This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Breaking Up Is Hard To Do
FaithWords (April 16, 2009)
by
Anne Dayton & May Vanderbilt


ABOUT THE AUTHORS:

ANNE DAYTON graduated from Princeton University and is earning her master's degree in English literature at New York University. She works for a New York publishing company and lives in Brooklyn.

MAY VANDERBILT graduated from Baylor University and went on to earn a master's degree in fiction from Johns Hopkins University. She lives in San Francisco, where she writes about food, fashion, and nightlife in the Bay Area.

Together, the two women are the authors of Miracle Girls



ABOUT THE BOOK

Ana, Christine, Riley, and Zoe have grown closer than ever over the past few months, but summer is over and it's time to put their friendship to the test.
It's been a little over a year since Christine Lee's mom passed away in a tragic car accident. Now her dad is engaged to Candace--"The Bimbo"--and Christine couldn't be less thrilled. When her attitude starts to take a toll on her schoolwork, the administration forces her to attend counseling sessions. At least she gets to skip gym class!
But with her father's wedding inching closer, Christine is growing even more bitter. To make matters worse, the Miracle Girls are beginning to drift apart. Christine's anger and the pressures of high school threaten to break the girls up when they need each other the most. Will they find a way to join together to help Christine come to terms with her mother's death . . . and her father's remarriage?

If you would like to read the first chapter of Breaking Up Is Hard To Do, go HERE

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Breathe
(David C. Cook; New edition June 1, 2009)
by
Lisa T. Bergren


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Lisa T. Bergren is the best-selling, award winning author of over thirty books, with more than 1.5 million copies sold. A former publishing executive, she now splits her time between writing and freelance editing and parenting her three young children with her husband Tim. She lives in Colorado Springs.

ABOUT THE BOOK

To make a new life, she'll have to learn how to breathe again...

By the time Dominic and Moira St. Clair get their ailing sister, Odessa, to Colorado Springs in the winter of 1883, she is nearly dead. Odessa has been seriously aling for the past year from consumption, an illness that claimed the lives of four of her younger brothers, prompting her father, to send his only surviving children west to chase the cure.

Moira is beautiful and dangerously headstrong; and pugnacious Dominic is charged with establishing a new arm of the family business--a business he doesn't want.
Several days after her arrival, Odessa witnesses what she fears is the murder of miner Sam O’Toole, friend and neighbor to the charming Bryce McAllan.

What’s more, Sam leaves her a poem containing clues that seem to direct her to his mine, which is purported to carry a fantastic vein of silver. But if she is ever to rise from her bed again, she must first concentrate on conquering the giant that threatens her─consumption. Indeed, she must learn to breathe again─daring to embrace her life, her future, and hope in her God.

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

Free Book!!!

I'm giving away a copy of Shirlee McCoy's newest book, Cold Case Murder. Just go to her website or blog and leave a comment about one thing you learned about Shirlee that you didn't know. It can't be something someone has already mentioned. I'll draw a winner next week. :)

This book is part of a continuity and I don't have those to give away, but perhaps you can order them if you win this one. :)

Good luck!

Submitting....ahhhh...the horror!

So back in December I was told I could resubmit my book Malicious Intent if I made some changes. I put it off for a while because of other obligations, but I finally did the revisions mailed it off last month.

I'm telling you this so you can pray for me. Not just pray that the book will meet with the editor's approval, but for me to have a peace about letting this book go. About moving on from this project. I'm at a place where I want to be productive with my writing. I desire to grow and learn as a writer. I don't want to waste my time floundering around anymore. If this book isn't what they want, then my goal is that I can just put it away with no remorse. Then I need to finish the other two that I have started. I say started but one of them is halfway finished and I'm loving it. I think it has a voice that I'm happy with and feel it's the kind of book I see myself writing even years from now. It's been easier to write too. Maybe that means something.

So pray for me to be gracious and accepting no matter what the editor says. And that I can put this project away if the answer is no.

Favorite new historical writer...

Tamera Alexander's recent release, The Inheritance, debuted on the April 2009 CBA Bestseller List and is the first historical for the WOMEN OF FAITH fiction line (Thomas Nelson). The Inheritance, a stand alone novel, is set in Colorado 1877

Sabrina here: I just finished the Inheritance by Tamera Alexander and had to share with you how much I loved it. I'm not surprised how well it was written, since I've read other books by this author. I wasn't even surprised how the author took me right into the setting and left me there for the whole story. Nope. Wasn't surprised at all. Not since Alexander has become my favorite new Historical fiction writer. This newest book was the icing on the cake.

Something I love about her writing is that it's historical without being unrealistic. Sometimes I read historicals and think, really? They really acted like that. Never once did anything improper or out of character. It seems untrue to human nature to think that just because a christian person was born in the 1800's they never did anything "unchristian" or questionable. Tamera paints a real picture. A human picture. I could easily imagine the premise of this book happening. I love her stories so much, I wish they'd make them into a television series. I'd watch it. :)

Overall, rich, vivid characters, and a beautiful setting. Throw in the faith element and you have a wonderful read!

The winner of A Cousins Promise is Cara Putman. I'll get you your book soon. I'm also giving away a copy of The Stand in Groom by Kaye Dacus. It was a great book and I know whoever wins it will love it.

