Cathy Bryant's Blog: CatBryant.com ~ Journey Blog, page 21

Author of Beauty Unveiled Joins Us Today

Hi friends! You’re in for a real treat today. The author of Beauty Unveiled, Rachel Skatvold, joins us today for an interview. So without further ado, let’s get started!

Author of Beauty Unveiled – Rachel Skatvold

Can you tell us a little about yourself and what’s new since your last interview on this blog?

Hello again. For those of you that have never met me before, I’m a follower of Jesus, stay-at-home mom, blogger and writer of Christian romance from the Midwest. I’m happily married to my wonderful husband of seven years and we have two sweet pre-school aged sons. I have just released my second Christian romance, Beauty Unveiled.

Congratulations on your new release. Can you share a summary of Beauty Unveiled?

I would love to. Beauty Unveiled is the second book in the Riley Family Legacy Novellas and follows the story of Katherine’s free-spirited younger sister, Sarah.

Here is the summary: While Brimsfield is buzzing with excitement over Katherine’s upcoming marriage, Sarah struggles to tame her restless heart. The small town she used to love seems like a lead weight around her ankle. With one semester of college remaining, she can see the finish line ahead, but will the thirst for excitement jeopardize her future?

Katherine wanted a simple wedding ceremony, but her mother’s extravagant plans for the big day override her wishes. Being forced to compromise is the least of her worries though. When an old friend returns to town, her relationship with the man she loves will be put to the test.

Distracted with wedding preparations, the Riley family is unprepared for the approaching storm that could change their lives forever. Will their legacy of faith survive the trials to come?

Purchase on Amazon             Add to Goodreads

What inspired you to write this story?

This book was inspired by Hebrews 12:1-2 which talks about running with endurance and keeping our eyes on Jesus. The main character, Sarah is an athlete who goes through some trials that test her faith, but through it all she finds out that running with endurance means much more than just using her physical ability.

Watch the Book Trailer Here:

Thank you for joining us today. Before you go, are you currently working on any other projects?

Thank you for having me. I’m currently editing the third book in this series and my first full length novel, Enduring the Flames. I’m not sure when that book will be released but if anyone would like to keep updated on future books, please check out my website listed below. Also, don’t forget to sign up for the Rafflecopter giveaway! God bless.

Rafflecopter Giveaway

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Places to Follow Rachel:

Website           Facebook         Twitter             Pinterest

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Pray For the Upcoming Supreme Court Decision

On April 28, 2015, the United States Supreme Court will be making a decision regarding the definition of marriage in this country. This is a post for all Christians to pray.

Please pray for the upcoming Supreme Court decision regarding the definition of marriage.
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Pray – What God Says

God’s Word is clear that marriage is between one woman and one man.

So the LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall upon the man, and while he slept took one of his ribs and closed up its place with flesh. And the rib that the LORD God had taken from the man he made into a woman and -brought her to the man. Then the man said, “This at last is bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man.” Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh. -Genesis 2:21-25

Nowhere in the Bible is homosexuality condoned. In fact, it is an abomination to the Lord.

You shall not lie with a male as with a woman; it is an abomination. -Leviticus 18:22

Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. -1 Corinthians 6:9-10

God’s Word is very clear about what marriage is and what it isn’t.
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Pray – Join the Prayer Movement for This Upcoming Decision

Here’s what you can do to help:

Pray that the Supreme Court justices won’t give way to the wishes of evil, but will stand in obedience to God and His Word.
Join your support with others as a way of speaking out for the Lord. http://www.afa.net/action-alerts/i-will-pray/
Share this post and the AFA post on your social media channels, encouraging others to pray.

Thank you in advance for your prayers.

#Pray about the upcoming USSC decision regarding marriage. Details of how you can help here>>
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Where To Get All We Need

Here’s a message of hope for you: for those who place their trust in God, we have all we need.

When we stop long enough in our overly-busy lives to consider all we truly need, we discover the list is short. Our basic needs consist of shelter/security, water, and food.

According to the Bible, God’s Holy Word, all these things can be found in the LORD God, the maker of heaven and earth.

God is truly all we need. All our needs are fully met in Him.
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All We Need – Shelter/Security

Shelter/security is one of the basic needs of all human life. Without shelter we are exposed to the scorching sun, brutal winds and temperatures, and wild animals or other humans who would do us harm. It’s comforting to me that God promises to be our secure shelter.

