Julie Arduini's Blog, page 107

Sapphire Secrets Character Interview with Dawn V. Cahill

Julie’s note: Yesterday I featured SAPPHIRE SECRETS by Dawn V. Cahill as this month’s Don’t Miss This feature. Today Dawn shares an interview with the two main characters from her novel. Take it away, Dawn!

Two amazing young women are visiting us today.  Please help me welcome identical twins Livy and DeeDee McCreary, singers and dancers extraordinaire, who star in my new novel, Sapphire Secrets.

Dawn V. Cahill: Livy, since this is your story, why don’t we start with you? Tell us why you want to share your story with the world.

Livy: Picture this–a spooky graveyard at midnight. Howling wind. And a strange old man who tells me to seek the truth about my mother’s death. Wouldn’t you be curious, too?

DVC: Indeed I would.

Livy: Sapphire Secrets is basically my testimony. And what an incredible journey. Not only did I find out the truth about my mother’s death, I also found God. Now, I just want the world to know that God loves them. So many people have never experienced His love. They don’t know what it’s like when God grabs ahold of you and pulls you into His arms – so unlike anything you’ll ever experience.

DVC: But you weren’t raised to believe in God. What made you change your mind?

Livy: I met someone who wasn’t afraid to share Christ with me. At first, I was resistant. Our parents and grandma raised us to be suspicious of organized religion. But then, one day everything changed. I had an accident and…

DVC: Spoiler alert!

Livy: Whoops. Anyway, as a result, I might never dance again. But without the accident, I might not have found God.

DVC: DeeDee, what do you think about Livy’s conversion?

DeeDee: She’s always spouting religious mumbo-jumbo. Not my thing. But ask me anything about dance. I can get into that.

DVC: Okay, dance it is. One of my readers wants to know, were all those dance lessons growing up a pleasure, or a chore?

DeeDee: I won’t lie and say they were a piece of cake. Dance lessons are grueling. If I hadn’t had Livy to learn and practice with, I’m sure I would have given up a long time ago. But now, I marvel at what my body can do. I’m pumped that we get to pay it forward by teaching other little girls the beauty of dance.

Livy: Our mom’s passion for dance rubbed off on us. I couldn’t have quit if you paid me. The downside of dance for me was the memorization. Not only the choreography, but all the French terminology. Like pas de bourres and ronde jambs…

DeeDee: The competitions…

Livy: Outgrowing our favorite leotards…

DeeDee: Hardly ever any boys in class to tease or flirt with.

DVC: How times change! A couple of single fathers brought their daughters into your studio for lessons.

Livy [giggling]: Don’t forget to mention how cute they were.

DVC: And now you’re dating one of them, aren’t you?

Livy: Spoiler alert!

DVC: My lips are sealed. Let’s let the readers find out for themselves, shall we?

DeeDee: Don’t forget to tell them about your prequel, When Lyric Met Limerick, a short story about a fateful meeting…the day our amazing and talented parents met.

DVC: Readers, just click on my Amazon author page to find both books.

Check my webpage, dawnvcahill.com, for future giveaways and updates on Livy and DeeDee’s continuing saga. And thank you, ladies, for letting my readers get to know you  today.

Livy and DeeDee [in unison]: So long, lovely readers.

DeeDee: You have to come back for Book 2, because this crazy author is going to put me through an even worse ordeal than Livy’s. I have no clue how I’m going to get out of this mess…

Don’t miss SAPPHIRE SECRETS by Dawn V. Cahill.

About SAPPHIRE SECRETS:

Filled with mystery, romance, and unforgettable characters, Sapphire Secrets is the story of a Seattle woman’s relentless pursuit of truth and God’s power to heal and transform broken lives.  Twins Livy and DeeDee McCreary open a dance studio in honor of their late mother, whom they lost when they were six. Problem is, Livy remembers nothing of the day her mother died. The more she questions her family about that awful day, the more she suspects she’s been lied to all her life. While she’s seeking answers to what really happened, she keeps crossing paths with handsome engineer Scott Lorenzo, who compels her to question the New Age philosophy she was raised on. What if there is a personal God out there who cares about her?  Before Livy can discover answers, a brutal accident interrupts her search. Her life flips upside down as she faces a future she is not prepared for. Yet the unanswered questions continue to haunt her. Can she find the strength to keep on with her quest, even if it means losing the two people most dear to her—her twin, and the man she loves?  2015 Finalist, ACFW First Impressions Contest 

