April Erwin's Blog, page 17

Win a copy of Dysfunction Junction for you or a friend!

Christmas is nearly here and it's the time for giving. YAY! I love to give presents. This year, I get to double my fun and help you too.

Books were always my favorite thing to receive and I want to share that joy with you and your loved ones. SO, I'm hosting a:
!! Christmas Contest !!
Three Lucky Winners will receive:


1 Gift Certificate

with a unique code to download Dysfunction Junction for FREE from the publisher, MuseIt Up Publishing. The download is available from the publisher in ALL FORMATS for all readers or computer reader programs.

and
1 Autographed card & envelope

with book cover and blurb. There's even room for your own personal message on the back.

     
How it Works:  
Sharing this contest through Facebook and Twitter can get you extra entries, so be sure to let your friends know too!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The contest is live from 12/10/2013 12:00 am CST to 12/18/2013 12:00 am CST. The winners will be notified within 24 hours and will have 24 hours to respond before new winner will be chosen. Certificates will be mailed through first class mail.

More about Dysfunction Junction:

Teaser Tuesday - Dysfunction Junction by April Erwin

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:
• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!



What should you be reading? My new book of course! :) It released this month and I want you all to get a sneek peek. Check out a new teaser below.



MY TEASER:
 
“My ovaries nearly expired of jealousy when I heard the news. I actually felt them quiver.” ~ pg 121 ' Dysfunction Junction' by April Erwin

Visit me at AprilErwin.com or Facebook.com/AprilErwinAuthor

Blame It On the Mistletoe by Joyce Magnin

  Blame It On the Mistletoe A Novel of Bright’s Pond
By   Joyce Magnin
 MY TAKE: I didn't realize when I signed on to review this book that it was part of a series. (The publishing world as whole needs to be better about advertising this! I love series, but I love to read them in order MORE.) *sigh* Oh well.  This isn't the first time I've complained about this and I'm sure it won't be the last.  :) It took a few chapters to get into the book and hooked into the story, despite the fact that it really does open with a very curious red tricycle in the nursing home. I think it was because there was a lot of references to the previous stories. Catching the reader up on the back story to set up the new one. That's normal, necessary even. And when you've read the earlier books, you don't tend to notice it, because you're not wondering what the characters are referring to.  Once I got in a few chapters, I began to enjoy it more. The characters are all very quirky! I'd say Bright's Pond was a town all it's own, even before their fountain was rebuilt by the odd little man who's come to town. Griselda Sparrow (what a name!), the main character is caught between two men, not sure of her true feelings for either, all while trying to experience what it's like to live on her own and not care for her sister Agnes. That's hard for her to do when Agnes keeps calling her at the drop of hat to come to the nursing home. Tack on this funny little mystery of what's making the nursing home inhabitants act so strange, and Griselda has her hands full.  It was an enjoyable read with a unique cast and setting, but be sure you read the earlier books first!  1. The Prayers of Agnes Sparrow: A Novel of Bright's Pond 2. Charlotte Figg Takes Over Paradise: A Novel of Bright's Pond 3. Griselda Takes Flight: A Novel of Bright's Pond   ABOUT THE BOOK: 
Is There Really a Fountain of Youth in Paradise?

Welcome back to Bright 's Pond, where strange happenings are afoot at the Greenbrier Nursing Home. Strange even for Bright 's Pond. The residents suddenly act like kids again riding trikes, climbing trees, and of all things falling in love. Some of the townsfolk blame it on the crooked new gazebo, or its builder, a quirky little man who quotes Don Quixote, collects water from the fountain at the Paradise trailer park, and disappears on a regular basis.

While Chief of Police Mildred Blessing investigates the mystery, Griselda and her friends deal with a luau Thanksgiving, preparations for the Christmas pageant, and maybe even an upcoming wedding. Only, in Bright 's Pond, nothing ever really goes as planned . . .
Read an EXCERPT HERE.

AUTHOR INTERVIEW:

I love getting a chance to know the person behind the story. Joyce was kind enough to answer a few quirky questions of my own.

Being a writer is a great job. What's the worst job you've ever had?
HA! Any job that required me to be there. LOL. But working at a newspaper building ads was so insipid and boring.
If you could meet anyone in the world, dead or alive, who would it be and what would you say to them?
Emily Dickinson for the dead person. I would say, "Emily, I finally understand what you meant by circumference." Guess you have to read Emily Dickinson but truly, that's what I say.
What’s your happiest childhood memory?
I was five six years old and got home from kindergarten to find nine puppies in the kitchen. I got to play with them. My mother found them in a cave in the woods behind our house. She got the mama dog also. We got to keep one of the pups. We named her Polly and she was the best dog ever.
If you had to marry a fictional character, from film, television, or books, who would it be?
Gandalf. He has great fireworks and is a wizard and all.


