Susan May Warren's Blog, page 36

A few more books to add to your TBR pile!

The Perfect Blend by Trish Perry

Steph Vandergrift left everything to elope with Middleburg attorney Rick Manfred, who then stood her
up at the altar. Too embarrassed to return home, Steph hopes to earn enough to get by until she can decide what to do next. Tea Shop owner Milly Jewel hires her and appreciates the extra help at the tea shop.

Also appreciative of Steph is Kendall James, one of the kindest, most eligible bachelors in the area. But by the time Steph feels able to consider dating again, her run-away fiancé returns and tries to win her back. Steph is wary, but she and Rick always blended so well.

Christie Burnham, the frank-talking equestrian from whom Steph rents a room, and her frillier sister Liz become fast friends and confidantes to Steph. Between the two sisters, there isn't much any man is going to pull over on Middleburg's newest bachelorette and tea shop employee.

About Trish: I started writing seriously about sixteen years ago. Up until then I thought I had finally figured out what I wanted to do when I grew up: I went back to school and got a degree in Psychology. I was drawn to how our minds and emotions work. But while writing for my classes, I found myself drawn to how we relate to one another's minds and emotions.

Hey, guess what? That's what stories and novels are all about (good ones, anyway)!

I started writing short stories—pretty bad ones. And I started taking creative writing courses to round out my degree. So I was in classes full of people just like me—lousy writers. But we were learning!

Then the Lord led me to a local writers' group, Capital Christian Writers, and the contacts and friends I made through CCW enriched my personal life and my writing life more than I can measure. Through CCW and through reading just about every book and magazine ever published by Writer's Digest, I started catching on. Now I'm writing full time and man oh man do I love it.

Before the writing began, I worked for attorneys in Washington, D. C. I worked for the Securities and Exchange Commission. And I was a stockbroker. A horrible stockbroker. How do people do that? Take responsibility for other people's financial futures? Yikes. I'm perfectly happy to take responsibility for the amount of time any one person wants to spend reading my books. If you enjoy the experience, then know that we both enjoyed it together. I love that about books.

In the midst of all that fretting over other people's money and writing about other people's lives, I racked up a few personal experiences myself. Some good, some bad, but all part of God's plan. Now I live in Northern Virginia with my brilliantly funny son. I have a savvy, gorgeous grown daughter, a charming son-in-law, and an amazing grandson. For more info about Trish and her other books, visit her website at www.trishperry.com.

Books 3 & 4 in The London Confidential series by Sandra Byrd

London Confidential, Book #3
Don't Kiss Him Goodbye


It was just a kiss. A simple kiss, a quick kiss, an innocent peck because they were saying good-bye and no one was watching. But someone was watching them–me. Not that I'd meant to. I didn't know why the kiss troubled me, but it did. I hid it well, though. Or so I thought.

Now established in her quirky British village, Savvy works hard to get an article with her own byline published in the school newspaper. When an attractive and mysterious boy asks her for help with his school work, Savvy is slowly pulled into his circle and soon finds out that the wrong set of friends-boys and girls-can influence her own behavior. Following her own advice to cut ties with a charming bad boy would mean abandoning her dearest wishes, and it just doesn't seem as wrong as it feels. Is it? Read on for surprise twists throughout the book!

London Confidential, Book #4
Flirting With Disaster

If you forward this to 10 friends within 2 hours something good will happen in your life 2day and 2morrow. But if you don't then something bad will happen 2day and 2morrow. For sure.

In a shocking turn of events, all writers for the Wexburg Academy Times will cast their votes for next year's editor - and it looks like Savvy's vote will be the tie breaker! She must choose between a nasty-girl-turned-nice, with a sudden interest in letting Savvy get what she wants, and the prickly Hazelle, who promises nothing at all. Savvy then finds herself wrapped up in a new, seemingly innocent but potentially dangerous activity. It's all at risk in this book: her position on the paper, the boy she likes, the ministry she wants to go well. At a critical moment, Savvy must figure out how to rely on God rather than luck and to overcome temptation before it is too late.

