K. Dawn Byrd's Blog, page 44

Register to win Ada Brownell's "Swallowed by LIFE"

We have two book giveaways this week. Be sure to scroll down and check them both out. We're happy to have Ada Brownell with us today talking about her book, "Swallowed by LIFE." 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.

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

***
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).

Donna Fletcher Crow's "A Darkly Hidden Truth, The Monastery Myrders 2"

Title: A Darkly Hidden Truth, The Monastery Murders 2
Publisher: Monarch Books, an imprint of Lion Hudson in the UK. My American publisher is Kregel Books.

Cover blurb: Felicity can't possibly help Father Antony find the valuable missing icon. She's off to become a nun. Then her impossible mother turns up unexpectedly. And a good friend turns up murdered. . .

Breathtaking chase scenes, mystical worship services, dashes through remote waterlogged landscapes, the wisdom of ancient holy women, and the arcane rites of the Knights Hospitaller keep the pages turning. Will Felicity choose the veil— or Antony?

1) How did this story come to you?
I have wanted to tell the stories of the mystical medieval women writers Julian of Norwich and Margery Kempe for years. When my daughter, whose experiences studying in a monastery in Yorkshire provided the background for The Monastery Murders, told me about visiting an ancient abbey in Norfolk in an area so soggy the ruins were said to have sunk into the ooze and a beautiful church that survived Cromwell's destruction because it was so wet his soldiers' horses sank in the marsh I knew I had my setting. Then I visited the church myself and experienced climbing the bell tower. I knew I'd found the perfect spot for a chase scene.

2) Tell us about the journey to getting this book published.
The real journey was getting A Very Private Grave, the first book in the series published because, although I had published 30 books in the 1980's and '90's, I had been out of the publishing loop for 10 years. I found Janet Benrey in a listing of agents online, but it wasn't until I spoke to her on the telephone that I realized she is English. She was able to sell the book to an English publisher who appreciated the English background. Each book is a challenge, though, because they wait to contract a new book based on the American sales record of the current title.

3) Tell me three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.
Although my favorite activities are growing roses, drinking tea and reading Jane Austen, I was a tomboy growing up. As an only child I was my father's son, which led to many adventures on horseback and becoming Miss Rodeo Idaho and runner-up to Miss Rodeo America. I am also an intrepid researcher and will do whatever I have to do for a book. One of the biggest challenges was rappelling into a lava cave even though I'm claustrophobic.

4) What are you working on now and what's next for you?
An Unholy Communion, The Monastery Murders 3, is almost complete. It's based on a research trip I took to Wales and England last spring which included walking 126 miles from London to Walsingham. I'm also looking for the perfect Victorian murder to use in book 4 of my Lord Danvers true-crime series and planning book 3 in the Elizabeth & Richard Murders which will have Jane Austen as the background literary figure.

5) Parting comments?
Thank you so much for inviting me to visit today, Kdawn. I love meeting readers. If anyone has any questions for me please leave them below and I'll drop by to answer. Can't wait to see who wins the free copy of A Darkly Hidden Truth!

6) Where can fans find you on the internet?
Please visit my website at http://www.donnafletchercrow.com/. I have trailers for both of the Monastery Murders on my homepage, an album of photos from each of my research trips, a lot of information about all of my books and a slideshow of my garden.

Register to win Donna Fletcher Crow's "A Darkly Hidden Truth, The Monastery Myrders 2"

We have two book giveaways and a $10 Amazon gift card this week. Be sure to scroll down and check them all out. We're happy to have Donna Fletcher Crow with us today talking about her book, "A Darkly Hidden Truth." 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 Darkly Hidden Truth, The Monastery Murders 2
Publisher: Monarch Books, an imprint of Lion Hudson in the UK. My American publisher is Kregel Books.

Cover blurb: Felicity can't possibly help Father Antony find the valuable missing icon. She's off to become a nun. Then her impossible mother turns up unexpectedly. And a good friend turns up murdered. . .

