Julie Arduini's Blog, page 129

Clash of the Titles Blog Alliance: Vote for Your Favorite Read

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In the winter, we all need a pick-me-up, and often,

a good book does just the trick!
Clash of the Titles is pleased to present these brand new novels.

Which one is calling you? Take a moment to browse, then choose which you’re

most likely to read first.

VOTE BELOW
from now until next Wednesday – tell your friends – then come back

and see which book is this month’s champion!


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Convicted thief and con-woman Teagan Copperfield is willing to do anything

to avoid prison–even become an honest woman. She has one chance to redeem

her future…if she can escape her past.

 
~~~~

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If Isaac Daniels can catch the pranksters before they ruin Tillgiven Bible

School’s traditional Christmas Smorgasbord, he can make up for playing

hooky in October. It’s a great plan–until the pranks take a deadly

turn.

~~~~

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Has-been hockey player, Knox Everhart, has a reputation for being fast on

the ice and with women, but widow Eden Snow has always been a fascinating

mystery to him, which is why he agrees to let her use the back room of his

bar for her church. But when Eden brings the church to the bar, it offers

something the bottle can’t–hope–and Knox finds himself falling in love

with a woman and a Savior he feels unworthy to pursue.

 

~~~~

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When the Broussard family secrets are revealed, can Cheryl deal with the

truth and accept the blessing of a second chance for relationships with her

family, old friends, and with the God she never really knew?


~~~~




 

// ]]>

Create your free online surveys with SurveyMonkey

, the world’s leading questionnaire tool.

Tags:  authors, books, Clash of the Titles Blog Alliance, COTT, Dark and Stormy, Hope Under Mistletoe, Jessica R. Patch, Julie Arduini, Lora Young, Once a Thief, Traci Tyne Hilton




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 Character Confession: The Independence Day Injection  COTT: Get a Head Start on Summer Reading  Book Review: Rock Solid Faith Study Bible for Teens  Bonus Book Review: Give Us This Day by June Foster  Sabbath Sunday: Your New NormalCopyright © Julie Arduini [Clash of the Titles Blog Alliance: Vote for Your Favorite Read], All Right Reserved. 2015.

The post Clash of the Titles Blog Alliance: Vote for Your Favorite Read appeared first on Julie Arduini.

Sabbath Sunday: He will Direct Your Path

As we settle into life taking this route on a daily basis, we still feel more change is to come as we seek “revive” on a personal level.

It’s easy to get caught up in the questions.

What kind of change?

When?

How?

Will it benefit all of us?

And on and on I could ask.

But as I drive this road full of twists and turns, snow and clear, smooth and pot holes, one thing keeps coming back:

He always directs our path.

We’ve decided to trust in Him, and He’s never let us down.

He’s given answers in His way, His time.

And even if our address changed, He hasn’t lost us.

And if you’re feeling out of sorts, know He hasn’t forgotten or lost you.

Tags:  amateur nature picture, direct your path, Julie Arduini, Ohio road, Proverbs 3:5-6, surrender, trusting God




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 Living Free After a Miscarriage  Never Forget that Mom was Right  Susie May Days  Thankful: David Thankful for Writers Who Change, Inspire, and Enable Us to Remember Whose We Are  When You Have to Say Goodbye--to a BookCopyright © Julie Arduini [Sabbath Sunday: He will Direct Your Path], All Right Reserved. 2015.

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What 45 Looks Like on Me

Each year around my birthday I take a selfie or have a kid snap a picture and share what I’m experiencing. In this year of “revive” I have another hair change planned and new glasses so I’ll wait and post one from February.

Wow. 45. That’s a crazy number. Thirty didn’t bother me because I felt right on track for goals and God’s direction. Forty wasn’t too bad because the thirties had been tough, tough years in many ways.

Forty-five?

That’s inching to fifty. Yikes!

I’m at a place where we have a teen driving and getting college mail. Our talks aren’t about Blue’s Clues and dogs, they are about relationships, faith and the future. We watch Vines and Jimmy Fallon.

