Cara C. Putman's Blog, page 95
March 18, 2014
It Had to be You Review
{MORE ABOUT IT HAD TO BE YOU}A Christensen Family Novel.
Eden Christiansen never imagined her role as her younger brother Owen’s cheerleader would keep her on the sidelines of her own life. Sure, it feels good to be needed, but looking after the reckless NHL rookie leaves little time for Eden to focus on her own career. She dreamed of making a name for herself as a reporter, but is stuck writing obits—and starting to fear she doesn’t have the chops to land a major story. If only someone would step up to mentor Owen . . . but she knows better than to expect help from team veteran and bad-boy enforcer Jace Jacobsen.
Jace has built his career on the infamous reputation of his aggressive behavior—on and off the ice. Now at a crossroads about his future in hockey, that reputation has him trapped. And the guilt-trip he’s getting from Eden Christiansen isn’t making things any easier. But when Owen’s carelessness leads to a career-threatening injury and Eden stumbles upon a story that could be her big break, she and Jace are thrown together . . . and begin to wonder if they belong on the same team after all.
Learn more and purchase a copy at Susan’s website.
{MORE ABOUT SUSAN MAY WARREN}
Susan May Warren is the bestselling, RITA Award–winning author of more than forty novels whose compelling plots and unforgettable characters have won acclaim with readers and reviewers alike. She served with her husband and four children as a missionary in Russia for eight years before she and her family returned home to the States. She now writes full-time as her husband runs a lodge on Lake Superior in northern Minnesota, where many of her books are set. She and her family enjoy hiking, canoeing, and being involved in their local church. Several of her critically acclaimed novels have been ECPA and CBA bestsellers, were chosen as Top Picks by Romantic Times, and have won the RWA’s Inspirational Reader’s Choice contest and the American Christian Fiction Writers Book of the Year award. Five of her books have been Christy Award finalists. In addition to her writing, Susan loves to teach and speak at women’s events about God’s amazing grace in our lives. She also runs a writing community for authors. Visit MyBookTherapy.com to learn more. For exciting updates on her new releases, previous books, and more, visit her website at www.susanmaywarren.com
Find out more about Susan May athttp://www.susanmaywarren.com/.
Susan May Warren is celebrating the release of her newest Christiansen Family novel, It Had To Be You, with a $100 Visa cash card giveaway and offering readers a free book club kit.
March 17, 2014
5 Reasons Your Dream is Worth It
Last weekend, Eric and I got away…just the two of us. It was a much needed time to escape and reconnect. We are in such a busy time that it would be easy to just hang on, bury our heads and focus on simply completing the next task.
Yet as we walked the streets of Nashville, Indiana, and stepped in and out of stores, our conversations turned again and again to dreams. I’m in a good place. God has graced me with 17 books with two more on the way this year. It’s honestly humbling to consider how much He has blessed the dream of my heat to write books others would read.
It’s one of those out there, crazy, check her into the insane asylum kind of dreams. And it’s one I can now pull to the surface periodically and ask God if it’s one He wants me to kill or hold lightly.Yet as we talked about our dreams, one that I’d buried resurfaced.
I also know that my dreams aren’t over with writing. Or teaching. Or my marriage. My kids. My husband. You get the idea.
That’s why I resonated with this chapter so much. In chapter 9, Holley Gerth talks about why our dreams are worth it. Why they matter so deeply, so fundamentally. Here are a few of the reasons she mentions:
1) God doesn’t have a Plan B for you. We need you, just you, to be who you are.
2)You will never feel closer to God than when you’re pursuing a dream. When I am in the midst of chasing a dream, I have to rely on God because I know I don’t have what it takes.
3) Dreams make you come alive. It’s terrifying, exciting, we feel more alive than we have in a long time. I love when she adds that it’s okay to feel happy, blessed and have a full life!
4) Regret hurts more than risk. I want to live my life so that when I get to heaven, I know I did all I could for Him while I was here. I don’t want to let an opportunity pass.
5) My dream is not about me but about Him. It’s about accomplishing His kingdom purposes with my life for His glory.
So how does knowing God doesn’t have a Plan B for you impact your perception of how much your life matters? Or when do you feel most alive and fulfilled? I can’t wait to read your answers!
March 16, 2014
Love books? Raise Money for a Good Cause
I’m SOOOOO excited to announce that the ACFW Foundation’s Spring Online auction is up and running. The ACFW Foundation is a 501(c)(3) that exists to raise money that can be used to offer scholarships to the ACFW National conference. Our dream is to also offer support to our chapters as we raise additional funds.
If you’ve watched my writing career, you may have heard me say that I firmly believe I wouldn’t be writing the books I am without what I’ve learned through ACFW and its conferences. In fact, I’ve met all of the editors I write for at conference and built countless relationships there.
Now, normally I wouldn’t post about the ACFW Foundation auction here, because I know many people who read my blog aren’t writers. You’re readers, moms, active in busy lives. But I wanted to make sure you knew about this so you could take advantage of the abundance of reader items. Many authors came together to offer baskets of books. There is some good reading ahead for those who win the baskets!