Breathtaking chase scenes, mystical worship services, dashes through remote waterlogged landscapes, the wisdom of ancient holy women, and the arcane rites of the Knights Hospitaller keep the pages turning. Will Felicity choose the veil— or Antony?

1) How did this story come to you?
I have wanted to tell the stories of the mystical medieval women writers Julian of Norwich and Margery Kempe for years. When my daughter, whose experiences studying in a monastery in Yorkshire provided the background for The Monastery Murders, told me about visiting an ancient abbey in Norfolk in an area so soggy the ruins were said to have sunk into the ooze and a beautiful church that survived Cromwell's destruction because it was so wet his soldiers' horses sank in the marsh I knew I had my setting. Then I visited the church myself and experienced climbing the bell tower. I knew I'd found the perfect spot for a chase scene.

2) Tell us about the journey to getting this book published.
The real journey was getting A Very Private Grave, the first book in the series published because, although I had published 30 books in the 1980's and '90's, I had been out of the publishing loop for 10 years. I found Janet Benrey in a listing of agents online, but it wasn't until I spoke to her on the telephone that I realized she is English. She was able to sell the book to an English publisher who appreciated the English background. Each book is a challenge, though, because they wait to contract a new book based on the American sales record of the current title.

3) Tell me three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.
Although my favorite activities are growing roses, drinking tea and reading Jane Austen, I was a tomboy growing up. As an only child I was my father's son, which led to many adventures on horseback and becoming Miss Rodeo Idaho and runner-up to Miss Rodeo America. I am also an intrepid researcher and will do whatever I have to do for a book. One of the biggest challenges was rappelling into a lava cave even though I'm claustrophobic.

4) What are you working on now and what's next for you?
An Unholy Communion, The Monastery Murders 3, is almost complete. It's based on a research trip I took to Wales and England last spring which included walking 126 miles from London to Walsingham. I'm also looking for the perfect Victorian murder to use in book 4 of my Lord Danvers true-crime series and planning book 3 in the Elizabeth & Richard Murders which will have Jane Austen as the background literary figure.

5) Parting comments?
Thank you so much for inviting me to visit today, Kdawn. I love meeting readers. If anyone has any questions for me please leave them below and I'll drop by to answer. Can't wait to see who wins the free copy of A Darkly Hidden Truth!

6) Where can fans find you on the internet?
Please visit my website at http://www.donnafletchercrow.com/. I have trailers for both of the Monastery Murders on my homepage, an album of photos from each of my research trips, a lot of information about all of my books and a slideshow of my garden.

Nicole O'Dell's "Girl Talk"

Q: I recently lost a lot of weight and started high school at the same time. I'm getting all sorts of attention from boys, and I just don't know what to do about it because it's so new to me. I kind of like it. . .but I'm nervous. What should I do?

That's a question I would have asked if I'd written to Girl Talk at the start of my freshman year of high school. But, I didn't know to ask. I didn't know I was facing a challenge. I simply reacted to things as I faced them. And I made mistakes. Many of them.

Each of us has a set of experiences and circumstances, some within our control, and some not, that shapes the way we look at choices, temptation, sin, peer pressure, and everything that comes up along the way. If we can help prepare girls before they find themselves staring peer pressure in the face, they'll feel more equipped to stand strong. To say NO to whatever life throws at them.

Why girls?
Hmm. What is it about girls? That's a great question. I guess I relate to them because I am one. But, more than that, I have an ache in my heart that wants to help 'em out. I've said it 1000 times, but I'll say it 1000 more, I'm sure. It's the memory of the poor choices I made as a teen, and the results of those choices, that motivates me to help today's teenagers avoid those same mistakes.

And bad decisions are one thing, but there's also the stuff girls deal with that they have no control over: Divorce, Abuse, Loss, Grief, Illness, financial strain, etc. . .etc. . . Those life-altering circumstances make it even more difficult for girls to stand against the pressure when all they want is friendship, acceptance, and love.