We also have a tween and this year especially we’ve noted the change. She wears headphones a lot and retreats to her room. She’s finding me more often for girl chat, if she looks for anyone at all. She’s caring more about her appearance and rolling her eyes more than I like (because even once is more than what I like.)

My husband and I are talking about parents and hospital stays. When is a pet’s life no longer quality. Parts of the job that aren’t fun. Grown up stuff that isn’t full of laughs.

Then there are the changes. New home and transition. Being published and trying to savor that but needing to be working on the next thing, while marketing. Realizing more change is on the horizon.

And being tired.

So very, very tired.

As up to date and current as I’d like to think I am, and our son’s friends are kind enough to play around, I feel that age, especially with bad knees. There are times I see more of my chiropractor than my husband and that’s sad. The supplements I take doubled since last year. I can’t stay up as late as I have in the past, not without a mandatory nap the next day.

It’s a transition time and that’s a little scary, but what is secure in my life—my faith and family, that gives me the courage to take a breath and move forward.

That’s 45 on me.

What about you? What does your current age look like on you?

Tags:  1970, 45, aging, author, birthday, caregiving, family, Julie Arduini, March 27, marriage, paradigm shift, teens, transition




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 Never Take Your Freedom For Granted  A2Z Meme: I Used to Wish Life was Easy  A2Z Meme: Today and Tomorrow  Reviews You Won't Soon Forget  Thankful: A Choice We Make by Martha RogersCopyright © Julie Arduini [What 45 Looks Like on Me], All Right Reserved. 2015.

The post What 45 Looks Like on Me appeared first on Julie Arduini.

Book Review: The Adventures of Pajama Girl and the Coronation of the Cupcake Queen by Sandra Hagee Parker

Book Description: A cute, illustrated story about a girl’s imagination and her magical pajamas. In this adventure, Ellie’s cupcake pajamas pave the way for she and her Sis to take a journey to a land filled with all kinds of sweet treats. Their journey quickly turns into an adventure to help the Cupcake Queen find the missing sprinkles needed for her coronation ceremony. In searching for the missing sprinkles, Ellie and Sis uncover a life lesson that is important for every child to learn.

This is an adorable book with a great message for girls. The illustrations are girlie and fun and I love the premise of a coronation and missing sprinkles. The message is one we could all use.

The story itself is a little wordy as far as keeping a rhythm when reading, but honestly, I tend to summarize what’s going on and point out everything in the pictures when reading with young ones. The younger girls aren’t going to notice.

It’s a royal read and I enjoyed it.

To purchase The Adventures of Pajama Girl and the Coronation of the Cupcake Queen, click here.

I received The Adventures of Pajama Girl and the Coronation of the Cupcake Queen from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Tags:  book review, children's book, Julie Arduini, Sandra Hagee Parker, The Adventures of Pajama Girl and the Coronation of the Cupcake Queen




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Comments:  0 (Zero), Be the first to leave a reply!Take a look!  
 Book Review: Olive and the Great Flood by Connie Arnold  Sabbath Sunday: Because of Him, Toward Him, With Him  Sabbath Sunday: A Sunset and a Promise  How Would You Handle It? The Fast Food Play Area Bully Edition  Book Review: What's A Foster Family by Anne Garboczi EvansCopyright © Julie Arduini [Book Review: The Adventures of Pajama Girl and the Coronation of the Cupcake Queen by Sandra Hagee Parker], All Right Reserved. 2015.

The post Book Review: The Adventures of Pajama Girl and the Coronation of the Cupcake Queen by Sandra Hagee Parker appeared first on Julie Arduini.

COTT: Hush in the Storm by Julie B. Cosgrove

 

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From the first clap of thunder to the conclusion of the book,
Julie B. Cosgrove holds the reader in the palm of her hand.

–Author Victoria Pitt Caine

 

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About Hush

in the Storm:

Jen, a young widow floundering in the storm of mourning, whose only

lifeline is her humdrum job, is tossed into a maze of deceit and intrigue

by a coworker named Tom…at the request of her late husband, or so Tom

says. He kidnaps her and fakes her death to keep her safe from the cartel

who he thinks caused her husband’s “accident.” Together, they are thrust

into a tempest of danger and deceit where no one is whom they claim to be.

