Delia Latham's Blog, page 45
July 6, 2011
Review: Awakening
by JoAnn Durgin
Back Cover Blurb: A God-fearing man. A God-seeking woman. For Sam Lewis and Lexa Clarke, it proves a combustible combination.
Lexa Clarke signs up for a TeamWork Missions summer assignment expecting adventure in a far-off, exotic country. Instead, she's sent to sweltering San Antonio to help rebuild homes destroyed by sudden flooding. She survives the four-hour bus trip from Houston, dust in the lungs, a flat tire, a tool-throwing incident and a spitting goat - not to mention an inquisition from a distractingly handsome cowboy - all before reaching the work camp.
TeamWork director Sam Lewis isn't sure what to think of his newest volunteer. She's feisty, witty, and incredibly pretty, but looks more prepared to board a cruise ship than build houses. Burned by a past betrayal, he's got a job to do, a reputation to uphold. Sam can't afford to be distracted by a woman who attracts animals, defies his rules, finds trouble at every turn and questions God's purpose. But when she tumbles from the top beam of one of the houses into his arms, Sam suspects his life will never be the same.
During their weeks together in the TeamWork camp, Sam and Lexa learn the power of forgiveness and healing. Enduring a chain of incidents which challenge their faith, trust and growing relationship, they look to the Lord for guidance as together they discover a love greater than either could ever imagine. At the end of the eight-week work camp, Sam is committed to a year-long, dangerous overseas mission for TeamWork. Can Lexa trust the Lord enough to let him go? Will Sam safely return and keep his promise to meet her at the Alamo?
You'll keep turning the pages of this sweeping romantic adventure. With great characters, plenty of humor, enough emotion to make you shed a tear or two, and an ending that'll have you cheering, Awakening will leave you breathless. Hold on tight. The adventures of Lewis and Clarke have only just begun!
My take:
The last thing Lexa Clarke expects when she signs up for a TeamWork mission project is to fall in love. But she hadn't counted on the TeamWork director, Sam Lewis, being such a handsome, hard-headed, sexy, frustrating, magnetic, loveable cowboy.
Look out, Lewis and Clarke…it's a whole new adventure, featuring Sam and Lexa in a romantic escapade!
I won't reiterate the entire storyline, as the back cover text lays it out quite well. What I will say is that Awakening is an absolute treat to read. The dynamics between Lexa and Sam are delicious—and relentless. The author knows how to paint attraction and sensuality into a relationship without crossing the line into "graphic" content. Sexual attraction is an undeniable part of any romance, and pretending it doesn't exist makes a storyline stale and unbelievable. Kudos to Durgin for handling this situation with grace, finesse and unapologetic realism.
Snappy dialogue and vibrant characters keep the pages turning. A thread of suspense and a snippet of mystery perches the reader on the edge of her seat. Beautifully woven into the mix, a strong gospel message speaks to the heart and feeds the soul.
I highly recommend Awakening and look forward to other works by JoAnn Durgin.
July 4, 2011
COTT victory for Joanne Sher
Guest post by Michelle Massaro
The winner of this week's COTT battle is....
[image error] Joanne Sher!
Joanne joins the notable COTT Conquerors family as a pre-published author. Her writing passion is Biblical and historical fiction—paving rough roads with God's presence. Joanne says her dream is to be able to submit to Clash of The Titles as a published author. We are confident that day will come.
Find her at http://www.joannesher.com/
Her winning excerpt came from her manuscript entitled Handmaiden to a Princess:
"Don't you have to leave now?" Mama took a sip of water and looked out at the sun.
Rivka's eyes followed her mother's. The colors of the sunrise were already beginning to fade into the blue of the Israeli sky. Rivka nodded. "Good bye, Mama. Off to the gardens." She half-jogged toward the next part of her morning ritual.
Rivka's sandals flip-flopped on the dirt, her steps brisk and light. The scents of the lilies of the valley and hyacinths slowed her pace the closer she got. The grass before her, still touched with the last of the morning's dew, slapped against the sides of her sandals. She stopped, closed her eyes, and took in a long, slow breath.
Aroma fit for royalty.
Read the full excerpt, and that of her most worthy competitor, Mary Hall, here .
Some reader comments:
I felt that excerpt 'A' was really good in that the little girl was so a part of the description.
I want to go walk in the garden!
I felt the soil in my hands, and smelled the fragrance of flowers in the air. Lovely!
I could see and smell the flowers.
About her win, Joanne said :
WOW - I'm SO excited! What an honor. And what a FUN clash it's been.
Like the other members of the COTT family of authors, Joanne and Mary both praised each other's work and exuded a Christ-like spirit throughout the competition.
