Julie Arduini's Blog, page 136

Book Review: Farewell Four Waters by Kate McCord

Book Description:

Day 14: It should have been the beginning . . .

All she needed were stamps and signatures. Marie and her translator stood in the government offices in Kabul, Afghanistan to complete the paperwork for her new literacy project. The women in her home town, the northern village of Shehktan, would learn to read.

But a spattering of gun shots exploded and an aid worker crumpled. Executed. On the streets of Kabul. Just blocks from the guesthouse. Sending shockwaves through the community.

The foreign personnel assessed their options and some, including Marie’s closest friend, Carolyn, chose to leave the country. Marie and others faced the cost and elected to press forward. But the execution of the lone aid worker was just the beginning.

When she returned home to her Afghan friends in Shehktan to begin classes, she felt eyes watching her, piercing through her scarf as she walked the streets lined in mud brick walls.

And in the end . . .

It took only 14 days for her project, her Afghan home, her community-all of it-to evaporate in an eruption of dust, grief, and loss. Betrayed by someone she trusted. Caught in a feud she knew nothing about, and having loved people on both sides, Marie struggled for the answer: How could God be present here, working here, in the soul of Afghanistan?

Farewell Four Waters gives a great glimpse of life as an aid worker in Afghanistan. Marie learns how quickly everything can change when just as her plans are ready to unfold, she hears of a shooting on a street she knows well. That changes everything and I think the author did a great job walking the reader through the journey. I felt like I was there, unsure of who to trust and how to move forward.

I definitely recommend this book to anyone interested in serving overseas or learning about life in Afghanistan.

To purchase Farewell Four Waters, click here.

I received a copy of Farewell Four Waters from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

 

Tags:  Afghanistan, Aid worker, book review, Farewell Four Waters, Julie Arduini, Kate McCord




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 Better Late Than Never: Marriage Monday & Overcoming Boredom and Apathy in Marriage  Thankful for Every Breath by Denise Oldham  My Early Christmas Present: JournEzine's 6th Annual Christmas Story Contest  Book Review: The Honor Key by Russell Evans  Book Review: Leaving Egypt---Finding God in the Wilderness PlacesCopyright © Julie Arduini [Book Review: Farewell Four Waters by Kate McCord], All Right Reserved. 2014.

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Merry Christmas from Julie Arduini

Tags:  birthday, Christmas, gift, Jesus, Julie Arduini, manger, Merry Christmas




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 Ultimate Blog Party 2013: Meet an Uncoordinated Mom With Chocolate Peanut Butter Eggs--Kind Of  12 Pearls of Christmas---Elizabeth Goldsmith Musser's Why I Decorate for Christmas  Book Review: It Had to be You by Susan May Warren  New Beginnings by Sharron Cosby  COTT: Edna in the Desert by Maddy LedermanCopyright © Julie Arduini [Merry Christmas from Julie Arduini], All Right Reserved. 2014.

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COTT: Kinsale Kisses by Elizabeth Maddrey Wins December Clash

Julie’s Note: Thank you to everyone that voted for Entrusted !

KINSALE KISSES

 


Congratulations, Elizabeth Maddrey! Kinsale Kisses received enough votes to claim the win!

This clash received more votes than any other clash in COTT history. So we offer a big thank-you and a standing ovation to each of our contestants: Rachel A James with The Forgotten Princess of Elmetia , Heather Gray with Queen , Julie Arduini with Entrusted , Caryl McAdoo with A Little Lower Than The Angels , and Janet Sketchley with Secrets & Lies . We’re honored to have had you with us!

And now, let’s hear about our winning title!

About the Book

She wants stability. He wants spontaneity. What they need is each other.

Colin O’Bryan cashed out of the software company he founded and started a new life in Ireland. Content to wander from town to town as a traveling musician, he had no goals beyond healing from the betrayals that led to his career change, and finding his next gig.