One of the stories in the Bible that most exemplifies God as our shelter is when He led the children of Israel through the wilderness. As a pillar of cloud by day, He sheltered His people from the heat of the desert sun. As a pillar of fire by night, He provided light and warmth.

The eternal God is a dwelling place, And underneath are the everlasting arms… (Deuteronomy 33:27a)

Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in Me. (John 15:4)

Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty… (Psalm 91:1)

God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble. (Psalm 46:1)

I will say to the LORD, “My refuge and my fortress, My God, in whom I trust!” (Psalm 91:2)

Thank You, Lord, for being our shelter and security.

All We Need – God is our shelter and security.
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All We Need – Water

The human body is made up of 50-75% water, dependent upon gender and weight. A baby’s water percentage is even higher. Without water, we don’t exist. Even 1% water loss begins to affect the capacity of our organs.

Humans can only go about three days without water before they die.

How fitting then, that God through Jesus is our living water.

Then Moses raised his arm and struck the rock twice with his staff. Water gushed out, and the community and their livestock drank. (Number 20:11)

and all drank the same spiritual drink, for they were drinking from a spiritual rock which followed them; and the rock was Christ. (1 Corinthians 10:4)

For my people have committed two evils: they have forsaken me, the fountain of living waters, and hewed out cisterns for themselves, broken cisterns that can hold no water. (Jeremiah 2:13)

But whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life. (John 4:14)

On the last day of the feast, the great day, Jesus stood up and cried out, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.’” (John 7:37-38)

Thank You, Lord, for being the living water that quenches our thirst.

All We Need – God is the living water that quenches our thirst.
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All We Need – Food

Most of us in America don’t know what it means to go hungry. We struggle to fathom how it feels to go to bed at night without food in our tummies or to have our stomachs swollen from hunger.

But around the world, hunger is a major concern for many.

How good it is to know that God and Jesus promise to be our food.

Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger… (John 6:35)

But he answered, “It is written, “‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” (Matthew 4:4)

Do not labor for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you. For on him God the Father has set his seal. (John 6:27)

I am the Lord your God, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt. Open your mouth wide, and I will fill it. (Psalm 81:10)

Taste and see that the LORD is good… (Psalm 34:8)

He rained down manna upon them to eat And gave them food from heaven. Man did eat the bread of angels; He sent them food in abundance. (Psalm 78:24-25)

Thank You, Lord, for being our daily bread and sustenance.

All We Need – God is our daily bread and sustenance.
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All We Need – Conclusion

I am aware that all the verses above refer just as much to spiritual shelter, water and food as to our physical needs. But I truly believe that God provides all these things, a fact borne up in Psalm 23. This passage proves that God provides all we need as our Good Shepherd.

Thank You, Lord, for truly being all we need.

The Lord is my shepherd; I have everything I need. He lets me rest in fields of green grass and leads me to quiet pools of fresh water. He gives me new strength. He guides me in the right paths, as he has promised. Even if I go through the deepest darkness, I will not be afraid, Lord, for you are with me. Your shepherd’s rod and staff protect me. You prepare a banquet for me, where all my enemies can see me; you welcome me as an honored guest and fill my cup to the brim. I know that your goodness and love will be with me all my life; and your house will be my home as long as I live. (Good News Translation)

All We Need – The Lord is my shepherd; I have everything I need.
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Shout out your testimony of praise in the comments. How has God proved Himself to be all you truly need?

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How To Distinguish Between Clean and Christian Fiction

Pardon me for a moment while I step up on my soapbox.

The last thing I want to be is controversial, but there is a topic which needs addressing–the melding together of clean fiction and Christian fiction. It seems that more and more authors on both sides of the coin are trying to blur the line between these two types of fiction, and quite frankly, it bothers me.

Why does it ruffle my feathers so?

Well, for starters, a reader should be able to pick up either type of book and know exactly what they’re getting. And on top of that Christian fiction and clean fiction are entirely two different animals, which explains my reason for writing this post.

Through this article I hope to clarify the difference between clean and Christian fiction to help distinguish between the two and hopefully encourage my fellow authors to correctly categorize their novels.

Christian fiction or clean fiction? How to know which is which.
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Characteristics of Clean Fiction

Let me first state that I have no problem at all with clean fiction. I happen to believe that it serves the great purpose of providing smut-free entertainment, a great commodity in our anything-goes-society. Listed below are what I consider to be the characteristics of clean fiction.