Very intriguing, Joyce! I worked at a newspaper in the circulation dept. for a short time at the end of high school. Would much rather be writing! :) Thanks so much for taking time to hang out with us.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Joyce Magnin is the author of several books, including The Prayers of Agnes Sparrow, named one of the "Top 5 Best Christian Fiction Books of 2009" by Library Journal. Her short fiction pieces and articles have been published in such magazines as Relief Journal, Parents Express, Sunday Digest, and Highlights for Children. A member of the Greater Philadelphia Christian Writers Fellowship, Joyce is a frequent workshop leader at various writer’s conferences and women’s church groups. She has three children and one grandson, and is mom to a neurotic parakeet who lives with her in Havertown, Pennsylvania.

Dysfunction Junction Gift Certificates Available

It's Live! Get you copy today...

Dysfunction Junction releases today! WOOT! My head is spinning and I'm so excited to share it with you. :)

Dysfunction Junction  by   April Erwin  

ABOUT THE BOOK:
“I’m twenty-six and I’ve never been kissed.” Staring into the bathroom mirror while making this brilliant comment is supposed to make it feel real. It doesn’t.
Finding true love these days feels impossible to Kianna Ravencamp, only dysfunction surrounds her. Her sister’s married to an abusive husband and marriages she’s admired for years are falling apart. Maybe relationships like her parent’s don’t exist anymore. She dreams of true love and a family, but she’s never even been kissed.
For her birthday, her best friend gives her a journal and dares her to follow her dream of songwriting and vocal lessons quickly follow. Kianna’s finally dared to dream big… if the three men in her life don’t get in her way.
Nick Steele, her new vocal partner is flirtatious and charming. Derek Simpson, the new vocal coach is asking her out for coffee. Even Jason Payne, a childhood friend is acting odd. For the first time in her life, she will have to navigate dating and flirtation. Will her inexperience be her downfall? How will these relationships affect her songwriting career? Letting go and trusting God is the only answer that brings the path to real love and success.

