April Erwin's Blog, page 6
September 21, 2015
Book of Mormon Day Scripture posters
I created several posters recently to share with others and these feature two of my favorite scripture verses from the Book of Mormon. I thought I'd share them here for others to read and enjoy. :)
This verse emphasizes how equal we all are in God's eyes. It doesn't matter our status, wealth or lack thereof. We are all nothing without Jesus, we're all beggars for mercy and forgiveness at his feet.
I love the promise God gives us here, that when we do all these things it puts us at one with Him and that allows us to see His bigger plan. It's a promise for everyone. God is equally inviting us to become so in sync with him that our eyes are opened to see the mysteries around us, and then the opportunity to share with others. Awesome!
To read the Book of Mormon online, click HERE .
To learn more about the Book of Mormon, check out the following links:
http://www.restoredgospel.com/index.htm
http://www.bomf.org/home.html
https://restorationbookstore.org/
This verse emphasizes how equal we all are in God's eyes. It doesn't matter our status, wealth or lack thereof. We are all nothing without Jesus, we're all beggars for mercy and forgiveness at his feet. 
I love the promise God gives us here, that when we do all these things it puts us at one with Him and that allows us to see His bigger plan. It's a promise for everyone. God is equally inviting us to become so in sync with him that our eyes are opened to see the mysteries around us, and then the opportunity to share with others. Awesome!To read the Book of Mormon online, click HERE .
To learn more about the Book of Mormon, check out the following links:
http://www.restoredgospel.com/index.htm
http://www.bomf.org/home.html
https://restorationbookstore.org/
September 5, 2015
Labor Day Giveaway!
Happy Labor Day Weekend!
I'm celebrating the holiday by rewarding all of you for your hard work. I want you to kick back and relax while you get lost in a great book. (I'm hoping you enjoy it!)
Download your free copy HERE or by visiting www.MuseItUpPublinshing.com. Make sure you use the code APRIL2015FREE at checkout to get it free.
Enjoy and please share the love with all your friends, family and co-workers. They deserve a reward too! :)
Pin a pic on Pinterest, share an ad to Facebook, Instagram or Twitter - Help me spread the word!
I'm celebrating the holiday by rewarding all of you for your hard work. I want you to kick back and relax while you get lost in a great book. (I'm hoping you enjoy it!)
Download your free copy HERE or by visiting www.MuseItUpPublinshing.com. Make sure you use the code APRIL2015FREE at checkout to get it free.
Enjoy and please share the love with all your friends, family and co-workers. They deserve a reward too! :)
Pin a pic on Pinterest, share an ad to Facebook, Instagram or Twitter - Help me spread the word!
August 25, 2015
Happy Birthday, Kianna Ravencamp!
Kianna Ravencamp is celebrating her birthday today! Hooray! Birthday's are kind of a big deal for Kianna, her 26th especially made her put life in perspective.
Kianna is a character near and dear to my heart. I always find ways to identify with my characters (even the not so nice ones), it makes them come alive in my mind. For me, though, Kianna has become bigger than a character come to life. She's a friend and I often find myself wondering how she would think of feel about something.
Does that make you laugh? At times it makes me laugh. In the beginning, when I first started writing Kee's story, I built her character loosely on my own experiences. As time went by and her story grew, Kianna took on a new life, becoming her own person. Sure, Kee and I share common interests and ideals, but she's so much more now than paper and ink. I don't see her as me in costume. She's Kianna - aspiring songwriter reaching for dreams, success and love. Her knees may be knocking, but faith in Jesus grants her courage to be bold.
If anything, she's sometimes the me I wish I could be. Then I remember the mistakes Kianna sometimes makes and I realize that as silly as it sounds, she's "human" too. Each of us reaching for our own dreams, our own success and our own experiences in love and family. Really, she and I have one inescapable, undoubted thing that we share completely - our love and trust in Jesus.
So real or not, Happy Birthday, Kianna, my friend. Thanks for letting me share your story. I look forward to sharing more. (yes....that is a hint. )
You can read a preview of Dysfunction Junction by clicking the tab at the top of the blog page. Get your copy HERE
Kianna is a character near and dear to my heart. I always find ways to identify with my characters (even the not so nice ones), it makes them come alive in my mind. For me, though, Kianna has become bigger than a character come to life. She's a friend and I often find myself wondering how she would think of feel about something.
