Cathe Swanson's Blog, page 13

Preparing for NaNoWriMo – 6 Important Tasks to Complete Before Nov. 1

National Novel Writing Month

If you have ever participated in the NaNoWriMo annual 30-day writing marathon, you already know what it’s like. You cross everything else off your schedule, hunker down and write. On second thought, it’s not really a marathon. It’s a sprint, hurdling over writer’s blocks and kick-starting your creativity because it’s all about the first draft. It’s freeing! No one expects you to turn out a polished manuscript. You just keep writing and writing and writing.

The NaNo organization has built a terrific interactive website with incentives, forums, encouraging blog articles, writing buddy networks, local groups, achievement badges and accountability charts that will inspire you to frantic efforts or despair. Or, if you are doing well, they might make you feel a little smug. (Watch out for that.) You even get a gold halo for your profile picture if you make a donation.

My Favorite NaNoWriMo Resources from Helping Writers Become Authors:

One of my favorite  writing craft teachers, K.M. Weiland, is doing a series of articles on How to Outline for NaNoWriMo. I have her two books, Outlining Your Novel and Structuring Your Novel, in digital form, and I buy fresh copies of the corresponding workbooks each time I start a new book. This current blog series is like a super-charged refresher course, and it’s not exclusive to NaNoWriMo.  It’s a comprehensive “how to outline and write a novel” overview, and it’s very good. Everything she writes is worth reading and applying. Everything.

Last year, she had a helpful article called 6 Tasks You’ll Love Yourself for Checking Off Your NaNo Pre-Writing List, and there are are several NaNoWriMo episodes in her Helping Writers Become Authors podcast archives.

As I read last year’s article – and others written on the topic – I came up with my own list. It’s a practical, commonsense list of things that need to be done before November 1 if you plan to write 50,000 words and “win” National Novel Writing Month.

Preparing for NaNoWriMo – 6 Important Tasks to Complete Before Nov. 1

Stock up on groceries. Be sure to buy coffee, soda, frozen pizza, peanut butter and jelly, canned soup, frozen meals that can be microwaved in five minutes or less, cereal and milk, more coffee, granola bars and toilet paper. (You can also eat the  Halloween candy you didn’t give out.)
Take care of the winter chores. Put the snow tires on the car. Install the storm windows. Hire a lawn service (or kids, if you have any) to mow grass, rake leaves and shovel sidewalks as necessary for the month of November.
Announce to your family that you will not be hosting Thanksgiving this year, but if you can’t get out of it, remember that Pizza Hut and Dominos both deliver. If the family insists on something more formal, your local grocery store or restaurant probably has a packaged “turkey dinner for twenty” that you can buy already prepared. Or – if you are on track with your writing quota – you could take a break and go out to eat. Make reservations, so you don’t waste time waiting for a table to open up.
Plan ahead! Clear your calendar as much as possible. If there are important birthdays, anniversaries, parent-teacher conferences or other events in November, reschedule them. It’s best to go ahead and take care of them in October, so you don’t forget later. Call your mother and anyone else who might start worrying if you disappear for a month.
Finish your Christmas shopping and mail your Christmas cards by October 31.
On October 31 – Halloween – turn off your porch light at 8pm and lock the doors so you can get to bed early. The neighborhood kids don’t need any more candy. (If your own kids are still out trick-or-treating, make sure they have a house key.)

Think outside of the box

You can also use a dedicated computer that is NOT connected to the internet, hire a housekeeper, retreat to a quiet cabin or noisy coffee shop according to your temperament, hide your cell phone… It can be a challenge to write 1667 words every single day or catch up if you fall behind. If you have a day job or family – and hope to still have them on December 1 – it will be even more challenging! Double kudos!!

I won’t be participating in NaNoWriMo this year, because I have some looming rewriting and editing deadlines for Baggage Claim. I hate to miss it, but I can’t start anything new right now. I wrote Baggage Claim for NaNoWriMo a few years ago, and it’s finally (nearly!) ready for publication. Look for it in February!

Happy NaNo
Cathe

In case I haven’t mentioned it recently, many of the links on my website point to Amazon. When you click on them and make a purchase of any kind, I receive an affiliate commission. I love that! Thank you.

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Christmas Lights Giveaway ~ Enter to Win this Gorgeous Nativity Scene

I am happy to announce the release of my first published book, Snow Angels, as part of the novella collection, Christmas Lights. It’s exciting for any debut author, but I’ve been especially blessed in the process. Not only did I get to partner with fellow ACFW authors Vikki Kestell, Chautona Havig and April Hayman, but I had a great team of ladies who helped me with pre-reading, proofreading and promoting the book.  Not many authors have that kind of encouragement with their first book. I’m grateful.

In celebration of the book launch, we are having a special giveaway.  This beautiful 3-piece nativity display is handcrafted in Ukraine and will be shipped to the winner directly from the artist.  Each of the pieces is 8″ tall, 20″ long and 5.5″ deep. Use battery-operated votive candles or a string of lights to create a scene of shadows and silhouettes. You can display the pieces separately or use them together on a mantel or on top of a piano or bookcase. It’s absolutely lovely. In addition to this, we are giving away two $5 Amazon gift cards, just in time for Christmas shopping!

CLICK HERE to enter the giveaway, and check out the Christmas Lights website for more pictures of the nativity scene and information about the giveaway.

