Brenda S. Anderson's Blog, page 13

MOSES at Sight & Sound Theater in Branson

photo courtesy of Dawn Ford

Last week I joined four other ladies (Stacy Monson, Sarah Anderson, Dawn Ford, & Mari Keisling) on a writing retreat in Branson, Missouri (read about it here). We wanted to cap off our week with a show, as Branson is renowned for its diverse theatrical, musical, and entertainment venues. My daughter recommended Moses at Sight & Sound Theatres (we saw Jonah a few years back), and my fellow authors agreed it looked like a good choice.

Well, it was better than good!

But let me back up a bit. When my family saw Jonah, we also paid for a backstage tour which took us through much of the building. As this was Moses‘ second weekend open, Sight & Sound didn’t offer tours yet, but I knew my fellow authors would love to see behind the scenes, so I gave Sight & Sound Theatres a call and asked if there’d be a chance we could get a tour. I connected with Meg Armstrong who said she’d love to give us a peek backstage. She told me she’d connect with us after the show and give us a mini-tour, which was way more than I expected.

Writing Retreats Rock!

Writing Retreats Rock!

I had the immense pleasure of being in Branson, Missouri last week for a wonderfully motivating writing retreat.  And the best part was having the fellowship of four authors–Stacy Monson, Dawn Ford, Mari Keisling, and Sarah Anderson–whom I blessed to call friends (including my daughter!)

On Sunday, March 5, we arrived at The Cliffs at Long Creek in Branson, Missouri. We stayed in a gorgeous twinhome with a balcony overlooking Table Rock Lake.  The home has five bedrooms, so each of us had separate spaces, plus two living room areas and a well-appointed kitchen. The home also came with a pool table and a movie theater room complete with a 92-inch screen. Needless to say, it was very easy to make ourselves at home here. Which we did.

Each night a different attendee was responsible for a meal of their choice, so we had a variety of delicious entrees. And that was the only scheduled time Monday – Friday, although we did usually meet up around breakfast time for fellowship and encouragement for the day.

A couple evenings, a little masked friend wanted to come visit us.  If you look hard, you can seem him in this pic.

The main purpose of the retreat, though, was to focus on writing, which we all did for most of our waking time. Some of us edited, some wrote new words, other plotted. For the first time in months, I felt like I made forward progress on my work-in-process, and I feel motivated to move forward. Yay!

Of course, no retreat is complete without a bit of downtime. Most of us took time out to enjoy the weather and walk the very hilly resort streets. They really got our hearts pumping! Some of us checked out the just-opened infinity pool on the one 80-degree day. The water was cool, but we were all from Minnesota or Iowa, so we could handle the cold.

March 2017 New Releases from ACFW

March 2017 New Releases

More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website.

Contemporary Romance:

Reunion at Crane Lake by Robin Bayne — Colt’s memory is returning after the accident that ended his career. Now he wants to take over his family’s inn, but he’ll have to partner with his former fiancée to be able to afford it. He’ll need forgiveness to make that happen. Tia’s goal is clear: to return the inn to its former grandeur. And she’ll even work with Colt to do so. But like the inn, their relationship needs a lot of work. He broke her heart…can she ever trust him again? (Contemporary Romance from White Rose Publishing [Pelican])

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Hope by Fay Lamb — She’s a starving artist facing a serious illness; he’s the doctor who’s her only hope of survival. If only she hadn’t caused his sister to die. (Contemporary Romance from Write Integrity Press)

Muffins & Moonbeams by Elizabeth Maddrey — Malachi Baxter is happy to hide in the background and manage the business-end of the family bakery. He’d much rather live in the online world of computer games where he can explore the galaxy and no one has to know he’s deaf. Ursula Franks designs websites during the day and spends her evenings battling alien races online where relationships are easy and uncomplicated. When she agrees to design a website for the local Community Supported Bakery, she has no idea that Malachi is the real man behind her online persona’s best friend and her own secret crush. As the two work together on the website, they uncover an attraction, but will they be able to put aside past hurt and insecurity to find love? (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published)

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Then Came You: A Bradford Sisters Novella by Becky Wade — Garner Bradford, heir to the troubled Bradford Shipping empire, doesn’t know much about babies. But he’s going to have to learn fast because he’s just become a single father to his newborn daughter. Career girl Kathleen Burke is wholly uninterested in settling down. She has big dreams, and none of them include Garner and his small hometown in Washington State. Yet she can’t seem to get her handsome boss out of her head or her heart…. (Romance Novella, Independently Published)

