Julie Arduini's Blog, page 10

REVIEW: God’s Goodness for The Chosen #giveaway

God’s Goodness for the Chosen is an eight-lesson Bible study for individuals or groups that follows each episode of season 4 of The Chosen.
 
This study teaches readers how to reframe their hardships and see them as fertile soil for God’s goodness to grow in their lives.
 
We see it over and over again in the Bible: God brings good things out of bad things for the sake of His people and for His glory. But truth be told, when we personally experience suffering, we have a difficult time actually believing it. Yet, life is challenging even for the followers of Jesus, and hardship in the twenty-first century is no exception. God’s Goodness for the Chosen takes readers through eight lessons which reveal how God uses suffering to bring about good things in the lives of those He loves.
 
You’ll see:
• Death is eclipsed by life
• Grief is eclipsed by praise
• Questions are eclipsed by resolve
• Confusion is eclipsed by grace
• Temporary things are eclipsed by eternal things
• Heartbreak is eclipsed by love
• Sin is eclipsed by obedience
• Pain is eclipsed by the fullness of God’s plan
 
Indeed, readers will be challenged to embrace the hard things of life, to experience more of the goodness God offers on the other side.

JULIE’S REVIEW

God’s Goodness for The Chosen features something for everyone. Whether the Bible is new to you or your personal copy is highlighted and torn, I loved God’s Goodness for The Chosen because it met all levels.

The topics are all relatable from grief to sin and heartbreak. There are breakdowns of words that might be confusing, and everything is written in a way that is easy to understand. Yet, don’t think you won’t be challenged. The questions are designed to make you think and dig into God’s word and your relationship with Jesus.

I especially loved the “For Bible Nerds Like Us.” Any bonus nuggets I can read are always my favorite.

I highly recommend God’s Goodness for The Chosen. It serves any level of faith, and can be a family or small group study, or an individual one.

In fact, I have a giveaway opportunity! I have one copy of God’s Goodness for The Chosen for ONE US Winner that I will choose via Wheel of Names. To enter, please leave a comment below sharing why you would love this study.

Many thanks to David C Cook for providing a sample of the product for this review.
Opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation.

PURCHASE God’s Goodness for The Chosen HERE

Fiction Finder: March 2024 New Releases

March 2024 New Releases

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

Contemporary Romance:

For Better or For Granted by Amy R. Anguish — Divorce was never in the plans for Genevieve Stewart. Only four years into marriage, and everything has gone wrong. If only she could find her way back to the way things were before Scott’s job took all his time and energy, leaving nothing for her. Scott Stewart achieved his goal of becoming a high school principal younger than most in the state. Everything in life seems to be going exactly as planned until Genevieve threatens to leave. Suddenly, his dreams aren’t as clear as they once were. He desperately wants to stay married, but he can’t let down his school, either. The way back to love isn’t easy when you’ve grown used to taking each other for granted. (Contemporary Romance from Scrivenings Press)

A Slice of Paradise by Nancy Lavo — Single mother and baker Eden Lambert arrives in quaint Village Green looking for a home for herself and her 18-month-old son, Jake. Her warm welcome by her elderly hostess is offset by the cold disdain of Mary Jo’s self-appointed protector, Joe Wolfe. At first, the long-legged blonde and her kid look like trouble to Joe. Mary Jo saved the builder’s life years ago, and he will do no less for the woman he considers a surrogate mother. But as he keeps an eye on the unwanted guests, Joe’s suspicions soon become replaced by admiration and respect for Eden’s resolve and dedication to her son. With his background of abuse and abandonment, Joe is aware of the dangers facing the vulnerable and wants better for Eden and Jake. He offers her a business arrangement–he’ll build her a bakery, and she can run it. As they join forces to start the bakery, can they overcome the scars of the past to find a recipe for love? (Contemporary Romance from Iron Stream Media)

Tangled Up in Love by Carolyn Miller — When Ellie Reilly returns from a dream overseas trip, a too-long hug from her best friend Jasper Cohen clues her in that his feelings might be more than what she suspected. He’s unsure about pushing their friendship further, and doubly uncertain when her European friend, Sebastian, seeks her out in Trinity Lakes. Uncertainty is something Ellie knows all too well. Since returning from her vacation, Ellie feels like she doesn’t fit at her family’s ranch or in small town life. When she is asked to take on responsibility for reopening Trinity Lakes’ historical museum – a dream she’s always wanted – she can’t help but wonder if settling for life in the familiar is all that God has for her, or can she dare trust Him for more? (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published [ACFW QIP])

Prestige of Hearts by R.F. Whong — When Chicagoan Grace Feng, a recent college graduate and a devout Christian, delivers her late mother’s letter to a billionaire, Mr. Lam, in Hong Kong, she expects a quick exchange. Upon their meeting, he offers her a job and luxurious accommodations. She reluctantly stays and befriends Kevin Cheung, the butler’s atheist son, and a jobless unpublished author. Haunted by a tragic past, Kevin finds solace in Grace’s company, but a mystery troubles him: Grace resembles several movie stars who date Mr. Lam, the town’s most eligible bachelor. Can Kevin unravel the enigma? Meanwhile, Mr. Lam’s college-aged son and a fugitive who fled China after the Tiananmen Square Massacre also vie for Grace’s affections. Caught amid a love quadrangle, will she retain her Christian values and guide them toward true grace? (Contemporary Romance from Vidaysm Publishing)

General Contemporary and Women’s Fiction:

Between You and Us by Kendra Broekhuis — When Leona Warlon heads across the city to meet her husband, David, for a rare dinner out, she hopes they can share a moment of relief after their year of loss. But Leona quickly realizes this is no ordinary date night. She hasn’t just stepped into an upscale ristorante; she’s stepped into a different version of her life. One in which her marriage is no longer tender, in which her days are pressured by her powerful in-laws, and in which her precious baby girl lived. Now Leona must weigh the bitter and sweet of both trajectories, facing an unimaginable choice: Stay in a world where tragedy hasn’t struck but where the meaningful life she built with David is gone? Or return to a reality that’s filled with struggle and sorrow but also deep and enduring love? (Contemporary from Waterbrook/Multnomah)