About Sandra Byrd: After earning her first rejection at the age of thirteen, bestselling author Sandra Byrd went on to publish three dozen books including her widely-acclaimed adult fiction debut, Let Them Eat Cake, and her recent 4-book young adult fiction series, London Confidential.

A former textbook acquisitions editor, Sandra is also an accomplished non-fiction writer and author. Her articles have appeared in numerous publications such as Radiant, Focus on the Family's Clubhouse Magazine, Christian Parenting Today, Pockets, Decision, and Guideposts. During the past seven years, Sandra has mentored hundreds of students through the Christian Writer's Guild. 

Sandra resides in Seattle, Washington with her husband Michael, a chaplain, their two teenagers, and a circus dog named Brie. For more info about Sandra and her other books, please visit www.sandrabyrd.com.

Double Teamed!

So, after my terrible Football Mom showing a couple weeks ago, I put in the effort to up my game the following week.  I was feeling pretty fine with my Vikings Football Jacket, my hat with my son's number, and my football pin.


 
No one could call ME a pansy.

 

And Kathi let me into the Football Mom Club.  Finally…I was real.

Little did I know…

See, THIS week was homecoming.  And yes, I expected a big play or two.  Even brought in a few of my own.

Like these:  Football Earrings with MY son's number!

 

That's right.  And just to show my extreme football commitment, I did this:

 

BLUE HAIR!  And I brought in fresh blood - a daughter with BLUE HAIR too!  And she wore my son's away game jersey. 

All in.  That's me.  Playing for the win. 

Until…

Kathi and my previous Pea-Green Jacket Pal showed up to the game.  Laughing all the way. 

 

DOUBLE TEAMED!!

Not only had Kathi rooted through her 20+ year old high school memorabilia, but she pulled out her CCHS cheerleader POM POMS and her LETTER JACKET!  And the little instigator/overachiever pulled her Cuz "Nicie" into the play who not only wore a practice jersey, but did this:

 

FACEPAINT!  On a 40+ year old woman. 

I mean really, that's just over the top. Have some dignity. 

And just when I thought it couldn't get any worse, I discovered THIS contraband at the game!

 

Apparently it's so she can listen to the announcer call the game.  Probably just likes hearing her kid's name over and over and over.  "Johnson on the sack."   Whatever.

I don't need a radio to know how awesome MY son is. (The one who made his own stellar sack.  Recovered a fumble.  Rushed in last week's game for 122 yards and two touchdowns.  If someone kept track of that kind of thing.)

 

And then, of course, there's the entire row of Grandmas.  I mean, how many Grandmas does one kid need?  And a grandpa too?  I'll bet they aren't even RELATED to Johnson.
(Oh, shoot, I'll bet they are.  Everyone up here is related.)

But, not to fear…I may not have Pom Poms or face paint or even a Football Grandpa, but I still have a few tricks plays up my sleeve.

This season isn't over yet…

Just you wait, Kathi Johnson, just you wait…

Still Scramblin' Susie

Bring it.

Bring it, baby

I am a football mom.

I love being a football mom. I go to every game I can, even if it is four hours away. I sit in the rain, the snow, the sleet and I sing the school song.  I ice bruises and layer on antibiotic to cuts.  I talk through bad plays and listen to endless hours of strategy. I know the stats and formations of the opposing teams.  And I have the NFL channel playing in my kitchen.

I am a football mom.

Or…so I thought.

Until I met….Kathy. 

Kathy is also a football mom.  But see, Kathy had a son who graduated two years ago, so she's been this route before (my son is only a sophomore…a STARTING sophomore.  Starting at Middle Linebacker and Fullback….but I digress….) so she knows that being a football mom isn't just about listening to plays and driving to games and icing bruises.

It's all about the look. 

I thought I had my act together until I arrived at the game and realized that I had NOT brought my A game to the stands.  I do not look like a football mom.

 

And see, it's not just about the gear…it's about the details.

These details.

