Julie Arduini's Blog, page 109

COTT: Congratulations to Runaways by Brenda Poulos

Thanks to all of January’s wonderful authors!

Here’s what readers had to say:

All of these books look like so much fun!

When I first saw The Volk Advent by Kristen Wilks, I was intrigued by the combination of a teen trying to escape murder charges and a pack of wolves, and I like to read historical fiction because I can experience other cultures.

Cynthia Hickey is a wonderful author. Engaging characters with twists you don’t expect. I love her books!

Andrea Boeshars’ Seasons of Love—Love reading them.

Beth Wiseman just happens to be the best of the best! Her novels are outstanding at character and plot development

Runaways is a book you start and can’t put down.

Am so looking forward to reading Runaways by Brenda Poulos!!!

Congratulations Brenda Poulos on your new hit, Runaways: The Long Journey Home.

Excellent reading. Great job, Brenda

Introducing Our Winner Congratulations Brenda Poulos!

About the book:

No Mama. An abusive father. A hound dog for a best friend.

A victim of physical and emotional abuse at the hand of his father, Jake runs away following the most severe beating he’s ever endured. Leaving the only home he’s ever known in the backwoods of the Appalachian Mountains, he escapes into unknown territory with only his dog beside him. Jake and Hound face bitter cold and near starvation as they seek a new life–one free from fear, loneliness, and pain. And Father hunts Jake down with the very rifle he used to kill Sam and Mama.

Led by unseen forces. Protected by his dog. Jake experiences acceptance and unconditional love when he is befriended by a kindly older couple.

But, will he be able to put his past problems behind him and embrace a future made possible through the power of forgiveness?

Will he find a new life filled with hope for the future and learn to trust?

And when he is confronted with the biggest decision of his life, will he choose to run away, again, or face his father?

Runaways: The Long Journey Home is available on Amazon

From Brenda:

For years, I had a recurring dream…a boy leaving a wilderness cabin on a cold winter’s night. No coat. No shoes. Totally unprepared for life on his own. And yet, I knew he was desperate to get away.

I was compelled to find out who the boy was, what circumstances he was running away from, where he would go, and if he would survive…

At this point, the dream left off, and the story—Jake’s story—began to take shape.

I sat at my computer day after day for almost two years. Eyes closed, I wrote as I experienced the journey along with this determined and resilient ten-year-old boy.

Reviews for Runaways: The Long Journey Home

“Brenda Poulos should be a best-selling author! She is a masterful writer. Her ability to develop characters within the context of a compelling and spell-binding story is captivating. If you are looking for a fun read that will leave you wanting more, Runaways is a great selection. You’ll read this and find yourself recommending it to your friends.” ~by J. Akerson on Amazon

“Runaways is a book you won’t be able to put down. The writing style of Brenda Poulos will pull you in as if you’re a main part of the story. You will be on the edge of your seat in anticipation of what’s coming next. And I’d bet the emotions of the characters will be felt throughout and will touch your heart. Wow! Perhaps a top-rated movie in the future?” ~A+ by Jon Peterson on Amazon

“Brenda does a wonderful job developing characters you care about while driving a story that is compelling and inspirational. This is a must read for all people who are looking for a story for the soul.” ~by an Amazon customer

“I couldn’t put this book down! Engagingly written, authentic characters, pain, and grace all intermingle in a believable way. Poulos lit up my mind’s eye with her vivid imagery. I will definitely read more from this author.” ~by Kirsten Samuel on Amazon

Tags: author, Clash of the Titles, COTT: Congrats to Runaways by Brenda Poulos, fiction, Julie Arduini

Del.icio.us

Digg

StumbleUpon

Comments: 0 (Zero), Be the first to leave a reply!Take a look!

Sabbath Sunday: The Windy Road

Character Confession: Like Drinking an Almond Joy Every Day

Guest Blogger Maria Spencer on Special Needs & "Differently-Able" Families

Sabbath Sunday: That Brilliant Sun

The post COTT: Congratulations to Runaways by Brenda Poulos appeared first on Julie Arduini: Surrender Issues & Chocolate.

