Julie Arduini's Blog, page 115
October 12, 2015
What God Knew by June Foster
Julie’s Note:
June Foster is a friend who spent a loooonggg time working with me on showing vs telling in my own writing. I’m not a master, but anything I learned, June taught me. It’s my pleasure to introduce you to her latest book.
Book Blurb
Neonatal specialist Dr. Michael Clark is passionate about saving the lives of premature babies. But the pediatrics department at El Camino General can’t provide the care many of his preemies require. Now he wants to build a specialty hospital where he can better care for his young patients.
Tammy Crawford is an accomplished geriatrics RN who wants nothing to do with her sister Joella’s religious beliefs. She’s independent and doesn’t need anyone, including God in pursuing a new job as a nurse practitioner.
When she falls in love with the intriguing Michael Clark, she must reconsider her resolve to devote herself completely to her career and not be distracted by a romantic relationship. Now the obstacles are insurmountable. She’s in love with a man from another culture and a different race.
Michael acknowledges his growing affection for the beautiful nurse yet can’t ignore his brother’s deep racial prejudices.
Can two people who are as different as night and day find a life together?
June Foster Bio:
An award-winning author, June Foster is also a retired teacher with a BA in Education and a MA in counseling. In 2013, June’s book Give Us This Day was a finalist in EPIC’s eBook awards and in 2014 a finalist in the National Readers Choice Awards for best first book. Ryan’s Father won The Clash of the Titles book of the month for January 2014 and was one of three finalists in the published contemporary fiction category of the 2014 Oregon Christian Writers Cascade Writing Contest and Awards. Deliver Us was a finalist in COTT’s 2014 Laurel Awards. June has written four novels for Desert Breeze Publishing. The Bellewood Series, Give Us This Day, As We Forgive, and Deliver Us, and Hometown Fourth of July. Ryan’s Father is available from WhiteFire Publishing. Red and the Wolf, a modern day retelling of Little Red Riding Hood, Books One, Two, and Three in the Almond Tree Series, For All Eternity, Echoes From the Past, and What God Knew are all available from Amazon.com as well as Misty Hollow. June enjoys writing stories about characters who overcome the circumstances in their lives by the power of God and His Word. June uses her training in counseling and her Christian beliefs in creating characters who find freedom to live godly lives. Find June online at http://junefoster.com, @vjifoster for Twitter, and http://facebook.com/AuthorJuneFoster.
Buy Link for Book: http://amzn.to/1j8SPTP

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October 11, 2015
COTT: Reclaimed by Jennifer Rodewald, 2014 Olympia Winner, Now Available
COTT’s 2014 Olympia winner, Reclaimed, launched in September! Author Jennifer Rodewald is pleased to put this winning title in front of readers, especially the COTT judges who fell in love with her story.
About the book:
Suzanna Wilton has had a heavy share of heartache in her twenty-seven years. Left wounded by a marriage cut short, she leaves city life to take up residency in a tiny Nebraska town. Her introduction to her neighbor Paul Rustin is a disaster. Assuming he’s as underhanded as the other local cowboys she’s already met, Suzanna greets him with sharp hostility.
Though Paul is offended by Suzanna’s unfriendliness, he can’t stop thinking about her, which unsettles his peaceful life. Intrigued by the woman who lives down the road and propelled by a sense that she carries a painful burden, he frequently drops by to offer help as she adjusts to rural living.
Just as Paul’s kindness begins to melt Suzanna’s frozen heart, a conflict regarding her land escalates in town. Even in the warmth of Paul’s love, resentment keeps a cold grip on her fragile heart.
Will Suzanna ever find peace?
PURCHASE
Q: Jennifer, what message or theme do you hope readers will take with them after reading Reclaimed?
A: I put up a promo meme the other day on my Facebook page. This one:
One of my friends posted this response: so thankful He does.
That’s it. Right there.
I write women’s fiction with strong threads of romance, but my heart’s desire is always to point to the romance of heaven, to reflect back to the King’s heart toward his reclaimed bride. He knows every wound, small and festering or fresh and gaping, and He LOVES us. He holds out hope and healing, He waits for us to run into his arms with our heartaches. I think almost every woman’s heart longs for the love of a good man, but ultimately our thirst is for Love. Agape Love, the kind that pours out from heaven to satisfy our thirsty hearts.
About the author:
Jennifer Rodewald is passionate about the Word of God and the powerful vehicle of story. The draw to fiction has tugged hard on her heart since childhood, and when she began pursuing writing she set on stories that reveal the grace of God.
Jen lives and writes in a lovely speck of a town where she watches with amazement while her children grow up way too fast, gardens, and marvels at God’s mighty hand in everyday life. Four kids and her own personal superman make her home in southwestern Nebraska delightfully chaotic.
She would love to hear from you! Please visit her at authorjenrodewald.com or www.facebook.com/authorjenrodewald.

