Delia Latham's Blog, page 27

Guest Author: Staci Stallings

Author Staci Stallings Image Rich, Reality PoorBehind the Story: Deep in the Heart
It's amazing to me how different life looks if you ever bother to look at more than the outside surface of things. In our world today we're all so busy, and we get so caught up in doing things and getting things and having things that we forget what's really important.  What's really important is not how something, or more to the point—someone, looks on the outside. It's what's inside that counts.
One of the things that fascinates me about the story Deep in the Heart is the paradox of being image rich and reality poor—and vice versa, being image poor and reality rich. In the story, Keith Ayer is the son of a billionaire. He literally has the world at his feet—a beautiful fiancée who is wealthy and well-connected and a father who owns half of Texas. Okay, not half, but pretty close. He is the definition of Image Rich. Then there's Maggie Montgomery. Poor Maggie. I'm telling you from the first time you meet her, you will feel more than a twinge of sympathy for her. She literally has nothing in life—two dollars in her purse and a car that's going to break down any second. She is in every way image poor. In fact, she's not even wearing her own shoes, and the shoes she is wearing don't fit. She is to all the world the personification of Image Poor.
But look a little closer and you begin to see that everything is not as the image would have you believe. For one thing, Keith's life is a mess. Oh, he talks a good game and looks good doing it—when he's all citified that is. However, when Maggie first meets him on the stairs of his father's mansion, she doesn't see that at all. Why? Because there he is image poor. 

In his dusty jeans and ripped shirt, he doesn't look like a billionaire's son, and because he doesn't look that way, she trusts him enough to be real—to let him see the real her—nerves and imperfections and all. Had he looked image rich, she would never have trusted him because she wouldn't have felt anywhere near his league. And that's part of the paradox. We treat others by how we see them, never realizing there is always so much more to the story.
Of course, for Keith he's really not a fan of the image rich lifestyle.  He's seen it up-close-and-personal and he wants no part of it. Except he can't keep his father and everyone else from dragging him down that dark hole of being who he isn't and how he isn't to keep up the image until he's come to the point that maybe he should give up what he wants and just accept the image rich persona everyone wants to put on him.
For Maggie, she had no chance at image rich. The truth is, she's just struggling for survival.  However, because of that, she's had to become Really (or Spiritually) Rich. Oh, this doesn't show on her clothes or her shoes or her hairstyle. It shows only in her heart, and those wise enough to look below the image are the only ones lucky enough to see how truly rich she really is. Of course, everyone in Keith's circle is horrified because her image is all wrong, but Keith is slowly drawn not to the outside image but to what's really there. As this happens, he begins to question if it is possible for him to shed the image everyone wants him to be and go for what he really is.

However, shedding the image and reaching for Really Rich rather than just Image Rich is not always as easy as it sounds, and Keith soon learns that becoming Really Spiritually Rich is much, much harder than it looks. Can he break out of what the world says he should look like in order to become the man he really is meant to be? That’s the central question Deep in the Heart tackles.

Staci Stallings, the author of this article, is a Contemporary Christian author and the founder of Grace & Faith Author Connection and CrossReads.com. Staci's #1 Best Seller, Deep in the Heart, is just 99 cents Jan. 28 & 29th...


Deep in the Heart
 "This is more than a romance.   The author cuts straight to the heart of God–love.  God is love. Even through unexpected tragedies.  And we can overcome evil with good–by His love."
--Betty Anne Bantz
Can Keith defy the most powerful men in Texas to follow his heart? 
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COTT: Start The Year With Some Great Christian Fiction!

It's a brand new year with brand new books to devour! Have you gotten started yet on your To-Be-Read pile for 2014? We've got more!
Check out the following New Releases. Which one is calling you the loudest? Take a moment to browse, then make your choice below to let us know which you're most likely to read first.
VOTE from Now until next Wednesday - tell your friends - then come back and see which book is this month's champion!
Happy reading! 
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Cowboy-turned-medical student Maxwell White needs money to finish his studies. Teaming up with the local doctor means working with the doc's lovely daughter-slash-nurse, a gal that Maxwell quickly discovers can heal his heart...