 Dysfunction Junction Sample













           “Kianna, you have such a pretty face, honey.” Miss Bertha examines me as she leans on her tennis ball capped walker. 
            “If only you could lose weight.” Reaching out, she pats my ample tummy.
            My mouth turns to cotton. Oh, no she didn’t!
            I want so bad to respond, but words fail me. Heat creeps up my neck and floods my cheeks. Tears sting the back of my eyes as I glance around the church hall to see if anyone noticed this mortifying exchange.
            “You know, a pretty girl like you could have any man she wanted if she took care of herself.” Miss Bertha squints her eyes, as if she’s analyzing the amount of effort it would take to make me truly suitable. “Your blonde hair and brown eyes are actually attractive.”
            Actually attractive…I’m not sure if that counts as a compliment.
            “I’m sure you’re right.” I mumble, clamping my mouth shut on what I want to say—you mean old biddy!
            Miss Bertha shuffles forward and for a moment, her skirt looks like it is harboring a pack of wrestling puppies. And she thinks I need to lose weight? Isn’t that like the hippo calling the elephant fat?
            I look for something to distract the nosy busybody. It’s Sunday night at Christ’s Covenant Restoration Branch, my church home since I was a baby. I thought a missionary service would be the one place I was safe.
            Wrong. I wish Jason was here. My best friend since childhood, Jason Payne is like the big brother I never had. He always knows what to say or do to make a situation better, but he’s out of town and I’m on my own.
            “Did you enjoy the missionary slides?” I ask, as the line moves again.
            I want nothing more than to run away, but it would only give her more ammo. I hear her walker click as she moves forward a step with me.
            “Oh, yes. The last set especially touched my heart. Jim is such an angel to be ministering to all those children in Africa. Brings tears to my eyes.” The fore-mentioned drops slide out and ride the wrinkled crevices in her cheeks.
            Jim Noble is the hottest missionary I’ve ever laid eyes on. He also happens to be the sweetest.  He attended the same church youth events with Jason and me for years and we all stayed good friends. That was before Jim grew into his ears and before his family moved to the mission field. It doesn’t matter. He’s not interested in me romantically. To him, I’m a friend. Like I am to every other male I know.
            “He is a good man.” I agree. “I think it’s amazing how God is working in the communities over there.”
            Her head wobbles in agreement. “Too bad he doesn’t have a wife to help him. He’s such a catch; I can’t imagine why he isn’t married yet. I told him so too, tonight.”
            I bet you did. “I’m sure he’s waiting for the right person.”
            I see Jim across the fellowship hall and feel a stab of sympathy. No one leaves a conversation with Miss Bertha unscathed.
            “You might find he’d look your way if you slimmed down.” She eyes my hips and raises an eyebrow.
            I bite my tongue. Oh, Lord. Get me out of here before I say something terrible.
            “Pardon me, Miss Bertha. I see someone I need to speak to.”
            I slide out of the refreshment line and speed walk across the room, ignoring the surprised and probably hurt look aimed at my back. Remembering the wrestling puppies, I slow down and fight the urge to smooth my shirt down over the back of my slacks.
            Heaven help me, but I can’t take anymore of Miss Bertha’s supposedly helpful advice. I’m fat and I know it, but patting my tummy in the middle of a packed social hall is about the rudest thing I’ve experienced yet. Following it up with an attempt at conditional matchmaking, well, that’s par for the course.
            A crowd still surrounds Jim, but he sees me, and waves. I’m surprised he notices me. I return his smile and wave back. Several of the women look surprised at the exchange. I can see the wheels turning in their heads, and after getting Bertha-d, I can’t bring myself to go over there.
            Not that any of them would be hurtful. It’s just the opposite. Some of the women think being single is the only requirement for a successful relationship and they will push me toward anything with testosterone and a bare ring finger.
            Chicken.I kick myself for letting Miss Bertha’s comments bother me so much, but they’re hard to ignore —mostly because, despite her tactless delivery, she’s right.
*
            Walking to my car, late August heat billows off the black top like a humid oven. I pull open the car door and slide behind the wheel. My cell phone vibrates from the seat beside me. I pull the phone out of my purse and check the caller ID.
            “Hi, Jason, I’m glad you called.”
            “Miss me?” His deep voice echoes with humor and immediately brings lightness to my heart.
            “Every day.”
            “Are you crying?”
             “No.” I hesitate, “Not anymore.” I can’t lie to Jason.
            “What happened?” He waits patiently in silence while I pull my thoughts together.
             “Honestly, I got Bertha-d and I’m really emotional right now.” I give him a brief outline of the night’s events.
            “I wish I could be there with you. I’m sorry I’m going to miss your birthday, but as soon as I’m back, I’m all yours.”
            “Thank you, Jase.” I lean back into the head rest and close my eyes. “I’m feeling a bit better already.”
            We say our goodbyes and I drop the phone back into my bag.             I feel calmer, but the questions and insecurities are still there. Jesus, If you have a plan to show me, now would be a good time.












  

Spotify Writer’s Playlist: Here are a few of the songs that set the mood for me while I wrote.



AUTHOR BIO:

Dream big, be bold, no fear! April Erwin is the author of humorous and inspirational contemporary stories that reflect her faith and the life motto created with her sister and best friend. A lifelong resident of Independence, MO, April loves living in her hometown surrounded by family and her Cocker Spaniel, Buddy. Raised in the Gospel of Jesus Christ, she's thrilled to achieve her dream to become a writer and use that to witness of her Christian faith. She holds an Associate in Graphological Science, the study of handwriting analysis, tutors dyslexic and reading challenged individuals, enjoys photography, is a singer/songwriter and records original music with her sister, Angel. Dysfunction Junction is her second published novel.



LINKS: Personal Websites - http://aprilerwin.com/ and http://theerwins.com/ Facebook Author page - http://www.facebook.com/aprilerwinauthor
Blog - http://projectinga.blogspot.com/
Twitter - https://twitter.com/aprilerwin
Goodreads - https://www.goodreads.com/AprilErwin
Museit UpPublishing - https://museituppublishing.com/bookstore/index.php/our-authors/55-our-authors/authors-e/173-april-erwin

Teaser Tuesdays

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:
• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

My latest book, Dysfunction Junction releases this Friday. I've certainly been reading it a lot currently in preparation! I wanted to give you another sneak peek. Be sure to check out the links below for more details.

My Teaser:

"I put the phone back on the nightstand and sigh. A warm dreamy feeling is filling my chest and even though I’m not sleepy, I don’t want to break the moment by doing anything else." 
~ pg 102  ' Dysfunction Junction' by April Erwin


Visit me at AprilErwin.com or Facebook.com/AprilErwinAuthor

The Christmas Star by Ace Collins

The Christmas Star
By   Ace Collins


ABOUT THE BOOK:

Can the broken heart of a child be healed by an unexpected Christmas letter?Robert Reed gave his life for his country in the early days of World War II. His sacrifice was honored when his widow and son were presented with the Congressional Medal of Honor. At Christmas, the final decoration Marge Reed hangs on the family’s tree is that medal. Rather than being a symbol of honor for young Jimmy Reed that shining star represents loss, pain, and suffering.

