Sherry Kyle's Blog, page 2
December 2, 2016
12 Days of Christmas Giveaway—Day 2
On the second day of Christmas, my favorite authors gave to me . . .
No, you won’t be hearing us sing, but you will have a chance to win prizes—78 to be exact! Join me and nine other authors as we celebrate Christmas for the 12 Days of Christmas Giveaway!
Here’s how it works:
We’ll randomly select a winner every day for the first twelve days of December. Each day the prize builds with another book or book-related goody.
The 2nd day of Christmas prize winner will receive:
Hazardous Holiday by Liz Johnson
and
An audiobook of Watercolor Dreams by Sherry Kyle
He strolled into her painting . . . and into her heart.
It’s 1910 and Anna Lewis wants to become a premier watercolor artist of the lush beaches of Carmel, California. When a man strides down the beach and stops to face the ocean, Anna sketches him into her painting. Was it a mistake? Anna thinks so when he approaches and tells her he doesn’t have spare change to purchase her work. Spare change indeed! She’d better keep her day job as nursemaid to two rambunctious boys. The minute Charles Jordan walks away, he regrets criticizing the woman’s painting but as he told the artist, he’s just been jilted at the altar. His former bride-to-be is in love with his cousin.
Will a secret from his past prevent Charles from ever loving again? And will Anna have the hope she needs when tragedy strikes and she must rely on the one man who crushed her spirit?
Enter in the Rafflecopter giveaway below by following some of your favorite authors on social media and signing up for their newsletters. Every entry carries over–so the sooner you enter, the more chances you have to win. So check back every day until the 12th of December to try and win one of the many awesome prizes.
And be sure to visit Jessica Patch’s blog on December 3rd to learn about the Day 3 prize!
October 19, 2016
New Cover reveal WATERCOLOR DREAMS
Have you heard the quote, “When God closes a door, He opens a window”? No, it’s not in the Bible, however I do believe God does answer prayers in ways we don’t expect! For instance, a couple of months ago, a door closed…
In 2013, I signed a contract with HopeSprings Books to publish my historical romance, Watercolor Dreams. They designed a beautiful cover and helped me get the book into the hands of readers. Unfortunately, the publishing house closed this summer and for a short time I didn’t know what would become of the book.
Enter the open window…
God has blessed me with a wonderful literary agency that stands beside its authors! I had a hand to guide me into the world of self publishing to get Watercolor Dreams back on the shelf.
Here’s the new cover. What do you think?
Right now you can get the book for FREE on Kindle Unlimited as well as with an Audible trial. (Just click this link.)
If you already are a member of Audible, let me know! I have 20 FREE Audible copies to giveaway! (And if you enjoy the book, reviews welcome!!!)
How has God answered one of your prayers in a way you didn’t expect?
Blessings!
Sherry
July 16, 2016
Christian Authors Network 2016 Scavenger Hunt! #13
Stop #13
Play and enter to win a grand prize of 26 books from CAN authors.
Enjoy meeting Christian Author Network members on their personal blogs as you seek clues for the chance to win our grand prize: 26 free books, one from each participating CAN author!
Catch us on this hunt beginning July 17-23, 2016.
Winner will be announced July 25th.
Check out 26 stops, each featuring a different CAN author, many featuring additional prizes or giveaways!
You’ll get fresh insights into each author and learn more about their writing.
*Due to international regulations and postage fees, prizes will be awarded to US Residents only. Individual contests within the hunt may vary, so please read rules presented with each giveaway.*
How it works:
Hop from the first blog post to the next and continue through to the last one.
Each post will contain a short phrase.
Contestants will string the phrases together in the order of the blogs.
The winner will win the grand prize of 26 books.
FYI: The phrase will be clearly marked, but may be difficult to find.