Christmas Lights is a collection of four inspirational novellas, each with a different theme and genre. Vikki’s The Heart of Joy is a beautifully-crafted, gentle historical romance from her Prairie Heritage series.  April’s madcap comedy, Trip the Lights Fantastic, features eccentric characters who will delight you. Chautona’s Christmas Stalkings  is surprisingly suspenseful for a book about a woman who decorates Christmas trees for each of her seven cats!

 

 

 

My contribution to the collection is Snow Angels.  Lisa, Pete and their friends are oh-so-human, living with human issues in a fallen world. It’s sad and it’s funny, and I think it’s a story of God redeeming the years the locusts have eaten. He washes us clean and gives us hope for the future.  I hope you enjoy it.

 

Kind words for Snow Angels:

“I haven’t laughed this hard in a while, nor cried as much. In this funny, poignant novella, Cathe Swanson reminds our jaded world just what the holidays are all about. Looking forward to seeing this author in other works. Highly recommended.”  Andrea S.

“This delightful tale is full of surprises and Christmas spirit. I loved how complex the characters were, and how you unfold each story as you weave your way through the book… One of the most wonderful aspects of this book is the humor. If you need a good laugh, and spiritual encouragement this holiday season, “Snow Angels,” is the book for you.”  Kristen S.

“It is equal parts hilarious and heart-wrenching and deals with some real-life hard stuff while never losing sight of the hope to be found in Jesus. For a debut work, it is stellar! I absolutely can’t wait to read more from this author!”  Tina C.

“I haven’t laughed so much in AGES. Cathe Swanson masterfully weaves a rich story of realistic people with genuine faults and problems in such a way that you love them, want to shake them, and cheer when they ‘get it.’  And all the while, she punctuates each scene with humor, grace, and the beauty of what the Lord does in our lives when we don’t push Him back.”  Chautona H.

 

Christmas Lights available on October 15, 2016 – Preorder now!

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ACFW New Releases October 2016

American Christian Fiction Writers


October 2016 New Releases

 

More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website.

Biblical Fiction:

Providence: Hannah’s Journey by Barbara M. Britton — When the prophet of Israel refuses to heal her, Hannah flees Jerusalem and is captured by an enemy with a curse all his own. (Biblical from Harbourlight [Pelican])

Shadow of the Storm by Connilyn Cossette — In defiance of her mother, Shira pursues her heart’s calling to become an apprentice midwife. When a delivery goes horribly wrong, Shira finds herself bound to a man who betrayed her, the caretaker of three young children, and the target of a vengeful woman whose husband was killed by Shira’s people, the Levites. As contention between the Hebrew tribes and the foreigners fans the flames of another dangerous rebellion, Shira will come face-to-face with the heartbreak of her past that she has kept hidden for so long. How can she let go of all that has defined her to accept the love she’s denied herself and embrace who she truly is? (Biblical from Bethany House [Baker])

Christmas Novella:

  Christmas Lights by Chautona Havig, Vikki Kestell, Cathe Swanson, and April Hayman — From historical romance to contemporary cozy mysteries and Christmas wonder, these four “light” reads will warm your heart and ignite your Christmas spirit! (Christmas Novella, Mixed Genres, Independently Published)

Contemporary Romance:

Risking Love by Brenda S. Anderson — Can cautious bank employee Lissa Morgan risk falling in love with a former thrill-seeker, a widowed single dad, when she may have to foreclose on his house? (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published)

A Mom for Christmas by Lorraine Beatty — Noah’s dream of a happy family and Beth’s dream of a continuing ballet career are both dashed, but when they come together they discover that the Lord might have a new dream for both of them. (Contemporary Romance from Love Inspired [Harlequin])

Sleigh Bells Ring by Sandra D. Bricker, Barbara J. Scott, Lynette Sowell, and Lenora Worth — Santa Claus is coming to town, and so are the Tucker sisters. The girls have inherited their father’s run-down horse farm for Christmas. It needs some serious TLC in order to make it sell-ready. Joanna knows that by recruiting her sisters and one handsome ranch hand they can fix up the place and even celebrate one last Christmas while they’re at it. However, to Isabella, returning to their home in Kentucky bluegrass country for Christmas seems like an impossible hurdle. Can her Chicago boyfriend make life merry and bright again? One thing’s for sure: nothing is peace on earth for Sophia as a new beau brings up old wounds. And when the fate of the horse farm is put in jeopardy because Amy accidentally fraternizes with the enemy, tensions rise. But it’s not like the land developer stole Christmas . . . just her heart. Can the Tucker sisters have themselves a merry little Christmas? (Contemporary Romance from Gilead Publishing)

Do You Hear What I Hear? by Margaret Brownley — Stranded at the old Star Inn until the road back to his cabin reopens, lumber mill owner Rick Talbot suddenly comes face to face with the past. The only woman he’s ever loved is standing in front of the inn’s blazing fire trying to get warm. Both Rick and Sally regret what happened between them years ago, but his family lumberyard clashes with her tree-hugging ways and neither is willing to try again. It will take the storm of the century, one stage-struck young boy, a certain meddling “angel”–and even a cranky cat–to convince them that in matters of the heart, sometimes the second time around is best. (Contemporary Romance from St. Martin Press)