Chokecherry Valley Faith by Jean Rezab — Alex Richmond is being released from prison after a two-year term for embezzlement. His former boss’s cancer has returned, and the town blames Alex.
His wife, Courtney, looks forward to his return but worries about how the community will react.
Can Alex and Courtney work as a team after having been apart for two years and face the trials that will come with his return home? (Contemporary Women’s Fiction, Independently Published)Cozy Mystery:

Saguaro, Snowflakes, and Murder by Jenna Hendricks — Maisy Bransky’s life takes an unexpected turn when she inherits a quirky bookshop from her beloved great-aunt Jo. The giant saguaro cactus out front named Siggy, shelves filled with rare books, and the possibility of a small coffee shop inside seem like the perfect recipe for a peaceful life. However, tranquility is shattered when Jo’s archnemesis, the notorious local troublemaker Homer Kimball, is found dead near her bookshop. As the gossip mill starts churning, Maisy becomes the prime suspect. Determined to clear her name, Maisy embarks on a journey to unravel the mysteries hidden within the dusty shelves of Aunt Jo’s bookshop. With the help of a rescued Frenchie named Ollie, a mysterious old cowboy, and unexpected allies like a quirky cactus enthusiast, Maisy discovers cryptic messages, hidden compartments, and a secret diary that hints at Aunt Jo’s enigmatic past. As Maisy delves deeper, she uncovers a forged will, a lost treasure map, and a series of red herrings that lead her to suspect everyone from Aunt Jo’s best friends, The Fearsome Foursome, to the local pirate. Can Maisy solve the mystery, unearth the secrets of the past, and prove her innocence? (Cozy Mystery, Independently Published [ACFW QIP])

The Luck of the Irish by Kate Darroch, Kathleen Marple Kalb, C.A. Phipps, Amy Grundy, Jessica Brimer, Jessica Thomson, J.L. Lancaster, Jaclyn Weist, K. Rose, W. Jenkins– Ten Tantalizing Cozy Mysteries and the authors’ favorite Saint Patrick’s Day Recipes – sure to make you chuckle, and to keep you guessing! (Cozy Mystery from Ad Astra Press Inc)
Historical Romance:

Streams of Courage by Sandra Merville Hart — In a world turned upside down by war and betrayal…will his role as a spy bring them closer…or tear their future apart? The war that Julia Dodd prayed to avoid is now reality, and with it, her world has been turned on its head. Her fellow citizens, who stood with her in their support of the union, have crossed firmly to the side of the south. And her mother, lost in her grief over the loss of her husband and children, can think of nothing but protecting Julia’s brother’s inheritance. She insists that her daughter seek a wealthier husband than Ashburn Mitchell. Ash knows what his fellow citizens think of him when he refuses to fight for the confederacy. Shouldering the accusation of being a coward and refusing to hide behind his limp, Ash remains in Vicksburg to support his family as a saddler while his two best friends join the fight. Struggling to increase his business so he can marry the woman he loves, Ash becomes a spy in support of the Union. He can’t fight for the South but won’t raise a musket against them. As tragedy instigates Ash to risk greater danger to speed the end of the war, Julia can only pray it won’t cost them everything. She’s already lost her father and two siblings. Must she lose the man she loves too? (Historical Romance from Wild Heart Books)

To Speak His Name by Tara Johnson — Avalina is a woman trapped in silence. Stolen from her home in Ireland and sold as a slave to a Barbados plantation owner, the trauma of her past has left her mute, wrapped in a prison of loneliness and isolation amid an island of beauty. Though she longs to be free from the cruelty of her overseer, her heart yearns for a greater freedom…something just beyond her grasp. Josiah Holland has been born into a South Carolina slave-holding family but all it takes is one trip to the island of Barbados to open his eyes to the ugly cruelty that abounds beyond the confines of his plantation. With the aid of fiery abolitionist Benjamin McGee, Josiah forges a new future, fighting the very ideals he was once a part of. When Avalina and Josiah’s lives entwine, will their spark engulf them in destruction, or ignite a revolution? (Historical Romance from Story Architect)

Uncharted Peace by Keely Brooke Keith — Uncharted Peace weaves past and future in a faith-filled story of life in a hidden land. If you enjoy the rural setting of frontier romance and the wholesomeness of Amish fiction, you’ll adore Uncharted Peace. (Historical Romance, Independently Published [ACFW QIP])

Seashells in My Pocket by Terri Wangard — German-Brazilian Isabel Neumann delights in creating seashell art, but it’s her mathematical ability that lands her a job at the American air base in Natal, northern Brazil during World War II. She doesn’t need a calculator to determine the correct weights and balances for the Air Transport Command’s cargo planes. Daniel Lambert, an American transport pilot based at Natal, endures the taunts of combat pilots that he is “allergic to combat.” His flying skills win him respect, however, and his friendship with Isabel deepens, even as a new source of trouble looms. Isabel is caught in the crosshairs of a German saboteur who is obsessed with her. He insists that she belongs with him and demands that she help him sabotage the Allied base. Her growing relationship with Daniel angers the Nazi, who will do anything to get of rid him. What will happen to Isabel if the madman captures her? (Historical Romance from Scrivenings Press)

Set in Stone by Kimberley Woodhouse — From the time she was little, Martha Jankowski has been digging in the dirt, much to the dismay of her mother. Now, she dreams of being a paleontologist and is determined to make her parents proud by uncovering the next big discovery. When Martha finds what she hopes to be a fully intact dinosaur skeleton–one that that could win her an acclaimed exhibit–she learns another team is competing against her and could steal her chance at being recognized for this momentous discovery. Paleontology student Jacob Duncan has fulfilled his dream of digging for dinosaur bones at last. In a race against time, he and his team are bent on unearthing a complete skeleton to claim a museum exhibit with their names on it. But when Jacob meets their charming competitor Martha and uncovers foul play within his team, love and danger grow hand in hand until a menacing ruse threatens to destroy it all. (Historical Romance from Bethany House)

Levi’s Vow by Peny Zeller — Wrongfully imprisoned for a crime and disowned by his family, Levi Callahan endeavors to put the past behind him. When he travels to the Idaho Territory and secures a job on a small farm, he has no idea he’ll once again be defending the vulnerable. Norah Hammett knows what it means to suffer loss. After her husband leaves her and their children for a “better” life and her hired hand steals from her, she is left to run the farm alone. When ruthless men attempt to steal Norah’s Idaho farm, can Levi help her save it? Or will he prove to be disloyal like the rest of the men in her life? Will God use desperate circumstances to bring two hurting hearts together? (Historical Romance from Maplebrook Publishing)

