Julie Arduini's Blog, page 103

The Surrender of Life by Ginger Solomon

The Surrender of Life

By Ginger Solomon

 

Our society sees surrender as a dirty word.

But is it?

Imagine for one moment: What if Mary, the mother of Jesus, had been unwilling to surrender her body to the Holy Spirit and give birth to Jesus?

Not only would she have deprived the world of a Savior (well, to be honest, I think God would have chosen another maiden, but we’ll never know on this side of heaven), but she would have missed out on raising the Son of God. What about all those times she treasured a certain memory in her heart? She knew her baby was special. But what if she’d not surrendered?

What if Peter, James, John, and the others had refused to surrender their livelihood when Jesus called to them to come follow him? A great deal of our New Testament would have been written by someone else.

What if Jesus decided surrendering his life for ours was too much for the Father to ask? Can you say up-the-creek-without-a-paddle? Except it wouldn’t be a creek. It’d be a raging river, and we’d be in a baby float.

Let’s add one more what if to our surrender list. Let’s make it a little more recent.

What if Thomas Edison’s mother hadn’t surrendered her quiet time to teach him at home when he had trouble at school? The man had over 1,000 patents for his inventions. The light bulb, motion picture camera, and alkaline storage battery are among them. In addition, he started the first electric company, which later became the General Electric Corporation. (source: www.biography.com)

When we surrender our lives to God and believe in His Son, Jesus, we are giving up something, but we are gaining so much more.

So it was for Princess Anaya, my heroine, in my most recent release, Second Choice. The man she had chosen to be her husband disappeared, leaving a note with no clues as to the reason for his departure. Her wedding was scheduled to take place in three weeks. She’d dreamed of the life she’d spend with him for the last six months. And then nothing. Her plans collapsed around her. Her dreams slipped through her fingers. Her hopes for a bright future faded.

She had to surrender her expectations. It wasn’t easy, but what she gained was so much better than what she gave up. It just took her time to see it.

The end of the tunnel is not always visible while we’re going through it. We know there’s a light at the end, but we can’t see it. Surrender is that way as well. If we’re surrendering to something GOD wants for us or wants us to do, then we can be sure that what we’re gaining will be better than what we’re releasing—even if we can’t see it.

Ginger Solomon is a Christian, a wife, a mother to seven, and a writer — in that order (mostly). When not homeschooling her youngest four, doing laundry or fixing dinner, she writes or reads romance of any genre, some sci-fi/fantasy, and some suspense. She’s a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, president of her local writing group, and writes regularly for two blogs. In addition to all that, she loves animals, likes to do needlework (knitting, crocheting, and sometimes cross-stitch), and is a fan of Once Upon a Time and Dr. Who.

Author Links:

Website

Inspy Romance Blog

Facebook Author Page

Twitter @GingerS219

Pinterest

Amazon Author Page

 

Second Choice Blurb:

The Surrender of Life by Ginger Solomon

Set to be married in less than a month, Princess Anaya Vallis’s intended runs away, leaving only a cryptic note behind. Her father insists the wedding go forth as planned with a new groom. She has days to make a second choice.

 

Titus Vasco is like a ship without a rudder, floating through life without purpose. Until she calls. He accepts her proposal without hesitation.

 

But wedded bliss does not come easily. Two virtual strangers brought together by unforeseen circumstances must learn to trust each other and God’s plan for their lives in order to achieve the happily-ever-after they both long for.

 

BUY LINK:

Amazon Kobo Books iBooks Barnes and Noble

Tags:  faith, Ginger Solomon, guest blogger, Jesus, Julie Arduini, Princess Anaya, Second Choice, surrender, the surrender of life, The Surrender of Life by Ginger Solomon, trusting God




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 COTT Blog Alliance Partner Interviews: Guest Post by Gail Pallotta  Angels with Flashlights by Kathy Dippolito  Sabbath Sunday: Muddy Road  A2Z Meme: Ultrasounds  I Just Couldn't Do It by Deborah EngleCopyright © Julie Arduini: Surrender Issues & Chocolate [The Surrender of Life by Ginger Solomon], All Right Reserved. 2016.

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COTT: Barely Above Water by Gail Pallotta

 

 

An illness comes of out nowhere and strikes Suzie Morris. Her boyfriend dumps her. She has no living family, and her physician can’t diagnose the malady. Suzie relies on her Christian faith as she faces the uncertainty of the disease, and turns to a renowned alternative doctor in Destin, Florida. She takes a job coaching a

county-sponsored summer swim team. She’s determined to turn the fun,

sometimes comical, rag-tag bunch into winners. Her handsome boss renews her

belief in love, but learns of her mysterious affliction and abruptly cuts

romantic ties. Later he has regrets, but can he overcome his fear of losing

a loved one and regain Suzie’s trust?

 

 

PURCHASE

Amazon
Barnes

and Noble



ENDORSEMENTS

“Gail Pallotta’s contemporary romance novel, Barely Above Water,

is a touching story of loss, hope and healing.” ~Nancy Mehl—award-winning

author of the Finding Sanctuary series.