Dawn V. Cahill’s bio:

Author Dawn V. Cahill pens “Stories of Victorious Faith for the 21st Century,” nearly always with a crossword puzzle, sudoku, or dark chocolate nearby. “The characters in my stories face situations that would have been unthinkable even 20 years ago. We live in a vastly different world than our parents did, and that’s the world I write about.” Seeing an unfilled niche in the Christian market for edgier fiction, Ms Cahill birthed Hot Topic Fiction (HTF) at an intensive four-day writers conference. HTF isn’t afraid to explore the question, how does God want us Christians to live out our faith in this not-so-brave new world? Without insulting the reader by offering pat or easy answers–because there aren’t any–HTF tells stories of ordinary Christians following hard after Christ in a world of terror and violence, of upside-down morality, of hostility to Judeo-Christian values. HTF’s first book is due for launch in June 2016.

Tags:  author, character interview, dance, fiction, Julie Arduini, Sapphire Secrets, Sapphire Secrets Character Interview with Dawn V. Cahill, twins




Del.icio.us





Digg



StumbleUpon




Comments:  0 (Zero), Be the first to leave a reply!Take a look!  
 Book Review: Connie Arnold's A Symphony of Seasons  Introducing Imaginate  Sabbath Sunday: He Will Direct Your Path  COTT: Vote for What Would Make Your First Fall Read with COTT  Sabbath Sunday: Waving a Flag but Not Living FreeCopyright © Julie Arduini: Surrender Issues & Chocolate [Sapphire Secrets Character Interview with Dawn V. Cahill], All Right Reserved. 2016.

The post Sapphire Secrets Character Interview with Dawn V. Cahill appeared first on Julie Arduini: Surrender Issues & Chocolate.

Don’t Miss This: Sapphire Secrets by Dawn V. Cahill

Each month I feature an author and release that I think is worth taking note of. This month it is Dawn V. Cahill and her book, SAPPHIRE SECRETS.

Book Description:

Filled with mystery, romance, and unforgettable characters, Sapphire Secrets is the story of a Seattle woman’s relentless pursuit of truth and God’s power to heal and transform broken lives.

Twins Livy and DeeDee McCreary open a dance studio in honor of their late mother, whom they lost when they were six. Problem is, Livy remembers nothing of the day her mother died. The more she questions her family about that awful day, the more she suspects she’s been lied to all her life. While she’s seeking answers to what really happened, she keeps crossing paths with handsome engineer Scott Lorenzo, who compels her to question the New Age philosophy she was raised on. What if there is a personal God out there who cares about her?

Before Livy can discover answers, a brutal accident interrupts her search. Her life flips upside down as she faces a future she is not prepared for. Yet the unanswered questions continue to haunt her. Can she find the strength to keep on with her quest, even if it means losing the two people most dear to her—her twin, and the man she loves?

2015 Finalist, ACFW First Impressions Contest

Don’t miss SAPPHIRE SECRETS by Dawn V. Cahill.

Although I haven’t read this yet, it is on my TBR (To-be-read) list. I can tell you this, finagling in the ACFW First Impressions Contest isn’t easy. For her to have that honor tells me I am going to love this book.

I think you will, too.

Stay tuned tomorrow when I feature an interview with the characters from SAPPHIRE SECRETS.

To purchase SAPPHIRE SECRETS, click here.

Tags:  ACFW, author, Dawn V. Cahill, Don't Miss This: Sapphire Secrets by Dawn V. Cahill, fiction, Finalist, First Impressions, Julie Arduini, Sapphire Secrets, twins




Del.icio.us





Digg



StumbleUpon




Comments:  0 (Zero), Be the first to leave a reply!Take a look!  
 Unlikely Merger Authors: If I were the CEO...  COTT: Vote for Your Favorite Fall Read  Book Review: Destiny by Tony Evans  Book Review: Beth K. Vogt's Wish You Were Here  The Love Boat Bachelor: The Inspiration Behind Nora LaingCopyright © Julie Arduini: Surrender Issues & Chocolate [Don't Miss This: Sapphire Secrets by Dawn V. Cahill], All Right Reserved. 2016.

The post Don’t Miss This: Sapphire Secrets by Dawn V. Cahill appeared first on Julie Arduini: Surrender Issues & Chocolate.