View more on Julie Arduini's website »

Like • 0 comments • flag

Published on January 31, 2016 21:00

Surrender Story: Jean Ann Williams and Her Healing Book

Julie’s note: Jean Ann Williams is my guest blogger today sharing her surrender story. I think you will be encouraged and inspired. I was!

So many of my struggles with insecurity stem from my childhood when my mother began the decent into mental illness. As the eldest child and only ten years old, it fell to me to raise my six brothers and sisters. The youngest was a baby brother and newly born. I became more overwhelmed as the months and years passed, but as I look back, and it wasn’t lost on me then either, God provided mentors. The mentors helped me on my journey of me being a child raising children.

You may wonder what happened to my dad. Dad was an alcoholic who chose to not deal with my mother’s problems. Actually, he only made them worse. But, to give him credit, my dad did recognize my hard work. He gave me my own room, where the other children had to share a huge bedroom upstairs. Then, when I became a teenager, my dad knocked out walls and made my room three times bigger.

It was something, but still not enough. I remember calling my neighbors more than once to help me with a sick or hurt child when my parents were gone or Mom locked herself in her room and Dad at work.

Fear, incompetence, guilt, they have been my battle. And now, at sixty-two, and with my debut book Just Claire, which released 1/7/16, I feel a bit of hope. Hope for others who read this book.

In writing Just Claire, I set out to tell a story to show young readers they are not alone with their sorrows. In the process of writing Just Claire, though, I was surprised when one day I no longer felt angry and shamed with my mother. This hole in my heart I felt Mom had left there was mending. How did this happen? Several critique partners told me Just Claire was my healing book. How neat is this? A double blessing.

Jean Ann Williams shares her surrender story.

ClaireLee’s life changes when she must take charge of her siblings after her mother becomes depressed from a difficult childbirth. Frightened by the way Mama sleeps too much and her crying spells during waking hours, ClaireLee just knows she’ll catch her illness like a cold or flu that hangs on through winter. ClaireLee finds comfort in the lies she tells herself and others in order to hide the truth about her erratic mother. Deciding she needs to re-invent herself, she sets out to impress a group of popular girls.

With her deception, ClaireLee weaves her way into the Lavender Girls Club, the most sophisticated girls in school. Though, her best friend Belinda will not be caught with the likes of such shallow puddles, ClaireLee ignores Belinda’s warnings the Lavenders cannot be trusted. ClaireLee drifts further from honesty, her friend, and a broken mother’s love, until one very public night at the yearly school awards ceremony. The spotlight is on her, and she finds her courage and faces the truth and then ClaireLee saves her mother’s life.

Downloads available at Amazon: http://ow.ly/XmCJ5

Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/just-claire-jean-ann williams/1123223218?ean=2940157880842

Kobo: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebook/just-claire

See the trailer: https://youtu.be/s8x5lJKZFHU

Jean’s blog: http://jeanannwilliams.blogspot.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JeanAnnWilliams

Author Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/Jean-Ann-Williams-848295125269670/?ref=hl

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/

Author Jean Ann Williams, the eldest in a large family, enjoys digging into her fascinating childhood to create stories for children. Having written over one hundred articles for children and adults, this is her first book. Jean Ann and her husband live on one acre where they raise a garden, goats, and chickens. Her favorite hobbies are hiking through the woods and practicing archery with her bow.

Tags: alcoholism, author, caregiver, family, jean Ann Williams, Julie Arduini, Just Claire, mental illness, surrender, Surrender Story: Jean Ann Williams and Her Healing Book, testimony

Del.icio.us

Digg

StumbleUpon

Comments: 0 (Zero), Be the first to leave a reply!Take a look!

Thankful for TiVo and Vine

Movie Review: The Identical

Spinning Tires: My Miscarriage Story

Sabbath Sunday: I Got This

The post Surrender Story: Jean Ann Williams and Her Healing Book appeared first on Julie Arduini: Surrender Issues & Chocolate.

