Delia Latham's Blog, page 33
July 26, 2013
COTT's Hot New Releases from June!
SUMMER, SUMMER, SUMMER! What a fabulous season for taking a break and enjoying some good books! Is your TBR (To Be Read) pile getting low? Is it towering high but you are ALWAYS excited for a new book to add?
The novels below all released in the last month! Which one is most likely to make your summer reading pile? Cast your vote now. And don't forget to send some love and encouragement to our authors via the comments section. =)
Happy Voting!
Five Days in Skye
An American businesswoman falls for her celebrity chef client while on a business trip to Scotland. Will she find the courage to take another chance on love?
A Heart Deceived
Miri Brayden must keep her brother's descent into lunacy a secret, or he’ll be committed to an asylum—and she’ll be sent to the poor house. When Ethan Goodwin, an opium addict on the run, shows up on her doorstep, her balancing act falls to pieces.
Grace's Pictures
Grace McCaffery must trust a handsome policeman for help when her new Brownie camera gets her in trouble with a gang who thinks it contains the first and only photos of their elusive leader. But her experience with the police back in Ireland makes that difficult, and she must decide if God has sent her help in an unlikely disguise.
A Melody for James
Melody Mason and James Montgomery lead separate lives of discord until an unexpected meeting brings them to a sinister realization: unbeknownst to them, dark forces have directed their lives from the shadows, orchestrating movements, keeping them singing solo. Fire, loss, and bloodshed can't shake their faith in God to see them through as they face a percussive climax that leaves hearts forever changed.
Blowing On Dandelions
In Miralee Ferrell’s captivating historical romance Blowing on Dandelions, Katherine Galloway struggles to overcome family dysfunction when her controlling mother moves in. Will Frances threaten Katherine’s budding relationship with Micah Jacobs, the new blacksmith, or is there hope that love can still break through?
Create your free online surveys with SurveyMonkey , the world's leading questionnaire tool.
July 24, 2013
Author Interview: Lynn Chandler Willis
A HUGE welcome to Lynn Chandler Willis, one of my fellow authors with Pelican Book Group. She's here to talk a bit about her debut novel, THE RISING.
Hi, Lynn! Welcome to Living the Write
Life. Tell us about Lynn Chandler Willis.
I've worked in the
corporate world, the television news industry, and the newspaper business. But
I keep coming back to writing fiction. I much prefer making up stories rather
than uncovering facts. My least favorite word is “apparently” and my least
favorite phrase is “according to.” I have a son and daughter, and with their
spouses, they've managed to bless me with nine grandchildren. Yes – there's a
set of twins in there.
Congratulations on the blessing of family...nothing is more important!
As a former newspaper
staff writer myself, I agree with your statements 100 percent. The phrase “according to” makes me want to gag, and as for "apparently," well...apparently we think a lot alike. :)
Moving right along...if you’re like most
authors, you love talking about your books. Tell us about your new one, The Rising.
The
Rising
will be released July 26 through Pelican Book Group/Harbourlight. It's an
amazing story about the power of forgiveness, primarily learning to forgive
yourself. The book is about Detective Ellie Saunders's investigation into the
brutal beating of a little boy. The child has no memory of what happened to
him, or even who he is. The only thing he can remember is walking with his
father along a shiny road.
Oh, my…sounds amazing—and
heart-wrenching! Where does the story take place, and why did you choose that
location?
It's set in the
foothills of the beautiful North Carolina mountains. I love everything North Carolina
has to offer and I needed snow for the plot. The mountains get much more snow
than our coast.
How important
is weather in choosing your settings?
Weather is like a
secondary character to me. It sets the mood and atmosphere for the whole book.
Passion, whether physical or emotional, tends to rise in heat. Loneliness tends
to rise to the surface in colder weather. I use the setting and its weather to
play into the overall tone I'm hoping to achieve.
Do you
prefer to write in the quiet or with background noise?
Oh, definitely background noise. Before I
write the first word of any new project, I create a playlist of music I feel
works well with the tone of the story. It may contain ten songs or forty songs
and I play it on a loop during each writing session. It puts me in the right
mind frame to create the world I'm hoping for.
How
have your writing sessions evolved over the years?
When I first started writing, I was a heavy
smoker and coffee addict. Each time I sat down at the computer, the cigarettes
and ashtray were on the right, coffee on the left. The three became so
entangled, I felt like I couldn't write if I didn't have my cigarettes and my
coffee. Well, I quit smoking, and honestly, I struggled to write. I couldn't
concentrate. I finally allowed myself the time to adjust to the changes and
stopped trying to force a sentence. After a couple months, it became easier and
easier. I've been smoke free for three years and have two books and a WIP under
my belt so I'm okay with that. I've gradually lost my interest in coffee, too.
Iced Mochas now for me.
Congratulations on breaking the smoking chain!
What was the most
challenging aspect of writing The Rising?