Love’s Promise by Penny Zeller — Can one man’s love win a fragile woman’s heart? After Amaya Alvarado lost her fiancé to a senseless tragedy, she vows never to love again. Two years later, at her grandmother’s request, she travels to Poplar Springs to assist with the mercantile and help care for her ailing grandfather. During a stagecoach accident and a confrontation with nefarious outlaws, she crosses paths with a man named Silas McFadden who rescues her and the other passengers. Silas is not the man he once was. After a stint on the wrong side of the law, he’s now a respectable rancher in Poplar Springs, Wyoming. Amaya’s and Silas’s friendship soon grows, and she begins to trust him with everything but her heart. Can she push her growing feelings for him aside? When the past comes back to haunt him and revenge is sought, can Silas protect the woman he has come to love? (Historical Romance from Maplebrook Publishing)Mystery/Suspense/Thriller:

Open Water by Betty Thomason Owens — As much as Lisa Oliver wanted to believe that she could be safe in the small mountain community of Benning, Kentucky, she knew that wouldn’t be the case when Agent Farrow’s car pulled next to the school where she had been working. They’d found her again? Who was stalking her and why? Jake Bradley uses his widely popular “Jake on the Road” articles to help him continue to follow leads into Lisa’s past, but he didn’t expect the people whom he spoke with to be attacked and killed. How could he possibly protect this woman who had become so important to him when he so miserably failed at learning about her past and why someone had killed her parents? Lisa and Jake learn more about her past, and about each other, in this dramatic suspense. (Contemporary Mystery/Suspense from Write Integrity Press)Romantic Suspense:

Never Fall Again by Lynn H Blackburn — Landry Hutton has spent three years rebuilding her life behind the secure gates of The Haven, an exclusive resort on the outskirts of Gossamer Falls, North Carolina. As the artist-in-residence, and with her pottery prized by The Haven’s guests, she’s finally ready to settle in permanently. She wants to give her daughter, Eliza, a safe home to grow up in and hires former Marine Callum Shaw to handle the construction. Cal grew up in Gossamer Falls and always knew he would someday join his family’s business. He longs for a family of his own but has almost given up on that ever happening. Landry is funny, gifted, and everything Cal could ever want in a partner, but he vows to keep his distance. Landry has a daughter and a past. Cal has been down that road before and barely survived when the woman he loved left, taking her two sons with her. He can’t bear to lose like that again. Before construction on the house can begin, Landry’s pottery is destroyed in a suspicious fire. It soon becomes clear that Landry and Eliza are in grave danger—but from whom? Despite his best efforts to remain unattached and uninvolved, Cal knows that Landry needs him— and he fears he needs her just as much. (Romantic Suspense from Revell)

Even in Death by Rebecca Hemlock — After receiving a note that her ninety-three-year-old great aunt is very sick, Emily Fredrickson assumes the worst. She’s always known that she’d someday lose the only blood relative she has, but when she’s met with a ghost story and a mysterious family keepsake, she must dive into the past to figure out how to get rid of the ghosts in Fredrickson Mansion and bring peace to her troubled aunt. (Romantic Suspense from Bluecap Publishing)

Cold Case Target by Jessica R Patch — Caught in a serial killer’s deadly game with nowhere to turn… Interrupting an attempted murder—and leaving with incriminating evidence—makes Sissy Spencer a serial killer’s next target. With a flash drive in her possession containing disturbing proof of multiple murders, Sissy has no choice but to trust her ex-boyfriend, private investigator Beau Brighton, to keep her safe. But can they unravel the clues and track down a killer…before he catches them first? (Romantic Suspense from Love Inspired [Harlequin])

Sweet Deceit by Sally Jo Pitts — Someone will stop at nothing to keep the secrets of Sweet County hidden. Public Relations Consultant ANNIE MCAFEE hopes to spend a quiet summer in Sugarville waitressing, housesitting and job hunting. But her plans are upended after she’s run off the road and narrowly escapes with her life. Rookie state investigator WILL BRICE is looking forward to a bright future with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement until the governor removes the Sweet County Sheriff and appoints Will to take his place. Propelled into the middle of Sweet County’s dark secrets, Will and Annie find that deceit hides beneath its sugar-coated façade and the townspeople prefer to turn a blind eye to wrongdoing. Confronted with a web of mysterious threats, life threatening crises, and the death of a teenager, the two must work together with the help of an unusual sidekick to expose the corruption. Can this unlikely crime fighting trio crack the town’s sweet cover? (Romantic Mystery from Elk Lake Publishing)

Caught in the Crosshairs by Melanie D. Snitker — For single mom Erica Keyes, a normal day swiftly changes to one of terror when someone intentionally runs her off the road, endangering her and her son’s life. Already unsettled by the encounter, strange things begin happening at the B&B she owns, leaving her watchful and on edge. Unable to find a connection between the events, Erica is grateful for a handsome guest who insists on helping. In town to scout a new location for his private security employer, Cole Shepherd rents a room at the Tranquil Bed & Breakfast. When he realizes someone is harassing the lovely owner and her son, he’ll do whatever it takes to keep Erica and Peter safe. As the danger escalates and the suspects grow increasingly desperate, it’s clear that Cole and Erica are missing a key piece of information. Can they stay one step ahead long enough to figure out who is behind it all and thwart their evil plans? (Romantic Suspense, Independently Published [ACFW QIP])

Young Adult:

Salvaged by Shanna M Heath — Hadley, forced to relocate with her estranged father at age seventeen, searches for belonging. A cancer diagnosis threatens to take her beloved Nonny, and a looming senior project might just break her. Has God forgotten Hadley Edwards? (Young Adult, Independently Published)

Plus check out these recent additions to Fiction Finder published within the past month:

Trust and Trickery-Hivites by Christine Dillon — But what can a mere baker do to save his family, his city, and his people? (General Historical)

