Janet Chester Bly's Blog, page 10

Bees In The Butterfly Garden, novel by Maureen Lang

Bees In The Butterfly Garden

A note from Maureen Lang:



I always say whatever book I'm working on is my favorite, but even though I'm
on to a new project I readily admit having had special fun with Bees In The
Butterfly Garden.



First, it's set in New York City's Gilded Age—a time easy to romanticize
if you stick to those who gilded the era. Lots of wealth to be found amid a
developing brand of American aristocracy . . . a world in which a thief's
daughter never should have been invited.


That's right, my heroine Meg is the daughter of a thief. Only Meg never knew that
her father has been a thief since she was a bit older than a toddler, after the
death of her mother. He protected her from the truth by sending her to be
raised at an exclusive New England school for girls. Living among the rich,
trained to be a lady, Meg nonetheless missed the one thing she's never had in
her life: a father's love. Little did she know he loved her in the only way he
knew how, by shielding her from himself.


So when he dies and his young and handsome protege tries—but fails—to keep the
truth hidden from her, she is enraged but determined to prove her father wrong
for having barred her from his life.


Although her father had asked Ian, his young protege, to keep an eye on his
daughter, Ian was told to do it from afar. . .The message was clear enough:
Ian clearly isn't good enough for her. She's a lady and he's a thief, just like
her father was.



Meg's determination to prove her father wrong inspires her to become just like
him, even posthumously. And Ian is presented with one  temptation
he can't pass up: not only working with the girl he's secretly loved since he
was a boy—but through her gaining access to some of Fifth Avenue's wealthiest
residents.


Who will catch them first? The Law. . .or God?


Not only was this book a lot of fun to write, it reminded me of the depth and
availability of God's grace. Enough grace to cover a multitude of sins.



Early reviews for Bees In the Butterfly Garden:



Library Journal:

This character-driven historical set in the American Gilded Age represents Lang
(Look to the East; Whisper on the Wind) at her best.  



Romantic
Times, 4 Stars

“Lang’s talent shines through in this first of the Gilded Legacy series. She
clearly depicts the difference between grace – an undeserved gift – and mercy –
when one is spared a deserved punishment. The grandeur of the era is evident in
the story, the charming characters, the beautifully descriptive prose and even
the cover!”  - Leslie L. McKee, RT Book Reviews,  July 2012



Special Bonus Recipe



The fictitious school in Bees In The Butterfly Garden is "Madame
Marisse's School For Girls." My heroine, Meg, would have received a
special cookie recipe awarded to each graduate, meant to be given to whatever
staff the wealthy heiresses would oversee. Although this recipe doesn't appear
in the book, this is what I imagine it might have been:



Madame Marisse's Morsels



1/2 Cup Oleo*

1/2 Cup butter

1 Cup Powdered Sugar

1 Egg

1 1/2 teaspoons extract of Almond

1 teaspoon extract of Vanilla

1 teaspoon salt



Mix all ingredients thoroughly. Using a teaspoon, shape 1 inch sized balls and
place on baking sheet. Press lightly with thumb.

Bake
in 375 degree oven for 9 minutes, until lightly browned on the bottom.

Dust with more powdered sugar if desired.








Maureen Lang

About Maureen:

Maureen Lang is a reader who figured
out at a very young age how to write what she wants to read. She penned her
first novel at age ten, and has been writing ever since. In fact, she’d rather
be writing or reading than doing just about anything else—but with a family and
a dog depending on her for breakfast, lunch and dinner, she feels like she’s in
the kitchen more often than at her desk or in her favorite chair with a book. 

Maureen is the author of a dozen books and has been nominated for a Christy,
Rita and Carol. She’s won a Holt Medallion and the Inspirational Reader’s
Choice Award, but none of that compare to the day her daughter told her she was
a good writer. Ah, recognition at home is rare indeed. 

