Victoria Simcox's Blog, page 46

Rock Bottom (An Imogene Museum Mystery Book 1)

Meredith Morehouse, curator of the eclectic Imogene Museum, is suddenly short-staffed. Her favorite (and only) graduate student intern, Greg, is missing—without leaving behind so much as an empty pizza box, to say nothing of a note.
Plus, a prowler has been rearranging the museum’s brand new chamber pot exhibit. When Meredith's nighttime vigil to flush out the intruder results in witnessing a murder, she calls in Sheriff Marge Stettler. Soon nearly all the other inhabitants of the small town of Platts Landing, Washington, (including hunky tugboat captain Pete Sills) are in on the hunt—for the killers and a body that’s drifting down the Columbia River. Is the dead man her intern or somebody else? And if it's somebody else, where on earth is Greg?
Revised edition: This edition of Rock Bottom includes editorial revisions. Jerusha Jones lives in a small town in the west end of the Columbia River Gorge. When she grows up, she fully intends to be a feisty old lady. In the meantime, she regularly maxes out her library's lending limit, has happily declared a truce with the clover in the lawn, but is fanatical about sealing up cracks in her old house, armed with a caulking gun. Due to the number of gaps she has yet to locate, however, she has also perfected her big-spider shriek.
Jerusha loves wool socks, Pink Lady apples with crunchy peanut butter, scenery of breathtaking grandeur, and weather just cool enough to require a sweater, all of which are plentiful in the Pacific Northwest. She is eternally grateful to have escaped the corporate world with its relentless, mind-numbing meetings and now writes (or doodles or fantasizes or cogitates or stares out the window or whatever you want to call it) full time. To be notified of new book releases, you can sign up for Jerusha's email newsletter on her website: jerushajones.comLinksAmazon: https://tinyurl.com/ybyqq9dpTwitter:@JerushaJones

Joyful, Joyful (All in a Name Book 1)

 Joy Fullerton was just an eleven year-old kid. That’s all. Granted, her nose was too long, her face was too narrow, and her extremely tall body was almost stick-thin. And, if that weren’t enough to doom her to merciless teasing by the kids on the school bus, she was painfully, painfully shy.
On his first day at her school, Grant Cooper demanded to know what Joy’s name was. Afraid not to answer, she got as far as “Joy Ful…” when he jumped in with a loud taunt. “Joyful, joyful, she’s got a nose-ful. She don’t look to me so joyful!” Day in and day out, she heard this from Grant, and all the other kids on board who took up the taunt, morning and afternoon.
Now, over twenty years later, and a lot of life gone past, Grant shows up at her medical practice. He doesn’t recognize Dr. Joy Fullerton at all, but before entering the exam room, she reads on the chart that the patient’s name is Grant Cooper. She’d never forgotten that name. When she opens the exam room door… sure enough, it’s him.
She’d never forgiven him. So… what happens now?! Sheila HolmesMy adorable husband and I live totally surrounded by forest in a couple of acres of the most beautiful area in North Carolina. We built this home over thirty years ago when we moved here (with no jobs nor any prospects) from Southern California. Yes, we moved from the west coast to the east coast. And the best part? We’ve never once regretted it. This is truly home!We’re empty-nesters, having the most amazing daughter who had the audacity to grow up, get married and move far, far away (well, five miles away, anyhow). She and her husband are the delights of our lives. We spend inordinate amounts of time with them. We’re blessed! Now that it’s just the two of us, I have more time to pursue some of the really fun things that the busyness of life (raising a family and teaching high school) didn’t afford me earlier.
My greatest joys these days are to write, cook, bake, and not clean house (pretty much in that order). I mean really… I had the spotless house all the years our daughter was home, now… not so much. In fact, the dust on the furniture I consider to be an “opportunity.” After all, it makes a wonderful page to write notes on for any new writing endeavors, or to note any changes I’d like to make in present writings. I encourage guests to autograph my coffee table. I only ask that when they put the date, they exclude the year. Okay, what’s up with my writing? I will just say this. I don’t sleep well. When I inevitably get up for several hours nightly, there is nothing more satisfying than laying pen to paper (just kidding, I have a computer and key in everything, but the old image is so much more romantically dramatic, right?!). What do I write? Well, my favorite is contemporary Christian fiction, followed by Christmas romance plans for husbands and wives. I just love them both! You can read about my two latest Christmas romance plans here. So much fun! About ten years ago, I thought I’d try my hand at creating some cutesy love certificates, but it has grown so much over this last decade that I now have two other web sites that carry my marriage certificate designs and marriage vow renewal certificate designs, http://www.certificate-of-marriage.com and http://www.marriage-vow-renewal.com. Yes, I’m a busy little child. But, I would really ‘miss the boat’ (did I really just use that old broken down phrase?) if I didn’t share the greatest thrill in life. Jesus, The One who loves me so much that when I was spiritually dead in my sins, He took it on Himself to pay the penalty for me. I’m free! My husband, our daughter, and our son-in-law are free! We’ve each accepted His precious gift of salvation and rejoice together. We’re a redeemed family! My hope is that you’ll find me, find my books, and that I will provide you with hours of reading enjoyment. It would be a win-win! For you… some reading pleasure. For me… an outlet for a mind that just doesn’t want to shut down.Other LinksAmazon:https://tinyurl.com/ycghj8bsTwitter:   @AuthorWriterSH