Once you are finished collecting clues from each blog stop, enter the drawing here: (click on the link below)
CAN 2016 Scavenger Hunt Entry Page
And now an interview with author Jocelyn Green:
Jocelyn Green is the award-winning author of ten books, including fiction and nonfiction. A former military wife herself, she offers encouragement and hope to military wives worldwide through her Faith Deployed books and The 5 Love Languages Military Edition, which she co-authored with best-selling author Dr. Gary Chapman. Her Heroines Behind the Lines Civil War novels, inspired by real heroines on America’s home front, are marked by their historical integrity and gritty inspiration. Jocelyn graduated from Taylor University in Upland, Indiana, with a B.A. in English, concentration in writing. She is an active member of the Christian Authors Network, the Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, American Christian Fiction Writers, and the Military Writers Society of America. She loves Mexican food, Broadway musicals, Toblerone chocolate bars, the color red, and reading on her patio. Jocelyn lives with her husband Rob and two children in Cedar Falls, Iowa.
Jocelyn, tell us how you got the idea for your novel Spy of Richmond.
I was researching for a nonfiction book I co-authored with Karen Whiting, called Stories of Faith and Courage from the Home Front. I was looking for stories of strong women who contributed during times of war, and I came across several real women during the Civil War in particular who just blew me away. Elizabeth Van Lew, an abolitionist living in Richmond, was one of them. Van Lew became a spymistress whose information was critical to the Union. My main character, Sophie, is a spy in her network.
Are you anything like Sophie, your main character? If you could cast her in a movie, whom would you choose?
Yes. Sophie is an aspiring writer, which of course I can relate to. She also struggles to do justice with her words for stories that seem almost too important, too huge, to capture on paper. I know the feeling well!
If I could cast a movie version, Charlize Theron would play Sophie Kent.
Describe the hero, Harrison Caldwell. What actor would you hire to play him?
Harrison is a dedicated journalist from Philadelphia, trying to uncover and write an exclusive story from enemy territory. But he decides while in Richmond he can do more than write the stories of the Civil War. He can be part of them, himself.
If I were to hire an actor to play him, it would be Eric Stoltz.
What do you want readers to take away from this book/novel?
I’d love for readers to learn some little-known Civil War history and meet some amazing women that we can all be proud of. But I also want readers to grasp that even when all is dark around us, God’s light can dispel the shadows.
What do you snack on while you write?
A small bowl of almonds, craisins and chocolate chips. Or two bowls. Or one large bowl, to save time.
Thank you, Joceyln, for telling us a little bit about your novel, Spy of Richmond.
But before we go to the next blog spot, I’d like to offer a copy of The Girl’s Guide to Life to one lucky winner!
As I shared on Linda Kozar’s blog, I have two new releases for tween girls: Love, Lexi: Letters to God, (which is part of the GRAND PRIZE for the CAN Scavenger Hunt) as well as The Girl’s Guide to Life. Please fill in the Rafflecopter below to be entered in the drawing! But if you don’t win, don’t worry! My books are sold everywhere. (Which happens to be the secret word for this blog spot!)
And now for stop #14 on the CAN Scavenger Hunt:
Jocelyn Green’s Blog
If you’re just joining the fun, go here for Stop #1.
http://christianauthorsnetwork.com/ne...
April 28, 2016
Senior Moments with Karen O’Connor
Have you seen the three book promo in the newest edition of Guideposts Magazine?
Guidepost Books is doing a special “roll out” of these Harvest House titles by my writing friend and mentor, Karen O’Connor.
Karen, tell us a bit about each of these books.
It’s Taken Years to Get This Old is one that is especially dear to my heart because the title says it all. It has taken years to get to this age–78 on April 8. I can hardly believe that I’m truly old–in body at least. But I am so grateful to have reached this stage and to enjoy the benefits that come with it.
This book is filled with funny stories based on many of my experiences and those of others who were kind enough to share them with me. One woman told me she has used this book along with her bible so she can have a good laugh and then ponder the scripture verse and short prayer for the day. What a blessing to hear that.
My Favorite Senior Moments: From the Funny Side of the Street is also a book that will warm your heart and tickle your funny bone as you see yourself in more than one story.
And finally, Grandkids Say the Cutest Things. I had to write this book. After all I have eight biological grands and two adopted ones. They have been speaking to me since they uttered their first words, so my mind is overflowing with the cute things they say and keep on saying even as young adults.