Visit Maureen on the web
at www.maureenlang.com




Bees
In The Butterfly Garden can be purchased wherever fine books are sold, or
online at Amazon:>
Amazon.com Widgets

A DREAM OF HIS OWN, new novel by Gail Gaymer Martin

A Dream Of His OwnThe Story:
The only thing philanthropist Quinn O'Neill wants is to forget the accident that took his wife and son. He doesn't expect a fender bender with a lovely stranger to change his life in a major way. Struggling single mom Ava Darnell and her teenage son have their own hardships.
What better way for him to lend a hand than through the Dreams Come True Foundation? But helping Ava means earning her trust…and having faith that dreams of healing and family just might become reality.
Reviews: Touching finale. 4-1/2 Stars from Romantic Times
A Dream of His Own was everything I was hoping it would be, another sweet and sentimental book that speaks of the love that can be found even in the heart of someone who has known great pain. I loved this book just as much as I have loved this entire series.  I highly recommend it!  from Carly Bird's Home
Gail Gaymer Martin Bio: Multi-award-winning novelist, Gail Gaymer Martin writes Christian fiction for Love Inspired and has written for Barbour Publishing, where she was honored by Heartsong readers as their Favorite Author of 2008. Gail has sold over fifty novels with three and a half million books in print. She is the author of Writers Digest’s Writing the Christian Romance. 
Gail is a co-founder of American Christian Fiction Writers, a member of Christian Authors Network, a keynote speaker at churches, libraries and civic organizations  and a workshop presenter at conferences across the US. She was named one of the four best novelists in the Detroit area by CBS local news. 
Gail lives with her husband in a northwest Detroit suburb. Find out more about her at   www.gailmartin.com  - www.writingright-martin.blogspot.com
Purchase A Dream Of His Own anywhere books are sold or at online bookstores. Available on Kindle and other ebooks. Order here:    

Other books by Gail Gaymer Martin...
A Dad Of His Own - Love Inspired
A Family of Their Own - Love Inspired
Her Valentine Hero, Love Inspired Feb. 2013
Writing The Christian Romance - Writers Digest

PRISON BREAK by Janet Chester Bly

When you want peace from the stress of life, if you can play your own instrument. . .or sing a power song. . .or create your own surround sound, that's a bonus.
I enjoy pleasurable memories of my mother playing "Moonlight Sonata" or one of many other classics she mostly played by ear on her antique upright piano.
Singer Pam ThumPam Thum told interviewer Camerin J. Courtney in Today's Christian Woman that she was raised by traveling evangelist parents. They produced dramas for the road.
"But moving around every month or so was really hard. We'd pull into a new town and I'd go up to the kids and say, 'Hi, my name's Pam. Want to be my best friend for four weeks?"
She'd find some pals, then cry when they left town.
"I was a happy, bubbly kid on the outside, but deep inside I was lonely. With friends constantly ripped from me, I became fearful of goodbyes."
She found peace in her music, in helping her fans not to feel so lonely through her songs.
Paul and Silas in prison Charged with disturbing the peace, the magistrates ordered Paul and Silas to be stripped, beaten, flogged and tossed in jail (Acts 16). Talk about a very bad, no good day.
But instead of griping or cursing or wailing, Paul and Silas sang hymns. That got the ground to quake so hard, the prison rumbled, the doors flew open, and chains broke loose. Tossed like dirty, bloody mops into a moldy cellar, this pair praised God. Then, they refused to escape when they had a chance, on account of maybe saving some soul. In this case, the jailer's and all his household.
Their peace when they got an unfair shaft changed a whole family's eternal destiny.
How about trying to create music during your next torment that seems like a prison and see what happens? For you. For your circumstance. For those around you. You never know. You might walk out healed and free. And take some others with you.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Find free downloads of articles by Janet Chester Bly, including "31 Ways To Win The Fight For Personal Peace" at http://www.BlyBooks.com   Find out more about Pam Thum at http://www.PamThum.com 
Pam Thum CD, DVD & Devo Book

8 SIGNS OF HOT WESTERN TRENDS

Terry Burns

by Terry Burns




Copyright 2012

author & agent
for Hartline Literary Agency

website: http://www.terryburns.net/index.htm




I'm in an
invitation only online group with some of the most published western writers
today. Most of them have published hundreds of books. I've always been amazed
that they invited me in.