Characters tend to have better-than-average moral standards compared to other secular works of fiction.
There is little to no foul language in the story.
There is little to no sensual content in the story, though there tends to be more than in Christian fiction. Sensual content may be implied or inferred rather than described.
There is usually little or no violence in the story.
Stories are written from a secular world view.
The primary purpose of clean or sweet fiction is entertainment/escape.

What characteristics would you use to describe “clean” fiction? Join the discussion here>>>
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An easy-to-pin/share graphic delineating the difference between Christian fiction and clean fiction.
Characteristics of Christian Fiction

More and more often here of late I have downloaded a book categorized as Christian fiction which turned out to be anything but.

Sometimes the book in question was actually what I would classify as clean fiction as per the characteristics above.

At other times, the book verged on a secular romance with overt sensuality, which I find highly disturbing. The characteristics of true Christian fiction are:

The plot and theme of the story deal with faith-based and scriptural content.
Most of the characters, if not all, are professing Christians and live their lives accordingly.
There is often a character who becomes a believer and Christ-follower in the course of the story.
There is usually no cursing or overly-descriptive sensual content in the story.
Any violence in the story is down-played and not graphic.
Stories are written from a Christian world view.
The primary purpose of Christian fiction is not merely to entertain, but to also spiritually challenge the reader.

What characteristics describe “Christian” fiction? Join the discussion here>>>
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My Soapbox Spiel

When I first entered the realm of Christian fiction writing, I was surprised to learn that Christian fiction was considered by the publishing world as a hot market. My personal belief is that because of the hot market, many secular writers–some of who were Christian and some who were not–began writing Christian fiction in the hopes of broadening their readership and boosting their sales.

In addition to this, I was flabbergasted to learn that many publishers refused to publish works of fiction they considered to be overtly religious. Huh? Then why call it Christian fiction? *shaking my head in disbelief*

Because of both of these facts, many books labeled as Christian fiction are what I would call either”watered-down” versions of Christianity or blatantly non-Christian.

To me it takes more than a character saying a prayer or going to church on Sunday morning for a story to truly be Christian in nature. A quickly-muttered prayer doesn’t make a book Christian any more than an elephant in a pink tutu makes the elephant a ballerina.

Don’t get me wrong! I’m not trying to say one type of fiction is better than the other. They both have their place and serve distinct purposes. My gripe comes in authors trying to straddle the fence and blur the lines between the two for monetary or other unsavory purposes.

It’s either one or the other. There is no both.

A prayer in a book doesn’t make it Christian anymore than an elephant in a tutu makes a ballerina.
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In Conclusion

Whew! Thanks for allowing me my mini-rant. I feel much better now. (stepping down from soapbox…)

While I realize most of this post is editorial in nature, I also believe it contains truth. Let’s call these two different types of fiction by their true names, rather than blurring the lines between them.

No more dressing the elephant in a pink tutu and calling it a ballerina.

 What about you? Do you find the lines between clean and Christian fiction somewhat blurred? I welcome your input.

 

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New Features on My Website

My website crashed.

Words you never want to hear or experience.

But that’s exactly what happened to me earlier this year.

And as is usually the case–though it took a week of long, frustrating work–what started off as a disaster ended up being a really good thing. My website got a makeover, and I’m delighted with the results, both in aesthetics and functionality.

Check out @Cathy_Bryant’s new website! (and what she did to change it)
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My Website Re-Design

For many years I used a free WordPress theme, but as is usually the case, old themes don’t keep up with technology, and they eventually lose support from the people who make them.

This time around I decided to shed my tight-wad skin and spend money on a paid theme. I’m glad I did.

I went with the Genesis framework from StudioPress Themes for WordPress. The theme I chose is called Beautiful Pro, and I think it definitely is just that! Simple, clean, professional, but oh-so functional. What’s not to love?

I created my header, name/tag image, sidebar headers, and slides using  PicMonkey, my absolute favorite place to play around with photos and create images.

My Website Functionality

For you non-bloggers/webmasters out there, we who play around in Blog Land realize the importance of something called plug-ins. These critters allow us to add social share buttons, slideshows, contact forms, analytics, etc. to our websites.