More Than a Tiara by Valerie Comer — Marisa Hiller abandoned her modeling career to nurse a broken heart in Montana, far from the photographer who ruined everything. Her family farm is now part of a CSA program teaching gardening and cooking to single moms, but when the coordinator begs her to represent the program in the Miss Snowflake Pageant, Marisa balks. God has forgiven Jase Mackie but hasn’t answered his prayer to bring Marisa back into his life… until Jase finds himself out West as the official photographer for a beauty pageant, face to face with the woman he’s never forgotten. (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published)

Room at the Inn for Christmas by Mary Connealy — Ambitious hotel executive Amanda Star’s has got her sights set on the CEO job at the multi-national Halston hotel chain. But then she inherits the Star Inn, a place her father had always wanted her to run alongside him. With no time to be away from her job, she rushes home to put the inn up for sale. Once there, she’s struggles against keen regret, sweet memories, and the longing to return, which grows stronger when she is reunited with an old classmate: Anthony Carter, a handyman with a guarded heart. (Contemporary Romance from St. Martin Press)

Can’t Help Falling by Kara Isaac — A funny, heartfelt romance about how an antique shop, a wardrobe, and a mysterious tea cup bring two C.S. Lewis fans together in a snowy and picturesque Oxford, England. (Contemporary Romance from Howard [Simon & Schuster])

A Christmas Homecoming by Kimberly Rose Johnson — Interior design assistant Bailey Calderwood suspects the mysterious admirer sending her cards and flowers is none other than the son of her unpleasable, bed-ridden boss. When Stephen Belafonte’s mom demands he fire Bailey, can he find a way to heal the rift in his family as well his own heart, or will he be forced to let Bailey go? (Contemporary Romance from Mountain Brook Ink)

Where Two Hearts Meet by Liz Johnson — When Caden Holt’s boss asks her to show off their own beautiful Prince Edward Island to impress a visiting travel writer and save the Red Door Inn, the reclusive executive chef is forced to face a world much bigger than her kitchen–and a man who makes her wish she was beautiful. (Contemporary Romance from Revell [A Division of Baker Publishing Group])

Trust My Heart by Carol J. Post — Grant McAllister, a jaded big-city lawyer and small-town reporter Jami Carlisle have no hope for finding true love–except for a zany old matchmaker who won’t give up. In the unspoiled beauty of the Smoky Mountains, there’s healing and forgiveness to be found. And for Grant, this unplanned detour may be just what’s needed to finally guide him home. (Contemporary Romance from Waterfall Press)

Insight by Deborah Raney — She’s having a baby. It’s a blessing that brings comfort to newly widowed Olivia Cline. Yet with no insurance, no job and precious little money, how will Olivia care for herself and her child? The answer is a handsome and brooding artist seeking an assistant. Reed Vincent has recently regained his eyesight thanks to a donor. And through his eyes, Olivia begins to see all the possibilities before her. Before them. Until, in a flash of insight, she knows why his signature is so hauntingly familiar. (Contemporary Romance from Raney Day Press)

Silver Bells by Deborah Raney — As Elvis croons from the radio and Christmas descends upon a small Kansas town, two people find the miracle of love. (Contemporary Romance from Raney Day Press)

A Family Under the Christmas Tree by Terri Reed — In this heartwarming tale set during the Christmas season, a single father and a fashion photographer are brought together by a young boy and a mischievous Bernese mountain dog–but first they must learn to set aside their differences if they are willing to let their relationship bloom. (Contemporary Romance from Howard [Simon & Schuster])

Third Strand of the Cord by Catherine Richmond — Caroline will do anything to keep her ex-husband from putting her son with Down syndrome in an institution–even enroll the boy in a class taught by a know-it-all karate instructor. Lee Marivaux is an expert at reading people. He knows his feisty new student will thrive with firm guidance – and he’s right. He pegs the boy’s mother as a clueless socialite who loafs at the country club – and he’s never been so wrong. When Caroline’s abusive ex shows up, demanding custody, Lee and Caroline must join forces to keep the boy safe. (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published)

Buying Love by Toni Shiloh — Impatient for marriage, Nina Warrenton places an ad in the newspaper for a husband–attaching a monetary reward. But when she begins to fall for the small-town chef who answers her add, she realizes how much she wants him to love her and not her money. Dwight Williams needs fast cash to save the family restaurant, but can he let it go to prove his love for Nina? (Contemporary Romance from Celebrate Lit)

Moonlight Over Manahttan by Carrie Turansky — Professional organizer Sarah Montgomery is hired to organize her elderly neighbor’s cluttered apartment by Justin Latimer, her neighbor’s grandson. Sarah believes free-spirited Justin is a lazy, unemployed poet who is taking advantage of his grandmother’s generosity. Though attracted to him, she guards her heart against her growing feelings. As Sarah and Justin work together to help his grandmother and enjoy Christmas events in NYC, romantic sparks fly. When Sarah discovers who Justin really is, she must decide if she will continue to hide behind her protective wall or open her heart and embrace love. (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published)

Love Bears All Things by Beth Wiseman — Charlotte Dolinsky needs time to recover after breaking up with her boyfriend, Ryan. But when a surprise visitor shows up on her doorstep in Texas, she’s forced to put aside her own worries to help her Amish friends in Lancaster County. Daniel Byler struggles each day in his Amish community to heal from his fiancée’s betrayal. When he discovers that a member of his family is in danger of being shunned, his pain turns to fear. His only way to help is by partnering with Charlotte, a woman he barely knows who has already deceived them all before. (Contemporary Romance from HarperCollins Christian Publishing)

