Delia Latham's Blog, page 25

LIFE TO THE FULLEST: What Are You Worth?

LIFE TO THE FULLEST: What Are You Worth?: Worth is defined as the value of something measured by its qualities. Gold's worth might be measured by its purity. A diamond might b...

LIFE TO THE FULLEST: The Value of Spontaneity

LIFE TO THE FULLEST: The Value of Spontaneity: The older I get, the more set in my ways I’ve become. Spontaneity is not one of my strongest characteristics! But I’ve been work...

LIFE TO THE FULLEST: Contentment for the Moment

Author Robin Patchen on finding contentment:



LIFE TO THE FULLEST: Contentment for the Moment: True contentment is impossible. I know what you’re going to say. Paul says in 1 Timothy 6:8: “But if we have food and clothing, we will...

COTT: March New Releases Clash -- Come Vote!

While we tally the scores for the 2014 Olympia, Clash of the Titles's annual contest for pre-published writers, have a look at these spectacular new releases, hand-picked just for you. After you've chosen your favorite, let us know which it is by casting your vote in the survey box below.
We wish our contestants all the best!
Mandy will risk everything to protect her guests and her ranch. Her faith, and God's protection, lead her to find out the secret to the Red Gold before it destroys everything.

Local foods chef Claire Halford hosts weddings on Green Acres Farm, but the first bride comes with a ruggedly handsome brother. Noel Kenzie’s reforestation company provides him the means to enjoy a globe-trotting life, until he's captivated by a certain chef who's firmly rooted in one place.
Drew Farthering would like to end the summer of 1932 with the announcement of his engagement to Madeline Parker, but instead he finds himself enmeshed in a series of murders that have disrupted the peaceful little village of Farthering St. John. Who is behind the Hatpin Murders, and why are they all in some way connected to Drew?
 Shortly before suffering a tragic car accident, Kate McConnell wrote the simple but powerful words of Psalm 23 on a piece of paper to give to her wayward and confused son. As Kate fights for her life her copy of the psalm begins an incredible journey around the world, forever changing the lives of twelve very different people.



Abandoning his life as a temple guard and becoming an indentured servant was the only way Ari could protect young Joash, the true King of Judah, from the child’s evil grandmother, Queen Athaliah. However, Ari never thought he’d fall in love with Mira, his master’s daughter, and now he must choose between his heart and his sacred duty to God and the nation he has vowed to serve.

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Permanent Resident at the Purse Table, a COTT Feature

“Keisha’s debut novel is a sweet reminder of the redeeming power of love, along with a dose of drama between good friends! Her characters are so relatable because they’re imperfect people who’ve made some serious mistakes—just like the rest of us!”-Michelle Stimpson, National Bestselling Author


About the book:If you’re size six, you dance. If you’re Ava Alexander, you watch the purses while your girlfriends dance. Each man that passes her by takes a little of her self-esteem. After escaping a mentally abusive relationship, she promises God she will wait on Him to bring her the right man. And she means it—until Ishmael. When her best friend’s fiancé throws a few compliments her way, she travels down the path of betrayal. Ava’s choice strains her friendship and sends her into a depression. 
Ava receives spiritual guidance from Dr. Glory Moses. Through God’s Word, there is a glimpse of hope for a restored friendship, and a newfound love for the woman she is. In addition, a man she meets at the counseling center offers her a glimpse of what could be if she lines up with God’s will for her life. 
Will Ava be able to overcome her insecurities and step into the life God plans for her, or will she continue to self-destruct?
PURCHASEAmazonBarnes and Noble



What COTT voters had to say:

* I'm happy to see a novel with a plus-sized woman as the main character. Thanks, Keisha!
* I voted for Permanent Resident at the Purse Table!! Good luck Keisha!
* Permanent Resident at the Purse Table!! You won't be able to put it down!
* Keisha Bass, Your book sounds like a must-read! We've all sought validation in a way that brought trouble. Can't wait to see how all turns out! Lana K.