Yet a message delivered by one of Robert’s fellow soldiers and a mystery letter found in a Bible put a father’s sacrifice and faith into perspective and bring new meaning to not just the star hanging on the Christmas tree but the events of the very first Christmas. Then, when least expected, a Christmas miracle turns a final bit of holiday sadness into a joy that Jimmy has never known.
Read an excerpt HERE .



ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Citing his Arkansas heritage, Ace Collins defines himself as a storyteller. In that capacity, Ace Collins has authored more than sixty books for twenty-five different publishers that have sold more than 2.5 million copies. His catalog includes novels, biographies, as well as books on history, culture and faith. His current novel from Abingdon, Darkness Before Dawn, has earned scores of great reviews and been chosen by several different book clubs and publications as one of the top reads of 2013. It also made the most inspiring book list on iTunes in July and Hope For Women’s “Top Five Summer Reads.”

Grace by KC Sprayberry

Today I'm featuring yet another great release by my fellow friend and writer. It releases TODAY!


Grace  by  KC Sprayberry   ABOUT THE BOOK:
 
 Grace Winston yearns for one last family Christmas before she leaves for England, but first she has to convince her brothers and sisters it's worth their while to come home. While her parents are happy that she's been accepted at Oxford University, they are pining for their family to gather together for the holidays. Grace talks her older brothers and sister into coming home, but then they must convince their other siblings: a brother who attacked their father to get money to feed his drug habit, and a sister who recently gave up alcohol and is raising herfour young children alone.While Grace manages to bring them all together, she is soon wondering if this was really worth all the trouble she's gone through, especially when no one acknowledges her efforts to make this a Christmas to remember--until she receives an early gift that leaves her certain that everything will turn out all right.


  EXCERPT: Grace Winston had celebrated her eighteenth birthday a mere three weeks ago, the same day as Thanksgiving. There were no thanks in her house, no special foods prepared to celebrate her becoming an adult, nothing to mark the day as unique. Her parents hadn't said "Happy Birthday" until it was time to go to bed. Even then, the acknowledgement had sounded more like "goodnight."


It's not Mama and Papa's fault. They can't help how sad they are. My brothers and sisters should have come like they said they would. They're not even making false promises anymore. All of them claim that they have other plans for Christmas, and we need to get over our selfish desire to have the family together. For as far back as she could remember, that day has been one where her whole family showed up, until her oldest brother, Adam, decided that he had too much work to spend a week at his childhood home. Mark begged off the next year, claiming his wife's job required him to appear at the White House. The others never bothered to make an excuse the year after that.  Playlist for Grace:


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
  KC Sprayberry started writing young, first as a diarist, and later through an interest in English and creative writing.Her first experience with publication came when she placed third in The Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge contest while in the Air Force, but her dedication to writing came after she had her youngest child, now in his senior year of high school. Her family lives in Northwest Georgia where she spends her days creating stories about life in the south, and far beyond. More than a dozen of her short stories have appeared in several magazines. Five anthologies feature other short stories. She has three books that are Amazon best sellers: Softly Say Goodbye, Who Am I?, and Mama's Advice. Her other novels available are: Take Chances, Where U @, The Wrong One, The Ghost Catcher, Family Curse … Times Two,and Secret From The Flames. Links: Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/KC-Sprayberry/331150236901202 Twitter: https://twitter.com/kcsowriter Blog: http://outofcontrolcharacters.blogspot.com/Website: www.kcsprayberry.comGoodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5011219.K_C_SprayberryJacketFlap: http://www.jacketflap.com/profile.asp?member=kathisprayAmazon: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B005DI1YOUGoogle +: https://plus.google.com/u/0/+KcSprayberry/postsPinterest: http://pinterest.com/kcsprayberry/boards/Authorgraph: http://www.authorgraph.com/authors/kcsowriterAUTHORSdB: http://www.authorsdb.com/authors-directory/5230-k-c-sprayberry  

A Wild Goose Chase Christmas by Jennifer AlLee

A Wild Goose Chase Christmas
By   Jennifer AlLee


MY TAKE:

I usually avoid books with quilts on the cover. They generally don't interest me. I want a story with a little more action and romance, and I seldom see the potential for that in a "Quilt" book. Now that's my opinion and I'm sure there are a dozen people out there or more that could give me examples to prove me wrong. But in general, that's been my experience. They're just a little boring.