Six-year-old Miles was sick over the holidays one year so when I asked him later how he felt he replied: “I’m tired. I have to start getting to bed earlier. I’ve been keeping teenagers’ hours.”
I have also included many funny remarks from my friends’ grandchildren. This little book makes a darling gift for new grandparents.
So if you’re looking for a chuckle or two or more and want to share them with friends and family, consider checking out the special promo from Guideposts Books. With the purchase of the two large books you receive the small one as a bonus.
Here’s the link:
http://www.shopguideposts.org/my-favorite-senior-moments.html
About the author:
Karen is an award-winning author and has been writing, teaching and speaking for 40+ years, recently focusing on writing humor for seniors, including the best-sellers, Help, Lord! I’m Having a Senior Moment and Gettin’ Old Ain’t For Wimps. Over the past 30 years she has taught for a variety of schools and conferences, including the University of California Adult Education, the Jerry B. Jenkins Christian Writers Guild, the Mount Hermon Christian Writers Conference, and currently for Bravewriter.com where she teaches Write for Fun online for kids ten to fourteen. Karen enjoys hiking, traveling, attending the symphony, and spending time with her grandchildren. You can find out more about Karen and her books here.
March 1, 2016
Love, Lexi: Letters to God Book Launch—with giveaway!
Thank you for finding my book party page!
Whoo HOOO! It’s release day for Love, Lexi: Letters to God, a new devotional experience for 10-14 year old girls!
(click on the picture above to enlarge)
From the back cover: What’s a girl to do when her rival wants to nab the attention of the one boy she’s liked since he shared his peanut butter and jelly sandwich with her in first grade? Alexis Dawn Cooper (aka Lexi) doesn’t like the way she looks, wants to hang out with the popular kids, and wishes Justin Powell—the boy she’s had a crush on practically forever—would like her as more than a friend.
What Others Are Saying:
“The author has done a fantastic job weaving together a story that could happen to any girl at any middle school in America. She has written Lexi as the typical girl next door who has some brave moments that bring on some big surprises.” ~ Edie C.
“I would recommend this book to several of my friends, and I hope the author will come out with more books similar to this!” ~ Apple, tween girl
“Love, Lexi! I have this book put away for our niece. She just turned 14 and her name is Alexa…they call her Lexi. I think it’s perfect for her. I have gone through the book myself and it is great. It is well written and so much fun. It’s a great book for pre-teens and teens. Not only is this a great story to read, but it is also a journal and devotional. It contains a lot of bible verses.” ~ Crystal
“Such a great idea, this book! It’s a seamless combination of story/journal/bible verses/idea articulation assistance – this one truly has it all for the tween and teen! The story is great; the idea is interesting; it is well written and fun and poignant and touching all at once.” ~ Kristen W.
What’s release day without a book GIVEAWAY?
Write a comment below to be entered for a chance to win a copy of Love, Lexi. I will draw a winner next Tuesday, March 8th, so you have time to tell a few friends (and your junior high pastor at your church) about the contest too!
But if you don’t want to wait, BUY THE BOOK HERE!
Here’s the question:
Which one of these top five things do you want your tween daughter to know?
God loves you no matter what!
You are valuable.
Inner beauty is more important that outward appearance.
Be a true friend.
Seek God above all else.
Fortunately, all of these topics are in Love, Lexi, PLUS a bunch more!
I love to connect with readers, so find me on Facebook, Pinterest, and Twitter, or connect with me through my contact page.
Tweetable
Love, Lexi Book Launch Party and book giveaway. Click to Tweet
February 1, 2016
The Girl’s Guide to Life Book Launch Party–with giveaway!
The Girl’s Guide to Life Book Launch Party
(click on link to enlarge)
Thank you for finding my book party page!
The BIG day has arrived. It’s release day for The Girl’s Guide to Life, a fun, interactive book for 8-12 year old girls. This book has been in the making for a long time, so I’m THRILLED to be able to share it with YOU, my readers. But, that’s not all!
