Betsy St. Amant's Blog, page 11
November 22, 2012
Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy turkey day! And uh pumpkin pie day! And oh yeah cranberry sauce day! And green bean casserole day!! And my-mom's-famous-tea-cake-cookies-with-powdered-sugar-icing-that-we-only-get-on-holidays-because-they're-such-a-headache-to-make day!!! :)
YAY!!!!
And happy gratitude day :)
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Published on November 22, 2012 04:00
November 21, 2012
Scribble Chicks and pet peeves
Visit me today at http://www.scribblechicks.blogspot.com while we talk about our biggest pet peeves in writing!
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Published on November 21, 2012 06:55
November 20, 2012
Do you like hunky Navy Seals?
Hmmm. I think my subject title sounds a little like a SPAM email. HAHAHA. Oops ;)
Seriously though, Liz Johnson's newest Love Inspired Suspense, A PROMISE TO PROTECT, has a hunky Navy Seal and soooo much more - relatable, three dimensional characters you immediately connect with, a side of quirky, realistic side characters that move the story forward, an excellent suspenseful plot with surprises, and plenty of romance.
I loved how Liz incorporated the Navy Seal "lingo" so naturally into the story, but in a way us civilians could still understand. It really gave the book a unique and interesting edge and showed how much she did her research.
About the book:
Navy SEAL Matt Waterstone knows about keeping people safe. When his best friend's sister is attacked, Matt promises no harm will come to Ashley Sawyer—not on his watch. But Matt's not the only protective one. Ashley will do anything to safeguard the residents of the battered women's shelter she runs. She's sure she can handle the threats she gets in return. What she can't handle is the way Matt scales the walls around her heart. Yet when she falls prey to a crime web far more sinister than she'd realized, trusting Matt could be the only way to survive….
This is one great story you definitely don't want to miss :) The official release date is November 27th and your local Wal-Mart just might have it on the shelf a day or two early as they're known to do. The perfect, affordable, holiday read for your own shelf or to add to a Christmas gift. :)
Liz is a friend of mine and a talented writer. Check out her back list too at her website!
http://www.lizjohnsonbooks.com/
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Seriously though, Liz Johnson's newest Love Inspired Suspense, A PROMISE TO PROTECT, has a hunky Navy Seal and soooo much more - relatable, three dimensional characters you immediately connect with, a side of quirky, realistic side characters that move the story forward, an excellent suspenseful plot with surprises, and plenty of romance.
I loved how Liz incorporated the Navy Seal "lingo" so naturally into the story, but in a way us civilians could still understand. It really gave the book a unique and interesting edge and showed how much she did her research.
About the book:
Navy SEAL Matt Waterstone knows about keeping people safe. When his best friend's sister is attacked, Matt promises no harm will come to Ashley Sawyer—not on his watch. But Matt's not the only protective one. Ashley will do anything to safeguard the residents of the battered women's shelter she runs. She's sure she can handle the threats she gets in return. What she can't handle is the way Matt scales the walls around her heart. Yet when she falls prey to a crime web far more sinister than she'd realized, trusting Matt could be the only way to survive….
This is one great story you definitely don't want to miss :) The official release date is November 27th and your local Wal-Mart just might have it on the shelf a day or two early as they're known to do. The perfect, affordable, holiday read for your own shelf or to add to a Christmas gift. :)

http://www.lizjohnsonbooks.com/
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Published on November 20, 2012 04:55
November 19, 2012
Sophia the first
This week is Thanksgiving and I'm starting the week with an attitude of gratitude. :)
Many on Facebook are doing a countdown every day of November until Thanksgiving with things they are thankful for. I haven't done that to date but it has made me pause and think of my blessings more than usual.
Today, one of the many things I'm thankful for is Sophia the first - the adorable Disney movie that premiered last night that my daughter had been eagerly awaiting for a month! We got to snuggle in the chair in PJ's and watch it together, and I didn't take a single second of it for granted. She was enthralled and I was content and it was a great night. The kind of moments that slip past if we don't stop to take them in, especially with our kids....wow.
What are you thankful for?
Catch more lessons in gratitude over at http://www.writergetsreal.blogspot.com today :)
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Many on Facebook are doing a countdown every day of November until Thanksgiving with things they are thankful for. I haven't done that to date but it has made me pause and think of my blessings more than usual.