COTT: Beneath the Blackberry Moon by April W Gardner

The first three books in April W Gardner’s Creek

Country Saga have just hit the Amazon shelves! They are now available

for purchase, but every subscriber to her newsletter gets the first in the

series for

FREE!

Scroll to nab your copy!

Beneath the Blackberry Moon will sweep you away to another time,

then make you sigh and wish you could stay just a little longer.

 

[image error]

Don’t miss the opportunity to read a free book from April W Gardner.

 

I cannot put this book down! April Gardner crafts the scenes and

character interactions so well, you are there! What a powerful

story.
~Amazon reviewer

SUBSCRIBE HERE–FREE

BOOK

This newsletter goes out only a handful of times each year to announce new

releases, so no worries–your inbox won’t be bombarded. April is generous

to her email subscribers. Next month, each will receive another novel,

absolutely free! See below to learn more about Better Than

Fiction.

PURCHASE EBOOK

(Kindle)
PURCHASE PAPERBACK

About the book:

War, captivity, hunger that will not be denied. And a blackberry moon

with enough pull to endure the test of time.

Frontierswoman Adela McGirth has never feared her neighbors, the Creek

Indians, but a suspicious encounter with a steely-eyed warrior shakes her

confidence. As dreaded, a skirmish with the natives sends her family

fleeing into a hastily constructed fort. But no picket is strong enough to

hold off a party of warriors who fear nothing but the loss of their ancient

ways.

Totka Lawe, a Red Stick bound by honor to preserve his heritage, will do

what he must to expel the whites from Muscogee soil. But in the midst of

battle, he is assigned to protect those he’s expected to hate and kill. One

of whom is the copper-haired woman who has haunted his thoughts since that

strange night under the blackberry moon. The war was simpler before his

enemy became a beautiful face with a gentle warrior’s spirit he cannot

resist.

But what woman would have a warrior whose blood-soaked hands destroyed her

life?

Then again…does she have a choice?

PREVIEW BOOK BY CLICKING IMAGE

 

Learn more about this saga at
AprilGardner.com
and Like her on
Facebook!

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Coming soon…

To

get your FREE copy of Better Than Fiction,
SUBSCRIBE HERE
(releases April 2016)

Better than

Fiction
by
April W Gardner and Michelle Massaro

Romance novelist Meghan Townsend’s marriage is slipping, and no amount of

prayer seems to help. She aims to recapture her husband’s waning attention

by getting in shape and finds escape by crafting her own fictional love

story. Taking inspiration for the hero from a new friend—the attractive,

spiritual, and attentive Curtis Jameson—she pours her yearnings onto the

page, and craves the kind of pulse-pounding romance found in her book,

Racing Hearts…

In 1916 Corona, California, motorcars are all the rage, and racing them is

what Meghan’s hero, Russell Keegan, does best. But when his competition

vandalizes his car, the only mechanic available is a greasy woman in a

man’s overalls.

After a racing accident claimed her father’s life, Winifred became the sole

breadwinner for her family. She is disdained as a female mechanic, but her

daddy’s trade is all she has left. Can she swallow her hatred of the races

and take up Russell’s offer of big bucks to fix his car, or will she lose

everything to mounting debt?

Under Meghan’s skillful pen, these two embark on a thrilling, adventurous

romance. But she finds that writing those love scenes with Curtis’s face in

mind takes her heart places it shouldn’t go. Will she realize in time that

real life can be better than fiction?

Tags:  April W. Gardner, Clash of the Titles, COTT, COTT: Beneath the Blackberry Moon by April W. Gardner, fiction, free book offer, historical romance, Julie Arduini




Del.icio.us





Digg



StumbleUpon




Comments:  0 (Zero), Be the first to leave a reply!Take a look!  
 Thankful: Bold Friends  Sabbath Sunday: That Brilliant Sun  Sabbath Sunday: Blazing Love  Mother of Pearl: Water Spot Mothering by Cynthia Ruchti  Guest Blogger Jessica Dotta: Inspire a Fire through Media Change.orgCopyright © Julie Arduini: Surrender Issues & Chocolate [COTT: Beneath the Blackberry Moon by April W Gardner], All Right Reserved. 2016.

The post COTT: Beneath the Blackberry Moon by April W Gardner appeared first on Julie Arduini: Surrender Issues & Chocolate.

Movie Review: Women of Faith: An Amazing Joyful Journey

Julie’s Note:

Logo and movie description from Women of Faith.