General:

When the Bough Breaks by Ane Mulligan — Her dream job has a Catch 22—and time’s running out. Rookie lobbyist Sienna O’Shea is determined to make a name for herself in New York’s capitol city and use that influence to gain easier access to her birth records. For years she’s searched for her birth mother, but when she’s handed her first assignment—to lobby support for the permanent sealing of all adoption records—her worlds collide. Swept up into the intrigue of backroom politics, falling in love was not on Sienna’s agenda, but the candidate for Lt. Governor runs a formidable campaign to make her his first lady. When an investigative reporter discovers foreign money infiltrating political campaigns, the trail leads to Sienna’s inner circle. (General, Independently Published)

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The Memory of You by Catherine West — Thirteen years ago, Natalie lost a part of herself when her twin sister died. Will traveling back to the family winery finally put the memory to rest, or will it completely destroy her? (General from HarperCollins Christian Publishing [Thomas Nelson and Zondervan])

Cozy Mystery:

Murder Is No Accident by A. H. Gabhart — When murder comes to call at a stately Victorian house, the town of Hidden Springs looks to Deputy Sheriff Michael Keane to solve the crime before anyone else dies. (Cozy Mystery from Revell [Baker])

Historical Romance:

A Rocky Mountain Romance by Misty M. Beller — When Zeche takes shelter from a blizzard in a remote cabin, he doesn’t expect to find a beautiful woman and her father, a disturbed Civil War veteran. Zeche’s instincts tell him Greta is endangered and he should stay and protect her, but his own presence aggravates her father’s condition. With a dangerous snowstorm outside and growing hostilities inside, can he find a way to keep them all safe from harm? Or will it be to the detriment of his heart? (Historical Romance, Independently Published)

A Stolen Heart by Amanda Cabot — From afar, Cimarron Creek seems like an idyllic town tucked in the Texas Hill Country. But when former schoolteacher Lydia Crawford steps onto its dusty streets in 1880, she finds a town with a deep-seated resentment of Northerners–like her. Lydia won’t let that get her down, though. All will be well when she’s reunited with her fiancé. But when she discovers he has disappeared–and that he left behind a pregnant wife–Lydia is at a loss about what to do next. The handsome sheriff urges her to trust him, but can she trust anyone in this town where secrets are as prevalent as bluebonnets in spring? (Historical Romance from Revell [Baker])

My Heart Belongs in the Superstition Mountains: Carmela’s Quandary by Susan Page Davis — Experience the Wild West as Carmela seeks freedom of body and soul. Forced for years by her uncle to pose as a survivor of an Indian kidnapping so he can profit on the speaker circuit, she longs to end the lies. On a stagecoach in Arizona Territory, Carmela and her uncle are fellow passengers with a deputy US marshal and his handcuffed prisoner. When the stage is attacked, will Carmela’s wish come true, or will she forever be branded by her past? (Historical Romance from Barbour Publishing)

Desert Moon & Honor Bound by Susan Page Davis and Colleen L. Reece — Enjoy an Old West romance adventure from author Susan Page Davis. Julia Newman looked forward to moving home to Arizona, then she got word that her mother has died and Julie’s stagecoach is robbed. If that wasn’t enough, the first person she sees in town is Adam Scott—the man she always loved but could never have—and now he is accusing her brother of criminal activity. Also includes a bonus historical romance, Honor Bound by Colleen L. Reece. (Historical Romance from Barbour Publishing)

Her Motherhood Wish by Keli Gwyn — En route to the Double T Orphanage to work on its expansion, carpenter Chip Evans and Caroline Hunt discover two orphaned children—and become their caregivers. But Chip’s determined not to let himself get too attached to the children who just lost their widowed father…or to the lovely woman helping him care for them. Especially since Callie and the little ones just don’t fit into his detailed plans for the future. Callie can’t help but fall in love with the orphans, and despite her better judgment, she’s falling for Chip, too. Her dreams of being a wife and mother were not quite like this. But Callie believes a plan bigger than Chip’s brought them all together…and now she just has to help him see it, too. (Historical Romance from Love Inspired [Harlequin])

The Planter’s Daughter by Michelle Shocklee — When her father’s Texas cotton plantation faces bankruptcy, Adella must choose between the man who can her family’s land and the man who can save her! (Historical Romance from Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas)