General Contemporary (includes Women’s Fiction):

Paint The Storm by Dawn V. Cahill — When Meg is challenged to love her lesbian daughter as Christ would, she struggles to live out God’s command, and when her daughter goes missing, she finds herself joined with the unlikeliest of allies in her search for Linzee, and finally learns of God’s unconditional grace for sinners. (Contemporary Women’s Fiction from Spring Mountain Publishing)

Restoration Road by Elise Phillips — Mallory Andrews’s short trip back to Texas for her mother’s funeral quickly becomes a move home to help her grieving father with his contracting business. When her old crush, Tres, hires them for a restoration project Mallory falls in love with the crumbling old house. And when feelings bloom between her and Tres, she finds herself on the road to a brand new, unexpected life filled with faith, sweet tea, and fresh paint. (General Contemporary from Desert Breeze Publishing)

Above All Things by Deborah Raney — Expecting their first baby, Judd and Evette McGlin are thrilled to become parents. But the couple faces the ultimate test when Judd learns he already has a child: a six-year-old mixed-race girl born amid secrets and lies. Now, Evette must decide if she can accept the child. She thought she was open-minded–until hidden prejudices threaten the future of an innocent little girl, Evette’s marriage and the very notion of who she thinks she is. (Contemporary Women’s Fiction from Raney Day Press)

Restoring Christmas by Cynthia Ruchti — Alexis set out to restore a fieldstone farmhouse in need of repair. She didn’t expect to restore a life in the process. (General Contemporary from Worthy Inspired)

Strings of Faith by Terry Stafford — Darcy is a classically trained violinist who dreams of playing bluegrass and winning The National Oldtime Fiddle Contest in Weiser, Idaho. When tragedy strikes, Darcy lays her gift aside for her family and faces unimaginable pain and loss, leading to dissension with her husband, disappointing judgment from her church, and anger with God Himself. Can her gift of music survive when her life is turned upside down? (General Contemporary, Independently Published)

Historical:

The Lost Generation by Erica Marie Hogan — On August 5th 1914, the world changed forever. For John and Beth Young, it meant the happiness they finally achieved was snatched out from under them. For Emma Cote, it meant that her husband Jared would do his duty, despite her feelings. For Christy Simmons it meant an uncertain future with the boy she loved. The lives of six people, spread across the British Empire to America were changed forever. (Historical from Elk Lake Publishing Inc.)

Aboard Providence by Keely Brooke Keith — When an accident forces Jonah Ashton to serve as a ship’s physician, he boards the Providence with the plan to escort a group of families to their new settlement in South America and then return to Pennsylvania to finish medical school before rumors of Southern rebellion erupt into all-out war. What he doesn’t count on is getting lost at sea… and Marian Foster. When the settlers finally reach land, Jonah makes a startling discovery that changes everything, but will it change his heart? (Historical from Crossriver Media Group)

Historical Romance:

The Rails to Love Romance Collection by Diana Lesire Brandmeyer, Amanda Cabot, Lisa Carter, Ramona K. Cecil, Lynn A. Coleman, Susanne Dietze, Kim Vogel Sawyer, Connie Stevens, and Liz Tolsma — Journey the Transcontinental Railroad along with nine unlikely couples who encounter all the dangers and disappointments of traveling the rails in the late 1800s. From sight-seeing excursions to transports toward new lives, from orphan trains to circus trains, can romances develop into blazing love in a world of cold, hard steel? (Historical Romance from Barbour Publishing)

Cowboy Christmas Homecoming by Mary Connealy, Ruth Logan Herne, Julie Lessman, and Anna Schmidt — For widow June Harper, another cold front is about to hit. Most call him Hugh. She’d call him Scrooge, except as the man ensures her needs are met, June can’t help but wonder how to meet the needs of his heart. Netty Lewis can take care of herself, has for a while now. And even if Roy, her hired help for the holidays, does take care of her, that doesn’t mean he cares for her or that he’ll stay past Christmas. Pastor Colton McCabe is not sure he’ll make it through the holidays with his new housekeeper. Grace can’t seem to do anything right but love. Perhaps being a homekeeper will earn her a permanent residence in his heart. Connie Lancaster is determined to return to St. Louis, and no cowboy can change her mind. But if Isaac can change her heart, maybe Connie will see the homecoming she’s been longing for isn’t to a place but a person. (Historical Romance from Gilead Publishing)

The Captive Heart by Michelle Griep — Stranded in a strange land, Eleanor Morgan faces starvation or marriage . . . but who wants to marry a murderer? (Historical Romance from Barbour Publishing)

The Rightful Heir by Angel Moore — Cowboy Jared Ivy must work with stranger Mary Lou Ellison until a judge comes to town and determines which one of them is the rightful heir to his family’s Texas newspaper. Intrepid reporter Mary Lou won’t lose the Pine Haven Record–the legacy he left her–without a fight. But when she and Jared stop sparring long enough to investigate a story together, they become a force to be reckoned with. Will they let their battle over the Record get in the way of something even more newsworthy: true love? (Historical Romance from Love Inspired [Harlequin])