They have been discussing something that is very good news if the trend
continues. They have been noticing that royalties have been trending higher
than in recent years. Berkley, which has been a mainstay of the western book market
even when some other publishers quit doing them or scaled back is bringing back
some earlier series.




Other publishers
are starting to contract western titles and I'm talking to one smaller
publisher that is looking to start publishing a western line and wants me to
help him find good projects for it. eBook sales are adding to the picture and
publishers are starting to print more books to distribute. One by one western
authors on this online list chimed in reporting increases.



Westerns have suddenly reappeared on the shelves at Walmart, in supermarkets
where they haven't been before and some other places where they had all but
disappeared. Add to this the fact that one of the hottest venues in romance
these days are those with strong western characters, particularly books set in
Texas, and historical fiction that is set in that time period and in the old
west. One editor calls those "babes in bonnets books."



We've seen a renewed interest in western movies and television and hopefully
that is helping increase the readership in western books. (The remake of True
Grit demonstrated there is still a very strong audience for a western.)





Hailee Steinfeld & Jeff Bridges in True Grit


Media channels such
as Netflix have been steadily increasing their stock of classic westerns and
the studios that own them have been happy to respond to the demand by
re-releasing the titles. We are being told that there is more coming up in the
way of western tv and movies.



One of the best definitions of what a western is that I have heard is "a
morality play on horseback." I believe in our modern times where there is
such angst directed at Washington and such anger about the state of our economy
and our country that the stark simplicity of the western is a wonderful
release. It's the good guy versus the bad guy, usually with overwhelming odds,
but good is going to triumph. We yearn for more of that in our lives, and that
is a big factor in why people love westerns.



The interest in western books has always been cyclical, so perhaps this is the
beginning of the next up cycle. I know those of us that love the genre can help
by buying the titles coming out . . . and by talking up the fact that the
western is back. 




Can you say "self-fulfilling prophesy?" 









 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~




What good western
have you seen or read lately?




~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Available through Terry's website:  http://www.terryburns.net/index.htm



Saint's Roost by Terry Burns



Beyond The Smoke by Terry Burns



     

8 SIGNS OF HOT WESTERN TRENDS

Terry Burnsby Terry Burns
Copyright 2012author & agent for Hartline Literary Agencywebsite: http://www.terryburns.net/index.htm
I'm in an invitation only online group with some of the most published western writers today. Most of them have published hundreds of books. I've always been amazed that they invited me in.

They have been discussing something that is very good news if the trend continues. They have been noticing that royalties have been trending higherthan in recent years. Berkley, which has been a mainstay of the western book market even when some other publishers quit doing them or scaled back is bringing back some earlier series.
Other publishers are starting to contract western titles and I'm talking to one smaller publisher that is looking to start publishing a western line and wants me to help him find good projects for it. eBook sales are adding to the picture and publishers are starting to print more books to distribute. One by one western authors on this online list chimed in reporting increases.

Westerns have suddenly reappeared on the shelves at Walmart, in supermarkets where they haven't been before and some other places where they had all but disappeared. Add to this the fact that one of the hottest venues in romance these days are those with strong western characters, particularly books set in Texas, and historical fiction that is set in that time period and in the old west. One editor calls those "babes in bonnets books."

We've seen a renewed interest in western movies and television and hopefully that is helping increase the readership in western books. (The remake of True Grit demonstrated there is still a very strong audience for a western.)
Hailee Steinfeld & Jeff Bridges in True GritMedia channels such as Netflix have been steadily increasing their stock of classic westerns and the studios that own them have been happy to respond to the demand by re-releasing the titles. We are being told that there is more coming up in the way of western tv and movies.

One of the best definitions of what a western is that I have heard is "a morality play on horseback." I believe in our modern times where there is such angst directed at Washington and such anger about the state of our economy and our country that the stark simplicity of the western is a wonderful release. It's the good guy versus the bad guy, usually with overwhelming odds, but good is going to triumph. We yearn for more of that in our lives, and that is a big factor in why people love westerns.

The interest in western books has always been cyclical, so perhaps this is the beginning of the next up cycle. I know those of us that love the genre can help by buying the titles coming out . . . and by talking up the fact that the western is back. 
Can you say "self-fulfilling prophesy?" 

