Julie Arduini's Blog, page 100

COTT: 2016 Laurel Award Winner is Delia Latham

2016
LAUREL AWARD WINNER!

This year, At First Sight took home Clash of the Titles’s sixth annual

Laurel Award. Over the course of six weeks, the novel’s first chapters

were read and judged by avid readers of Christian fiction who determined

At First Sight to be the worthiest to receive the 2016

Laurel Award.

Congratulations to 2016 Laurel Award Winner Delia Latham

Clash of the Titles extends a heartfelt congratulations to author Delia

Latham for her exemplary writing. We wish God’s richest blessings on her

future work.

About At First Sight :

Reagan Massey has gone through a great deal of trouble to make her

cousin irresistible to the visiting single minister but things get a

little sticky when Reagan falls in love with Cord Phillips

herself…

Cord doesn’t believe in marital bliss after seeing the mockery his

parents made of their vows. He’s promised himself he’ll live as the

Apostle Paul lived, dedicating himself solely to God. When his heart

turns traitor, Cord has to completely rethink his position on

love.

Things around Riverbend House of Worship take on some humorous,

heart-touching, soul-stirring twists and turns, with Reagan and Cord so

busy getting in God’s way that they can’t see the path He has laid out

for them to travel…together.

At First Sight is part of the Pure Amore bundle of 12 novels that

celebrate purity. Use the code Laurel2016 to receive the bundle at 50% OFF. (expires 31

July 2016)

PURCHASE YOUR BUNDLE TODAY

LISTEN TO

A RADIO INTERVIEW WITH THE AUTHOR!

If

you cannot see the audio controls, listen/download

the audio file here

Delia in her own words:

A born-and-bred California gal, I grew up in a little community called

Weedpatch. Nope, that’s not a typo. It’s a few miles southeast of

Bakersfield, and in the…well, I won’t say how many years since I left

there…Weedpatch has even found its way onto a map or two.Writing has been my passion since third grade, when I won an essay

writing contest and took home the coveted prize: a beautiful bed doll

with an overstuffed pink, quilted satin skirt. Remember them? Huge,

padded skirts, some (like mine) with flat cardboard bottoms to

accommodate display. The doll’s feet were hidden away somewhere in all

that finery, never again to see the light of day. These fancy ladies

were most often used as centerpieces for beds, and that’s where mine

went – smack in the middle of my unimposing bed in my unmatched,

Salvation Army-furnished bedroom. It was the most elegant item I had

ever owned, and I was one proud little lassie. (Ahem … surely

someone else remembers those dollies?)

Winning that contest made a profound impact on my young psyche – enough

so that I never stopped writing. From those first little songs and poems

and (very bad) short stories, I graduated to Staff Writer for a large

daily newspaper; freelanced for an upper-scale regional magazine; and

finally began writing fiction…which was my goal all along.

Connect with Delia online:

http://www.delialatham.net/

http://www.facebook.com/delialatham

http://www.twitter.com/delialatham

Tags: author, books, Clash of the Titles, COTT: 2016 Laurel Award Winner Delia Latham, Delia Latham, fiction, Julie Arduini, Laurel award, readers

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Book Review: Rachel by Jill Eileen Smith

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Published on July 17, 2016 21:00

Pre-Order 2017 iBloom Life and Business Planner

Pre-Order your 2017 iBloom Life and Business Planner today!

I am so, so excited! This planner that helps me get it together, keep it together, and then remember where I put it, the iBloom Life & Business Planner, is now available for pre-order!

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A record of blessings and milestones achieved with the reminder to celebrate along the way!

Not just a place to keep up with all of the details of your life but a place to create the life you love. If you haven’t used this powerful planner before, this is just a glimpse of how it can help you love your life & business.

Add here what you love about the planner

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iBloom 2017 Life & Business Planner

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(First 500 Orders Get Free Bonus iBloom Tote)

iBloom’s mission is to revolutionize the way women do business and live life. This is my favorite tool that will help you do just that. Are you ready to live a life you love? Pre-ordering your planner is a great way to get started.