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The promise Drew made Emily's dying father is ridiculous to her at first. Find her a husband? She realizes that Drew may be just the man for her--although he doesn't agree. Will they see they need to look to God for guidance and direction for the future?

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Lady Cailin MacMurry marries the Fifth Duke of Avondale, honoring the arranged marriage her parents ordered. But Avondale’s shadowy past and strange disappearances threaten their marriage. Can she discover his secret, or must she arrange his accidental death to protect her unborn child?

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The Redneck Debutante Series
Romance that's a little bit city, a little bit country.

Fifteen-year-old Rachael Harte has everything she could want--plenty of money, hang-out time with friends at the beach, and Colten, the hot boyfriend every girl in her prep school drools over! But upon receiving her long-awaited debutante invitation, scandal strikes her family and she's promptly relocated to Fruitville where she meets the cowboy of her dreams!

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Vinspire Publishing looks back on 10 years

VINSPIRE PUBLISHING - the publisher responsible for making my novel, Goldeneyes, a reality - will celebrate a 10-year anniversary in February (see ad in right sidebar). The party will take place on the Vinspire blog. Don't miss it...there'll be lots of fun and prizes.
In the meantime, our esteemed owner and editor-in-chief, Dawn Carrington, shares a look today at the past 10 years with Vinspire. It's been an amazing journey...come along and share it with us!

RED: A Devotional from Pelican Book Group

Watch a trailer:
RED
By His stripes we are healed and by His sacrifice we are redeemed. What does it mean to be saved by the Blood of the Lamb? In this devotional written by Pelican Book Group authors, discover that, while life may seem to be painted in multiple shades of gray, there is only one hue that restores body and soul and offers eternal life. RED inspires individuals to ponder the sacrifice of Christ—that free gift which offers healing and salvation to all who believe.
Authors include: H.L Wegley, Michael Duncan, Mary Manners, Sharon Srock, LoRee Peery, Delia Latham, Davalynn Spencer, Robin Bayne, Carla Rossi, Marianne Evans, Tanya Stowe, Jody Day, Marian Merritt, Anne Greene, Clare Revell, E.A. West, Susan Lyttek, Pamela S. Thibodeaux

Lucy, Jeanie, and Angels--In One Delightful Package!

Comparable to Lucy Ricardo, Sarah from today’s featured novel finds herself in madcap situations—most of them of her own making! A salad toss of “I Love Lucy,” “I Dream of Jeanie,” and “Touched by an Angel,” “Sarah and the Widow’s Mate” is sure to tickle your funny bone.


Sarah and the Widow's Mate
by Gay N. Lewis
About Sarah and the Widow’s Mate

Widow Beth Marsh is not only beautiful, but wealthy enough to buy a third-world country. When she enters the dating arena to find companionship, two men profess an interest in her…but is it Beth they want, or are they out to harm her and get her money?

Watching from the Heavenlies, the Superiors dispatch Heaven’s Little Love Angel to Houston during the Christmas holidays. Sarah’s mission is to help the lady determine which of her suitors is the genuine article. Is black-haired Bryan Wingate the real deal? Or is good-looking Charles Chadwick the honest companion?

When Beth invites human-disguised Sarah to attend a wedding, the delighted angel looks forward to an opportunity to wear a beautiful formal gown, and maybe—at long last—red stilettos! But Sarah’s mission becomes deadly serious when she discovers Beth’s life is in danger. If Sarah fails in her mission, Tomas, the Warrior Angel, will intercede. Determined to keep her human charge safe from gold diggers and save Tomas the trouble, the petite angel steps up her efforts.

But Sarah wouldn’t be Sarah without a few bungles along the way….
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Fan Reviews

* "What makes this book so much fun is that the story is told from the perspective of the match-making angel, Sarah. She's not the staid, stern angelic presence you might expect. No, Sarah is full of fun, and her zany exploits add a dimension of humor to the mystery and romance of "Sarah and the Widow's Mate." Beth Marsh's predicament clearly demonstrates that money isn't everything. The images of Beth's palatial home and the Christmas decorations add richness to the narrative. Although this is one of the "Sarah" series of Gay Lewis's books, this one--like the others--can be enjoyed as a stand-alone work. I loved Sarah's third trip to earth!"