It takes pro-active, intentional effort to make the necessary preparations to help teens combat peer pressure.
That's why my daughters and I started the Girl Talk Column on my blog. We wanted to give girls a place they could go with those tough questions about life. The column grew and the questions built up to the point when we, along with Barbour Publishing, decided to put 180 questions from readers and our answers into a book. But it's not just any book--the vibrant, trendy format has a scrapbook-y feel as each page is full color with graphics galore. Take a look at the trailer to get a better feel for what it looks like:





And here's some info right from the back cover:
Q: My mom is always on me about what I wear. I just don't see why it should matter to her. I mean, she got to wear the things she wanted to wear when she was young–the styles are different now, though. She won't let me wear any shirts that show even a fraction of my stomach, and I have to actually bend over in jeans to prove to her that nothing shows in the back—if you know what I mean. She even says there's stuff in the Bible about the way to dress right. Is that true? What should I do to change her mind?

Q: I have a friend who is pretty skinny, but she thinks she's fat. . . . I actually heard her make herself throw up in the school bathroom a couple of times. What should I do about it? Or is it none of my business?

It's Time for Some Girl Talk! . . .
Popular blogging trio—mother, Nicole O'Dell, along with daughters, Emily and Natalie—offer trustworthy, biblically-based advice for all your ups, downs, and in-betweens. Culled from actual questions they've encountered on their blog site, this fabulous resource offers real-life helps for issues including relationships, character, body image, fashion, gossip, and more. You'll find 180 questions along with answers and related scripture selections that will both encourage and challenge you in your faith walk.

Nat, Em, and I hope you'll pass this resource along to the teens in your life. Also, the Girl Talk column is ongoing. You can write to us with your questions anytime! Contact us here.

And if you'd like to win a copy of Girl Talk, signed by all three of us, just leave a comment here. Tweeting about this post will earn you another entry if you let us know you did. I'd also love it if you signed up for my Choices e-Zine/newsletter, too--that will earn you a third entry!

Remember, it's all about choices!
_____________________________________________

Nicole O'Dell, founder of Choose NOW Ministries and host of Teen Talk Radio, is a mom of six—ranging from 20 all the way down to a set of toddler triplets. She writes fiction for teens including the popular Scenarios for Girls interactive fiction series and the Diamond Estates Series. Her nonfiction focuses on helping teens make good choices and bridging the gap in parent/teen communication. On Teen Talk Radio, Nicole talks with teens and special guests about the real issues young people face today, and she loves getting out among teens and parents when speaking at youth groups and conferences. Visit http://www.nicoleodell.com/ or www.facebook.com/nicoleodell.

Emily is a straight-A fifth grader at Eastlawn School in Paxton, IL. She lives with her mom, stepdad, three sisters, and two broth- ers. Never found without her iPod, Emily loves to dance and sing. She's a busy girl who enjoys swimming, skateboarding, and hanging out with friends. She's active in her community and local church, and plans to be a teacher when she grows up.

Natalie is an honor student in the eighth grade at PBL Middle School in Paxton, IL. The oldest daughter of six kids, Natalie is a very loving and hands-on big sister. She's passionate about her walk with Christ, and almost as passionate about the game of volleyball. She holds first- chair clarinet in the school band and looks forward to high school marching band. At this point, Natalie aspires to a career in the culinary arts, but is open to other possibilities.

Register to win Nicole O'Dell's "Girl Talk"

We have two book giveaways and am Amazon gift card giveaway this week. Be sure to scroll down and check them all out. We're happy to have Nicole O'Dell with us today talking about her book, "Girl Talk." 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. Now, on to what Nicole has to say...


Q: I recently lost a lot of weight and started high school at the same time. I'm getting all sorts of attention from boys, and I just don't know what to do about it because it's so new to me. I kind of like it. . .but I'm nervous. What should I do?

That's a question I would have asked if I'd written to Girl Talk at the start of my freshman year of high school. But, I didn't know to ask. I didn't know I was facing a challenge. I simply reacted to things as I faced them. And I made mistakes. Many of them.

Each of us has a set of experiences and circumstances, some within our control, and some not, that shapes the way we look at choices, temptation, sin, peer pressure, and everything that comes up along the way. If we can help prepare girls before they find themselves staring peer pressure in the face, they'll feel more equipped to stand strong. To say NO to whatever life throws at them.