Getting the fight
scene right. I've never been in a physical altercation in my life so I relied
on my son and son-in-law to stage it for me – not that they've been in fights,
either (laughing) but I figured they knew more about it than I did. The medical
issues were another challenge. I sought help from several experts who were more
than willing to help.
Sounds
like a fun bit of “research.” J When and where will The Rising be available?
The Rising will be
released July 26. It'll be available in print and digital formats at Pelican Book Group's website, on-line retailers, as
well as my own website.
Thank you for
visiting Living the Write Life, Lynn. God bless your every writing endeavor…and I
know He will!
Readers, here’s contact
information for Lynn Willis:
Website
Pelican Book Group
Facebook
Twitter
A more official look at Lynn:
Lynn Chandler-Willis has worked in the corporate world (hated
it!), the television news business (fun job) and the newspaper industry (not a
fan of the word "apparently" and phrase "according to").
She keeps coming back to fiction because she likes making stuff up and you just
can't do that in the newspaper or television news business.
She was born, raised, and continues to live in the heart of
North Carolina within walking distance to her kids and their spouses and her
nine grandchildren. She shares her home, and heart, with Sam the cocker
spaniel.
She is the author of the best-selling true crime book, Unholy Covenant. The Rising is her
debut novel.
About THE RISING:
A little boy, beaten and left
to die in an alley. A cop with a personal life out of control. When their
worlds collide, God intervenes. Detective Ellie Saunders's homicide
investigation takes a dramatic turn when a young victim "wakes up" in
the morgue. The child has no memory prior to his "rising" except
walking with his father along a shiny road. Ellie likes dealing with facts.
She'd rather leave all the God-talk to her father, a retired minister, and to
her partner, Jesse, a former vice cop with an annoying habit of inserting
himself into her life. But will the facts she follows puts Ellie's life in
mortal danger? And will she finally allow God into her heart forever?
A peek inside the book:
“Jack told me you were at lunch.
Caper’s is one of my favorites, so I thought I’d take a chance.” He winked at
her then sidled closer. “Anyway, I was thinking about your dead kid—“
“He’s not dead.”
A waitress slammed a sandwich
down in front of Ellie, and Jesse helped himself to a homemade chip.
“OK, so he’s not dead. You have
sent his picture to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children?”
She huffed. “Did Jack send you?”
“No, Jack didn’t send me. I was
just thinking if the center didn’t get a hit, I’ve got a few connections with
the FBI, and they’ve got some really cool equipment.”
Ellie pulled a piece of bacon
from her sandwich and chewed on one end. “Thanks, but no thanks. I really don’t
want the Feds involved.”
Jesse snatched another chip and shook his
head. “No black suit with shades is going to swoop in and take your case,
Detective Saunders.” He grinned and helped himself to another chip. “I thought
we could get them to run his picture through the facial recognition scanner.
Maybe we’ll get a hit.”
What was with all the we stuff? The case was complicated enough. The last thing she
needed was Jesse involved. She didn’t need a constant reminder of her downward
spiral.
Hi, Lynn! Welcome to Living the Write
Life. Tell us about Lynn Chandler Willis.
I've worked in the
corporate world, the television news industry, and the newspaper business. But
I keep coming back to writing fiction. I much prefer making up stories rather
than uncovering facts. My least favorite word is “apparently” and my least
favorite phrase is “according to.” I have a son and daughter, and with their
spouses, they've managed to bless me with nine grandchildren. Yes – there's a
set of twins in there.
Congratulations on the blessing of family...nothing is more important!
As a former newspaper
staff writer myself, I agree with your statements 100 percent. The phrase “according to” makes me want to gag, and as for "apparently," well...apparently we think a lot alike. :)
Moving right along...if you’re like most
authors, you love talking about your books. Tell us about your new one, The Rising.
The
Rising
will be released July 26 through Pelican Book Group/Harbourlight. It's an
amazing story about the power of forgiveness, primarily learning to forgive
yourself. The book is about Detective Ellie Saunders's investigation into the
brutal beating of a little boy. The child has no memory of what happened to
him, or even who he is. The only thing he can remember is walking with his
father along a shiny road.
Oh, my…sounds amazing—and
heart-wrenching! Where does the story take place, and why did you choose that
location?
It's set in the
foothills of the beautiful North Carolina mountains. I love everything North Carolina
has to offer and I needed snow for the plot. The mountains get much more snow
than our coast.
How important
is weather in choosing your settings?
Weather is like a
secondary character to me. It sets the mood and atmosphere for the whole book.
Passion, whether physical or emotional, tends to rise in heat. Loneliness tends
to rise to the surface in colder weather. I use the setting and its weather to
play into the overall tone I'm hoping to achieve.
Do you
prefer to write in the quiet or with background noise?
Oh, definitely background noise. Before I
write the first word of any new project, I create a playlist of music I feel
works well with the tone of the story. It may contain ten songs or forty songs
and I play it on a loop during each writing session. It puts me in the right
mind frame to create the world I'm hoping for.