About the author:Keisha Bass has a bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology with a minor in English and holds teaching certificates in
English, Speech, and Physical Education. She has been a teacher and coach for fourteen years, and currently teaches middle school physical education and coach girls’ volleyball and softball. She grew up in Houston, Texas, but now resides in Arlington, Texas. Keisha is also Vice President of the DFW Ready Writers, a local chapter of American Christian Fiction Writers, and a member of North Texas Christian Writers.
Permanent Resident at the Purse Table is Keisha’s first novel. She has published non-fiction articles in magazines and two online publications, TheChristianPulse.com and sober24.com. Her article, “Heart Problems”, was published in Chicken Soup for the Soul: A Book of Miracles.

Keisha, when is your next book due out and can you tell us about it?
"My next book, Permanent Resident at the Altar, is due out November 2015. It takes a closer look at my main characters’ lives from the first book and how they are moving forward in their newfound situations. There’s drama, laughter, and definitely more chances to learn how to lean on God in every area of their lives."

Connect with Keisha:keishabass@att.net www.keishabass.org www.twitter.com/BassKeisha https://www.facebook.com/KeishaBassAuthor
Find more great reads every week at Clash of the Titles.com!

Escape to Ireland in "Londonderry Dreaming"

 "If you need one of those “Ahh…” moments, consider taking a trip with Keith and Naomi and read Londonderry Dreaming"  --Sandy Ardoin, Romance Author and Blogger


About Londonderry Dreaming:
Acclaimed New York artist, Naomi Boyd, and music therapist, Keith Wilson, loved one another five years ago, until her grandfather with his influence over Naomi separated them.

That root of bitterness keeps them apart until a letter from Keith’s grandmother, Ruth, draws Naomi to Londonderry to find she’s too late. Ruth has passed on. After the death of his beloved grandmother, Keith has also come to Londonderry only to open the door to his past…Naomi...beautiful as ever, the girl who broke his heart.

A mysterious painting in Ruth’s attic brings up questions about their grandparents’ entwined past and their own broken romance. But more comfortable with the unspoken languages of art and music, Naomi and Keith find it difficult to share their old hurts and true feelings.

Will the majestic coastline of Northern Ireland inspire them to speak the words to bring peace to their grandparents’ memory and to rekindle love?


PURCHASEAmazonBarnes and NoblePelican Book Group
What COTT voters had to say:

* Christine, I am glad to see that you have given your talents to the age old problem of "family feuds" which can go for generations and young ones don't know what the feud is all about. I am sure that the 'attic painting' will be a puzzle too good to put down. Maggie
* I am such a fan of Christine's and love her novels!
* Londonderry Dreaming - Have thoroughly enjoyed this new author, Christine Lindsay's books. Anxiously waiting for the release of her 3rd book in the trilogy The Twilight of the British Raj. Brenda C.
* I've just finished reading Londonderry Dreaming, and it is definitely my choice. Christine Lindsay is an extraordinary writer!
* Simply put, I am a fan of Christine Lindsay's writing and I haven't read the others' work. I know what to expect and I know I'll be delighted!
* I've loved all of Christine's books. This one will be no different!

About Christine:
Christine Lindsay was born in Ireland, and is proud of the fact that she was once patted on the head by Prince Philip when she was a baby. Her great grandfather, and her grandfather—yes father and son—were both riveters on the building of the Titanic. Tongue in cheek, Christine states that as a family they accept no responsibility for the sinking of that great ship.
It was stories of her ancestors who served in the British Cavalry in Colonial India that inspired her Multi- Shadowed in Silk , Book 2 Captured by Moonlight , and Christine is currently writing the final installment of that series called Veiled at Midnight to be released August 2014.
award-winning, historical series Twilight of the British Raj. Book 1
Londonderry Dreaming , Christine’s romance novella set in N. Ireland released Feb. 21, 2014.
Aside from being a busy writer and speaker, Christine is also VP of Christian Authors’ Network. She makes her home in British Columbia, on the west coast of Canada with her husband and their grown up family. Her cat Scottie is chief editor on all Christine’s books.

Christine, we hear you had a lot of fun writing the Irish brogue into your book. 
"I really hope readers enjoy this humorous aspect, especially the dialogue from the fictional 'Irish cousins'. I was born in Ireland and raised in Canada, but all my extended family is Irish---so I know how they talk and think. Much of what the Irish cousins say in the book is what I have heard my cousins say when they tease each other.  I get such a kick out of their blarney...oh...my...do I love their blarney."

Connect with Christine: Christine Lindsay’s Website Facebook Twitter Pinterest Goodreads
Find more great reads all year long at Clash of the Titles.com!