I'm still waiting to hear on my submission to Love Inspired. I probably have a few months left to hear anything, so while I'm waiting I'm trying to finish Rock Bottom. It's coming along. Pray I keep the pace I've been able to set. I might be able to finish it by the middle to end of May. That's my hope anyway.

So now, leave me a comment to be entered to win The Stand in Groom and I'll pull a name in the next few days. Also, I'll be giving away Shirlee McCoy's new Love Inspired Suspense, Cold Case Murder next week.

The Real Enemy

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
The Real Enemy
David C. Cook (March 2009)
by
Kathy Herman


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Suspense novelist Kathy Herman is very much at home in the Christian book industry, having worked five years on staff at the Christian Booksellers Association (CBA) in Colorado Springs, Colorado, and eleven years at Better Books Christian Center in Tyler, Texas, as product buyer/manager for the children’s department, and eventually as director of human resources.

She has conducted numerous educational seminars on children’s books at CBA Conventions in the U.S. and Canada, served a preliminary judge for the Gold Medallion Book Awards of the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association , and worked as an independent product/marketing consultant to the CBA market.

Since her first novel, Tested by Fire, debuted in 2001 as a CBA national bestseller, she's added thirteen more titles to her credit, including another bestseller, All Things Hidden.

Kathy's husband Paul is her best friend and most ardent supporter and manages the LifeWay Christian Store in Tyler, Texas. They have three grown children, five adorable grandkids, a cat named Samantha—and an ongoing fascination with hummingbirds. They also enjoy world travel, deep sea fishing, stargazing, and bird watching and sometimes incorporate all these hobbies into one big adventure.


ABOUT THE BOOK

Brill Jessup just became the first female police chief in Sophie Trace, Tennessee, and is riding on the credentials of a stellar eighteen-year career on the Memphis police force. She may be a pro at finding clues, but she tends to ignore the obvious in her personal life. And she would rather work than deal with the bitterness she feels about her husband Kurt's infidelity. Kurt, is weighed down by her unrelenting anger as he struggles to let God redeem the stupidest mistake he ever made. He is genuinely contrite and making every effort to show his commitment to Brill. But she hides behind her badge and her bitterness, deciding that moving her family away from Memphis is the only change she needs to make. So why can't Brill get over this anger?

Before she ever has time to unpack her boxes, people start disappearing. Lots of them. Seven people in seven days To complicate matters, a local legend has many residents believing that the cause is unearthly─tied to the “red shadows,” or spirits of the departed Cherokee who once inhabited the land.

While Brill draws on all of her experience and instinct to solve the case, she must confront an enemy that threatens everything she holds dear─one that cannot be stopped with a badge and a gun. She is forced to confront the real enemy.

If you would like to read the first chapter of The Real Enemy, go HERE

A Cousins Promise Book Giveaway

I'm giving away a copy of this book, so leave a comment and I'll enter you for the drawing. :)

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
A Cousin's Promise
Barbour Books (March 1, 2009)
by
Wanda Brunstetter


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Wanda enjoys writing about the Amish because they live a peaceful, simple life─something she says we all need in this day and age.

Using the knowledge her Amish friends have shared with her, Wanda has also produced several children’s titles in the Rachel Yoder─Always Trouble Somewhere series, an Amish cookbook, and a devotional collection entitled The Simpler Life, which was released in July 2008 and celebrates the virtues of the Amish lifestyle. Wanda and her husband are members of the fellowship of Christian Magicians.

Wanda is also a member of the North American Association of ventriloquists, American Christian Fiction Writers, and the Northwest Christian Writers Association. She lives in Washington State, where her husband pastors, but takes every opportunity to visit Amish settlements across the country.

Other books by Wanda are A Sister's Test, A Sister's Hope, and A Sister's Secret


ABOUT THE BOOK

Wayne Lambright who, crippled after a tragic accident, feels himself unworthy of her love; and Jake Beechy who, after having abandoned her to explore the English world, returns to renew their courtship.

Willkumm to the lush and lavish Amish country where Wanda Brunstetter's new romantic series, Indiana Cousins, begins with A Cousin's Promise. Loraine Miller finds herself torn between the love of two good men.

When a horrific accident cripples Wayne Lambright, he finds it difficult enough to take care of himself, much less Loraine Miller, his future bride. Will he sacrifice his happiness to give her a better life?

Having already been jilted once, Loraine is terrified of yet another rejection. But does she love Wayne enough to marry him, for better or worse? When her old boyfriend Jake Beechy returns from exploring the English world, he hopes Loraine will give him another chance.

How will God work to give Loraine the desires of her heart? To which man will she pledge her love and loyalty - for better or worse, until death they do part?

If you would like to read the first chapter of A Cousin's Promise, go HERE

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Breach Of Trust
Tyndale House Publishers (February 5, 2009)

by
DiAnn Mills


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Award-winning author, DiAnn Mills, launched her career in 1998 with the publication of her first book. Currently she has over forty books in print and has sold more than a million copies.

DiAnn believes her readers should “Expect an Adventure.” DiAnn Mills is a fiction writer who combines an adventuresome spirit with unforgettable characters to create action-packed novels.

