K. Dawn Byrd's Blog, page 43
February 27, 2012
Register to win S. Dionne Moore's "Promise Brides"
We have two book giveaways this week, so please scroll down and check them both out. We're happy to have S. Dionne Moore with us today talking about her book, "Promise Brides." Leave her a comment with your email address to register to win and if you've not done so, please place your email address in the feedburner box to the right to get weekly emails about giveaways. Thanks!
Title: Promise Brides
Publisher: Barbour Publishing
Cover blurb: Life and love in historic Pennsylvania is challenging. Theodore risks enemy lines for Ellie, but can their hope of a future together be realized? Marylu wants to trust Chester, but one broken heart is enough. Alaina and Jack battle flood waters that threaten any future they might have.
1) How did this story come to you?
Promise Brides is a compilation of three historical romances all set in historic Pennsylvania. Promise of Tomorrow, a 2011 Carol Award finalist, is set in Johnstown, PA, and takes place before, during, and after the devastating Johnstown Flood of 1889. Promise of Yesterday takes place in Greencastle and Mercersburg, PA, and Promise of Time in Gettysburg. The series came to me after visiting Johnstown, Pennsylvania. It occurred to me that I had never read a fiction book with that setting. Being that Barbour was doing sets based on a single state at the time, I sat down and wrote out a plausible plot for the story that became Promise of Tomorrow. I really, really wanted to highlight locations within my home state. I'm surrounded by history! And I don't mean my husband. :)
2) Tell us about the journey to getting this book published.
After the close of Barbour's cozy mystery line, one thing was clear, I would have to set aside the character of LaTisha Barnhart, but I still wanted to stay with Barbour. When I proposed the idea of Promise of Tomorrow to JoAnne Simmons, she liked it. To date, I've written 9 books for Barbour. But now that the Heartsong line has sold and I'm finished with my contracts there, I've turned my attention to Abingdon's new Quilts of Love series and my next book, A Heartbeat Away.
3) Tell me three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.
I hate editing. Like, with a passion. Most authors love that phase and hate the actual writing process, I'm the opposite, I love the writing and hate the editing. Let's see. . .Your readers might be interested to know that I'm really 30, but look much older so that pride won't be able to work on me, and, three, aging has made me dumber. I never thought that would happen, but now I must rely on my sixteen year old for wisdom and advice--she knows it all!
4) What are you working on now and what's next for you?
A Heartbeat Away, part of Abingdon Press's Quilts of Love series, is set in Sharpsburg, MD, During the Battle of Antietam and releases May of 2013. One woman's journey to find rest from heart ache, a shattered man's memory of a betrayal, and the quilt that binds their hearts together and makes them whole.
5) Where can fans find you on the internet?
Website: http://www.sdionnemoore.com/
Twitter: @sdionnemoore
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/sdionnemoore/
Linkedin: http://www.linkedin.com/in/sdionnemoore
The Borrowed Book: http://www.theborrowedbook.blogspot.com/
Fay Lamb's "Because of Me"
Title: Because of Me.
Publisher: Treble Heart Books/Mountainview Publishing.
Cover blurb: Issie Putnam's life took a detour the night she was raped at gunpoint in front of her fiancé, Michael Hayes. Instead of marrying Michael, a promising young investigative reporter, Michael, along with the man who attacked her, and the man who held the gun on Michael, are imprisoned for conspiracy to assassinate the local district attorney—a crime Michael was trying to expose but had no intention of committing. Issie's name is ruined, she lost her perfectly-planned future, but she gained Cole, her son—born of that rape.
On the eve of her attacker's parole, Michael, already released from prison, follows through on his plan to return to the small town of Amazing Grace and protect Issie from the madman who promised to seek revenge. There, he meets Issie's seven-year-old son for the first time.
Can Michael learn to love the child Issie holds so close to her heart? Will Michael be able to protect the woman he loves from the man who will stop at nothing to destroy them all?
1) How did this story come to you?
Because of Me was birthed when the hero, Michael Hayes, came onto the stage of my imagination and said, "There's a young boy, Cole. I'm not his father, but he's definitely on this earth because of me. I allowed something horrible to happen to his mother, but I still love her. I despise the kid, though. I've forgiven another for so much more, and Cole's only fault is that his father is the man who took everything from me. How can I learn to love this child and protect his mother from the man who can again take her from me?"