Get to know Joanne through her interview with her COTT hostess, Gail Pallotta here.
Congratulations, Joanne! We can't wait to see you in print!
Join us at COTT for our next Clash. Vote for your favorite and be entered to win a free book. Have a book or theme suggestion? Send it in! Have you written the next blockbuster hit? Send us your 500 best words. We want to hear from you.
BIO:
Michelle Massaro is Assistant Editor for the literary website Clash of the Titles. She has written for The Write Conversation, Pentalk, COF Ministries, and Romantic Times. She and her husband of 16 years live in sunny So Cal with their four children. Above all, she is a follower of Christ Jesus, unashamed to stand upon the Word of God from beginning to end. Connect with her on her blog, twitter @MLMassaro, and Facebook.
The winner of this week's COTT battle is....
[image error] Joanne Sher!
Joanne joins the notable COTT Conquerors family as a pre-published author. Her writing passion is Biblical and historical fiction—paving rough roads with God's presence. Joanne says her dream is to be able to submit to Clash of The Titles as a published author. We are confident that day will come.
Find her at http://www.joannesher.com/
Her winning excerpt came from her manuscript entitled Handmaiden to a Princess:
"Don't you have to leave now?" Mama took a sip of water and looked out at the sun.
Rivka's eyes followed her mother's. The colors of the sunrise were already beginning to fade into the blue of the Israeli sky. Rivka nodded. "Good bye, Mama. Off to the gardens." She half-jogged toward the next part of her morning ritual.
Rivka's sandals flip-flopped on the dirt, her steps brisk and light. The scents of the lilies of the valley and hyacinths slowed her pace the closer she got. The grass before her, still touched with the last of the morning's dew, slapped against the sides of her sandals. She stopped, closed her eyes, and took in a long, slow breath.
Aroma fit for royalty.
Read the full excerpt, and that of her most worthy competitor, Mary Hall, here .
Some reader comments:
I felt that excerpt 'A' was really good in that the little girl was so a part of the description.
I want to go walk in the garden!
I felt the soil in my hands, and smelled the fragrance of flowers in the air. Lovely!
I could see and smell the flowers.
About her win, Joanne said :
WOW - I'm SO excited! What an honor. And what a FUN clash it's been.
Like the other members of the COTT family of authors, Joanne and Mary both praised each other's work and exuded a Christ-like spirit throughout the competition.
Get to know Joanne through her interview with her COTT hostess, Gail Pallotta here.
Congratulations, Joanne! We can't wait to see you in print!
Join us at COTT for our next Clash. Vote for your favorite and be entered to win a free book. Have a book or theme suggestion? Send it in! Have you written the next blockbuster hit? Send us your 500 best words. We want to hear from you.
BIO:
Michelle Massaro is Assistant Editor for the literary website Clash of the Titles. She has written for The Write Conversation, Pentalk, COF Ministries, and Romantic Times. She and her husband of 16 years live in sunny So Cal with their four children. Above all, she is a follower of Christ Jesus, unashamed to stand upon the Word of God from beginning to end. Connect with her on her blog, twitter @MLMassaro, and Facebook.
July 1, 2011
Kylie's Kiss Blog Blitz, BOOK WINNERS
As promised, I have drawn FOUR winners from the comments left across the entire blog blitz.
CONGRATULATIONS to:
Marianne from Lena Nelson Dooley's blogTinkertoot from Linda Wagner's blogLinda Kish from Patty Wysong's blogCarmen7351 from Elaine Cantrell's blog
It has been such a pleasure bouncing from blog to blog and chatting with everyone who stopped in. Thanks yet again to all of my hosts, and to all of their readers for making the Kylie's Blog Blitz a tremendous experience!
CONGRATULATIONS to:
Marianne from Lena Nelson Dooley's blogTinkertoot from Linda Wagner's blogLinda Kish from Patty Wysong's blogCarmen7351 from Elaine Cantrell's blog
It has been such a pleasure bouncing from blog to blog and chatting with everyone who stopped in. Thanks yet again to all of my hosts, and to all of their readers for making the Kylie's Blog Blitz a tremendous experience!
Review: Tender Touch
by Tanya StoweTender Touch offers a sweet love story as well as a thought-provoking look at the impact a divine gift might cause in the life of an ordinary person. Lacy Butler's ability to heal feels like anything but a gift to the young girl, who uses every means at her disposal to pretend it doesn't exist.
Royce Darnell's appearance in Lacy's reclusive world sets off a chain of events that will change the girl's life and capsize Royce's well-ordered, carefully planned existence. How can he make Lacy see God in her gift? How can he convince her the healing in her hands is, indeed, a gift—not a curse?