Christmas at Stoney Creek by Martha Rogers — When newspaper reporter Tom Whiteman befriends a homeless man named Joe, Tom decides to bring him home to Stoney Creek, Texas for Christmas. As Tom and his childhood friend Faith Delmont set out to learn the truth about the mysterious old man with the kind, sad eyes, they discover that God’s love can turn tragedy and loss to triumph, and that true love comes to those who wait. (Historical Romance from Realms [Charisma Media])

Mystery:

Another Day, Another Dali by Sandra Orchard — In order to regain her grandmother’s favor FBI Special Agent Serena Jones agrees to investigate a missing Salvador Dali painting. But when the evidence points to members of the owner’s own household, it becomes clear that Serena won’t be winning any popularity contests. Then Serena stumbles upon links to her grandfather’s unsolved murder. (Mystery from Revell [A Division of Baker Publishing Group])

Romantic Suspense:

Tangled Webs by Irene Hannon — After a disastrous Middle East mission ends his six-year Army Ranger career, Finn McGregor needs some downtime in the woods. But when someone threatens his neighbor, publishing executive Dana Lewis, Finn and Dana must work together to discover who wants her to leave her lakeside cabin before it costs both their lives. (Romantic Suspense from Revell [A Division of Baker Publishing Group])

Identity Unknown by Terri Reed — When a John Doe washes up on the shores of Calico Bay, no one knows who he is—including him. But one thing’s instantly clear to deputy sheriff Audrey Martin: the man’s marked for murder. And she’s the only one who can protect him from the assassins who lurk at every turn. The arrival of a team of men claiming he’s Canadian Border Services officer Nathanial Longhorn only further complicates the matter. As his memories slowly start drifting back, Nathanial and Audrey work to uncover who wants him dead and why. If they don’t, this Christmas might be their last. (Romantic Suspense from Love Inspired [Harlequin])

Speculative:

A Time to Rise by Nadine Brandes — What more can you sacrifice than your life? Parvin Blackwater is dead. At least that’s what the Council and the world thinks. But her sacrifice tore down part of the Wall long enough to stir up hope and rebellion in the people. Parvin and Solomon must uncover the mysterious clues that Jude left behind in order to destroy the projected Wall once and for all. Meanwhile, the Council schemes to new levels of technology in its attempts to keep the people contained. Can a one-handed Radical and a scarred ex-Enforcer really bring shalom to the world? (Speculative Young Adult from Enclave Publishing)

Unblemished by Sara Ella — Eliyana can’t bear to look at her own reflection. But what if that were only one Reflection—one world? What if another world exists where her blemish could become her strength? (Speculative Young Adult from HarperCollins Christian Publishing)

Beast by Chawna Schroeder — For as long as Beast can remember, she has lived among her master’s dogs. With them she sleeps. With them she eats. With them she fights and struggles to survive. But through hunger and cold she dreams of one day becoming her master’s favorite, earning bones with meat and a place beside the fire. When her pack scatters after a surprise raid, Beast must defend herself against slavers, hunting down the loners. They are so strong, and she is only a beast . . . or is she? (Speculative Allegory from Enclave Publishing)

Accelerant by Ronie Kendig — He’ll destroy the world. But he must save it first. As the only able-bodied heir to the Fire Throne, Haegan, Prince of Seultrie must return to the Nine Kingdoms and fight for his people. But there are insidious forces at work. When reality itself falls into question, Haegan struggles to know where to fight, who to trust. Caught between duty to his country and duty to the world, Haegan must see clearly enough to choose the right path to save his devastated world. (Speculative High Fantasy from Enclave Publishing)

Thriller/Suspense:

Death in the Mind’s Eye by Rick Acker — It knows what you’re thinking. It knows when you’re lying. Does it know how to kill? San Francisco attorney Mike Webster and Dr. Johanna Anderson, a brilliant and beautiful psychologist, must clear Jo’s name of a malpractice case before the controversial, technologically-assisted Mind’s Eye therapy is seized by a shadowy finance firm and used as a weapon. (Thriller/Suspense from Waterfall Press)

The Warrior’s Seal by Ronie Kendig — A Special Forces team is thrust into a war with the past to save the president after an artifact unleashes a deadly toxin. Special Forces operative Cole “Tox” Russell and his team are tasked in a search-and-rescue–the U.S. president has been kidnapped during a goodwill tour. The mission nosedives when an ancient biblical artifact and a deadly toxin wipe out villages. Tox must stop the terrorists and the toxin to save the president. This is a free e-novella prequel! (Thriller/Suspense from Bethany House [Baker])

Deadly Infiltration by W. Richard Lawrence — Infiltrators inside the American government are betraying undercover agents while helping sneak weapons of mass destruction across our borders. To keep their work hidden, they are willing to murder anyone who gets in their way. Sara, a brilliant computer expert working for the FBI, finds herself caught in the middle. Sara’s young faith in God is gravely tested when she is framed for the murder of an FBI agent, forcing her to go into hiding. Meanwhile, Sara’s fiancé Derry lives up to a promise he made to her, and gives up his future to save her and hopefully the country. (Thriller/Suspense from Boarding House Publishing)

Western Historical:

Refining Fire by Carol Cox — Meet the Arizona Territory Brides. Four strong, independent women–each determined to stand on her own two feet, and not one of them looking for romance. But sometimes love shows up when you least expect it… (Western, Pioneer/Prairie, Independently Published)

 

Check out all of these ACFW New Releases for October 2016!