How
have your writing sessions evolved over the years?
When I first started writing, I was a heavy
smoker and coffee addict. Each time I sat down at the computer, the cigarettes
and ashtray were on the right, coffee on the left. The three became so
entangled, I felt like I couldn't write if I didn't have my cigarettes and my
coffee. Well, I quit smoking, and honestly, I struggled to write. I couldn't
concentrate. I finally allowed myself the time to adjust to the changes and
stopped trying to force a sentence. After a couple months, it became easier and
easier. I've been smoke free for three years and have two books and a WIP under
my belt so I'm okay with that. I've gradually lost my interest in coffee, too.
Iced Mochas now for me.
Congratulations on breaking the smoking chain!
What was the most
challenging aspect of writing The Rising?
Getting the fight
scene right. I've never been in a physical altercation in my life so I relied
on my son and son-in-law to stage it for me – not that they've been in fights,
either (laughing) but I figured they knew more about it than I did. The medical
issues were another challenge. I sought help from several experts who were more
than willing to help.
Sounds
like a fun bit of “research.” J When and where will The Rising be available?
The Rising will be
released July 26. It'll be available in print and digital formats at Pelican Book Group's website, on-line retailers, as
well as my own website.
Thank you for
visiting Living the Write Life, Lynn. God bless your every writing endeavor…and I
know He will!
Readers, here’s contact
information for Lynn Willis:
Website
Pelican Book Group
A more official look at Lynn:
Lynn Chandler-Willis has worked in the corporate world (hated
it!), the television news business (fun job) and the newspaper industry (not a
fan of the word "apparently" and phrase "according to").
She keeps coming back to fiction because she likes making stuff up and you just
can't do that in the newspaper or television news business.
She was born, raised, and continues to live in the heart of
North Carolina within walking distance to her kids and their spouses and her
nine grandchildren. She shares her home, and heart, with Sam the cocker
spaniel.
She is the author of the best-selling true crime book, Unholy Covenant. The Rising is her
debut novel.
About THE RISING:
A little boy, beaten and left
to die in an alley. A cop with a personal life out of control. When their
worlds collide, God intervenes. Detective Ellie Saunders's homicide
investigation takes a dramatic turn when a young victim "wakes up" in
the morgue. The child has no memory prior to his "rising" except
walking with his father along a shiny road. Ellie likes dealing with facts.
She'd rather leave all the God-talk to her father, a retired minister, and to
her partner, Jesse, a former vice cop with an annoying habit of inserting
himself into her life. But will the facts she follows puts Ellie's life in
mortal danger? And will she finally allow God into her heart forever?
A peek inside the book:
“Jack told me you were at lunch.
Caper’s is one of my favorites, so I thought I’d take a chance.” He winked at
her then sidled closer. “Anyway, I was thinking about your dead kid—“
“He’s not dead.”
A waitress slammed a sandwich
down in front of Ellie, and Jesse helped himself to a homemade chip.
“OK, so he’s not dead. You have
sent his picture to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children?”
She huffed. “Did Jack send you?”
“No, Jack didn’t send me. I was
just thinking if the center didn’t get a hit, I’ve got a few connections with
the FBI, and they’ve got some really cool equipment.”
Ellie pulled a piece of bacon
from her sandwich and chewed on one end. “Thanks, but no thanks. I really don’t
want the Feds involved.”
Jesse snatched another chip and shook his
head. “No black suit with shades is going to swoop in and take your case,
Detective Saunders.” He grinned and helped himself to another chip. “I thought
we could get them to run his picture through the facial recognition scanner.
Maybe we’ll get a hit.”
What was with all the we stuff? The case was complicated enough. The last thing she
needed was Jesse involved. She didn’t need a constant reminder of her downward
spiral.
July 23, 2013
LIFE TO THE FULLEST: The Power of Story
LIFE TO THE FULLEST: The Power of Story: "Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith..." (Hebrews 12:2). I love a good story, don’t you? Skilled...
July 22, 2013
Highlighting past Laurel Winner's latest novel
Clash of the Titles' Laurel Award is in full swing with submissions just having closed and judges itching to get started. It'll be another three nail-biting months before the winner of the 2013 Laurel is announced. In the meantime, COTT continues to shine the light on its past winners, including Karen Witemeyer whose novel, "A Tailor-made Bride" won the 2011 Laurel. Today, COTT brings you her latest, "Stealing the Preacher."
ABOUT THE BOOK:
On his way to interview for a position at a church in the Piney Woods of Texas, Crockett Archer can scarcely believe it when he's forced off the train by a retired outlaw and presented to the man's daughter as the minister she requested for her birthday. Worried this unfortunate detour will ruin his chances of finally serving a congregation of his own, Crockett is determined to escape. But when he finally gets away, he's haunted by the memory of the young woman he left behind--a woman whose dreams now hinge on him.