After the death of her parents, Rachel Sullivan hoped her aunt’s B&B on the Southern coast of Ireland would be a place for her to settle and start a new life. Though she can’t deny the sparks in Colin’s touch, his lack of concern for hearth and home leave her torn. Can this free-spirited minstrel win her heart or will Rachel choose roots and stability over love?

This gentle inspirational romance will take you on a journey to Cork County, Ireland and give you a glimpse of Kinsale, Charles Fort, Blarney Castle, and Cobh as Rachel and Colin undergo their own journey of self-discovery as they learn that God’s plans are bigger than their own and that waiting on Him is worth the insecurity it brings.

Author’s Note

Ireland has always been a place I dreamed about. My husband and I were able to travel there in 2003 and again in 2005. We’re counting the days until we’re able to go back. This novella (short, around 150 pages, or 30,000 words) started as a short break from some of the heavier aspects of writing the Remnants series (Faith Departed, Hope Deferred, and Love Defined) and it turned into something I’m particularly proud of. Rachel and Colin were a delight to get to know — I hope you’ll take the time to spend some time with them, traveling around Ireland and falling in love.

Purchase now and step onto Irish soil in minutes: Amazon

About the Author:

Elizabeth Maddrey is a semi-reformed computer geek and homeschooling mother of two who loves a good happily ever after.

Elizabeth Maddrey began writing stories as soon as she could form the letters properly and has never looked back. Though her practical nature and love of computers, math, and organization steered her into computer science at Wheaton College, she always had one or more stories in progress to occupy her free time. This continued through a Master’s program in Software Engineering, several years in the computer industry, teaching programming at the college level, and a Ph.D. in Computer Technology in Education. When she isn’t writing, Elizabeth is a voracious consumer of books and has mastered the art of reading while undertaking just about any other activity.

She lives in the suburbs of Washington, D.C. with her husband and their two incredibly active little boys.

Visit her Website

A Few Voter Comments

Elizabeth Maddrey is now on my top 3 favorite author list. I have read each and every one of her books, and they are beautifully written. Gtrat Christian fiction! Can’t wait for a new release by Elizabeth Maddrey.
Elizabeth Maddrey writes with rich characters and refreshing honesty. I’m looking forwarded to her next work.
one I’ve read already, one – besides Kinsale Kisses by ELIZABETH MADDREY – remains on my TBR pile / list! I’m all about all things Irish, so of course I’ve to vote for the Irish story in the lot, don’tcha know!!

***

That wraps up our final clash of 2014. Thank you for playing with us and for supporting our authors. God bless all the writers represented in this Clash. Thank you for serving Him with your pen!


Tags:  authors, books, Clash of the Titles, COTT, Elizabeth Maddrey, Entrusted, fiction, Julie Arduini, Kinsale Kisses, romance




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 About Forgiveness  12 Pearls of Christmas---Debora M. Coty's Inside Out Christmas  COTT: Speak No Evil by Mary Hamilton Wins Clash  Book Review: Courageous Teens by Michael Catt and Amy Parker  Sabbath Sunday: The Windy RoadCopyright © Julie Arduini [COTT: Kinsale Kisses by Elizabeth Maddrey Wins December Clash], All Right Reserved. 2014.

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Entrusted Chosen as one of the “Top Picks in Romantic Reads for 2014″

This is the little book that could. Years ago when I walked around the real Speculator I envisioned writing out a story and handing it off to friends via my word processor. Yep, it was a long time ago. I didn’t think about publishing or becoming an author. The fear of rejection was too great.

Fast forward and God’s done a great work in my life where with great faith, I’m able to hold on to the hem of His robe and go as He leads. Entrusted is out and the masses are able to read it. Not everyone’s going to love it, and thank God, my tender heart gets that. I have one not glowing review and I survived reading it. The book isn’t for everyone.

But when unexpected praise for the book comes, it feels good. Imagine my surprise when I learned Entrusted made Elizabeth Maddrey’s list at Inspy Romance as one of her top romantic picks for 2014. I’m a voracious reader and I’ve read most of the books on her list. I love the books she listed. So for Entrusted to be included when I didn’t have to pay her for it, what an early Christmas present!