When Tides Turn by Sarah Sundin — When Quintessa Beaumont learns the US Navy has established the WAVES program for women, she enlists, eager to throw off her frivolous ways and contribute to the war effort. Lt. Dan Avery employs his skills in antisubmarine warfare to fight U-boats at the peak of the Battle of the Atlantic, but the last thing he wants to see on his radar is fun-loving Tess. As Dan and Tess work together in Boston, the changes in Tess challenge his notions–and his heart. (Historical Romance from Revell [Baker])

Medical Suspense:

Doctor’s Dilemma by Richard L. Mabry M.D. — Young surgeon Tyler Gentry thought the offer to join the Hall Group of surgeons offered the answer to his problems, but things changed when he received a 3 AM phone call that told him such a move would be hazardous to his health. (Medical Suspense, Independently Published)

Romantic Suspense:

Her Baby’s Protector by Margaret Daley and Susan Sleeman — Saved by the Lawman by Margaret Daley: As an unknown assailant attempts to kidnap family-court judge Kate Forster’s infant son, police officer Chase Walker thwarts the attack—and vows to keep the pair safe. But who will protect the ex-marine’s heart when the widowed mother and her little boy make him long for a permanent spot in their family? Saved by the SEAL by Susan Sleeman: The tragedy that killed Bree Hatfield’s best friends–and left her with custody of their young daughter–has been ruled an accident. But Bree knows it was murder. Scared and alone, she turns to her ex-boyfriend, navy SEAL Clint Reed, who’ll risk everything to protect baby Ella and the woman he never stopped loving. (Romantic Suspense from Love Inspired [Harlequin])

Agent-in-Training by Terri Reed — FBI intern Zara Fielding and her K-9 partner, Radar, stumble across a robbery gone wrong and put themselves in the criminals’ crosshairs. Her childhood friend FBI computer guru Dylan O’Leary works for the secretive FBI unit she longs to join, and he vows not to let anything happen to her. As they work to stay one step ahead of the bad guys, new feelings ignite. When she goes missing, it’s only Dylan–and Radar–who can track her down. Will they arrive in time to save her and the future she and Dylan have started dreaming about? (Romantic Suspense from Love Inspired [Harlequin])

Speculative Romance/Fantasy:

Ingrid’s Engagement by Kristen Reed — When King Viggo marches through the kingdom of Schlagefilde in a relentless quest for retribution against its wicked king, the Count of Anselm attempts to make peace with him. As the two strike a deal that will protect the people of Anselm, the King of Villriket becomes enthralled with a portrait of the Count’s oldest daughter, Ingrid. The vengeful king vows that he will leave Edmund’s county in peace if he will allow him to marry Ingrid. To prevent her father from incurring the sovereign’s wrath, the young lady hastily agrees and enters into an unforeseen engagement with the grim ruler. Ingrid’s Engagement tells the enchanting tale of a beautiful young woman who softens the hardened heart of a beastly king with nothing more than her quiet wisdom and gentle spirit. (Speculative Romance/Fantasy, Independently Published)

The post March 2017 New Releases from ACFW appeared first on Brenda Anderson Books.

Huge Inspirational Contemporary Romance Giveaway!

Inspirational Contemporary Romance Giveaway!

If you love reading Inspirational Contemporary Romances, then here’s a giveaway just for you! BookSweeps currently has a promotion giving away a Kindle Fire plus 45+ inspirational contemporary romance ebooks! The giveaway includes my Capturing Beauty along with books by other favorite authors such as Susan May Warren, Kara Isaac, Sally Bradley, and more!

To enter, go here: bit.ly/inspy-contemp

About CAPTURING BEAUTY ~

He’s a nature photographer returning to make amends. She’s a camera-shy naturalist seeking privacy. Their love for a boy brings them together, but the camera could drive them apart.

Photographer Haven Carlysle is a changed man. Six years earlier, he had run from his tragedy-filled life in Duluth. Now he’s back in town to capture the North Shore’s beauty … and to recapture the love of his son. But that means making amends with his ex-girlfriend too. When camera-leery Callie Beaumont steps in to bridge the relationship between Haven and his former family, he’s wary, but she’s his only hope.

Callie Beaumont is surrounded by beauty. Her parents are local news celebrities. Her sister is a model. And Callie is … Ordinary. All her life, Callie has longed to work outdoors soaking up God-breathed beauty, and the opportunity is finally on the horizon. But being the liaison between the handsome photographer and his son has thrown her dreams, and her heart, into chaos.