 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
What good western have you seen or read lately?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Available through Terry's website:  http://www.terryburns.net/index.htm Saint's Roost by Terry Burns Beyond The Smoke by Terry Burns     

HAVE YOU EVER BEEN HORNSWOGGLED?

Stephen Bly  (1944-2011)
Copyright©1993,2010
The man who called me on the phone the other night sounded friendly…maybe too friendly. It was the old, “Hi, Stephen. How are you doin’? How’s everything in Idaho? How’s the weather treatin’ the ranchers? Well, I know you aren’t thinkin’ about the busy fall yet, but I ran across a deal and you came to mind. Have you got a minute to hear about a truly great bargain?”
I took a breath and jumped right in. “I am rather tied up. Let’s get right to it. What are you trying to sell me?”
“Oh, well,” he stammered, as though I threw him off script. “Can I call back at a more convenient time?”
“I’ll be busy then too,” I insisted. Dino Power air compressor
He finally admitted he felt sure I’d want to purchase his air compressor. I asked about the price, the quality. Then, I discovered my long lost ‘friend’ worked for a telemarketing company. I explained that a) I had no use for an air compressor, and b) I never buy anything on the phone anyway. 
(As a side note: A week later, I noticed the same product at a warehouse store for $150 cheaper than the phone guy stated -- when you added up the installment payments he emphasized). He had the nerve to try to hornswoggle me.
Hornswoggle. . .that’s a great Old West term that nowadays means to try to hoax or swindle someone. But it originates with cowboys. It comes from the dodging and wriggling motion of a steer after its been roped, to attempt to toss off the loop thrown by the cowboy. The critter truly hornswoggles every time it escapes. A beast swindles a cowpuncher.
In the Bible’s warning against moral laxity (1 Corinthians 6:10 NIV), swindlers rate a prominent position on the list. To swindle is to misrepresent the truth, to outright lie, in order to take advantage of folks for one's personal gain, whether it's a matter of God's law or financial gain.
With time and experience, we learn to sense a hornswoggle a city block or country mile away. Better to detect the tendency in ourselves. . .when we bend the truth in order to escape some commitment. . .to our boss, our family, our friends, ourselves. . .even (especially) God.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 
When's the last time you were hornswoggled? How long did it take you to detect the deception?
~~~~~~~~~~~

Stuart Brannon's Final Shot
NOW AVAILABLE IN PAPERBACK (as well as hardback & ebook):
STUART BRANNON'S FINAL SHOT by Stephen Bly
(with Janet, Russell, Michael & Aaron Bly)

It's 1905. Two orphans flee Oregon's Tillamook Head. One of them is branded a hero. Dare they tell the truth and risk the wrath of a dangerous man? Meanwhile, a retired lawman searches for his missing U.S. Marshal friend while he grapples to learn the game of golf on behalf of a celebrity tournament.



Finishing Dad's novel was a family affair. Can a committee create fiction? We had the passion and four months to find out. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~
Hard Winter At Broken Arrow Crossing





The first 3 original Stuart Brannon Series books now available in paperback and ebook: 
Hard Winter At Broken Arrow Crossing, 
False Claims At The Little Stephen Mine and 
Last Hanging At Paradise Meadow. 






False Claims At The Little Stephen Mine    Last Hanging At Paradise Meadow

NEED SPIRITUAL SURROUND SOUND?

Janet Chester Bly at Oregon Beach


by Janet Chester Bly

Copyright 2008










When I need peace, I face the music. I pull out the CDs that pulsate with gentle wind, waves and seagull sounds, such as "Ocean Tides Interludes" by Steven Gruskin. I almost feel a crackling in my spine and spirit as my very sinews soothe.









Or I pluck up the full range of offerings by John Denver.

Or any Bill & Gloria Gaither recording will do.

Or I download a full orchestra without voices.




In that one way, I can call upon the healing benefits of peace any time I want. And so can you. What are your peace tunes?






If you were assaulted by noisy neighbors in a hotel room what songs would you play on your iPod or Walkman that would mask the intrusive clamor and help you fall asleep? What would bring quiet? Rest? Sweet relief? Once you've isolate your trove of tunes, record them back-to-back, so you can enjoy the best ones straight through for your peace break. I like to pull a couple here and there from each singer or group I enjoy.




Play them when pouring over your tax returns. Or dealing with your ex. Or trying to figure out a new computer. Or answering the phone for the umpteenth ring. Listen to them while doing housework or homework, commuting to your job, or raking leaves (pine needles in my neck of the woods). Orchestrate your own placid isle at the peak of your storms. The world in all its fury may remain, but the sharp points can be softened.






If you have means, hire your own live music. That's how King Saul tamed his inner beast. "Some of Saul's servants suggested a remedy. 'Let us find a good musician to play the harp for you whenever the tormenting spirit is bothering you. The harp music will quiet you, and you will soon be well again'" (1 Samuel 16:16 NIV).




~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~




What's the music that washes peace over you every time you hear it?