 

“The main theme in Gail Pallotta’s Barely Above Water is

“overcoming incredible odds.” Readers will find themselves rooting for

characters who face illness, unemployment and heartbreak. I think you’ll

thoroughly enjoy this story about trust and faith!”
~Loree Lough—bestselling author of more than 100-award-winning books,

including RT 4.5 star Top Pick, Saving Alyssa {Harlequin

Heartwarming}.

The Story Behind the Story:

Ten years ago I grew very ill. After a month of tests the doctor told me he

couldn’t diagnose my malady, so he couldn’t treat me. I had no idea where

to turn for help, but the last name of a chiropractor a friend of mine had

seen ten years earlier kept popping in my head. I ignored it because I

needed medical assistance, not an adjustment, but the name persisted.

Finally I called my friend and asked about him. He turned out to be David

Lee, D.C., Ph.D., C.Ad., now an alternative doctor as well as a

chiropractor. He started treating me immediately for a toxic substance.

Later, a scan showed the bacteria for Chronic Lyme Disease. Since then,

I’ve met or heard of many people suffering from the ailment, or a malady

that can’t be diagnosed. Their stories touched my heart and inspired me to

write Barely Above Water, which details symptoms and treatments for the

disease. The technical material is woven around a romance and a cute group

of youngsters on a summer league swim team, so it’s fun as well as

informative.

Bio:

Gail Pallotta’s a wife, mom, swimmer and bargain shopper who loves God,

beach sunsets and getting together with friends and family. A regional

Writer of the Year for American Christian Writers Association in 2004, she

was a 2013 Grace Awards finalist. Gail’s published four books, poems, short

stories and several hundred articles. Some of her articles appear in

anthologies while two are in museums. Connect with Gail on her web site blog Facebook twitter



Tags:  abandonment, author, barely above water, Christian fiction, Clash of the Titles, COTT, COTT: Barely Above Water by Gail Pallotta, illness, Julie Arduini




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 Sabbath Sunday: The Detour  Clash of the Titles: April W. Gardner Interviews Michelle Massaro  Unlikely Merger Authors: If We Could Have Been Part of a Company Merger it Would Have Been...  Week of Questions---Who Would You Want 20 Minutes to Talk To?  Sabbath Sunday: Still WatersCopyright © Julie Arduini: Surrender Issues & Chocolate [COTT: Barely Above Water by Gail Pallotta], All Right Reserved. 2016.

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Write for the Reader by BJ Bassett

Write for the Reader

B J Bassett

“You write for the reader,” Dr. Sherwood “Woody” Wirt, founding editor of Decision Magazine, said during our one on one meeting.

When I left, my feet didn’t touch the path at the Mount Hermon Conference grounds. Instead, I floated to my room. Dr. Wirt’s words inspired me then and they still do today. His encouraging words were unlike any I’d heard before.

Beginning at an early age, the words I’d heard were, “Not good enough.” “Stand up straight.” “Don’t slouch.” “Why can’t you be like Linda?” “Four eyes.” And “Loser.” I was labeled a daydreamer in school because I’d rather gaze out the window than pay attention during class. Today, I’d probably be considered as having Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD). If, in fact, I was ADD, I learned to live with it. Yes, I was a daydreamer. Is it any wonder I became a writer? I was primed for rejections. And I got them. Lots of them.

In high school I daydreamed about writing for the school paper. What was I thinking? My spelling, grammar and punctuation were horrific. After I was married and raising a family, the death of my brother in Vietnam was the catalyst that changed my life. I’d read somewhere that sometimes when you lose a loved one, you take on one of their characteristics. My brother, Danny, enjoyed writing.

I felt the nudge to take a writing class. The instructor discouraged me. Those familiar words of my youth echoed in my mind, “Not good enough.” “Loser.” I didn’t’ give up. Living on a tight budget, there wasn’t any money to invest in my passion. Fortunate to live near a large library, I checked out every book and magazine on writing. I devoured them, took notes and eventually began to write. I started a critique group and began to submit my work. I amassed a heap of rejections.

I was persistent—a lesson I learned from my dad. Before my dad became a building contractor, he was a carpenter who wanted to work for a big name builder in Beverly Hills, California. So Dad knocked on the builder’s door—once, twice. The third time Dad asked for a job, he was hired.

A personal experience piece I wrote about my daughter’s anorexia received twenty-two rejections before Focus on the Family published it. After publication, it continued to receive rejections. It’s also been reprinted in a dozen publications.

I’m a jack of all sorts, master of none. I write articles, book reviews, curriculum, devotionals, features, greeting cards and books. As a writer, speaker and teacher, my forte is to inspire others.

Like my anorexia article, I have other favorite projects. One of those is my historical novel, Lily. And like my anorexia piece, Lily was rejected over and over again. Words that brought tears to my eyes were when my daughter Melanie said, “If Lily isn’t published during your lifetime, I’ll make sure it gets published after you’re gone.” Melanie believed in Lily as much as I did. Maybe I’m selfish, but I wanted to see it in print during my lifetime.

Lily was self-published as a result of a horrific car accident. I used the money from an insurance settlement to publish it.

  Writing a book is hard. Promoting one is harder. Recently I told Melanie, “I’m not making any money from Lily.” Her response, “Mom, you didn’t write Lily to make money. You wrote it for the reader.”