View more on Julie Arduini's website »

Like • 0 comments • flag

Published on January 25, 2016 21:01

Book Review: If I Run by Terri Blackstock

If I Run by Terri Blackstock

Casey knows the truth.

But it won’t set her free.

Casey Cox’s DNA is all over the crime scene. There’s no use talking to police; they have failed her abysmally before. She has to flee before she’s arrested . . . or worse. The truth doesn’t matter anymore.

But what is the truth? That’s the question haunting Dylan Roberts, the war-weary veteran hired to find Casey. PTSD has marked him damaged goods, but bringing Casey back can redeem him. Though the crime scene seems to tell the whole story, details of the murder aren’t adding up. Casey Cox doesn’t fit the profile of a killer. But are Dylan’s skewed perceptions keeping him from being objective? If she isn’t guilty, why did she run?

Unraveling her past and the evidence that condemns her will take more time than he has, but as Dylan’s damaged soul intersects with hers, he is faced with two choices. The girl who occupies his every thought is a psychopathic killer . . . or a selfless hero. And the truth could be the most deadly weapon yet.

I’m a long time reader of Terri Blackstock’s work and IF I RUN takes a new direction. Written in first person present tense, it’s high on suspense and full of twist and turns. The point of view takes a little getting used to, but it truly builds the suspense.

If you like a true thrill ride where you can’t figure out the ending, give IF I RUN a try. I don’t think you’ll be disappointed.

Terri Blackstock shares her thoughts about IF I RUN. Watch it here.

To purchase IF I RUN, click here.

I received IF I RUN from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Tags: book review, Book Review: If I Run by Terri Blackstock, first person POV, Terri Blackstock, thriller

Del.icio.us

Digg

StumbleUpon

Comments: 0 (Zero), Be the first to leave a reply!Take a look!

Starting Over

Saturday Confession: When You Miss a Blessing

COTT: Ann Gaylia O'Barr's A Sense of Mission

Sabbath Sunday: That Brilliant Sun

The post Book Review: If I Run by Terri Blackstock appeared first on Julie Arduini: Surrender Issues & Chocolate.

View more on Julie Arduini's website »

Like • 0 comments • flag

Published on January 25, 2016 21:00

Mermaid Moon Mystery E-Reader Prize Pack Giveaway

Mermaid Moon by Colleen Coble | Blog Tour and Giveaway

Author: Colleen Coble

To move forward past a life of shame and confusion, Mallory Davis must go back to Mermaid Point to find out who murdered her father in Colleen Coble’s new book, Mermaid Moon. As answers begin to fall into place, Mallory realizes her search is about more than finding her father’s killer—it is also about finding herself again . . . and possibly about healing what was broken so long ago with Kevin. She just has to stay alive long enough to put all the pieces together.

Celebrate the release of Mermaid Moon with Colleen and a mystery e-reader prize pack giveaway!

One grand prize winner will receive:

A copy of Mermaid Moon
A Kindle Fire
A mermaid necklace
A pair of mermaid earrings

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry! The giveaway ends on February 1st. The winner will be announced February 2nd on the Litfuse blog.

###

{More about Mermaid Moon}

Mermaid Moon (Thomas Nelson, January 2016)

Mallory’s mother died fifteen years ago. But her father’s last words on the phone were unmistakable: “Find . . . mother.”

Shame and confusion have kept Mallory Davis from her home for the last fifteen years, but when her dad mysteriously dies on his mail boat route, she doesn’t have any choice but to go back to Mermaid Point.

Mallory believes her father was murdered and childhood sweetheart Kevin O’Connor, game warden in Downeast Maine, confirms her suspicions. But Kevin is wary of helping Mallory in her search. She broke his heart—and left—without a word, years ago.

When Mallory begins receiving threats on her own life—and her beloved teenage daughter, Haylie—their search intensifies. There’s a tangled web within the supposed murder, and it involves much more than what meets the eye.