Tags: 2017, business, entrepreneur, free tote, iBloom, Julie Arduini, Pre-Order 2017 iBloom Life and Business Planner, women

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Interview with Never Ever Give Up author Erik Rees

WFW: Faltering Lips

Saturday Confession: I Surrendered the Fake and Got Real

Interview with Christian Suspense Author Lillian Duncan

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Published on July 16, 2016 21:00

Book Review: The Second Half by Lauraine Snelling

The Second Half by Lauraine Snelling.

Bestselling author Lauraine Snelling shares a heartfelt story of a couple who put their plans for a peaceful retirement on hold to assume guardianship of their young grandchildren.

Mona and Ken Sorenson are approaching the best years of their lives. Mona’s greatest concern is that Ken will learn of the surprise party she’s planning for his retirement from his job as Dean of Students at Stone University. They’ve already been making plans to travel, spend limitless hours in the garden, and Ken is looking forward to working on his woodworking and fishing with his grandchildren. It’s what they deserve after years of careful planning.

But things begin to unravel when Ken learns that office politics are about to destroy his department. Can he really just leave, abandoning the work he spent a lifetime achieving? Mona is eager to build her event planning business with Ken’s help, but rather than supporting her, he expresses concern that the stress of the work will send her back into the depression she struggles with.

Then, just days before Ken’s last official day of work, their son, a Special Forces officer in the Army, learns he’s being immediately deployed on a six-month mission in Pakistan. Since his wife left him, the only people he trusts to care for his two young children are his parents. In an instant, everything Ken and Mona spent their lives planning changes, and they will need to find strength, both physical and mental, to become parents once more. This is not the second half they wanted, and when their son fails to contact them as planned, they struggle to trust that it is God’s plan, not theirs, that matters most.

THE SECOND HALF is a very realistic look at what I know is happening with baby boomers across the country. Ken is ready to retire and Mona is close to taking on a project she’s always wanted. They have fought hard for this season, including Mona’s depression.

Their son calls, and he’s been called overseas by the military. His ex wife wants nothing to do with their children, and the kids need a home. Between the divorce and his military lifestyle, the kids are hurting and scared. They need the stability their grandparents can provide.

I was immersed in this book because it was so realistic to me. The conflict never stopped, and I wanted to see how Ken and Mona would fare. I enjoyed that they weren’t perfect. Ken was trying to find a balance in retiring when his place of employment wasn’t doing well. Mona carried fears her depression would return. The grandchildren had issues.

The only minor problem I had in the book was the names were a bit complex and I was distracted wondering how they were pronounced. It’s so minor though, these characters will feel like family to you. I had tears by the end. I think you will, too.

To purchase THE SECOND HALF, click here.

I received THE SECOND HALF from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Tags: author, baby boomers, book review, Book Review: The Second Half by Lauraine Snelling, children, custody, depression, divorce, fiction, grandchildren, grandparents, Julie Arduini, Lauraine Snelling, military, retirement, the second half

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Dialogue: Snappy Dialogue, That Is

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Life Beats Radio: Don't Make My Mom Be the Only Listener

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Published on July 15, 2016 21:00

Don’t Go to Bed Angry Book Giveaway

Last week I shared a book review of Don’t Go to Bed Angry by Deb and Ron DeArmond. I was called away and didn’t post with it the 5 book giveaway. This ends Monday, so act NOW!

Click on the image to enter.

Tags: books, contest, Don't Go to Bed Angry Book Giveaway, giveaway, Julie Arduini, marriage

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Fulfilling a Promise: Broken Wings by Dianne Price

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Odyssey Adventure Club: Easter Activities for the Family

Saturday Confession: Scar Tissue

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Published on July 15, 2016 10:25

COTT: Mail Order Surprise by Lucy Thompson

Mail Order Surprise by Lucy Thompson

PURCHASE
Amazon

About the book:

Colorado, 1881. Lydia Walsh is on the run. The

quiet rancher she marries and expected to find safety and protection with

turns out to have three siblings, next to nothing to live on, and is a

crack shot who may or may not be one of the states best cattle

rustlers.

