CFBA Blog Tour: Operation Bonnet

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Operation Bonnet David C. Cook; New edition (February 1, 2011) by Kimberly Stuart



ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Kimberly says:

I am a writer of comedic fiction, and would like to suggest that you laugh regularly when reading my books. Let’s also try for one to two teary moments. If you are crying more than that, you don’t understand my sense of humor and should move on to another author.



I grew up in a book-loving home. Actually, that’s not entirely accurate. My mom loves books. My dad loves to read the first chapters of books and then make us all listen as he recites his favorite passages. I, however, enjoy reading books in their entirety and came into writing as a result of book-love. After earning two fancy degrees in education and Spanish, I promptly let the thinking part of my brain take a breather and instead became pregnant. (I’m sure a lot of other things happened between early literacy and pregnancy but I don’t really remember any of that. If you also have shared your uterus with another human, you understand.)



In an effort to author a book that would entertain my sassy, irreverent, breast-feeding/drooping friends, I wrote my first novel, Balancing Act. People were so nice to me after that, I decided to continue with writing. Also, I can’t craft, knit, or scrapbook, so what else was a nice, Christian girl to do?



In addition to writing books to make my friends laugh and cry, I observe the chaos at the home I share with my unfailingly supportive husband and three offspring. We’re doing our best and so far, no one’s been to prison.



ABOUT THE BOOK

Twenty-year-old Nellie Monroe has a restless brilliance that makes her a bit of an odd duck. She wants to be a private investigator, even though her tiny hometown offers no hope of clients. Until she meets Amos Shetler, an Amish dropout carrying a torch for the girl he left behind.



So Nellie straps on her bonnet and goes undercover to get the dish. But though she’s brainy, Nellie is clueless when it comes to real life and real relationships. Soon she’s alienated her best friend, angered her college professor, and botched her case.



Operation Bonnet is a comedy of errors, a surprising take on love, and a story of grace.



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



Watch the book video trailer:

My Book Therapy

I'm flying to Clearwater, FL tomorrow for the My Book Therapy Deep Thinkers retreat. I'm so excited because I'll be spending more than 5 days with my writing mentors--award-winning authors Susan May Warren and Rachel Hauck, many of my Ponderer friends, and new friends I've met through the My Book Therapy chats.

Not only am I longing to sink my toes in the warm, sugary sand, but I'm looking forward to the intensive workshops under Susie's and Rachel's sublime teaching. They've been instrumental in helping me grow as a writer and getting published. I love them as friends, admire them as writers, and look forward to soaking in their wisdom.

My Book Therapy is one of the best sites for helping writers grow and discover their voices. Susie had the vision of helping writers several years ago. By being obedient to God's calling, she is helping writers to strengthen their craft and work toward publication.

Here's a sample of what My Book Therapy has to offer:

• Weekly two-hour chats with Susan May Warren on the craft of writing. This year, we are focusing on suspense. Chats are scribed and posted in the forum with homework opportunities for feedback. 
• Instructional blog with craft articles and book reviews
• My Book Therapy Club Voices--a forum for writers to chat and hang out
• Voices e-zine, which comes out bi-monthly and helps writers with articles on craft, industry, community and more
• Prayer ministry--members of MBT have an opportunity to send prayer requests that are sent anonymously to our prayer coordinator to be prayed over by a private prayer team
• Frasier writing contest where the grand prize is a FREE My Book Therapy retreat
• Three retreats a year that build on each other to guide writers toward publication
• Annual pizza party at ACFW Conference

Membership is free, so check it out and join!

I may be a little biased because I'm the My Book Therapy forum coordinator and editor-in-chief of the Voices ezine. These opportunities came about after developing a friendship with Susie that has grown through the years. She has been an incredible blessing in my life. I believe My Book Therapy is largely responsible for my recent book sale. I'm looking forward to growing with My Book Therapy as God takes us to the next level.

Your turn: Are you familiar with My Book Therapy? What writing organizations do you belong to? How have they helped to strengthen your writing?

CFBA Blog Tour: Save the Date

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Save The Date Thomas Nelson (February 1, 2011) by Jenny B. Jones



ABOUT THE AUTHOR:



I write Christian fiction with a few giggles, quite a bit of sass, and lots of crazy. My novels include the Katie Parker Production series and So Not Happening. I would also like to take credit for Twilight , but somewhere I think I read you’re not supposed to lie.


When I’m not typing my heart out (or checking email), I teach at a super-sized high school in Arkansas.


My students are constantly telling me how my teaching changes their lives and turned them away from drugs, gangs, and C-SPAN.


Okay, that’s not exactly true.