I’d love for you to read her post and give her a kind comment.

Also, Goodreads is having a Swoony Contest for favorite romantic read of 2014. I need three nominations for Entrusted to officially make the ballot. If you loved Entrusted, would you nominate, vote and spread the word for it? 

I know today is a busy day but in the coming days, if you’ve read Entrusted and enjoyed it, would you add your review? It truly does drive or hurt business, depending on the review. I’d love to see God has in store for 2015 by putting Entrusted into a lot of romance reader hands.

Merry Christmas!

Tags:  2014, books, Elizabeth Maddrey, Entrusted, Inspy Romance, Julie Arduini, reading, top romantic picks




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 Five Golden Days  COTT: Five Fab Feb Book Releases  My 12 in 12 Summer Update  Activation  Character Confession: The Algae ParableCopyright © Julie Arduini [Entrusted Chosen as one of the "Top Picks in Romantic Reads for 2014"], All Right Reserved. 2014.

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Book Review: Yes or No by Jeff Shinabarger

Book Description:

As you face daily choices that require yes or no decisions, there are times when you feel paralyzed—either from fear of making the wrong choice or because of too many seemingly equal options. Social entrepreneur Jeff Shinabarger helps you break through these moments of tension and transition with proven ways to move toward good choices.

Discover opportunities to become a decision maker as you gain strength in saying no, develop your personal philosophy of choice, and start using a practical process for making good choices even in difficult situations.

Jeff Shinabarger is a social entrepreneur and the author of More or Less. Jeff has a vision to make Atlanta a center for social innovation and has personally engaged in over 100 start-ups solving problems. His work has been featured by CNN, USA Weekend, Atlanta Journal Constitution,Huffington Post, Christianity Today, Coca-Cola, Relevant Magazine, and Chicago Sun Times. He is the co-founder of Q and creatively led Catalyst for eight years. Jeff and his wife, Andre, live in East Atlanta Village and have two children.

Although there aren’t any new revelations in Yes or No, I loved the personal examples he used throughout the book. I found his experience empowering as he walked readers through the decision making process. It’s easy to get excited reading Yes or No.

I’d say “yes” to reading this book.

To purchase, click here.

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

Tags:  book review, choices, decisions, Jeff Shinabarger, Julie Arduini, Yes or now




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 Featured Video of the Week: Amber Schamel's The Healer's Touch  A2Z Meme: Spectacular Falls  Book Review: Fiery Secrets by Stephanie McCall  Sabbath Sunday: No Matter the Waves  Permission to Steal...This PostCopyright © Julie Arduini [Book Review: Yes or No by Jeff Shinabarger], All Right Reserved. 2014.

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Sabbath Sunday: Christmas Season Rest

 Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.

Matthew 11:28, NIV

Julie Arduini photo

Tags:  Jesus, Julie Arduini, Matthew 11:28, rest, Sabbath, Sunday




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 Entrusted Featured in This Week's Clash of the Titles  Sabbath Sunday: He's Got You  Living Free After a Miscarriage  Book Review: Carla Anne Coroy's Married Mom, Solo Parent  SMITTEN BOOK CLUB | KINDLE FIRE GIVEAWAY, FACEBOOK PARTY, AND SATURDAY BRUNCHCopyright © Julie Arduini [Sabbath Sunday: Christmas Season Rest], All Right Reserved. 2014.

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Entrusted: Interview with Kyle Swarthmore

This week I’ve had fun interviewing the characters from my Adirondack romance, Entrusted. Today you have the opportunity to meet bad-boy Kyle Swarthmore.

Kyle, did you grow up in Speculator Falls? What’s the connection?

I visited every weekend during summers. My dad bought a summer home outside Speculator Falls.

Do you call Speculator Falls home?

Yes. Well, during the week I stay in Newark. But lately I’ve been working on acquiring some Adirondack property so I’ve stayed in the summer home. I’m not sure.

Who’s your hero?

My dad. He had nothing and built something of an empire. I love following in his footsteps.