As answers begin to fall into place, Mallory realizes her search is about more than finding her father’s killer—it is also about finding herself again . . . and possibly about healing what was broken so long ago with Kevin. She just has to stay alive long enough to put all the pieces together.

Learn more and purchase a copy.

{More About Colleen Coble}

USA Today bestselling author Colleen Coble has written several romantic suspense novels including “Tidewater Inn,” “Rosemary Cottage,” and the Mercy Falls, Lonestar, and Rock Harbor series. Her books have sold more than 3 million copies.

Find out more about Colleen at http://www.colleencoble.com/.

Facebook Twitter Pinterest

Tags: Colleen Coble, e reader, Julie Arduini, Mermaid Moon, Mermaid Moon Mystery E-Reader Prize Pack Giveaway

Del.icio.us

Digg

StumbleUpon

Comments: 0 (Zero), Be the first to leave a reply!Take a look!

Sabbath Sunday: Like God Likes You

Happy Birthday, Clash of the Titles!

Sabbath Sunday: The Detour

COTT: A New Clash to Vote For

The post Mermaid Moon Mystery E-Reader Prize Pack Giveaway appeared first on Julie Arduini: Surrender Issues & Chocolate.

View more on Julie Arduini's website »

Like • 0 comments • flag

Published on January 22, 2016 21:00

Book Review: One Choice a Future Makes by Travis Inman

Book Review: One Choice a Future Makes

Book Description

Secret societies, dangerous passions, and untold millions await Justin “Flip” Grey when he arrives at a banking conference for a weekend seminar. Little does he know he is being auditioned for inclusion in The Lair, a group of businessmen who influence more than the economy. And they are going to test Justin. Enter Dahlia, the world’s most dangerous temptress, who has been assigned to seduce Justin. He must choose his future: his wife or his passions?

Travis W. Inman then allows Justin to make both decisions, and creates duel realities. In the first, Justin remains faithful. In reality two, Justin becomes “Flip” and chooses the seductress.

One choice a future makes.

This is one those books where you have to remind yourself to breathe. Travis Inman takes one family and offers a look at the fruit and fallout when the husband faces temptation—and the author offers both reactions to play out.

Justin and Connie have been married awhile. He is being courted by a secret organization that knows his weaknesses and asks him tough questions. Suddenly another woman comes on the scene and Justin needs to make a choice.

Justin chooses to flee from temptation and future chapters show the reader how his marriage and family look from that one choice. In this scenario the secret organization continues to play out and it was an interesting read to see all the family went through together.

Flip is an old nickname of Justin’s that’s resurrected during a work conference and the persona he takes on when he decides to take on an “exciting” relationship outside his marriage. The premise reminds me of a Gwyneth Paltrow movie, Doors. The movie explored everything that happened based on the “what if” of a choice.

Flip’s choices and the places it takes his family were hard to read. Hard because I know and love people who are walking this scenario out. I know a Flip, a Connie, a Ginger and a Kevin and my heart broke to watch everything crumble. No one wins when one decides to find excitement outside of marriage. This book spells it out, and does a great job.

I loved the creativity and I was very touched by the author’s honesty. He writes a note at the end, and it is a note I could relate to. It wasn’t long ago I confessed to my husband I had been so battle weary that I felt tempted in ways that had not happened in decades, or I never had been before. Nothing really presented itself, but I knew if I stuffed it and tried to work it out alone, that day would come and I would fail. By sharing with him, my husband realized I was hurting and needed a new level of communication and encouragement. We’ve been walking that choice out, and I’m excited to say we have oneness as we enter our 20th year.

Flip and Connie find nothing but isolation and despair. It’s a great warning, and a fascinating read. I definitely recommend.

To purchase OUR CHOICE A FUTURE MAKES, click here.

I reviewed this out of my own accord as part of my Don’t Miss This Series. I purchased the book on my own and this is an honest review.