What’s a release day without a book GIVEAWAY?
Write a comment below to be entered for a chance to win a copy of The Girl’s Guide to Life. I will draw a winner next Monday, February 8th, so you have time to tell a few friends about the contest too. The more the merrier, right?
But if you don’t want to wait, BUY THE BOOK!
Here’s the question:
Out of the topics from the book trailer, which one interests you most? By the way, those are just some of the topics in the book. YES, there’s more! You can look inside The Girl’s Guide to Life here to find out.
Here’s what others are saying:
The Girl’s Guide to Life is a resource every parent will want for their daughters. Faith-based stories, crafts, letters to God, quizzes, and fun facts will capture and hold their attention and gently guide them into understanding how to do life God’s way. I wish I’d had a resource like this when my daughters were growing up. I can hardly wait to get a copy for my granddaughter! –Grace Fox, author of Tuck-Me-In Talks With Your Little Ones: Creating Happy Bedtime Memories
Sherry Kyle s authentic voice for girls and relatable scenarios will be a hit as she guides young women to making great choices in many aspects of life and faith. The fun mix of quizzes, simple crafts, facts, and journal prompts will engage girls and get them thinking and talking with friends about issues, relationships, and decisions they face daily. -Karen Whiting, author, TV personality, Christian Retailing Best Award for children s nonfiction, Christian Authors Network board of directors
Finally, I love to connect with readers, so find me on Facebook, Pinterest, and Twitter, or connect with me through my contact page.
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December 17, 2015
Merry Christmas 2015! Book cover reveal…
DECEMBER NEWSLETTER 2015
Merry Christmas from the Kyle family!
There’s nothing more comforting than the glow of Christmas lights. Our tree sits in our family room so that I can see it if I’m washing dishes in the kitchen or sitting on my comfy chair in the family room. Our little village sits on our buffet table and our nativity scene is arranged so that Mary and Joseph, the shepherds, and wise men are bowing down to worship the baby in the manger. I have my favorite Christmas decorations, and I’m sure you do too, but the true meaning of Christmas is celebrating Christ’s birth with the people we love.
Family:
In January, I chose the word FOCUS as my word for 2015. My husband, a 6th grade teacher, also chose the same word for this school year. We laughed together when we discovered how much we think alike. Not surprising after 27 years of marriage. Our kids, two in college, one working, and one in high school, continue to make us smile. We’re a pretty mellow bunch, but like all families we have our crazy moments. We’ve been blessed with good health this year, including a positive heart ablation for our youngest, and thank God every day for our blessings.
Fun:
My friend, Marci Seither, handcrafted sea-inspired cookie stamps called Cookie STAMPede through a Kickstarter campaign. I received my sea star and turtle stamps in the mail this week. Of course I had to try them! I whipped up a batch of peanut butter cookies, thanks to my new Kitchen Aid mixer (LOVE it!) and Marci’s recipe and stamped away! Here is a picture of the sea star cookies. Aren’t they cute?!
Faith:
Need a last-minute Christmas gift that will warm the heart of someone you know?
The Fiction Lover’s Devotional series combines short fictionalized stories with insightful messages. 21 Days of Grace is the first book in the series and celebrates God’s unconditional love. 21 Days of Christmas is the second book and celebrates God’s greatest gift, and the newest book, 21 Days of Love, celebrates treasured relationships. My story titled “Love Deeply” appears in 21 Days of Love. You can find out more here.
Fiction:
On my bookshelf . . .
I love a good Christmas story and this novella is the perfect book to read next to a warm fire with a cup of hot chocolate or cider.
From the back cover of An Endless Christmas by Cynthia Ruchti:
Both in their eighties, Dodie and Wilson Binder celebrate every Christmas as if it were their last. This year, their grandson Micah is planning to ask his girlfriend, Katie, to marry him so that they can celebrate with the whole family. But things go very wrong when she says “no.” Now they are stuck. Too many people, too much snow, and too little room should be a recipe for disaster. But sometimes too much is just enough. Especially when it’s Christmas.
For Girls!