For months, Joanna Robbins prayed for a preacher. A man to breathe life back into the abandoned church at the heart of her community. A man to assist her in fulfilling a promise to her dying mother. A man to help her discover answers to the questions that have been on her heart for so long. But just when it seems God has answered her prayers, it turns out the parson is there against his will and has dreams of his own calling him elsewhere. Is there any way she can convince Crockett to stay in her little backwoods community? And does the attraction between them have any chance of blossoming when Joanna's outlaw father is dead set against his daughter courting a preacher?
PURCHASE
"Stealing the Preacher":
Amazon
Barnes and Noble
The author shares why she wrote the book:
"After the amazing response to the Archer brothers depicted in Short-Straw Bride, I couldn't wait to craft a stand-alone story for Crockett, the charmer of the Archer clan. First, I had a gang of over-the-hill outlaws steal him from a train then tangled him up with the gang leader's daughter, a heroine with enough sense to look beneath his charm and sufficient spirit to fight for what she wants. Finally, since Crockett is no ordinary preacher, but a gun-toting rancher with a gift for doctoring . . . well, that meant a plot full of scrapes, trouble, and untold shenanigans. But amid the adventure and romance lies a heartrending tale of God's pursuit of a single lost soul." --Karen WitemeyerAbout Karen:
After growing up in California, Karen moved to Texas to attend Abilene Christian University where she
earned bachelor and master's degrees in Psychology. It was also there that she met and married her own Texas hero. He roped her in good, for she has lived in Texas ever since. In fact, she fell so in love with this rugged land of sweeping sunsets and enduring pioneer spirit, that she incorporates it into the pages of her novels, setting her stories in the small towns of a state that burgeoned into greatness in the mid- to late1800s.
July 19, 2013
31 Devotions for Writers
I was thrilled to have been invited recently to take part in a devotional project spearheaded by Suzette Williams. Thirty-one Christian authors contributed devotions specifically intended to encourage other writers in their creative endeavors. I'm thrilled to be one of the names on the cover, and hope this little e-Book finds its way into the hands of those who need it most, and that it becomes the encouragement it's intended to be.
Read 31 Devotions for Writers, written by published authors who want to help
encourage you in your writing through God’s written Word.
Writing can
often be discouraging. Some writers have spouses or children who don’t
understand why they spend so much time on the computer. You may face a multitude
of rejection from agents or publishers. Or you may not get encouragement in the
form of reviews or be nominated for an award. So why do we write? Because we
can’t give it up! God has called us to write and we feel compelled to pour out
our soul in written words. The Bible says, Therefore encourage one another and
build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 Which
is the purpose of this devotional, to encourage you that you are not alone.
Other writers have dealt with similar feelings or frustrations, or question
themselves, their writing or their motives. I pray that each of you is
encouraged as you read the devotions by all of the authors. May God bless you
and give you the encouragement and peace you need.
Contributing
authors:
Susette Williams, Rachel Hauck, Julie Lessman, Gail Gaymer
Martin, Cynthia Hickey, Diana Brandmeyer, Linda Yezak, Lynette Sowell, Arlene
James, Suzanne D. Williams, Janet Chester Bly, Christa Allan, Deb Kastner,
Jennifer Hudson Taylor, Kathleen Y’Barbo, Terri Gillespie, Kimberly Rae Jordan,
Jill Hart, Amanda Tru, Ann Shorey, Samantha Fury, Darlene Shortridge, Ellen
Kennedy, Darlene Franklin, Ginny Aiken, Delia Latham, Carla Olson Gade, Michelle
Sutton, Sherry Chamblee, Cheri Swalwell and Jim Hughes.
Purchase on Amazon
Read 31 Devotions for Writers, written by published authors who want to help encourage you in your writing through God’s written Word.
Writing can
often be discouraging. Some writers have spouses or children who don’t
understand why they spend so much time on the computer. You may face a multitude
of rejection from agents or publishers. Or you may not get encouragement in the
form of reviews or be nominated for an award. So why do we write? Because we
can’t give it up! God has called us to write and we feel compelled to pour out
our soul in written words. The Bible says, Therefore encourage one another and
build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 Which
is the purpose of this devotional, to encourage you that you are not alone.
Other writers have dealt with similar feelings or frustrations, or question
themselves, their writing or their motives. I pray that each of you is
encouraged as you read the devotions by all of the authors. May God bless you
and give you the encouragement and peace you need.
Contributing
authors:
Susette Williams, Rachel Hauck, Julie Lessman, Gail Gaymer
Martin, Cynthia Hickey, Diana Brandmeyer, Linda Yezak, Lynette Sowell, Arlene
James, Suzanne D. Williams, Janet Chester Bly, Christa Allan, Deb Kastner,
Jennifer Hudson Taylor, Kathleen Y’Barbo, Terri Gillespie, Kimberly Rae Jordan,
Jill Hart, Amanda Tru, Ann Shorey, Samantha Fury, Darlene Shortridge, Ellen
Kennedy, Darlene Franklin, Ginny Aiken, Delia Latham, Carla Olson Gade, Michelle
Sutton, Sherry Chamblee, Cheri Swalwell and Jim Hughes.