A Special Cinema Event

By Experience and Women of Faith are partnering together to bring to audiences an international cinematic event that presents the 20 year story of Women of Faith. Beginning in California in 1996 with four speakers committed to authenticity, Women of Faith grew to become the largest Christian Women’s Movement in history, touching over five million lives with personal stories full of laughter and tears.

Witness the journey of Women of Faith through the years, on stage and off, their travels with World Vision, their impact on their audience, in short the way they’ve changed the world. Partly historical, and frequently hysterical, this unique cinematic experience will be packed with some of the most popular pieces from the beloved speaking team as well as music and performances from the CCM artists that appeared on the tour. Featuring never before seen interviews, outtakes, and behind the scenes footage, this “movie” will bring back memories for all those who have attended a Women of Faith weekend as well as create new memories for those experiencing it for the first time.

This special cinematic event will be broadcast live to local movie theaters across the United States and Canada.

An Amazing Joyful Journey will be in over 1000+ theatres all over the world. If you’re not in the Dallas area, visit http://www.wofincinemas.com/ to find a theatre near you.

I wasn’t sure what the Women of Faith movie would be like. I’ve been to an event before, so I thought perhaps they would show footage and have a “best of” collection.

Women of Faith: An Amazing Joyful Journey is so much more than that. It’s a celebration, a look back, a tribute, and a hand clap to God with what He did with a small group of women, a dedicated crew, a visionary, an anointed leader, and over 5,000,000 audience members in 20 years.

Stephen Arterburn saw the need and started Women of Faith. What began as a weekend event transformed into a movement. I can attest to the lives changed through laughter, tears, and inspiring messages and music.

Each speaker is profiled and I loved hearing their story, how they came aboard, what message they brought to the platform, and their plans for the future. Marilyn Meberg, Luci Swindoll, Patsy Clairmont, Beverly Johnson, Sheila Walsh and Nicole Johnson have in depth stories where the audience I was with laughed out loud. It was fun re visiting those speakers and their best moments.

They also looked at guest speakers/artists, everyone from Amy Grant to Max Lucado. I think the story that moved me the most was Sandi Patty. It was obvious her participation with Women of Faith was a game changer for the team, her, and her family. If you aren’t aware of her testimony, it’s an amazing redemption story. I highly recommend her book, BROKEN IN THE BACK ROW.

Mary Graham, former President of Women of Faith, is easily credited for making the movement the success it was. She shared so much behind the scenes, including her crush on another guest, actor Jim Caviezel, and her family history that prompted her to retire. That was emotional, so much so that one of the team members they interviewed was a wet mess from sobbing. Why they didn’t allow that poor woman to have a tissue, that was kind of distracting. She was soaked, but it proved what a force Mary was to everyone involved in the ministry.

There is so much more to say but I know the movie is playing again and I’d love for you to see it yourself. I believe you will be as inspired and encouraged as I was.

To see where Women of Faith: An Amazing Joyful Journey is playing, click here.

I received tickets for this movie and am writing an honest review based on my experience.

Tags:  Amy Grant, Beverly Johnson, Christian women, Julie Arduini, Luci Swindoll, Marilyn Meberg, Max Lucado, Movie Review: Women of Faith: An Amazing Joyful Journey, Nicole Johnson, Patsy Clairmont, Sandi Patty, Stephen Arterburn, Thelma wells




Del.icio.us





Digg



StumbleUpon




Comments:  0 (Zero), Be the first to leave a reply!Take a look!  
 Sabbath Sunday: Still Waters  Book Review: Heather Munn/Lydia Munn Deliver with How Huge the Night  COTT BLOG ALLIANCE: SNAPPY DIALOGUE  Odyssey Adventure Club: FREE Download on De-Stressing the Holiday  Unlikely Merger Latest Book from Write Integrity Press AuthorsCopyright © Julie Arduini: Surrender Issues & Chocolate [Movie Review: Women of Faith: An Amazing Joyful Journey], All Right Reserved. 2016.

The post Movie Review: Women of Faith: An Amazing Joyful Journey appeared first on Julie Arduini: Surrender Issues & Chocolate.

Surrender Story: Surrender it to God by Annette O’Hare

Surrender It To God

 

“I hate promoting myself and my work.”

 

This is a common mantra among writers, especially myself. After all, no one wants to tell a complete stranger or even a close friend, “Hey, you should buy my book. It’s really great!”