Beau Harding wants to keep his family together and

do the right thing by them. His mail order bride comes with her own set of

baggage: two more mouths to feed and empty hearts begging him to fill. The

job he took for some quick money gets him thrown in jail for rustling, and

then to clear his name he takes on another job–and learns that his wife

may have been the one plotting his family’s downfall all

along.

What COTT voters had to

say:

~Waiting to get a chance to read it

Lucy

~Lucy Thompson, Great title, great

cover!

~Mrs. Lucy Thompson, we wish you the

best.

~Lucy Thompson is not only a wonderful author but

I’ve been blessed to being able to get to know her through Facebook. God

bless you Lucy. Hope you win.’

~Lucy Thompson, loved the book.

~Beautiful cover picture and a great book Lucy

Thompson!

~YAY Lucy Thompson. Keep up the good

work!

~Lucy Thompson, I can’t wait to read your novel

Mail Order Surprise. It is the next book I will read. All the best for your

future releases.

About the author:

Lucy Thompson is a stay-at-home mum to five

precocious children by day and a snoop by night, stalking interesting

characters through historical settings, and writing about their

exploits.

She enjoys meeting new people from all over the

world and learning about the craft of writing. When she can be separated

from her laptop, she is a professional time waster on

facebook.

Tags: author, Clash of the Titles, COTT: Mail Order Surprise by Lucy Thompson, fiction, Julie Arduini, Lucy Thompson, mail order surprise

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Introducing Surrendered Scribe Media

Sabbath Sunday: Waving a Flag but Not Living Free

And the Two Book Giveaway Winner is....

Book Review: Deliver Us by June Foster--Includes Author Interview!

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Published on July 13, 2016 21:00

Book Review: Don’t Go to Bed Angry Stay Up & Fight by Deb & Ron DeArmond

Don’t Go to Bed Angry Stay Up and Fight

We’ve all been there. He doesn’t understand what you are really upset about. She blows things out of proportion. Neither of you can agree on the right course of action. In every marriage, there is conflict. And with every conflict, there is a choice for resolution. Will you ignore the issue until it seemingly goes away? Or will you work together to find peace?

In Don’t Go to Bed Angry, Deb and Ron DeArmond give you permission to fight. Fight it out. Conflict isn’t the problem, after all; the real issue is how we deal with the conflict. Combining a healthy dose of personal experience with relationship-affirming biblical wisdom, Deb and Ron demonstrate how communication through conflict can lead to greater insight and understanding of thoughts, feelings, and perspectives that can safeguard—and even strengthen—your relationship. Immensely practical features including worksheets, discussion questions, callouts, and prayers make this a definitive go-to resource to help you start fighting—together—for your marriage.

If only I had this book in my hands 20 years ago! Don’t Go to Bed Angry Stay Up and Fight is chocked full of information, case studies from real couples, statistics, anecdotes, prayers, conversation starters and much more.

I especially appreciated the acronyms, they were very helpful for me. For example, if you are entering/in conflict and you ask your spouse how they are and they say, “Fine,” this is what they share:

F-Feelings

I-Inside

N-Not

E-Expressed

That’s just one tidbit. I also liked how they dissected one conflict and took it back to their childhoods, personalities, and reactions now to conflict. It helped me a lot.

Each chapter has a He Said/She Said section, Put on the Gloves Discussion, and God Said, a place where Scripture is used to help direct the conflict. They make it clear they aren’t rooting for couples to fight, and they clearly spell out what is abuse and that is never right, but that conflict is a healthy thing.

I think any couple would benefit from this, but I especially pray newlyweds and couples married under ten years really get this book and take heed. It could make a difference between a healthy marriage and divorce papers.

authors About the Authors:

Deb DeArmond is an author, speaker, and coach with a focus on communication, relationships, and conflict resolution. Her writing explores marriage, parenting, in-law and extended family relationships. She is the author of Related By Chance, Family By Choice and I Choose You Today: 31 Choices to Make Love Last. Deb is the founder of Living-Write, where she coaches aspiring authors. She’s monthly columnist and feature writer for Lifeway’s Mature Living Magazine, and has published more than 120 articles online and in print publications.