Michael's story captivated me, and when it was all said and done, I realized that Romans 8:28 permeates the pages of this story. All things, both the good and the bad, are used by God for our good.
2) Tell us about the journey to getting this book published.
From the start I realized Because of Me was going to be a different type of story, one that doesn't fit the mold of formula Christian fiction. I believed in this story of a young man and woman separated by more than time, who fight to regain what had been torn from them years earlier. I believed in it so much that I would not be deterred by those who told me I needed to fit it into a mold to sell to a certain publisher. The message that God is in the details of every aspect of our lives is much too important to lose within a mold.
When I met the editor-in-chief of Treble Heart Books, I knew I'd met someone who thinks outside the box. She asked for a full manuscript and after being scrutinizedby two reviewers for Treble House, I got the contract. When the editor completed the galley edits, she contacted me and said, "Fay, this book has grit." And I agree. Because of Me isn't your typical Christian fiction.
3) Tell me three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.
1. While I consider myself pretty social online, I'm pretty much a hermit. I enjoy long periods of alone time, preferably spent in the mountains where I can write, walk around beautiful Lake Junaluska, and meditate.
2. I love to work with and to encourage other authors. American Christian Fiction Writers' Scribes' online critique group, which I co-moderate, and my work as an editor with Pelican Ventures, Inc., are both ministries I thank the Lord for daily.
3. I'm a salt and pepper shaker enthusiast. I collect all kinds. I've never met a pair I didn't like. Currently, I have more than 500 pairs, which led my dear mother-in-law to remark one day when she asked for salt, and I handed her the Morton's container, "You mean, with all of these salt and pepper shakers in your house, not one of them has salt and pepper inside?"
4) What are you working on now and what's next for you?
I have completed a second romantic suspense, Willow's Path, and two contemporary romances, Charisse and Liberty. Currently, I'm working on two other romantic suspense novels and the last story in the contemporary romance series while editing a contemporary fiction entitled, Storms in Serenity. Beyond that I am excitedly looking forward to delving into a novel that includes the intriguing world of professional surfing.
5) Parting comments?
Thank you for having me on your blog. I appreciate the opportunity to share my novel, Because of Me. I truly feel this book has a message or hurting people. It doesn't matter if your problems are a result of your own mistakes or the mistakes of others. God tells us that all things work for good to those who love Him. God is in the details of every part of our life. Look for Him there, and you will find Him.
6) Where can fans find you on the internet?
My website is www.faylamb.com (where you can purchase an autographed copy of the novel) and I love making new friends on Facebook and Twitter at www.facebook.com/fay.lamb and www.twitter.com/@faylamb
Because of Me is also available at Amazon.com and at my publisher's site: www.trebleheartbooks.com/MVLamb.
Register to win Fay Lamb's "Because of Me"
We have two book giveaways this week, so please scroll down and check them both out. We're happy to have Fay Lamb with us today talking about her book, "Because of Me." Leave her a comment with your email address to register to win and if you've not done so, please place your email address in the feedburner box to the right to get weekly emails about giveaways. Thanks!
Title: Because of Me.
Publisher: Treble Heart Books/Mountainview Publishing.
Cover blurb: Issie Putnam's life took a detour the night she was raped at gunpoint in front of her fiancé, Michael Hayes. Instead of marrying Michael, a promising young investigative reporter, Michael, along with the man who attacked her, and the man who held the gun on Michael, are imprisoned for conspiracy to assassinate the local district attorney—a crime Michael was trying to expose but had no intention of committing. Issie's name is ruined, she lost her perfectly-planned future, but she gained Cole, her son—born of that rape.
On the eve of her attacker's parole, Michael, already released from prison, follows through on his plan to return to the small town of Amazing Grace and protect Issie from the madman who promised to seek revenge. There, he meets Issie's seven-year-old son for the first time.
Can Michael learn to love the child Issie holds so close to her heart? Will Michael be able to protect the woman he loves from the man who will stop at nothing to destroy them all?
1) How did this story come to you?
Because of Me was birthed when the hero, Michael Hayes, came onto the stage of my imagination and said, "There's a young boy, Cole. I'm not his father, but he's definitely on this earth because of me. I allowed something horrible to happen to his mother, but I still love her. I despise the kid, though. I've forgiven another for so much more, and Cole's only fault is that his father is the man who took everything from me. How can I learn to love this child and protect his mother from the man who can again take her from me?"