The list of people Jen can believe in keeps diminishing. Who can she trust

while dodging the Feds, human traffickers and the press who’ve discovered

she’s alive? How will Jen rescue the two held-captive girls she befriends

without drowning them, Tom, and herself in the waves of betrayal,

especially when she’s begun to suspect her husband may not be as dead as

everyone thinks…

PURCHASE
Amazon
Barnes

and Noble

~~~~

About Legitimate

Lies:

Jen assumes she can escape her past after she testifies against Robert, her

human trafficking mogul husband, and enters into witness protection under a

new identity. That is until a baby shows up on the stoop of the library

where she works, and another man from her past, Tom, appears in her living

room. Now she must relocate again under yet another name and memorize a new

set of legitimate lies to explain who she is.

When Robert discovers her latest identity, he has other plans for her, such

as enslaving her in a Tudor manor in Southern England. The scandalous

family secrets she discovers may hold the key to her and the daughter of

the manor’s freedom. But first she must tunnel through a myriad of lies,

including the dark sin which has held her own heart captive. If the truth

is revealed, will it hinder her one chance for happiness?

PURCHASE
Amazon
Barnes

and Noble

What COTT Voters Had to Say:

–I have loved all of Julie Cosgroves books . Always waiting for the next

one!!!

–I was eager to read Legitimate Lies and found it to be that most rare of

all books. ..a sequel that is even better than the first in the Series!

Author Julie Cosgrove tells a tight, well paced story which sweeps the

readers along in a swirl of suspense. A protagonist in Witness Protection

needs to learn to rely on the Lord s she seeks to discern whom she can

trust and what is true, when her life seems to depend on a fragile web of

legitimate -and not -so -legitimate — lies. Her personal and spiritual

growth made this a powerful and enjoyable book to read. I loved it and

recommend it whole heartedly!

–Julie, this is one of the best books I’ve read. Can’t wait for the

sequel.

–Julie Cosgrove writes non-stop action and deeper meaning into her plot.

Legitimate Lies is a good read.

–Great job, Julie! Keep up the good work. Proud of you

–Julie Cosgrove is an excellent writer.

–Every book looks inviting, but Legitimate Lies captures my curiosity.

Good job, Julie!

–Really enjoying Julie’s latest!

About Julie:

Freelance writer, author and professional speaker Julie B Cosgrove leads

retreats, workshops, and

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Bible studies. She writes regularly for several Christian websites and

publications and has been published in the Chicken Soup for the Soul,

Faith Filled Family Magazine, Upper Room’s Devozine and Alive Now,

The Secret Place, Light from the Word, The Journey and Good News Daily.

Julie has published three Bible studies, an inspirational, a devotional and

several novels – Focused (2012), Hush in the Storm (2014) and

Legitimate Lies (2015). She is contracted for two more novels:

Freed to Forgive (2015) and Navy Blues (2016), with two more

in process.

Julie has one grown son and lives in Fort Worth, TX with two cats.

Visit her website at

www.juliebcosgrove.com or her blog: WhereDidYouFindGodToday.com.

Tags:  author, books, Clash of the Titles, COTT, fiction, Julie Arduini, Julie B. Cosgrove




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 Featured Video of the Week: Mary Connealy's Fired Up  April W. Gardner Announces Newest Clash of the Titles Winner: Marianne Evans with Hearts Crossing  I Just Couldn't Do It by Deborah Engle  An Interview with Bestselling Author Gina Holmes  Do You Hear the Captain's Call that Another Misfit is Leaving Barbie Island?Copyright © Julie Arduini [COTT: Hush in the Storm by Julie B. Cosgrove], All Right Reserved. 2015.

The post COTT: Hush in the Storm by Julie B. Cosgrove appeared first on Julie Arduini.

Sabbath Sunday: He Will Direct Your Path

As we settle into life taking this route on a daily basis, we still feel more change is to come as we seek “revive” on a personal level.

It’s easy to get caught up in the questions.

What kind of change?

When?

How?

Will it benefit all of us?

And on and on I could ask.

But as I drive this road full of twists and turns, snow and clear, smooth and pot holes, one thing keeps coming back:

He always directs our path.

We’ve decided to trust in Him, and He’s never let us down.

He’s given answers in His way, His time.

And even if our address changed, He hasn’t lost us.

And if you’re feeling out of sorts, know He hasn’t forgotten or lost you.

Tags:  amateur nature picture, direct your path, Julie Arduini, Ohio road, Proverbs 3:5-6, surrender, trusting God




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 Sabbath Sunday: Hope  MC Blogfest: An Interview With Ben Regan, My Fiction Character  Stephanie's interview  Character Confession: The Hidden Pain  Book Review: What's A Foster Family by Anne Garboczi EvansCopyright © Julie Arduini [Sabbath Sunday: He Will Direct Your Path], All Right Reserved. 2015.

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Saturday Confession: Chrisley-isms

USA Network

 

I confessed on Facebook recently that when in college, a few of us would gather during the movie Roadhouse just to take note of the ridiculous things uttered. Patrick Swayze got most of the quotable gold, so we called those fun comments, “Swayze-isms.”

Fast forward and my son and I gather around the family room when we know there’s a marathon on.

The show?

Chrisley Knows Best.

The reason?

The Chrisley-isms. Oh, the show is quotable. Hilariously quotable.

Here are the ones from a recent marathon:

“Even rusty metal’s going to shine if you scrub it hard enough.”
Regarding a tattoo: “People in hell want a cup of ice water but that doesn’t mean it’s going to happen. “
“What’s rv stand for? Redneck vacation?”

Is it the best thing to do with my time? No, and I understand that. But I’ve always been the type that de-stresses with what I call “stupid funny.”

And to sit with my teenager and laugh together?

Priceless.

Tags:  Chrisley Knows Best, confession, family, Julie Arduini, quotes, USA Network




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 Sabbath Sunday: Be a Firework  My Two Cents About the Ice Bucket Challenge  Entrusted Now Available for Purchase!  Sabbath Sunday: God is Bigger  Author Blog Hop: Spectacular FallsCopyright © Julie Arduini [Saturday Confession: Chrisley-isms], All Right Reserved. 2015.

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This Mom’s Story

Believe it or not, my schedule is already opening to May. June. July. Even August is filling up. Although as I type snow is falling, I’m planning ahead to days where tulips will be out, lilacs will be blooming and grass will need to be cut.

I’m a planner by nature and some of my events revolve around Mother’s Day. That used to bring about a dread and anger because I wasn’t a mom.

And I was told to plan for the fact I may never be one.

My infertility story centers about my PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome) diagnosis. I miscarried. I truly thank God that I have two children but I will never forget those feelings. And I wanted God to use that story to encourage someone else.

A Walk in the Valley: Christian Encouragement for Your Journey Through Infertility is a transparent look at not just my story but Heidi Glick’s, Elizabeth Maddrey, Kym McNabney, Paula Mowery and Donna Winters. All of our stories are different but center around our infertility experiences. They are not happy-hold hands- cliche filled-pat answers stories. We were angry. Scared. Faced with expensive treatments. Given terrible news. And yet there is hope. We take each facet of the story and share how we made it through. We have Scripture because honestly, we’d still be in the pit of emotions had it not been for God’s love and Word. There are places for the reader to journal her feelings.

The book will be available April 28th but you can pre order now. If you are or have walked this road of infertility and miscarriage, I strongly suggest you consider ordering. If you love someone who is struggling or has, this book will help. I tell people it is the book I wish had been available for me.

Many have asked for my full story and A Walk in the Valley has it. May God take what I consider my broken place and create something beautiful for someone else.

To Pre Order A Walk in the Valley, click here.

Tags:  Donna Winters, Elizabeth Maddrey, Heidi Glick, infertility, Julie Arduini, Kym McNabney, miscarriage, mom, Mother's Day, Paula Mowery, PCOS, polycystic ovaries