Some facts that are true include:


I've always been refined!


A. I got my camera confiscated by big boys with guns at the American Embassy in Europe this past summer. O la la!


B. I once worked in a seed mill office and cleaned out mice on a regular basis. Ew.


C. I’m a former drama teacher.


D. I didn’t pass my drivers test the first time. Or the second…


E. I attract stray animals like a magnet.


F. I used to assemble and test paint ball guns for a local factory...


Since my current job leaves me with very little free time, I believe in spending my spare hours in meaningful, intellectual pursuits such as:

-watching E!

-updating my status on Facebook

-catching Will Ferrell on YouTube and

-writing my name in the dust on my furniture


I’d love to hear about you, so drop me a note. Or check me out on Facebook.


ABOUT THE BOOK

You’re invited to the engagement of the most unlikely couple of the year.

When the funding for Lucy’s non-profit job is pulled, she is determined to find out why. Enter Alex Sinclair, former professional football star and heir of Sinclair Enterprises—the primary donor to Lucy’s Saving Grace organization. Alex Sinclair has it all . . . except for the votes he needs to win his bid for Congress. Both Lucy and Alex have something the other wants. Despite their mutual dislike, Alex makes Lucy a proposition: pose as his fiancée in return for the money she desperately needs. Bound to a man who isn’t quite what he seems, Lucy finds her heart – and her future – on the line.



Save the Date is a spunky romance that will have readers laughing out loud as this dubious pair try to save their careers, their dreams . . . and maybe even a date.


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

The Roads We Travel

Photo credit

When our oldest son was sixteen, he was hired to work as a lifeguard at a Boy Scout camp about 90 minutes from us. Hubby knew this route very well because he lifeguarded at the same camp when he was a teenager.

One weekend, though, I had to take our son back to camp after church. I'm directionally-challenged, so I printed out directions from MapQuest. According to the directions, I needed to turn right on this particular road, which was less than a mile from camp. Okay, no problem.

However, this road seemed hidden from the road with tall grasses framing this dirt road. Surely this couldn't be the right road. It was nothing more than a deeply-rutted log road. Why in the world would MapQuest have me turn down this road?

After 45 minutes of frustration and fear of bottoming out, I found an area big enough to turn around and head back to the main road where we had cell service to call Hubby. He said we needed to make the next right. I followed his directions and dropped my son off at camp.

I can laugh about it now, and yes, that scene has already found its way into one of my novels, but at the time, I was scared and uncertain of my destination.

After arriving home, I searched MapQuest to see why this happened. I realized I had checked shortest distance instead of shortest time.

I learned taking shortcuts often comes with a price, resulting in even more work.

The same can be said about the journeys in our lives. If we try to take short cuts, we're more apt to end up down those log roads pitted with frustration and discouragement.  Every stretch of the road forces us to makes choices. Those choices can fill us with peace or aggravate us to tears. By mapping out our routes with prayer and staying focused on the path God has laid before us, we're able to arrive at our destinations with peace of mind.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart 
and lean not on your own understanding; 

in all your ways submit to him, 
and he will make your paths straight. 
Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV

Your Turn: Do you have a traveling story that can be used as a metaphor for something you're experiencing in your life? What lesson did God teach you through the journey?

P.S. Congrats to Julie Jarnagin for winning the Susan May Warren Missions of Mercy novels--Point of No Return and Mission:Out of Control and to Michelle Styles for winning Rachel Hauck's Softly and Tenderly. Thanks again for all the great comments you all shared with me. 

Thank you for sharing in my joy!

Image credit: http://www.sxc.hu/photo/1299808

Wow! And a backwards Wow, as my friend Amy put it!

I'm so humbled and touched by the comments you left on my From Dream to Reality post. Just before I prepared to go public, my friend Keli warned me to prepare for the congratulations that would come pouring in. Oh. My. Goodness. I had no idea.

I allowed your comments to wash over me as I showered in the blessings of God's goodness and grace.

What touched me the most were the comments from writers still waiting for "the call" who said my post inspired them to keep going, even during those tough times.

Writing can seem so solitary. I understand the frustrations and discouragements when it seems like friends and writing colleagues all around you are getting agents, getting book contracts, and you're still waiting in line for your turn.

Let me promise you--you're not alone.

You're not the only writer out there who's still waiting.

You're not the only writer out there.

Reach out to others who are in a similar situation. Pray for one another. Encourage one another. Celebrate with one another. That's what the MBT Ponderers do for each other!

And if you still feel alone, e-mail me. I will pray for you. I will encourage you. I will celebrate with you!

Celebrations aren't limited to agent representations or book contracts. Celebrate those milestones along the way.