There's not a single dull moment as Royce is caught up in desperate measures to save the mining town he loves, the people who live there…and the beautiful mountain girl who has captured his heart. When God reveals to him a solution to Harperville's impending demise, Royce knows he must obey God's gentle nudging, even though that obedience will almost certainly destroy any chance of a relationship with Lacy.
Tanya Stowe has created an absolutely believable world peopled with amazing, true-to-life characters who seem almost capable of walking off the page and into a reader's life. She handles the existence of the spiritual gifts with bold faith, calm assurance, and a tender touch of her own. Lacy's struggle to accept her ability as a gift God expects her to give back to Him by using it His way will undoubtedly raise a number of questions in the minds of readers who might never before have considered the possibility of divine gifts being bestowed upon mere human beings.
I loved this book, and can say in all honesty that it is one of the best I've read in the past year…and possibly longer. Stirring and thought-provoking, it also contains a sprinkle of humor and a dusting of fun. Truly inspired writing! I wholeheartedly recommend Tender Touch, and look forward to my next chance to enjoy the work of this talented author.
June 30, 2011
Author of Note: Anita Mellott
Welcome to The Bookshelf, Anita. Please tell us a little about yourself, outside the realm of writing and publishing. Who is Anita Mellott, the gal next door?
First, thanks so much for having me, Delia.
I'm a wife and mom, who has good and not-so-good homeschooling days. Life errs on the crazy side with an ultra-energetic three-year-old who never stops from the time her feet hit the floor at 6 am, a teen and a mom whose memory isn't as good as it used to be. I love classical music, reading, and eating mangoes!
Well, it sounds like you have a very full life, to say the least! J Congratulations on your new devotional, which I understand releases August 1st. Tell us about it.
Thanks, Delia. School Is where the Home Is: 180 Devotions for Parents actually released on June 15 instead! That sort of took me by surprise.
Early release is a nice surprise! Tell us a little about your journey from original idea to publication of this book.
About five years ago, I felt prompted to start writing. I thought it a bit odd since I was working as a writer/editor with Habitat for Humanity International. The difference, though, was "write to encourage others." I ignored the nudge, wondering what encouragement I had to offer. In the following year and a half, I lost my job of 13 years, and faced a high-risk pregnancy. That's when I decided it was time to obey.
Since I homeschool and lead an encouragement group, I know that homeschooling can, at times be challenging. I wondered what it would be like to have a daily reminder of God's presence with us as we homeschool—that's what birthed this book.
I sent out 30 queries, and received 27 rejections, and three acceptances. To be honest, the contract from Judson Press sat on my desk for several weeks because I was afraid of signing it…What if the book didn't sell? Was I really the one to write this book? Until a critique partner gently reminded me that God was in the journey. As far as I'm concerned, this book is a testimony to God's power to open a door no one can close.
If God is in it, it's definitely right. What's your favorite devotion from this book? Can you share it with us?
Wow…several are special to me, but here goes:
"Never Give Up!"
You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised. (Hebrews 10:36)
On the first day of our homeschooling adventure, five-year-old Lisa and I walked toward our schoolroom, hand in hand. When she noticed something on the desk, she pulled away and ran ahead.
"Mama, Daddy wrote us letters," she greeted me as I entered the room. Then she pushed her note into my hands. "What's it say, Mama?"
I read it to her. As I ended with "never give up," she chuckled.
Since then, Jim's notes have been the highlight of every first school day. Without fail, the notes to Lisa end with "never give up."
None of us ever imagined how special those words would become in our lives.
On the days when Lisa gets frustrated with schoolwork or struggles in an area of character development, I gently ask, "What would Daddy say?" Sometimes she rolls her eyes. Other times she smiles and says, "Never give up." On the not-so-easy homeschool days when I wonder what I'm doing and if it's worth it, I remember never to give up.
The year I felt God leading me to write again, rejection after rejection piled up. Every time I opened an envelope only to read, "We're sorry. . . ," doubts would cloud my mind. Am I supposed to be doing this? Did God lead me to write? But Lisa would come up to me, put her arms around me, and whisper, "Never give up, Mama."
The Hebrew root from which the word perseverance comes means to remain steadfast despite obstacles. Never give up. Those words have become our whisper of hope in challenging times.
Digging deeper: What is your family's whisper of hope?
Excerpted from School Is Where the Home Is by Anita Mellott, copyright © 2011 by Anita Mellott. Used by permission of Judson Press, www.judsonpress.com.
I love it! Actually, my favorite inspiration quote from Og Mandino is, "Never, never, never, never, never, never, NEVER give up!" What one piece of writing advice has been most beneficial in developing your writing career?
"Just write." If I don't, I have nothing.