Review: The Big Picture Interactive Bible

(from B&H Kids)
Are our children really getting the full meaning of the stories as we read the Bible to them? When we read the Bible to our children, the stories are often in bits and pieces and focus on "being good." But children should get the message of "being saved" from reading the Bible instead.  The Big Picture Interactive Bible  (B&H Kids) is the first children's Bible of its kind-the Jesus story from start to finish, filled with features and interactive elements that capture the true meaning and significance behind all of the verses and stories.

The Big Picture Interactive Bible has nearly a thousand features in full color throughout including pictures of key items so children can understand what they're reading. The B&H Kids Augmented Reality App (free and available for Android and iPhone) creates a digital pop-up book when used with full-color illustrations, bringing the Bible to life for each child. It features the full text of the Holman Christian Standard Bible, a clear, contemporary English translation that's faithful to the original languages of the Bible. 

Other features included are:
Big Words - Colorful Bible Dictionary entry with photos, maps, illustrations and descriptions of key terms, right in the Bible text.
Big Questions/Big Answers - Kids always want to know why. This feature asks and then answers many of the common "big questions" throughout the Bible.
Christ Connection - This feature can be found from Genesis to Revelation and will help kids understand how each story points us to Christ and His work for us.
Introductions - Basic information about the books of the Bible will give kids perspective on the who, what and when for each book as well as "the Big Picture" from that book and key stories it contains.
Icons - Special icons are placed throughout the Bible to connect to the Gospel Project for Kids curriculum.
Memory Verses - Scripture memorization is much more than "saying the words." When a child memorizes a Bible verse and puts it to practice in their daily life, that child begins to learn how God can lead his life. The top 100 verses to remember are highlighted throughout the Bible.
Parent Connection - This feature is designed to help parents be empowered to engage deeper in the story with their kids.
Seeing the Big Picture - This feature digs into key Bible stories to help young hearts and minds grasp the meaning and provide parents with extra information to discuss the Bible with their kids.
My Review:
I decided to let my daughter try this one out on my grandchildren, since it's really the kids' opinions that count, right? Here it is:
"It's a fine kids' bible. Pictures are really  animated and fun, and I like how there are questions at the end of passages for the kids. It is also written for kids -- easy to understand. Aidan (age 8) liked how the whole cover of the Bible was an illustration of his favorite Bible story...David and Goliath. Savannah (age 11) liked 'how there aren't any thees and thy's. It's easier to read.' She appreciated that definitions are given of some words that kids might not know the meaning of, and also liked the colorful maps. Actually, Savannah can't decide what she likes best."

That kids like to read it at all says something wonderful, doesn't it?

COTT: Spring Has Sprung at Clash of the Titles!

Spring Has Sprung! 
And so have these brand new must-read Christian novels.Clash of the Titles brings you five novels of every variety. There's something for everyone! Enjoy these blurbs, then scroll to vote and help send your favorite novel to COTT's annual Laurel Award. 

But first, a shout-out to Diana Montgomery who is the WINNER of our March Book-bundle Giveaway. Woot! Diana, the authors of the following three novels will be contacting you shortly:

Heaven's Prey by Janet Sketchley
God's Daughter by Heather Day Gilbert
Ryan's Father by June Foster


When Annie Whitaker and her merchant father set out for Cañon City and the Pikes-Peak-or-Bust gold rush, Annie finds much greater wealth in the heart of a runaway preacher. Will her love change that preacher's view of women—and God—and help him on his way back to faith and love?





Acclaimed New York artist, Naomi Boyd, and music therapist, Keith Wilson, used to be in love until a root of bitterness between their Irish grandparents separated them. Then a letter from Keith’s grandmother, Ruth, draws Naomi to Londonderry, only to find she’s too late—Ruth has passed on, leaving a mysterious painting in the attic that stirs up questions about the entwined past of Naomi's and Keith's grandparents and their own broken romance.

Plus-sized woman seeks validation in small-minded man. After betraying a friendship when seeking this validation, Ava spirals into a depression and continued self-destruction until she turns to God for help.









Nissa, a sharp-tongued Jewish girl with a deadly secret, and Longinus, a Roman centurion, are unexpectedly caught up in the arrest, trial, and crucifixion of Jesus. As danger closes in on them from every side, they must decide if the mercy Jesus offers is real or just another false promise.