 

What is it about self-promotion that makes us want to run and hide in the closet? Maybe because it makes you feel like the greasy haired man with the pencil thin mustache, hawking fake Rolex watches in a back alley. Or does it remind you of the time you were picked last for kickball? Or even worse…remember when you received a “C” on a project you thought you deserved an “A” on?

 

None of these scenarios make us feel like God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved.

 

Unfortunately, as writers, self-promotion is something we have to do. Why, because, books don’t sell themselves. Unless, that is, your name happens to be Francine Rivers or Ted Dekker. So it’s up to us to get the word out. But how do we go about promoting ourselves and our books without feeling…dirty?

 

Surrender it to God…

 

There it is, easy peasy, one and done, right? Well, not in my experience over the past few weeks of promoting my first novel. I can attest that the phrase, “let go and let God” isn’t nearly as easy as it sounds. But God in His mercy put a verse on my heart and now I know why.

 

The One who calls you is faithful, and He will do it. 1 Thessalonians 5:24

 

I felt God saying, “I got this.”

 

Does this mean everything will be easy from here on? Will the words I write be loved and cherished by everyone who reads them? Will I receive piles of fan mail and only five star reviews? I seriously doubt it.

 

Marketing and self-promotion are scary! There is something I have learned through this totally amazing tribulation called publishing. I’m going to make mistakes. I’m going to get my feelings hurt. And I’ll probably want to quit. But I fully trust that the One who called me will be there to catch me when I fall.

 

Annette O’Hare – Bio

Growing up in Houston, Texas in the 1970’s, Annette loved the stories about ghosts haunting the Spaghetti Warehouse and the mysterious “blue light” cemetery. But it was “Devil’s Island,” the magical woods across from home where her imagination blossomed. She created fantastic scenarios to act out with her brother and the neighborhood kids where worlds were conquered and dragons were slain. Annette is still making up stories, and is looking forward to the release of her first historical romance with Pelican Book Group. Her love for the history and heritage of her home state of Texas shines through in her writing and she’s made it the backdrop for her book series. Annette is a longtime member of American Christian Fiction Writers and her local chapter, ACFW-Writers on the Storm. She lives north of Houston with her husband, Dan of 30 years. Dan and Annette are the proud parents of two Texas A&M graduates, one exceedingly imaginative high schooler, and two rambunctious, loveable rescue dogs.

Northern Light

Northern Light is Annette O’Hare’s first release.

Civil War has robbed Margaret Logan of all she holds dear, including her beloved New Orleans home and her fiancé. When her family moves to the desolate Bolivar Peninsula to manage a lighthouse that is no longer there, all her hopes for a normal future are dashed. Her world is rocked once again when a wounded Yankee soldier washes ashore needing her help. Despite her contempt for the North, Margaret falls in love with Thomas Murphy. As their love blooms, Margaret’s sister is overcome with neurosis, and her mind slowly slips away. Bitterness, psychosis and depression yield a decision fueled by contempt. Will one fatal choice cause Margaret to lose the man she loves and condemn Thomas to death?

 

Annette O’Hare – Links

 Website:                    www.annetteohare.com

FB Author Page:      www.facebook.com/annetteohareauthor

Twitter Page:             www.twitter.com/AnnetteOHare

Pinterest Page:         www.pinterest.com/annetteohare

Amazon Page:          http://goo.gl/SZ2y2g

 

 

 

Tags:  author, fear, Julie Arduini, marketing, Northern Light, promotion, Surrender Story: Surrender it to God by Annette O'Hare, trusting God




Del.icio.us





Digg



StumbleUpon




Comments:  0 (Zero), Be the first to leave a reply!Take a look!  
 Saturday Confession: When You Miss a Blessing  Sabbath Sunday: He's Got You  Book Review: Judith MacNutt's Angels Are for Real  Sabbath Sunday: When I See a Cave  Two Older Books that Have a Grab on Me This YearCopyright © Julie Arduini: Surrender Issues & Chocolate [Surrender Story: Surrender it to God by Annette O'Hare], All Right Reserved. 2016.

The post Surrender Story: Surrender it to God by Annette O’Hare appeared first on Julie Arduini: Surrender Issues & Chocolate.

COTT: The Laurel Award Open to Authors

 

A NOTE TO PUBLISHED AUTHORS:

The Laurel Award is open to authors.

If you had a novel release any time in 2015, you’re invited to submit to Clash of the Titles’ Laurel Award!!