Ron DeArmond has a hungry heart for the Word, and has studied the Bible for 45+ years. Ron’s call to serve men is evident in his previous ministry positions with Christian Men’s Network under Dr. Edwin Lewis Cole and Faithful Men Ministry. Ron is currently the Associate Pastor of men’s ministry at Catch the Fire/ DFW and has ministered around the world. The DeArmonds live in the Dallas/Fort Worth area.

To purchase DON’T GO TO BED ANGRY STAY UP AND FIGHT, click here.

Visit the DON’T GO TO BED ANGRY STAY UP AND FIGHT landing page.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Tags: dont go to bed angry

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COTT: The Amish Clash Winner Is...

Tiffany Colter is Thankful for Jen Tucker's The Day I Wore My Panties Inside Out---and Much More

September 11: We Will Never Forget

Sabbath Sunday: Morning

Product Review: Passport2Purity DISCOUNT OFFERED!Copyright © Julie Arduini: Surrender Issues & Chocolate [Book Review: Don't Go to Bed Angry Stay Up & Fight by Deb & Ron DeArmond], All Right Reserved. 2016.

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Published on July 08, 2016 21:00

How to Create a Life You Love

I have been an iBloom lurker for years. I read their blog posts, liked their Instagram posts. When I knew that God was switching things up big time with my writing this year, I headed to their site and looked at their resources. Not only did I keep reading all their materials, I took their “Which business woman are you?” quiz and ordered the iBloom planner. I am such a fan of that planner that for the first time ever (I’ve been blogging for nearly a decade and have been courted HARD by businesses,) I said yes when iBloom asked if I was interested in being a partner.

Here is a taste of the many things iBloom offers for women and I love this course because it is for anyone. Stay at home moms. Business owners. Those that work outside the office. If you’re a woman, this course can benefit you. Best news? It’s free (if you use the coupon code below.)I’ve already signed up and am ready to go.

Will you join me? Here’s more information.

***

Do you love your life? Join me for a life-changing experience with iBloom that will change your life.

You may be in the habit of being grateful. You may even keep a journal just for that purpose. But when your head hits the pillow at night, are you smiling? Exhausted from pouring out your skills & talents into those people and things you love? Or are you just worn out and already dreading the next day?

Yes, we can be grateful in all circumstances but why not do everything you can to LOVE your life while you’re here? Every day is a gift but unless you know the answers to these 3 questions, you may not feel like you are opening up a gift each morning.

How to Create a LIfe You Love with iBloom.

How to Create a Life You Love

30-Day Experience

Join Me by clicking HERE. (Use coupon code LOVELIFE and the course is FREE, a $47 value!)

My friends at iBloom are on a mission to revolutionize the way women do business and live life. I’d love for you to meet them! If you feel weighed down by responsibility instead of inspired by possibility, something is wrong. There will be hard days, but more often than not, iBloom is helping me learn how to wake up excited about the day ahead and feel fulfilled when it’s time for bed. You really can love your life! Join me to find out how to make the changes that make all the difference.

Join me and the iBloom Team as we get clear on these 3 things:

What is your God assignment?
What is your definition of success?
What are your priorities in this season and how can you live into them on a daily basis?

If you are curious about what it takes to create a life you love, join me. I have been blown away by the value I have gotten from every iBloom training & product I’ve experienced. I hope you will check it out!

CLICK: How to Create a Life You Love

Again, at Check-out, use the coupon code LOVELIFE and this course is FREE, a $47 value.

Tags: blog, coupon code, free course, God assignment, How to Create a Life You Love, iBloom, iBloom partner, Instagram, Julie Arduini, LOVELIFE, planners, priorities, resources, social media, success, women, women entrepreneurs, women in business

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Interview with Author Eileen Rife

Sabbath Sunday: The Faith Walk

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Thankful: David Thankful for Writers Who Change, Inspire, and Enable Us to Remember Whose We Are

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Published on July 06, 2016 21:00

COTT: Becky Wade Wins Clash

Congratulations to Becky

Wade

and her novel
Her One and

Only
for taking home this month’s Clash crown!