Tags: adultery, author, book review, Book Review: One Choice a Future Makes by Travis Inman, divorce, drugs, faithfulness, family, fiction, isolation, Julie Arduini, marriage, oneness, promiscuity, Travis Inman

Del.icio.us

Digg

StumbleUpon

Comments: 0 (Zero), Be the first to leave a reply!Take a look!

Sabbath Sunday: Full of Fog with Glimpses of Beauty

Book Review: All's Fair in Love and Cupcakes by Betsy St. Amant

COTT: Congratulations to The First Principle by Marissa Shrock

Guest Blogger Melanie Slaugh---The Missing Step: Character

The post Book Review: One Choice a Future Makes by Travis Inman appeared first on Julie Arduini: Surrender Issues & Chocolate.

View more on Julie Arduini's website »

Like • 0 comments • flag

Published on January 21, 2016 21:00

Don’t Miss This: Shadows: One Choice a Future Makes by Travis Inman

Each month I want to highlight a book and author that I think you need to take a look at, hence, the “Don’t Miss This” feature.

Don’t Miss This! Shadows: One Choice a Future Makes

This month I’m excited to introduce the book Shadows: Once Choice a Future Makes by Travis Inman.

Book Description:

Secret societies, dangerous passions, and untold millions await Justin “Flip” Grey when he arrives at a banking conference for a weekend seminar. Little does he know he is being auditioned for inclusion with The Lair, a group of businessmen who influence more than the economy. And they are going to test Justin. Enter Dahlia, the world’s most dangerous temptress, who has been assigned to seduce Justin. He must choose his future: his wife or his passions?

Travis W. Inman then allows Justin to make both decisions, and creates duel realities. In the first, Justin remains faithful. He and his family begin to change the world in ways they never dreamt possible.

In reality two, Justin become “Flip”, and choses the seductress. The consequences of his choice begin to spiral, descending into chaos. Evil begins to manifest in his life, and the disaster it brings is irreversible.

One choice a future makes.

BIO

travis Travis W. Inman grew up in the ranch country of West Texas and worked as a cowboy for his first 20 years. Travis graduated from seminary in Dallas, Texas, and later served a year in the mission field in Mexico and South America. He returned home and married Sarah, his wife and sweetheart of more than 20 years. They have two teenagers whom they home school.

Over the years, Travis has applied his skills to a variety of fields, ranging from marketing and real estate to criminal justice and law enforcement. Travis served in the United States Army where he overcame a devastating injury and was able to walk again despite the odds.

Writing is a life-long passion for Travis. His short stories and poems have been selected for publication in a variety of newspapers and on Internet sites. Travis’ writing includes children’s literature, action adventure, short stories, one act plays, love stories, westerns, sci-fi, thrillers, and drama.

Travis and Sarah Inman currently reside in Idaho.

Links

http://www.traviswinman.com

http://traviswinman.blogspot.com

https://www.facebook.com/travis.w.inman

https://twitter.com/traviswinman

Book link:

AMAZON KINDLE

Tags: author, choices, Don't Miss This, Don't Miss This: Shadows: One Choice a Future Makes by Travis Inman, fiction, future, Julie Arduini

Del.icio.us

Digg

StumbleUpon

Comments: 0 (Zero), Be the first to leave a reply!Take a look!

Do You Hear What I Hear by Cynthia Ruchti

COTT: Rachel Hauck's Once Upon a Prince Latest Clash Winner

Book Review: The Rancher Takes a Bride by Brenda Minton

Saturday Confession: About that Apple Core

The post Don’t Miss This: Shadows: One Choice a Future Makes by Travis Inman appeared first on Julie Arduini: Surrender Issues & Chocolate.

View more on Julie Arduini's website »

Like • 0 comments • flag

Published on January 20, 2016 21:00

Book Review: Mermaid Moon by Colleen Coble

Mermaid Moon by Colleen Coble

Book Description

Mallory’s mother died fifteen years ago. But her father’s last words on the phone were unmistakable: “Find . . . mother.”