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October 10, 2015
Sabbath Sunday: Thankful
Since we are receiving a Kingdom that is unshakeable, let us be thankful and please God by worshiping Him with holy fear and awe. Hebrews 12:28, NLT
Each year I dedicate my blog to the theme of thankfulness and invite others to share why they are thankful. Children, adults, a paragraph, anything up to 750 words, I’m looking for it all. It doesn’t have to be fancy or professional. Just write why you are thankful.
It’s that easy.
Send your post, signed as you want the world to know you, to me at juliearduini@juliearduini.com and with a bio and optional headshot. If you are an author, you’re welcome to submit your information as long as you remember the main idea is a thankful post.
The slots go fairly fast, so don’t wait. Send your thankful posts now. Let’s combat negativity with hope and inspiration.

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October 8, 2015
#Stolen by Jessica Fralin (and a chance to win $100 cash card)
#Stolen by Jessica Fralin | Instagram Contest and $100 Cash Card Giveaway
Author: Jessica Fralin
Is social media stealing your identity? We need an #IdentityRevolution! Take part by reading Jessica Fralin’s debut book, #Stolen! In #Stolen, author Jessica Fralin uncovers our deep desire to be affirmed, valued, and loved and then points to the only place where that desire can be filled: in Christ not social media.
Join Jessica and Abingdon Press on Instagram for the chance to win a $100 cash card!
One grand prize winner will receive:
•A $100 cash card
•A copy of #Stolen
Enter today by following the instructions below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on October 30th. The winner will be announced November 2nd on the Litfuse blog.
Here’s how to enter the contest:
1.Take a no-filter selfie of you either holding up a copy of the book (if you have one) or holding up a sign that says, “I will not be #Stolen!”
2.Caption the photo with the following (just copy/paste this on your mobile device): “I’m participating in an #IdentityRevolution with @JessicaFralin’s new book, #Stolen! Learn how to be affirmed, valued, and loved through Christ, not social media. #contest”
3.Follow @JessicaFralin on Instagram.
Rules: Open to the U.S. only. Entries will be tracked by using the hashtags #Stolen and #IdentityRevolution. Entries must be submitted by 10/30/15 at 11:59 PDT. The winner will be chosen at random and announced on 11/2.
Per Instagram rules, this promotion is in no way sponsored, administered, or associated with Instagram, Inc. By entering, entrants confirm that they are 13+ years of age, release Instagram of responsibility, and agree to Instagram’s terms of use. Void where prohibited by law.
###
#Stolen Book Description
How many hours do we spend scrolling Facebook newsfeeds, retweeting something on Twitter, or posing for the perfect selfie on Instagram, hoping what we post will get likes and comments from our friends and followers? To get those likes, we post what is—according to social media standards—pretty, popular, and acceptable. We hide the messy parts of life, play up the fun times, and even twist the truth a bit so we look a little better, smarter, and funnier. But what happens when people start holding us up to these unrealistic standards? What happens when you realize that who you are on social media isn’t who you really are? Have we let social media steal our identity?
In #Stolen, author Jessica Fralin uncovers our deep desire to be affirmed, valued, and loved and then points to the only place where that desire can be filled: in Christ not social media. She offers creative #FunFact, #GiveItATry, and #WhatDoYouThink callouts containing fun notes, activities, and ideas to discuss with your youth group and friends. As she tackles the issues and insecurities like popularity, body image, and cyberbullying, Jessica shows you how to find your identity in the one voice that really matters, not the million of voices online.
Learn more and purchase a copy.
Jessica Fralin is an author & blogger in Nashville, Tennessee. Whether speaking from a platform or typing away on jessicafralin.com, her heart is to convey the message of love, acceptance, and worth that can only be found in the gospel. On any given day, you can find her holding a book or a latte and passionately teaching others who they are―and why it matters―when it comes to social media.
Find out more about Jessica at http://jessicafralin.com.