Deadly Encounter (FBI Task Force Book 1)

 Airport Ranger volunteer Stacy Broussard expected a peaceful Saturday morning ride around the perimeter of Houston’s airport. What she encounters instead is a brutal homicide and a baffling mystery. Next to the body is an injured dog, the dead man’s motorcycle, and a drone armed with a laser capable of taking down a 747.

Though FBI Special Agent Alex LeBlanc sees a clear-cut case of terrorism, his past has taught him to be suspicious of everyone, even witnesses. Even bleeding-heart veterinarians like Stacy. But when her gruesome discovery is only the first in a string of incidences that throw her life into a tailspin, Alex begins to wonder if Stacy was targeted. As a health emergency endangers Stacy’s community, and the task force pulls in leads from all directions, Alex and Stacy must work together to prevent another deadly encounter. DiAnn Mills is a bestselling author who believes her readers should expect an adventure. She combines unforgettable characters with unpredictable plots to create action-packed, suspense-filled novels.

Her titles have appeared on the CBA and ECPA bestseller lists; won two Christy Awards; and been finalists for the RITA, Daphne Du Maurier, Inspirational Readers’ Choice, and Carol award contests. Library Journal presented her with a Best Books 2014: Genre Fiction award in the Christian Fiction category for Firewall.

DiAnn is a founding board member of the American Christian Fiction Writers; a member of Advanced Writers and Speakers Association; International Thriller Writers, and the Faith, Hope, and Love chapter of Romance Writers of America. She is co-director of Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference with social media specialist Edie Melson where she continues her passion of helping other writers be successful. She speaks to various groups and teaches writing workshops around the country.

DiAnn has been termed a coffee snob and roasts her own coffee beans. She’s an avid reader, loves to cook, and believes her grandchildren are the smartest kids in the universe. She and her husband live in sunny Houston, Texas.

DiAnn is very active online and would love to connect with readers on any of the social media platforms listed at www.diannmills.com. LinksAmazon: https://tinyurl.com/y843z8rb Twitter: @diannmills

Mercy's Prince (He Who Finds Mercy Book 1)

As second son of the King of Levathia, seventeen-year-old Valerian desires the quiet life of a scholarly monk. But when he fails to save his older brother in battle, Valerian must instead become crown prince.
While a traitorous knight schemes against him, Valerian meets Mercy, a pacifist Healer with whom he can speak mind-to-mind like the great dragons. Their bond emboldens Valerian to seek out the legendary dragons and ask for their help against the monsters who killed his brother. 


Can Valerian survive the traitor's assassins long enough to find the dragons? And if he does, can he convince them to lay aside their hatred of humans and help him save the land from destruction? Katy Huth Jones 
grew up in a family where creative juices overflowed and made puddles to splash in. In addition to writing fantasy and historical fiction, Katy loves to make music and take photos of birds and other interesting creatures. She lives with her husband Keith in the great state of Texas. Their two sons, whom she homeschooled, have flown the nest and live creative lives of their own. Best of all, she is a 2x cancer survivor.
Links
Visit her facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Katy-Huth-Jones-Author/318819684805145 
or contact her on twitter @KatyHuthJones 
or visit her blog: http://www.katyhuthjones.blogspot.comAmazon:https://tinyurl.com/y92x69to

High as the Heavens

 In 1917, Evelyn Marche is just one of many women who has been widowed by the war. A British nurse trapped in German-occupied Brussels, she spends her days working at a hospital and her nights as a waitress in her aunt and uncle's café. Eve also has a carefully guarded secret keeping her in constant danger: She's a spy working for a Belgian resistance group in league with the British Secret Service.