Six of her anthologies have appeared on the CBA Best Seller List. Three of her books have won the distinction of Best Historical of the Year by Heartsong Presents. Five of her books have won placements through American Christian Fiction Writer’s Book of the Year Awards 2003 – 2007, and she is the recipient of the Inspirational Reader’s Choice award for 2005 and 2007. She was a Christy Awards finalist in 2008.

DiAnn is a founding board member for American Christian Fiction Writers, a member of Inspirational Writers Alive, Romance Writers of America’s Faith, Hope and Love, and Advanced Writers and Speakers Association. She speaks to various groups and teaches writing workshops around the country. DiAnn is also a mentor for Jerry B. Jenkins Christian Writer’s Guild.

She lives in sunny Houston, Texas. DiAnn and her husband have four adult sons and are active members of Metropolitan Baptist Church.



ABOUT THE BOOK

Paige Rogers survived every CIA operative’s worst nightmare.

A covert mission gone terribly wrong.

A betrayal by the one man she thought she could trust.

Forced to disappear to protect the lives of her loved ones, Paige has spent the last several years building a quiet life as a small-town librarian. But the day a stranger comes to town and starts asking questions, Paige knows her careful existence has been shattered.

He is coming after her again. And this time, he intends to silence her for good...

Paige Rogers is a former CIA agent who lost all she treasured seven years ago when her entire team was killed in a covert mission. She blames their leader—Daniel Keary—whom Paige believes betrayed them. Disillusioned and afraid for her life, she disappeared and started a new life as a librarian in small town Split Creek, Oklahoma.

But her growing relationship with high school football coach Miles Laird and the political ambitions of her former boss threaten to unmask her. When Keary announces his candidacy for governor of her state, he comes after Paige to ensure that she won't ruin his bid for office by revealing his past misdeeds. He threatens everything she holds dear, and Paige must choose between the life of hiding that has become her refuge . . . or risking everything in one last, desperate attempt to right old wrongs.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Breach Of Trust, go HERE

Watch the Book Trailer:

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Journey To The Well
Revell (March 1, 2009)
by
Diana Wallis Taylor

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Diana Wallis Taylor, San Diego resident, is an award-winning Christian author and speaker who shares her personal testimony to women’s groups. The Lord gave Diana a desire to write a book about the woman of Samaria who encountered Jesus at Jacob’s Well. It was at the edge of the well where the woman of Samaria found the living water of Jesus.

A native Californian, Diana Wallis Taylor graduated from San Diego State University. She has had many occupations; elementary and junior high school teacher, bookshop owner, and conference director for a Christian college. A poet since the age of 12, she published a book of poems, Wings Of The Wind, in 1994, now republished with watercolor illustrations in 2006. She has received awards in songwriting and poetry and her writing contributions appear in various books and magazines. The author speaks on the woman at the well in conjunction with her own testimony. She also speaks on A Walk in the Darkness, on her family involvement in the occult and how it affected her life.

Diana lives with her husband Frank in San Diego, California and between them they have six grown children and ten grandchildren. In addition to her speaking and writing, she serves on the board of the San Diego Christian Writer’s Guild and is active in Christian Women’s Fellowship.



ABOUT THE BOOK

She went to the well for water. What she found there would change her life forever.

Marah is a young girl in love with her childhood friend, Jesse. When she is forced to marry an older man, she must abandon her dreams of happiness. At the mercy of men who are often only interested in using her, Marah must fight for survival. Will she ever meet a man who can save her?

The story of the Samaritan woman at Jacob's well is one of hope, redemption, and a life changed in an instant through a remarkable encounter. Jesus told her "everything she'd ever done," but we are left to wonder at the circumstances that led her life on such a tragic path to begin with. Now from the creative mind of Diana Wallis Taylor comes the full story of the woman at the well.

This well-researched portrayal of a woman's life in the time of Jesus opens a window into a fascinating world. Taylor's rich descriptions of the landscapes, lifestyles, and rituals mesh easily with the emotional and very personal story of one woman who desperately seeks to rise above the difficult circumstances of her life.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Journey To The Well, click HERE

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
The Passion of Mary Margaret
Thomas Nelson (March 10, 2009)
by
Lisa Samson


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Lisa Samson is a Christy Award-winning author of 19 books, including the Women of the Faith Novel of the Year, Quaker Summer. Lisa has been hailed by Publishers Weekly as "a talented novelist who isn't afraid to take risks."

Her novel Embrace Me has been named as one of Library Journal's books of the year.

She lives in Lexinton, Kentucky, with her husband and three kids.

She stays busy by writing, volunteering at Kentucky Refugee Ministries, raising children and trying to be supportive of a husband in seminary. (Trying...some days she's downright awful. It's a good thing he's such a fabulous cook!) She can tell you one thing, it's never dull around there.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Mary-Margaret accepts a calling that surpasses her wildest dreams . . . and challenges her deep faith.

When Mary-Margaret Danaher met Jude Keller, the lightkeeper's son, she was studying at convent school on a small island in the Chesapeake Bay. Destined for a life as a religious sister, she nevertheless felt a pull toward Jude-rough and tumble, promiscuous Jude.

After sojourning as a medical missions sister in Swaziland, Mary-Margaret returns to the island to prepare for her final vows. Jude, too, returns to the island, dissolute and hardened. Mary-Margaret can hardly believe it when the Spirit tells her she must marry the troubled boy who befriended her all those years ago, forsaking the only life she ever wanted for a man she knows she'll never love.