I have some exciting news! I have TWO books coming out in the next few months for girls just like YOU!!! Yes, it’s true and I can’t wait to share the details. Want a sneak peek at the first book, releasing February 1st, 2016? Okay…here is the book cover reveal!
Life is not perfect, but The Girl’s Guide to Life helps make it a little easier!
I hope you have a very Merry Christmas celebrating Christ’s birth with the people you love, and a very blessed New Year!
Love,
Sherry
December 10, 2015
Easy DIY Jingle Bell Napkin Rings
Last Saturday my church had their annual Women’s Christmas Tea.
Once again I hosted a table, and enjoyed pulling everything together. For that extra touch, I made these cute jingle bell napkin rings, and you can too! They’re easy to make.
What you need:
1 paper towel cardboard tube
ruler
pencil
Serrated knife
Cutting board
Scissors
Twine/jute
Hot glue/hot glue gun
ribbon
1-inch jingle bells (from the Dollar Store)
What you do:
1. Measure and mark the cardboard tube in 1.25 increments.
2. Cut the cardboard tube into napkin rings by using the serrated knife on the cutting board.
3. Wrap a piece of twine around the napkin ring, leaving a small space, and cut. Use that piece of twine to make six more pieces for a total of seven.
4. Hot glue the twine around the middle of the cardboard napkin ring. Hot glue the rest of the twine around the napkin ring, working toward the outer edges. If you can still see the cardboard, glue more pieces around it.
5. Take a small piece of ribbon and hot glue to the napkin ring to cover where the twine meets.
6. Hot glue a jingle bell to the center of the ribbon. My bells came with silver ties, which I threaded before I glued it, then tied around the napkin ring afterward to secure it.
7. Tuck an evergreen sprig under each napkin ring to give it color and a nice scent.
8. Enjoy!
Are you hosting a Christmas party this year? Do you have out-of-town company coming? Maybe, if you’re like me, you have a college student returning home and you can’t wait to celebrate Christ’s birth with the whole family around the table.
Next blog post: Interview and book give away with author Cynthia Ruchti for her new novel An Endless Christmas
October 29, 2015
EASY Artichoke Dip
My youngest teen girl came home from Bible study the other night super excited about . . .
Artichoke Dip!
One of her leaders had made some and shared the recipe. Of course we had to go to the grocery store and make it the following day!
Here’s what you need:
Large jar of artichokes
3-6 cloves of garlic, minced
3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cups shredded Mozzerella cheese
2 tsp. lemon juice
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup sour cream
Here’s what you do:
Mix all the ingredients together.
Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.
EASY!
I served it with tortilla chips, but the artichoke dip goes well with French or sourdough bread.
The best part about this easy recipe is that you can make it with your kids! There’s nothing like a little bonding time in the kitchen.
“So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”
1 Corinthians 10:31
September 10, 2015
Featured Book: Great Horse Stories for Girls
And the winner of Cynthia Ruchti’s As Waters Gone By is:
Kim Harms
Congratulations, Kim!
And now for our featured book . . . Great Horse Stories for Girls by Rebecca Ondov
From the back cover:
Are you crazy about horses?
You love horses … and so does horsewoman Rebecca Ondov. She wants you to experience life around real horses—caring for them, getting to know their personalities, training them, and loving them. In these true stories you’ll find out a lot about horses . . . and more about yourself, including how much God loves you. Discover how horses can help you
create stronger friendships
handle feelings, including discouragement
believe in God’s love and care
make wiser choices
live for God every day
Get ready to have a great time with Rebecca and her animals! You also may be surprised by how much God wants to talk to you, walk beside you, and be your friend.
About the author:
Rebecca Ondov spent years working in the saddle on ranches, pack trips, and for the U.S. Forest Service. She’s the founder of Blazing Ink, Inc., and has written numerous magazine articles and books, including Heavenly Horse Sense and Horse Tales from Heaven. Living in Montana with her family and critters provides plenty of love and inspiration. You can find out more about Rebecca on her website: www.RebeccaOncov.com
Readers: When was the last time you rode a horse?