Does that make you laugh? At times it makes me laugh. In the beginning, when I first started writing Kee's story, I built her character loosely on my own experiences. As time went by and her story grew, Kianna took on a new life, becoming her own person. Sure, Kee and I share common interests and ideals, but she's so much more now than paper and ink. I don't see her as me in costume. She's Kianna - aspiring songwriter reaching for dreams, success and love. Her knees may be knocking, but faith in Jesus grants her courage to be bold.
If anything, she's sometimes the me I wish I could be. Then I remember the mistakes Kianna sometimes makes and I realize that as silly as it sounds, she's "human" too. Each of us reaching for our own dreams, our own success and our own experiences in love and family. Really, she and I have one inescapable, undoubted thing that we share completely - our love and trust in Jesus.
So real or not, Happy Birthday, Kianna, my friend. Thanks for letting me share your story. I look forward to sharing more. (yes....that is a hint. )
You can read a preview of Dysfunction Junction by clicking the tab at the top of the blog page. Get your copy HERE
August 18, 2015
CFBA: Once Upon a Summertime by Melody Carlson
Song Stuck on the Brain: Stars from Les Mis
This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing:
Once Upon a Summertime Revell (June 2, 2015)by Melody Carlson
MY TAKE:
Once Upon a Summertime is a fun, lighthearted romance. It unfolds like the best of Hollywood's chick-flick's - like Maid in Manhattan, Sleepless in Seattle or While You Were Sleeping - and I mean that in all the best ways.
Anna and Sean are tossed together with a surprise whirlwind of romance, only to learn they can't be a couple because their company prohibits co-workers dating. The premise may seem simple or expected, but the fun of the story is in the journey of their blossoming relationship. It was also fun to get a behind the scenes peek at the hospitality industry. I love a sweet romance and this one proved to be solid gold. I think Sean is my new book hunk. I'm pretty smitten.
Melody Carlson always hits it out of the park, and this is definitely another home run.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Managing the Value Lodge in her hometown was not what Anna Gordon had in mind when she set out in the hospitality industry. But it's a safe choice for a woman whose childhood was anything but stable. Out of the blue, she gets a once-in-a-lifetime chance to reinvent herself by moving to New York City, where she hopes for a management position at a stylish new boutique hotel. The big city is full of surprises--not the least of which is Sean O'Neil. Her childhood crush has applied for the very same position!
Sweet, romantic, and endlessly entertaining, this romp through the storied streets of New York City will enchant readers. Melody Carlson has created characters so charming that readers will long to meet them in the lobby of the stunning Rothsberg Hotel.
If you would like to read the first chapter of Once Upon a Summertime, go HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
My husband Chris and I live in a cabin-style home next to the National Forest in the beautiful Cascade Mountain area of the Pacific Northwest. Our two grown sons and granddaughter live nearby and we try to see them as often as we can. We also have two 're-homed' pets to make life more interesting-our yellow Labrador retriever Audrey and a Maine coon cat named Harry.
My writing studio is in a separate building next to our courtyard (a garden area that's off limits to the voracious deer). The window behind my desk looks out into the Ponderosa pine forest, where I see deer, squirrels, rabbits, and an occasional raccoon. The other windows in my office overlook the courtyard which is frequented by numerous hummingbirds in the summertime-one August evening we counted nearly fifty of the little hummers.
This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing:Once Upon a Summertime Revell (June 2, 2015)by Melody Carlson
MY TAKE:
Once Upon a Summertime is a fun, lighthearted romance. It unfolds like the best of Hollywood's chick-flick's - like Maid in Manhattan, Sleepless in Seattle or While You Were Sleeping - and I mean that in all the best ways.
Anna and Sean are tossed together with a surprise whirlwind of romance, only to learn they can't be a couple because their company prohibits co-workers dating. The premise may seem simple or expected, but the fun of the story is in the journey of their blossoming relationship. It was also fun to get a behind the scenes peek at the hospitality industry. I love a sweet romance and this one proved to be solid gold. I think Sean is my new book hunk. I'm pretty smitten.
Melody Carlson always hits it out of the park, and this is definitely another home run.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Managing the Value Lodge in her hometown was not what Anna Gordon had in mind when she set out in the hospitality industry. But it's a safe choice for a woman whose childhood was anything but stable. Out of the blue, she gets a once-in-a-lifetime chance to reinvent herself by moving to New York City, where she hopes for a management position at a stylish new boutique hotel. The big city is full of surprises--not the least of which is Sean O'Neil. Her childhood crush has applied for the very same position! Sweet, romantic, and endlessly entertaining, this romp through the storied streets of New York City will enchant readers. Melody Carlson has created characters so charming that readers will long to meet them in the lobby of the stunning Rothsberg Hotel.