Purchase on Amazon
July 8, 2013
COTT: May New Release Clash Winner
We had some amazing stories come out this past month. Each one poised to captivate your imagination, from overcoming great odds together, to chance meetings with a dashing earl, switchboard encounters of the handsome kind, a mysterious vanishing, and a prince's choice.
Thank you to Joselyn Vaughn author of Climbing Heartbreak Hill , Vanessa Riley author of Madeline's Protector , Lorna Seilstad author of When Love Calls , and Deborah Raney author of The Face of the Earth for participating in our clash.
And Now, Clash of the Titles presents the May New Release Winner...
Once Upon a Prince by Rachel Hauck!
Once Upon a Prince, the first novel in the Royal Wedding series by bestselling author Rachel Hauck, treats you to a modern-day fairy tale.
Susanna Truitt never dreamed of a great romance or being treated like a princess---just to marry the man she has loved for twelve years. But life isn’t going according to plan. When her high-school-sweetheart-turned-Marine-officer breaks up instead of proposing, Susanna scrambles to rebuild her life.
The last thing Prince Nathaniel expects to find on his American holiday to St. Simon’s Island is the queen of his heart. A prince has duties, and his family’s tense political situation has chosen his bride for him. When Prince Nathaniel comes to Susanna’s aid under the fabled Lover’s Oak, he is blindsided by love.
Their lives are worlds apart. He’s a royal prince. She’s a ordinary girl. But everything changes when Susanna receives an invitation to Nathaniel’s coronation.
From the Clash of the Titles Commenters
Once Upon a Prince has all the ingredients needed to make for a wonderful summer read!
Loved loved loved Once Upon A Prince! gave it 5 stars on Goodreads!
Rachel, I couldn't stop reading this one! Wonderful love story! Love the cover!
What Reviewers Are Saying
Hauck spins a surprisingly believable royal-meets-commoner love story. This is modern and engaging tale with well-developed secondary characters that are entertaining and add a quirky touch. Hauck fans will find a gem of a tale. – Starred Review Publisher’s Weekly
Readers Love It
Recently finished "Once Upon a Prince." Absolutely LOVED it! A perfect summer (or fall or winter or spring, for that matter) read. It was the best book I have read in a l-o-n-g time! You have set the bar high, Rachel!
Rachel Hauck is an award-winning, best selling author of critically acclaimed novels such as RITA nominated The Wedding Dress and RITA nominated Love Starts with Elle, part of the Lowcountry series. She penned the Songbird Novels with multi-platinum recording artist, Sara Evans. Their novel Softly and Tenderly, was one of Booklists 2011 Top Ten Inspirationals.A graduate of Ohio State University with a degree in Journalism, she worked in the corporate software world before planting her backside in uncomfortable chair to write full time in 2004.
Rachel serves on the Executive Board of American Christian Fiction Writers and leads worship at their annual conference. She is a mentor and book therapist at My Book Therapy, and conference
speaker.
Here next book, Princess Ever After, releases in February 2014.
Visit her web site at http://www.rachelhauck.com
July 3, 2013
Review: A Piece of Heaven
by Donna B. Snow
I promised to post my review of this book "the moment" I finished it. I gotta admit, I didn't quite accomplish that goal...I finished the book last night. But I'm not far behind, so please accept my apology, and I hope you find the review helpful. I gave it 4 stars on Amazon, but it's more like 4.5. I sure wish Amazon would open those half-star options.
:)
Here's my review of A Piece of Heaven. Be sure to read the previous post on this blog for Donna's beautiful guest article.
Trina Wembly's dream comes true when she gets the ball rolling to build A
Piece of Heaven, the Christian coffee house she's always wanted -- a place where
Christian folks can enjoy a good meal and edifying entertainment in a godly
environment. When she walks into the offices of Dared Construction and meets
Jared Larou, she's on a path that could change her life forever. Jared's a
gentle man with a good heart--a good, wounded heart. The attraction between the
two is immediate, but Trina will need to spread some heavenly salve on Jared's
battered heart and tortured mind, and Jared will have to make peace with
God--and himself--before that attraction can become anything more.
Donna
B. Snow has written another lovely romance that glorifies God on every page. Her
previous novelette, Daffodils, did the same. I thoroughly enjoyed that one, and
was eager to dive into another Donna B. Snow story. A Piece of Heaven did not
disappoint; it lived up to and beyond its predecessor. This author knows how to
create memorable and believable characters; she also knows how to spin a
beautiful Christian tale, and leave her readers sighing with satisfaction--and
she does it all in so few pages (about 77)! She writes right and writes tight.