If you would like to read the first chapter of The Passion of Mary Margaret , go HERE

An update

So some of you know that we've been struggling with Tanner's health for the last several months. I've asked for prayer and thought I'd update you guys that still read this blog. :)

Tanner (my 9 year old son) was born with severe reflux. He was also born with Asperger tendencies. I say tendencies because our doctor didn't think he needed to be tested and after much prayer I decided that as long as we were able to parent him well and he wasn't suffering because of it we decided a diagnosis wouldn't serve any purpose. So anyway, he's on a medicine for the reflux and has done pretty well with it but the last several months have been horrible. He has nausea every day and has been sent home from school often because he's throwing up at school. There have been weeks where he's thrown up 5-10 times in one week. The doctor doesn't seem as concerned as I am and therefore I think we're getting ready to switch doctors (which is hard since we do love this man)

I've been at the end of my rope and I'm soooo tired of Tanner being sick. It's hard to watch him struggle in the morning with the nausea knowing he's miserable and what do you do? He has to go to school. I've contemplated home schooling him just so we don't have to deal with the absences, but with him being an only child and already having some social anxiety, I just never feel at peace about it. I really feel like he needs to be with other kids.

So this week I've been praying and praying and really trying to think of what could be causing his nausea. I thought "hmmm, he's always congested when he wakes up. He's on an allergy nasal spray, but what if the drainage is causing the nausea?" So I got some allergy medicine last night and gave it to him. This morning he woke up and I always ask "Scale of 1-10, how's the nausea?" He said "Maybe a 1. I don't feel that bad." Ahhhh. Are you kidding? This kid has been through boat loads of tests and medicines. He's been so sick and it might just be nasal drip? We don't know for sure yet, but wow, if this is it, Praise the Lord.

I appreciate all those prayers and will keep you posted if this does the trick.

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Daisy Chain
Zondervan (March 1, 2009)
by
Mary DeMuth

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Mary E. DeMuth is an expert in Pioneer Parenting. She enables Christian parents to navigate our changing culture when their families left no good faith examples to follow.

Her parenting books include Authentic Parenting in a Postmodern Culture (Harvest House, 2007), Building the Christian Family You Never Had (WaterBrook, 2006), and Ordinary Mom, Extraordinary God (Harvest House, 2005).

Mary also inspires people to face their trials through her real-to-life novels, Watching The Tree Limbs
(nominated for a Christy Award) and Wishing On Dandelions (NavPress, 2006).

Mary has spoken at Mount Hermon Christian Writers Conference, the ACFW Conference, the Colorado Christian Writers Conference, and at various churches and church planting ministries. Mary and her husband, Patrick, reside in Texas with their three children. They recently returned from breaking new spiritual ground in Southern France, and planting a church.


ABOUT THE BOOK

The abrupt disappearance of young Daisy Chance from a small Texas town in 1973 spins three lives out of control—Jed, whose guilt over not protecting his friend Daisy strangles him; Emory Chance, who blames her own choices for her daughter’s demise; and Ouisie Pepper, who is plagued by headaches while pierced by the shattered pieces of a family in crisis.

In this first book in the Defiance, Texas Trilogy, fourteen-year-old Jed Pepper has a sickening secret: He’s convinced it’s his fault his best friend Daisy went missing. Jed’s pain sends him on a quest for answers to mysteries woven through the fabric of his own life and the lives of the families of Defiance, Texas. When he finally confronts the terrible truths he’s been denying all his life, Jed must choose between rebellion and love, anger and freedom.

Daisy Chain is an achingly beautiful southern coming-of-age story crafted by a bright new literary talent. It offers a haunting yet hopeful backdrop for human depravity and beauty, for terrible secrets and God’s surprising redemption.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Daisy Chain, go HERE

Sabrina Here: I haven't finished this book yet, but when I do, I'll give you my full review. For now, let me say, this is my first Mary Demuth book and I can see what all the fuss is about. She has such a colorful way with words. As if each and every sentence is thought out in a way to best paint a picture of the scene. Very unique and I can't wait to see how the whole book plays out.

Excitement...an essay/poem by Tanner Jacob Butcher

Excitement looks like cookies that just came out of the oven.

Excitement smells like fresh picked fruit.

Excitement sounds like a big boom from bouncing off the walls.

Excitement taste like a piece of pizza.

Excetement feels like peace coming after a hard fought war.

Mom here. I loved this last line and was so impressed with his 9 year old mind. I know...I'm his mom and have to be impressed. But seriously 9 years old and he already has the 5 senses down. He's doing better than mom and her own writing. LOL.

CRY IN THE NIGHT

Having read all of Colleen Coble’s Rock Harbor series, I was eager to get my copy of Cry in the Night.

The story picks up a little after we left Bree and Kade in Into the Deep. Though, you can absolutely read this book as a stand-alone and be fine. However, you will definitely finish it wanting to pick up the other books.

The author did such a great job with the internal conflict all throughout the book. I felt myself almost in anguish for the characters as I read along. Several times, I had tears in my eyes hoping things would work out the way the character prayed. However, as with all of Coble’s books there is a definite sense of realism within the pages. Life isn’t perfect and doesn’t always work out the way we’d hoped.