She’s right. Her words remind me of what Dr. Wirt said all those years ago at the writer’s conference. “You write for the reader.”

BJ Bassett encourages others as an author, teacher and speaker.

Her books include a historical novel Lily; A Touch of Grace—The G.R.A.C.E. Ministries Story, and coauthor of My Time with God which sold 55,000 copies while in print. Her recently released contemporary romance, Gillian’s Heart, is now available. Visit her at www.bjbassett.com.

She teaches writing workshops at Umpqua Community College in Roseburg, Oregon and at writer’s conference. As a speaker for Stonecroft Ministries, she tells her story of rejection and acceptance, not only in life, but as a writer as well. She also offers book talks, including discussion questions and shares the journey—from the seed of an idea to a publisher book.

She enjoys reading, jigsaw puzzles, knitting, munching warm scones oozing with butter and strawberry jam and sipping earl grey tea. A native Californian, she now lives with her husband of 57 years in Roseburg, Oregon.

GILLIAN’S HEART

In Gillian’s Heart, BJ Bassett knew to Write for the Reader.

Abandoned as a child by her alcoholic parents, Gillian Grant was raised by her grandmother in a beach house in California. As an adult, in tribute to Gram’s memory, Gillian wishes to restore the house to its former splendor. But she can’t do it alone, and hires Dusty Bradshaw to help her.

Gillian and Dusty have nothing in common, except the restoration of the house. Gillian suffers from anorexia and is in denial. While she has a strong faith in God, Dusty is an unbeliever. Add to the complicated mess Gillian’s confusing feelings for Josh and the sudden, unwanted appearance of Gillian’s mother Betsy, who claims the house is hers. And she intends to sell it.

Gillian always dreamed of her wedding in her grandmother’s garden overlooking the Pacific. Will there be a wedding? Who will capture Gillian’s heart — her stable, longtime friend Josh — or Dusty, a new Christian, who has kept secrets from her? And who holds the deed to the house?

Tags:  anorexia, author, Gillian's Heart, Julie Arduini, Lily, rejection, self publish, surrender, Surrender Story, write for the reader, Write for the Reader by BJ Bassett, writing




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 COTT: Vote for Your Favorite Read  Odyssey Adventure Club  Entrusted as a Jigsaw Puzzle  WFW: Peace. Be. Still.  COTT: Celebrate COTT's 5th Year with a Kindle GiveawayCopyright © Julie Arduini: Surrender Issues & Chocolate [Write for the Reader by BJ Bassett], All Right Reserved. 2016.

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An Act of Surrender by Paula Mowery

An Act of Surrender

My husband and I both loved children and planned that we would carry on the Mowery tradition of five. When we decided to start trying to begin our family, I struggled and found that I had infertility issues.

Depression set in and even bitterness when I would see women and girls in unplanned pregnancies. My husband and I would provide a home full of love and a mother and father who had planned for the baby’s arrival.

I was finally able to conceive and have one daughter. But I still held ill feelings as I struggled once again to give my little one a brother or a sister. It never happened. My wise husband said that obviously we had what God wanted for us.

I did fill that baby void with caring for children in my home. This was a blessing to the parents to have a safe and caring place for their little ones. It also blessed us to provide this for the parents and the babies.

Later when my daughter was in her high school years, I was approached by a woman in our church association who runs the local pregnancy center. She wanted me to become the devotional leader for their Thursday evening classes. I told her I needed to think and pray about this.

I went to God with an attitude of “I can’t possibly do this with my history.” God had other plans. I surrendered to His nudging.

For about two years I would deliver the devotion to the girls on their Thursday evening classes. As each girl related her story, those past feelings melted away. I felt honored and humbled that God would use me to share His unconditional love with them. They deserved it.

I’m so glad God nudged me into surrendering to do something I never thought I would do. But as God forgave my former bitter feelings, those girls brought healing for me.

Julie’s Note: Paula and I both shared our infertility journeys with four other authors in the book, A WALK IN THE VALLEY. It is in a workbook format so readers can journal their personal thoughts as they read along. If you know anyone with infertility and/or miscarriage history, PLEASE purchase this book for them. It is not about making money, trust me. We want to see women healed as Paula shares above.

Paula is a pastor’s wife, mom to a college student, author, acquiring editor, and speaker. No matter the hat she wears, she strives to honor God’s plan even if it means going out on a limb and leaving comfort zones. Reviewers have characterized her writing as “thundering with emotion.” Her book, Be The Blessing, won the 2014 Selah Award in the novella category. Paula enjoys reading and reviewing Christian fiction, writing Christian romance and devotionals, and helping other authors realize their dream of publication.  

 You can follow Paula at www.facebook.com/pages/Paula-Mowery/175869562589187. Learn more about Paula at her blog at www.paulamowery.blogspot.com

THE CRUX OF HONOR

An Act of Surrender is Paula Mowery’s story and inspiration for The Crux of Honor.

Chelsea Wilson’s life is a constant reminder of what living dishonorably looks like. At every turn she continues to prove her mother’s shunning must be deserved.