Today, one of the many things I'm thankful for is Sophia the first - the adorable Disney movie that premiered last night that my daughter had been eagerly awaiting for a month! We got to snuggle in the chair in PJ's and watch it together, and I didn't take a single second of it for granted. She was enthralled and I was content and it was a great night. The kind of moments that slip past if we don't stop to take them in, especially with our kids....wow.
What are you thankful for?
Catch more lessons in gratitude over at http://www.writergetsreal.blogspot.com today :)
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Published on November 19, 2012 07:05
November 16, 2012
I'm featuring author Cathy West on my new blog today over...
I'm featuring author Cathy West on my new blog today over at http://www.writergetsreal.blogspot.com
If you've ever dealt with rejection, in or outside the writing industry, you don't want to miss this post. Come get real with me and Cathy! :)
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If you've ever dealt with rejection, in or outside the writing industry, you don't want to miss this post. Come get real with me and Cathy! :)
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Published on November 16, 2012 10:14
November 15, 2012
Grace & Politics
So yesterday I sort of got myself in trouble on Facebook because in a rare moment, I vented about something political/spiritual. Should have seen that coming! I learned my lesson - not necessarily that I shouldn't ever share my opinions or views, but that I need to get ALL the facts straight, and need to pray before posting even if I'm well versed on the topic.
Basically, I vented about the Hobby Lobby controversy - you know, how they're being forced (along with other Christian businesses) to increase their insurance policies to include the morning after pill for employees. I've read a lot about the morning after pill over the past few years, and believed it to be the equivalent of an abortion pill.
http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/lookout/h...
However, I was provided with a ton of info that actually contradicted that view. Some believe that to be true but medically/technically, the morning after pill is PREVENTATIVE. Not a "fix" if you're already pregnant from the night before. In essence, it's like a super big dose of a birth control pill.
Hobby Lobby said they were not opposed to birth control, but opposed to the morning after pill. They apparently see it differently. I guess it boils down to when you believe life is conceived.
Now there's FB sites dedicated to a Hobby Lobby boycott from upset women. I'm now wanting to spend ALL my money at Hobby Lobby because I'm so proud of them for standing up for their faith.
I'd love your opinions on this hairy topic! How do you see it?
(it's also really hard to trust 100% any news article you read on any topic lately, because it's so slanted)
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Basically, I vented about the Hobby Lobby controversy - you know, how they're being forced (along with other Christian businesses) to increase their insurance policies to include the morning after pill for employees. I've read a lot about the morning after pill over the past few years, and believed it to be the equivalent of an abortion pill.
http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/lookout/h...
However, I was provided with a ton of info that actually contradicted that view. Some believe that to be true but medically/technically, the morning after pill is PREVENTATIVE. Not a "fix" if you're already pregnant from the night before. In essence, it's like a super big dose of a birth control pill.
Hobby Lobby said they were not opposed to birth control, but opposed to the morning after pill. They apparently see it differently. I guess it boils down to when you believe life is conceived.
Now there's FB sites dedicated to a Hobby Lobby boycott from upset women. I'm now wanting to spend ALL my money at Hobby Lobby because I'm so proud of them for standing up for their faith.
I'd love your opinions on this hairy topic! How do you see it?
(it's also really hard to trust 100% any news article you read on any topic lately, because it's so slanted)
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Published on November 15, 2012 05:06
November 14, 2012
Visit me today at Scribble Chicks!
Visit me today at Scribble Chicks and read some fiction craft tips on writing the opposite gender's POV (point of view) scenes.
www.scribblechicks.blogspot.com
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www.scribblechicks.blogspot.com
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Published on November 14, 2012 05:45
November 13, 2012
Thanksgiving festivities
Apparently Thanksgiving is a big deal at preschool ;)
This week my Little Miss has a Thanksgiving feast, complete with wearing paper Pilgrim/Indian oufits (Are they still saying Indian in schools these days? Or is that not PC anymore? I guess it's Native Americans. Been really confusing trying to explain to her who Columbus is vs "but weren't the Indians there first?" Haha, leave it to the four year old to dive into the biggest debate in American history ::wink::), Turkey crafts, lessons in thankfulness, and...she got to disguise a turkey.
Yep. They each had a turkey coloring page to design a disguise for, so the turkey wouldn't get gobbled up for Thanksgiving. It was hilarious. One student made hers into a Pinkalicious character (do you know those children stories?) another was a bat, and of course, Little Miss made hers into a Princess. It was quite glamorous.