Dawn’s Hidden Threat by Elizabeth Goddard — An unexpected search and rescue uncovers a hidden threat. Angie Harris doesn’t know whom to trust, except for the man who rescued her from a cold, dark cave and a grizzly bear. *Previously published in the Heroes in the Crossfire collection. (Romantic Suspense)

Guardian by Cathy McCrumb — In order to save her allies, the Recorder must activate a drone, but her success might destroy any hope for freedom, a future, and a name. (Speculative Fiction)

Dysfunction Junction by Robin W Pearson — At the junction of healed and hurting, broken and whole, and past and present, three women wrestle with their inability to forgive and forget in this riveting Southern family drama about sisterhood. (Contemporary Literary Fiction)

The Medici Quest by Jeff Raymond — Highlighted by accurate locations and blending in factual historical characters and events, The Medici Quest touches on the real-life topics of faith, grace, and redemption. (Thriller/Suspense)

Who Brought the Dog to Church? by Tracy L Smoak — God works in mysterious ways—and through ordinary people. The town of Prosper is about to experience some drama—and it all starts with a dog who comes to church. (Contemporary General)

Caleb’s Cross by Urcelia Teixeira — A suspenseful true crime murder mystery that will keep you guessing until the very end. (Crime/Mystery)

Former Things Forgotten by Thomas Michael Trezise — This intriguing and unforgettable story of love at the intersection of heaven and earth, where relationships are eternal and hard choices determine destinies, examines the questions, answers, and consequences of life lived for self or for God. (Contemporary Literary)

Rocky Road by Becky Wade — Escape to Maine for this swoon-worthy “fake romance”! Banter, humor, perfume, and a mystery from the past intertwine in this sweet Sons of Scandal love story. (Contemporary Romance)

Walking Through the Rain by Lillian Duncan

WALKING THROUGH THE RAIN is my just-released novel. Here’s a bit about the story:

Rachel and Brandon are in love.

Rachel is poor.

Brandon is rich.

But that doesn’t matter to them. The only thing that matters is each other. They have big plans for their future.

Brandon’s mother has big plans for her son’s future as well. They don’t include a girl from the wrong side of the tracks. Sara Withers believes she knows what’s best for her son, Brandon.

She’ll do whatever it takes to make sure Brandon has the future she wants for him.

Rachel’s mother works hard to keep a roof over their heads. Life hasn’t been kind to Amanda Stickley. She understands how hard life can be so when Brandon’s mother offers her money to keep Rachel away from Brandon, she agrees.

Both mothers only want what’s best for their child.

Both mothers believe they are helping their child.

Both mothers are wrong.

WALKING THROUGH THE RAIN is the title of my new release. But in reality the other part of the title should be WITHOUT AN UMBRELLA.

Walking through the rain without an umbrella is Rachel’s (main character) mother’s favorite saying. It means that when trouble comes she has no one to help her. She tells her daughter this over and over—not to count on anyone but herself—never to trust anyone, especially a sweet-talking boy like Brandon.

It’s the mother’s bitter response to the disappointments and tragedies in her own life. She wants her daughter to learn to rely only on herself. It sounds like good advice, but if that’s what we do, then where does God fit in?

God doesn’t want us to depend on ourselves. He wants us to trust and depend on him. I know from my own personal experience God is trustworthy. He is faithful and his mercies are new every morning.

These are lessons Rachel and her mother need to learn.

So the question becomes will they learn the lesson or not?

You’ll just have to read the book to find out!

Lillian Duncan… turning faith into fiction.

Lillian lives in a small town in Ohio with her husband. She writes the types of books she loves to read. Even though her books cross several genres, they have one thing in common, faith-based stories that demonstrate God’s love—and lots of action. OK, that’s two things.

She was a school speech pathologist for over 30 years but retired in 2012 after being diagnosed with bilateral brain tumors due to Neurofibromatosis Type 2 (NF2), a rare genetic disease. 

Whether as an educator, a writer, or a speech pathologist, she believes in the power of words to transform lives, especially God’s Word. To learn more about Lillian and her books, visit:   www.lillian–duncan.com. 

54 Minutes with Julie Arduini & Friends

Four years ago I was quite excited to celebrate my 50th. I was going to meet with anyone who wanted to locally celebrate. I had all the plans in motion and then, the pandemic. It was so early in it that we had not even come up with the birthday idea to drive by homes in a little parade and wave.

It was a big nothing.

I decided to do something fun instead each year. One that stands out was taking my two dear friends to a rage room. We looked insane in our overalls and helmet shield but it was so much fun.

This year I’m taking the fun online. The author life post-pandemic has been brutal, and we understand. When you have to choose between buying gas and a book, well, we aren’t doing so hot in spite of the hours and hours we spend crafting a quality read for you.

I thought I’d take the opportunity to at least encourage authors and connect them with readers.

On Saturday, March 16, from 7-8 PM Eastern, I’m trying something different. Ten authors will join me for 54 minutes on my reader page. We each have five minutes to share.

Wait. Eleven people and five minutes each do not equal 54.

That’s the funny part. I’m terrible at math, and the reality is, we’ll probably make it an even hour. But still, a short time and a great number of authors from different genres. Here is who I have announced so far:

I’m excited to introduce these fantastic authors to you, and who knows? There might be giveaways. If you love reading, save the date, join my reader group, and tell your reader friends. I’ll be back next week to announce the rest of the lineup!

Rare Disease Day

February 29 has been designated Rare Disease Day.

According to Patient Worthy,

In the United States, at least 25-30 million people are living with a rare disease. Many rare diseases are genetic and 95% of them have no treatment options. Other challenges faced by people living with rare diseases include:

Delayed or lack of diagnosisLittle to no medical research or drug developmentFeelings of isolation or being ‘left behind’ in the health systemVery high costs for drugs and treatment

From Rare Disease Day.og,

Over 6000 rare diseases are characterised by a broad diversity of disorders and symptoms that vary not only from disease to disease but also from patient to patient suffering from the same disease.

72% of the diseases are genetic and almost 1 out of 5 cancers is rare.

For several years I have shared our story. Our daughter, now 20, has been diagnosed with what was called a disease, but now is defined as a disorder. It is a rare condition, so rare that our pediatric endocrinologist had to consult with doctors in Italy back in the day. The condition? Albrights Hereditary Osteodystrophy.