This wasn’t a book about the main character finding salvation and at the end of the book we know she’s done that and we feel all happy inside. No. This book was about what happens next. How even as Christians, we don’t have a perfect life. Most never get everything they ever want, and we still need to seek God’s direction before we can find our way out of the darkness. Being a Christian doesn’t necessarily give us an easier path and Coble does a great job showcasing that.

This book was a little different for me because as I’m reading it I was getting a sense of where the author was going and I wasn’t sure I liked it. As a reader, I was nervous and unsure how she would rectify the conflict she had created. On the other side, as a writer, I could see the way the conflicts were keeping me deep into the book. I was unable to stop reading and even on a work night, found myself reading at midnight. This author does a masterful job in creating a story we’re unable to walk away from. Great read!

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
A Cry In The Night
Thomas Nelson (February 3, 2009)
by
Colleen Coble
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Author Colleen Coble's thirty novels and novellas have won or finaled in awards ranging from the Romance Writers of America prestigious RITA award, the Holt Medallion, the ACFW Book of the Year, the Daphne du Maurier, National Readers' Choice, and the Booksellers Best awards. She writes romantic mysteries because she loves to see justice prevail and love begin with a happy ending.

AWARDS:
2004 More Than Magic winner for Best Inspirational Romance
Without a Trace, Thomas Nelson
2004 American Christian Fiction Writers Mentor of the Year

ABOUT THE BOOK

The highly anticipated novel that delivers what romantic suspense fans have long awaited-the return to Rock Harbor.
Bree Nichols gets the shock of her life when her husband-presumed dead-reappears.

Bree Nichols and her search and rescue dog Samson discover a crying infant in the densely forested woods outside of Rock Harbor, Michigan. Against objections from her husband, Kade, who knows she'll become attached, Bree takes the baby in. Quickly she begins a search for the mother-presumably the woman reported missing just days earlier.
While teams scour the forests, Bree ferrets out clues about the missing woman. But she soon discovers something more shocking: Bree's former husband-long presumed dead in a plane crash-resurfaces. Is he really who he says he is? And should she trust him again after all these years?
An engaging, romantic suspense novel from critically-acclaimed author Colleen Coble.

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

When are you going to get published???

“Oh, it’s fine. Now when are you going to get published?”

Most of my blog readers know that I’m a writer. I’ve written and published over 200 articles and reviews. I’m also working on my own Christian fiction books. I’ve been given the go ahead from Steeple Hill to rework a few parts of my book Malicious Intent and then send it back to them for consideration for their Love Inspired Suspense line. It’s a long shot, but at least I’m in the ball game again. :) They receive between 500-1000 submissions a year and only publish 48 of those. See what I mean. Long shot. LOL.

Most of my friends have dozens of rejections lining their office walls. One of my close friends, Cara, did have success pretty early on, but still... a lot of hard work went into that success. So it was with disappointment but also a degree of realism, that I accepted my first and only rejection two years ago. It was when I submitted Prescription for Murder to the LIS line. Since that rejection, I’ve taken some time off from both papers I was writing for and even slowed down on my book reviews. All in an attempt to focus my energy on the books I’d started.

During that same time, I took a job as a freelance reader for Harlequin/Steeple Hill. A job that I love. I thought that being a reader for one of the lines I was targeting would give me some insight into what they’re looking for. There is some truth to that, as I do believe I have gathered a better understanding of the line and what makes a book work or fail.

Here’s the funny part. I’ve read numerous manuscripts for Harlequin in the last couple years. Each time feeling pretty comfortable in my evaluation of those manuscripts. Why then, is it still so hard to evaluate my own book? Seriously. I’m at a loss. I kind of think it’s because I know the story so well I read between the lines as I’m reading. I know what my characters are thinking. What they’re seeing. Smelling. Unfortunately, Jane the reader can’t do that. So, while I love my job and hope to keep it for quite some time, sadly, I’m not sure how much it’s helped me in my own writing.

Fortunately, I have a friend who is also one of their readers and I’m looking forward to her opinion of my manuscript. If you don’t have the good fortune to know a first reader or even a published author, join a writing community (like ACFW) or critique group. If that’s not an option, find a friend who loves to read. A friend that will be brutally honest with you. Not someone who will pat your back and say the nice things you want to hear. Because that won’t help you at all. I remember a long time ago I asked my mom to read one of my books and she just said, “Oh, it’s fine. Now when are you going to get published?” So not helpful. :0/

On the other hand, I have a published author friend who is very tough on me. When she sees a problem, she’ll tell you. But when something is good, she’ll tell you that too. I need that. I can work with a critical eye. I can’t learn or work with “Oh, it’s fine. Now when are you going to get published?”

My favorite recipe...what's yours?

I'm so tired of trying to come up with food my family will eat. It's not just my son, though he's a picky eater, my husband is just as picky. Tanner (the son) eats very little meat. He lives on peanut butter. If he's hungry he'll go get a spoon of peanut butter. He knows it has protein and he's convinced me it's better than junk food. :0/ He's almost 10 and he's starting to talk about being a vegetarian. We'll see... My husband on the other hand loves meat, potatoes, and bread. I really shouldn't have so much starch so it's hard to find something we can all eat and enjoy.