Getting a book contract doesn't mean I've arrived. No, it just means I have a new road to travel.

Thank you for sharing in my joy. I look forward to each new adventure God brings

CFBA Blog Tour: Words

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Words B&H Books (February 1, 2011) by Ginny Yttrup



ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Ginny Yttrup is an author, freelance writer, and writing coach. As she writes, speaks, and coaches, her prayer is that God will use her words to replace the lies so many believe about themselves with the truth of His unconditional love and grace. To see someone grasp, perhaps for the first time, the truth of God's love, is truly an honor. Through a relationship with the Truth, Jesus Christ, the bonds of shame are loosed and freedom abounds!



When Ginny is not working, she loves spending time with her two college-age sons or with friends. She is surrounded by the most amazing people--each a gift in their own way. If she can spend time outdoors with those she love, it's even better. And she thoroughly adores her dog, Bear. He's a book lover too.



She has two grown sons and lives near Sacramento, California. Words is her first novel.



ABOUT THE BOOK

"I collect words. I keep them in a box in my mind. I'd like to keep them in a real box, something pretty, maybe a shoe box covered with flowered wrapping paper. Whenever I wanted, I'd open the box and pick up the papers, reading and feeling the words all at once. Then I could hide the box. But the words are safer in my mind. There, he can't take them."



Ten-year old Kaylee Wren doesn't speak. Not since her drug-addled mother walked away, leaving her in a remote cabin nestled in the towering redwoods-in the care of a man who is as dangerous as he is evil. With silence her only refuge, Kaylee collects words she might never speak from the only memento her mother left behind: a dictionary.



Sierra Dawn is thirty-four, an artist, and alone. She has allowed the shame of her past to silence her present hopes and chooses to bury her pain by trying to control her circumstances. But on the twelfth anniversary of her daughter's death, Sierra's control begins to crumble as the God of her childhood woos her back to Himself.



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



Watch the book trailer video:

From Dream to Reality: The Story of My Heart

Over a decade ago, I decided to get serious about becoming a published author. Always a supporter of my dream, my hubby bought me a Brother Word Processor. I started a novel about a woman who broke off her engagement to her police officer fiance after her father was killed in the line of duty.

I toiled over that novel, breaking every writing rule new writers aren't supposed to break. I shelved the book several times and started something new, but those characters continued to stay with me. They weren't willing to be shelved. The story title changed several times as I tweaked the plot, deepened the characters, and shelved it again.

I shared with several critique groups through the years and used their feedback to make it as good as I could. But there still seemed to be something missing.

I emailed the My Book Therapy dynamic duo, Susan May Warren and Rachel Hauck, and requested brainstorming therapy. Our one-hour phone conversation became a two-hour brainstorming conversation as the three of us talked over each other in raised decibels. I left that conversation with a fully plotted novel.

With a deep breath, I entered Draw Me Close in the 2009 ACFW Genesis contest, hoping for feedback to help strengthen the writing. Jim Rubart called to let me know my entry had finaled. I cried in his ear, but he was a great sport.

At the ACFW banquet, Draw Me Close took second place in the contemporary romance category!

Additionally, I had pitched it to Tina James of Love Inspired and Rachelle Gardner of Wordserve Literary. Both requested the full manuscript, but Rachelle asked me to send it to her first. After getting feedback from several Ponderer friends, I submitted the requested full manuscript to Rachelle in March 2010.

A week later, I received an email that left me speechless and in tears. Rachelle offered representation. I kept thinking I received someone else's email by mistake. Even after I spoke with her on the phone for almost an hour, I still floated in "pinch me" world.

She submitted it to Tina James in April, but the pesky manuscript disappeared into cyberspace. Unfortunately, we didn't realize this until speaking with Tina at the 2010 ACFW conference. Rachelle re-submitted it in October, so I waited again.

On January 7, 2010, Rachelle called and said, "Lisa, today is your day!" I cried. I sobbed. My poor husband thought something terrible had happened. I finally managed to squeak out, "I sold my book."

Love Inspired editor Melissa Endlich had an opening in her schedule. She asked the other LI editors if they had something she could read. Tina gave her my manuscript on that Monday. She read it Tuesday and Wednesday, wanted to buy it on Thursday, and Rachelle called me on Friday with a book offer.

After more than a decade, Lindsey and Stephen of Draw Me Close will have their happily ever after. 

Later, after my day job ended, and the house quieted, I called Rachelle back and listened to the terms and book details. I teared up again when I learned my novel will be out in November 2011.

Over the next week, I received a welcome letter from Melissa, along with my first set of revisions--8 small items to change. We discussed title changes and cover art. After emailing a couple of times, Draw Me Close has been retitled Lakeside Reunion. It's a story of forgiveness, trust, and second chances.