The last couple years I’ve seen the name switch over to pseudohypoparathyroidism type 1A, Like most rare situations, she was diagnosed later in childhood. The issue back then was had it been identified, she would have been put on growth hormones. That didn’t happen, so her bones fused together. I can’t remember her age but she might have been 9-11. Her bones measured to be 18. She stopped growing and is 4’10”. Thankfully, we are a short family and few know why she is a little shorter than we are.

The things we have to watch with her are joint pain or her lips turning blue. If her phosphorus and calcium levels are off it can cause problems with her joints and possible seizures. We’re thankful this has never been the case.

She takes a medicine to help those levels, and between this and hypothyroidism, she takes Vitamin D. At one point that level was so low she had to take 25,000 units. She now takes 3,000 every day.

Not much is known about the teen/reproductive or beyond years. Her endocrine system runs slow even for those with hypothyroidism, so she takes medicines to induce menses, and even that only happens a few times a year. If she plans on having a family, she will need to see a specialist.

The hardest part about it, I think. is the lab work. When she was younger it was obvious when she left class early for specialists and lab work. She is a very hard lab draw. Because she doesn’t have something that is visible, few know her struggles, which also include asthma and first year where she was chronically ill and at one point nearly lost her. That caused some developmental delays, and each year that gap has moved. I believe it will be closed so she can drive, the one thing we’re waiting and believing on that for comprehension, isn’t quite there.

For all she’s overcome, we focus on the amazing rare. We were told when she was a baby she would most likely have mental retardation. She was put in Spec Ed for a month until they realized she was bored. She outgrew the need for an IEP. She graduated from high school with an amazing GPA and a member of National Honor Society.

When we long ago thought college would never be in the cards for her, she is a sophomore at Southeastern Columbus as an online student. She’s made the Dean’s List every semester. She has an internship with the Chi Alpha ministry at Youngstown State University. Last year she traveled with Chi Alpha to the Los Angeles Dream Center and served for a week. She is returning this year.

We know with Rare Disease, every patient has a different circumstance, even with the same diagnosis. We are very aware that many parents have daily therapies and appointments. We know God promised me when I was pregnant our daughter would be an overcome. That promise has trumped all the outcomes the medical community has fed us over the years.

I hope this gives you a glimpse into Albrights Osteodystrophy and Rare Disease Day.

Sources/More Info:

https://patientworthy.com/2024/02/15/rare-disease-day-share-stripes-patient-worthy-2-2/

https://rarediseaseday.org/what-is-a-rare-disease/

About Albrights Osteodystrophy

Salvaged by Shanna M. Heath

Thank you for welcoming me as a guest on your blog! I’m excited to share my debut novel, Salvaged, with your readers and I appreciate this opportunity. I’ve always been an avid reader of the young adult genre, even now–in my 40s–I guess the YA books keep me young at heart. 

A little about my motivation for writing YA–I have three beautiful children of my own (sixteen, thirteen, and nine) and work with teenagers as a Social Studies teacher. Also, YA is fun to read, plain and simple. 

A few years ago, I was browsing the books at a Book Fair sponsored by the school where I teach and was disappointed to find that many of the books blatantly pushed inappropriate themes to impressionable young readers. I lamented this sentiment to our librarian and mumbled “I should write a book.” Her response, “You should!” empowered me; it was like someone gave me permission to attempt something I’d been too afraid to try before. She validated my interest in writing a book, and all of the sudden I was excited to take on a new project. 

I joined the American Christian Fiction Writers association and got to work. I cringe sometimes when I think of the first submissions I made to the online critique group, but WOW, that group has been a Godsend. Salvaged was born, and next month it will be released in both Kindle and paperback format on Amazon and through IngramSpark. Here is a back cover blurb for a little sneak peek: 

High school senior Hadley is certain she must earn a summer internship at the Office of Naval Research, and she’s pretty darn confident she might! Unfortunately, her world is turned upside down by the news of her grandmother Nonny’s bleak cancer diagnosis. Hadley is forced to relocate from her home in Maryland to Kentucky to live with her estranged father and (gulp!) new step-family. As Hadley prepares to face a world of unknowns, she fears she will lose her beloved Nonny, and her hopes of snagging her dream internship seemingly disappear.

In the midst of adjusting to her new life in the bluegrass, Hadley steps into the unexpectedly pleasant role of half-sister and tackles a daunting senior project interning at a local business, Southern Salvage. Here, Hadley strives to befriend her peer mentor Colton, who seems all too eager to rid himself of a burdensome intern. At first. As Hadley navigates life in an unfamiliar state, school, and family, can she overcome the overwhelming sense she’s disrupted everyone’s happy normal? Is she just an unwelcome inconvenience? She wonders…has God abandoned Hadley Edwards? With the help of her family and Colton, Hadley might just learn the true meaning of “salvaged.”

If you’d like to read more, or know someone who might, Salvaged is available for purchase at https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CTJG8Y8B. 

Thank you again for allowing me to guest blog and I appreciate your kind readers for taking the time to read my post. 

Blessings, 

Shanna M. Heath 

About the Author: Shanna M. Heath resides in central Ky with her sweet family, two dogs, and a ball python. When she isn’t writing young adult Christian fiction, she enjoys teaching middle school social studies or taking Sunday afternoon naps. A sucker for teen rom-coms, her stories have a knack for weaving together the awkward and the flirtatious, with a healthy dose of real-life complications to boot.

Choose Your Valentine

Most days I share a graphic with information about my books. Today I created one for Valentine’s Day. I thought it would be fun to list the men who have participated in each of my books.

Fictional men, that is.

I was shocked as I tallied up the list. There are quite a few to choose from, and I think one career that stands out against the rest—teaching. Two teachers and a substitute. (James, Kevin, and Dean).

I thought I’d share this and see what you think. What character seems like someone you would be interested in?

Me? Repairing Hearts is dedicated to my husband, a Navy vet who is a programmer. He doesn’t brood like Ryan Hart, but I did give Ryan those attributes as a tip of the hat to my husband.

No matter what your relationship status, I wish you a Happy Valentine’s Day. You are deeply loved!