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 That Saturday Revisited  Sabbath Sunday: Like God Likes You  COTT: Meet Suspense Author Patricia Bradley  Sabbath Sunday: Muddy Road  COTT: Carlene Havel and Why She Wrote about the 1930's + 3 Book Giveaway InfoCopyright © Julie Arduini [This Mom's Story], All Right Reserved. 2015.

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Sisterhood of the World Bloggers Award

Nothing ushers in spring like a beautiful, colorful surprise from a friend. Fay Lamb is an author, editor and champion for other authors. When I was seeking direction she whispered encouragement to take a risk very few had. The risk paid off and now we’re colleagues at Write Integrity Press.

Fay surprised me with this award and talk about colleagues, the other women she nominated are amazing. I hope you check out June Foster, Patsy Dyer, Jennifer Hallmark, and Elizabeth Owens.

Now, here’s where the fun begins. It starts with the rules:

The Rules

1.  Thank the blogger who nominated you, linking back to their site.

2.  Put the Award logo on your blog.

3.  Answer the ten questions sent to you.

4.  Make up ten new questions for your nominees to answer.

5.  Nominate five blogs.

So, thank you, Fay. I’m forever grateful for your encouragement, and thankful you included me in this list.

Here are my answers to Fay’s questions:

1.  Why did you start writing?

It’s always been a passion, something I loved to do. I would have been content writing for the local Mothers of Preschoolers newsletter, but God had other ideas. Obedience to the Lord was the biggest reason I started writing beyond a small circle of friends.

2.  What novel(s) has influenced you the most and why?

There are many but Kristin Billerbeck’s What a Girl Wants confirmed to me that chick lit, snarky humor in romance, has purpose. Readers can be transformed by fiction. Embracing that fact and devouring her series opened doors to my imagination and writing.

3.  What’s been the best piece of writing advice you’ve ever received?

It’s general advice I use for writing. Fear held me back for a long time and rejection was a huge part of those fears. I had a friend sit me down and equip me for the future. She said I needed to have “Skin like a rhino and a heart like a dove.” That helped me surrender my fears, start writing and when the review came that wasn’t very nice, I wasn’t even bothered by it.

4.  What’s been the worst piece of writing advice you’ve ever received?

First time novelists should never, ever write first person, present tense and expect it to sell.

Now, that actually is good advice and I’m not saying I’m above such conversation. For me, I had that “burn in the belly,” that gut feeling I believe is the Holy Spirit, guiding me that writing first person, present tense for Entrusted was His plan for me. I felt Jenna’s voice was strong enough to carry the book, and that’s the one comment I keep hearing. Readers love the voice. I’m glad I didn’t change the point of view.

5.  What people in the industry have helped you the most in your writing endeavors?

I hope I don’t forget anyone. Fay was one of two voices that told me to go for first person, present tense as I prepared to query what is now Entrusted. Joi Copeland was the second. Vicki Hinze allowed me to come on board to the team blog, Christians Read, before I was published. She felt like it wasn’t if I would be published, but when. June Foster spent an incredible amount of time with me helping me recognize telling and how to change it to showing. Every member that has come and gone from the critique groups I’m a part of, they have been a huge help. Tracy Ruckman took a chance on my Adirondack ideas and offered me what is now the Adirondack Surrender romance series.

6.  What is the hardest part of writing for you?

Getting motivated. I think it goes back to fear. Can I start something good? How can I create a readable middle? How can I finish strong? Revisions and edits? I don’t think I have what it takes. I fight my thoughts all the time, and honestly, sometimes the thoughts win.

7.  When did you first call yourself a writer?

I think in 2007 when I earned a writing credit in an anthology.

8.  How has your writing life been different than you imaged?

It’s a lot lonelier than I ever imagined. I’m an introvert by nature but the process to separate from the story and go back to being wife and mom is hard. The kids are older so they are starting to do their own thing and my husband works a lot of hours.  There are hours and hours the only talking I engage in is with the pets. But, when I’m in that zone where I’m completely involved in the story, that’s a great feeling.