Is there really such a thing as a second chance?
 
Lindsey Porter escaped her hometown of Shelby Lake with a broken heart, and said good-bye to her relationship with God at the same time. But family obligation calls her back home, and the former fiancé who dumped her is the first person she sees after crossing the county line. Is there room in her heart for forgiveness? Lindsey hopes for a second chance at love, but the obstacles in her way might just be too great to overcome.

This is the story of my heart because Lindsey's fears about her former fiance's job keep her from finding her second chance at love. When Hubby and I were married, he was a military policeman in the United States Marine Corp (OO RAH!) and dreamed of becoming a police officer like his dad. I was so afraid of losing him in the line of duty that I begged him to give up his dream. And he did. At the time, I wasn't a Christian and didn't have God to carry my anxieties. 

In Lakeside Reunion, Lindsey has an opportunity to have her second chance at love with Stephen, but will she allow her fears to keep them apart? 

Today I received my contract for Lakeside Reunion. After printing out all three copies, initialing each page, and signing them, I mailed them back to Harlequin for processing. So now it's real. It's official. I'm a published author.

To help celebrate my exciting first sale news, I'm giving away signed copies of Susan May Warren's Love Inspired Suspense novels: Point of No Return and Mission: Out of Control and Rachel Hauck's new release with Sara Evans, Softly and Tenderly. If these two wonderful friends hadn't brainstormed and mentored me, this post wouldn't be written. To win, leave a comment, along with your email address!

Thanks for sharing in my long-winded story of how the story of my heart has gone from dream to reality!

CFBA Blog Tour: Lone Star Intrigue

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Lone Star Intrigue Avon Inspire (February 1, 2011) by Debra White Smith

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Debra White Smith is a seasoned Christian author, speaker, and media personality who has been regularly publishing books for over a decade. In the last twelve years, she has accumulated over 50 books sales to her credit with over 1 million books in print. Her titles include such life-changing books as Romancing Your Husband, Romancing Your Wife, The Divine Romance: Developing Intimacy with God, the The Lonestar Intrigue fiction series, and The Jane Austen fiction series.

As a woman of God, Debra is committed to the highest standards of integrity and to spending hours a week being still before the Father, staying in tune with Him, and listening for His voice of direction in all she does. This commitment to romancing the Lord, coupled with her lifestyle of devouring, analyzing, and dissecting the Word of God has allowed God to bring about a miracle of deliverance and healing in Debra's spirit, mind, and soul. For you see, Debra holds a double Ph.D. from the toughest schools in the world. The first Ph.D. from the "School of Hard Knocks" and the second, from the "School of Very Hard Knocks." Aside from that, she holds an M.A. in English from the University of Texas.


Along with Debra's being voted a fiction-reader favorite several times, her book Romancing Your Husband was a finalist in the 2003 Gold Medallion Awards. And, her Austen Series novel First Impressions was a finalist in the 2005 Retailer's Choice Awards. Debra has been a popular media guest across the nation, including Fox TV, The 700 Club, ABC Radio, USA Radio Network, and Moody Broadcasting. Her favorite hobbies include fishing, bargain-hunting, and swimming with her family. Debra also vows she would walk 50 miles for a scoop of German Chocolate ice cream.

ABOUT THE BOOK

In the small town of Bullard, Texas, the Mansfield brothers seem to have everything in order . . . except for their love lives. Jack is the lonely police chief still pining after Charli, his college girlfriend. Younger brother Sonny keeps busy on the road as a private investigator, and a secret from his past prevents him from finding someone to settle down with. But all that is about to change...

Read the two stories...

In Texas Heat, Charli is wrongly accused of a terrible crime. Now Jack must arrest the one woman he's ever loved and risk everything to prove her innocence and save her life.

In Texas Pursuit, a single mother is a target of a relentless stalker—and Sonny finds himself both the only man who can protect her and the one who inadvertently leads danger back into her world.

Page-turning novels of romance and suspense, the Lone Star Intrigue series will give you faith in the power of love, and remind you that having faith in a God who redeems our mistakes is the greatest love story of all.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Lone Star Intrigue, go HERE.

One Romantic's View of Valentine's Day

I'm a happily ever after girl.

I love Disney fairy tales, chick flicks, romance novels, and anything that makes my heart sigh. But I'm not so crazy about Valentine's Day.

Don't get me wrong--I'm all for celebrating love, but love isn't about just one day. It's an ongoing celebration.