Interview with Maddie Caldecott by Sherri Stewart

An Interview with Maddie Caldecott

By Sherri Stewart

The red light blinked twice from the studio wall, and the interview began. “Good morning, everyone. I’m Jenny Timmins, and today we have with us Madeleine Caldecott, weekend anchor and reporter for WJBT here in Orlando. Thank you for agreeing to join us today—”

Maddie swept stray hairs away from her forehead, wishing she had a mirror. “It’s Maddie, and you’re welcome.” She tried to smile, but it was hard to concentrate with the bright lights in her eyes. It wasn’t like this in her studio.

“Maddie, then. Tell us about yourself—where you’re from, and a bit about your work.”

She shifted in her seat, picking at a piece of fuzz on her jacket. “Well, I’m very organized. A tidy desk leads to less chaos in the world, don’t you agree?”

Ms. Timmins shifted in her seat. “Hm, I’ve never thought of that before. You may be right. How did you get into broadcasting?”

Good. Maddie would much rather talk about work than her private life. “When I was in high school in New Jersey, I was part of the video broadcasting team, and that’s where I got my calling—to expose injustice and protect the victims. I’ve been doing that ever since.” She couldn’t help but chuckle. “Uprooting evil is like keeping a tidy desk. My producer said when he needs someone to get rid of the dirt under the carpet, he knows who to call.”

The interviewer chuckled. “Can you tell us about some cases you’ve worked on?”

This she could answer. She brightened. “Right now, I’m revisiting a case I worked on years ago. The perp disappeared after his trial, and I’m trying to track him down.”

Ms. Timmins leaned forward. “That must put you in dangerous situations at times, doesn’t it?”

Maddie’s lips tightened. She’d walked right into that question. The last thing she wanted to do was talk about the threatening notes she’d received, or that time at school…

“Maddie?”

“Could I have a glass of water, please?” She straightened in her seat. Anything to buy some time. An intern hurried onto the stage with a bottle of water. “Thank you.” Maddie could see the director motioning for the talk-show host to speed up things. “I’ll just say that I have been threatened, but I don’t want to talk about it.”

“Looks like our time has run out. Thank you, Maddie, for visiting with us. Keep up the good work you’re doing, but stay safe.” Ms. Timmins sighed, almost as if she were relieved.

About Secrets Dark and Deep

TV anchor, Maddie Caldecott, has a secret so deeply buried within that she doesn’t remember it. But the man called Absalom knows her secret, and his threats to exact his revenge are becoming more and more intrusive. As an investigative reporter, Maddie can dig out the truth of any story, but she can’t unearth the secret she’s blocked until it’s too late.

Police Detective, Brody Messner, is at his wits end. How can he protect Maddie if she resists his every suggestion? His need to protect her has become personal. From Orlando to Zürich, he follows her, trying to stay one step ahead of her assailant—all of his notes to her, and that song. https://bit.ly/3w6o8Ka

Sherri Stewart is woman of faith who loves all things foreign—whether it’s food, culture, or language. A former French teacher, her passion is traveling to the settings of her books, sampling the food, and visiting the sites. She savored boterkoeken in Amsterdam for A Song for Her Enemies, and crème brûlée in Paris for its sequel, What Hides beyond the Walls, and raclette in Zürich for Secrets Dark and Deep. A widow, Sherri lives in the Orlando area with her dog, Lily, and her son, Joshua, who always has to fix her computer. As an author, editor, blogger, speaker, and Bible teacher, she hopes her books will entertain and challenge readers to live large and connect with their Savior. Join, chat, and share with her on social media. Newsletter Facebook Twitter Instagram Website

Awakened to Life by Sarah Hanks

Awakened to Life

              When I first wrote Awakened to Life, then titled Drifting In and Out of Sleep, I didn’t have a clue what I was talking about. It was 2007, I was pregnant with our third child, and we’d never gone through the adoption process. I had the seed of this idea about a woman who encounters a woman outside of an abortion clinic and offers to adopt her child while also pregnant herself. Intriguing, yes? I’d prayed outside of abortion clinics. I’d watched women go in pregnant and come out not. I’d mourned the loss of life. But I hadn’t yet adopted.

              I wanted to be Eve, but I wasn’t.

              Writing the novel became the catalyst for our own adoption journey. Months after it was first published in 2008, my husband and I filled out an application to adopt. Little did we know that it would take three and a half years before our son would join our family, and that the road would be far bumpier than we could have ever foreseen. We had no idea when we began the process that we’d be bringing home a seven-year-old with Down syndrome. Adopting out of birth order was never in our plan. We hadn’t conceived of an older child with special needs. And yet, he was always meant to be a part of our family. We couldn’t imagine life without him. A little over a decade later, we adopted again, this time an infant with special needs.

              It was so interesting to reread the scene about Eve and Gideon’s home study after going through the home study process myself. When I wrote the scene, I relied heavily on research as I had no lived experience. And yet, it was surprisingly accurate! The emotions the adoptive family goes through when completing the process are indeed a rollercoaster. It’s a refining process, one that will lead you to the foot of the cross if you let it.

              Awakened to Life is a pro-life novel that explores abortion and adoption from a variety of facets. Women who choose abortion and adoption. Doctors who practice abortion. Families who adopt. My prayer is that it drips with compassion for all involved. Our war isn’t against flesh and blood. We’re not fighting people who believe differently than we do. Our war is against an enemy who deceives women (and men) into thinking abortion is the best, or only, solution. Lord, open our eyes.

              Awakened to Life and Mercy Will Follow Me, another pro-life read, are free on KU.

Eve is a bold supporter of the rights of unborn children. She prays that God will awaken the Church and pour out a spirit of adoption, but she’s never had an opportunity to live out these prayers. One summer morning outside an abortion clinic, she is given a chance.
Lisa is pregnant, trapped by fear and past tragedy. She plans to abort her baby—until she encounters Eve. Eve offers the unthinkable: she will adopt Lisa’s unborn baby in addition to raising her own unborn son. “Have your baby,” Eve pleads. “I promise you, I’ll find a way to take her into my home. Let her live.”
Awakened to Life is a powerful story of redemption, forgiveness, and restoration. It calls the Church to awaken fully to the issue of abortion and to act on behalf of the defenseless and voiceless. From prayer to adoption to offering forgiveness and healing, this novel challenges believers everywhere to take a stand for life.