 

The Laurel is a contest available to any genre of Christian fiction published in 2015. The novels are judged by their audience—readers well-versed in Christian fiction yet not associated with the CBA industry.

Authors write for readers, so why not have readers be the judges?

With a submission fee of only $15, easy electronic submission, a bevy of prizes, and judges devoted to Christian fiction and author encouragement, the Laurel is a contest like no other.

 

But act quick! Slots are limited. To avoid overburdening our volunteer judges, we are limited in the number of submissions we can accept.

* All previous COTT champs whose winning novel was published in 2015 have an assured spot (fee waived) in the 2016 Laurel.

 

The Skinny:

 

ELIGIBILITY: Christian novels (30,000+ words) of any genre published between January 1, 2015 and December 31, 2015.

 

PRIZES: One first place winner will be chosen. The winner will receive a special feature on Clash of the Titles’ blog, a tour through COTT’s Blog Alliance, a dedicated page on COTT’s site for a full year, an on-line radio interview with author and CAG board member, Cynthia L. Simmons, a digital winner’s badge, and a beautiful plaque to display at home.

 

COST: $15 USD

 

Novels participating in the Laurel are judged by their audience—readers who are well-versed in Christian fiction yet not a part of the CBA industry. This contest judges the first two chapters (or 3,500 words) of published novels. Any genre of Christian novel (30,000 words or more) is eligible, including indie.

 

SUBMISSION DATES:  February 4, 2016-February 26, 2016

Learn more about the Laurel Awards HERE.

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Tags:  Clash of the Titles, COTT: The Laurel Award Open to Authors, fiction, Julie Arduini, The Laurel Award, writing, writing contest




Del.icio.us





Digg



StumbleUpon




Comments:  0 (Zero), Be the first to leave a reply!Take a look!  
 Thankful for Passion by Tracy Ruckman  What 42 Looks Like On Me  Sabbath Sunday: He will Direct Your Path  COTT: Ellie Gustafson and The Stones  WFW: The Shot Clock for Fence Sitting is Winding DownCopyright © Julie Arduini: Surrender Issues & Chocolate [COTT: The Laurel Award Open to Authors], All Right Reserved. 2016.

The post COTT: The Laurel Award Open to Authors appeared first on Julie Arduini: Surrender Issues & Chocolate.

Book Review: The Prophetess: Deborah’s Story by Jill Eileen Smith

The Prophetess: Deborah’s Story by Jill Eileen Smith

Book Description: Outspoken and fearless, Deborah has faith in God but struggles to see the potential her own life holds. As an Israelite woman, she’ll marry, have a family, and seek to teach her children about Adonai–and those tasks seem to be more than enough to occupy her time. But God has another plan for her. Israel has been under the near constant terror of Canaan’s armies for twenty years, and now God has called Deborah to deliver her people from this oppression. Will her family understand? Will her people even believe God’s calling on her life? And can the menace of Canaan be stopped?

With her trademark impeccable research and her imaginative storytelling, Jill Eileen Smith brings to life the story of Israel’s most powerful woman in a novel that is both intriguing and inspiring.

THE PROPHETESS is Biblical fiction inspired by Judges 4 and 5. Not much is known about Deborah, but you wouldn’t know that by reading THE PROPHETESS. Deborah’s era comes to life with comprehensive research Jill Eileen Smith is known for. The book is vivid and emotional, I always thought one-dimensional with Deborah. I just assumed she was always a leader and it came naturally. THE PROPHETESS displays her as a slow growth in confidence and leadership, one where she had to balance needs from her family. Where women today are raising awareness about fair treatment for our gender, Deborah’s story made me admire her all the more. She’s a pioneer in a man’s world, and she used her giftings with boldness and confidence with glory to God in a way that we still talk about her.

If you love history, especially Biblical fiction, THE PROPHETESS is for you.

To purchase THE PROPHETESS, click here. 

I received a copy of THE PROPHETESS in exchange for an honest review.

Tags:  Biblical fiction, Book Review: The Prophetess: Deborah's story by Jill Eileen Smith, Deborah, Jill Eileen Smith, Judges 4, Judges 5, Julie Arduini, prophetess




Del.icio.us





Digg



StumbleUpon




Comments:  0 (Zero), Be the first to leave a reply!Take a look!  
 Happy Birthday, Clash of the Titles!  COTT: 2015 Laurel Award Winner Dawn Crandall  COTT: Tender Shadows by Ann Gaylia O'Barr  Word of the Year Review: Physical Revive  Free Gift for You: Crumbs and EmbersCopyright © Julie Arduini: Surrender Issues & Chocolate [Book Review: The Prophetess: Deborah's Story by Jill Eileen Smith], All Right Reserved. 2016.

