’t expecting the call to come so soon if it came at all. As it turned out I was the first GH finalist to sell that year. So after all those years of waiting for the call I was totally caught off guard. But I was happy! However, the call was bittersweet to me in that it was only 7 months after my husband’s death therefore while I was thrilled I was also so sad that Wayne wasn’t there beside me...but I knew in spirit he was and is. The reason I go on about this is because God has a plan for all of us and on the day I got the call I knew God was opening a new window for me. In His timetable He’d given me a new path for my life at exactly the time that I needed it most. I know my purpose is to write fun books that touch the hearts of readers. I write to help my readers laugh and escape the harsh realities of life for the little while they are reading one of my books. I strive to build a world where they can rest easy. Truly, the day I got the call changed my life.

I read my first book by you just a couple weeks ago. Meeting Her Match. Even though I don’t know you personally, I felt like I could see you in Sheri. Do you put a little bit of your own life in the Mule Hollow Books? And what about Mule Hollow? Is there a Mule Hollow in your life?

Yes, I’m in all of my books in little ways…but definitely in the way my speaking voice comes out on the page! Talk about voice, you can hear me loud and clear so I get that all the time :). But also, you will see snap shots of some of my life in the books although believe me, my life isn’t quiet as exciting as my characters—for instance Sheri had an encounter with an alligator in MEETING HER MATCH and so did I but hers was a lot more exciting than my own experience! And about Mule Hollow it is completely made up. However the small town I live in is a wonderful place full of great people but it isn’t Mule Hollow. I love that readers really wish they could move to Mule Hollow and I’ve had several people write to me asking if I could fix them up with a cowboy--I love that! I’m thinking maybe I should start an online dating service or something!


LOL, hey, I bet you'd be busy. I also just finished Operation: Married by Christmas. It was very good. The romance was fabulous. I could feel their pain and longing in each page. You did a great job making us believe their backstory. What makes your romances so good or what’s the key to writing a good romance?

Thank you so much for the nice comment! And I love this question, Sabrina. I believe understanding the dynamics of why two people are attracted to each other is key in building a romance. It is obviously part physical—very important to the dynamics of the sexual tension that makes real life and books exciting. But, the glue that binds it all together runs so much deeper and I believe foremost that two people have to make each other want to be better people. Also, something about the person has to make you feel alive in a way no one else can—got to have those sparks! Also, each hero and heroine has to be someone your readers connect with or it doesn’t work as a book. To achieve this I study movies with great dialog and story and also the same with books that I read. But I think for me I get it better through movies. I study why the relationships work on screen and why they don’t and I think it helps me with my work.

Any tips or advice for new writers that you wish you’d have known back before you were published?

Okay, take this with a grain of salt since I am still learning and growing myself! But I believe you need to always be open to learning and to changing the things that will make you a better writer. Learn what works for you, be true to how you would say it on paper—that’s your voice. Many new authors strive to please too many critique partners and so they don’t stand out. So my advice is: learn your voice and what works with it, what makes it better and then hone that voice until it stands out not blends in! People always say, “But how do you do that? How do you know if you have a voice?” Like I said earlier everyone has a voice, a way they say things, the way they see things. You just have to figure out how to get that to the page in a captivating way and then there you go--you have a voice. Yeah, I know, easier said than done .

You’ve created a great little town in Mule Hollow. How many more Mule Hollow stories do you have planned?

Thank you, I’m hoping everyone wants to visit Mule Hollow! I’m working on book 10 in the series (praise the Lord!)and since readers have embraced the books we’re keeping it going for now to fill that demand.

I’m so excited about the three books I have coming out in 2008 with Love Inspired and yes they are all set in Mule Hollow! The first book (Jan 08) NEXT DOOR DADDY is very special to me. I feel like it is one of my best books to date. It is about a widow and a widower who both have loved and lost their soul mates. Their journey to loving again is to me a very special one. It is a little different than my other books since it is heart wrenching in parts, but I balanced this out with tons of humor so that it is in keeping with my normal style. To do this I added a daredevil eight year old and a houseful of wonderful animals that are sure to make readers laugh! That book is followed by HER BABY DREAMS in April, this book is lighter and the hero was totally fun to create. He just won’t take no for an answer! Then comes THE COWBOY TAKES A BRIDE in July and it has the spunkiest, heroine who is a down and out actress with big dreams and she’s hoping Mule Hollow will help make them come true. All are fun books but each one is different and I hope meets readers expectations. You can read about them at my website debraclopton.com so please come on by and leave me a note!

I’ve enjoyed this interview Sabrina. Thanks for having me! I do hope readers will check out my website debraclopton.com and my new blog debraclopton.blogspot.com where I put out my newest news. And if you haven’t been to Mule Hollow yet—I hope you’ll grab a book and come visit me and the gang! God bless you all.

Thank you so much, Debra. This has been one of the most fun interviews. You're so kind to share of yourself with us. Now if you'd like to win a copy of Operation Married by Christmas, email me the answer to this question. What is the name of Debra's dog. :) The answer is on her website. And please leave a comment for Debra. :) Happy Sleuthing.

WHAT LIES WITHIN BY KAREN BALL

THIS WEEK

THE CFBA IS PROUD TO PRESENT

WHAT LIES WITHIN BY KAREN BALL

I WILL BE POSTING A REVIEW AND GIVING AWAY A COPY OF THIS BOOK AS SOON AS I FINISH IT. :) BUT FOR NOW, YOU CAN PURCHASE THE BOOK HERE.