If you would like to read the first chapter of Once Upon a Summertime, go HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
My husband Chris and I live in a cabin-style home next to the National Forest in the beautiful Cascade Mountain area of the Pacific Northwest. Our two grown sons and granddaughter live nearby and we try to see them as often as we can. We also have two 're-homed' pets to make life more interesting-our yellow Labrador retriever Audrey and a Maine coon cat named Harry. My writing studio is in a separate building next to our courtyard (a garden area that's off limits to the voracious deer). The window behind my desk looks out into the Ponderosa pine forest, where I see deer, squirrels, rabbits, and an occasional raccoon. The other windows in my office overlook the courtyard which is frequented by numerous hummingbirds in the summertime-one August evening we counted nearly fifty of the little hummers.
August 9, 2015
Last Chance for a Free e-book
Today's the last day of the FREE Kindle download on Amazon for Justice Burning. If you haven't had time to download your copy yet, now would be a great time.
getBook.at/Justice_Burning
Thanks so much for reading and supporting my work, it means the world to me!
Thanks so much for reading and supporting my work, it means the world to me!
August 8, 2015
Only 2 Days Left - Don't miss out!
You still have TWO days left! This weekend Justice Burning is FREE on Amazon Kindle. Get your download Friday 8/7- Sunday 8/9 at getBook.at/Justice_Burning.
Don't have a Kindle? Don't worry! You can download the free Kindle reading app to your PC or tablet HERE .
Justice Burning is available in paperback as well, at regular pricing.
Don't have a Kindle? Don't worry! You can download the free Kindle reading app to your PC or tablet HERE .
Justice Burning is available in paperback as well, at regular pricing.
August 7, 2015
Free E-book this weekend only!
Justice Burning is available for FREE download this weekend only at Amazon Kindle. Hurry, the offer is only good 8/7-8/9/2015. Please share this with other readers interested in great inspirational romantic suspense. :)
http://getBook.at/Justice_Burning
http://getBook.at/Justice_Burning
Justice Burning Free e-book!!!
YAY! I'm running my first free promo on Amazon.com! Justice Burning is FREE to download at Amazon Kindle this weekend, Fri 8/7- Sun 8/9. You can check it out at http://getBook.at/Justice_Burning .
Justice Burning is my third Christian novel and I LOVED getting into the romantic suspense angle here. I really hope you enjoy it - and please share this offer with your friends and family. Happy Reading!
Justice Burning is my third Christian novel and I LOVED getting into the romantic suspense angle here. I really hope you enjoy it - and please share this offer with your friends and family. Happy Reading!
July 31, 2015
Kregel: Direct Hit by Mike Hollow
Song Stuck on the Brain: Angel Baby by Dean Martin - my sister Angel calls this her song, she says Dino is singing it to her. :)
Direct Hit
by
Mike Hollow
MY TAKE:
I always enjoy a good mystery. A good historical, too, when done well. The second world war is a favored time period for me, so when Direct Hit became available, I was intrigued with the premise of solving a murder in the midst of WWII England after a bomb obliterates the evidence. How do you solve a murder with everything destroyed?
Detective Inspector Jago does it. He's old school and brilliant. Despite being his own man, I could sense a touch of Sherlock mixed with a hint of Poirot flowing beneath the surface. Mike Hollow did a great job. Direct Hit has an authentic feel, with just the right amount of grittiness and charm.
Unfortunately, for me the story seemed to unfold a little slow for my taste. The opening scene is grabbing, but it takes about eight chapters before it makes any sense to the story. I'd nearly forgotten about it when the incident came up again. That was me, and I admit, I wasn't able to devote as much time to read this one in a straight shot as I normally do, so this could be completely my on perception. The story does pick up and the mystery is very intriguing.
I would consider Direct Hit a strong genre read. If you enjoy this era and style of novel, then this is most definitely for you. Looking to branch out and try something new? Give it a try and make sure to give yourself time to adjust to a style and pace that's unique to this genre.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
First in a crime series set in London during the Blitz in 1940-41
The jagged blast of high explosives rips through the evening air. In the sky over East London the searchlights criss-cross in search of the enemy.