Hubby and I talked about this last night when we made a quick dash to Walmart for those weekly essentials. The commercialism of the holiday is crazy. Yes, I know we can say thing about almost every holiday. But really? Do people seriously buy those huge teddy bears for almost fifty bucks? Apparently, or the stores wouldn't be selling them.

Cards, flowers, jewelry, candy, and all those tokens are very sweet gestures of showing love. I'm not saying that. I have a box of cards from Hubby, jewelry, dried roses from bouquets he's given through the years. I appreciate those gifts very much.

Despite being married for almost 22 years, Hubby and I still celebrate our love on a daily basis. When he folds the laundry, that means more to me than a stuffed bear. His gifts of service touch my heart because I know they're specific to me.

Since we still have one son at home and one son in college, we celebrate Valentine's Day as a family. We model love so our boys will show love to each other and others. Hubby and I will have many years together to celebrate by ourselves.

Tonight we will celebrate with homemade lasagna and chocolate cake. I asked Hubby to put build shelves in my craft closet. That gift means more to me than chocolate my hips don't need.

Love is something that needs to be shared and celebrated on a daily basis through small acts that mean so much to the other person. God models love for us on a daily basis. His unconditional love and grace abounds beyond our comprehension. He wants us to love Him with all of our hearts, our souls, our strengths, our minds. And he wants us to love one another--even those people who may not seem so lovable.
Make every day a Valentine's Day by showing love to one another and celebrating that emotion with random acts of kindness.

Your turn: What are your thoughts on Valentine's Day?

Friday Fun: Round Robin

I've had a very busy week with paperwork, and my brain has turned to oatmeal. Let's have some Friday Fun with a Round Robin.

A round robin is a continual story written by different people. Someone starts it, and others add to it. So I'll start here, and then you add a sentence or two in the comments.

Maxine didn't mean to open her boss's mail. Not really. Okay, well, maybe she did ... but she didn't expect to be caught! Holding the open package in her hands, shocked by the contents, but even more shocked by the look on her boss's face, Maxine....

Your turn :D

Litfuse Blog Tour: Made to Crave

Made To Crave: Satisfying Your Deepest Desire With God, Not Food.

A woman's battle with food is a subject that is near and dear to Lysa's heart. Just because a woman finally fits into her skinny jeans doesn't mean she's won her battle with food. Too often, women overlook the spiritual component to their physical struggle with healthy eating. Made To Crave taps into the desires God gave you to consume food without letting food consume you! Read the book reviews here!

This study also comes with a companion DVD series: If you want to maximize your experience and bring these teachings to life in a way you’ll never forget, you’ll want to order the full set of resources. Adding the DVD teaching series and the workbook will motivate you to get healthy without feeling deprived, lose the weight in a permanent way, and find the peace your body, mind and soul desires. This DVD study can be done in a group or by yourself. For reviews about the DVD series, go here.

The Bundle is only available (and discounted right now!) through Proverbs 31 Ministries, so click here to place your order! (read the reviews below.)

Find out a little more about the book from Lysa herself:

More about Lysa:
Lysa TerKeurst is an author and speaker who helps everyday women live an adventure of faith through following Jesus Christ. As president of Proverbs 31 Ministries, Lysa has led thousands to make their walk with God an invigorating journey.

Lysa wrote the book Made To Crave from the perspective of a woman who has never craved a carrot stick in her whole life. Having struggled with her weight her whole adult life, Lysa knows what it feels like to be in the vicious cycle of gaining and losing, but never feeling at peace in her struggle. Everything changed when Lysa decided to have her deepest desire met by God not food. Now, armed with the spiritual motivation she gained in her own journey, she is inspiring others to find lasting victory.

As a nationally known speaker, Lysa has been passionately teaching women God’s truths for years. Lysa’s personal adventures of following God led to appearances on The Oprah Winfrey Show, Good Morning America, The 700 Club, USA Today newspaper, Woman’s Day magazine, and Focus on the Family radio.

Today, Lysa and her ministry team at Proverbs 31 Ministries encourage more than 375,000 women through their daily online devotional. In addition, she co-hosts a 1-minute inspirational radio program aired on more than 1,200 stations around the world. Plus, she touches hearts through their monthly magazine, P31 Woman. Lysa’s blog averages over 70,000 avid readers per month. She is the award-winning author of 14 books, including her newest releases, Made to Crave and Becoming More Than a Good Bible Study Girl. Other noteworthy books include What Happens When Woman Say Yes to God, What Happens When Women Walk in Faith, Capture His Heart, and Capture Her Heart. Visit Lysa's website for more info and to visit her blog! http://lysaterkeurst.com

Lisa's Thoughts: I received this book and companion DVD for free from the publisher in exchange for a review on my site. I read Made to Crave, and felt as if Lysa was inside my head. I cried because someone understand what I had been going through. The book helped me to see the emotional havoc I was wrecking on myself by turning to food and not God. If you struggle with food, you need to read this book. 