How fun! :) I'm telling you, a week of "adult preschool" would probably bring world peace. I mean, really. Crafts. Snacks. Naps. Lessons in sharing and gratitude. Do you see my point?
What's your favorite part of Thanksgiving? Besides the pumpkin pie because that's just, like, a given ;)
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This week my Little Miss has a Thanksgiving feast, complete with wearing paper Pilgrim/Indian oufits (Are they still saying Indian in schools these days? Or is that not PC anymore? I guess it's Native Americans. Been really confusing trying to explain to her who Columbus is vs "but weren't the Indians there first?" Haha, leave it to the four year old to dive into the biggest debate in American history ::wink::), Turkey crafts, lessons in thankfulness, and...she got to disguise a turkey.
Yep. They each had a turkey coloring page to design a disguise for, so the turkey wouldn't get gobbled up for Thanksgiving. It was hilarious. One student made hers into a Pinkalicious character (do you know those children stories?) another was a bat, and of course, Little Miss made hers into a Princess. It was quite glamorous.
How fun! :) I'm telling you, a week of "adult preschool" would probably bring world peace. I mean, really. Crafts. Snacks. Naps. Lessons in sharing and gratitude. Do you see my point?
What's your favorite part of Thanksgiving? Besides the pumpkin pie because that's just, like, a given ;)
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Published on November 13, 2012 03:45
November 11, 2012
Happy Veteran's Day!
On behalf of my Marine Granddaddy and a host of other friends in the military - HAPPY VETERAN'S DAY!!!
God bless the troops :)
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Published on November 11, 2012 18:51
November 10, 2012
One of the best books I've ever read.
This was one of the best books I've ever read.
I know that's a bold statement, but seriously. I know part of it is due to the fact that Jim is a talented author, the story was suspenseful and driven and entertaining, and well written - but it was also largely due to the fact that I'm going through a personal storm right now that really related for me, so the content of this story is dear to my heart and urged me on in a way I needed - in a way God knew I needed. Such a blessing.
Let me assure you, God is using Jim Rubart in the fiction industry, and you really don't want to miss this story. I can't wait for the rest of the series. I hope you give it a chance, even if it's not your typical genre :)
About Soul's Gate: Book 1 in the Well Spring series.
"Every now and then we get a break from reality. A glimpse into the other world that is more real than the reality we live in 99 percent of our days. The Bible is about a world of demons and angels and great evil and even greater glory."
What if you could travel inside another person's soul? To battle for them. To be part of Jesus healing their deepest wounds. To help set them free to step boldly into their divinely designed future.
Thirty years ago that's exactly what Reece Roth did. Until tragedy shattered his life and ripped away his future.
Now God has drawn Reece out of the shadows to fulfill a prophecy spoken over him three decades ago. A prophecy about four warriors with the potential to change the world . . . if Reece will face his deepest regret and teach them what he has learned.
They gather at a secluded and mysterious ranch deep in the mountains of Colorado, where they will learn to see the spiritual world around them with stunning clarity-and how to step into the supernatural.
Their training is only the beginning. The four have a destiny to pursue a freedom even Reece doesn't fully fathom. But they have an enemy hell-bent on destroying them and he'll stop at nothing to keep them from their quest for true freedom and the coming battle of souls. Link to buy the book: http://ow.ly/eGyGA
[image error]Meet Jim:
James L. Rubart is a professional marketer, speaker, and writer. While being the owner of Barefoot Marketing certainly keeps him on his toes, his passion is writing fiction.
Rubart is an ECPA best-selling author who has been positively reviewed by both Publisher's Weekly and Romantic Times. His first novel,Rooms, won a Best Books 2011 award from USA Book News, as well as a Romantic Times Book Reviews Reviewers Choice Award. His debut release was followed by Book of Days and The Chair. Soul's Gate is Rubart's fourth release.
In addition to being an author, Rubart is also a photographer, guitarist, professional speaker, golfer and semi-pro magician. With all of this, he says that he barely sleeps. Rubart lives with his wife and sons in the Pacific Northwest.