On the first night of the Blitz, a corpse is discovered in a van in the back streets of West Ham. Detective Inspector John Jago recognizes the dead man as local Justice of the Peace Charles Villers. But then a German bomb obliterates all evidence.
Villers, not a popular man, was both powerful and feared. As the sirens wail, the detective must start matching motive to opportunity--and it doesnt help when his boss foists an intrusive American journalist on him.
Jago soon discovers the dead man held many secrets, some reaching back to World War I. A lot of people wished Villers dead--and an air raid is a good time to conceal a murder. - See more HERE .
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Mike Hollow studied languages at Cambridge, then worked for the BBC, and then Tearfund. Now a freelance writer and editor, he lives in Basingstoke with his wife Margaret. A popular poet, his work has been widely performed and has appeared in many collections.
Direct Hit
by
Mike Hollow
MY TAKE:
I always enjoy a good mystery. A good historical, too, when done well. The second world war is a favored time period for me, so when Direct Hit became available, I was intrigued with the premise of solving a murder in the midst of WWII England after a bomb obliterates the evidence. How do you solve a murder with everything destroyed?
Detective Inspector Jago does it. He's old school and brilliant. Despite being his own man, I could sense a touch of Sherlock mixed with a hint of Poirot flowing beneath the surface. Mike Hollow did a great job. Direct Hit has an authentic feel, with just the right amount of grittiness and charm.
Unfortunately, for me the story seemed to unfold a little slow for my taste. The opening scene is grabbing, but it takes about eight chapters before it makes any sense to the story. I'd nearly forgotten about it when the incident came up again. That was me, and I admit, I wasn't able to devote as much time to read this one in a straight shot as I normally do, so this could be completely my on perception. The story does pick up and the mystery is very intriguing.
I would consider Direct Hit a strong genre read. If you enjoy this era and style of novel, then this is most definitely for you. Looking to branch out and try something new? Give it a try and make sure to give yourself time to adjust to a style and pace that's unique to this genre.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
First in a crime series set in London during the Blitz in 1940-41 The jagged blast of high explosives rips through the evening air. In the sky over East London the searchlights criss-cross in search of the enemy.
On the first night of the Blitz, a corpse is discovered in a van in the back streets of West Ham. Detective Inspector John Jago recognizes the dead man as local Justice of the Peace Charles Villers. But then a German bomb obliterates all evidence.
Villers, not a popular man, was both powerful and feared. As the sirens wail, the detective must start matching motive to opportunity--and it doesnt help when his boss foists an intrusive American journalist on him.
Jago soon discovers the dead man held many secrets, some reaching back to World War I. A lot of people wished Villers dead--and an air raid is a good time to conceal a murder. - See more HERE .
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Mike Hollow studied languages at Cambridge, then worked for the BBC, and then Tearfund. Now a freelance writer and editor, he lives in Basingstoke with his wife Margaret. A popular poet, his work has been widely performed and has appeared in many collections.
July 22, 2015
Rosara and the Jungle King by Dorian Tsukioka
Song Stuck on the Brain: Smelly Cat by Phoebe Buffay (Friends)
I've been rewatching the series and I can't help it, it's been running through my mind regularly. :)
Rosara and the Jungle King Story #4 in Five Enchanted Rosesby
Dorian Tsukioka
MY TAKE:
I love fairy tales. I've lived and breathed them since I was a toddler. The originals are always good, but their strength is often shown in the many re-tellings. Like Shakespeare, fairy tales never age. Their theme's still speak to the heart of human nature today. I think that's why re-tellings are so popular. It allows us to connect to our childhood dreams and fantasies as well as find new ways to dream about and imagine our lives today. It's escape and therapy all rolled up in one.
Rosara and the Jungle King is one of the coolest re-imaginings I've read in a long time. A South American tribal spin on Beauty and the Beast is quite a step away from the original Grimm tale, yet the essential pieces that make it recognizable are all there. I loved that the beast was reflected in such a unique way. The Jungle King that saves Rosara isn't the only beast. (although he's probably the first beast I might just swoon a little over no matter which form he's in.) The allegorical reflections on what makes a beast truly a beast is clear and inspiring without being obvious. Instead, the action and emotions are strong and the story is fast paced. I loved it. In fact I'd even say brilliant and inspired.