Great advice! I understand (from my peek at your website) that you have some serious and very painful health issues to deal with. How do you handle writing through the pain?
That's a tough one, Delia. I ended up writing most of the book through pain—physical because of health issues, and emotional, due to something that happened to our family. I didn't want to write during that time, but I had a tight deadline. I experienced something wonderful though—when I am weak, then He is strong. That time sent me to my knees as never before, because I knew I was in no state to write.
These days, I still deal with health issues and a treatment that leaves me fatigued. Though I don't have as tight a deadline, I still have to push myself to write. The thought that God can use a flawed, broken vessel like me to write words of encouragement and hope, keeps me going.
That's what keeps me going, as well. I love knowing that "when I am weak, then He is strong"! Do you have a favorite verse of scripture? If so, what makes it special to you?
I love Psalm 30: 5b, "…weeping may remain for a night, but joy comes in the morning." It reminds me that storms and sunshine are part of life. Though there may be pain and sorrow, and though the night may sometimes be long…joy will come in the morning! (Because of Jesus and the hope He gives.) Hallelujah!
Wonderful scripture! Just for fun…if you could be gifted with your choice of one super power, what would it be?
To clean my house in a secondJ…just kidding. To remove pain from people's lives.
Oooh! Great choice! Where can readers find your books? Do you have a website, blog, etc.?
Amazon, CBD, Barnes and Noble, Lifeway carry School Is Where the Home Is. For other books, feel free to stop by my website at: www.anitamellott.com, where I also blog.
Thank you for hanging out on The Bookshelf, Anita! It's been a pleasure chatting with you.
Thank you for having me.
About Anita:A homeschooling mom since 2003, Anita Mellott lives its joys and challenges. With post-graduate degrees in Communications and Journalism, she worked as an editor with Habitat for Humanity International, headed the Department of Journalism at Mt. Carmel College, Bangalore, India, and did a stint in public relations and advertising. Her articles have appeared in various publications including Homeschool Enrichment, Novel Journey, Crosswalk.com, The Christian Post, and magazines in India. When she's not homeschooling, she blogs at From the Mango Tree: www.anitamellott.com.
First, thanks so much for having me, Delia.
I'm a wife and mom, who has good and not-so-good homeschooling days. Life errs on the crazy side with an ultra-energetic three-year-old who never stops from the time her feet hit the floor at 6 am, a teen and a mom whose memory isn't as good as it used to be. I love classical music, reading, and eating mangoes!
Well, it sounds like you have a very full life, to say the least! J Congratulations on your new devotional, which I understand releases August 1st. Tell us about it.
Thanks, Delia. School Is where the Home Is: 180 Devotions for Parents actually released on June 15 instead! That sort of took me by surprise.
Early release is a nice surprise! Tell us a little about your journey from original idea to publication of this book.
About five years ago, I felt prompted to start writing. I thought it a bit odd since I was working as a writer/editor with Habitat for Humanity International. The difference, though, was "write to encourage others." I ignored the nudge, wondering what encouragement I had to offer. In the following year and a half, I lost my job of 13 years, and faced a high-risk pregnancy. That's when I decided it was time to obey.
Since I homeschool and lead an encouragement group, I know that homeschooling can, at times be challenging. I wondered what it would be like to have a daily reminder of God's presence with us as we homeschool—that's what birthed this book.
I sent out 30 queries, and received 27 rejections, and three acceptances. To be honest, the contract from Judson Press sat on my desk for several weeks because I was afraid of signing it…What if the book didn't sell? Was I really the one to write this book? Until a critique partner gently reminded me that God was in the journey. As far as I'm concerned, this book is a testimony to God's power to open a door no one can close.
If God is in it, it's definitely right. What's your favorite devotion from this book? Can you share it with us?
Wow…several are special to me, but here goes:
"Never Give Up!"
You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised. (Hebrews 10:36)
On the first day of our homeschooling adventure, five-year-old Lisa and I walked toward our schoolroom, hand in hand. When she noticed something on the desk, she pulled away and ran ahead.
"Mama, Daddy wrote us letters," she greeted me as I entered the room. Then she pushed her note into my hands. "What's it say, Mama?"
I read it to her. As I ended with "never give up," she chuckled.
Since then, Jim's notes have been the highlight of every first school day. Without fail, the notes to Lisa end with "never give up."
None of us ever imagined how special those words would become in our lives.
On the days when Lisa gets frustrated with schoolwork or struggles in an area of character development, I gently ask, "What would Daddy say?" Sometimes she rolls her eyes. Other times she smiles and says, "Never give up." On the not-so-easy homeschool days when I wonder what I'm doing and if it's worth it, I remember never to give up.