Shame and confusion have kept Mallory Davis from her home for the last fifteen years, but when her dad mysteriously dies on his mail boat route, she doesn’t have any choice but to go back to Mermaid Point.

Mallory believes her father was murdered and childhood sweetheart Kevin O’Connor, game warden in Downeast Maine, confirms her suspicions. But Kevin is wary of helping Mallory in her search. She broke his heart—and left—without a word, years ago.

When Mallory begins receiving threats on her own life—and her beloved teenage daughter, Haylie—their search intensifies. There’s a tangled web within the supposed murder, and it involves much more than what meets the eye.

As answers begin to fall into place, Mallory realizes her search is about more than finding her father’s killer—it is also about finding herself again . . . and possibly about healing what was broken so long ago with Kevin. She just has to stay alive long enough to put all the pieces together.

Mermaid Moon starts strong with Mallory’s phone call with her dad and the mystery that surrounds his last words to her as he is found dead. Mallory comes back to town after a 15 year absence and right away runs into her first love, game warden Kevin O’Connor.

I loved the mystery and romance but I had trouble staying as invested as I have with her previous books. I think perhaps I was looking for the secondary characters to have a little more depth, especially the daughters. Still, the tension between Kevin and Mallory, added with the mystery of Mallory’s father’s death kept me turning pages.

I think you will turn the pages, too.

To purchase Mermaid Moon, click here.

I received a copy of Mermaid Moon from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Tags: author, book review, Book Review: Mermaid Moon by Colleen Coble, fiction, Julie Arduini, Maine, murder, mystery, romance, Sunset Cove

Del.icio.us

Digg

StumbleUpon

Comments: 0 (Zero), Be the first to leave a reply!Take a look!

Book Review: Old Fashioned by Rene Gutteridge and Rick Swartzwelder

Sabbath Sunday: Full of Fog with Glimpses of Beauty

Character Confession: Allowing Recalibration

Video of the Week: A White Christmas in Webster County by Laura V. Hilton

Ultimate Blog Party 2013: Meet an Uncoordinated Mom With Chocolate Peanut Butter Eggs--Kind OfCopyright © Julie Arduini: Surrender Issues & Chocolate [Book Review: Mermaid Moon by Colleen Coble], All Right Reserved. 2016.

The post Book Review: Mermaid Moon by Colleen Coble appeared first on Julie Arduini: Surrender Issues & Chocolate.

View more on Julie Arduini's website »

Like • 0 comments • flag

Published on January 18, 2016 21:00

COTT: After by Joy Ohagwu

[image error]

After, an inspirational novel by contemporary Christian fiction author, Joy

Ohagwu, is poised to spotlight the strength in transformation, courage in

love, and hope in times of despair.

[image error]

PURCHASE
Amazon

About the book:

One step will transform her life.

Sixty thousand people watched as Candace Rodriguez literally fell off the

stage while performing the national anthem, wrecking more than her

self-esteem. Is her music career over? Now, weighing 350 pounds and jilted

by her fiancé after the shame of her public fall, can she find another

chance at true love? Will her new Christian faith anchor her future

hopes?
Former highbrow stock trader, “JB” Patrickson has had enough of life making

mockery of his best laid-out future plans. His father insisted he’d never

make it more than selling ” chickn” stock in Kentucky. Proving him wrong,

JB succeeded at the NY Stock Exchange, becoming one of the best US

traders…until the market crashed in 2008. Seven years later and mired in

debt, he can’t shake the urge that God is leading him down a different

path. The path of accepting his grandmother’s request to come help manage

her farm, couple hundred miles away, despite his little to nothing

knowledge about farming. Has he fallen low enough to toil with his hands to

eke out a single meal? What future could God plan for him on a farm?Twenty years after returning to the US from a fulfilling medical mission in

Asia, Dr. and Dr. Mrs. Cantwell gratefully send off two sons to college,

purchase a flourishing twenty-acre farm, and prepare to settle into their

empty nest stage. But what will they do if God leads one more life into

their path, one needing stitches of the soul not of the body? Can they

answer His call to service, or will overlooked pain from the past threaten

the fragile peace they’d so desperately coaxed into existence to survive

together?