Sarah Hanks switched gears from children’s ministry to full-time novelist with Mercy Will Follow Me. She and her husband have nine children, a couple of whom seem to have inherited their mother’s love for playing with words and crafting stories. Though Sarah dreams of a cabin by the beach, the family lives together in beautiful chaos in St. Charles, MO. She buys earplugs in bulk.

Awakened to Life Amazon link: https://a.co/d/8aX2XZE

Sarah’s website: www.sarah-hanks.com

FB: www.facebook.com/authorsarahhanks

IG: www.instagram.com/authorsarahhanks

Sarah Hanks is an award-winning author of Christian fiction in both the contemporary and historical genres. After spending over a decade mostly writing and teaching Sunday school curricula for churches in her community, she jumped into writing fiction full-time with her split-time novel Mercy Will Follow Me. She and her husband have nine children, a couple of whom seem to have inherited their mother’s love for playing with words and crafting stories. Though Sarah dreams of a cabin by the beach, the family lives jammed together in beautiful chaos near St. Louis, Missouri. She buys earplugs in bulk.

Fiction Finder February 2024 New Releases

Julie’s note: I had trouble formatting this. You can find the post at the ACFW blog.

February 2024 New Releases

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

Finally Forever by Karin Beery — Former competitive dancer Caroline Novak dreams of leaving the corporate world to work with special needs women at the Pathways nonprofit, but the organization can’t afford a fulltime director. All-American defensive end Ben Allen was on his way to the NFL when a knee injury sent him home and into the same office as Caroline, his best friend’s older sister. When Pathways participates in a Dancing with the Stars-inspired fundraiser, Caroline quickly volunteers, and Ben joins her as the local “star.” It doesn’t take long for Ben to realize it’s more than a dance competition, and Caroline is more than his best friend’s sister, but after two failed engagements, she’s hesitant to trust her heart with another man. When the NFL calls Ben, it looks like his dream might finally come true—but it could cost them the championship and Caroline her heart. (Contemporary Romance from Elk Lake Publishing)

Taylor’s Trek to Love by Elsie Davis — Escape to the Great Smoky Mountains…where fresh mountain air and love await! This is the fourth heartwarming Christian Inspirational Women’s Fiction Romance that will take you to the Great Smoky Mountains for a vacation getaway that will change the lives of Taylor and Andrew in ways they would have never expected! (Contemporary Romance from Sweet Romance Publishing)

Much Ado about Romance by Susan Page Davis, Shannon Sue Dunlap, Linda Fulkerson — A collection of novellas inspired by Shakespearen romantic comedies. (Contemporary Romance from Scrivenings Press)

A Mommy for Easter by Linda Goodnight — Back in his hometown after a decade, Jake Colter and his adorable toddler are a reminder of everything Rachel Hamby lost. And working on the same Easter committee with her ex-husband makes avoidance impossible. Throw in a small town’s matchmaking scheme and Jake’s sweet dog, and soon Rachel’s falling for the little girl…and her father. But will Rachel risk a second chance with the painful secret she’s keeping? (Contemporary Romance from Love Inspired [Harlequin])

Birds Alive! by Jennifer Dodrill — Widow, mom blogger, and empty nester Peg forms the Empty Nesters Birding Group. On their first outing, a birder dies from an allergic reaction to peanuts from birdseed that should be peanut-free. Later, she finds another of her new birder friends wounded and dying. Peg recruits a fellow birder and her mother-in-law to help solve the crime. She teams up with the detective investigating the case, whose dimples draw her in a way she hasn’t experienced in years. (Cozy Mystery from Scrivenings Press)

Mardi Gras and Mayhem by Jann Franklin— Just a fun girls’ weekend in New Orleans during Mardi Gras…except for the murders. Chantilly Romero held an important place as a mover and a shaker within the New Orleans business world. But she had her secrets. Did she run an illegal high-stakes poker game out of her whiskey distillery? Had her bodyguard committed a few dastardly deeds, so Chantilly could profit? Did Chantilly’s husband die by his own hand, or did she help him along to the pearly gates? Regardless, the police never found proof of any wrong doing. Did someone take matters into their own hands? (Cozy Mystery, Independently Published from Rougarou Press)

A Reluctant Melody by Sandra Ardoin — Kit Barnes’ drinking ruined more lives than his own. Now sober, he wants to make amends by opening a mission for drunkards. The most suitable location belongs to Joanna Cranston Stewart, a love from his sordid past and the person he hurt the most. A pariah among her peers, Joanna is all too eager to sell her property and flee the rumors that she sent her late husband to an early grave. But she will let the gossips talk and the walls of her rundown property crumble around her before she’ll allow Kit back into her life. When a blackmailer threatens to reveal her long-held secret, she must choose between trusting Kit or seeing her best friend trapped in an abusive marriage. (Historical Romance from Corner Room Books)

Protecting the Mountain Man’s Treasure by Misty M. Beller — Jude Coulter is far more comfortable in his family’s sapphire mine tucked in the Montana mountains than on the bustling streets of New York City, where he’s been sent to deliver a shipment of gems. His relief at boarding the train for the first leg of his journey home is short-lived when an accident renders him unconscious. Angela Larkin worked hard to earn this assignment for the Treasury—an undercover mission to determine the source of the sapphires brought each year for auction in the city. When an accident causes her target to lose his recent memory, Angela jumps at the opportunity to create the ideal ruse. Jude seems surprised to learn the two of them had married and were returning from a glorious wedding trip, but his severe head injury keeps him from protesting…for now. But the accident is far from the worst threat they face. When enemies close in, Angela and Jude must depend on each other to survive the treacherous journey home. (Historical Romance, Independently Published [ACFW QIP])

An Uncertain Road by Abbey Downey — When young widow Flora Montfort returns to America, she’s determined to use her training in auto racing to support herself and her French mother-in-law—even if female drivers are rare in 1905. When the owner of a successful sporting goods store hires her to drive in a ten-day race through New England, she jumps at the opportunity. Jensen Gable is not convinced that joining the team as the ride-along mechanic is worth the risk. After losing his best friend in a tragic racing accident, Jensen has vowed never to participate in the sport again. But a promise to protect his friend’s younger brother, also on the tour, outweighs his fear of the dangers. As they race through New England, Flora and Jensen find common ground that ignites their interest in each other, but doubts and old enemies come between them. As the race of a lifetime heats up, one question rises above all others…can their love find the road that leads to forever? (Historical Romance from Wild Heart Books)