 


 
 

And don't forget the earrings.  Earrings!! With her son's number!

Blindsided!  Blitzed for the tackle!

Worse, I looked around and discovered I was surrounded by the Varsity moms!

This is Lori.  Her son is the QB, #11. Her husband is the coach.

Lori is a football mom. 



 
Not only that, but she brought a GRANDMA to the game with her!  In fact, you can't see it, but there is an entire ROW of grandmas back there. 

I don't have a football grandma.

There are others like me in the stands.  Like my friend in the pathetic pea green coat.
 




Kathy sure looks gleeful.  Probably because her son just made a great tackle.

Whatever.

Fine, Kathy, if that's how you want it. 

I will get the gear.  The blankie, the numbered hat, the button, the jacket…the earrings.  Maybe even a tattoo.  (Okay, maybe not, but...) I will not be benched.  Sidelined.  Sacked.

Because I am a football mom.

Game on, baby.

Susie "the Scrambler" May

A Friend in the Storm ... Win a KINDLE!

Hey friends - check out this sweet little book. Cheryl's creativity and heartfelt words jump right off the page. This book is the perfect gift for someone going through a rough patch or for anyone who needs a reminder of God's goodness.

Cheryl is also giving away a KINDLE in her "Share Your Storm" Contest - but hurry the contest is over on Monday. She's hosting a fun Facebook party on the evening of October 4th to chat with friends, new and old, give away signed copies of her book and gift certificates to Amazon.com. She'll also be announcing the winner of the KINDLE! Don't miss the festivities.

All the details here:

Cheryl Ricker is hosting this great contest over at her website during the blog tour for A Friend in the Storm, Zondervan's latest innovative gift book of quotes, Scripture and poetry that leads to lasting hope!

Since this book covers matters of the heart, Cheryl wants to hear from YOUR heart! In the midst of any type of loss, grief or crisis, A Friend in the Storm takes you on a healing journey where you experience Christ's love in a fresh, memorable way. Now she invites you to submit an original poem, story or snippet about a time when someone was a friend in your storm… and she's giving you the opportunity to win a KINDLE to do it!

Head on over to her Contest Page on her website to find out how to enter!

On October 3rd, she will randomly select one winner to receive a brand-new KINDLE! She's also choosing 5 more names at random to receive a signed copy of A Friend in the Storm! The winners will be announced at her Facebook Party on October 4th. The party will take place on Cheryl's Facebook "A Friend in the Storm" Page - go here for all the details.

The Facebook Party will be a blast!  Not only will she be announcing the
Share Your Storm Kindle Giveaway winners, but she'll also be chatting with party goers, hosting fun trivia contests, and giving away even more prizes every 10 minutes – including signed copies of A Friend in the Storm, and gift certificates to Amazon.com and Starbucks.com!

Oh, and check this out - Cheryl is also giving away a $50 Amazon gift certificate! Simply help her spread the word about the contest; Facebook Party. Interested? It's easy to enter! Here's how:

Share this on FACEBOOK: Want to help someone who's hurting? "A Friend in the Storm," Zondervan's latest gift book of quotes, Scripture and poetry, is helping thousands find lasting Hope! Go here http://ow.ly/2BYiN to enter to win a KINDLE!

Post this on TWITTER: A Friend in the Storm by @cherylricker heals hearts in tough times. Enter 2 win a KINDLE http://ow.ly/2BYiN here! #litfuse (You must use hashtag #litfuse to be entered.)

Share this as many times as you like – just email amy@litfusegroup.com by October 4th and let her know how many times you tweeted/shared on Facebook, twittered or blogged about the contest. Each 'sharing' represents one entry into the contest.

Another way to 'share' the contest is to add this button to your blog or website.  Adding the button is worth ten entries into the contest!

Simply copy and paste the code in the text box below into the html screen of your blog/website, then send Amy an email letting her know that you added it along with your URL and she'll toss your extra entries into the pot.

Share Your Storm Kindle Giveaway

Pull up a chair, grab a cup of coffee and check out these great reads!