The year I felt God leading me to write again, rejection after rejection piled up. Every time I opened an envelope only to read, "We're sorry. . . ," doubts would cloud my mind. Am I supposed to be doing this? Did God lead me to write? But Lisa would come up to me, put her arms around me, and whisper, "Never give up, Mama."
The Hebrew root from which the word perseverance comes means to remain steadfast despite obstacles. Never give up. Those words have become our whisper of hope in challenging times.
Digging deeper: What is your family's whisper of hope?
Excerpted from School Is Where the Home Is by Anita Mellott, copyright © 2011 by Anita Mellott. Used by permission of Judson Press, www.judsonpress.com.
I love it! Actually, my favorite inspiration quote from Og Mandino is, "Never, never, never, never, never, never, NEVER give up!" What one piece of writing advice has been most beneficial in developing your writing career?
"Just write." If I don't, I have nothing.
Great advice! I understand (from my peek at your website) that you have some serious and very painful health issues to deal with. How do you handle writing through the pain?
That's a tough one, Delia. I ended up writing most of the book through pain—physical because of health issues, and emotional, due to something that happened to our family. I didn't want to write during that time, but I had a tight deadline. I experienced something wonderful though—when I am weak, then He is strong. That time sent me to my knees as never before, because I knew I was in no state to write.
These days, I still deal with health issues and a treatment that leaves me fatigued. Though I don't have as tight a deadline, I still have to push myself to write. The thought that God can use a flawed, broken vessel like me to write words of encouragement and hope, keeps me going.
That's what keeps me going, as well. I love knowing that "when I am weak, then He is strong"! Do you have a favorite verse of scripture? If so, what makes it special to you?
I love Psalm 30: 5b, "…weeping may remain for a night, but joy comes in the morning." It reminds me that storms and sunshine are part of life. Though there may be pain and sorrow, and though the night may sometimes be long…joy will come in the morning! (Because of Jesus and the hope He gives.) Hallelujah!
Wonderful scripture! Just for fun…if you could be gifted with your choice of one super power, what would it be?
To clean my house in a secondJ…just kidding. To remove pain from people's lives.
Oooh! Great choice! Where can readers find your books? Do you have a website, blog, etc.?
Amazon, CBD, Barnes and Noble, Lifeway carry School Is Where the Home Is. For other books, feel free to stop by my website at: www.anitamellott.com, where I also blog.
Thank you for hanging out on The Bookshelf, Anita! It's been a pleasure chatting with you.
Thank you for having me.
About Anita:A homeschooling mom since 2003, Anita Mellott lives its joys and challenges. With post-graduate degrees in Communications and Journalism, she worked as an editor with Habitat for Humanity International, headed the Department of Journalism at Mt. Carmel College, Bangalore, India, and did a stint in public relations and advertising. Her articles have appeared in various publications including Homeschool Enrichment, Novel Journey, Crosswalk.com, The Christian Post, and magazines in India. When she's not homeschooling, she blogs at From the Mango Tree: www.anitamellott.com.
June 28, 2011
And the FIRST-PRIZE WINNER is...
PHYLLIS WHEELER! Congratulations, Phyllis! I hope you enjoy your pendant and anointing oil!Winners of the FOUR books will be announced on July 1st,so keep commenting, readers! CONGRATULATIONS also to
LENA NELSON DOOLEY, who won the host drawing. Lena will receive a gorgeous decorative bottle, and anointing oil.
THANK YOU to ALL of my hosts! You are all special
and I prayGod blesses each of you in a special way!
June 26, 2011
Kylie's Kiss Blog Blitz & Giveaway
For my birthday, I have a gift for YOU!
On Monday, June 27th, I'm puttin' on the BLITZ - a BLOG BLITZ, featuring my new release, KYLIE'S KISS! This is Book Two in the Solomon's Gate Series, and Kylie Matthews, the heroine from this book, will be blog hopping along with me. Perhaps you'll get a chance to meet her... :)
I'm giving away a beautiful oil bottle necklace (and the oil to put in it), in addition to some pdf copies of Destiny's Dream and/or Kylie's Kiss to commenters on the participating blogs (listed below).
I want to extend my sincere appreciation to all of the my wonderful hosts!
FIRST PRIZE will be awarded from comments left on Monday, June 27th ONLY! (Winner will be announced Tuesday morning, June 28th.)
From comments left Monday, June 27th through midnight Thursday, June 30th, I will choose FOUR winners, who may choose from the following: A pdf copy of Destiny's Dream (Book One in the Solomon's Gate series)
A pdf copy of Kylie's Kiss (Book Two in the Solomon's Gate series)
A print or pdf copy of Morning Rendezvous, my self-published book of devotions and inspirational thoughts.