Michael's story captivated me, and when it was all said and done, I realized that Romans 8:28 permeates the pages of this story. All things, both the good and the bad, are used by God for our good.
2) Tell us about the journey to getting this book published.
From the start I realized Because of Me was going to be a different type of story, one that doesn't fit the mold of formula Christian fiction. I believed in this story of a young man and woman separated by more than time, who fight to regain what had been torn from them years earlier. I believed in it so much that I would not be deterred by those who told me I needed to fit it into a mold to sell to a certain publisher. The message that God is in the details of every aspect of our lives is much too important to lose within a mold.
When I met the editor-in-chief of Treble Heart Books, I knew I'd met someone who thinks outside the box. She asked for a full manuscript and after being scrutinizedby two reviewers for Treble House, I got the contract. When the editor completed the galley edits, she contacted me and said, "Fay, this book has grit." And I agree. Because of Me isn't your typical Christian fiction.
3) Tell me three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.
1. While I consider myself pretty social online, I'm pretty much a hermit. I enjoy long periods of alone time, preferably spent in the mountains where I can write, walk around beautiful Lake Junaluska, and meditate.
2. I love to work with and to encourage other authors. American Christian Fiction Writers' Scribes' online critique group, which I co-moderate, and my work as an editor with Pelican Ventures, Inc., are both ministries I thank the Lord for daily.
3. I'm a salt and pepper shaker enthusiast. I collect all kinds. I've never met a pair I didn't like. Currently, I have more than 500 pairs, which led my dear mother-in-law to remark one day when she asked for salt, and I handed her the Morton's container, "You mean, with all of these salt and pepper shakers in your house, not one of them has salt and pepper inside?"
4) What are you working on now and what's next for you?
I have completed a second romantic suspense, Willow's Path, and two contemporary romances, Charisse and Liberty. Currently, I'm working on two other romantic suspense novels and the last story in the contemporary romance series while editing a contemporary fiction entitled, Storms in Serenity. Beyond that I am excitedly looking forward to delving into a novel that includes the intriguing world of professional surfing.
5) Parting comments?
Thank you for having me on your blog. I appreciate the opportunity to share my novel, Because of Me. I truly feel this book has a message or hurting people. It doesn't matter if your problems are a result of your own mistakes or the mistakes of others. God tells us that all things work for good to those who love Him. God is in the details of every part of our life. Look for Him there, and you will find Him.
6) Where can fans find you on the internet?
My website is www.faylamb.com (where you can purchase an autographed copy of the novel) and I love making new friends on Facebook and Twitter at www.facebook.com/fay.lamb and www.twitter.com/@faylamb
Because of Me is also available at Amazon.com and at my publisher's site: www.trebleheartbooks.com/MVLamb.
February 20, 2012
Peggy Blann Phifer's "To See the Sun"
Title: TO SEE THE SUN
Cover blurb: Pregnant and widowed hadn't been part of her "happily ever after" dream. And now, someone was trying to kill her . . .
Erin Macintyre never expected to be a widow and a new mother in the same year, anymore than she expected mysterious notes, threatening phone calls, and a strange homeless man who seems to know all about her. The thought of raising a child without a father is daunting enough—worse when you have no idea who might want to harm you. Put an old flame into the mix, and her life begins a tailspin into a world she never knew existed.
When P.I. Clay Buchanan, stumbles upon Erin at her husband's gravesite, he's totally unprepared for her advanced pregnancy. Her venomous reaction at seeing him, however, was predictable. But Clay can't let her distrust, or his guilt, get in the way—not when he has evidence that proves Erin's life is in danger.
With few options left, Erin begrudgingly accepts Clay's help . . . and it just might be her undoing.
1) How did this story come to you?
That's the right phrase . . . it came to me. I knew I wanted my female lead to be either widowed or divorced, the latter of which was basically anathema to the Christian market. But I was newly divorced and the wounds had not yet scabbed over, let alone heal. I wanted to write it out so I could deal with the pain and feeling of betrayal instead of bottling it all up inside. (It was an unwanted divorce.) Thus began the story that evolved into what is now TO SEE THE SUN.
2) Tell us about the journey to getting this book published.
How much time do you have? LOL Actually, it was a long, tortuous trip with multiple setting and basic plot changes, character personality shifts, etc. And trying to follow all those so-called rules just about did me in, until I realized this was MY story to write, and it was MY assignment to write the story God gave me. After that, the last two years of this journey have been the best ride ever.