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October 7, 2015
Book Review: If My Husband Would Change, I’d be Happy by Rhonda Stoppe
Book Description:
Like most brides on their wedding day, you no doubt were filled with love for your husband and the hope of a happy life together. But perhaps today, as the realities of life together have settled in, those happy expectations are going unfulfilled. And it’s tempting to think, “If only my husband would change, I’d be happy.”
That myth is but one of many that Rhonda Stoppe dispels in her easy-to-read exploration of what it takes to experience a truly happy marriage. In the process, she addresses such important topics as
understanding your husband’s need for your unconditional respect
rekindling the love that drew you to your husband in the first place
refusing to believe the lie that you’d be happier married to someone else
learning to be content in the midst of financial struggles
thinking about sex from a biblical worldview
If you desire to rekindle the love and hope you felt on your wedding day, this book will go a long way toward making that dream come true.
Contains discussion questions and personal reflections at the end of each chapter.
This is a realistic yet humorous look at what we think marriage will be like, and the reality. The author starts right out talking about her honeymoon constipation and how everything started moving while visiting “Old Faithful.” You can’t get more transparent than that, and immediately she earned my trust.
This is a huge topic in marriage that few want to admit. We have such rosy ideas when we get married, and reality sets in. Our spouse isn’t perfect. And in our mind, we think we know how to fix them.
This book shares all of that and gives realistic things to do not to change your spouse, but improve your marriage. It explains the other myths out there.
I really enjoyed this. I have been there with that line of thinking and at times, my mind returns to that place. No one wins. But you can win by reading and applying the information in this book.
I highly recommend.
To purchase If My Husband Would Change, I’d Be Happy, click here.
I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

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October 6, 2015
Book Review: Intertwined by Jennifer Slattery
Don’t forget! I’m looking for YOUR thankful thoughts to post here during the month of November. Click here to learn the details.

Abandoned by hubby for another woman, Tammy Kuhn, an organ procurement coordinator finds herself in an altercation with a doctor. Now she is fighting to keep her job and her sanity when one late night she encounters an old flame facing an unthinkable tragedy. Because they both find eternal purposes in every event and encounter, they soon discover their lives are intertwined but the ICU is no place for romance….or is it? This could this be where life begins again.
I don’t think there are tougher topics to conquer in fiction, and life of course, than divorce and death. Jennifer Slattery does both with her newest release, Intertwined. Tammy is newly divorced and trying to find a “new normal” with an ex-husband who deeply wounded her and isn’t much help, kids with needs and only one parent at home to help, and a demanding job as an organ donor procurement coordinator.
Nick is divorced and unable to see his kids thanks to a cruel, ex-wife when one of the sons passes away. Tammy, an old flame from high school, is there to walk him through the organ donor process and they get to know each other and help each other through divorce and trusting others again.
I really enjoyed this book. The conflict is there and is on a constant acceleration. It feels awkward and uncomfortable during the tense moments, and I love that, because that means the reader has been put in the scene and is involved. I thought the moments where Tammy’s called to work but needs childcare were especially realistic for a single parent.
What I would have liked is a little more time to dig deeper into the romance between Nick and Tammy. I think as readers we just scratched the surface as a lot of time was on Nick and Marianne. But for all Intertwined represents, Jennifer Slattery did a great job keeping the reader turning the pages.
I definitely recommend.
To purchase Intertwined, click here.
I received Intertwined through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

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October 5, 2015
Thank You, Teachers!
My sister is one. My children are considering the profession. My friends from college are all in this field. I also know a lot of homeschooling parents who pour into their children this way.
My thanks to Grammarly for letting me know about this day and allowing me to share this image with you.
Thank you, teachers!

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October 4, 2015
COTT: Midnight on the Mississippi by Mary Ellis Wins Clash
Congratulations to…
[image error]
Midnight
on the Mississippi
by Mary Ellis
About the book:
What Lies Beneath the Black Water of the Bayou?
Hunter Galen, a New Orleans securities broker, suspects his
business partner, James Nowak, of embezzling their clients’ money, but he’s
reluctant to jeopardize their friendship. After James turns up dead, Hunter
realizes his unwillingness to confront a problem may have cost James his
life.
Nicki Price, a newly minted PI, intends to solve the stockbroker’s murder
as she establishes herself in the career she adores. As she ferrets out
fraud and deception at Galen-Nowak Investments, Hunter’s fiancée, Ashley
Menard, rubs her the wrong way. Nicki doesn’t trust the ostentatious woman
who seems to be hiding something, but is the PI’s growing attraction to
Hunter—the police’s only suspect—her true reason for disliking Ashley?
As Hunter and Nicki encounter sophisticated shell games, blackmail, and
death threats both subtle and overt, danger swirls around them like the
mysterious dark water of the bayou. Only their reliance on faith and
fearless determination give them hope they will live to see another day.
PURCHASE
Amazon
Barnes
and Noble
What COTT voters had to say:
–I normally enjoy reading mostly Amish fiction. But, because Mary Ellis is
such a wonderful writer, I would choose Midnight on the Mississippi.
–Mary Ellis, Looking forward to reading this.! Congratulations !
–Love to read books written by Mary Ellis. She writes great stories.
–Mary Ellis as with all your books i love this one too, you amaze me each
time i read one of your books, they just get better and better
–Mary Ellis, wishing you much success with this one!
–Just love Mary Ellis writing style and always look forward to new
releases !!
–Love your books, Mary! Best of luck with MIDNIGHT ON THE MISSISSIPPI!
–Go Mary Ellis! Your books are always wonderful
–Mary Ellis pulls you into the story in the first few pages!
–Mary Ellis, love her work. She writes a character so well, you can feel
like you know them, and you can’t wait to see what’s on the next
page.
About the author:
[image error]Mary has written twelve bestselling Amish fiction novel
along with three historical romances. She is currently working on a
romantic suspense series called Secret of the South mysteries for Harvest
House Publishers. First of the series, Midnight on the Mississippi is set
in New Orleans and was given 4 1/2 stars by RT Book Reviews. Book two, What
Happened on Beale Street, is set in Memphis and will release in March. She
is a former middle school teacher and lives in Ohio with her husband, dog
and cat. She can be found on the Internet at her Website or on FaceBook.