There are also some pretty amazing opportunities for writers to have chapters critiqued by published authors, a synopsis critique by a Love Inspired editor, a 1st chapter & synopsis read by Raela Schoenherr with Bethany House, and a mentoring session with agent Karen Ball. There are many more great packages to bid on. You can check the writer packages out here.
To see all the items and bid, you can go here and click the green button that says “VIEW ALL ITEMS”. Make sure you scroll through – there are three pages of donations, thanks to all our generous donors!!
Please help raise money for our conference scholarships by 1) bidding on some items! and 2) sharing the news about our auction. If you interact with readers via Facebook or your blog, would you mention the auction?
The auction ends March 31, so make sure you get in there and bid on the items you want! Now I’m off to bid on a couple that caught my eye!
March 11, 2014
Dreams: Stop Sabotaging Yourself!
Welcome back to another installment of our book study on You’re Made for a God-Sized Dream. In Chapter 8, Holley Gerth turns our attention to those times when we sabotage our own dreams. The chapter wasn’t exactly what I expected because she talks about burnout. I am so there. I’ve been pushing myself hard since August when I started the MBA program at Purdue. I know I’m supposed to be doing that. But then a publisher called and I added a book. Then another publisher bought a novella collection. All wonderful things, but I found myself just trying to hang on until Christmas. And just last week, I was trying to hang on until yesterday.
I know this isn’t the way to live. I know it’s probably not even Biblical since any idea of a Sabbath is hard to cram in when the task list is longer than the hours in my day. Yet I also know God has asked me to do each of these, and He’s stepped in and expanded my time.
Some days I need to hear the words: “You are not a superhero. You are not invincible. You are intentionally human.” Sometimes I buy the idea that I’m Wonder Woman or the do-it-all mom. But I’m also tired. Drained. And that’s okay. It’s in the moments of weakness that God shows up easiest in my life because I am desperate for Him to do exactly that!
She also talks about taking care of our physical bodies by getting enough sleep and exercise. That we need to simplify our lives and build a dream team. I loved the reminder to seek a mentor, an encourager, a younger woman, and a cheering section. I try to be intentional about those, but it’s always good to take a moment and examine if I have each of those in my life. And then she challenges us to avoid negative people, be alert for doubters, and guard against bullies.
What stood out to you? Who’s on your dream team? Make plans to connect with one of them this week.
March 9, 2014
Struggles of a Homeschooling Mama: Algebra
As a second-generation homeschooler, not much fazes me. I’ve experienced it, heard about it, done it.
However, we’ve just hit a stumbling point in our homeschooling. ALGEBRA. The big, bad, oh-so-necessary-to-graduate algebra. So what’s a mom to do when Algebra becomes a daily battle?
Here are a few things I’ve done:
1) I’ve had to reexamine why I homeschool. Do I do it because it’s what God is telling me to do, or has it become such a part of my identity that I can’t imagine giving it up? Answering this question takes prayerful honesty.
2) I’ve asked for help. Now I did this on Facebook. You can do this wherever works best for you. But I admitted — in public — that we were struggling and asked for advice. I also did this with spelling, and the advice I got then was spot on for our family. This time, I’m taking the suggestions and praying through them. which leads me to:
3) I’m remembering that each child is unique and different. My 7th grader is doing 9th grade math. She’s having to work at math for the first time in her life, and there’s a life lesson in that. But it doesn’t mean that I should stubbornly stick with the curriculum we’re using just to make a point. What will work for her, may not work for my 4th grader or my 1st grader. This is an opportunity for me to recommit homeschooling each of my children to God and ask Him for fresh insight into what will work for each child.
How do you handle struggles with your kids? And if any homeschooling pros want to weigh in with Algebra advice, I wouldn’t turn it down!
March 6, 2014
Shadowed by Grace: the Lost Chapters
Today I want to offer you a treat. It’s something I hope you will enjoy and my way of saying thank you for reading my books and this blog.
As you know, two months ago my latest book released: Shadowed by Grace. It’s a story of my heart, which means it went through several iterations. I’d worked on the idea behind Shadowed for at least two years before it was bought by a publishing house. What I found as I wrote the actual book was that the idea kept evolving. As a result, I wrote chapters which aren’t in the finished book.
Today I’d like to share those with you. You can find them here. I hope you enjoy reading them and some of the behind the scenes on why I didn’t include them in the final book.
Happy Friday!
March 4, 2014
Balanced: You’ve got to be kidding, right?
This week is one way out of balance. I’ve decided those are the times God most shows up. I am desperate for Him, and He meets me in my desperation.
Over the weekend I got 24 hours to hang out with my writing friend Tricia Goyer. It was such a treat and delight…but if there’s anyone on the planet who makes me look like I’m not doing anything, it’s Tricia…and Nicole O’Dell. These women do so much! Tricia writes books, blogs all over the web, runs a TeenMOPS program, and much more.