Dr. Kevin Alley returns to the old home place to establish his medical practice. After running into Chelsea, he knows his love for her is still strong.

Chelsea is ousted from her small rented room when her mother bursts in, proclaiming Chelsea’s pregnancy.

Kevin takes Chelsea in, giving her space to live on the upper level of his house.

When Chelsea’s baby displays life-threatening symptoms, Chelsea must face her mother. Secrets unfold about Chelsea’s parents. Can Chelsea and Kevin uncover the secrets linked to Amish heritage in time to save the baby? Can the two find love together despite their history?

Purchase THE CRUX OF HONOR here

Tags:  A Walk in the Valley, Amish heritage, an act of surrender, An Act of Surrender by Paula Mowery, author, fiction, infertility, Julie Arduini, Paula Mowery, surrender, Surrender Story, The Crux of Honor




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 Mother of Pearl: Tricia Goyer's What I Am Not  Joy Does Not Depend on Our Outward Circumstances by Nikole Hahn  Sabbath Sunday: He Will Direct Your Path  WFW: Do I Need to Add Anything More? Yes...  Saturday Confession: Scar TissueCopyright © Julie Arduini: Surrender Issues & Chocolate [An Act of Surrender by Paula Mowery], All Right Reserved. 2016.

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Book Review: ESV Family Devotional Bible (Includes Giveaway)

The ESV Family Devotional Bible

The ESV Family Devotional Bible is designed to help families read and apply God’s Word together. This full-color edition features the complete ESV text interspersed with engaging illustrations and gospel-centered devotions related to key Bible stories—guiding families through the entirety of God’s Word over the course of a year. Each devotion also includes discussion questions and suggestions for additional reading, helping families develop a habit of reading the Bible together and applying its truth to all of life.

This easy to use Bible has a lot to like. For kids, the cover is visually appearing and highlights the illustrations included in the Bible. There are a lot of devotions included that would be appropriate for an upper elementary age child to read and ask the questions that are also included. The questions prompt good discussion for family members, although some questions were worded a little hard for younger ones. I think between the reading, devotions, and questions, families have the opportunity to use the Bible as a catalyst for a daily time together where they can grow in faith.

For adults, there are maps to discover and talk about, and a convenient ribbon bookmark. It’s not a big Bible, so it’s easy to transport or have kids bring it to the dinner table. It’s well laid out. The font is a bit on the small side, but it’s a good price to pay for the smaller size.

I believe the ESV Family Devotional Bible would be a welcome addition to any family, so much so, I have ONE copy to give away. Leave me a comment here or on social media (I’m on FB, Twitter, Instagram, G+. Pinterest and Snapchat as @JulieArduini) on why you want this Bible and I’ll pick one US or Canadian winner May 10th.

“Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.

Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway.  If you have won a prize from our sponsor Propeller / FlyBy Promotions in the last 30 days, you are not eligible to win.  Or if you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.”

To purchase the ESV Family Devotional Bible, click here.

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

Tags:  Bible, book review, Book Review: ESV Family Devotional Bible, devotions, esv family devotional bible, family time, FlyBy Promotions, growing in faith, Julie Arduini




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 Tiffany Colter is Thankful for Jen Tucker's The Day I Wore My Panties Inside Out---and Much More  Character Confession: New Marching Orders  Book Review: Prayer Works by Stephen Kendrick, Alex Kendrick, Amy Parker  Writing the Tough Stuff (Or Killing the One You Love) by Aaron Paul Lazar  Character Confession: Why I Don't StareCopyright © Julie Arduini: Surrender Issues & Chocolate [Book Review: ESV Family Devotional Bible (Includes Giveaway)], All Right Reserved. 2016.

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Rachel J. Good: Whose Face is That in the Mirror?

Whose Face Is That in the Mirror?

One day when my family was gathered around the dinner table, I complained to my husband about a bossy woman in one of my Christian women’s groups. She always criticized others and insisted her way was best.

As soon as I finished my story, my youngest daughter piped up, “She sounds like you, Mom.”

And she was right. Matthew 7:3 came to mind: “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?” God used my daughter’s words that day to show me that what bothers me the most in others are often my own faults.

I believe you often write what you need to learn, so in Change of Heart, Lydia is busy trying to prevent her younger sister from getting into trouble during Rumschpringe, a time when Amish teens sometimes adopt Englisch (non-Amish ways). But when Lydia confronts Emma about her rebellious behavior, she’s surprised at her sister’s response:

Emma glared at her. “Even during your Rumschpringe, you did nothing wrong. But when I started mine, you followed me around in Plain dress, showing how pious you were and how wrong I was.”

Was that how it appeared to Emma? That had never been Lydia’s intention. She tried to explain that she’d only wanted to help Emma, not make her feel guilty, but her protest only upset her sister more.

Emma clenched her fists in her lap, and bitterness dripped from her words. “Why would you need to help me?” Her voice rose. “Doesn’t helping imply that you’re better than someone else?”

A little later Emma says:

“You act humble, but inside you’re filled with pride. You compare yourself to me to make yourself feel better.”

Emma’s words cause Lydia to evaluate her own behavior. She had convinced herself she had a duty to watch over Emma, but had it only been self-righteousness and vanity?