(More about these books)
Book winners will be announced on the morning of Friday, July 1st.
Below is the list of blogs Kylie and I will be visiting. We hope to see you at one - or ALL - of them! (Every comment counts as an entry!)
Donna Basinow http://donnabsnow.blogspot.com/
Pamela S. Thibodeaux http://pamswildroseblog.blogspot.com
Lena Nelson Dooley http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com
Barbara Hartzler http://barbarahartzler.com/
http://www.examiner.com/christian-fiction-in-kansas-city/barbara-hartzler
Linda Wagner http://onedesertrose.wordpress.com/
Anne K. Albert
http://piedmont-island-trilogy.blogspot.com
Tracy Krauss www.tracykraussexpressionexpress.com
Robin Bayne http://wwwwritingbetweensundays.blogspot.com
Edwina Cowgill http://www.musingsofedwina.blogspot.com/
Susan Hollaway http://susanhollaway.blogspot.com
Patty Wysong (June 27-28) http://www.barndoorbookloft.net
Elizabeth Johnson http://www.lizjohnsonbooks.com
Shellie Neumeier http://shellieneumeier.com/
Liz Tolsma www.liztolsma.blogspot.com
Teresa Slack www.writersrest.blogspot.com
Rose McCauley http://www.rosemccauley.blogspot.com/
Jeannie Campbell http://charactertherapist.blogspot.com/
Nike Chillemi http://crimefictionandfaith.blogspot.com/
Jo Huddleston http://johuddleston.blogspot.com/
Clare Revell
http://telscha.blogspot.com/
Andrea Strong http://andreastake.blogspot.com
Phyllis Wheeler http://www.phylliswheeler.com/blog/
Elaine Cantrell http://www.elainepcantrell.blogspot.com
Cheryl St. John http://cherylstjohn.blogspot.com/
On Monday, June 27th, I'm puttin' on the BLITZ - a BLOG BLITZ, featuring my new release, KYLIE'S KISS! This is Book Two in the Solomon's Gate Series, and Kylie Matthews, the heroine from this book, will be blog hopping along with me. Perhaps you'll get a chance to meet her... :)
I'm giving away a beautiful oil bottle necklace (and the oil to put in it), in addition to some pdf copies of Destiny's Dream and/or Kylie's Kiss to commenters on the participating blogs (listed below).
I want to extend my sincere appreciation to all of the my wonderful hosts!
FIRST PRIZE will be awarded from comments left on Monday, June 27th ONLY! (Winner will be announced Tuesday morning, June 28th.)
From comments left Monday, June 27th through midnight Thursday, June 30th, I will choose FOUR winners, who may choose from the following: A pdf copy of Destiny's Dream (Book One in the Solomon's Gate series)
A pdf copy of Kylie's Kiss (Book Two in the Solomon's Gate series)
A print or pdf copy of Morning Rendezvous, my self-published book of devotions and inspirational thoughts.
(More about these books)
Book winners will be announced on the morning of Friday, July 1st.
Below is the list of blogs Kylie and I will be visiting. We hope to see you at one - or ALL - of them! (Every comment counts as an entry!)
Donna Basinow http://donnabsnow.blogspot.com/
Pamela S. Thibodeaux http://pamswildroseblog.blogspot.com
Lena Nelson Dooley http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com
Barbara Hartzler http://barbarahartzler.com/
http://www.examiner.com/christian-fiction-in-kansas-city/barbara-hartzler
Linda Wagner http://onedesertrose.wordpress.com/
Anne K. Albert
http://piedmont-island-trilogy.blogspot.com
Tracy Krauss www.tracykraussexpressionexpress.com
Robin Bayne http://wwwwritingbetweensundays.blogspot.com
Edwina Cowgill http://www.musingsofedwina.blogspot.com/
Susan Hollaway http://susanhollaway.blogspot.com
Patty Wysong (June 27-28) http://www.barndoorbookloft.net
Elizabeth Johnson http://www.lizjohnsonbooks.com
Shellie Neumeier http://shellieneumeier.com/
Liz Tolsma www.liztolsma.blogspot.com
Teresa Slack www.writersrest.blogspot.com
Rose McCauley http://www.rosemccauley.blogspot.com/
Jeannie Campbell http://charactertherapist.blogspot.com/
Nike Chillemi http://crimefictionandfaith.blogspot.com/
Jo Huddleston http://johuddleston.blogspot.com/
Clare Revell
http://telscha.blogspot.com/
Andrea Strong http://andreastake.blogspot.com
Phyllis Wheeler http://www.phylliswheeler.com/blog/
Elaine Cantrell http://www.elainepcantrell.blogspot.com
Cheryl St. John http://cherylstjohn.blogspot.com/
June 23, 2011
Review: Finally a Bride
by Vickie McDonough
Jack's back!