Tricia often gets asked how she does it…so she wrote an ebook: Balanced: Finding Center as a Work-at-Home Mom. Tricia and her husband John are on their second set of kids — this one adopted. So now that her first set are adults, she has a 6 year old and two three year olds — and is contemplating more. So this woman knows of what she speaks.
I love her heart — she freely admits this isn’t just a self-help book. She cares about people and letting them know Christ is the answer. It’s also very conversational like sitting down across the table from Tricia. She states three things near the beginning which show her heart:
What I do isn’t as important as who I am.
What God can do in my life and what He’s capable of doing can be two very different things– I don’t want to limit Him.
My outward goals are only reachable if I submit my inner soul to Him.
Can I hear an amen? Tricia fills this book with great examples from her family and probing questions. If you’re looking for help to acquire balance, this book may be just the jumpstart you need.
March 2, 2014
What Happens When Dreams Go Wrong?
Ouch…
We don’t want to think about it, do we? Those times when a dream completely derails. Or it somehow goes wrong in a way you never imagined or contemplated.
God-sized dreams are not controllable. I was just telling Tricia Goyer Saturday that I firmly believe one reason God has me in publishing is that it is so outside of my control. I can write the book, but I can’t make it a best-seller. I can’t force a publisher to like an idea and me. I can’t control how long I’m in this crazy business. I am constantly reminded just how in control God is.
So what happens when we lose control and the dream is derailed? Do we get up and charge forward, trying one more time? Will we press on or give up?
Holley challenges us to ask three questions to guard our hearts when it comes to decisions about our dreams:
Does it align with Scripture?
What do the wise people in my life say about it?
When I pray about this, what does it seem God is whispering to me?
These are great questions! Often it is when I am ready to give up and I’ve resurrendered the dream to God, that is when He begins to show up with patience and encouragement. Remember today’s showers are tomorrow’s flowers!
Now for a hard question: When something doesn’t work out the way you plan, do you tend to give up or try again? What encourages you to persevere?
February 26, 2014
Grateful for Grace
I’ve had one of those weeks where there is too much to do and not enough time. I’ve asked God to make the sun stand still…and He has. First by sending my sister-in-law to help a couple afternoons so I could pull away and edit. He’s also just really focused me on what is important. It doesn’t mean life isn’t intense. He’
s just helped me to see through the fog of panic, to what I can do when I rely on Him.
He’s also given me several moments of encouragement. One came yesterday with an article in Publisher’s Weekly religion online article focused on Shadowed by Grace. It went out in a e-newsletter yesterday and I quickly learned just how many people read that. My Facebook and email in-box filled quickly!
Then today I received two great reviews, one with a great idea to apply with your kids!
I pray this encourages you, too. In those seasons when there seems to be entirely too much on your plate, ask God for help. He has sent it in so many ways. I still have too much to do, but it’s manageable with His help. God is good!
How has He graced you in those moments you needed it most?
February 25, 2014
The Ether review
This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
The Ether: Vero Rising
Zonderkidz (February 4, 2014)
by
Laurice E. Molinari
Both my 13 year old and 10 year old were captured by the cover and idea of the book. My 10 year old grabbed it first, and has had his nose down in the book consistently since. He’s the kind of kid who will start and drop books all the time, but the story in this one has kept him engrossed. To quote: “it’s awesome. One of the coolest books I’ve ever read because it’s interesting how they tie Percy Jackson and other cool books together with the Bible. It’s really cool how it feels like Lord of the Rings and the Bible together.”
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Laurice Elehwany Molinari, a veteran film and TV writer in Hollywood for over two decades, has penned over thirty scripts for various studios and networks. Her very first feature script, written while a fellow at the American Film Institute, became Columbia Picture’s critically acclaimed children’s classic, My Girl. She went on to pen The Brady Bunch Movie and The Amazing Panda Adventure. Laurice lives with her husband and two children in Los Angeles, the City of Angels, where her lifelong love for our heavenly guardians inspired her to write a book about them in the ETHER series.
ABOUT THE BOOK
The Fiercest of Warriors? Vero Leland always suspected he was different from others his own age, ever since his childhood attempts to fly. But he never could have predicted the truth—or how much his life was about to change. Soon after his twelfth birthday, Vero learns he is a guardian angel and is abruptly transported to the Ether, the spiritual realm that surrounds the earth. Yet before he can be counted among these fierce warriors, Vero must learn to master his growing powers, competing with other angels-in- training and battling demonic creatures known as maltures as well as mythical creatures such as the leviathan. Until his instruction is complete, Vero needs to alternate between the Ether and his regular life. If he survives training and accepts his destiny—a destiny he did not choose—he must leave everything behind, including his family and the life he loves. Meanwhile, an evil is growing—the maltures are rising, and Vero appears to be their target.
Enjoy the book trailer:
If you’d like to read the first chapter of The Ether: Vero Rising, go HERE.