The only problem? Use the wrong ones (or a couple that don’t play well together) and you get the biggest headache ever!

I think I’ve found some that I’ll use for years to come. Below I’ve listed my favorites and how to use them with the content on my site. Hope you enjoy them as much as I do!

SumoMe

SumoMe is actually a bunch of really cool tools all rolled into one plugin, and I’m a huge fan! This particular photo shows three of the features for my website visitors and users.

First off, the share buttons at the left of the photo allow folks to share the content easily AND leaves a number to show how many people have shared the content and on which site. The thing I’m really stoked about as an author is the Amazon button. If you’re on one of the book pages (in this case, TEXAS ROADS), you can click the Amazon button to add the book to an Amazon Wish List. How cool is that?

The arrow at the bottom right of the photo shows an easy way to share photos from my website. When you hover over the pic with your cursor, you have the option to share the photo to Facebook, Twitter, or Pinterest. Easy-peasy!

The arrow pointing upward gives visitors an easy way to sign up for my monthly newsletter and receive their free digital copy of TEXAS ROADS.

Anther feature of this plugin which is useful for my website visitors is the contact form in the footer at the very bottom of the page. (And I won’t even get started on other ways it is useful to me!)

MetaSlider

There are several slider plugins out there, but this is the best I’ve seen. On my website, I use these three slideshows:

A “Welcome” slideshow on the homepage that introduces folks to my website and books. (If you’ll wait a sec, the pics below will change slides.) 
















",
slideshow:true
});
};
var timer_metaslider_4240 = function() {
var slider = !window.jQuery ? window.setTimeout(timer_metaslider_4240, 100) : !jQuery.isReady ? window.setTimeout(timer_metaslider_4240, 1) : metaslider_4240(window.jQuery);
};
timer_metaslider_4240();


A “Book Review” slideshow in the sidebar. I made all the slides at PicMonkey. 


















",
easing:"linear",
slideshow:true
});
};
var timer_metaslider_4270 = function() {
var slider = !window.jQuery ? window.setTimeout(timer_metaslider_4270, 100) : !jQuery.isReady ? window.setTimeout(timer_metaslider_4270, 1) : metaslider_4270(window.jQuery);
};
timer_metaslider_4270();


A “Book Cover” slideshow in the footer. 


















",
easing:"linear",
slideshow:true
});
};
var timer_metaslider_4279 = function() {
var slider = !window.jQuery ? window.setTimeout(timer_metaslider_4279, 100) : !jQuery.isReady ? window.setTimeout(timer_metaslider_4279, 1) : metaslider_4279(window.jQuery);
};
timer_metaslider_4279();



ClickToTweet

I love that I can create an easy tweet for my visitors to share a post. I’ve already used it above. Did you find it?

Here’s another one:

New #ChristianFiction release: CROSSROADS. A soldier battles for the soul of a prodigal.
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Po.st

I just found this cool tool recently. It’s not a plugin per se, but involves inserting a snippet of HTML code into the page. The top arrow in the photo shows a place where I shared a highlighted piece of a blog post on social media. It leaves behind a star so that others can share the same quote if they wish.

The bottom arrow shows another piece of content that I highlighted. Once you highlight it, the little box pops up for social sharing. Love it!

Wrap-Up

I could go on and on about my favorite tools and plug-ins, and I’ve barely scratched the surface here. (I know, this makes me a bona fide bloggy geek…) But I mainly wanted to share with those who visit and/or subscribe to my website how to use some of the tools featured here on CatBryant.com!

What do you like best about my new website? Sound off in the comments!

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Whose Glory Are You After?

This morning as I read my Bible, a thought leaped from the pages and rooted itself in my brain. And it’s something so important that if we’re not getting this right, nothing else really matters. Let’s take a look at three Old Testament examples: Saul, Samuel, and David.