PURCHASE
Amazon
Barn es

& Noble

About the book:
After ten years in the NFL, super star Gray Fowler is accustomed to

obsessive fans. But when Gray starts receiving death threats from a

stalker, his team hires an executive protection agency to guard him until

the culprit is caught. Dealing with bodyguards 24/7 is a headache,

especially when one of them is a young, beautiful woman. How can a female

half his size possibly protect him better than he can protect himself?

Dru Porter is a former Marine, an expert markswoman, and a black belt–none

of which saved her from disaster on her last assignment. In order to

rebuild her tarnished reputation, she’s determined to find Gray’s stalker

and, since relationships between agents and clients are forbidden, avoid a

romantic attachment between herself and the rugged football player with the

mysterious past.

Yet every secret that leads Dru closer to the stalker also draws her closer

to Gray. As the danger escalates, they’ll survive only if they can learn to

trust their lives — and their hearts — to one another.

Becky also has a FREE book sale going on RIGHT NOW!
Undeniably Yours

Free

on Amazon

What Becky’s voters had to say:

~I have read and loved Becky Wade’s books for awhile now! She is talented

and brilliant. I love having the option to read romantic fiction that is

Christian based and clean for the soul. It’s wonderful! Thank you!!

~I wouldn’t even need a beach to want to read your book, Becky Wade!

~LOVE Becky Wade!! Loved the conclusion to the Porter Family Series!!

Perfect book poolside or other Summer destination or really any place any

time!!

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Published on July 04, 2016 21:00

A Real House that Inspired a Novella by Rose Allen McCauley

A Real House that Inspired a Novella by Rose Allen McCauley

A Real House that Inspired a Novella.

I am happy to report my 2nd collection for Barbour is now out! The Courageous Brides Collection contains nine novellas about courageous women and their heroines. Here’s what Amazon says about it: Ride into adventures alongside nine determined women of yesteryear whose acts of compassion and bravery attract male attention. Marcy helps displaced Indians. Emmy tends wounds at Fort Snelling. Ronnie stows away on a cattle drive. Daisy disguises herself as a Pony Express rider. Elinor becomes an abolitionist. Mae tames wild horses. Hannah gets help for accident victims. Lucy’s curiosity unnerves criminals. Kate nurses soldiers on the battlefield. Will real dangers douse the sparks of love?

My story is entitled “Hidden Dreams” and is about a young woman who becomes involved in the Abolitionist movement in Cynthiana, Kentucky. I named the heroine Elinor after my granddaughter who actually lives in the Pre-Civil War home the book is set in. When her grandparents remodeled the house, they discovered a hidden room in the cellar, so some have said it might have been part of the Underground Railroad. The house is real and still standing, but the rest of the story is fictional. Elinor had to surrender her safe lifestyle to join the Abolitionist Movement and the Underground Railroad. If you want to see pictures of the actual house, please check out my blog next Tuesday when I will be posting pictures I took there.

As you can tell from the blurb above about the collection, you should find several interesting stories to read—enough to read most of the month, so hope you will order a copy soon!

Bio and links:

Rose has been writing for over a decade and has four books published. She is thrilled for this to be her second novella collection with Barbour. A retired schoolteacher who has been happily married to her college sweetheart for over forty years, they enjoy their growing family of three children and their spouses and five lovely, lively grandkids! She loves to hear from her readers. You can reach her through her website www.rosemccauley.com or twitter @RoseAMcCauley and Facebook http://on.fb.me/1LrXNoS

Books are available in bookstores and on Amazon in print http://amzn.to/28YAvd4

And in kindle http://amzn.to/292I9ov

Tags: A Real House that Inspired a Novella by Rose Allen McCauley, Abolitionist Movement, author, Barbour, Civil War, fiction, guest blogger, Julie Arduini, Rose Allen McCauley, Underground Railroad

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An Inside Look at the Laurel 2012 Finalists

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Published on July 01, 2016 21:00

FREE 14-Day Trial with Odyssey Adventure Club

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Visit a public museum or library

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