Why girls?
Hmm. What is it about girls? That's a great question. I guess I relate to them because I am one. But, more than that, I have an ache in my heart that wants to help 'em out. I've said it 1000 times, but I'll say it 1000 more, I'm sure. It's the memory of the poor choices I made as a teen, and the results of those choices, that motivates me to help today's teenagers avoid those same mistakes.

And bad decisions are one thing, but there's also the stuff girls deal with that they have no control over: Divorce, Abuse, Loss, Grief, Illness, financial strain, etc. . .etc. . . Those life-altering circumstances make it even more difficult for girls to stand against the pressure when all they want is friendship, acceptance, and love.

It takes pro-active, intentional effort to make the necessary preparations to help teens combat peer pressure.
That's why my daughters and I started the Girl Talk Column on my blog. We wanted to give girls a place they could go with those tough questions about life. The column grew and the questions built up to the point when we, along with Barbour Publishing, decided to put 180 questions from readers and our answers into a book. But it's not just any book--the vibrant, trendy format has a scrapbook-y feel as each page is full color with graphics galore. Take a look at the trailer to get a better feel for what it looks like:





And here's some info right from the back cover:
Q: My mom is always on me about what I wear. I just don't see why it should matter to her. I mean, she got to wear the things she wanted to wear when she was young–the styles are different now, though. She won't let me wear any shirts that show even a fraction of my stomach, and I have to actually bend over in jeans to prove to her that nothing shows in the back—if you know what I mean. She even says there's stuff in the Bible about the way to dress right. Is that true? What should I do to change her mind?

Q: I have a friend who is pretty skinny, but she thinks she's fat. . . . I actually heard her make herself throw up in the school bathroom a couple of times. What should I do about it? Or is it none of my business?

It's Time for Some Girl Talk! . . .
Popular blogging trio—mother, Nicole O'Dell, along with daughters, Emily and Natalie—offer trustworthy, biblically-based advice for all your ups, downs, and in-betweens. Culled from actual questions they've encountered on their blog site, this fabulous resource offers real-life helps for issues including relationships, character, body image, fashion, gossip, and more. You'll find 180 questions along with answers and related scripture selections that will both encourage and challenge you in your faith walk.

Nat, Em, and I hope you'll pass this resource along to the teens in your life. Also, the Girl Talk column is ongoing. You can write to us with your questions anytime! Contact us here.

And if you'd like to win a copy of Girl Talk, signed by all three of us, just leave a comment here. Tweeting about this post will earn you another entry if you let us know you did. I'd also love it if you signed up for my Choices e-Zine/newsletter, too--that will earn you a third entry!

Remember, it's all about choices!
_____________________________________________

Nicole O'Dell, founder of Choose NOW Ministries and host of Teen Talk Radio, is a mom of six—ranging from 20 all the way down to a set of toddler triplets. She writes fiction for teens including the popular Scenarios for Girls interactive fiction series and the Diamond Estates Series. Her nonfiction focuses on helping teens make good choices and bridging the gap in parent/teen communication. On Teen Talk Radio, Nicole talks with teens and special guests about the real issues young people face today, and she loves getting out among teens and parents when speaking at youth groups and conferences. Visit http://www.nicoleodell.com/ or www.facebook.com/nicoleodell.

Emily is a straight-A fifth grader at Eastlawn School in Paxton, IL. She lives with her mom, stepdad, three sisters, and two broth- ers. Never found without her iPod, Emily loves to dance and sing. She's a busy girl who enjoys swimming, skateboarding, and hanging out with friends. She's active in her community and local church, and plans to be a teacher when she grows up.

Natalie is an honor student in the eighth grade at PBL Middle School in Paxton, IL. The oldest daughter of six kids, Natalie is a very loving and hands-on big sister. She's passionate about her walk with Christ, and almost as passionate about the game of volleyball. She holds first- chair clarinet in the school band and looks forward to high school marching band. At this point, Natalie aspires to a career in the culinary arts, but is open to other possibilities.