3) Tell me three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.
I never went to college, much to my regret. I weighed 98 pounds at age 40 and wore a size 3. I killed a 6-foot pine snake with an axe.
4) What are you working on now and what's next for you?
I'm working on Book 2 of the Desert Faith series, and hoping to get back to a historical romantic suspense that's collecting dust in the bottom file cabinet drawer.
5) Parting comments?
Write from your heart, not for the market. Chances are that by the time you've finished your book the market will have changed.
6) Where can fans find you on the internet?
Website: http://peggyblannphifer.com/
Blog: http://www.whispersinpurple.com/
Facebook.com/pegphifer
Twitter.com/pegphifer
Register to win Peggy Blann Phifer's "To See the Sun"
We have two book giveaways this week, so please scroll down and check them both out. We're happy to have Peggy Blann Phifer with us today talking about her book, "To See the Sun." Leave her a comment to register to win and if you've not done so, please place your email address in the feedburner box to the right to get weekly emails about giveaways. Only U.S. residents are eligible to win this one. Thanks!
Title: TO SEE THE SUN
Cover blurb: Pregnant and widowed hadn't been part of her "happily ever after" dream. And now, someone was trying to kill her . . .
Erin Macintyre never expected to be a widow and a new mother in the same year, anymore than she expected mysterious notes, threatening phone calls, and a strange homeless man who seems to know all about her. The thought of raising a child without a father is daunting enough—worse when you have no idea who might want to harm you. Put an old flame into the mix, and her life begins a tailspin into a world she never knew existed.
When P.I. Clay Buchanan, stumbles upon Erin at her husband's gravesite, he's totally unprepared for her advanced pregnancy. Her venomous reaction at seeing him, however, was predictable. But Clay can't let her distrust, or his guilt, get in the way—not when he has evidence that proves Erin's life is in danger.
With few options left, Erin begrudgingly accepts Clay's help . . . and it just might be her undoing.
1) How did this story come to you?
That's the right phrase . . . it came to me. I knew I wanted my female lead to be either widowed or divorced, the latter of which was basically anathema to the Christian market. But I was newly divorced and the wounds had not yet scabbed over, let alone heal. I wanted to write it out so I could deal with the pain and feeling of betrayal instead of bottling it all up inside. (It was an unwanted divorce.) Thus began the story that evolved into what is now TO SEE THE SUN.
2) Tell us about the journey to getting this book published.
How much time do you have? LOL Actually, it was a long, tortuous trip with multiple setting and basic plot changes, character personality shifts, etc. And trying to follow all those so-called rules just about did me in, until I realized this was MY story to write, and it was MY assignment to write the story God gave me. After that, the last two years of this journey have been the best ride ever.
3) Tell me three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.
I never went to college, much to my regret. I weighed 98 pounds at age 40 and wore a size 3. I killed a 6-foot pine snake with an axe.
4) What are you working on now and what's next for you?
I'm working on Book 2 of the Desert Faith series, and hoping to get back to a historical romantic suspense that's collecting dust in the bottom file cabinet drawer.
5) Parting comments?
Write from your heart, not for the market. Chances are that by the time you've finished your book the market will have changed.
6) Where can fans find you on the internet?
Website: http://peggyblannphifer.com/
Blog: http://www.whispersinpurple.com/
Facebook.com/pegphifer
Twitter.com/pegphifer
Kelly Irvin's "To Love and To Cherish"
Title: To Love and To Cherish
Publisher: Harvest House Publishing
Cover blurb: How Do You Forgive When Your Heart Is Broken?
It's been four years since Carl left. Four years since he left the safety of the small Amish community for the Englisch world. And in four years, Emma's heart has only begun to heal.
Now, with the unexpected death of her parents, Emma is plunged back into a world of despair and confusion. It's a confusion only compounded by Carl's return. She's supposed to be in love with him…so why can't she keep her mind off Thomas, the strong, quiet widower who always seems to be underfoot? Could the man she knew only as a friend be the one to help her to heal?
In a world that seems to be changing no matter how tightly she clings to the past, one woman must see beyond her pain, find strength in God, and open her heart to trust once again.
1) How did this story come to you?