After reading such a fantastic retelling, I had to read the rest of the novellas included in the Five Enchanted Roses. To my great happiness, every one of them was fun, unique and pretty much amazing in their creativity. If you only read one - don't miss Dorian Tsukioka's Rosara and the Jungle King. But trust me it's worth reading all five.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Maor has determined to take her as his third wife, by force if necessary. But Rosara would rather risk her life alone in the jungle than submit to any man’s brutality. When a beautiful jaguar tells her that it knows where to find one of the karawara, she resolves to seek out this jungle spirit and request its aid. The jaguar warns Rosara, however, that gifts from the karawara are never without a price
Read the whole collection:
Rediscover the Enchantment
A ship bearing the souls of sinful sailors drifts upon a ghostly sea. An abbey looms as the final defense between mortals and ghouls of the underworld. In the stillness of a throne room, statues stand forever frozen in a moment of terror. Monsters and men stalk their prey deep in the jungle’s shadows. A rose blooms in the dead of winter, sheltered in the ruins of an ancient Scottish castle. And only true love can free the Beast from his prison.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Dorian Tsukioka writes fairy tale retellings, young adult fantasy, and science fiction with just a dash of romance thrown in to keep things spicy. When she's not writing, Dorian teaches 5th graders in Kansas City, MO, or she can be found chasing after her two, pixie-esque daughters. She has a love of learning and teaching, and loves to talk about books with anyone who will listen, especially if the conversation includes cinnamon-chip scones and caramel lattes.
To learn more about Dorian and her work, visit: www.DorianWrites.blogspot.com
I received a free copy of the collection from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion.
I've been rewatching the series and I can't help it, it's been running through my mind regularly. :)
Rosara and the Jungle King Story #4 in Five Enchanted Rosesby
Dorian Tsukioka
MY TAKE:
I love fairy tales. I've lived and breathed them since I was a toddler. The originals are always good, but their strength is often shown in the many re-tellings. Like Shakespeare, fairy tales never age. Their theme's still speak to the heart of human nature today. I think that's why re-tellings are so popular. It allows us to connect to our childhood dreams and fantasies as well as find new ways to dream about and imagine our lives today. It's escape and therapy all rolled up in one.
Rosara and the Jungle King is one of the coolest re-imaginings I've read in a long time. A South American tribal spin on Beauty and the Beast is quite a step away from the original Grimm tale, yet the essential pieces that make it recognizable are all there. I loved that the beast was reflected in such a unique way. The Jungle King that saves Rosara isn't the only beast. (although he's probably the first beast I might just swoon a little over no matter which form he's in.) The allegorical reflections on what makes a beast truly a beast is clear and inspiring without being obvious. Instead, the action and emotions are strong and the story is fast paced. I loved it. In fact I'd even say brilliant and inspired.
After reading such a fantastic retelling, I had to read the rest of the novellas included in the Five Enchanted Roses. To my great happiness, every one of them was fun, unique and pretty much amazing in their creativity. If you only read one - don't miss Dorian Tsukioka's Rosara and the Jungle King. But trust me it's worth reading all five.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Maor has determined to take her as his third wife, by force if necessary. But Rosara would rather risk her life alone in the jungle than submit to any man’s brutality. When a beautiful jaguar tells her that it knows where to find one of the karawara, she resolves to seek out this jungle spirit and request its aid. The jaguar warns Rosara, however, that gifts from the karawara are never without a price 
Read the whole collection:Rediscover the Enchantment
A ship bearing the souls of sinful sailors drifts upon a ghostly sea. An abbey looms as the final defense between mortals and ghouls of the underworld. In the stillness of a throne room, statues stand forever frozen in a moment of terror. Monsters and men stalk their prey deep in the jungle’s shadows. A rose blooms in the dead of winter, sheltered in the ruins of an ancient Scottish castle. And only true love can free the Beast from his prison.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Dorian Tsukioka writes fairy tale retellings, young adult fantasy, and science fiction with just a dash of romance thrown in to keep things spicy. When she's not writing, Dorian teaches 5th graders in Kansas City, MO, or she can be found chasing after her two, pixie-esque daughters. She has a love of learning and teaching, and loves to talk about books with anyone who will listen, especially if the conversation includes cinnamon-chip scones and caramel lattes.
To learn more about Dorian and her work, visit: www.DorianWrites.blogspot.com
I received a free copy of the collection from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion.