I find that as Christians we sometimes make judgments about another person’s spirituality and may even request prayer for him or her, believing we’re doing it for that person’s benefit. But if we look deeply into the truth behind our judgments, we might see that criticizing someone else makes us feel more spiritual. Secretly we believe we’re better Christians or closer to God. Whenever that happens, we need to look into the mirror for the planks in our own eyes.

Do you have someone in your life who irritates you or rubs you the wrong way? What bothers you the most about this person? Are you perhaps guilty of that same behavior? Sometimes surrendering judgmental attitudes becomes easier when we hold a mirror up to our own lives.

BIO

 Rachel J. Good writes life-changing, heartfelt novels of faith, hope, and forgiveness. She is the author of Amish romances in the Sisters & Friends series. She grew up near Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, the setting for her novels. A former teacher and librarian, she completed her MA from Vermont College while raising five children. She is presently an MFA student in Writing and Illustration at Hollins University. In addition to having more than 2200 articles and 30 books in print or forthcoming under several pseudonyms, she also juggles freelance editing and illustration careers. Sign up for her newsletter &/or visit Rachel at www.racheljgood.com.

 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/racheljgoodnovels/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/RachelJGood1

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14661177.Rachel_J_Good

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/racheljgood1/

 

BLURBS

Change of Heart

Lydia Esh’s younger sister Emma is running wild during Rumschpringe, causing the family major heartaches. Although it means risking her reputation, her job as a schoolteacher, and her courtship with Jakob Zook, Lydia attends parties to watch over Emma and protect her sister’s virtue. When Emma begins a relationship with Kyle, an Englischer, Lydia teams up with Kyle’s older brother, Caleb, to keep the couple apart. As Lydia and Caleb spend time together keeping an eye on their siblings, Lydia falls for this forbidden love. Will she stay true to her faith even if it means giving up the man she loves?

Change of Heart is available in both print and e-book at Christianbooks and Amazon.

  Amish Quilts Coloring Book

Rachel Good offers the post, Whose Face is that in the Mirror?

Feeling stressed? Why not relax with an adult coloring book? Rachel J. Good’s Amish Quilts Coloring Book takes you back to a time and place that’s calm. Immerse yourself in a world of peace as you color the 25 different patterns inspired by quilts seen in Amish country. Many of these designs are based on traditional quilts, but some have been reimagined or repeated multiple times to create more intricate patterns to color. Each quilt is printed on only one side of the page; facing pages contain inspirational Amish proverbs. And if the designs inspire you to make quilts of your own, the pages can be used as templates for quilt-making.

Tags:  Amish Quilts Coloring Book, Amish romance, author, Change of Heart, guest blogger, judging others, Julie Arduini, Matthew 7:3, Rachel J. Good, Sisters and Friends, Whose Face is that in the Mirror, women




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 Agreeing with God's Plan by Julie Arduini  A MARRIAGE IN MIDDLEBURY | ENTER Anita Higman’s Double Kindle Fire Giveaway & RSVP for “Tea for Two” 12/12 Facebook Party!  Sabbath Sunday: The Sad Scrapbook  Book Review: Secretly Smitten by Colleen Coble, Kristin Billerbeck, Diann Hunt, and Denise Hunter  Character Confession: PassionateCopyright © Julie Arduini: Surrender Issues & Chocolate [Rachel J. Good: Whose Face is That in the Mirror?], All Right Reserved. 2016.

The post Rachel J. Good: Whose Face is That in the Mirror? appeared first on Julie Arduini: Surrender Issues & Chocolate.

COTT: Dressed for Death by Julianna Deering Wins Clash

*

The Votes have come in, and we’ve got a winner!

Dressed for Death by Julianna Deering Wins Clash.

DRESSED FOR DEATH
by Julianna Deering
 
Congratulations, Julianna!!

About the Author

JULIANNA DEERING has always been an avid reader and a lover of storytelling, whether on the page, the screen or the stage. This, along with her keen interest in history and her Christian faith, shows in her tales of love, forgiveness and triumph over adversity. A fifth-generation Texan, she makes her home north of Dallas with three spoiled cats and, when not writing, spends her free time quilting, cross stitching and watching NHL hockey. Her new series of Drew Farthering mysteries set in 1930s England debuted from Bethany House with Rules of Murder (2013) and is followed by Death by the Book and Murder at the Mikado (2014), Dressed for Death (2016) and Murder on the Moor (Coming 2017). Also, as DeAnna Julie Dodson, she has written a trilogy of medieval romances (In Honor Bound, By Love Redeemed and To Grace Surrendered) and six contemporary mysteries for Annie’s Fiction. She is represented by Wendy Lawton of the Books & Such Literary Agency (www.booksandsuch.biz).