Some Adirondack property isn’t for sale.

Everything’s for sale if the price is right. Do you mean that little grocery store, JB’s?

You and Ben don’t get along, do you?

Ben’s a bit uptight. He doesn’t think I’m a true resident. He’s nervous I’ll take his property because I’ve done it before.

Explain.

Trish Maxwell was his high school sweetheart. He was certain they’d marry. But they were on-off and when off, I pursued her. Then she up and left for New York City. He was devastated.

What do you think about Jenna Anderson?

I think her many talents are wasted here. She’s a good businesswoman. What she sees in Ben boggles the mind.

What about romance in your life, Kyle?

No time. Father has an ambitious plan and I’m going to fulfill it. Or else.

Get to know Kyle and all of the friends in Speculator Falls by purchasing Entrusted here.


Tags:  Adirondacks, character interview, Entrusted, fiction, Julie Arduini, mogul, Newark, real estate, romance




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 COTT: Meet Suspense Author Patricia Bradley  Book Review: High-Stakes Holiday Reunion by Christy Barritt  Saturday Confession: I'm Glad I Listened  Saturday Confession: When the Rose Color Comes Off Our Glasses  Thankful for Melissa Foster's Two-Posts-in-OneCopyright © Julie Arduini [Entrusted: Interview with Kyle Swarthmore], All Right Reserved. 2014.

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Entrusted: Interview with Sara Bivins

This week I’m interviewing characters from Entrusted to give readers a better chance to get to know the characters.  Today I interview Sara Bivins, matriarch of Speculator Falls and Ben Regan’s feisty grandmother.

Sara, describe Speculator Falls to me.

Peaceful. Quaint. Good people. Family.

Like Jenna, you didn’t grow up there. What drew you to the Adirondacks?

God’s leading and my late husband, John. We met at a conference and it was instant. I left my city life to marry him and follow him to Speculator Falls. Together we built JB’s grocery store and raised our girls. 

I heard that you went behind the council and placed an ad to re open the senior center, hiring Jenna after one phone interview.

Guilty as charged. I know my grandson Ben is on the council and that he was the driving force behind closing the center. But, I know a good thing when I see it. The center is a necessary part of the area. And Jenna’s the best one for the job.

Did you also give Jenna your late husband’s vehicle?

I did. She needed a sturdy winter vehicle and I had one sitting in my driveway collecting dust. I know Ben was upset to see the truck all over town again, but he got over it.

Is it hard seeing reminders of your husband’s handiwork everywhere? It certainly seems to be a struggle for your grandson.

It was difficult at first but then I realized the store, our hunting cabin, Ben’s home, the truck—they are all comforting. Just as John was. Next to Jesus, he was my rock. I miss him so much but I have the promise that I’ll see him again.

Does Jenna remind you of you? You both seem to have similar backgrounds.

I definitely see some similarities. That girl belongs in Speculator Falls. I can’t wait until she figures that out.

Want to learn more about Sara and the rest of the friends you’ll meet in Entrusted?

Click here.

Don’t forget to purchase here.

Tags:  Adirondacks, character interview, Entrusted, feisty grandma, fiction, Julie Arduini, matriarch, romance, widow




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 Book Review: God is Able by Priscilla Shirer  Book Review: Betsy St. Amant's Addison Blakely: Confessions of a PK  Book Review: Be the Blessing by Paula Mowery  A2Z Meme: Today and Tomorrow  Book Review: Portals by Michael KimballCopyright © Julie Arduini [Entrusted: Interview with Sara Bivins], All Right Reserved. 2014.

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Entrusted: My Interview with Carla Rowling

All this week I’m interviewing characters from my contemporary romance, Entrusted.  Today we meet the first person who finds Jenna in Speculator Falls, sheriff Carla Rowling.

How did you meet Jenna Anderson?

By accident, literally. Dispatch told me someone ran over a flower box on Route 8. I went to the scene and it was Jenna who created the property damage. She was relying on her GPS to get her to her new home, and it wasn’t cooperating in the mountains.