We eat a lot of Mexican food, breakfast for dinner, grilled chicken, etc...Tanner can't eat rice so that's out. He literally can't eat it. Tim would eat steak or roast every day if I'd let him. Grrrr. I need help, people. :) Any ideas? I'm open to suggestions. :)

In the spirit of sharing, here's one of my favorite dishes I got from the Neely's that we all seem to be able to eat. I use half the lemons and a little extra olive oil and garlic. I also like it better with Angel Hair pasta, but the penne is good if that's all you have. :)

Easy Lemon Pasta with Chicken

Prep Time: 10 min Inactive Prep Time: hr min Cook Time: 25 min Level: Easy Serves:
3 to 5 servings 1 pound dried penne
2 chicken cutlets, cut into fingers
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
3 cloves garlic, sliced
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
3 tablespoons olive oil
3 tablespoons roughly chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
2 lemons, juiced
1/2 cup grated Parmesan

Cook the pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water, until al dente. Drain well.
Season chicken with salt and pepper. Heat a large grill pan over medium high and add chicken. Grill until golden and completely cooked. Remove to a plate and slice.

Add the garlic and red pepper flakes to a saute pan with 3 tablespoons of olive oil and saute until fragrant. Add the cooked pasta and turn heat off. Mix all together.

Remove pasta to a large bowl. Add chicken to the warm pasta and season with salt and pepper. Sprinkle in chopped parsley. Add the juice of 2 lemons and mix. Before serving top with Parmesan.

Now come on...share.

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
The Centurion's Wife
Bethany House Publishers (January 1, 2009)
by
Davis Bunn and Janette Oke


ABOUT THE AUTHORS:
Davis Bunn is an internationally acclaimed author who has sold more than six million books in fifteen languages. His audiences span reading genres from high drama and action thrillers to heartwarming relationship stories, in both contemporary and historical settings.

Honored with three Christy Awards for excellence in historical and suspense fiction, his bestsellers include My Soul To Keep, and Full Circle. A sought-after lecturer in the art of writing, Bunn was named Novelist in Residence at Regent's Park College, Oxford University.

He and his wife, Isabella, make their home in Florida for some of each year, and spend the rest near Oxford, England, where they each teach and write.


Her first novel, a prairie love story titled Love Comes Softly, was published by Bethany House in 1979. This book was followed by more than 75 others.

After Love Comes Softly was published, Oke found her readers asking for more. That book led to a series of eight others in her Love Comes Softly series. She has written multiple fiction series, including The Canadian West, Seasons of the Heart and Women of the West. Her most recent releases include a beautiful children's picture book, I Wonder...Did Jesus Have a Pet Lamb and The Song of Acadia series, co-written with T. Davis Bunn.

Janette Oke's warm writing style has won the hearts of millions of readers. She has received numerous awards, including the Gold Medallion Award, The Christy Award of Excellence, the 1992 President's Award for her significant contribution to the category of Christian fiction from the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association, and in 1999 the Life Impact Award from the Christian Booksellers Association International. Beloved worldwide, her books have been translated into fourteen languages.

She and her husband live nearby in Alberta, Canada.


ABOUT THE BOOK

Janette Oke has dreamed for years of retelling a story in a biblical time frame from a female protagonist's perspective, and Davis Bunn is elated to be working with her again on this sweeping saga of the dramatic events surrounding the birth of Christianity...and the very personal story of Leah, a young Jewess of mixed heritage trapped in a vortex of competing political agendas and private trauma.

Caught up in the maelstrom following the death of an obscure rabbi in the Roman backwater of first-century Palestine, Leah finds herself also engulfed in her own turmoil--facing the prospect of an arranged marriage to a Roman soldier, Alban, who seems to care for nothing but his own ambitions.

Head of the garrison near Galilee, he has been assigned by Palestine's governor to ferret out the truth behind rumors of a political execution gone awry. Leah's mistress, the governor's wife, secretly commissions Leah also to discover what really has become of this man whose death--and missing body--is causing such furor.

This epic drama is threaded with the tale of an unlikely romance and framed with dangers and betrayals from unexpected sources. At its core, the story unfolds the testing of loyalties--between two young people whose inner searchings they cannot express, between their irreconcilable heritages, and ultimately between their humanity and the Divine they yearn to encounter.

If you would like to read the first chapter of The Centurion's Wife, go HERE

STAND IN GROOM REVIEW

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Stand-In Groom
Barbour Publishing, Inc (January 2009)

by
Kaye Dacus


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Kaye Dacus is an author and editor who has been writing fiction for more than twenty years. A former Vice President of American Christian Fiction Writers, Kaye enjoys being an active ACFW member and the fellowship and community of hundreds of other writers from across the country and around the world that she finds there.

She currently serves as President of Middle Tennessee Christian Writers, which she co-founded in 2003 with three other writers. Each month, she teaches a two-hour workshop on an aspect of the craft of writing at the MTCW monthly meeting. But her greatest joy comes from mentoring new writers through her website and seeing them experience those “aha” moments when a tricky concept becomes clear.