Find her On the web:

www.juliannadeering.com

www.deannajuliedodson.com

On Facebook:

https://business.facebook.com/AuthorJuliannaDeering/

https://www.facebook.com/julie.dodson.9659

On Twitter:

@DeAnnaJulDodson

On Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6565151.Julianna_Deering

Dressed for Death Back cover:



A Regency-Era Costume Party Should Have Been an Amusing Diversion, But it Seems Wherever Drew Farthering Goes, Mystery–and Murder–Are on the Guest List

Drew and Madeline Farthering arrive at a Regency-era house party at Winteroak House, excited to be reunited with old friends, including Drew’s former Oxford classmate Talbot Cummins. Tal is there with his fiancée, Alice Henley, and though many present seem worried about the couple, nobody is prepared when Alice dies from an apparent overdose. Tal refuses to believe she’d taken the drugs intentionally, and a dark question arises of whether the death is an accident or murder.

The police have their own information though, and Drew is shocked when they arrest someone he’s trusted and admired since his childhood–someone who’s been smuggling drugs into the country for years. Stunned by what has happened, Tal begs Drew to get to the bottom of everything, but Drew has never felt more unsettled. Questioning his own ability to see people as they really are, Drew doesn’t know whom to trust, and he’s not ready for the secrets he’s about to uncover–or the danger he’ll bring down on everyone he holds dear.

Clash Comments:

“Dressed for Death” is the best Drew Farthering mystery yet, and I’m really looking forward to the next one (and yes, even more after that)! Julianna Deering has a gift for storytelling that keeps me turning the pages long into the night, and her characters are always so vivid and lifelike! I love pulling out her books and re-reading them over and over again.


Julianna Deering captured our hearts and attention with Drew Farthering mysteries….can’t wait for more.

This sounds like such a FANTASTIC read! Ready to dive in? Want to peek at the sample? It’s right here:

Buy Links:

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

CBD

And don’t Miss Drew’s Upcoming Adventure:

Murder on the Moor

At the urgent request of Drew’s old school friend, Hubert “Beaky” Bloodworth, Drew and Madeline Farthering come to Bloodworth Park Lodge in the midst of the Yorkshire moors, a place as moody and mysterious as a Brontë hero. According to Beaky, there have been several incidents of mischief making out on the moor, property destroyed, fires started, streams dammed up, sheep and cattle scattered and, if local gossip is to be believed, the sighting of the shadowy figure of a great black hound. Worst of all, the vicar has been found dead on the steps of the church, and no one can imagine who would want to kill him.

Beaky is obviously smitten with his wife of eight months, the gorgeous and vivacious Sabrina Bloodworth, though it’s hard to imagine what she sees in a man as awkward and plain as he. Drew can’t help wondering if Sabrina’s affections lie more with Beaky’s money than himself and, just perhaps, with the fiery Welsh gamekeeper, Rhys Delwyn. Delwyn says poachers are to blame for the recent trouble, Sabrina claims the moor is haunted, and Beaky suspects that Carter Gray, a neighboring landowner with a longstanding grudge against the Bloodworths, is behind the episodes. But when someone else is murdered and the troubling incidents grow more threatening, Drew begins to suspect local ne’er-do-well Jack Midgley of more than poaching. But just how does Midgley fit into the scheme and who is paying him? It’s up to Drew to look past his own prejudices, determine what is really going on, and find the killer before it’s too late.

>>Would you like to see the cover for Murder on the Moor? Sign up for Drew’s News at http://www.juliannadeering.com/newsletter.php for exclusive series information and giveaways.

Have a blessed week, everyone!
From your friends at Clash of the Titles!


Tags:  author, Clash of the Titles, COTT, COTT: Dressed for Death by Julianna Deering Wins Clash, dressed for death, Drew Farthering mystery, fiction, Julianna Deering, Julie Arduini, regency




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 Hope for Children Who Seethe on Mother's Day  Julie Arduini's Favorite Free-at-the-Time Kindle Reads for 2012  Book Review: Annabelle's Angel by Therese M. Travis  Book Review: What's A Foster Family by Anne Garboczi Evans  COTT: Vote for Your Favorite BookCopyright © Julie Arduini: Surrender Issues & Chocolate [COTT: Dressed for Death by Julianna Deering Wins Clash], All Right Reserved. 2016.

The post COTT: Dressed for Death by Julianna Deering Wins Clash appeared first on Julie Arduini: Surrender Issues & Chocolate.

Surrender to Prayer by Bruce Judisch

Being a seat-of-the–pants writer has its perks. Why? Because my characters are almost always several steps ahead of my keystrokes, often looking over their shoulders impatiently waiting for me to catch up. Little do they know the joke is on them. They don’t realize I’m writing into them my weaknesses—and, to be honest, also my strengths—just to see how they handle them in clutch situations. And I need to observe them from behind. If I outlined the story in advance, I would already know how they coped. So I would learn nothing from them. And very possibly, neither would my readers. Why? Because I would have contrived my lessons, not lived them and passed them on. Where’s the empathy in that?

Case in point. In my most recent novel, Quimby Pond, my heroine, Gwen Kelly, has lived her life in the shadow of God’s standards, but not in his love. She’s a “good person,” has an innate sense of what is “proper,” but remains tossed on the waves of human doubt as to why it’s proper. Her spirituality? Her childhood church experience? Here’s an excerpt from the book:

[Gwen’s] fondest recollections of Sunday mornings revolved not around church, but rather brunch at a local pancake house as a reward for not squirming too much during the boring services. Her success was usually gauged by the number of over-the-shoulder huffs from the dour Mrs. Olsen, who always seemed to select the pew directly in front of the Kellys. On a good morning, a steaming stack of blueberry pancakes, whipped cream, and warm maple syrup awaited, making Sundays bearable.