Can Haven capture her heart when she won’t let him capture her image? And will his poor choices cost Callie her dream job and him the love of his son?

Purchase CAPTURING BEAUTY ~

Amazon | B&N | iTunes | Kobo

The post Huge Inspirational Contemporary Romance Giveaway! appeared first on Brenda Anderson Books.

Capturing Beauty Playlist

For me, music and books go together. Whenever I’m writing, there are always songs in the back of my mind that help tell the story, and when the story is completed, I’ll find more music that go with the theme or the characters.

The playlist for Capturing Beauty might be short, but the music is mighty!

What are your favorite songs about beauty and creation? I’m always looking to add to my list.

Capturing Beauty Sightings ~

Best Reads by Kav – Review

Reading is My SuperPower – Author Interview + Book Giveaway

Reading is My SuperPower – Indie & Small Press Releases for February 2017

About CAPTURING BEAUTY ~

He’s a nature photographer returning to make amends. She’s a camera-shy naturalist seeking privacy. Their love for a boy brings them together, but the camera could drive them apart.

Photographer Haven Carlysle is a changed man. Six years earlier, he had run from his tragedy-filled life in Duluth. Now he’s back in town to capture the North Shore’s beauty … and to recapture the love of his son. But that means making amends with his ex-girlfriend too. When camera-leery Callie Beaumont steps in to bridge the relationship between Haven and his former family, he’s wary, but she’s his only hope.

Callie Beaumont is surrounded by beauty. Her parents are local news celebrities. Her sister is a model. And Callie is … Ordinary. All her life, Callie has longed to work outdoors soaking up God-breathed beauty, and the opportunity is finally on the horizon. But being the liaison between the handsome photographer and his son has thrown her dreams, and her heart, into chaos.

Can Haven capture her heart when she won’t let him capture her image? And will his poor choices cost Callie her dream job and him the love of his son?

Purchase CAPTURING BEAUTY ~

Amazon | B&N | iTunes | Kobo

The post Capturing Beauty Playlist appeared first on Brenda Anderson Books.

Reader Spotlight on Connie!

Today I’m honored to present to you voracious reader and vocal author cheerleader, Connie Ruggles! Like so many of my boosters, Connie supports dozens of other writers. She is a gift!

~ Connie’s Favorite Things ~

Type of Book: No favorite. Love suspense, Amish, mystery, cozy, police procedurals…

Book: No favorite. Too many good ones!

Author:  Too many to name here. Jane Kirkpatrick was one of the first faves, but now I love so many.

Movie: Home Alone is the only movie I have ever watched more than once.

Entrée: Lobster is my absolute favorite.

Dessert: No favorite. I like the different seasonal ones, apple pie, pumpkin anything, strawberry shortcake, etc.

Chocolate: The only chocolate I don’t like is bittersweet chocolate.

Restaurant: In the summer, we like a little fish shack that only serves fried haddock and French fries. She doesn’t sell drinks or desserts or anything else.

Beverage: Coffee

Season: Spring and Fall are nearly tied.

Animal: I love tigers. They are so majestic.

Type of Music: Country music or praise and worship.

Song: No all time favorite.

Musician: Too many. Love Alabama, the Gatlin Brothers, Third Day.

Bible Verse: Phil. 4:13 I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me.

Color: I like all colors, even white and black. They all have their places.

Item to Collect: I am trying so hard not to be a collector in this season of life. But books!! And favorite authors!!

Hobby: Reading.

Flower: I love flowers. Can’t say I’d pick any one out. Probably what’s blooming right now..whenever “now” is.

Holiday: Thanksgiving and Easter are pretty well tied.

Vacation Location: The beach!!!

Add your own: My favorite activity is anything that involves any of my four grandchildren. They rock my world!!!

The post Reader Spotlight on Connie! appeared first on Brenda Anderson Books.

You Are Altogether Beautiful!

You are altogether beautiful, my darling; there is no flaw in you.

       Song of Songs 4:7

Wow! Can you imagine such praise? Such love? It can be difficult to comprehend, yet that is God’s love letter to us in Song of Songs. “…there is no flaw in you.” No flaw. Wow!