Blog tour Schedule: Follow along and see what the readers and reviewers have to say!

2/7
Julie Arduini: The Surrendered Scribe
http://www.juliearduini.com/Blog/tabid/72/Default.aspx  

Becky at In the Pages  
http://inthepages.blogspot.com

Mel's World with Melissa Mashburn  
http://www.MelissaMashburn.com

Apple Blossom at 4 the LOVE of BOOKS  
http://myheartbelongs2books.blogspot.com/  

Denise at Under The Boardwalk  
http://nisefunpages.blogspot.com  

Vida at Sunflower Faith  
http://sunflowerfaith.com  

2/8
Debbie at Journey of Sisters
http://wwwmjourneyofsistersministry.com  

Marcy at Ben and Me  
http://benandme.net  

Lynn Dove's Journey Thoughts  
http://lynndove.wordpress.com/  

April at Busy Minds, Busy Hands, Busy Feet
http://homeschoolblogger.com/elcloud  

Bina's Pad  
http://www.binaspad.com  

2/9
Tricia at It's Real Life & Living Inspired  
http://triciagoyer.blogspot.com  

Amy at What We're Reading
http://247Moms.com  

Laura at Lighthouse Academy  
http://lighthouse-academy.blogspot.com/  

Mandy To Read, Or Not To Read  
http://readornotread.blogspot.com/  

Kaylea at My Scrappy Life  
http://kaytebug2002.blogspot.com  

Stephanie at Coupon Clippin' Mommy  
http://www.couponclippinmommy.com  

2/10
The Johns Family  
http://grettajohns.blogspot.com  

Lisa at Musings  
http://www.lisajordanbooks.blogspot.com  

Lori's Book Reviews  
http://laurelwreathsreflections.com/lorisbookreviews/  

Sharon at I Dream Of Writing for God  
http://sharonalavy.blogspot.com/

Sherry at My Journey Back  
http://www.myjourneyback-thejourneyback.blogspot.com

2/11
Jennifer at Crazy-for-Books  
http://www.crazy-for-books.com  

Jenifer at Parris Ponderings  
http://www.jmparris.blogspot.com  

Tina at Giving N Sharing  
http://givingnsharing.blogspot.com  

Kristina at 3 Under 4  
http://www.3under4.com

Tricia at It's Real Life & Living Inspired  
http://triciagoyer.blogspot.com  

Angela at All Grown Up?  
http://pantylesspreacherswife.wordpress.com  

Andrea at Ponderings by Andrea   
http://andrealschultz.blogspot.com  

2/12
Tammy at Bluerose's Heart  
http://www.bluerosesheart.blogspot.com  

Jenn at Should Be Reading  
http://shouldbereading.wordpress.com  

Rebecca at Fearfully and Wonderfully Made  
http://rebeccatyndall.blogspot.com  

Joanna at Joanna Weaver Books  
http://joannaweaver.blogspot.com  

Sharon at The Legacy of Home  
http://thelegacyofhome.blogspot.com  

Margaret at Pearl Girls  
http://margaretmcsweeney.blogspot.com

CFBA Blog Tour: Promises to Keep

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Promises to Keep Bethany House (February 1, 2011) by Ann Tatlock





ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Ann Tatlock is the author of the Christy Award-winning novel All the Way Home. She has also won the Midwest Independent Publishers Association "Book of the Year" in fiction for both All the Way Home and I'll Watch the Moon. Her novel Things We Once Held Dear received a starred review from Library Journal and Publishers Weekly calls her "one of Christian fiction's better wordsmiths, and her lovely prose reminds readers why it is a joy to savor her stories." Ann lives with her husband and daughter in Asheville, North Carolina.



ABOUT THE BOOK

Eleven-year-old Roz (Rosalind) Anthony and her family have just moved to Mills River, Illinois, to escape an abusive situation. Only days after settling into their new home, they are surprised to find the previous owner, Tillie Monroe, on their front porch reading the newspaper.



Though her sons have sold the house and sent her to a facility for the aged, she is determined to die in the place she lived her life, and somehow manages to find her way "home" day after day. Feeling sympathy for the elderly woman, Roz's mother allows Tillie to move back in.



Mara Nightingale becomes Roz's first friend in Mills River. In spite of their many differences, the girls discover they have something in common that binds them together--both are hiding secrets. So they make a promise--"cross my heart and hope to die"--never to tell anyone else. When danger stalks the Anthonys, Tillie exhibits unimaginable courage and selfless love in her determination to protect the family she has adopted as her own.