I came across a newspaper article about buggy accidents and how it hard it is for law enforcement to keep roads safe for buggies and cars at the same time. It made me think about the clash between the two ways of life. Then I started thinking about how hard it must be to forgive someone who has killed your loved one, even though it was an accident. The Amish believe in forgiveness, but they are human, so it must be very difficult at times. I know I struggle with the concept of forgiveness on a regular basis. All this musing translated into a story called To Love and to Cherish.
2) Tell us about the journey to getting this book published.
I had published a romantic suspense novel and had another one under contract when my agent Mary Sue Seymour challenged me to try something new and different. So I wrote a proposal and 50 pages for To Love and to Cherish and she pitched it for me. I continued to work on the novel, but before I could complete it, Harvest House asked to see the rest of it. I submitted what I could and they ended up buying it before I finished it.
3) Tell me three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.
• I speak Spanish after having spent a year and a half in Costa Rica as an exchange student in college.
• I started my career as a newspaper reporter and worked in the border towns of Laredo and El Paso covering everything from zoning cases to Miss Texas pageants to federal drug smuggling cases.
• I once ate rattlesnake meat at the Rattlesnake Roundup in Laredo. (This would be even more surprising if they knew what a phobia I have about snakes!)
4) What are you working on now and what's next for you?
The second book in the Bliss Creek Amish series is scheduled for release in September and I'm currently working on a third book in the series for Harvest House's consideration.
5) Parting comments?
I hope readers enjoy reading To Love and to Cherish as much as I enjoyed writing it.
6) Where can fans find you on the internet?
http://www.kellyirvin.com/
Register to win Kelly Irvin's "To Love and To Cherish"
We have two book giveaways this week, so please scroll down and check them both out. We're happy to have Kelly Irvin with us today talking about her book, "To Love and To Cherish." Leave her a comment to register to win and if you've not done so, please place your email address in the feedburner box to the right to get weekly emails about giveaways. Thanks!
Title: To Love and To Cherish
Publisher: Harvest House Publishing
Cover blurb: How Do You Forgive When Your Heart Is Broken?
It's been four years since Carl left. Four years since he left the safety of the small Amish community for the Englisch world. And in four years, Emma's heart has only begun to heal.
Now, with the unexpected death of her parents, Emma is plunged back into a world of despair and confusion. It's a confusion only compounded by Carl's return. She's supposed to be in love with him…so why can't she keep her mind off Thomas, the strong, quiet widower who always seems to be underfoot? Could the man she knew only as a friend be the one to help her to heal?
In a world that seems to be changing no matter how tightly she clings to the past, one woman must see beyond her pain, find strength in God, and open her heart to trust once again.
1) How did this story come to you?
I came across a newspaper article about buggy accidents and how it hard it is for law enforcement to keep roads safe for buggies and cars at the same time. It made me think about the clash between the two ways of life. Then I started thinking about how hard it must be to forgive someone who has killed your loved one, even though it was an accident. The Amish believe in forgiveness, but they are human, so it must be very difficult at times. I know I struggle with the concept of forgiveness on a regular basis. All this musing translated into a story called To Love and to Cherish.
2) Tell us about the journey to getting this book published.
I had published a romantic suspense novel and had another one under contract when my agent Mary Sue Seymour challenged me to try something new and different. So I wrote a proposal and 50 pages for To Love and to Cherish and she pitched it for me. I continued to work on the novel, but before I could complete it, Harvest House asked to see the rest of it. I submitted what I could and they ended up buying it before I finished it.
3) Tell me three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.
• I speak Spanish after having spent a year and a half in Costa Rica as an exchange student in college.
• I started my career as a newspaper reporter and worked in the border towns of Laredo and El Paso covering everything from zoning cases to Miss Texas pageants to federal drug smuggling cases.
• I once ate rattlesnake meat at the Rattlesnake Roundup in Laredo. (This would be even more surprising if they knew what a phobia I have about snakes!)
4) What are you working on now and what's next for you?
The second book in the Bliss Creek Amish series is scheduled for release in September and I'm currently working on a third book in the series for Harvest House's consideration.
5) Parting comments?
I hope readers enjoy reading To Love and to Cherish as much as I enjoyed writing it.
6) Where can fans find you on the internet?
http://www.kellyirvin.com/
February 13, 2012
Anne Greene's "Texas Christmas Mystery"
TITLE: A TEXAS CHRISTMAS MYSTERY
PUBLISHER: PelicanBookGroup.com.