Relying on the Enemy by Danielle Grandinetti — All widowed mother Marian Ward wants is to provide for her girls. However, she faces the dead of winter with no income and dwindling resources. Then she overhears a nefarious conversation, putting her life and that of her children in immediate danger. Aiming to make amends to the Wards, Gilbert steps in when the threat to Marian escalates. It costs him dearly. Either lose his career or marry her and be tied to his past until death do them part. He leaves the decision to Marian, who will do anything to protect her girls, even marry the son of the man who ruined her family. How will their fledgling trust prove strong enough to fulfill their vows as winter tightens its grip and desperation stalks at the door? (Historical Romance from Hearth Spot Press)

To Marry an English Lord by Robin Lee Hatcher — Sebastian Whitcombe, Viscount Willowthorpe, comes to America to experience the great Wild West for himself before it disappears for good. The adventure comes with a convenient bonus—it postpones his father’s edict that he take a wife from the British aristocracy. Sebastian isn’t so much against marriage as he is an arranged marriage to the wrong woman. Jocelyn Overstreet hasn’t returned to her family’s eastern Idaho cattle ranch in six years. She’s far too busy managing the New York City offices of Overstreet Shipping. But when her older brother has a serious run-in with a bison, she returns to the ranch only to find the Overstreet home invaded by visitors from England, one of them a disturbingly handsome viscount who disarms her defenses at every turn. Sebastian’s future lies in England. New York City holds Jocelyn’s future. Amidst the clash of their worlds, Sebastian and Jocelyn find that the risk of love, against all odds, might just be a risk worth taking. (Historical Romance, Independently Published from RobinSong, Inc.)

Embers in the London Sky by Sarah Sundin — After fleeing the German invasion of the Netherlands, Aleida Martens searches for her missing child in London—which sets her on a collision course with BBC radio correspondent Hugh Collingwood. During the London Blitz, they will risk their lives to discover the truth—and find a connection closer than they imagined. (Historical Romance from Revell – A division of Baker Publishing Group)

A Day Ago by Luana Ehrlich — As he prepares to defend his client of murder charges, not only does Attorney Mylas Grey receive unexpected news about his future, he discovers he has feelings for a former female acquaintance and uncovers evidence that points to the real killer, someone who’s determined to put an end to Mylas’s future. However, Mylas has other plans. (Crime/Mystery, Independently Published)

8 Down by Kimberley Woodhouse — Investigator Carrie Kintz is new blood with the Alaska Bureau of Investigation in Anchorage. But with a serial killer on the loose, there’s no easing into the job. The only clues to stop this madman are the taunts he drops into crossword puzzles across the country–always in the same 8 DOWN position. Calling in security specialist Scott Patteson for his expertise seems like the right move–until Carrie realizes that he may be a dangerous distraction for her heart. With her faith fading in the face of horror and uncertainty and her career in danger of ending, this is no time for flirtation.But with a killer who is determined to prove that he’s smarter than everyone else, it may be impossible to fight both the madman and their feelings for each other . . . (Contemporary Thriller/Suspense from Kregel Publications)

Hidden Chance by Shawna Coleing — Hannah spent her childhood on the mission field in Burma, but witnessing the tragic murder of her father propelled her into a life dedicated to making a difference. A specialized military team is carrying out a mission in Burma to stop a militant group that has been wreaking havoc on local villages. After breaking into a school that has been the militia’s base of operations, they uncover an elaborate plan to exploit those most vulnerable. Robby, the specialized military team leader, determined to expose the truth, discovers a company based in America may be behind the chilling acts of savagery. Robby and Hannah must find common ground to save the lives of countless children and bring an end to the threat at their front door. (Romantic Suspense, Independently Published [ACFW QIP])

Rebuilding Joy by Regina Rudd Merrick — Single mom Darcy Emerson Sloan has enough to do raising twins and running a restaurant. She’s doing fine on her own and doesn’t need the complications of a man in her life. But when her café turns into a crime scene, putting her and her children in danger, she begins to take interest in the handsome young FBI agent that comes on the scene. Contractor Del Reno is as even-keeled as they come, but even he has his limits. And Darcy Sloan has pushed him too far. Every time he tries to help, it backfires. But now that Darcy and her kids are in trouble, he has no choice but to come to her aid and to protect her. She’s just going to have to deal with it. Secret tunnels, organized crime, adorable children, and a wedding. (Romantic Suspense from Scrivenings Press)

Western Romance:

Chasing the Horizon by Mary Connealy — Uncovering her tyrannical father’s malevolent plot to commit her to an asylum, Beth Rutledge fabricates a plan of her own. She will rescue her mother, who had already been sent to the asylum, and escape together on a wagon train heading west. Posing as sisters, Beth and her mother travel with the pioneers in hopes of making it to Idaho before the others start asking too many questions. Wagon-train scout Jake Holt senses the mysterious women in his caravan are running from something. When rumors begin to spread of Pinkerton agents searching relentlessly for wanted criminals who match the description of those on his wagon train, including Beth, she begins to open up to him, and he learns something more sinister is at hand. Can they risk trusting each other with their lives–and their hearts–when danger threatens their every step? (Western Romance from Bethany House)

Plus check out these recent additions to Fiction Finder published within the past month:

Marrying the Mountain Man’s Best Friend by Misty M. Beller — A marriage of convenience, desperate escape from danger, and the Christmas miracle of love that heals wounded hearts. (Historical Romance)

Silencing the Witness by Laura Conaway — Can he keep both of them alive long enough for her to testify. (Romantic Suspense)

Meet Me Where the Windrush Flows by Valerie Massey Goree — Will the threat to her life and accusations of malpractice against him aid their romance or keep them apart? (Romantic Suspense)

Love or Lies by Craig Hastings — Overcoming the lies of the past: A journey of self-discovery, faith, and love. (Contemporary Romance)

Testimony: The Fourteenth Codex by Christopher J. Mooney — Can a Coptic nun complete the quest and find relics of the founders of the church? (General Historical)

The Rare Jewel of Everleigh Wheaton by Susan L. Tuttle — In her search for a rare gem, will she end up uncovering the true treasure of her heart? (Contemporary Romance)