Whose Glory – King Saul’s Example

Samuel came to Saul, and Saul said to him, “Blessed are you of the Lord! I have carried out the command of the Lord.” But Samuel said, “What then is this bleating of the sheep in my ears, and the lowing of the oxen which I hear?” Saul said, “They have brought them from the Amalekites, for the people spared the best of the sheep and oxen, to sacrifice to the Lord your God; but the rest we have utterly destroyed.” ….  Samuel said, “Is it not true, though you were little in your own eyes, you were made the head of the tribes of Israel? And the Lord anointed you king over Israel, and the Lord sent you on a mission, and said, ‘Go and utterly destroy the sinners, the Amalekites, and fight against them until they are exterminated.’ Why then did you not obey the voice of the Lord, but rushed upon the spoil and did what was evil in the sight of the Lord?”  Then Saul said to Samuel, “I did obey the voice of the Lord, and went on the mission on which the Lord sent me, and have brought back Agag the king of Amalek, and have utterly destroyed the Amalekites. But the people took some of the spoil, sheep and oxen, the choicest of the things devoted to destruction, to sacrifice to the Lord your God at Gilgal.” Samuel said,

“Has the Lord as much delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices

As in obeying the voice of the Lord?

Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice,

And to heed than the fat of rams.

For rebellion is as the sin of divination,

And insubordination is as iniquity and idolatry.

Because you have rejected the word of the Lord,

He has also rejected you from being king.”

…. As Samuel turned to go, Saul seized the edge of his robe, and it tore. So Samuel said to him, “The Lord has torn the kingdom of Israel from you today and has given it to your neighbor, who is better than you. Also the Glory of Israel will not lie or change His mind; for He is not a man that He should change His mind.” (1 Samuel 15:13-29, NASB)

Saul had been given a job to do by God. He obeyed partially, but not completely. So in other words, Saul was disobedient.

Then when Samuel, the spiritual leader of Israel, shows up, Saul shows his weakness. First, he tries to sound spiritual to impress Samuel, and thus uses God’s name in vain for his own glory. Then in an attempt to cover up his sin, Saul uses deception and blaming his subordinates to rationalize his sin.

When we feel the need to lie or pass the buck to cover our sin, it’s obvious we’re after our own glory rather than God’s.

When we lie or blame others to cover our sin, we’re after our own glory rather than God’s.
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Because Saul was disobedient to God, and then tried to cover up his sin with lies, rationalization, and blaming others, Samuel tells him that his rejection of God has resulted in God rejecting him as king. In fact, God–the Glory of Israel who does not lie or change His mind–has already chosen the one to replace him.

Whose Glory – The Complete Obedience of Samuel

Now the Lord said to Samuel, “How long will you grieve over Saul, since I have rejected him from being king over Israel? Fill your horn with oil and go; I will send you to Jesse the Bethlehemite, for I have selected a king for Myself among his sons.” But Samuel said, “How can I go? When Saul hears of it, he will kill me.” And the Lord said, “Take a heifer with you and say, ‘I have come to sacrifice to the Lord.’ You shall invite Jesse to the sacrifice, and I will show you what you shall do; and you shall anoint for Me the one whom I designate to you.” So Samuel did what the Lord said… (1 Samuel 16:1-4a, NASB)

In sharp contrast to the disobedience of Saul, in Samuel we see just the opposite. Verse 4 of this passage tells us simply that he “did what the Lord said.” Samuel obeyed completely, even when he feared for his life. Our obedience to God in spite of fear reveals whose glory we’re after.

Our obedience to God in spite of fear reveals whose glory we’re after.
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Getting This Right – Whose Glory Are You After?

Then David said to the Philistine, “You come to me with a sword, a spear, and a javelin, but I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have taunted. This day the Lord will deliver you up into my hands, and I will strike you down and remove your head from you… that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel, and that all this assembly may know that the Lord does not deliver by sword or by spear; for the battle is the Lord’s and He will give you into our hands.” (1 Samuel 17:45-47, NASB)

David’s example reveals the one thing we must absolutely all get right. Our job isn’t to make our name great, but to make great the name of the Holy God to whom we belong.

We must get this right: Whose glory are you after?
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Grace of God Movie Review and DVD Giveaway

When contacted by FlyBy Promotions about reviewing the Grace of God movie, I quickly agreed. Since my latest book Crossroads is about a prodigal, I was eager to see how the topic was handled in a different story.  In this post you’ll find information about the movie, my review, the book trailer, and a DVD giveaway of the movie.

Grace of God – About the Movie

Released on DVD March 24, 2015 | 99 Minutes

Genre: Family, Inspirational |  Rating: NR

Having lost his faith many years ago, Detective Bill Broadly is called to investigate the disappearance of the local church’s collection plate. As he questions its various church members, rumors swirl as more congregants learn about the theft. When one unexpected church-goer confesses to stealing the funds, the confession resurrects Broadly’s views on God, and helps him see that through faith and belief there really is rebirth and redemption.