I almost passed on A Wild Goose Chase Christmas simply because of the quilt on the cover. But the story was intriguing. Mystery? A Treasure Hunt? Romance and Christmas? Okay, I'll give it a try. I'm so glad I did! Here is a book to prove my theory wrong. I loved it. It was funny, sweet, romantic and intriguing. It was like watching one of the romantic Christmas movies they play on Hallmark.

I've never been so glad to be reminded that you can't judge a book by it's cover.


ABOUT THE BOOK:

Upon her grandmother's death, Izzy Fontaine finds herself in possession of a Wild Goose Chase pattern quilt that supposedly leads to a great treasure.

Of course, once the rest of the family finds out about the "treasure map," they're determined to have a go at the treasure themselves. And, if that weren't enough, Max Logan, a local museum curator, contacts Izzy and says that Grandma Isabella promised himthe quilt.

What is it about this quilt that makes everyone want it? Is Izzy on a wild goose chase of her own, or a journey that will lead her to the treasure her grandmother intended?
Click HERE to read and excerpt.




ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
A Word from Jennifer:As I look back on my life, it's interesting to see where God's taken me, and where I took myself that God pulled me out of. I finally got back to writing, the dream of my heart. Since 1996, I've published numerous short stories, devotions and plays. I've also been active in church drama ministries, another passion of mine. My first novel, The Love of His Brother (November 2007, Five Star Publishers), was followed by The Pastor's Wife (February 2010, Abingdon Press) and The Mother Road (April 2012). A Wild Goose Chase Christmas is book two in the new Quilts of Love series.

Besides being a writer, I am a wife and mom. Living in Las Vegas, Nevada, my family has learned how to enjoy the fabulous buffets here without severely impacting our waistlines. God is good!

Kregel: Peril by Jordyn Redwood

Song Stuck on the Brain: F.U.N. from Sponge Bob. My nephew was here last night and we watched the video. He danced and I sang it for the next 24 hours. :)


Today I'm touring on behalf of Kregel:

Peril Bloodline Trilogy #3
By   Jordyn Redwood
MY TAKE:

Jordyn Redwood brings the best of psychological, medical, murder mystery and suspense together in on explosive story that also weaves in faith and true love effortlessly. Her books have been brilliant.

Peril is the third book in the Bloodline Trilogy, and I have to say, I hope it's not the last. The opening scene was enough to have me holding my breath and getting chills. Imagine just what the rest of the book does. It's an electrifying roller coaster ride. ( probably the only rollercoaster I'll willingly ride. ) :)

Be sure to read more about the first two books in the series: Proof and Poison

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Dr. Thomas Reeves is at the pinnacle of his career. The Department of Defense has awarded him a lucrative contract for his new research into superior autobiographical memory, which promises the ability to create combat troops able to quickly learn complex battle plans and enact them perfectly under the most demanding battlefield scenarios.

An elite unit has received neural grafts from fetal cadavers of genetically altered brain cells with enhanced NMDA receptors. The results are remarkable . . . until the recipients begin suffering hallucinations, nightmares, paralysis, . . . and death. Dr. Reeves searches for answers, but DOD insiders want him to stop the search.
The situation becomes public when pediatric ICU nurse Morgan Adams, Dr. Reeves’s daughter, is taken hostage by three research subjects in an attempt to force Dr. Reeves into disclosing why they are sick. If answers aren’t revealed within twenty-four hours, patients in the pediatric ICU will be killed.

This spine-tingling conclusion to the Bloodline Trilogy raises spiritual and ethical dilemmas torn directly out of today’s headlines. When does life begin? How far does commitment to family go? And can the sins of the father ever be forgiven?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

 Jordyn Redwood has served patients and their families for nearly 20 years and currently works as a pediatric ER nurse. As a self professed medical nerd and trauma junkie, she was drawn to the controlled chaotic environments of critical care and emergency nursing. Her love of teaching developed early and she was among the youngest CPR instructors for the American Red Cross at the age of seventeen. Since then, she has continued to teach advanced resuscitation classes to participants ranging from first responders to MD’s.

When she discovered she also had a fondness for answering medical questions for authors, this led to the creation of Redwood’s Medical Edge. This blog is devoted to helping contemporary and historical authors write medically accurate fiction.

Jordyn lives in Colorado with her husband, two daughters and one crazy hound dog. In her spare time she also enjoys reading her favorite authors, quilting and cross stitching.

Jordyn loves to hear from her readers and you can contact her at jredwood1@gmail.com.

Connect with Jordyn:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/#!/profile.php?id=100001524971656
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5448455.Jordyn_Redwood
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/jordynredwood/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/JordynRedwood