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Front Window by Chautona Havig ~ a review

Front Window, the newest book in the Hartfield Mysteries series by Chautona Havig,  is now available on Amazon!

I have to admit, I’m a sucker for a new Chautona Havig book. It’s partly self-preservation – she modeled a character on me one time, and it was not one of the good guys.  In fact.. well, never mind. Figure it out for yourself. It’s someone in this series.

 

 

 

 

 

Book #1 – Manuscript for Murder

 

Because of that, or in spite of it, the Hartfield Mysteries are my favorite Chautona Havig series. It is such a creative concept – in the first book, Manuscript for Murder, Alexa Hartfield is an eccentric mystery writer living in an idyllic small town. She’s a free spirit, dressing in clothing from different eras to suit her mood and the book she is writing, living alone and enjoying it. Then someone starts turning her murder mysteries into a blueprint for their own killing spree, and Alexa Hartfield teams up with an unusual police officer to solve the case.  This book just delighted me. I loved Alexa. She’s so “comfortable in her own skin.” The pace of the (obviously incipient) relationship with the policeman, Joe  Freidan, was perfect. I appreciate slow romances.

Book #2 – Crime of Fashion

 

 

At the beginning of Crime of Fashion, Alexa assumes that her life will resume its previous tranquility. It doesn’t, of course. Things are changing at home and in a new business venture.  I really didn’t want her to get involved in that business. You could see it was a train wreck right from the start.  She and Joe are getting serious in this book.  The ending, unfortunately, left something to be desired. It was a complete shock to me, though, and I can usually solve the mystery by the middle of the book. Not here. I only started getting suspicious in the last few pages.  I still wish it had ended differently.

 

Book #3 – Two o’Clock Slump

 

Two o’Clock Slump was a totally different book. Alexa leaves her beloved home and travels back to the place she left behind – a place where she is neither liked nor welcomed, where even her own family (not nice people) cause her grief.  There was considerable character development in this book.  I liked it, but Alexa was depressed there, and I just wanted her to leave. Go back to Fairbury where people like you and you can be yourself, Alexa. Except she can’t, because someone is framing her for murder. She’s on the lam.

Book #4 – Front Window

 

I don’t want to give spoilers, but you’ve probably already guessed that Two o’Clock Slump has a happy ending. Things are going along pretty well at the start of Front Window. Alexa’s even-more-eccentric aunt Faye is moving to Fairbury, and all of them are looking forward to a happy season when strange things start happening at the retirement village. Aunt Faye is the real star of this book, and she’s a worthy addition to the series! Front Window is an entertaining book with all the best qualities of the series. You’ll love it.

 

 

Have you read any of these books? What do you think? Which was your favorite? Do you think Aunt Faye should have her own book?

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Feta & Freeways by Susan M. Baganz

 

Feta & Freeways by Susan M. Baganz is finally available for sale on Amazon! I have enjoyed all of the books I’ve read by this author, so I’ve been looking forward to this one. Like her other Orchard Hill books, the characters are complex. Susan M. Baganz portrays people with human strengths and weaknesses – people you can visualize and connect with, even when they are celebrities like Niko and the rest of the successful Christian band, Specific Gravity.

 

A rich story, skillfully crafted

As with the other books, I was struck by the cadence of her writing. She transitions smoothly from stress-filled scenes to more calm scenes to emotional scenes. Some of her characters have messy, painful backgrounds and some are from more stable environments. It is a good mix. Ms. Baganz is also good at creating realistic communities and family relationships. Her characters do not live in a bubble.

Glorifying God

The spiritual condition of her characters is sometimes rock solid, but it’s often like the rest of us – believing, but still occasionally anxious and confused. Niko and Tia don’t doubt the saving grace of God, but at times they muddle along hoping they are making the right choices. The author’s skill is clear in all of these aspects of the book. It is a “clean” book; there is no foul language and the small amount of violence is all off-screen, but Niko and Tia ARE married, and the implications of that relationship are not hidden. I recommend it for married women.

 

Susan M. Baganz chases after three Hobbits and is a native of Wisconsin. She is an Acquisitions Editor with Prism Book Group specializing in bringing great romance novels and novellas to publication. Susan writes adventurous historical and contemporary romances with a biblical world-view.

 

 

 

 

Her Orchard Hill series includes:

Pesto & Potholes

Salsa & Speedbumps

Feta & Freeways

         

 

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The California Gold Rush Romance Collection – review and giveaway!

The California Gold Rush Romance Collection is a delightful collection of stories from nine talented and very creative authors. The plots are diverse, and I’ve never seen such an eclectic group of heroes and heroines in one book!

Enter below to win a free paperback copy! Only three days left!

 

 

Is it possible there’s an inheritance far greater than gold, or is Thalia destined to remain empty, like the ghost town she inhabits? – Gold Haven Heiress by Jaime Jo Wright

I enjoyed all of the stories in this book, but I was especially interested in Jaime Jo Wright’s Gold Haven Heiress,  which is an unusual love story with interesting characters. Jack Taylor is a man who grew wealthy by taking advantage of gold rush miners. He’s a changed man now, and he’s using his ill-gotten riches to help others by building a community in Gold Haven, an abandoned goldmining town, to be a place of redemption, where people can come to be healed and live safely together. He didn’t expect to find the cast-off “soiled dove” Thalia Simmons hiding in the deserted town, and while he is drawn to her, she struggles to reconcile concepts of a caring man and a loving God with her painful history.