Grace of God – My Review

As a writer of fiction, I am fully aware of the intricate depth and layers involved in story-telling. Take the story and turn it into a theatrical production, television show, or movie and suddenly the intricacy, depth and layers are increased ten-fold, as is the possibility that some parts could go wrong.

What I Liked:

As mentioned previously, the premise and topic of this movie caught my attention. As believers and the bride of Christ, we need to very much be aware that the world is watching. And what they see–or don’t see–can have an eternal impact.

The over-arching message of this movie is that all of humanity is in the same boat. We’re all sinners. And in God’s eyes it doesn’t matter if we steal a paper clip or $30,000. Both break His Law. Not one of us is innocent. All of us are guilty. This point was well-delivered through the story line.

I’m assuming the title of the movie comes from the fact that God’s grace covers our sin through the atoning sacrifice of Jesus. Though mentioned–along with a very clear picture of the plan of salvation–I feel like God’s grace could have been driven home with more precision. I also would have liked a little more clarification that God’s grace isn’t cheap or a Band-Aid we complacently paste on; instead it requires sincere confession and repentance on our part.

I also really enjoyed the acting of Vincent Duvall, who played Detective Bill Broadly in the movie and, in my estimation, held the story together. Unfortunately, neither Duvall nor the female lead are featured on the movie cover, which I found a bit odd. Erin Bethea and Lorenzo Lamas also delivered noteworthy performances.

Another positive for the movie is that it is billed as a family-friendly movie for older children. I can see where the topic of this film has the potential to spark important family conversations about God’s Law, the sin of humanity, and how God’s grace made a way for us in spite of our wrongdoing.

Too many faith-based stories make the characters seem perfect, which is a far cry from what the Bible reveals about mankind. So I appreciated that the movie portrayed humans–even the ones who call themselves by the name of Christ–as flawed individuals in need of the grace of God.

What I Didn’t Like:

Music – To me the background music played like a really bad melodrama or soap-opera.
Writing – The dialogue bounced back and forth between stagnant and over-the-top. It truly made me feel sorry for the actors who had to somehow make the script work.
Cinematography/Editing – The cinematography was lackluster and the editing sloppy.
 Acting – Some of the acting was so poor it distracted me from the story line, which is never a good thing. Part of this can undoubtedly be blamed on the script.
Theology – While I agreed with most of the theological content of this movie, there were some portions I questioned.
The sub-title – On the cover beneath the title of the movie are the words “A Story of Easter Traditions.” I have no clue how that sub-title has anything to do with this film since Easter is never even mentioned.
Religion – I didn’t particularly care for references to Christianity as religion. To me, Christianity is a relationship with our Maker and King.

In Conclusion:

Honestly, the Grace of God movie made my job as a reviewer difficult. I really wanted to like the movie, but it left me wanting more. The topic is so important and critical to the world we live in. Because of that, the film deserved more care and finesse.

All that said, I still believe the overall message is adequately portrayed, the topic and premise valid and intriguing, and that the film would be a good conversation-starter for families. As a writer (with my own share of negative reviews), I know that I’ve learned as much about crafting stories from the negative reviews as those that are positive. It’s my prayer that those involved in this movie won’t be discouraged by my review, but will take my comments as a way to improve their craft for the glory of our gracious God.

Grace of God – Movie Trailer

Grace of God – DVD Giveaway

#GraceofGodMovie DVD #Giveaway via @Cathy_Bryant @Walmart
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FlyBy Promotions has graciously offered a DVD giveaway of the Grace of God movie for one of you. The giveaway is open only in the US and Canada and will conclude on April 20, 2014. The winner will be randomly chosen via Rafflecopter.com. Enter the drawing via the Rafflecopter below.

Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.

Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway. If you have won a prize from our sponsor Propeller/FlyBy Promotions in the last 30 days, you are not eligible to win. Or if you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.”

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Which CROSSROADS Character Are You?

(Yes, yes, I know–I’ve already created a post by this title. But I decided to introduce the CROSSROADS characters this time around. I’ve included the fun quiz at the end so you can see which character from the latest Miller’s Creek novel you are most like.)