Excepting the fictitious Mrs. Olsen, this was largely my childhood church experience, and I bequeathed it to Gwen. How does she cope with this kind of a spiritual past in the midst of the clutch situations I foisted upon her in Quimby Pond? Her image of God and of communion with him—i.e., prayer—lacked understanding, substance, caring. How does one cope? How does one surrender to the love of God, not just perceive a notion of his standards? The story’s hero, Brent Newcomb, wondered the same thing. Here’s an exchange between Brent and Gwen:

As they neared the hospital, she cast a questioning glance at him. “You were praying last night, weren’t you? During the search.”

“I sure was.”

“Do you think it made any difference?”

“It made a difference to me.” He pulled into the hospital parking lot and into an empty slot. “And apparently to Hannah too. You realize that God answered the prayer through you, don’t you?”

She threw him a startled look. “What do you mean?”

He propped an elbow on the steering wheel and faced her. “It was your sudden idea to search near Quimby Pond, and that idea saved Hannah’s life. I’ve discovered that God is usually responsible for sudden ideas like that.”

She looked down again. “Do you pray a lot? I mean, you know, at regular times. Not only in emergencies.”

“Not as often as I should.” He offered a slight smile as he switched off the engine. “What’s your position on the subject?”

She shrugged and reached for her seatbelt buckle.

Will Gwen ever give in to the lure of prayer? If so, what will it take to bring her to the point of surrender? What does it take to bring any person to the point of “surrendering” to prayer, of recognizing that such communion yields solace to the person praying and joy to the One to whom the prayer is lifted. The answer to that question is different for every person.

Her lesson still teaches this author. And she did it all by herself.

Author Bio and photo

Bruce Judisch has been writing fiction for many years.  His first work, “A Prophet’s Tale,” is a two-part novelization of the story of the Old Testament prophet, Jonah ben Amittai, comprising The Journey Begun and The Word Fulfilled. A third part, The Promised Kept, is under construction. More recently, he wrote two novels with complementary contemporary and historical storylines: Katia, a Cold War novel focusing on the fall of the Berlin Wall, and its sequel, For Maria, featuring the Kindertransport.

Bruce lives in Texas with his wife and high school sweetheart, Jeannie, and their two Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Charlie and Raleigh.  Bruce and Jeannie are the proud parents of three and grandparents of fourteen.

Book Cover and blurb

Surrendering to prayer is one of the plot questions in Bruce Judisch’s Quimby Pond.

Thursday, August 20, 1896, Marble Falls, Maine. A festively adorned bridal trunk arrives on the one o’clock train, but no newlyweds debark to claim it. Curious townspeople gather for the evening train, but again only to disappointment. Where was the happy couple? What became of the trunk? And what if it wasn’t a bridal trunk at all…?

Present Day:  Gwen Kelly comes to Marble Falls to escape a broken past, a past that revisits her when she begins to restore an antique trunk. A mysterious assailant targets her friends and fingers her as the only person who can stop him. Gwen is thrust into an awkward relationship with Officer Brent Newcomb as they race to stop the intruder from striking again. Could the trunk hold the key to this cloud of violence spreading over the peaceful Marble Falls region? If so, will they discover its secret in time?  If not, what have they stumbled into?

Purchase QUIMBY’S POND HERE

Tags:  Julie Arduini, plot, prayer, Quimby Pond, Seat of the Pants writer, Surrender Story, surrender to prayer, Surrendering to Prayer by Bruce Judisch, trusting God




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 Saturday Confession: Why Chocolate is Part of My Surrender  Free Gift for You: Crumbs and Embers  Marriage Monday---I Always Sleep with My Thin Pillow My Husband Calls a Sheet  Stephanie's interview  Saturday Confession: Sometimes I Say No to PrayerCopyright © Julie Arduini: Surrender Issues & Chocolate [Surrender to Prayer by Bruce Judisch], All Right Reserved. 2016.

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Crushed, Shattered, Growing

The year isn’t even half over and I’m ready for it to be done already. Nothing terrible is happening, yet, it’s draining all the same. I call it the crushing season, for me, a time I’ve discerned is God’s doing to grow me. Take me to the new place in Him.

But it will crush and shatter me in the process.

It feels like you’re in a vise and the handle keeps turning. Everything that can be squeezed out of me is. Although a good thing—I definitely want less of my selfishness and more of Christ, it’s hard.

You’ve been there.

The crushing for me has been a constant onslaught on my mind. Things that I know are lies, but they are before me, running through my imagination, on a loop. It is draining. I’ve had to increase every step I take in my normal faith journey and even add more. I listen to Christian music all night just to combat it. It’s hard.

Growing times for me always involve increased rejection and loneliness. I don’t have a squad like Taylor Swift, and that’s okay with me. The precious few in my life are trusted and invested not in what I can do for them, but how we can encourage each other together. When I’m hurting, it is twice the fight when I only hear from folks who only think of me as their prayer connection. It is an honor, don’t get me wrong, but there is nothing in their thinking that says I am a friend. I don’t hear about their good news, nor am I contacted just because. I’ve joked before I am their prayer Pez Dispenser. And it hurts.