Sexual content? Say what? Register to win a $10 Amazon gift card

When I began plotting the Zoe Mack Mystery Series, I wanted to write a mystery story that was heavy on the romance. My characters are college age, which means this series could easily be a cross-over between young adult and adult. Zoe is 19 and a virgin. She is a Christian and helps her grandmother teach Sunday School. She faces the same temptations of all dating teens, but is determined to save herself until marriage. Zoe and her boyfried, Nate, kiss, but that's as far as it goes. All of my books are clean. I do address sex in that Zoe is abstaining and makes it clear to Nate that she's holding onto her convictions. Maybe some readers would call this book "edgy" because it deals with problems that teenagers face. Zoe is a good role model, one I wouldn't mind hanging out with my teenage daughter if I had one.

Just to show how different perspectives can be, check out the email below from a lady I provided a copy so she could read and review it. She's a nice lady and I have nothing against her. I'm just amazed at our difference in perspective.

Dear K. Dawn,
I finished reading this book today but don't feel I can endorse it. I'm sorry, but my constituents are conservative and I cannot recommend this to homeschool families, etc. who don't want such sexual content. It doesn't seem YA with a MC 19.

And, now on to a different perspective that came from the Women of Faith blog at http://todayswomanoffaith.blogspot.com/2012/01/zoe-mack-mystery-of-love-letters-todays.html

Today's Fiction Spotlight is with author K.Dawn Byrd, whose latest release, The Secret of the Love Letters introduces endearing characters that you'll want to see more of. The heroine, Zoe, is 19 and in love and she doesn't let the reader forget it for more than a page or two at a time. Fortunately, there's a whole lot more going on and it all happens at a smart pace. At only 97 pages, there's no time to waste, but enough character development to make us want to see more of the main characters in a next installment.

Ratings:
Genre: Romantic Suspense/Mystery
Profanity: No profanity, gore, or sex (a little more going weak in the knees than was necessary, but then again some readers will probably love that).
Christian Element: Low, but there.
Fun Element: Yes.
Recommended? Yes, boyfriend-obsessed heroine notwithstanding!

The Zoe Mack Series was written for those who like mystery and love romance. Yes, it is a little weak in the knees because I'm a sap for romance and let's face it, teenagers live for the next wink, the next smile, the next kiss from whoever they happen to be in love with. That said, please leave me a comment in response to this post for your chance to win your choice of my books. And, don't forget to check out the reviews that are starting to come in on Amazon.



To register to win a $10 Amazon gift card, leave me a comment. Thanks!

Becky Melby's "Tomorrow's Sun"

Title: Tomorrow's Sun
Publisher: Barbour Publishing

Cover blurb:  One house. Two loves. A century and half apart.

Her fractures have mended, her scars faded, but Emily Foster can't move on until she makes restitution for a past mistake. Flipping houses seems like the path to her goal. Yet, instead of finding a door to the future, the 1840s house she plans to remodel opens windows to the past.

Contractor Jake Braden hates Emily's plan to modernize the old house, but the cost of fighting for guardianship of his late sister's twelve-year-old twins forces him to take the job anyway. When a hidden door and faded love letters connect the house with the Underground Railroad, he and Emily embark on a mission to uncover the fate of young lovers.

As Emily and Jake unravel the long-forgotten love story, words of faith in the face of fear inspire, convict, and draw them to each other. . .but will they be prepared when faced with the greatest test yet?

1) How did this story come to you?
My husband and I were having lunch at a restaurant in Rochester, Wisconsin, not far from where we live. As I read the history of the building, built in 1843 and originally called the Union House, its possible connection to the Underground Railroad sparked an idea. I looked at my husband and said, "There's a story here."

2) Tell us about the journey to getting this book published.
I've written for Barbour for many years and I was blessed when two of the editors approached me at an ACFW conference and asked if I would consider writing for their full-length fiction line. Later, when Rebecca Germany requested a proposal, the idea for Tomorrow's Sun and two other books containing hidden rooms and long-forgotten writings was already cooking in my head.