~~~~~~~~~~~~~



Get free article downloads, such as "31 Days To Win The Fight For Personal Peace," for yourself or your study group at the Bly Books website: http://www.BlyBooks.com

NEED SPIRITUAL SURROUND SOUND?

Janet Chester Bly at Oregon Beachby Janet Chester BlyCopyright 2008


When I need peace, I face the music. I pull out the CDs that pulsate with gentle wind, waves and seagull sounds, such as "Ocean Tides Interludes" by Steven Gruskin. I almost feel a crackling in my spine and spirit as my very sinews soothe.

Or I pluck up the full range of offerings by John Denver.Or any Bill & Gloria Gaither recording will do.Or I download a full orchestra without voices.
In that one way, I can call upon the healing benefits of peace any time I want. And so can you. What are your peace tunes?
If you were assaulted by noisy neighbors in a hotel room what songs would you play on your iPod or Walkman that would mask the intrusive clamor and help you fall asleep? What would bring quiet? Rest? Sweet relief? Once you've isolate your trove of tunes, record them back-to-back, so you can enjoy the best ones straight through for your peace break. I like to pull a couple here and there from each singer or group I enjoy.
Play them when pouring over your tax returns. Or dealing with your ex. Or trying to figure out a new computer. Or answering the phone for the umpteenth ring. Listen to them while doing housework or homework, commuting to your job, or raking leaves (pine needles in my neck of the woods). Orchestrate your own placid isle at the peak of your storms. The world in all its fury may remain, but the sharp points can be softened.
If you have means, hire your own live music. That's how King Saul tamed his inner beast. "Some of Saul's servants suggested a remedy. 'Let us find a good musician to play the harp for you whenever the tormenting spirit is bothering you. The harp music will quiet you, and you will soon be well again'" (1 Samuel 16:16 NIV).
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
What's the music that washes peace over you every time you hear it?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Get free article downloads, such as "31 Days To Win The Fight For Personal Peace," for yourself or your study group at the Bly Books website: http://www.BlyBooks.com

HURRAH! & HOOK ‘EM!

Cowboy Rider, painting by Russell BlyStephen Bly Copyright©1993,2010

The National Finals Rodeo (NFR) is like the World Series or the Super Bowl. The very best cowboys and cowgirls in the world converge on Las Vegas every December to compete for millions in prize money. Not only do you watch superior rodeo athletes, but also the top bucking stock. Every bareback horse, saddle bronc and bull puts on an entertaining show of their own.
In addition, the event attracts the most knowledgeable rodeo fans. It’s not unusual to hear someone high up in the Thomas & Mack Arena holler, “Hook ‘em, cow!” That’s a shout of encouragement used since the days when rodeos provided after-work recreation at the branding corrals.
“Hook ‘em, cow!” That’s rodeo talk. Every sport’s got its own vocabulary. When a team-mate’s down or just getting steam, you’re liable to hear roars from the crowd or dugout or the coach’s bench. Sure, there’s boos. But also plenty of bravos and cheers.
The Bible exhorts us to spur others on in their trials and troubles: “Encourage one another daily” (Hebrews 3:13).
What do you say to someone who’s going through a mental, physical, or spiritual struggle? You might mention how sorry you are that they have to go through this crisis. “I’ll pray for you,” often means you’ll pray that the problem will go away, that he or she won’t have to face hard stuff.
That’s misguided.
What if you told the rodeo cowboy, “I’m so sorry you have to ride or chase that mean old bull. Maybe he’ll get sick and not show up. Or not buck at all!” But what he wants is the bull’s full participation, to buck its head off, so better to prove his ability to stay on anyway. To be a champion.
Life’s a ride, sometimes a very rough one. You need cheerleaders. You also need to be the one who reassures and heartens others. So those in the chutes can meet each new challenge head-on midst roars of "Hurrah!"