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October 3, 2015
Sabbath Sunday: Thankful
Since we are receiving a Kingdom that is unshakeable, let us be thankful and please God by worshiping Him with holy fear and awe. Hebrews 12:28, NLT
Each year I dedicate my blog to the theme of thankfulness and invite others to share why they are thankful. Children, adults, a paragraph, anything up to 750 words, I’m looking for it all. It doesn’t have to be fancy or professional. Just write why you are thankful.
It’s that easy.
Send your post, signed as you want the world to know you, to me at juliearduini@juliearduini.com and with a bio and optional headshot. If you are an author, you’re welcome to submit your information as long as you remember the main idea is a thankful post.
The slots go fairly fast, so don’t wait. Send your thankful posts now. Let’s combat negativity with hope and inspiration.
Tags: guest bloggers, Julie Arduini, November 2015, thankful, thankfulness, Thanksgiving
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Comments: 0 (Zero), Be the first to leave a reply!Take a look! COTT: In Firefly Valley by Amanda Cabot Wins Latest Clash
Saturday Confession: Loaves, Fishes, Questions and Kickers
COTT: A Place in His Heart by Rebecca DeMarino
Sabbath Sunday: Not Shaken
Copyright © Julie Arduini [Sabbath Sunday: Thankful], All Right Reserved. 2015.
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Movie Review: Finding Noah
Movie Description:
For over 2,000 years, man has been searching for the final resting place of Noah’s Ark. Though there have been many attempts, few have been able to fully explore the one place specifically noted in the Bible: Mount Ararat. Located in Eastern Turkey, Agri Dagh or “The Painful Mountain” is the tallest mountain in the region and lies in the very center of a centuries old, geo-politically unstable hot spot. With constant threats of deadly rock slides, hidden crevasses, and glacial ice falls, the Kurdish Rebel held mountain poses great risk to any explorer, let alone those performing a thorough scientific investigation.
Join director/producer Brent Baum and the FINDING NOAH film crew as they follow an expedition of intrepid explorers on a perilous trek up to Mt. Ararat’s desolate summit. There, using state of the art technology and real-time satellite imagery, this team of archeologists, scientists and professional mountaineers will begin a grid work of exploration unlike any before, hoping to finally resolve the age-old question: did Noah and his Ark actually exist?
Shot in never-before filmed locations in the harshest of conditions, this unprecedented feature-length documentary shows just how far men are willing to go to discover the truth. Narrated by Academy Award nominee Gary Sinise, FINDING NOAH is more than a quest for answers, it is a testament of the human spirit, where belief and the need for exploration transcend risk and limitation.
Genre: Documentary
Rating: NR
Runtime: 116 minutes
Release Date (ONE NIGHT ONLY): October 8
If you’ve read Wild at Heart/Captivating, you know that one of the core parts of our being is a quest. We long for adventure. And Finding Noah is the ultimate quest that does not disappoint.
I wasn’t sure how I’d fare. I love history, but I didn’t know if I was ready for any Biblical/archaeological expedition. I thought it might be too “smart” for me, as intrigued as I’d be. And, I confess, I’m a bit hesitant thanks to Geraldo Rivera. I stayed up way too late on that failed quest to find treasure in Al Capone’s vault decades ago.
Finding Noah is no Geraldo Rivera special. Narrated by Academy Award winning Gary Sinise, viewers are invited to vicariously scale Ararat Mountain in the harshest of conditions as they search for Noah’s Ark. There is so much to like here. The team is friendly and so passionate. You are rooting for them to find the pitch-like material that would designate the ark. The scenery is breathtaking. Whatever video equipment they used was so good that even on my laptop NOT on fullscreen I was holding my breath and feeling dizzy as they showed the heights. The sound of freezing rain pelting the tents made me wince as if I were right there, too. I was caught up in this journey and went through the mountains and valleys with the team.
Finding Noah is in select theaters for one night only, October 8th and I recommend you check it outPowered By the Tweet This Plugin
Tweet This. It is so much more than a movie, it’s an experience.
Don’t miss out.

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