Having read the first two offerings in this author's Texas Boardinghouse Brides series, I had already fallen in love with young Jacqueline Davis (aka Jack Hamilton). The tomboyish child is all grown up in Finally a Bride, and dreams of snagging a job as a reporter in Dallas and shaking the dust of Lookout, Texas off her feet.
Then Noah Jeffers comes to town to fill in for the minister. He's young. He's handsome. And he's hiding a secret that could destroy any chance of a relationship with Jack. Those same secrets have the young preacher making covert amends all over town. His offers to chop wood for the town's busybody sisters and paint the walls of the general mercantile aren't made strictly out of the goodness of his heart…
Even as Jack and Noah sort through their feelings for each other and try to find their paths in life, one of the original Lookout brides returns to town. Carly Payton is an ex-convict, and not at all the kind of wife Garrett Corbett thought he wanted. But Garret's about to learn a surprising lesson about how love works…and about the amazing grace of God.
I loved this entire series, but Finally a Bride is far and away my favorite of the three books. Jack (Jackie, Jacqueline) is the perfect heroine—she's likeable, has tremendous personality, and possesses a penchant for getting herself into trouble. Noah is the ultimate flawed hero, with his inability to stomach pork, an amusing inclination to mispronounce words during his sermons, and a touching devotion to a certain young lady. And, as always, encountering well-loved characters from previous books is a special treat.Texas Boardinghouse Brides is, in this reader's opinion, a top-notch series. Each book is better than the last…which says a lot for the author's writing and storytelling skills. Kudos to Vickie McDonough, and "both thumbs up" to Finally a Bride!
June 21, 2011
Interview and Giveaway: K. Dawn Byrd
[image error]
I'm so excited to welcome K. Dawn Byrd to My Book Bag today! I've been a guest on her blog a couple of times, and it's always such a special treat.Dawn has generously offered to do a giveaway along with this interview. Someone who leaves a comment on this post will receive his/her choice of the following prizes:
1. a gift card for a free download
2. a T-shirt of the cover
3. a signed poster with magnet.
NOTE: (T-shirt sizes are first come, first served and sizes cannot be guaranteed.)
Comments will be entered into the drawing through Wednesday, July 29th.
Book Title:Mistaken Identity
Book blurb: Eden Morgan longs for a boyfriend of her own, an impossible goal when her best friend, Lexi Branson, gets all the attention and all the guys. When they fall in love with the same guy, Eden believes she doesn't have a chance. She can only hope that sometimes the good girl gets the guy.
I'm rooting for the good girl too! :) How did this story come to you?Sometimes I get the strangest ideas! I wondered what would happen if a not-as-pretty good Christian girl and her gorgeous non-Christian best friend fell in love with the same guy. Who would get the guy?
Tell us about the journey to getting this book published.I had already published several book with Desert Breeze Publishing when they opened a young adult line. I'd been writing romantic suspense and thought it would fun to try my hand at a young adult novel. It was so much fun that I'm signing a contract for a young adult mystery series that will debut in January.
Tell me three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.1) I own two hairless Chinese Crested dogs.2) I love sour things....pickles, lemons, sour candy.3) I used to ride a Harley, but gave it up in order to have more time to write. (My husband always wanted to stay out way too long and take the scenic route home. He still has his bike, but I don't miss mine at all.)
Love #2 - I love sour things too. What are you working on now and what's next for you?I'm editing my October release with Desert Breeze. This Time for Keeps is an inspirational romance.
Any parting comments? Thank you for hosting me! For those of you who love Christian fiction, please check my blog for weekly book giveaways. I interview 3-5 authors a week who give away their books.www.kdawnbyrd.blogspot.com Where can fans find you on the internet?http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=geWeGQ6Ueu4 http://stores.desertbreezepublishing.com/-strse-178/K-Dawn-Byrd-Mistaken/Detail.bok www.kdawnbyrd.com www.kdawnbyrd.blogspot.com
I'm also on Twitter (kdawnbyrd) and Facebook (K Dawn Byrd.) I am the moderator of the Christian Fiction Gathering facebook group (http://www.facebook.com/#!/group.php?gid=128209963444) If you join this group, you'll get reminders about the weekly book giveaways.
Thank you for hanging out with us on My Book Bag! It's been a pleasure having you.
I'm so excited to welcome K. Dawn Byrd to My Book Bag today! I've been a guest on her blog a couple of times, and it's always such a special treat.Dawn has generously offered to do a giveaway along with this interview. Someone who leaves a comment on this post will receive his/her choice of the following prizes:
1. a gift card for a free download
2. a T-shirt of the cover
3. a signed poster with magnet.