The result is a wonderfully sweet romance written with an eye to detail and a
whole lot of heart. Readers looking for a short, sweet story to fill a lazy
afternoon will find it in A Piece of Heaven.
I promised to post my review of this book "the moment" I finished it. I gotta admit, I didn't quite accomplish that goal...I finished the book last night. But I'm not far behind, so please accept my apology, and I hope you find the review helpful. I gave it 4 stars on Amazon, but it's more like 4.5. I sure wish Amazon would open those half-star options.
:)
Here's my review of A Piece of Heaven. Be sure to read the previous post on this blog for Donna's beautiful guest article.
Trina Wembly's dream comes true when she gets the ball rolling to build A
Piece of Heaven, the Christian coffee house she's always wanted -- a place where
Christian folks can enjoy a good meal and edifying entertainment in a godly
environment. When she walks into the offices of Dared Construction and meets
Jared Larou, she's on a path that could change her life forever. Jared's a
gentle man with a good heart--a good, wounded heart. The attraction between the
two is immediate, but Trina will need to spread some heavenly salve on Jared's
battered heart and tortured mind, and Jared will have to make peace with
God--and himself--before that attraction can become anything more.
Donna
B. Snow has written another lovely romance that glorifies God on every page. Her
previous novelette, Daffodils, did the same. I thoroughly enjoyed that one, and
was eager to dive into another Donna B. Snow story. A Piece of Heaven did not
disappoint; it lived up to and beyond its predecessor. This author knows how to
create memorable and believable characters; she also knows how to spin a
beautiful Christian tale, and leave her readers sighing with satisfaction--and
she does it all in so few pages (about 77)! She writes right and writes tight.
The result is a wonderfully sweet romance written with an eye to detail and a
whole lot of heart. Readers looking for a short, sweet story to fill a lazy
afternoon will find it in A Piece of Heaven.
Guest Author: Donna B. Snow
I'm delighted to welcome fellow Pelican Book Group author Donna B. Snow to Living the Write Life. Donna is such a blessing! She's encouraging, supportive and giving to the entire PBG team of authors, and I'm happy to be able, in some small measure, to return the favor. Besides...she's a wonderful author, so I know all of you are going to love her too! :)
Here's Donna to share a little about who she is:
I was born and raised in New England and although
I've seen much of the country, this is the area I will always call home. I
love the change of seasons and the beauty each one brings. There is no place
quite like it.
I've been married over 20 years and we
have one teenage daughter who will be going to college next year.
I am an active member in my church,
a member of the choir (along with my daughter), and I write not just
stories, but music as well. Perhaps some of that will be published
someday, too.
Donna's new release is A Piece of Heaven. I'm reading it now, and will post a review the moment I've finished. I can tell you already that I'm loving it so far...
Here's a peek into A Piece of Heaven:
Trina
Wembly dreamt of owning a Christian coffee house for years – a Godly place where
people could enjoy a good meal, and entertainment that wasn’t offensive. A
Piece of Heaven is that dream.
Jared
Larou, the construction foreman who helps design and build the coffee house, is
a wounded soul with a soft heart.
Once
the coffee house opens, Trina and her partner, Laura, work day and night. From
coffee in the morning, to gourmet dinners in the evenings, it’s a heavy load. Plus
Trina performs most nights as the entertainer at the coffee house.
Trina
longs to be more than just friends with Jared, she just hopes that’s what God
wants for her too.
God
is the only one who can heal Jared’s wounded soul. Does Trina have the faith and
patience to wait on God’s will?
Here's my guest of honor, talking about living and breathing and doing all things in God's power:
Donna B. Snow
© July 2012
For years now I have recognized
that my greatest worldly joy comes from being a blessing to others. So when I
hear of a brother or a sister in need, or a friend, or a friend of a
friend…well, you get the picture. And this is a wonderful thing, except that I’m
often doing it under my own power, and I sometimes get tired. Then I wonder if
I’m doing something wrong…
Gal
6:9 And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap
if we do not lose heart.
Ah, but God’s message in the
preaching last week brought it all into perspective. It’s not that I’m doing
anything wrong, or even more than I should be necessarily, but I’m carrying it
all and doing most of it under my own power instead of leaning on Him and
letting Him work through me, letting Him carry my burdens.
Phil 4:13 I can do all things
through Christ who strengthens me.
Now don’t get me wrong. There
is still joy in what I do, but it’s hard sometimes and instead of turning and
leaning on Him, I dig deeper and push harder…and sometimes drop the ball and
find that I can’t do it all...on my own.
2 Cor 9:7 So let each one give
as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a
cheerful giver.
And herein lies the answer. God
loves a cheerful giver – that’s not just financial! Most of us give of
ourselves in many ways. We give of our time, of our efforts…we give of our
prayers…we give material things to those in need.
2 Cor 9:8 And God is able to
make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in
all things, may have an abundance for every good work.