Before I write one word of a new story, I spend a LOT of time getting to know my main characters. I fill out lengthy character charts for each of them, which includes every aspect of their background–childhood, relationships, jobs, personality traits, tough life situations, etc. I also subject them to a battery of online personality tests.

Why do I go to all this trouble? Because if my characters aren’t ‘real’ people to me, I stand no chance of writing them well enough to convince savvy readers that they are ‘real.’

Anyway, without further ado, please allow me the privilege of introducing you to the characters of the latest Miller’s Creek novel, CROSSROADS.

Meet Mara, the Heroine of CROSSROADS

With each character I create for a novel, I find a picture (usually of an actor or actress) that helps me visualize the character as I write. This unusual picture of actress Julia Roberts was the perfect picture for the character of Mara Hedwig, the heroine of CROSSROADS.

To me this photo shows strength of character as well as a just-beneath-the-surface vulnerability and kindness, all of which describes Mara. She’s also maternal, driven, motivated by her desire to provide stability for her little girl, lonely, cynical (especially when it comes to matters of faith), a survivor, and distrusting.

Her public persona is very different from her private persona. In public, she’s all about appearances for the sake of her business, so she dresses to the hilt in business attire (yes, even in the back-roads Texas town of Miller’s Creek) and drives a Cadillac Escalade to have the appearance of success.

In private, she’s much more relaxed and casual in her dress, preferring to let her hair down, wear sweats or blue jeans, and to shuck her shoes. In her not-working hours, her life centers around being a mama to her little girl, Ashton.

Meet Carter, the Hero of CROSSROADS

I used this photograph of actor Geoff Stultz as inspiration for Carter Callahan. Carter is a former soldier, now serving on the police force of Miller’s Creek, who is strong in his faith and struggling to raise his teen-age daughter Chloe on his own. The one word that best describes him (as confirmed by his family, the infamous Callahan clan) is protector. When he meets the vulnerable and cynical Mara and her little girl, his life is literally turned upside down.

Why? Because as a protector/defender, he sees it as his job to win Mara back to faith in God. The only problem? He has bought the enemy’s lie that he’s not smart enough to win a war of words. All his previous battles have been fought with brawn and training, so how could he possibly win the battle of defending the faith to Mara?

Other words that describe Carter are: thrill-seeker, action-oriented, outdoors-man, caring, compassionate, and tender-hearted.

Meet Ashton, Mara’s Daughter in CROSSROADS

What is it about kids that tend to steal the spotlight in a book or movie? That definitely holds true for the character of Ashton, Mara’s little girl in CROSSROADS.

To play the part, I chose this picture of actress Dakota Fanning. Isn’t she cheek-pinching cute???

Words that describe Ashton are: precocious, sweet, smart, charming, and funny. She’s one of those kids that has a vocabulary of a thirty-year-old. I derived a lot of inspiration for this character from the role of the little girl Susan in the remake of the movie, Miracle on 34th Street (played by actress Mara Wilson).

In the story of CROSSROADS, Ashton faces a life-threatening illness. Once Carter and his teen-aged daughter Chloe enter her life, she is impacted for the faith. There’s nothing like that sweet, child-like faith to serve as the perfect picture of what faith in Christ should be like.

Meet Chloe, Carter’s Daughter in CROSSROADS

There is always at least one character in any story I write that ends up surprising me. Chloe was that character for me in writing CROSSROADS. This photo of actress Spencer Lacey Ganus served as my visual inspiration for the character of Chloe.

Honestly, I think the reason Chloe’s character surprised me so much is because teenagers are not normally my favorite people. To me, they tend to be self-centered, rebellious, and smart-mouthed.

Not that Chloe isn’t those things. She totally is. But throughout the story she grows into a mini adult, overcoming some of her own personal hangups and obstacles to become a compassion-filled cheerleader and champion for Ashton.

Other words that describe Chloe are: bouncy, moody, searching, and strong-willed. Of all people, Mara becomes the voice of reason for Chloe.

Which CROSSROADS Character Are You?

Now that you’ve met each of the main characters in CROSSROADS, I hope it makes this little quiz all the more fun. Please let us know in the comments which character you are the most like!

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Free Autographed Print Copies of New Miller’s Creek Novel

How would you like the following?

Free Autographed Print Copies of CROSSROADS at Goodreads

Thought you might be interested in knowing that I’m giving away three free autographed print copies of CROSSROADS over at Goodreads. The giveaway is open internationally, and the widget below will take you right where you need to be to enter.