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



Watch the book trailer:

CFBA Blog Tour: Another Dawn

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Another Dawn Bethany House (February 1, 2011) by Kathryn Cushman

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Kathryn Cushman is a graduate of Samford University with a degree in pharmacy. After practicing as a pharmacist, she left her career to marry and begin a family and has since pursued her dream of writing.

Other books by Kathryn, A Promise to Remember was a finalist for the American Christian Fiction Writers Book-of-the-Year in the Women’s Fiction category, and Waiting for Daybreak was a finalist in Women’s Fiction for the Inspirational Reader’s Choice Award.

Leaving Yesterday, her third novel, was a finalist for the ACFW Carol Award.

Now her fifth book, Another Dawn, has arrived in stores, and I’m very excited about it!

On the homefront, Kathryn has been married to Lee for over twenty years now, and their two daughters are currently braving the worlds of junior high and high school. They’ve lived in Santa Barbara for the last nineteen years. It’s a beautiful place and Kathryn feels blessed to be there (although a seventy degree Christmas still leaves her dreaming of a white one—or at least a colder one!)

ABOUT THE BOOK

Grace Graham is back in Tennessee with her four-year-old son on a short unpaid leave from work, helping her father recover from surgery and spending time with her sister.

Shoal Creek seems more backward than ever after her years in California, and it's hard to find organic food anywhere. When the unthinkable happens and her son is diagnosed with measles, Grace's fears over modern medicine take a dangerous turn.

Worse, the town has fallen into quarantine and its residents focus their anger and blame on Grace. She is alone and scared, until one brave woman chooses to reach out a hand of forgiveness and mercy. But when the outbreak takes a life-threatening turn, will Grace be able to forgive herself?

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

When God Says No

How many times have you told your children "no?" Why? Most likely because you know what's best for them. Your decisions need to have positive impacts for their developments, health, and safety.

God is the same way. He is a loving parent who always answers our prayers--maybe, yes, or no. Man, those no prayers really hurt, especially when it's something we want so badly.

At the beginning of December, the Ponderers made a heartfelt Christmas wish list that ranged from salvation for unsaved loved ones, health issues for loved ones, stronger walks with God, focus for God-directed tasks. Each of these requests has been placed at the feet of Jesus, awaiting those "yes" prayers.

I woke up Christmas morning with my heartfelt wish clamoring in my head. Will my prayer be granted today? The day passed with unwrapping of gifts and laughing with family. As I went to bed, my heart ached, knowing I didn’t get my heart's desire. I whispered, “Why not, Lord?”

In the past month, God has opened many doors. Incredible things are taking place. Prayers have been answered. Despite those celebrations, God has closed several doors too. When I should’ve been soaring from the mountaintop of joy, I spent a week wandering the valley of discouragement.

Today I'm blogging at MBT Ponderers, so head over to read the rest of this post.

Writers Need Hobbies!

If you walked in my attic, you'd probably freak out a little and want to submit it for an episode of Hoarders. No, I don't have a problem, unless you count lack of time to clean and organize a problem. It's a disaster up there with totes of crafting supplies. In my 42 years, I've done almost all of it--sewing, counted cross-stitch, crocheting, scrapbooking & stamping, and now knitting.

 In my spare time, I love to knit. I taught myself how over a year ago, and since then, I've developed a passion for fibers. This ongoing love affair created friction with my bank account. You see, my bank account is tired of paying for my newfound love of fibers. I have enough yarn to make several afghans, assorted socks, mittens, scarves, and whatever else touches your knitting fancy.

I still do a lot of scrapbooking & stamping. While I love paper and all the fun embellishments, I'm moving into digital scrapbooking, which is portable and no clean up. My poor Mac hard drive is shrinking with unused memory, so I need to find a new home for my photos and digital goodies. I've been learning photo manipulation and design with Photoshop. If I didn't have dreams of being a full-time writer, I would've gone into graphic design.

Every writer needs a hobby other than writing. I no longer consider writing a hobby. Now it's becoming a career. Since I am a stay-at-home-work-at-home mother already, I'm juggling two careers with family, friends, church, and life obligations.

So when in the world do we have time for a hobby?? Well, we have to make the time.

I knit in the evenings while watching NCIS with my family. Knitting relaxes me, erasing the stresses of the day. Knitting allows me to bless others with my gifts. Knitting allows my muse to relax and wander--I've gotten great brainstorms while knitting.

Scrapbooking allows me to savor those past memories of when my children were small. Those trips down memory lane remind me what terrific young men they're turning into. Scrapbooking has given me a novel idea or two, especially as I look at pictures from my past.