In Capturing Beauty, my heroine believes that verse for others and for the world around her, and she knows it in her head, the difficulty is believing it in her heart. And she’s not alone. There’s an entire world out there advertising the latest diet, the best makeup, the most effective cleansers. People pour tons of money into beauty products, Botox injections, plastic surgery, anything to try to improve on the perfection God already created. Women stare at airbrushed images in magazines, in the movies, and on television, constantly comparing themselves to an illusion.

Yet we are already flawless!

I love this song and video by Jonny Diaz, “More Beautiful You.” There really could never be a More Beautiful You than the masterpiece God has already crafted.

About CAPTURING BEAUTY ~

He’s a nature photographer returning to make amends. She’s a camera-shy naturalist seeking privacy. Their love for a boy brings them together, but the camera could drive them apart.

Photographer Haven Carlysle is a changed man. Six years earlier, he had run from his tragedy-filled life in Duluth. Now he’s back in town to capture the North Shore’s beauty … and to recapture the love of his son. But that means making amends with his ex-girlfriend too. When camera-leery Callie Beaumont steps in to bridge the relationship between Haven and his former family, he’s wary, but she’s his only hope.

Callie Beaumont is surrounded by beauty. Her parents are local news celebrities. Her sister is a model. And Callie is … Ordinary. All her life, Callie has longed to work outdoors soaking up God-breathed beauty, and the opportunity is finally on the horizon. But being the liaison between the handsome photographer and his son has thrown her dreams, and her heart, into chaos.

Can Haven capture her heart when she won’t let him capture her image? And will his poor choices cost Callie her dream job and him the love of his son?

Purchase CAPTURING BEAUTY ~

Amazon | B&N | iTunes | Kobo

The post You Are Altogether Beautiful! appeared first on Brenda Anderson Books.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Happy Valentine’s Day!

What are you doing to celebrate?

Just in case you haven’t purchased that special something for your special someone, Capturing Beauty would make a lovely gift!

About CAPTURING BEAUTY ~

He’s a nature photographer returning to make amends. She’s a camera-shy naturalist seeking privacy. Their love for a boy brings them together, but the camera could drive them apart.

Photographer Haven Carlysle is a changed man. Six years earlier, he had run from his tragedy-filled life in Duluth. Now he’s back in town to capture the North Shore’s beauty … and to recapture the love of his son. But that means making amends with his ex-girlfriend too. When camera-leery Callie Beaumont steps in to bridge the relationship between Haven and his former family, he’s wary, but she’s his only hope.

Callie Beaumont is surrounded by beauty. Her parents are local news celebrities. Her sister is a model. And Callie is … Ordinary. All her life, Callie has longed to work outdoors soaking up God-breathed beauty, and the opportunity is finally on the horizon. But being the liaison between the handsome photographer and his son has thrown her dreams, and her heart, into chaos.

Can Haven capture her heart when she won’t let him capture her image? And will his poor choices cost Callie her dream job and him the love of his son?

Purchase CAPTURING BEAUTY ~

Amazon | B&N | iTunes | Kobo

The post Happy Valentine’s Day! appeared first on Brenda Anderson Books.

Winner of Capturing Beauty Book Birthday Giveaway!

Thank you all for celebrating Capturing Beauty‘s book birthday with me over the past week! It was fun to have so many people join the party! I think I managed to serve every slice of cake and every last scoop of ice cream.

Risking Love Sale + Multi-Book Giveaway!

Monday Updates!
RISKING LOVE Sale!

For a very limited time, RISKING LOVE, book #1 in the Where the Heart Is romance series, is only 99¢ across the ebook board! Order your copy using the links below:

Amazon | Nook | iTunes | Kobo | Others

[image error] 40+ Sweet Heartwarming Contemporary Romances plus a Kindle Fire Giveaway!

If you enjoy good, sweet romances, then this is a drawing you won’t want to miss! The drawing includes RISKING LOVE. Enter using the link below:

bit.ly/heartwarming-sweet

New CAPTURING BEAUTY Review!

Kav Rees at Best Reads always gives the most beautiful reviews–her love of story is evident in her gushing words! Her very gracious review for Capturing Beauty is now up on her blog, along with a Book Giveaway! If you enjoy Christian fiction, I highly recommend following her blog.

Kav’s Review of Capturing Beauty

Purchase Capturing Beauty~

Amazon | B&N | iTunes | Kobo | Other

The post Risking Love Sale + Multi-Book Giveaway! appeared first on Brenda Anderson Books.