The post Book Review: The Prophetess: Deborah’s Story by Jill Eileen Smith appeared first on Julie Arduini: Surrender Issues & Chocolate.

Book Review: Always Watching by Lynette Eason

The bodyguards of Elite Guardians Agency have more than just skill and prowess in common–they’re also all women. When it becomes clear that popular psychiatrist and radio personality Wade Savage has a stalker, his father secretly hires Elite Guardians in order to protect his son.

But when Wade’s bodyguard is attacked and nearly killed, agency owner Olivia Edwards must step in and fill the gap. Olivia’s skills are about to be tested to the limit as Wade’s stalker moves from leaving innocent gifts at his door to threatening those closest to him. Olivia has the feeling that she’s next on the list. And to complicate things even further, she realizes that her heart may be in as much danger as her client.

Bestselling author and fan favorite Lynette Eason drops readers right into the action in this fast-paced new series with a unique twist. Readers will love these strong female characters who put it all on the line to save lives.

Always Watching by Lynette Eason is a must read for suspense fan.

Lynette Eason is one of those top notch suspense authors I think the world needs to hear more about. ALWAYS WATCHING starts with action and does not let up. No one on the Elite Guardians team is safe, but they are professionals in what they do. I especially liked that although there were sparks between Wade and Olivia, she didn’t lose her mind and forget how to do her job. Another element I liked was the tension between Wade and his father. There are a lot of layers in that relationship, but without his father interfering, Wade wouldn’t have the protection he has in Olivia.

I loved ALWAYS WATCHING and if you like suspense and/or romantic suspense, this book is for you. I highly recommend.

To purchase ALWAYS WATCHING, click here.

I received ALWAYS WATCHING from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Tags:  author, book review, Book Review: Always Watching by Lynette Eason, fiction, Julie Arduini, justice, Lynette Eason, protection, romantic suspense, stalker, suspense




Del.icio.us





Digg



StumbleUpon




Comments:  0 (Zero), Be the first to leave a reply!Take a look!  
 Letting Go of the Good Stuff  Joy Does Not Depend on Our Outward Circumstances by Nikole Hahn  Sabbath Sunday: When You Lose Your Way  COTT: Cynthia L. Simmons Interviews 2012 Laurel Award Winner Laura V. Hilton  Sabbath Sunday: God, The RomancerCopyright © Julie Arduini: Surrender Issues & Chocolate [Book Review: Always Watching by Lynette Eason], All Right Reserved. 2016.

The post Book Review: Always Watching by Lynette Eason appeared first on Julie Arduini: Surrender Issues & Chocolate.

My Women of Faith Experience

I’ve had the pleasure of being chosen to review the February 18th screening of Women of Faith: An Amazing Joyful Journey, and I can’t wait. I went to a conference with friends from Mothers of Preschoolers, MOPS, and I invited some MOPS moms who could use some laughs to come with  me. I can’t wait to go, and of course, to share my thoughts here with you.

Check out the Women of Faith: An Amazing Joyful Journey Movie Event

Before I do, I thought I’d talk about that experience. It was probably eight years ago, but I can recall it like it was yesterday morning. Beth Moore was announced as the pre conference speaker and I was determined to go. Her study, BELIEVING GOD, had transformed my life. The conference was in Cleveland, about an hour away, and MOPS moms thought the entire event would be a great experience as a local chapter.

Seeing Beth Moore in person was breathtaking. I do not worship her, don’t get me wrong, but I watched her worship. I was in the fifth row and I could see clearly.

Should I have been paying attention to my own worship?

Yep.

But I learned something by watching Beth Moore.

She was in a cute little business outfit and we were inside the Q, where the Cavs play. The floor was cement. And that little lady went face down in front of 5,000 women and gave her complete focus to Jesus as her worship leader, Travis, played. I was in awe and it struck me how hungry she was. And that I want to be all in for Him.

I have far to go, but I keep in mind I’m not Beth Moore and because the Lord looks at the heart, He sees beyond my worries that my pants would split or my knee would dislocate. We’ve had great conversations where I ask about why certain things happen with others and not with me and I loved his intimate answer. But I’ll always remember that worship. It was amazing.