ABOUT THE BOOK

When wedding planner Anne Hawthorne meets George Laurence, she thinks she's found the man of her dreams. But when he turns out to be a client, her "dream" quickly turns into a nightmare. Will Anne risk her heart and career on this engaging Englishman?

George came to Louisiana to plan his employer's wedding and pose as the groom. But how can he feign affection for a supposed fiancee when he's so achingly attracted to the wedding planner? And what will happen when Anne discovers his role has been Stand-In Groom only? Will she ever trust George again? Can God help these two believers find a happy ending?

If you would like to read the first chapter of Stand-In Groom, go HERE

What they're saying about it:

“Dacus pulls off a delightful story that places readers in the heart of the South with the debut of the Brides of Bonneterre series. Readers will enjoy this look at how lives are transformed through devastating events and how forgiveness is the key to a promising future. Nothing is as it seems in this heartwarming story.”
–Romantic Times, 4-Star Review

“Absolutely delightful! I enjoyed Stand-In Groom from cover to cover! Ms. Dacus’s clever story and wonderful prose will draw you away to a place deep in the heart of Louisiana, surrounding you with the scents, sounds, and sights of the deep south. A story filled with romance and intrigue, betrayal and forgiveness, I found myself laughing, crying and rejoicing right along with the characters.”
–M.L. Tyndall, author of The Falcon and the Sparrow and the award-winning Legacy of the King’s Pirates series

“Stand-In Groom is as sweet, beautiful, and chaotic as a perfectly planned wedding. Anne is a bright and wounded heroine you’re going to care about for a long time. George is a hero to capture your heart. Kaye Dacus will take you along for a fun, poignent ride in Stand-In Groom.”
–Mary Connealy, author of the Lassoed in Texas series and Of Mice...and Murder

SABRINA HERE:

I loved this book. Mostly because Dacus did a marvelous job in creating a memorable cast. There are so many rich characters to fall in love with in this series I found myself wishing I could join in on their weekly family dinners.

It was obvious the author would be able to continue the series by taking us on a journey through the lives of these fun cousins/siblings.

Also, something worth mentioning—you could tell the author was educated in writing/literature. She did such a good job in staying within the rules of good writing. For a first book, it was much more polished than most. I also loved loved loved the cover. Barbour did a great job with this one. :) Hope to see more like it from them.

Overall, can’t wait to read the next one and I've definitely added this writer to my list of favorites. Stop by later this month as I’ll be having another drawing for books. This one will be included. :)

My review of Sweetwater Gap

This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducing
Sweetwater GapThomas Nelson (December 16, 2008)
by
Denise HunterA story of new beginnings from best-selling Romance for Good™ author Denise Hunter.
When Josephine's family insists she come home to help with the harvest, the timing works. But her return isn't simple benevolence-she plans to persuade the family to sell the failing orchard.

The new manager's presence is making it difficult. Grady MacKenzie takes an immediate disliking to Josephine and becomes outright cantankerous when she tries talking her family into selling. As she and Grady work side by side in the orchard, she begins to appreciate his devotion and quiet faith. She senses a vulnerability in him that makes her want to delve deeper, but there's no point letting her heart have its way-he's tied to the orchard, and she could never stay there.

A brush with death tears down Josephine's defenses and for the first time in her life, she feels freedom-freedom from the heavy burden of guilt, freedom to live her life the way it was intended, with a heart full of love.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Sweetwater Gap, go HERE

My Review: The book starts with Josie receiving a call from her brother in law that she needs to come home and help her sister run the family orchard. Nate is a good man, but he’s tired of Josie being so selfish and not pulling her own weight.

Because Josie loves her sister, she decides to go home and convince Laurel to sell. Josie eludes that some impending doom is coming and Laurel will be better without the responsibilities of running the orchard on her own. Giving us the sense something is wrong with Josie and she might not be able to help run the orchard much longer.

Orchard manager Grady Mackenzie is hiding a little hurt of his own. He doesn’t trust women easily and he sure doesn’t trust Josie once he hears her trying to convince Laurel to sell the orchard. An orchard he now owns a small portion of. Owning an orchard has always been his dream and if Josie and Laurel sell, he’ll lose his dream again.

Grady starts noticing something is wrong with Josie. At first he thinks she just can’t pull her weight, but then realizes she’s ill. After a number of run-ins, the two of them become somewhat friends. When Grady finally gets Josie to confess she’s sick, Josie makes him promise not to tell. Thus, forming a tight bond between the two of them.

I won’t go any farther with the synopsis because I don’t want to spoil the ending for anyone, but let me just say, I am declaring Denise Hunter the queen of romance. She has a way of using such subtlety and still leaving us breathless. Fabulous!

I also love that even though it’s a women of faith book, Hunter didn’t feel the need to beat us over the head with a bunch of "Christianese". You know what I mean. Those long winded sections we all find ourselves skimming over…there were no sections to skim in this book! This was a great, clean, romance novel, with a great message. What more could you ask for?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Denise lives in Indiana with her husband Kevin and their three sons. In 1996, Denise began her first book, a Christian romance novel, writing while her children napped. Two years later it was published, and she's been writing ever since. Her books often contain a strong romantic element, and her husband Kevin says he provides all her romantic material, but Denise insists a good imagination helps too!

Baby it's cold outside. . .