Letters in the Attic by DeAnna Dodson

Up in her grandmother's attic in Stony Point, Maine, Annie Dawson finds a stack of old letters from her childhood friend Susan Morris. Annie remembers Susan fondly and would like to get back in touch, but nobody seems to know what's become of her. Her friends at The Hook and Needle Club aren't much help either. All they remember is that Susan left town more than twenty years ago to marry a very wealthy man, but none of them is quite sure who he was. And Annie can find no record of any marriage.

The more Annie searches, the more she begins to wonder if something has happened to Susan. Something bad.

Read more here.

Formula for Danger by Camy Tang

HER LIFE WAS ON THE LINE

Someone wants dermatologist Rachel Grant's latest research, and they'll do anything to get it. Including trashing the plants needed for her breakthrough scar-reducing cream--and trying to run Rachel down. Desperate for help, she turns to Edward Villa, the only man she trusts. But the greenhouse owner knows too much about Rachel's research, and now he's a target, too. Break-ins, muggings, murder...the would-be thief is getting desperate--and getting closer. Edward vows to protect Rachel at all costs. Yet with time ticking away, Edward knows they have to uncover the madman shadowing Rachel before their chance for a future is destroyed.

Read more here.

Shelter of Hope by Lyn Cote

Struggling single mother Rosa Santos is deeply touched when volunteers band together to build her a home. With a waitressing job, community college and church, Rosa barely has time to help, let alone dream about a husband and father figure. But when handsome volunteer Marc Chambers hands her withdrawn young son a little hammer, her heart swells. Suddenly, her son is blossoming. But the closer she and Marc get, the more he pulls away. Why? He's built her a shelter of hope. One she—and her son—pray he'll take refuge within….

Read more here.

This is what happens when men are in charge.

When boys think they are indestructible.


When mom goes away on a business trip.

Blood.

Grime. 

Ooze.

Touchdown! 

Here's to my Fullback, who hereafter wants to be referred to as...X-Men Wolverine.

Did you win the KINDLE?

Wow we had nearly 3,000 people enter PJ's Sweet KINDLE giveaway. Wow, wow, wow!
 

Thank you to everyone who entered the contest, blogged about the contest, reviewed Licensed for Trouble, and shared it with your friends and family. YOU all have made this contest a huge success - I love writing books for you all. What a privilege!

P.S. I saw numerous comments from you all hoping this was NOT the last PJ Sugar book. Looks like I need to have a little talk with my publisher. *G*

If you didn't...

Whisper on the Wind by Maureen Lang

Whisper on the Wind

She risked everything to rescue him. But what if he doesn't want to be saved?

Belgium, 1916 The German Imperial Army may have conquered Belgium on its march through Europe, but the small country refuses to be defeated.

An underground newspaper surfaces to keep patriotism alive and bring hope and real news of the war to the occupied country.

It may be a whisper amongst the shouts of the German army, but it's a thorn in their side nonetheless—and Edward Kirkland will...

Enter to Win a KINDLE in PJ Sugar's 'Sweet' Giveaway!

Licensed for Trouble, the latest and final installment in the PJ Sugar series, is in stores now! To celebrate the release, we're giving away a Kindle!! You can enter using Twitter, Facebook, or e-mail using the icons below.
One Grand Prize winner will receive a A SWEET Kindle prize package that includes:

A brand new Kindle (Free 3G, 6", Latest Generation)
The entire PJ Sugar series by Susan May Warren


To enter, simply click on the icons below to fill out the entry form, then...

Abigail by Jill Eileen Smith

Jill's lastest release Abigail follows
the bestselling *Michal* and continues Jill Eileen Smith's rich story of David's wives.Abigail is the third wife of King David and her journey
is one of heartache and shattered dreams, but in the end she grows
stronger for what she has endured and her relationship to David takes
an interesting turn.



What price must she pay for true love?



Her days marked by turmoil and faded dreams, Abigail has resigned
herself to a life with a man she does not ...