When a British plane crashes in Brussels Park, Eve is the first to reach the downed plane and is shocked to discover she recognizes the badly injured pilot. British RFC Captain Simon Forrester is now a prisoner of war, and Eve knows he could be shot as a spy at any time. She risks her own life to hide him from the Germans, but as the danger mounts and the secrets between them grow, their chance of survival looks grim. And even if they do make it out alive, the truth of what lies between them may be more than any love can overcome. Former bookseller-turned-author Kate Breslin enjoys life in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and family. A writer of travel articles and award-winning poetry, Kate received Christian Retailing's 2015 Best Award for First Time Author and her debut novel, For Such A Time, was shortlisted for both the Christy and RITA awards and received the American Christian Fiction Writer's 2015 Carol Award for Debut Novel. Kate's third novel, High As The Heavens, will release June, 2017. When she's not writing inspirational fiction, Kate enjoys reading or taking long walks in Washington's beautiful woodlands. She also likes traveling to new places, both within the U.S. and abroad, having toured Greece, Rome, and much of Western Europe. New destinations make for fresh story ideas. Please visit her at www.katebreslin.com. LinksAmazon:https://tinyurl.com/y8d775lzTwitter:  @Kate_Breslin

The Potter and the Clay

 Ellis Lucas saw no hope of salvation in the world around him. His life had spiralled into years of addiction, a violent car wreck, almost losing his life in a house fire, mounting debts, incarceration, and a broken marriage. He was ready to surrender. Only then did he begin to see the signs around him—even in the cat he swore he’d kill—that there was purpose and promise.

Like clay, we are crafted by the Hands that hold us, cherish us and mold us, but we also make our decisions in a world full of vices we find hard to escape from.

The Potter and the Clay is an extraordinary and poignant testimony of a father to his children, but it is also the remarkable story of one man’s crafted deliverance into the Hands of God and how providence can turn ashes and the wreckage of a broken life into a work of heavenly art.

*****

“I came to understand there is no human life beyond God’s infinite desire and passion to love and to know, and no situation, pain, sin or failure beyond His desire to forgive, heal and restore.” ~ Ellis Lucas

“This riveting story of a tragic life, countered by the faithfulness and love of God, serves as a life preserver for many who are sinking in the murky waters of hopelessness … a source of encouragement for the prodigal and those waiting for them to return home … raw, yet compelling; it reaches down to the gutter of human despair and rises to height of divine providence. The story of Ellis Lucas is a timely resource for healing and restoration for today’s lost and broken generation.”
~ Pastor Al Pittman, Calvary Worship Center Ellis Lucas was born in Cameron, Missouri on 11/12/1961. He currently resides with his wife Peggi Sue Lucas in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Ellis is an Author and President of His Song Evangelistic Outreach Ministries. His Life story was featured as a miniseries drama that aired July 14-21 2013 on the international radio program Unshackled, an outreach ministry of Pacific Garden Ministries located in Chicago, Illinois.Links:   Amazon:https://tinyurl.com/yco6syzmTwitter: @EllisDLucas

The Perils of a Pastor's Wife - Hope and Encouragement for Women in Ministry

 Nan Jones understands the frustrations and stress women in ministry face. As a former pastor's wife, she's experienced the pressures and loneliness that comes from ministry burnout, social isolation, frantic schedules, and unrealistic expectations.

If you're a pastor's wife or a woman in ministry struggling with your calling, this book offers a lifeline of hope and encouragement.

Be empowered to fight spiritual battles with God's grace and promises, protected by His armor. Learn creative ways to stand up for yourself and feel the blessing of your calling as a ministry helper. The Perils of a Pastor's Wife will guide you through the calamities of life and restore your confidence in God's purpose and plan for your life and ministry. Nan Jones ministered alongside her husband for thirty-one years in small, rural churches across North Carolina. She enjoyed the rewards of pastoral service, endured its fiery trials, and learned to find the light and comfort of God's presence when ministry gets ugly. Nan is a Bible study teacher, author, and speaker who delights in helping Christian women find God in their darkest hours. Her first book, The Perils of a Pastor's Wife, released in June, 2015 by Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas and was a 2016 Selah Award finalist.