Thalia is well-drawn. Ms. Wright did a good job of portraying the prickly, shell-shocked woman. Throughout the book, her impulsive words, actions and choices are consistent with her character and circumstances. I liked the development of her friendship with Celeste. It’s hard to squeeze a story into a short novella, but this author succeeded in bringing it all together – characters, setting, plot and all.

Civilizing Clementine was another fun story in this collection, and The Golden Cross was an interesting story about the Chinese culture during the gold rush.

The California Gold Rush Collection

The Price of Love by Amanda Barratt

The Best Man in Brookside by Angela Bell

Civilizing Clementine by Dianne Christner

The Marriage Broker and the Mortician by Anne Greene

The Lye Water Bride by Linda Farmer Harris

A Sketch of Gold by Cynthia Hickey

Love is A Puzzle by Pam Hillman

The Golden Cross by Jennifer Rogers Spinola

Gold Haven Heiress by Jamie Jo Wright

NOTE: You do not need to sign up for my newsletter to enter the contest unless you choose to do so. I will NOT be saving the emails you use to enter the contest. I will notify the winner by email and here on my website.

 

 

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Jaime Jo Wright – Author Interview

 

I met Jaime Jo online through the American Christian Fiction Writers, but even though we both live in the land of Packers and Bratwurst, we haven’t yet met in person. I recently read one of her novellas, Gold Haven Heiress, in the California Gold Rush Romance Collection, and asked if I could interview her on my website. She graciously said yes and donated a paperback copy of the book for me to give away!  Barbour makes beautiful paperback novella collections. This one has covers that open and fold out to reveal western landscapes, and the paper is beautiful soft and heavy with deckle edges. Beautiful. See the raffle form below for your chance to win it!

 

 

 

Welcome, Jaime! It’s fun to have you here.  I know authors have the best book recommendations, so tell me… what are you reading now?

I am currently in between books, actually. But LOVED reading Kara Isaac’s “Close To You” and Joanne Bischof’s “Lady and the Lionheart”. They were both so well written and have stuck with me far longer than most books I’ve read this year!

Do you have a favorite contemporary author?

Well, it sounds redundant now, lol, but I LOVE Kara Isaac. She’s new to contemporary romance but has such wit and voice I can’t get enough of her.

What’s your favorite genre for your personal reading?

I waffle between mysteries and historical romance. It’s a bonus if they’re combined!

What one book – other than the Bible! – has most greatly influenced your life?

Ohhh, that’s a great question! I was greatly impacted by Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s “Cost of Discipleship”. It pretty much hits you between the eyes in how seriously you’re going to live your faith.

How about writing? What’s your favorite genre for writing?

I love historical romance with twists of mystery and suspense!

What is the hardest part of writing for you?

Time. It’s a challenge to write with a full time job and two kids under the age of 6. Balancing the home and church also makes it a tad sketchy to eek out hours of writing time.

That’s a full plate! What is your “day job”?

I’m the Director of Employee Sales, Development & Associate Relations for a medium-sized corporation. It keeps me hopping for sure!

What does your writing process look like?

Well, considering time is difficult to find, it’s more like I write scenes in my head during the day and then grab 15 minute snippets to dictate them down on my phone app or type them on my laptop. Ideally, I get an hour or two at night after the kids are in bed to really focus. Coffee is always, ALWAYS involved.

Do you ever experience writer’s block?

I don’t! I know that sounds weird, but if I’m not sure what to write I usually just plow ahead and write anyway. It often gets deleted, but if I just sit and stare at the laptop then I’m definitely not moving ahead.

Do you know the ending of a book when you start writing it?

Usually. I typically have the skeleton framework and then fill in the rest on the go.

Gold Haven Heiress

 

Gold Haven Heiress had some emotionally intense and some lighthearted scenes. Do you laugh and cry as you write your books? How emotionally attached do you get to your characters? If they were real, would they be your friends?

I’m not a crier, and I don’t usually get attached to my characters on an emotional level. I love creating them, molding them, and seeing them come to life, but they are fictional after all, and the fact that I have their conversations in my head is scary enough. Lol If they were real? Some of them might be my friends. Some of them would probably drive me nuts. LOL!

What are your current projects?  Do you have any books coming out soon?

I’m currently working on my next novella, releasing in July 2017. It is part of Barbour’s “Of Rags and Riches Romance Collection – a Gilded Age Novella Collection”. My novella is titled: “The Flyfisherman’s Nymph”.

I understand that’s set in Wisconsin, and I am looking forward to it! In the meantime, where can we find you online?

Web site: www.jaimejowright.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/jaimejowright

Twitter: www.twitter.com/jaimejowright

Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/jaimejowright

Instagram: www.Instagram.com/jaimejowright

Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/author/show/13916081.Jaime_Jo_Wright

Periscope: @jaimejowright

 

Thank you for the gorgeous book you sent me. I loved it, and I’m glad to have the opportunity to share it with one of my own readers. NOTE: You do not need to sign up for my newsletter to enter the contest unless you choose to do so. I will NOT be saving the emails you use to enter the contest. I will notify the winner by email and here on my website.

Enter to win a paperback copy of The California Gold Rush Romance Collection!