3) Tell me three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.
1) My husband and I have backpacked in the Tetons, Smokies, and Rockies—carrying all we need for four or five days on our backs.
2) As of January 19, I am the proud grandmother of an even dozen amazing kids.
3) I'm planning a road trip on the old Route 66 for my next series.

4) What are you working on now and what's next for you?
I just finished Today's Shadows, the third book in the Lost Sanctuary series. Right now I'm working on a proposal for another contemporary series with historical elements.

5) Parting comments?
Thank you so much for the opportunity to share with your readers.

6) Where can fans find you on the internet?
http://www.beckymelby.com/. Stop by and click on the link to my blog if you enjoy "spiritual Cinderella stories." My tag line is "stories of tarnished dreams refinished by grace." I've had some fascinating guests who share their real-life journeys from tragedy, disappointment, and shattered dreams to finding hope and joy through the grace of God.

Register to win Becky Melby's "Tomorrow's Sun"

We're happy to have Becky Melby with us today talking about her book, "Tomorrow's 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. Thanks!


Title: Tomorrow's Sun
Publisher: Barbour Publishing

Cover blurb:  One house. Two loves. A century and half apart.

Her fractures have mended, her scars faded, but Emily Foster can't move on until she makes restitution for a past mistake. Flipping houses seems like the path to her goal. Yet, instead of finding a door to the future, the 1840s house she plans to remodel opens windows to the past.

Contractor Jake Braden hates Emily's plan to modernize the old house, but the cost of fighting for guardianship of his late sister's twelve-year-old twins forces him to take the job anyway. When a hidden door and faded love letters connect the house with the Underground Railroad, he and Emily embark on a mission to uncover the fate of young lovers.

As Emily and Jake unravel the long-forgotten love story, words of faith in the face of fear inspire, convict, and draw them to each other. . .but will they be prepared when faced with the greatest test yet?

1) How did this story come to you?
My husband and I were having lunch at a restaurant in Rochester, Wisconsin, not far from where we live. As I read the history of the building, built in 1843 and originally called the Union House, its possible connection to the Underground Railroad sparked an idea. I looked at my husband and said, "There's a story here."

2) Tell us about the journey to getting this book published.
I've written for Barbour for many years and I was blessed when two of the editors approached me at an ACFW conference and asked if I would consider writing for their full-length fiction line. Later, when Rebecca Germany requested a proposal, the idea for Tomorrow's Sun and two other books containing hidden rooms and long-forgotten writings was already cooking in my head.

3) Tell me three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.
1) My husband and I have backpacked in the Tetons, Smokies, and Rockies—carrying all we need for four or five days on our backs.
2) As of January 19, I am the proud grandmother of an even dozen amazing kids.
3) I'm planning a road trip on the old Route 66 for my next series.

4) What are you working on now and what's next for you?
I just finished Today's Shadows, the third book in the Lost Sanctuary series. Right now I'm working on a proposal for another contemporary series with historical elements.

5) Parting comments?
Thank you so much for the opportunity to share with your readers.

6) Where can fans find you on the internet?
http://www.beckymelby.com/. Stop by and click on the link to my blog if you enjoy "spiritual Cinderella stories." My tag line is "stories of tarnished dreams refinished by grace." I've had some fascinating guests who share their real-life journeys from tragedy, disappointment, and shattered dreams to finding hope and joy through the grace of God.

Molly Noble Bull's "The Overcomers"

Title: The Overcomers: Christian Authors Who Conquered Learning Disabilities by Ginny Aiken, Margaret Daley, Jane Myers Perrine, Ruth Scofield and me, Molly Noble Bull.
Publisher: Westbow Press published The Overcomers.

Cover blurb: Did you ever try to push a one hundred-pound rock up a hill with nothing but a toothpick? If you can image what that might be like, you have some idea how difficult it is for a child with a learning problem to read or spell ten simple words.

Five published Christian authors with learning disabilities wrote this book from their own experiences. It is their hope that others will be encouraged from reading how they overcame.