Ellie's perfect life is suddenly knocked off center when her drool-worthy boyfriend cheats and her always-has-it-together mother is diagnosed with cancer. Through her heartache, Ellie learns that sometimes what seems like the end is really just the beginning and that what God has for her is always worth the wait.







Enjoy the blurbs? 
Click on the images to purchase on Amazon!
{Some of our readers are experiencing difficulty voting. If you are unable to cast your vote in the survey box, please visit this link to vote:  https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/MarchClash . We apologize for the inconvenience.}

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GOLDENEYES: New cover!

My novel, Goldeneyes, released in 2008 through Vinspire Publishing, just received a beautiful, updated cover. The new one should be available on Amazon, Nook & Kobo quite soon. Print books will take a little longer to make the switch, but if you want one with a new cover, keep your eyes open for the new and improved Goldeneyes to become available. :)

Original Cover New Cover


Deep in the darkness of a Depression-era night, a man addicted to alcohol commits an unspeakable crime to obtain it. His vile action impacts the lives of two entire families, and decades will pass before the horrible wrong begins to be made right again.
 Two young women – strangers to each other – unknowingly enmeshed in a Pandora’s Box of secrets that could prevent them from finding happiness with the men they love. Two adoring mothers who know more than they are willing to say. A newsman with a story he cannot tell.
What is their connection, and who is the golden-eyed stranger who moves in the shadows of their broken lives?
     

Inspy Kisses Blog Blitz

For a limited time only - Six unforgettable love stories 
99 cents! 
Buy now at Amazon - Barnes & Noble - Kobo - iBooks - Google Play

A brand new anthology from six of your favorite inspirational romance authors - no reprints here!



About the novellas:

From New York Times bestselling author Linda Goodnight, historical romance The Rambler's Bride: The kissing cowboy Jericho is bent on revenge, but discovers the truth and falls in love with widow Esther.

From USA Today bestselling author Janet Tronstad, retro romance Lovebirds at the Heartbreak Cafe: Truck driver Buddy wasn't looking for love, but waitress Penny and her quirky family take over the cafe and his heart.

From bestselling author Debra Clopton, contemporary cowboy romance Her Mule Hollow Cowboy: Independent cowgirl Maddie swears she doesn't need help from bull rider Cliff. But the Mule Hollow Matchmakers seem to have other plans...

From bestselling author Margaret Daley, romantic suspense Deadly Hunt: Bodyguard Tess rescues wounded businessman Shane from dying in the wilderness, but can she protect her heart when Shane gets too close?

From fan favorite Camy Tang, romantic suspense Necessary Proof: Reformed ex-con Alex is on the run from those who have set him up to take the blame for a cop-killing. Will tech-expert Jane be able to prove him innocent?

From fan favorite Lacy Williams, contemporary cowboy romance Kissed by a Cowboy: Maddox has given up all his big dreams to care for his niece. When Haley returns to her hometown, will Maddox find a new dream with her?

Special promo - March 17-19 - #SENDAKISS

If you purchase First Kisses  during our promo dates and send a special tweet, we'll gift a copy to a friend, absolutely free! Find out more at bit.ly/sendakiss .

What readers are saying:

 Six amazing books from six different authors. They are all Christian fiction set from the 1800’s to present time. Each is a stand alone book with great settings, story lines and characters. All the books had family and faith. Some of the authors were known to me and some I was unfamiliar with. I really enjoyed each book. I can not wait to check out books from these new authors. - Amazon reader

 I didn't know what to expect - I am not a fan of anthologies. Usually I find that the stories are too brief and the plots move too fast and don't go into any detail and don't make a lot of sense. Well, let me tell you that this anthology is not like this, not at all. It is wonderful! I enjoyed each of the novellas immensely. Each one has well developed, thought out characters and detailed plots that move at exactly the right pace. You have suspense, romance - everything in each of the novels. I enjoyed reading each of the novellas and couldn't put the book down. Even though I have about 15 other books waiting to be read - I plan on reading this book all over again in the next week or so - it is just that good. - Amazon reader

A visual look at the collection:





Interact with the authors:
www.inspykisses.com
facebook.com/inspykisses
@inspykisses

Buy now at Amazon - Barnes & Noble - Kobo - iBooks - Google Play