As a Christian communicator, Nan realizes that with the gift comes the responsibility—the responsibility of representing the Lord correctly, and the responsibility of being transparent and vulnerable to her audience and readers. She believes it's in the transparency of struggles and failings that she can connect best with women just like herself who stand amazed at God's tender love in the midst of the pain. For those who feel abandoned by the Lord, Nan offers reassurance that when we are broken, that is when He is the closest to His child. She teaches how to open our eyes to see Him and open our ears to hear His sweet whispers of love.

Visit www.NanJones.com to be encouraged and find help from God when you need Him the most.Other LinksAmazon:  https://tinyurl.com/y8sj6vg3Twitter:  @NanJonesAuthor

Embracing Hope

 Christian college dean Drew McKinley mourns his dead wife and still wears his wedding ring.
He stumbles on a desperate journey to understand God’s motives for her tragic death. Crossing his perilous path is Allison, a graduate student and new employee in the dean’s office. Even as she deals with financial hardships, she recognizes Drew’s unresolved grief from her own loss. Putting up a roadblock is Chris Whitney, the handsome but egotistical student senate president. He carries the secret burden of a dysfunctional family and a below-the-surface temper. The road Drew must navigate is fraught with career upheaval, a reawakening heart, substance and domestic abuse, a violent assault, and the struggle for forgiveness and restoration. Will Drew finish his journey to embrace the hope God offers, the love Allison shares, and the guidance Chris needs, or will he turn his back on all three with catastrophic consequences? My full name is Janell Lynn (Butler) Wojtowicz; it’s a rather eclectic name in the literary scheme of things.I never liked my first name until I went to college. I grew up with classmates named Sandy, Lori, Debbie and Becky; Janell was odd (the name and, well, me too). But with maturity came an appreciation for the uniqueness of the name. Thanks, Mom, I finally like it! The middle name is just fine; no complaints there. My maiden name is fairly common, but what made it a tad bit exceptional was the fact I grew up in Butler County, Iowa. No, it wasn’t named after our family (aw, shucks!). Iowa’s license plates include the county name, so we had no need for personalized plates. As for the last name, it’s Polish and pronounced Why-toe-vitch. I’ve gotten used to those confused looks on people’s faces when I introduce myself, how telemarketers butcher the pronunciation, and the need to spell it out. (Confession: Sometimes I misspell it.) I was raised on a farm just north of Bristow, Iowa, a mere speck on the state map. I attended Allison-Bristow Community School all 13 years, where I played saxophone in the band; marching in parades was the best part. I received a bachelor’s degree in written communication from Northwestern College in St. Paul, Minnesota. There I was editor of the college newspaper and helped out with the yearbook. Thus endth The Wonder Years. After college I worked in community journalism for 10 years in Clarksville, Charles City and Hampton, Iowa. Becoming a part of those communities gave me a deeper appreciation for small towns and the farming lifestyle, which has stuck with me. Life changed when I married Frank, a life-long Minneapolitan in 1993, and moved to the Twin Cities, specifically a little ‘burb, St. Anthony Village. After 18 years there we moved a mile north to New Brighton, another charming little ‘burb. I have become a bona fide city girl managing to navigate congested freeways, downtown mazes, and the Mall of America. I spent 12 years working in public relations at my college alma mater and its 15-station radio network. My role focused on media relations, college publications and fundraising collateral. I loved being surrounded by those college students. For 15 months, I was Director of Communications with Leadership Foundations of America, a Christian nonprofit that supports inner-city organizations. The office was in downtown Minneapolis, which felt like I was in the “Mary Tyler Moore Show.” I spent four years as public information specialist with the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board. The city’s beautiful parks, recreational opportunities and environmental issues are world-renown, and it was an honor to work there. Currently, I work as a freelance writer/editor through my business, A Portrait in Words. Clients include Christian nonprofits, small businesses and corporate. Talk about variety! I’ve edited communications material for an inner-city ministry and written 120 employee profiles for a railroad maintenance company. Which brings me to today. My life revolves around marketing my first novel, “Embracing Hope”, and writing the sequels; maintaining my freelance services; and looking after family in Minnesota, Iowa, St. Louis, and Omaha. Life rocks!Links  Amazon: https://tinyurl.com/ybaoxkdy Twitter: @janellwoj

The Full Armor of God: Are You Sure You Got Dressed Today?