We got our ice that was predicted, but we're still waiting on the snow. I love snow. I need snow in the winter. It makes me feel all cheery. :) I know...I'm weird. But seriously, winter without snow is just depressing. Besides, Tanner is dying to go sledding and I confess I'm looking forward to it myself. If we get to go I'll post some pics.

Now, as much as I love winter, I was cleaning out my digital camera and found all kinds of vacation pics that I forgot about.

Thought I'd share a few. Of course these are of Tanner. This first one makes me a little sad. Being an only child I get how lonely it can be sometimes.

Vacationing with the parents is fun, but can be a little boring. However, the next one shows how fun my little boy is and how even without a bunch of siblings, you can have a blast. :)

Next year, we're taking a friend along. That should be interesting.

Pardon the weird header picture. I'm playing around with some changes.

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
The Perfect Match
(Tyndale House January 1, 2009)
by
Susan May Warren


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Susan grew up in Wayzata, a suburb of Minneapolis, and became an avid camper from an early age. Her favorite fir-lined spot is the north shore of Minnesota is where she met her husband, honeymooned and dreamed of living.

The north woods easily became the foundation for her first series, The Deep Haven series, based on a little tourist town along the shores of Lake Superior. Her first full-length book, Happily Ever After, became a Christy Award Finalist published in 2004 with Tyndale/Heartquest.

As an award winning author, Susan returned home in 2004, to her native Minnesota after serving for eight years with her husband and four children as missionaries with SEND International in Far East Russia. She now writes full time from Minnesota's north woods and the beautiful town that she always dreamed of living in.

You can sample a chapter of each and every one of Susan's novels, on her website, HERE.


ABOUT THE BOOK

Ellie Karlson is new to Deep Haven. As the town’s interim fire chief, she is determined to lead the local macho fire crew in spite of their misconceptions about her. But when someone begins setting deadly fires, Ellie faces the biggest challenge of her life. Especially when sparks fly with one of the volunteers on her crew: Pastor Dan Matthews. As Ellie battles to do her job and win the respect of her crew, she finds that there is one fire she can’t fight—the one Dan has set in her heart.
(This book is the repackaged edition published in 2004)

If you would like to read the first chapter of The Perfect Match, go HERE.

Awards:

2004 American Christian Fiction Writer's Book of the Year

A Romantic Times Magazine TOP PICK – 4½ stars

Review:

Romantic Times Magazine:
Vibrant characters and vivid language zoom this action-packed romance to the top of the charts. This is a one-sitting read –once you pick it up, you won't want to put it down.

CHAI TEA RECIPE

I LOVE CHAI TEA!!! It should be on my tombstone, I love it so much. LOL. But man it can get expensive at those coffee shops. That's why I love this recipe so much. I found it in a magazine then tweaked it to my taste. Tanner and I made it for Christmas gifts this year and it seemed to go over well. I have a container of it at work so I can make a cup whenever I want. Let me know if you try it.

Spiced Chai Mix

SERVINGS: 26
TIME: Prep/Total Time: 15 min.
Ingredients:
3 cups nonfat dry milk powder
1-3/4 cups sugar
1 cup unsweetened instant tea
1 1/4 cup vanilla powdered nondairy creamer
1-1/2 teaspoons ground ginger
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground cardamom
3/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon ground pepper
OPTIONAL GARNISH: Whipped cream

Directions:
In a food processor, combine all dry ingredients; cover and process until powdery. Store in an airtight container in a cool dry place for up to 6 months.
To prepare 1 serving: Dissolve 3 tablespoons of mix in 3/4 cup boiling water; stir well. Dollop with whipped cream if desired (Uh, yeah, I desire) Yield: about 5-6 cups mix (26 servings).

Also, if you want it richer make it with steamed milk or half milk half water. That’s more like the coffee shop type. :)

Wanted by Shelley Shephard Gray

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Wanted
Avon Inspire (January 6, 2009)
by
Shelley Shepard Gray

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Hidden is Shelley’s first foray into inspirational fiction. Previously, Shelley lived in Texas and Colorado, where she taught school and earned both her bachelors and masters degrees in education. She now lives in southern Ohio where she writes full time. Shelley is an active member of her church. She serves on committees, volunteers in the church office, and is part of the Telecare ministry, which calls homebound members on a regular basis. Shelley looks forward to the opportunity to write novels that showcase her Christian ideals.

This is the second book in the Sisters Of Heart series. The first was Hidden.


ABOUT THE BOOK

Twenty-year-old Katie Brenneman has always quietly fancied Jonathan Lundy. So when the brokenhearted widower asks her to help him take care of his two young girls, Katie knows it will be a trying time-yet she cannot pass up a golden opportunity to get to know this man better.

Just as she's settling into her new life, a message arrives from Katie's past, threatening to expose her darkest secrets. During her Rumspringa, her running-around years, she experimented with activities forbidden in the Amish way of life. Frightened by how far she'd strayed from her values, Katie ran back home, vowing to cut all ties with the outside world. Now her transgressions are coming back to haunt her, just as Jonathan seems willing to welcome her into his heart.

Will the past destroy Katie's chances for love? Or will Katie finally allow herself to accept God's love, forgive her past...and receive everything she's ever wanted?

If you would like to read an excerpt of Chapter 1 of Wanted, go HERE