So as I take on that next
project, or volunteer for one more thing that doesn’t fit in my schedule, I
will do it cheerfully, knowing that as long as it’s truly His will, and I’m
following His call, there will be enough…enough time, enough money, enough
energy…enough trust in God that He can
accomplish all He calls me to do!
Here's Donna to share a little about who she is:
I was born and raised in New England and although
I've seen much of the country, this is the area I will always call home. I
love the change of seasons and the beauty each one brings. There is no place
quite like it.
I've been married over 20 years and we
have one teenage daughter who will be going to college next year.
I am an active member in my church,
a member of the choir (along with my daughter), and I write not just
stories, but music as well. Perhaps some of that will be published
someday, too.
Donna's new release is A Piece of Heaven. I'm reading it now, and will post a review the moment I've finished. I can tell you already that I'm loving it so far...
Here's a peek into A Piece of Heaven:
TrinaWembly dreamt of owning a Christian coffee house for years – a Godly place where
people could enjoy a good meal, and entertainment that wasn’t offensive. A
Piece of Heaven is that dream.
Jared
Larou, the construction foreman who helps design and build the coffee house, is
a wounded soul with a soft heart.
Once
the coffee house opens, Trina and her partner, Laura, work day and night. From
coffee in the morning, to gourmet dinners in the evenings, it’s a heavy load. Plus
Trina performs most nights as the entertainer at the coffee house.
Trina
longs to be more than just friends with Jared, she just hopes that’s what God
wants for her too.
God
is the only one who can heal Jared’s wounded soul. Does Trina have the faith and
patience to wait on God’s will?
Here's my guest of honor, talking about living and breathing and doing all things in God's power:
Donna B. Snow
© July 2012
For years now I have recognized
that my greatest worldly joy comes from being a blessing to others. So when I
hear of a brother or a sister in need, or a friend, or a friend of a
friend…well, you get the picture. And this is a wonderful thing, except that I’m
often doing it under my own power, and I sometimes get tired. Then I wonder if
I’m doing something wrong…
Gal
6:9 And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap
if we do not lose heart.
Ah, but God’s message in the
preaching last week brought it all into perspective. It’s not that I’m doing
anything wrong, or even more than I should be necessarily, but I’m carrying it
all and doing most of it under my own power instead of leaning on Him and
letting Him work through me, letting Him carry my burdens.
Phil 4:13 I can do all things
through Christ who strengthens me.
Now don’t get me wrong. There
is still joy in what I do, but it’s hard sometimes and instead of turning and
leaning on Him, I dig deeper and push harder…and sometimes drop the ball and
find that I can’t do it all...on my own.
2 Cor 9:7 So let each one give
as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a
cheerful giver.
And herein lies the answer. God
loves a cheerful giver – that’s not just financial! Most of us give of
ourselves in many ways. We give of our time, of our efforts…we give of our
prayers…we give material things to those in need.
2 Cor 9:8 And God is able to
make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in
all things, may have an abundance for every good work.
So as I take on that next
project, or volunteer for one more thing that doesn’t fit in my schedule, I
will do it cheerfully, knowing that as long as it’s truly His will, and I’m
following His call, there will be enough…enough time, enough money, enough
energy…enough trust in God that He can
accomplish all He calls me to do!
June 30, 2013
Love Unexpected -- May New Releases
Summer is here, and we've got some great new releases to fill up those camping trips, car rides, and lazy days on the beach. Our May suggestions are intriguing and ready to pull you into stories of faith, love, and adventure.
It will be hard to choose between these five wonderful romances.These books are sure to captivate your imagination, from overcoming great odds together, to chance meetings with a dashing earl, switchboard encounters of the handsome kind, a mysterious vanishing, and a prince's choice.
Vote for the one most likely to make your summer To Be Read pile by voting below. Don't forget to send some love and encouragement to our authors via the comments section.
Happy Voting!
Their
lives are worlds apart; he's a royal prince and she's an ordinary girl, but
everything changes when Susanna receives an invitation to Nathaniel's
coronation. It's the ultimate choice: His kingdom or her heart…God's will or
their own?
When Mitchell's wife, Jill, kisses him goodbye, he hasno idea that he may never see her again. When the police can't find her, Mitch
asks his neighbor, Shelley, for help, but as weeks turn into months and Mitch
and Shelley grow ever closer, he wonders how he can honor his vows to a woman
who seems to have vanished off the face of the earth.
Switchboard operators, otherwise
known as "hello girls," must conduct themselves according to
strict--and often bewildering--rules, which include absolutely no consorting
with gentlemen while in training. Hannah Gregory has never been good at
following rules, but she doubts it will be difficult to keep that particular
rule--until a handsome young lawyer starts getting under her skin.
A chance meeting and a bullet wound
change everything, and Madeline St. James must trust that the Good Shepherd has led
her to the altar to marry a dashing stranger, Lord Devonshire. Madeline's
unwavering faith intrigues and exasperates the stubborn earl, but can the
compromised couple forge a true bond before the next disaster strikes?