* "Sarah is so adorable you want to hug her, but watch out for those wings! With a little support from her angel friends and a few embarrassing moments (This is Sarah-we expect embarrassing moments) she is able to unravel a plot and help Beth find her true love. This is a delightful story; I loved it!"

* "I enjoyed this book very much!! Ms. Lewis writes in a unique style. The ending surprised me, but I liked it. There were sections where I laughed out loud. I've bought several of these books and have given them as gifts."

About the Author

A native Texan, Gay lives in a small town west of Houston. Gay has always been involved with artistic ventures.  Two videos she produced were sold in US and international markets—The Canadian Rockies, English and Japanese translations, and Psalms from the Mountains. As a pastor’s wife, she has written, produced, and photographed many programs, and her Faith Features have been published in various church periodicals.Teaching an adult Bible study every Sunday morning is Gay’s joy, and she is often called upon for speaking engagements.  When needed, she plays the piano and serves as worship leader in her husband’s church. Gay writes about a petite angel who comes to earth to romantically link humans, but this is no ordinary angel. Sarah is dyslexic, can’t read maps, and is often lost. She is the Lucy Ricardo from The Heavenlies and creates one humorous disaster after another.  Sarah and the Widow’s Mate is the third in the series.  It follows Sarah: A Mission of Love, and Sarah: Laney’s Angel. 
Connect with Gay at these locationswww.GayNLewis.com
http://www.gaynlewis.blogspot.com
https://www.amazon.com/author/gaynlewis
http:www.prismbookgroup.com




ENTER CONTEST HERE
By entering the contest, you understand that:
*The books may arrive in Kindle, Nook, or paperback format, according to each author's preference.
*Each author will send his/her book directly to the winner.
*COTT cannot be held responsible for prizes not received.
*Entry in this contest does NOT subscribe you to any feeds, newsletters, or other publications or networks

Last Day to Vote on Preditors & Editors Readers' Poll

I'm so excited to have three books included in the 2014 Preditors & Editors Readers' Poll:

A COWBOY CHRISTMAS (co-authored with Tanya Stowe)
LEXI'S HEART (Mine alone)
LEA'S GIFT (also co-authored with Tanya)
Today is the last day of voting. If you think either of these books merit your vote, I'd sure appreciate your taking a moment to cast one. :) If you haven't read them, blurbs and excerpts are available on my website, and voting links have been added at the end of each blurb.

Or, if you have read the books, you can go straight to the voting page without the detour to my website. Remember that you can only vote for ONE book in each category. All three of these books are in the same category - Short Romance - so you'll have to decide on which to vote for.
THANK YOU ALL so very much for your support and encouragement!

Clash of the Titles's First Feature and Giveaway of 2014!

It's a new year, full of new books! But you can make Christmas last a little longer by enjoying Carlene Havel's latest novel, "A Sharecropper's Christmas." 

Also, help COTT ring in the New Year by entering our giveaway for a chance at three novels! Entry instructions can be found at the conclusion of Carlene's guest article. Enjoy!