COVER BLURB: A lady Coastguardsman searches for a killer. An oil rig troubleshooter accused of murder races to clear his name. The murderer strives to silence them both. Sparks fly as Amber Meredith seeks to arrest Derrick Darbonne. She needs to solve her first case. But the handsome Cajun suspect makes her heart race and her toes tingle.
Derrick worked all his life for his high-paying, adventurous job. When his past threatens his future, will he endanger the woman he loves?
HOW DID THIS STORY COME TO YOU:
I was visiting the historic town of Galveston, Texas with its sea port and off-shore oil rigs and lovely streets of Victorian homes and fell in love with the place. The off-shore oil rig I toured intrigued me, and the old homes had to house lots of mysteries. Throw a romantic Cajun in the mix with the Coast Guard and a story bubbled to the surface. The concept wouldn't let me go until I wrote it.TELL US ABOUT THE JOURNEY TO GETTING THIS BOOK PUBLISHED:
This journey was short and sweet. Pelican Book Groups, and my publisher there loved my first award-winning book, Masquerade Marriage, so when they wanted a Christmas story, they eagerly accepted A Texas Christmas Mystery. This book released December 2011 in a Christmas Extravaganza.
TELL ME THREE THINGS ABOUT YOURSELF THAT WOULD SURPRISE YOUR READERS.
I'm a world traveler and have lived in and visited twenty-five foreign countries with three additional ones coming this spring. I paint. You can see some of my pictures on my website. And, I sing in two choirs, but writing is my passion.WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON NOW AND WHAT IS NEXT FOR YOU?
I'm working on the second book in my Scottish historical romance series with the working title Marriage By Arrangement. I'm about half finished with the first draft. I then want to finish my WWII book about women pilots and want to write a Regency romance. I have so many ideas and books I want to write that's I find it difficult to decide which to work on next.
PARTING COMMENTS: I love visiting with fans. And I excited to choose a winner and send an ebook of A Texas Christmas Mystery. I've had really good feedback on this book and know if a fan likes romance and mystery, she will love this book. Also I enjoy having people visit me at my website http://www.AnneGreeneAuthor.com. Everyone can purchase my books at http://www.pelicanbookgrou.com. Or any on-line bookstore such as Amazon and Barnes and Noble.
Register to win an ebook copy of Anne Greene's "Texas Christmas Mystery"
We have two book giveaways this week. Be sure to scroll down and check them both out. We're happy to have Anne Greene with us today talking about her book, "A Texas Christmas Mystery." Leave her a comment to register to win and if you've not done so, please place your email address in the feedburner box to the right to get weekly emails about giveaways.
TITLE: A TEXAS CHRISTMAS MYSTERY
PUBLISHER: PelicanBookGroup.com.
COVER BLURB: A lady Coastguardsman searches for a killer. An oil rig troubleshooter accused of murder races to clear his name. The murderer strives to silence them both. Sparks fly as Amber Meredith seeks to arrest Derrick Darbonne. She needs to solve her first case. But the handsome Cajun suspect makes her heart race and her toes tingle.
Derrick worked all his life for his high-paying, adventurous job. When his past threatens his future, will he endanger the woman he loves?
HOW DID THIS STORY COME TO YOU:
I was visiting the historic town of Galveston, Texas with its sea port and off-shore oil rigs and lovely streets of Victorian homes and fell in love with the place. The off-shore oil rig I toured intrigued me, and the old homes had to house lots of mysteries. Throw a romantic Cajun in the mix with the Coast Guard and a story bubbled to the surface. The concept wouldn't let me go until I wrote it.TELL US ABOUT THE JOURNEY TO GETTING THIS BOOK PUBLISHED:
This journey was short and sweet. Pelican Book Groups, and my publisher there loved my first award-winning book, Masquerade Marriage, so when they wanted a Christmas story, they eagerly accepted A Texas Christmas Mystery. This book released December 2011 in a Christmas Extravaganza.
TELL ME THREE THINGS ABOUT YOURSELF THAT WOULD SURPRISE YOUR READERS.
I'm a world traveler and have lived in and visited twenty-five foreign countries with three additional ones coming this spring. I paint. You can see some of my pictures on my website. And, I sing in two choirs, but writing is my passion.WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON NOW AND WHAT IS NEXT FOR YOU?
I'm working on the second book in my Scottish historical romance series with the working title Marriage By Arrangement. I'm about half finished with the first draft. I then want to finish my WWII book about women pilots and want to write a Regency romance. I have so many ideas and books I want to write that's I find it difficult to decide which to work on next.