NOTE: (T-shirt sizes are first come, first served and sizes cannot be guaranteed.)
Comments will be entered into the drawing through Wednesday, July 29th.
Book Title:Mistaken Identity
Book blurb: Eden Morgan longs for a boyfriend of her own, an impossible goal when her best friend, Lexi Branson, gets all the attention and all the guys. When they fall in love with the same guy, Eden believes she doesn't have a chance. She can only hope that sometimes the good girl gets the guy.
I'm rooting for the good girl too! :) How did this story come to you?Sometimes I get the strangest ideas! I wondered what would happen if a not-as-pretty good Christian girl and her gorgeous non-Christian best friend fell in love with the same guy. Who would get the guy?
Tell us about the journey to getting this book published.I had already published several book with Desert Breeze Publishing when they opened a young adult line. I'd been writing romantic suspense and thought it would fun to try my hand at a young adult novel. It was so much fun that I'm signing a contract for a young adult mystery series that will debut in January.
Tell me three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.1) I own two hairless Chinese Crested dogs.2) I love sour things....pickles, lemons, sour candy.3) I used to ride a Harley, but gave it up in order to have more time to write. (My husband always wanted to stay out way too long and take the scenic route home. He still has his bike, but I don't miss mine at all.)
Love #2 - I love sour things too. What are you working on now and what's next for you?I'm editing my October release with Desert Breeze. This Time for Keeps is an inspirational romance.
Any parting comments? Thank you for hosting me! For those of you who love Christian fiction, please check my blog for weekly book giveaways. I interview 3-5 authors a week who give away their books.www.kdawnbyrd.blogspot.com Where can fans find you on the internet?http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=geWeGQ6Ueu4 http://stores.desertbreezepublishing.com/-strse-178/K-Dawn-Byrd-Mistaken/Detail.bok www.kdawnbyrd.com www.kdawnbyrd.blogspot.com
I'm also on Twitter (kdawnbyrd) and Facebook (K Dawn Byrd.) I am the moderator of the Christian Fiction Gathering facebook group (http://www.facebook.com/#!/group.php?gid=128209963444) If you join this group, you'll get reminders about the weekly book giveaways.
Thank you for hanging out with us on My Book Bag! It's been a pleasure having you.
June 19, 2011
Guest post by April W Gardner
Rosslyn Elliot--
Wi...
Guest post by April W GardnerRosslyn Elliot--
Winner of the Best
Protagonist Clash
Fairer Than Morning was voted as having the best protagonist description by Clash of the Titles readers. Her worthy competitor was Pamela Thibodeaux's Tempered Hearts.
A snapshot of her winning excerpt:
Will groaned. His eyes still would not focus, though the barn's spinning was slowing.
The barn door rattled as Master Good left. Will raised his fingers to the side of his head, where he could feel a huge lump already forming. A sharp sting revealed a break in the skin. His fingers were slick and red when he held them up close enough to focus on them.
He would live. Tom's head had bled worse than this, when the master hit him with the poker two weeks ago. He thought vaguely that he would have to wash the blood off before dinner, or he would get another thrashing. Read full blurb here
A couple reader comments:Tom's scene gave vivid picture of the protagonist was, and the dream of who he might become. I wonder what angel of mercy found him in such a state...
Taking on slavery from a historic and spiritual perspective seems really important and challenging. I liked the way you allow your protagonist to experience fear.
Rosslyn says:For me, a good protagonist is admirable but also real, which means he must have sympathetic traits and also flaws. I find the most sympathetic traits to be courage, compassion, faith, sincerity, and loyalty. I want the protagonist's weakness to be a significant problem, not just a cosmetic story device. Read full interview here:
Want to get in on the voting action? Head over to Clash of the Titles now and cast your ballot for this week's Clash!
PLEASE CHECK OUT OUR EXCITING NEW VENTURE:Join us in June as we premier COTT's book club! Karen Witemeyer and her COTT winning novel, A Tailor-Made Bride is up as our first read . More details and to vote for July's book, CLICK HERE.
--April W Gardner is the senior editor at the literary
site, Clash of the Titles. She is also the award-winning
author of Wounded Spirits.
![[image error]](http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J3zmSwr0cZI/Tg6KtIPPUgI/AAAAAAAAANM/I8fdr3N6Qs4/s1600/joannepic.jpg){kind=link}
![[image error]](http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fGxcxjSiOaQ/TfB3DXZumHI/AAAAAAAACZM/71l3pI-iOXQ/s1600/Mistaken%20Identity%20-%20Byrd.png){kind=link}