Whether you work at home or outside the home, you need a hobby. Hobbies aren't limited to things like knitting or scrapbooking. Hobbies can be physical too--running, hiking, bird watching, miming in the park--whatever makes your heart happy...but keep it legal.

Hobbies allow you to express yourself in creative ways to be in touch with both sides of your brain. Hobbies allow you to de-stress in a positive, tangible way. Hobbies allow you to have time for yourself when others demand so much from you.

If you don't have a hobby, think about what you enjoy, and then consider trying that. You're never too old to learn!


Your turn: What do you enjoy doing in your spare time? What hobbies do you do? If you don't have a hobby, why not? Leave a comment with your e-mail to receive a set of bunny cards like the one pictured in this post.

CFBA Blog Tour: Larkspur Cove

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Larkspur Cove Bethany House (February 1, 2011) by Lisa Wingate


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Lisa Wingate is an award-winning journalist, magazine columnist, popular inspirational speaker and a national bestselling author of sixteen books. Her first mainstream novel, Tending Roses, is in its eighteenth printing from Penguin Putnam. Tending Roses is a staple on the shelves of national bookstore chains as well as in many independent bookstores.

Recently, Lisa’s Blue Sky Hill Series, set in Dallas, received national attention with back-to-back nominations for American Christian Fiction Writers Book of the Year Award for A Month of Summer (2009) and The Summer Kitchen (2010). Pithy, emotional, and inspirational, her stories bring to life characters so real that readers often write to ask what is happening to them after the book ends.

Lisa is one of a select group of authors to find success in both the Christian and mainstream markets, writing for both Bethany House, a Christian publisher, and NAL Penguin Putnam, a general market publisher. Her bestselling books have become a hallmark of inspirational fiction. Her works have been featured by the National Reader's Club of America, AOL Book Picks, Doubleday Book Club, the Literary Guild, Crossings Book Club, American Profiles and have been chosen for numerous awards.

When not busy dreaming up stories, Lisa spends time on the road as a motivational speaker. Via internet, she shares with readers as far away as India, where her book, Tending Roses, has been used to promote women's literacy, and as close to home as Tulsa, Oklahoma, where the county library system has used Tending Roses to help volunteer mentors teach adults to read. Recently, the group Americans for More Civility, a kindness watchdog organization, selected Lisa along with Bill Ford, Camille Cosby, and six others as recipients of the National Civies Award, which celebrates public figures who work to promote greater kindness and civility in American life.



ABOUT THE BOOK

Adventure is the last thing on Andrea Henderson's mind when she moves to Moses Lake. After surviving the worst year of her life, she's struggling to build a new life for herself and her son as a social worker. Perhaps in doing a job that makes a difference, she can find some sense of purpose and solace in her shattered faith. For new Moses Lake game warden Mart McClendon, finding a sense of purpose in life isn't an issue. He took the job to get out of southwest Texas and the constant reminders of a tragedy for which he can't forgive himself. But when a little girl is seen with the town recluse, Mart and Andrea are drawn together in the search for her identity. The little girl offers them both a new chance at redemption and hope--and may bring them closer than either ever planned.

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

Writing is Like Knitting Socks

From the time I learned to knit, I wanted to knit socks, but using double pointed needles intimidated me. My friend helped me to get started, and now I have knitted several inches of my first sock.

When I started knitting, I knitted a few rows, pulled them out, and knitted them again until I got it right. Sometimes this frustrated me.

Knitting relaxes me. I usually knit in the evenings while watching NCIS with Hubby. Even though my fingers move steady with knitting and purling, my project grows slowly.

You know, the same can be said for writing. Sometimes we feel like we have no idea what we're doing. Guidance from a trusted mentor helps to lay the foundation. Word by word, paragraph by paragraph, page by page, our WIPs grow.

But sometimes we're too impatient. Once we write that first draft, we think we're on our way to winning the next Christy. Uh, not so much.


The more I wrote, deleted, and wrote again, I strengthened my skills. Trying to get it right wasn't easy. Often I experienced a swirl of emotions that ended with me clicking save and closing my WIP until another time. I spent time reading well-written novels and craft books. I attended conferences and retreats. I shared my writing with trusted critique partners.

Taking my time to learn the craft without rushing publication has helped me to land a top-notch agent. And now she is partnering with me to help achieve my dreams.

Crafting a publishable novel does not happen overnight. Like those knitting projects, writing takes time, patience, and perseverance.

Your turn: Is there something in your life besides writing that you struggled to learn, but then celebrated when you achieved it? Are you a patient writer?