1) How did this story come to you?
I was on an Internet loop made up of Love Inspired authors. One day the Lord led me to tell everyone on that loop that I had a learning problem. I didn't want to tell my long held secret to a group of published novelists I respected. Nevertheless, I told them in an email message, and as soon as I clicked send, I regretted it.

How could I have guessed that seven of the women in that group would write to say that they had learning problems, too? From that small group, The Overcomers was born.

2) Tell us about the journey to getting this book published.
In 2007 The Overcomers was accepted for publication by a small press. However, the publisher went out of business before the book came out. In 2011 we paid Westbow Press to publish it, and now it's available in paperback and as an e-book.

3) Tell me three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.
I've never had a sense of smell. Yes, I can taste, but things might taste differently to me than they do to you.
As a teenager, I planned to be a professional singer when I grew up or a journalist.
I taught third grade, second grade and kinder for a total of eleven years before becoming a novelist.

4) What are you working on now and what's next for you?
I am waiting to hear from an editor that took one of my novels to committee. If the book sells, I will polish it, and God willing, I will start on something else.

5) Parting comments.
To find all my books, write Molly Noble Bull in the search slot at online and walk-in bookstores.
Click below to see The Overcomers at Amazon right now and look inside for free.



6) Were can fans find you on the internet?
http://www.mollynoblebull.com/
http://writersrest.blogspot.com/
http://www.bustlesandspurs.com/

Register to win Molly Noble Bull's "The Overcomers"

We have 4 book giveaways this week, so please scroll down and check them all out. We had this book up for giveaway last week, but I received word from the author that she couldn't access the comments. I'm thinking that due to some kind of blogger glitch, maybe you guys couldn't either, so I'm carrying it over another week to give you the chance to win this great book. Please leave your comments at the end of her post and if you can't, please email me at kdawnbyrd@yahoo.com and let me know. Thanks!


We're happy to have Molly Noble Bull with us today talking about her book, "The Overcomers" Christian Authors Who Conquered Learning Disabilities." To register to win a copy, leave Molly a comment with your email address and if you've not done so, place your email address in my feedburner box to the right to receive weekly emails about giveaways. To learn more about Molly and her book, read on!

Title: The Overcomers: Christian Authors Who Conquered Learning Disabilities by Ginny Aiken, Margaret Daley, Jane Myers Perrine, Ruth Scofield and me, Molly Noble Bull.
Publisher: Westbow Press published The Overcomers.

Cover blurb: Did you ever try to push a one hundred-pound rock up a hill with nothing but a toothpick? If you can image what that might be like, you have some idea how difficult it is for a child with a learning problem to read or spell ten simple words.

Five published Christian authors with learning disabilities wrote this book from their own experiences. It is their hope that others will be encouraged from reading how they overcame.

1) How did this story come to you?
I was on an Internet loop made up of Love Inspired authors. One day the Lord led me to tell everyone on that loop that I had a learning problem. I didn't want to tell my long held secret to a group of published novelists I respected. Nevertheless, I told them in an email message, and as soon as I clicked send, I regretted it.

How could I have guessed that seven of the women in that group would write to say that they had learning problems, too? From that small group, The Overcomers was born.

2) Tell us about the journey to getting this book published.
In 2007 The Overcomers was accepted for publication by a small press. However, the publisher went out of business before the book came out. In 2011 we paid Westbow Press to publish it, and now it's available in paperback and as an e-book.

3) Tell me three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.
I've never had a sense of smell. Yes, I can taste, but things might taste differently to me than they do to you.
As a teenager, I planned to be a professional singer when I grew up or a journalist.
I taught third grade, second grade and kinder for a total of eleven years before becoming a novelist.

4) What are you working on now and what's next for you?
I am waiting to hear from an editor that took one of my novels to committee. If the book sells, I will polish it, and God willing, I will start on something else.

5) Parting comments.
To find all my books, write Molly Noble Bull in the search slot at online and walk-in bookstores.
Click below to see The Overcomers at Amazon right now and look inside for free.



6) Were can fans find you on the internet?
http://www.mollynoblebull.com/
http://writersrest.blogspot.com/
http://www.bustlesandspurs.com/