What our voters had to say:

–I love the book, AFTER! The cover is catchy, and the contents,

inspiring!

–Congratulations, Joy! A lovely book inside and out.~~~Deirdre Lockhart

–I personally saw the love poured into writing “After” and I hope it

blesses everyone who reads it! It’s Awesome!!!

–CANNOT WAIT TO READ THIS BOOK, JOY!!!! COVER IS ALSO FANTABULOUS!!!!

–Thumbs up, Joy!

Q: Joy, what was writing After like?

A: Thank you for asking. First, I’d like to appreciate everyone that

voted for After during the COTT contest. Thank you all very much. I started

writing After during NaNoWriMo 2013. Then earlier in summer 2015, after I

wrote Candace in as a character for Blossom and Josh’s story(which is now

After 2), her personality and voice got so strong that she took over the

story! It was amazing. I trusted my gut, went with the flow, and ended up

publishing Candace’s and JB’s story as the first in the AFTER series. The

AFTER series is about transformation and positively changing one’s

lifestyle through fitness. But more importantly, After shows us that we

should allow God to assist us in every area of our lives, especially those

places where everyone expects us to fail. You can read the story here.

Although I enjoyed writing about Candace and JB, I’m glad that I finally

completed Blossom and Josh’s story as well and it released as After 2 in

November 2015.

Q: Can you share with us about your next book?
A: Sure. I’d love to. I’m presently writing Uncommon Ground,

the first book in a romantic suspense series, and I’ll share what the story

is about. Stella is a widow who’s juggling a career and raising an older

teen that doesn’t believe in God. A disaster occurs that separates them and

turns their world upside down. Stella’s concerns multiply in the ensuing

chaos after she meets Michael, a Christian man with a mysterious past and

she wonders how many more unseen twists God trusts her to handle. Like

Psalm 68 verse 5 says, God is a defender of the widows. Uncommon Ground is

a story where we can identify with each of the characters’ struggles, and

if we let it, it can potentially kick our faith higher into greater

dimensions. After reading Uncommon Ground, we get to appreciate some

of the things we usually take for granted as Christians. Uncommon Ground

becomes available for preorder Jan 1, 2016, and I pray everyone gets

their copy.

Thank you very much for having me here. God bless you!

About Bestselling Author Joy Ohagwu:
Joy Ohagwu is the bestselling author of The New Rulebook suspense series.

Her novels are romantic suspense and inspirational stories geared to

engage, inspire and entertain readers. She earned a Masters’ Degree in

International Affairs from American University, Washington DC; and a

Bachelor of Science in Political Science from the University of Ibadan,

Ibadan. Professionally, she’s been honored with multiple awards for pioneer

academic research, student leadership and overall excellence. Joy is a

member of the American Christian Fiction Writers(ACFW) organization. She

pens stories during evenings, weekends, and whenever the food takes too

long to cook. Despite the many hurdles she has faced, she counts God as

being faithful in her life. Joy lives in the beautiful State of

Maryland.

You can connect with Joy on her website,

and follow her Author

page.

Tags: author, COTT: After by Joy Ohagwu, fiction, guest blogger, hope, Julie Arduini, transform

Del.icio.us

Digg

StumbleUpon

Comments: 0 (Zero), Be the first to leave a reply!Take a look!

2012 Reviewed Fiction Book of the Year

That Saturday Revisited

Saturday Confession: What I Learned from Dr. Frasier Crane

A2Z Meme: Gimme a Break This Summer Vacation

The post COTT: After by Joy Ohagwu appeared first on Julie Arduini: Surrender Issues & Chocolate.