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Guest post by Carlene Havel
Someone asked me why I wanted to write about the 1930s. 
As a child, I loved to nestle in someone’s lap after dinner at my grandparents’ ranch while one story teller after another spun yarns from the Great Depression. “I tell you now, Boats, back in 1933, times was hard,” signaled the recounting of an adventure softened by subsequent years of prosperity. Great-uncle Boats got his nickname from the impressive size and shape of his shoes.  In addition to those extraordinarily long, thin feet, I inherited my family’s love for telling stories.
I was in high school before I realized my experiences were atypical.  For example, I saw my grandmother kill a rattlesnake when I was about four years old.  We were drawing water from the well in the back yard when the snake poked his head from beneath a pile of rocks. After arming herself with an iron crowbar, Alice calmly climbed onto the rocks--wearing her tall cowboy boots, of course.  The rattlesnake’s next peek was his last.
She didn’t normally use tobacco, but I remember Grandma Alice chewing a plug to apply to my bee sting. Long after others modernized, she prepared meals on a coal oil stove and churned her own butter. She could cook and sew and was pretty handy with a hammer and saw, too.  She let me feed the chickens and pet the horses, while Grandpa showed me the proper technique for milking a cow.
I never saw my grandmother measure an ingredient, but her cornbread, biscuits, and cobblers were legendary.  Her recipes include instructions to add liquid until the mixture looks right, and stir until the consistency feels good.  If she ever had a cooking failure, it must have been before I was born.
“A Sharecropper Christmas” is a novella loosely based on family stories and my own memories.  It is my tribute not only to my grandparents, but to a tough generation who endured enormous hardships.  My goal was to portray the determined perseverance of ordinary folks in the face of desperate poverty.
Description of “A Sharecropper Christmas”:  The Great Depression left the Shoemaker family hungry and homeless. Their desperate prayers are finally answered when Herbert Shoemaker finds work as a sharecropper. Alice makes the best of the hard times without complaint, though she dreams of giving her little family a special Christmas.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Carlene Havel writes Christian-themed romances and historical novels set in Biblical times. She's lived in Turkey, Republic of the Philippines, and all over the United States. Carlene worked for a banana importer, a software development company, and everything in between. She attended several colleges and universities, including one that--to her mother's surprise--granted her a diploma. Carlene and her husband live in South Texas, surrounded by their extended family.


FIND CARLENE AT THESE LOCATIONS:

Twitter  -  https://twitter.com/carlenehavel

Facebook  -  https://www.facebook.com/AuthorCarleneHavel

Amazon:  http://goo.gl/ugcII

GIVEAWAY!
Winner announced at www.clashofthetitles.comMonday, January 20, 2014

ENTER CONTEST HERE
By entering the contest, you understand that:
*The books may arrive in Kindle, Nook, or paperback format, according to each author's preference.
*Each author will send his/her book directly to the winner.
*COTT cannot be held responsible for prizes not received.
*Entry in this contest does NOT subscribe you to any feeds, newsletters, or other publications or networks

Author Interview: Mary Manners

(I interviewed this author for a spotlight on my newsletter, Brushing Wings. In the interest of keeping the newsletter concise, I've transferred the bulk of the interview here. If you arrived here from a link in Brushing Wings, THANK YOU for making the trip...I think you'll be glad you did!
It is a distinct pleasure to introduce an author who has become a dear friend through our relationship as fellow Pelican Book Group authors…the amazing and very prolific Mary Manners.
I have come to “know” Mary much better since the advent of Heart’s Haven. She is one of the four authors involved in those collections, and it is such a joy to work with this wonderful, talented lady. I am awed by her ability to keep a constant stream of new releases going at all times…AND she has recently taken on the role of school principal. How in the world does she do it all?
Let’s find out…
Mary…welcome to Brushing Wings! So tell us, please—inquiring minds want to know—how do you get it all done? What’s your secret to being so productive?