The good news about these things is they are a season. I’ve been through enough of them to know I come out better on the other side. Usually there is crazy God favor that defies definition. Good stuff just happens, and I know it’s from Him. There is a new level of faith. I’m learning and applying what He’s showing me. It is worth every tear, and trust me, I shed many.

I share all this to say this month I’ve focused on the crushing process in my weekly e mail called Sunday’s Surrender and Chocolate. It’s a brief encouragement to start your week right, and I always include a chocolate mention. If you’re feeling the pain of crushing that includes rejection and loneliness, I pray these issues help you.

Let Sunday’s Surrender and Chocolate Encourage You as You’re Being Crushed, Shattered and Growing.

Subscription is free and separate from my other free resources, my monthly newsletter filled with updates, surrender tips, Reader of the Month profile, contests and more, and the as needed book release/discount e mail alert.

I’d love for you to subscribe and tell others. Let’s get through the surrender journey together.

Sunday’s Surrender and Chocolate Weekly E Mail

Surrender Issues and Chocolate Monthly Newsletter

Surrendered Scribe Book Promotions: Book Release and Discounts Sent As Needed (Infrequently)

Tags:  author, book release, Crushed, crushed shattered growing, crushing season, discounts, email, encouragement, Growing, Julie Arduini, loneliness, newsletter, refining fire, rejection, Shattered, Sunday's Surrender and Chocolate, Surrender Issues and Chocolate, Surrendered Scribe Promotions




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 Thankful: The Basics  Where Your Help Comes From  My 2012 Non Fiction Reviewed Book of the Year  Saturday Confession: Why Chocolate is Part of My Surrender  Sabbath Sunday: Not ShakenCopyright © Julie Arduini: Surrender Issues & Chocolate [Crushed, Shattered, Growing], All Right Reserved. 2016.

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COTT: New Clash Needs Your Vote!

 

New Clash Needs Your Vote!

Welcome back to our arena! The following authors are stepping onto our sands, ready to wield their mighty pens. Please look at each of their covers and descriptions and choose a favorite. Which would go on the top of your to-be-read pile? Be sure to make your choice in the actual survey, as those in the comments section alone won’t be calculated into the results. (web link provided below for those devices which don’t display the embedded survey. We’re thoughtful like that.)

Let the game… BEGIN!

~~~

The Gilded Curse by Marilyn Turk:

Responding to a cryptic telegram, Lexie Smithfield returns to Jekyll Island to sell her family’s abandoned vacation cottage in the Millionaire’s Club. Because tragic events in her family convinced her mother the island was cursed, it’s been ten years since her last visit to the island. Lexie’s trip is prolonged when suspicious incidents cause her to stay and discover the cottage’s hidden secrets. Just offshore the presence of nearby Nazi U-boats threaten the coast and endanger the island’s residents. While the management of the Millionaire’s Club attempts to keep members unaware of the danger, Lexie discovers the real threat that lurks within this closed community and learns that her destiny is not determined by curses or her family’s mistakes, but by the choices she makes.

Bitterroot Bride (American State Flower) by Angela Breidenbach:

No one knows the real Emmalee Warren, just what they want from the infamous prostitute. Men are coming out of the woodwork to stake a claim on the miner’s widow. They wanted her body before. Now they want her money. Hiring a lawyer, Richard Lewis, to save her from financial ruin might let her start over where no one knows Miss Ellie. Becoming an unknown is the only way to freedom…or is it? Can she leave her past and build a new future?

Breaking Free by Jennifer Slattery:

Sometimes it takes losing everything to grab hold of what really matters. Women’s ministry leader and Seattle housewife, Alice Goddard, and her successful graphic-designer husband appear to have it all together. Until their credit and debit cards are denied, launching Alice into an investigation that only leads to the discovery of secrets. Meanwhile, her husband is trapped in a downward spiral of lies, shame, and self-destruction. Can they break free from their deception and turn to the only One who can save them? And will it be in time to save their marriage?

Dressed for Death (A Drew Farthering Mystery) by Julianna Deering:

A Regency-Era Costume Party Should Have Been an Amusing Diversion, But it Seems Wherever Drew Farthering Goes, Mystery–and Murder–Are on the Guest List.

Vote below or follow this link to vote if box is not displayed: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/VPNJMRX

 

 

Create your own user feedback survey

Tags:  Angela Breidenbach, authors, Bitterroot Bride, Breaking Free, COTT New Clash Needs Your Vote, dressed for death, fiction, Jennifer Slattery, Julianna Dearing, Julie Arduini, Marilyn Turk, new clash, summer reads, The Gilded Curse




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 How Would You Handle It? Pizza Bribing Professor Edition  Word of the Year Review: Spiritual Revive  Introducing the 2012 Me  How the Surrendered Scribe Got Started: A Scavenger Hunt Story  Book Review: Mistaken by Karen BarnettCopyright © Julie Arduini: Surrender Issues & Chocolate [COTT: New Clash Needs Your Vote!], All Right Reserved. 2016.

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