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Ever been to a rodeo? What impressed you most?
When was time you most needed and encouragement and who gave it to you?
~~~~~~~~~~~
  Stuart Brannon's Final ShotNow available -- hardback & ebook & paperback
Stuart Brannon's Final Shot, by Stephen Bly
with Janet Chester Bly, Russell Bly, Michael Bly & Aaron BlyFinishing Dad's novel was a family affair. Can a committee create fiction? We had the passion and four months to find out.
 
It's 1905. Two orphans flee from Oregon's Tillamook Head. One of them is branded a hero. Dare they tell the truth and risk the wrath of a dangerous man? Meanwhile, a retired lawman searches for his missing U.S. Marshal friend while he grapples with the game of golf on behalf of a celebrity tournament.
 
The first 3 original Stuart Brannon Series and Stuart Brannon's Final Shot now available on Amazon Kindle, Nook & Apple iBook. Paperback releases soon. Titles: Hard Winter At Broken Arrow Crossing, False Claims At The Little Stephen Mine and Last Hanging At Paradise Meadow.
 
"Stuart Brannon's Final Shot delivers and reminds us what we'll miss most about the beloved author." Jerry B. Jenkins, NYT Bestselling novelist & biographer

COWBOY HONDAS

                                          By Stephen Bly




    Copyright©1993,2010




Long before Japanese car imports…in fact, decades before
they invented automobiles…hondas existed in the U.S.A. To an old-time cowboy, a
honda is a knotted or spliced eyelet at the business end of a rope used for
making or building a loop.

 

Sometimes a metal honda or ring was used, but many a
cattleman figured the metal could gouge out an eye and wouldn’t set tight as
well. So, most hondas are tied into the rope itself, whether it’s hemp or
nylon, with a piece of slick leather, called a burner, sewn about the upper end
of the loop. The rope won’t easily wear through it. A rawhide reata
consists of a honda braided into the rope.






The honda is a tiny loop that allows the main part of the
rope to thread like string through the eye of a needle. The honda and the
burner provide places to check out an old rope to see how much it’s been
abused. No matter what the size of the catch, the pressure mounts on the honda.




 Ever feel like a
honda? Got the main stress for a program? A group? A problem? A relationship?




St. Paul endured that kind of tension: “Besides everything
else, I face daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches. Who is
weak, and I do not feel weak? Who is led into sin, and I do not inwardly burn?”
(2 Corinthians 11:28,29).




Everyone who's serious about leadership relates to Paul. That’s part
of the calling, the divine duty to bear.




Here’s some simple helps if you’re feeling honda heavy.






1) Get out. Breathe a moment of pure air. Jiggle some joy.

2) Take some time off—get away from the strain, if only an
hour or two.

2) Plan a mini-vacation—one you’ve put off for a long time.
3) Save change in a get-away jar—fun money that
saves your sanity.



 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~





Stuart Brannon's Final Shot

 Stuart Brannon's Final Shot by Stephen Bly

(with Janet, Russell, Michael & Aaron Bly)

now available in hardback. . .ebook. . .paperback.




Finishing Dad's novel was a family affair. Can a committee create fiction? We had the passion and four months to find out.


Two orphans flee Oregon's Tillamook Head. One of them is branded a hero. Dare they tell the truth and risk the wrath of a dangerous man? Meanwhile, a retired lawman searches for his missing U.S. Marshal friend while he grapples with the game of golf on behalf of a celebrity tournament.




www.Amazon.com

www.BarnesandNoble.com

www.BlyBooks.com