Find out more about Jim at http://jimrubart.com/. ***To save the photos above to use on your blog, please right click on the photo and "save as". Landing page: http://litfusegroup.com/author/JRubart
Win an iPad Mini from @JimRubart and RSVP for his Live Video Chat {11/13}!The first book in best-selling author Jim Rubart's new series, Soul's Gate, releases on November 6th! To celebrate, Jim has teamed up with his publisher, Thomas Nelson, for a virtual book tour, iPad Mini giveaway and a Live Video Author Chat {11/13}. Watch the video trailer for the book here.
One "soulful" winner will receive:
A brand new iPad Mini
Soul's Gate by Jim Rubart {Be caught up in this captivating series.}
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on November 12th. Winner will be announced at the "Soul's Gate Author Chat Party on 11/13 . Connect with Jim for an evening of book chat, trivia, and a live video chat! There will also be a chance to win gift certificates, books, and other fun prizes!
So grab your copy of Soul's Gate and join Jim on the evening of the November 13th for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book - don't let that stop you from coming!)
Don't miss a moment of the fun; RSVP today. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 13th!
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I know that's a bold statement, but seriously. I know part of it is due to the fact that Jim is a talented author, the story was suspenseful and driven and entertaining, and well written - but it was also largely due to the fact that I'm going through a personal storm right now that really related for me, so the content of this story is dear to my heart and urged me on in a way I needed - in a way God knew I needed. Such a blessing.
Let me assure you, God is using Jim Rubart in the fiction industry, and you really don't want to miss this story. I can't wait for the rest of the series. I hope you give it a chance, even if it's not your typical genre :)
About Soul's Gate: Book 1 in the Well Spring series.
"Every now and then we get a break from reality. A glimpse into the other world that is more real than the reality we live in 99 percent of our days. The Bible is about a world of demons and angels and great evil and even greater glory."
What if you could travel inside another person's soul? To battle for them. To be part of Jesus healing their deepest wounds. To help set them free to step boldly into their divinely designed future.
Thirty years ago that's exactly what Reece Roth did. Until tragedy shattered his life and ripped away his future.
Now God has drawn Reece out of the shadows to fulfill a prophecy spoken over him three decades ago. A prophecy about four warriors with the potential to change the world . . . if Reece will face his deepest regret and teach them what he has learned.
They gather at a secluded and mysterious ranch deep in the mountains of Colorado, where they will learn to see the spiritual world around them with stunning clarity-and how to step into the supernatural.
Their training is only the beginning. The four have a destiny to pursue a freedom even Reece doesn't fully fathom. But they have an enemy hell-bent on destroying them and he'll stop at nothing to keep them from their quest for true freedom and the coming battle of souls. Link to buy the book: http://ow.ly/eGyGA
[image error]Meet Jim:
James L. Rubart is a professional marketer, speaker, and writer. While being the owner of Barefoot Marketing certainly keeps him on his toes, his passion is writing fiction.
Rubart is an ECPA best-selling author who has been positively reviewed by both Publisher's Weekly and Romantic Times. His first novel,Rooms, won a Best Books 2011 award from USA Book News, as well as a Romantic Times Book Reviews Reviewers Choice Award. His debut release was followed by Book of Days and The Chair. Soul's Gate is Rubart's fourth release.
In addition to being an author, Rubart is also a photographer, guitarist, professional speaker, golfer and semi-pro magician. With all of this, he says that he barely sleeps. Rubart lives with his wife and sons in the Pacific Northwest.
Find out more about Jim at http://jimrubart.com/. ***To save the photos above to use on your blog, please right click on the photo and "save as". Landing page: http://litfusegroup.com/author/JRubart
Win an iPad Mini from @JimRubart and RSVP for his Live Video Chat {11/13}!The first book in best-selling author Jim Rubart's new series, Soul's Gate, releases on November 6th! To celebrate, Jim has teamed up with his publisher, Thomas Nelson, for a virtual book tour, iPad Mini giveaway and a Live Video Author Chat {11/13}. Watch the video trailer for the book here.

One "soulful" winner will receive:
A brand new iPad Mini
Soul's Gate by Jim Rubart {Be caught up in this captivating series.}
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on November 12th. Winner will be announced at the "Soul's Gate Author Chat Party on 11/13 . Connect with Jim for an evening of book chat, trivia, and a live video chat! There will also be a chance to win gift certificates, books, and other fun prizes!
So grab your copy of Soul's Gate and join Jim on the evening of the November 13th for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book - don't let that stop you from coming!)



Don't miss a moment of the fun; RSVP today. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 13th!
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Published on November 10, 2012 05:20