While you’re there, would you mind adding CROSSROADS to your shelf? The button below links to the CROSSROADS book page on Goodreads. Thank you!

Goodreads Book Giveaway


Crossroads
by Cathy Bryant

Giveaway ends May 07, 2015.

See the giveaway details

at Goodreads.

Enter to win

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The Next Miller’s Creek Novel Launches Today

Squee! So excited to be launching the sixth Miller’s Creek novel, CROSSROADS!

Trust me, when you’ve brewed over, planned, written, rewritten, formatted, blah-blah-blah a new book, then launch day is a BIG DEAL! As in, cause-for-celebration big deal!

So as of today, we kick off a full month of festivities you don’t wanna miss. Be sure to bookmark this page to refer back to dates and places for the virtual book tour and other happenings!

CROSSROADS #MillersCreek novel (Christian Romance) by @Cathy_Bryant launches today!
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CROSSROADS Virtual Book Tour

The CROSSROADS Virtual Book Tour kicks off tomorrow and lasts right up until time for the CROSSROADS Launch Party (more about this below). Here are the stops that have been scheduled, and many of these will have either print or digital giveaways of the book. I’ll provide links once their posts go live. (Please show your support for these wonderful blog hostesses for allowing the book to be featured. Visit their site and leave a comment. They will appreciate it soooo much!)

April 7, 2015

ASC Book Reviews

April 8, 2015

Sarah Ruut
Clean Romance Reviews

April 9, 2015

I Hope You Dance in Life
The Musings of a Book Addict
Britt Reads Fiction
IBlog4Books

April 13, 2015

The Scribbling Sprite

April 14, 2015

My Seasons of Opportunities
Blueroses’ Heart

April 15, 2015

Tell Tale Book Reviews
A Soccer Mom’s Book Blog

April 16, 2015

Ausjenny
My Own Little Corner of the World

April 20, 2015

Perspectives By Nancee
A Sparrow Reads

April 21, 2015

Working Mommy Journal
My Seasons of Opportunities

April 22, 2015

Faith – Love – Books
Grace & Faith 4 U

April 23, 2015

Cindy Loven Reviews

April 27, 2015

Buzzing About Books
Trayer Wilderness

April 28, 2015

Sherida Stewart

April 29, 2015

Book Babble

Have you checked out the CROSSROADS virtual book tour? Two words…#free #books!
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CROSSROADS Reviewers

Reviewers are very important to the success of any book, as I recently posted about. Already some really mind-blowing reviews have come in. I’m listing links to them below, not only so you can read them, but also so you can show your support for the work these folks do. I’ll be adding to this list as more reviews roll in. For those with websites, please visit them to show your support. (Nothing says ‘thank you’ to a blogger like traffic!)

The Not So Perfect Housewife
Britt Reads Fiction
Linda Rainey
Carol Smith
Loren McGhee
Ann E.
Sharon Rudolph
Jeffrey Ward – “Chick Lit Man Fan”
Amy C.
Kandy S.
What Greater Love

Reviews for CROSSROADS are rolling in! Check ‘em out here!
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CROSSROADS Launch Party

 

This is one party you do NOT want to miss. The CROSSROADS Launch Party will be on Facebook on April 30, 2015 from 7:00-8:30 p.m. (CDT). As usual, there will be plenty of opportunities to win cool prizes like the ones listed in the photo, as well as autographed print copies and digital copies of Miller’s Creek novels. We’ll also have LOTS of fun and games! Click HERE to RSVP to the event.

#Giveaway! #KindleFireHD6 CROSSROADS Launch Party. Details here!
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Other Stuff

For those of you that are just now visiting my website, you can find out more about CROSSROADS (book description, book trailer, sample chapter, etc.) at this link: CatBryant.com/books/Crossroads
I’m delighted to be a part of fellow author Rachel Skatvold’s Book Launch Party! On Thursday, April 9th from 6:00-7:00 p.m. (CDT), I’ll be giving away prizes at the event. RSVP here: https://www.facebook.com/events/892935864062010/924896494199280/
Don’t forget the Book Launch Blowout! Many of my books are on sale for just 99-cents in celebration of the CROSSROADS release. This is a limited time offer, so don’t dilly-dally. (I just felt like saying ‘dilly-dally.’)

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