The main conference made me laugh and I felt especially blessed as I realized it was the best of both worlds. The original group was starting to retire, but I believe it was Marilyn Meberg and Lucy Swindoll had me in stiches. I remember being mesmerized that when I closed my eyes, Lucy sounds exactly like her brother, Chuck.  From the younger crowd I could relate to Sheila Walsh. She was so transparent and uplifting. Her accent was beautiful.

I went home feeling energized, uplifted and refreshed. It was during a season where I was still trying to process the upheaveal my life took a couple years before through grief and change. The Beth Moore pre conference and the Women of Faith event were a prescription for mental and emotional healing. I am grateful for events like these that can touch and change women like me.

Have you ever been to a Women of Faith conference? I’d love for you to tell me about it.

 

Tags:  Beth Moore, faith, Jesus, Julie Arduini, Lucy Swindoll, Marilyn Meberg, moms, MOPS, My Women of Faith Experience by Julie Arduini, Sheila Walsh, Women of Faith, worship




Del.icio.us





Digg



StumbleUpon




Comments:  0 (Zero), Be the first to leave a reply!Take a look!  
 COTT BLOG ALLIANCE: SNAPPY DIALOGUE  Marriage Monday: Favorite Romantic Couples  COTT: Get a Head Start on Summer Reading  Saturday Confession: Blocked Goals  Book Review: Dog Tags by Heidi GlickCopyright © Julie Arduini: Surrender Issues & Chocolate [My Women of Faith Experience], All Right Reserved. 2016.

The post My Women of Faith Experience appeared first on Julie Arduini: Surrender Issues & Chocolate.

Book Review: Come Empty by Saundra Dalton-Smith

Come Empty by Saundra Dalton-Smith

When a water vessel is filled with dirt and stones, it cannot be used to quench a thirst. But, when this vessel is emptied, there is an opportunity to fill it until it overflows with fresh, cool, life-giving water. Water that quenches. Refreshes. Soothes.

Our souls are the same: filled with fear, doubt, and disappointment. Running over with unanswered prayers and lingering questions. When we empty the mess of our lives in the presence of God, we’re offered an invitation to come. An invitation that allows us to come empty – so that we can be filled until we overflow.

Come Empty – Pour Out Life’s Hurts and Receive God’s Healing Love guides you through fifty days of experiencing the fullness of God’s love and His ability to overcome life’s hurts. Each day, you will receive assurance of God’s presence in your difficult situations. Each devotion gives new vision and perspective when you’re hindered by emotional blind spots, and leads you to experience God’s peace and wholeness. When His invitation is accepted, He will set your captive mind and heart free to live fully by His grace. The question is not if you will get an invitation. The question is, will you come?

This is a 50 day experience that I believe you will want to return to time and time again. You choose the ones you feel best fit and be prepared to be moved. Each reading is transparent and emotional. What is an absolute standout to me is the Lord’s response. It’s obvious this was a Holy Spirit guided endeavor. That’s why I say COME EMPTY is an experience. It’s not just a book. I believe it is an anointed tool to bring comfort and healing to your life. However, it means you need to do more tha  read. Like the book description, the author states this isn’t about whether you get an invitation. The question is, will you respond?

I highly recommend COME EMPTY and that you use it for all its worth.

To purchase COME EMPTY, click here.

I received COME EMPTY from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Tags:  book review, Book Review: Come Empty by Saundra Dalton-Smith, devotional, faith, healing, Holy Spirit, Julie Arduini, prayer, Saundra Dalton-Smith




Del.icio.us





Digg



StumbleUpon




Comments:  0 (Zero), Be the first to leave a reply!Take a look!  
 Enter to win an iPad Mini in the Terrible Taunting Giveaway from Geek Club Books!  Be Part of A Miracle for the Affected in Aurora  Review: The High Calling Newsletter  Your Turn: Time to Vote for Your Favorite Heroine on The Love Boat Bachelor  Thankful for the Season by Holly HrywnakCopyright © Julie Arduini: Surrender Issues & Chocolate [Book Review: Come Empty by Saundra Dalton-Smith], All Right Reserved. 2016.

The post Book Review: Come Empty by Saundra Dalton-Smith appeared first on Julie Arduini: Surrender Issues & Chocolate.