You’ve been caught wearing only your underwear again. Pages have been written attempting to interpret these nightmares where we suddenly find ourselves walking out in public naked. Our worst fears trickle into our subconscious minds, and when we close our eyes, we relive these fears again and again. What if these weren’t dreams? We leave our homes every day fully clothed, but —in the spiritual realm and in Satan’s eyes—many of us are still naked. When our clothing choices do not include the Armor of God, Satan claps because he knows that he can spin his webs and win.God’s armor is made available to everyone, but so is the decision we are asked to make. Just like a strong-willed child fighting the parent who is forcing them into a winter coat, God knows that if He is the parent forcing us into His armor, our demeanor will be less than warrior-like. Because of this, He allows us to make the choice as to whether or not we want to be fully armed or completely naked. Let’s walk through each piece of armor and grow in our understanding of the depth of love the author and designer of this armor has for you. Satan wants you blinded from this truth, so like a strong-willed child, let’s open The Full Armor of God, turn its pages, and fight like a warrior against the enemy whose only desire is to seek, kill, and destroy those whom God loves. Crista Crawford is an imperfect Christian who felt led to write about her perfect God. Through His patience and love, she learned the importance of wearing His protective armor because being unprotected wasn't fun anymore; it was hard.
Crista has a Bachelor of Arts, Master of Science, and Master of Education with an emphasis in reading. She is the recipient of the Emerson Excellence in Teaching Award. Crista lives in the Midwest with her husband, Rod, and their children.
Visit Crista's blog to learn more about clothing yourself in God's protection.
LinksWebsite: https://cristacrawford.wordpress.com/blog-how-to-live-fully-clothed/ Amazon: https://tinyurl.com/yd2qzyyzTwitter: @CCrawfordAuthor

The Call to Duty: The Holy Flame Trilogy

 Courageous. Brave. Fearless. Valiant. These synonyms are often used to describe firefighters/paramedics, police officers, and military personnel. They face danger and lay their lives on the line when they leave for work. What are their struggles? Could that hinder their job proficiency? Who is taking care of those who are taking care of the citizens of this country?

Casey Carter is a 'newbie' to the firefighting family of Engine Company 15. Not only does she have to prove herself as a probationary firefighter, but she also has to battle misconceptions of females within her newly chosen profession. As situations begin to arise, can she count on the firefighter brotherhood to have her back? Will she be able to pass the tests placed before her, or are there aspects that she was not even aware existed?

Often in life there are two realms in play. There is the physical realm - what is right before you; the other is the spiritual realm - what is unseen. Each can directly affect you, whether you believe they exist or not. Can Casey keep them in balance when she is not exactly sure what she is fighting? Can a group of men help her see what cannot be readily seen, hear what cannot be readily heard, and be able to overcome what she never knew existed? Will they be able to show Casey her true Call To Duty?

Ephesians 6:12-13:
12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

(A portion of the proceeds of this series will go to Airborne Angel Cadets of Texas – a non-profit group of hardworking volunteers who send care packages to our soldiers overseas.) I was raised in a Christian military home, but it was far from tranquil. Like many young people, I left home as soon as possible, and went my own way, thinking I knew better. To me anything was better than where I was. Unfortunately, some of the choices I made led me away from the Lord, and sometimes that path was a dangerous one.
God is faithful, even when His children are lost and wandering. When I needed Him most, the Lord was there for me. He led me out of that danger and into a new life...a life where I am loved and appreciated. He taught me what 'real love' is, and what it's supposed to look like through my family and wonderful husband.
Who knew that "Prince Charming" actually existed? I hoped and prayed he was out there, and I found him! He is a 24 year Navy veteran and the love of my life! With his encouragement, I rediscovered the creativity I thought I had lost a long time ago, and have begun to publish the books I have written through the years. The words in these books helped me through my struggles, and my prayer is they will help others.
The way in which I write my Christian Books, is unique to say the least. I am a realistic Christian. People are people, they stumble, they fall, they trip, but God continues to dust us off, and set us back on the path again, if we just learn to trust in Him.
The challenges faced in my past give me a perspective on the realities of living the Christian life that some people may never see. There are times we wander away from God...there are times when we draw closer to Him. In our arrogance we think we can make it on our own. However, the One who made this world, and who made you, has the answers, and thankfully, He forgives our impudence and petulance and loves us through it all. God is a God of love, mercy, grace, and guidance. He loves us and only wants the best for us.
Those who have read my books, describe them as encouraging, frustrating, and a wonderful read all at the same time. The same character that could have you crying one minute, will have you cheering the next! One of my editors, stated that 'she was so into the story, that she forgot to edit, and had to go back to do the editing'.
I pray you will enjoy my books as well!

While the stories are fiction, the journey is real.Links Amazon:https://tinyurl.com/y93kw3tfTwitter:  @authoress_cj