Well, sleep is truly over-rated! Really, though, I just changed positions in my school system this year…from a seventh grade math teacher to the assistant administrator (fancy name for a vice-principal) at our local intermediate school. This change has made meeting deadlines a little tougher, and time-management is paramount. But, following a little bump in the road, I’m plowing full speed ahead.          You certainly are! I never noticed any slack in production. :)
I kind of got ahead of myself with that burning question. lol  Back to standard operating procedure…who is Mary Manners, the gal next door?
I am a wife to my wonderful husband Tim; a mother to Tyler, Brad and Danni; a daughter of my Father; and an educator for twenty-eight years. I am also, as you may have guessed, pursuing my life-long dream of sharing the written word with others.          And you’re doing an exemplary job of it. I’m afraid to even say what your most recent book is, because they pop up so quickly! YOU tell us. What’s your latest release? Share a blurb if you’d like.
My most recent release is a Christmas novella titled Christmas Wishes…Special Delivery. Here’s the blurb:
When attorney Riley Harper comes home to Maple Ridge following the death of his grandfather, the last thing he expects to find is Kaylee McKenna living in his grandparents’ guesthouse. Though they were once best friends—even more—Riley cannot find it in his heart to forgive Kaylee for the death of his mother ten years ago as a result of her father’s reckless actions. His heart, full of bitterness and resentment, has room for little else.
Kaylee has no time to dwell on events of the past—or all she’s lost; she’s too busy raising her six-year-old niece, Rosie, and working as an ER nurse. With Christmas quickly approaching, her days are spent helping with charity events and filling the wishes on Rosie’s Christmas list. But when Rosie’s father makes and unexpected visit, Kaylee must call on Riley’s legal expertise to ensure Rosie of a safe and secure future.
Will Rosie’s special Christmas wish heal Riley’s damaged heart and bind the trio together as a forever-family?
It sounds fantastic…and since I’ve already read it, I can testify that it really is. And since it’s never the wrong time of year to enjoy a sweet Christmas tale, I encourage readers to grab a copy. You won’t be sorry you did. (As of this newsletter release, Christmas Wishes…Special Delivery is still marked down to $.99…but that’s going to end any day, so don’t dawdle.)
This next question is not easy for my authors, but it's one I love to ask. I've found that, after the initial “I-have-no-idea” reaction, most authors are glad to know the answer for themselves. So here’s the question of the day: What is a favorite scene from one of your books? Why that scene? Would you share it with us, please?
I love this scene from the story, Simple Blessings, that I just finished today. Oh, how I have fallen in love with Gage and Charlene!
Charlene’s fingers made ripples as she ran them through the dishwater. Her voice soothed as she murmured, “It’s a secret. I promised I wouldn’t tell.”“Great, more girl stuff. That’s just what I need.” With a sigh, Gage wedged in beside Charlene at the sink and jostled the dish cloth from her hands. “I told you I’d do these, and I will. Go…write another chapter of that bestseller you’re working on.”“I’d like to but I can’t. It’s not working out.” Charlene’s gaze narrowed as her lips dipped to a frown. The light over the sink turned her hair to a halo of fire. “My muse is…dead.”“Dead?” Gage couldn’t help himself. The laughter started slow and low until finally, he doubled over as waves ripped through his gut. He swiped at his eyes as tears stung. “Your muse is dead?”“That’s right. Stop—stop laughing.” Charlene splashed water at him, and soap bubbles clung to his T-shirt. “It’s not funny. This is serious!” “Sorry. I know. Maybe I can help.” He swiped the bubbles from his shirt, dried his hands on the dish towel, and then reached for the radio dial. The soft melody of a song filled the room. “I’ll sacrifice myself for the good of the cause. Come here, Charlene.”“What? No.”“You know, when I kiss you—and I’m thinking I might—it won’t have anything to do with bartering meals or flowers or anything else, for that matter, for your affection. It will be because it’s something you want…I want—that we both want.” He reached for her hand, tugged her in to close the distance between them. “Tell me, Charlie, do women like dancing? Because I may not be Romeo, but I’m pretty good in the slow dance department.”
Oh, be still, my pounding heart! How romantic is this guy? I’m drooling! Mary, you have such a wonderful talent for pulling a reader right into the scene. Seriously…I have to keep reminding myself I’m not Charlene... LOL)
I know you’re working on something else already, what is it? What can we look forward to next?
I am working on a seven-book series based on the seven deadly sins/heavenly virtues. I have finished the first two books in the series thus far, and have just begun the third.