After their professional athletic
careers are sidelined, Tara and Ryan must find purpose and fulfillment in their
new lives. With the help of the Junkyard King and a mechanical bull, can Tara
and Ryan find the courage to climb Heartbreak Hill together?
Create your free online surveys with SurveyMonkey , the world's leading questionnaire tool.
June 23, 2013
Women of Valley View by Sharon Srock
This week's featured New Release is Sharon Srock's latest,
Terri: Women of Valley View 2
Despite a bustling day care center and a new foster child, Terri Hayes hungers for a family of her own. Then a plumbing mishap leaves her homeless and questioning God's plan. Steve Evans's gracious offer of his basement apartment as a temporary solution is an answered prayer.Steve is a successful writer and a good father, but Terri is horrified when Steve's book research leads him to a harsh confrontation with the parents of her foster child. She needs to distance herself from Steve, but her efforts fall short as his two scheming daughters plot to make Terri their new stepmother.
Will harsh words and sneaky plans drive a family further apart and put a wedge between Terri and Steve, or does God have another plan in store?
***
Read the first pages of the book on Amazon HERE
Read an introduction to the women NOW!
***
REVIEWS
Terri is a delightful story, the second book in Women of Valley View. The humor is great and the author had me bursting into laughter several times. The romance is delectable and I found myself sighing and rereading the sweet romance scenes between Terri and Steve. The storyline is so interesting, dealing with being a foster parent, and seeing the other side of the problem. The author doesn't portray the parents whose child is taken away as bad people, but someone who needs help. This is just a minor part of the story but it shows how social services can help people get back on their feet and be better parents. I have several favorite quotes from this book and here is one I'll share with you: "The workings of a woman's brain have been a mystery since Eve." By Linda Weaver Clarke
**
Terri is a single woman looking for "Mr. Right," and has been looking for him so long that she begins to go ahead with her plans in spite of not having found him, yet. There's someone on her mind, of course, but he has older children and a granddaughter, already, while Terri wants very much to have babies. So, she becomes a foster parent. In hopes that this will fulfill some of the desires of her heart whether she finds a husband, or not.
That's the premise. A lot of things happen to both thwart and encourage her, and one finds themselves reading to the last page just to see how everything turns out for everybody. It's a good read based on that alone. Very well-written, too. Ms. Srock brings people and place alive so vividly that you will actually recognize people you know there. Or at least wish you knew. But that isn't what makes it special.
What sets this book apart from most is the perspective. I might even go so far as to call it "the view." Like a movie running across the window of your mind, it gives you a front row seat to not only observe how Terri works out her problems, but how we can possibly apply those same methods to work on ours. Because that part of the story is real. Something you can take home with you.
Would I recommend the WOMEN OF VALLEY VIEW: TERRI? You bet. Because in my opinion, anytime you can walk away with something that valuable from an enjoyable piece of entertainment makes it priceless. Which is why I think everyone should meet the "Women of Valley View." By
Lilly Maytree
**
I am not much of a reader and I have never done a book review before so here goes nothing. A book really has to grab my attention first off to keep me engaged. Terri accomplished this without question! I love Terri and how "real" she is. You can really feel her inner struggle and her desire to follow God's will. However, she is human, and as we all do at times, her idea of the way things should go and idea of what she thought she needed, conflicted with what God had in mind. After some pretty harsh reality checks, a few ugly pity parties and a couple of scheming teenagers, Terri see's that what God had for her was way better than what she ever could have imagined. I felt the story flowed well and did a great job of making each character personal. I really felt that I knew these people. I was on edge and feared for Sean and Ella's marriage, when Steve got tough with Sean. I loved that this book showed that although God is a loving God, there are sometimes he uses tough love to get his point across. The love Steve shows Sean by being straight with him was hard and almost cost him his relationship with Terri. Regardless he followed God's leading and his obedience was rewarded. Not only does he get the girl, he gets to be part of the miracle that helps to bring a broken, young, on the run from God's call on his life, Sean, back to Christ. As a result we witness the healing of a broken family. I appreciated how this book shows us that even when we can't see, God does. By 1emmons
***
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Sharon Srock lives with her husband, Larry, and two dogs in Rural Oklahoma. She is a mother, grandmother, and Sunday School teacher. Sharon has one and three-quarters jobs and writes in her spare time. Her favorite hobby is traveling with her grandchildren. She is a member of the ACFW and currently serves as treasurer for her local chapter. Sharon's previous writing credits include numerous poems and short stories published in science fiction fanzines.
For the latest news from Sharon, and details about the other Valley View women, check out her website!
Amazon -- http://tinyurl.com/9dreu8g
Pelican Books -- http://tinyurl.com/8ncbjnl
Barnes and Noble—http://tinyurl.com/9ahy3tg
Be sure to visit www.clashofthetitles.com for more recommendations for your Summer reading!