PARTING COMMENTS: I love visiting with fans. And I excited to choose a winner and send an ebook of A Texas Christmas Mystery. I've had really good feedback on this book and know if a fan likes romance and mystery, she will love this book. Also I enjoy having people visit me at my website http://www.AnneGreeneAuthor.com. Everyone can purchase my books at http://www.pelicanbookgrou.com. Or any on-line bookstore such as Amazon and Barnes and Noble.
Ada Brownell's "Swallowed by LIFE"
LOVE IS DYNAMITE!By Ada Brownell
I grew up observing love demonstrated among family. One of the most amazing was a relative who was a new Christian, and she showed love to her husband beyond what I, even as a child, thought was necessary.
Her husband, with training in the finer etiquettes of his heritage, expected men to be served before women.
My aunt, who I know had some fire somewhere in her bones, acted as if she were made to serve her husband, and she did it with joy. We were guests at their home after church one Sunday and boys near my age were allowed to eat with the men, while I remember thinking I would starve before girls and women were served.
I don't think my aunt was so subservient before she became a Christian, but she did what Paul said in 1 Corinthians 7, 13:14: "And the woman which hath an husband that believeth not, and if he be pleased to dwell with her, let her not leave him. For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband." As the years passed, my uncle accepted the Lord and treated his wife with kindness and respect. Not many years before he died, he sang his wife's praises and wasn't afraid to tell others about what a great woman she was. No longer did the men eat alone, but sat at the table enjoying the chatter of ladies.
My idea when he was such a pompous husband would be to "throw the bum out." But God has better ways.
I've thought of Jesus when John the Baptist was beheaded. John was a relative and close friend. He baptized Jesus. Now the earthlings Jesus had come to save not only killed John, but brought his head on a platter.
No wonder when the disciples brought the news, Jesus immediately jumped on a ship and went to a desert place. He knew humankind could be cruel, but I imagine it was different when he took on human flesh to be one of us.
I'd have said, "Father, they're too wicked. Let's forget the whole redemption plan."
Instead, when Jesus saw a crowd followed him to the desert, He had compassion on them and healed the sick. That evening he fed the multitude with five loaves and two fish. When the disciples departed in a boat the night, a storm blew in. Jesus walked on water, calmed the seas, and even invited Peter to step out onto the liquid.
What love is that?
The type He asks us to work for.
How can I be a more loving person? It's explained in 1 Corinthians 13-3-5NLT: "If I gave everything I have to the poor and even sacrificed my body, I could boast about it, but if I didn't love others, I would be of no value whatsoever. Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. Love does not demand its own way."
"Let the faith and love of Christ Jesus be your model" from 2 Timothy 1:13 CEV.
When we study the Word we learn love is as powerful as dynamite and will take us through life more easily, just as dynamite can open a highway tunnel through a mountain.
Love is important to our happiness, both the love we receive and the love we give. God loves us no matter what, and some people love us because God put it in their hearts. But to be a complete, we must return that love and put love into action.
The greatest love of all is God's love for us: "For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life" (John 3:16).
© Ada Brownell Feb. 13, 2012
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Eternal life is at the heart of my book, Swallowed by LIFE: Mysteries of Death, Resurrection and the Eternal.
From the back of the book: Do you know you are more than a physical body? An award-winning medical and religion writer, Ada Brownell—through her research after the death of her daughter—shows why we have hope of eternal life, not only from a Christian point of view, but because of physical evidence.
The paperback book is available at http://www.barnesandnoble.com/ and http://www.amazon.com/ or from ada@adabrownell.com The e-book should be out shortly on Amazon.
BIO :Of her 17 years as a journalist, the author spent seven on the medical beat at The Pueblo Chieftain in Colorado, reporting on discoveries about the human genome, neurology, mental illness, cancer, disease prevention, treatments, medications and more.
As a free lance writer she has sold 275 articles and stories to 45 religion magazines. She also is author of a book, Confessions of a Pentecostal, published by the Assemblies of God (1978) and her writing is included in "Cup of Comfort for Cat Lovers" and "Cup of Comfort for Christians" (Adams Media 2008 and 2006); "What I Learned from God While Cooking," (edited by Cristine Bolley; Barbour Publishing, 2006); and "50 Tough Questions", (Pentecostal Evangel Books, 2002).