 

 

 

Professional coffee drinker Jaime Jo Wright resides in the hills of Wisconsin writing spirited turn-of-the-century romance stained with suspense. Coffee fuels her snarky personality. She lives in Neverland with her Cap’n Hook who stole her heart and will not give it back, their little fairy Tinkerbell, and a very mischievous Peter Pan. The foursome embark on scores of adventure that only make her fall more wildly in love with romance and intrigue.

Jaime lives in dreamland, exists in reality, and invites you to join her adventures at jaimejowright.com.

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Re-light the Candles of Good Cheer

I have a little book of George W. Truett’s Christmas sermons from 1928-1944… I don’t remember where it came from, but I keep it because I like seasonal books. His style was simple and conversational, light on Scripture but full of truth and kindness.  The imagery of “re-lighting the candles of good cheer” has a poignant appeal. This passage from his 1932 Christmas sermon is as applicable today as it was then:

At this Season for accentuated emphasis upon home reunions, and upon friendships both old and new, let us worthily re-light the candles of good cheer and cooperative helpfulness, for those who are experiencing privations and restrictions which lay a heavy toll upon their homes and hearts. May we so voice our understanding sympathy and good will, as to give them new heart and hope, for all the days and duties ahead. Let us especially voice our best cheer for the little children and the aged; for the orphan and the underprivileged; for the poor and the needy; for the afflicted and the unfortunate; for the lonely and the discouraged; for the derelict and the unfriended. May we be experts in doing good to all, and in giving hurt to none.                           George W. Truett, D.D.

Voice Our Best Cheer

In my new book, Snow Angels, the main character is confronted with all of these people and – in spite of her initial reluctance – Lisa reaches out with both the kindness and helpfulness Dr. Truett encourages in all of us. I like his emphasis on more than just the good deeds – he also wanted us to “relight the candles of good cheer,” to “voice our understanding sympathy and good will,” and especially to “voice our best cheer.” Our object is to “give them new heart and hope.”

God Loves a Cheerful Giver

People are encouraged when we reach out to them with more than just a helping hand. We need to extend our best cheer, understanding sympathy and good will. That was harder for Lisa. She wanted to write a check instead of showing up to help, and then she wanted to “fix” people. Dr. Truett’s sermon reminds us that we are called to more than write checks, hand out food and shovel driveways.

Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.          Leo Buscaglia

Don’t wait for Christmas! We all have that power.  Smiles and kind words cost us nothing at all and are so easy to give!  Can you relight a candle of good cheer for someone today?

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The Baron’s Blunder by Susan Baganz

This delightful novella from Susan Baganz is part of the  “Love is…” series by Prism Book Group, looking at 1 Corinthians 13:4-8a. The Baron’s Blunder illustrates verse six:  Love does not delight in evil but rejoices in the truth.  

The hero is dashing and brave – and so is the heroine

Lord Charles Percy and the Honorable Henrietta Allendale are both independent, capable people who want to continue in their current single condition. He enjoys the clandestine activities that keep him busy, but an impulsive lie told to avoid discovery leads to complicated deception. She knows he’s hiding something. When Lord Percy confesses the truth, Henri isn’t sure she can trust anything else he says. As much as they enjoy life and engaging in exciting adventures without the encumbrance of a spouse, however, there’s no denying the attraction that pulls at both of them.

 

 

 

 

I enjoyed the pacing of this adventure romance. The main and secondary characters were likable people who seemed more multi-dimensional than those sometimes found in Regency romances. I especially liked the heroine, who managed to be independent without becoming aggressive about it or behaving in an anachronistic way.

Rose Hill Regencies

The Baron’s Blunder is a prequel to Ms. Baganz’s upcoming Rose Hill Regencies, a series of entertaining Regency romance novels for the inspirational fiction market. I look forward to them!

The Baron’s Blunder is available for pre-order now and will be delivered to your kindle device Friday, August 26.

Watch for the author’s upcoming novel, Feta and Freeways,  available for preorder now, releasing on September 16, 2016. It’s the newest book in her Orchard Hill series, and you won’t want to miss it.

Nikolos Acton is the lead singer of a Christian Band, Specific Gravity, struggling to make it in the industry after an unplanned break.

Tia Bartel loved Niko for the longest time, but it wasn’t until she stepped in to save his life that he finally realizes what has been there all along. Is it too late for him? Could a relationship between them work after years of ignoring her? How would he ever convince her he’s worthy of her trust?

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Christmas is Coming Early for Me!

This year, my biggest Christmas gift is coming in October. It’s very exciting to be anticipating the release of my first published book, Snow Angels, as part of the Christmas Lights novella collection.

Things got pretty wild here for a while – nine days before my editor’s deadline,  I ended up in the hospital having an emergency appendectomy! Laparoscopic surgery is amazing, and it all went smoothly, but the nurse and some of my friends were right when they cautioned me to go slowly.  I feel great, but I get tired out quickly.

I finished the Snow Angels manuscript, revised it, and sent it off to the editor with ten minutes to spare before the deadline – and then I immediately wanted it back again, because I thought of so many things that needed to be changed.  She wouldn’t give it back, so now I have to wait for her first round of corrections and revisions.  I keep pestering her:

     “Are you finding many typos?”

    “What do you think of the sweater scene?”

    “Do you like Pete?”

    “Do you think Lisa’s reaction to the sick child is realistic?”

She’s very patient with me.