View more on Julie Arduini's website »

Like • 0 comments • flag

Published on January 17, 2016 21:00

CD Winner + Chocolate Reminder

It’s time to announce the winner of the Passion: Salvation’s Tide is Rising CD. This was fun. For one, you all were kind enough to leave comments. Yay, you!

If you want me to keep doing giveaways (I’m often asked and usually decline for lack of interest,) leave a comment so I know you’re paying attention. Thank you!

My thanks to this judge for picking the CD winner!

My alarm went off at 12pm EST and with that, our youngest was the only kid in the house. I asked her to pray and choose the one she felt deserved the CD, and I read them aloud, NOT telling her any names. So this was a fair pick because she had no idea that in “real life,” she truly knew the winner.

With that, congratulations to SUMMER! She will receive the CD!

Didn’t win? I can tell you she was torn between three. I have another chance for you to win this month. I will have a chocolate giveaway announced in my February Julie Arduini: Surrender Issues and Chocolate newsletter announcing the person who won simply by subscribing to my new weekly encouragement, Sunday’s Surrender and Chocolate. This is a quick email I send on Sundays so YOU start your week with an uplifting message that always mentions chocolate.

*Want to subscribe to Sunday’s Surrender and Chocolate for your chance to win chocolate? GO HERE.
Want to receive monthly updates through my newsletter, which has giveaway opportunities including a chocolate contest for those chosen as Reader of the Month? GO HERE.

*For any contest entry to be valid, your subscription to any Julie Arduini newsletter/email must be activated. Make sure you check your spam folders to confirm your subscription.

Tags: CD, CD Winner + Chocolate reminder, chocolate, giveaway, Julie Arduini, newsletters, Passion: Salvation's Tide is Rising, surrender, winner, worship

Del.icio.us

Digg

StumbleUpon

Comments: 0 (Zero), Be the first to leave a reply!Take a look!

Character Confession:How Would You Handle It?

Creating Lasting Memories by Jennifer Slattery

Delia Latham Takes Crown in Latest Staff Clash of the Titles (COTT)

Sabbath Sunday: Made to Soar

The post CD Winner + Chocolate Reminder appeared first on Julie Arduini: Surrender Issues & Chocolate.

View more on Julie Arduini's website »

Like • 0 comments • flag

Published on January 16, 2016 10:02

Book Review: Thin Ice by Irene Hannon

BOOK DESCRIPTION

After losing her parents in a car accident and her sister to a house fire, Christy Reed has been mired in grief. Life is finally starting to feel normal again when an envelope arrives in the mail–addressed in her sister’s handwriting. And the note inside claims she is still alive.

FBI Special Agent Lance McGregor, a former Delta Force operator, is assigned to reopen the case, but he’s coming up with more questions than answers. If Ginny Reed is still alive–who is the woman buried in her grave? Where is Ginny? And is Christy a pawn in a twisted cat-and-mouse game–or the target of a sinister plot? As he digs deeper, one thing becomes clear: whoever is behind the bizarre ruse has a deadly agenda.

Bestselling author and two-time Christy Award finalist Irene Hannon warms readers’ hearts as they root for a romance between Lance and Christy, but she pulls out all the stops as this high-stakes thriller chills to the bone in a race to the finish.

Thin Ice by Irene Hannon is romantic suspense at its best.

Romantic suspense doesn’t get any better than when it’s penned by Irene Hannon. THIN ICE is no exception. It contains a plot I haven’t seen, a former ice skater who has lost her parents, and not long after, her sister in a terrible fire. But now she’s receiving notes in her sister’s handwriting. Is she alive? What’s going on?

The chemistry between Lance and Christy isn’t forced and makes for easy reading. The mystery behind who is sending the notes makes the reading hard because I couldn’t stop. I can usually figure the plot out, and in THIN ICE, I couldn’t. Frustrating? Nope. Those make for the best reads.

If you’re looking for a well crafted mystery with top notch characters, THIN ICE is a perfect choice this winter.

To purchase THIN ICE, click here.

I received THIN ICE from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.