9. What is your favorite place to write?

I have an office with a view of our backyard and woods. It’s so peaceful.

10. How do you reward yourself when you accomplish a writing goal?

Chocolate. Then again, that’s my reward some days for waking up.

I nominate anyone that would like to participate. Between one I did recently and the great people included, I can’t think of anyone!

Tags:  author, Elizabeth Owens, Fay Lamb, fiction, Jennifer Hallmark, Julie Arduini, June Foster, Kristin Billerbeck, Patsy Dyer, Sisterhood of the World Blogger award




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 Sabbath Sunday: Chosen  Sabbath Sunday: Joy in the Morning  COTT: Astraea Press Having Huge Summer Reading Sale  Character Confession: Right Down to My Pink Cammo Boots  Saturday Confession: Wait, I'd Like to Break Up With YouCopyright © Julie Arduini [Sisterhood of the World Bloggers Award], All Right Reserved. 2015.

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COTT: Baxter Road Miracle by Carlene Havel

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I read [Baxter Road Miracle] in one day, simply because I really

didn’t want to stop until I got to the end. Bet you will as well. Kudos to

Carlene Havel for sharing this story with the world.
–Amazon Reviewer

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Baxter Road

Miracle
by Carlene Havel

About the book:

Can faith move mountains? The Youngbloods are about to find out.

Henry Youngblood is determined to plant a new church in Buffalo Creek,

despite seemingly insurmountable obstacles. Meanwhile, his pregnant wife

worries about paying the bills. One daughter dreams of a college education

she cannot afford, and the other wants nothing more than popularity. It

will take a miracle for the Youngblood family’s dreams to come true.

PURCHASE

Amazon

Barnes

and Noble

 

What COTT voters had to say:

–I love covers with churches on them.

–Thank you for well written words that speak truth.

–Keep writing those good books!

–I’m reading it now and can’t put it down!

–Excellent book.. wonderful author!

–You are an awesome woman of God. You are an inspiration and a great

author.

Q&A with Carlene:

Q: The book is categorized as ‘historical.’ When does it take place?

A: The setting is during the early 1960s, when good girls didn’t kiss on

the first date. When smoking a cigarette in the high school bathroom was a

huge scandal. When parents disapproved of bleached hair, eye shadow, and

short skirts. When an idealistic preacher decided to take on the world to

fulfill his calling.

Q: Do you have another book on the horizon?

A: Of course – how nice of you to ask! Joan Alley at Prism Book Group

came up with the idea of a series based on the characteristics of love.

Each author selected a phrase from the First Corinthians description of

love as the theme for a short novel. Mine is entitled “Evidence Not Seen,”

based on love keeping no record of wrongs. It’s the story of an attorney

whose father is returning home after completing a long prison sentence. If

the relationships among the father, mother, and son are to survive, each

one must let go of old hurts.

 

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About Carlene:

Carlene Havel is an award-winning writer of Christian-themed fiction. She

has lived in Turkey, Republic of the Philippines, and numerous US States.

After a career in human resources and software development, she began

writing in 2005. The Havels live in Texas, surrounded by their extended

family. 
Find more great new releases all year at Clash of the Titles!






Tags:  author, Baxter Road Miracle, Carlene Havel, church, Clash of the Titles, COTT, fiction, Julie Arduini




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 Character Confession: I'm in Love, I'm in Love and I Don't Care Who Knows It!  Delia Latham Takes Crown in Latest Staff Clash of the Titles (COTT)  Sabbath Sunday: Chosen  Guest Blogger Laura Hodges Poole: My Middle Name is Not 'Doormat' (& Neither is Yours)  Fulfilling a Promise: Broken Wings by Dianne PriceCopyright © Julie Arduini [COTT: Baxter Road Miracle by Carlene Havel], All Right Reserved. 2015.

The post COTT: Baxter Road Miracle by Carlene Havel appeared first on Julie Arduini.