How exciting! I can’t wait for them to be released. What a great concept for a series.          What is the most beneficial writing advice you’ve ever been given?
Put your rear end in the chair and do it! Really, though, books don’t write themselves. Nora Roberts once said, “I’ll vomit it up now, and worry about cleaning up the mess later.” That’s not a very appealing visual, but it seems to work for me.          Well, Ms. Roberts seems to be doing something right… lol  I think perhaps following her advice wouldn’t be a bad thing.          With so many beautiful ones to choose from, do you have a favorite verse of scripture?
Oh, yes…Jeremiah 29:11 “I know the plans I have for you…plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
That’s a good one…but then, they all are, aren’t they?
OK—gotta do something just for fun…if you were a Crayola, what color would you be?
Red…I love the red. It’s bold and vibrant!      That it is—which is just one of the reasons I love purple. :)
Where can readers find your books? And do you have a website and/or blog, where we can keep up with you and your writing activities?
Readers can find the most up to date information on my website: www.MaryMannersRomance.com, at my Facebook reader’s page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Mary-Manners-author/303173983043284 and at Twitter: https://twitter.com/MaryManners1      Well, there you have it, friends! Visit Mary’s website, like her on Facebook, follow her on Twitter. If you plan to keep up with this author’s books, you have to find a way to stay in touch, or you’ll miss something wonderful.

Thank you for visiting Brushing Wings, Mary. It’s been a true pleasure!

Note: A visit to Mary Manners' Amazon author page provides information about Mary and a fast track to a listing of all her books.



Amazon.com Widgets

New Multi-Author Book Release: RED (A Weekly Devotional)

Am I excited? Oh, yes, I am! We have been waiting anxiously for the release of this amazing devotional. RED is a combined effort by eighteen different Pelican Book Group authors. It's a year's worth of weekly devotions, all themed around the blood of Christ. Fifty Shades of Gray fades to black in the light of the one brilliant hue of RED that still flows from Calvary!

And, for you, yet another wonderful thing about this book...it's FREE - at least for now, so grab your copy today! 


Here's the blurb:

By His stripes we are healed and by His sacrifice we are redeemed. What does it mean to be saved by the Blood of the Lamb? In this devotional written by Pelican Book Group authors, discover that, while life may seem to painted in multiple shades of gray, there is only one hue that restores body and soul and offers eternal life. RED inspires individuals to ponder the sacrifice of Christ—that free gift which offers healing and salvation to all who believe.

Authors include:
H.L Wegley, Michael Duncan, Mary Manners, Sharon Srock, LoRee Peery, Delia Latham, Davalynn Spencer, Robin Bayne, Carla Rossi, Marianne Evans, Tanya Stowe, Jody Day, Marian Merritt, Anne Greene, Clare Revell, E.A. West, Susan Lyttek, Pamela S. Thibodeaux

The Reason for the Season

© Can Stock Photo Inc. / McIninch
Wishing you all a warm and wonderful CHRISTmas, filled with family and friends, good food, and lots of wonderful memories - old ones, and new ones you make today! Most of all, however, I wish you all the joy of Christ, and a true knowledge and appreciation of the REASON for this holiday...the birth of our Savior, without which we'd all be doomed to an eternity in Hell. But because He was born...and because He died...we don't have to go there. He gave us a REASON to celebrate...HIMSELF! What better reason could there be to gather with those we love the most on this earth and celebrate the ONE who loves each of us the most? What better reason to show our love for others, than the God Who IS love? What better reason to sing songs of praise and joy and worship, than to lift up the One whose birth, life and death had no other purpose but to save all of us? 
JESUS. He is the reason for this joyous day!
Whether Dec. 25th is His birthday or not (and it most likely is not), what a joy to have a day set aside to remember what He did for us! And to remind ourselves how much we love our family and friends. To reach out in love and compassion to those less fortunate. 
God is love, and when we love others, we show them a picture of Him.
In my heart and mind, THAT is the Reason for this joyous season. Showing the love of Christ...being grateful and joyful that He came to Earth in human form, lived His life amongst lowly human sinners (leaving us so much truth and knowledge through His ministry during that time), and then hung on that cruel cross to save us...because He loves our unworthy souls so much.
What a REASON to celebrate! What a mighty, loving, wonderful God we serve!
Merry CHRISTmas to all, and to all the love of CHRIST!