If you don’t mind me saying, you don’t really look like a sheriff. How did you become interested?

At the time I needed steady income to support my little boy and I did well on the tests. The rest is history.

I sense law enforcement isn’t your passion. What is?

My son, Noah. He’s everything. I also enjoy dabbling in cutting hair.

You look young to be a mom.

I was a teen mom. I’m not proud of it but I think I’ve provided Noah with a good home full of love.

Speaking of love, is there anyone in your life?

My son, Noah.

Jenna mentioned that Will Marshall seems to find excuses to spend time with you.

I’ve known Will forever. He’s a good guy.

Ben revealed that the paramedic that treated his grandmother was Noah’s father.

He did. I thought Wayne was going to continue to live and work at a distance but he’s in Speculator Falls. 

You seem to give just the facts. You don’t want to say anything else about love?

I love Noah. Any other questions?

Is your story next?

Yes. Entangled is my story. You’ll still read about Ben, Jenna and the others, but it’s definitely my story.

To learn more about the people of Entrusted and purchase, click here.

Entrusted is on Pinterest. Check it out!

 

 

 

Tags:  Adirondack, character interview, Entangled, Entrusted, Julie Arduini, romance, sheriff, single mom




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 Sabbath Sunday: You See a Sunset, I See a Promise  So Many Places to Go: COTT Guest Post by Gail Pallotta  A2Z Meme: Really Quite Random  A2Z Meme: But I Got the X In!  From Transition to Justice: Year in ReviewCopyright © Julie Arduini [Entrusted: My Interview with Carla Rowling], All Right Reserved. 2014.

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Julie Arduini Interviews Ben Regan from Entrusted

Julie Arduini Interviews Ben Regan from Entrusted

One thing authors need to do to craft a quality story is know their characters. One technique is through interview. I thought I’d introduce you to the hero from Entrusted, grocer and town councilman Ben Regan.

Ben, tell the readers a little bit about yourself.

I co own and manage the only grocery store within thirty miles, JB’s. It’s a store my late grandfather, John Bivins, built and ran with my grandmother, Sara. I also am a member of the council. I live on top of Panther Mountain in a log cabin home I built with my grandfather before he got sick.

 

You don’t seem to be a fan of the senior center. Why is that?

I think it’s easier for Speculator Falls if it is closed. It’s a venue to put sick and dying people on display. It’s too hard.

 

That seems more like an emotional opinion than a business decision.

The building is old and in need of updating. It should be closed.

 

Your own grandmother went behind your back and posted the senior center director job, which brought Jenna Anderson to town. How do you feel about her moving here to bring new life to the center?

I’m not happy with Grandmother but there isn’t much I can do. I’m sure Jenna has great ideas but no one could save that place. Did I mention the senior center should close?

 

Didn’t your former girlfriend, Trish Maxwell, run the center before she left for New York City?

She did. Your point?

 

Let’s switch gears. Tell us about the people of Speculator Falls.

Sure. There’s my grandmother. She’s a spitfire, and the martriarch of the village. Carla is the sheriff but she loves to play with people’s hair. Noah is her son. He helps me out in the store. Will Marshall is the delivery truck driver and I think he has a crush on Carla. Then there’s Pastor Craig and Brooke…

 

What about Kyle Swarthmore?

What about him? He’s not a real Speculator Falls resident. He only comes weekends. He doesn’t belong.

 

Apart from your thoughts about the senior center, tell us about Jenna.

Well, she’s fun. Energetic. It’s probably from all the mocha she makes. Her attitude is contagious. I can see why the seniors love her.

 

Could there be a romance here?

With Jenna? As hard as I try not to think about her, it’s hard to shake her. We make a good team in a lot of ways. But, we’re too different. And, I’ve been shattered before with loss and change. I can’t go through that again.

 

You’re a tough customer Ben Regan.

It’s the best way. Speaking of customer, JB’s is having a special on ground beef this week. Check it out!

                                

Okay, well on that note, I’ll let you go.

Sounds good. Take care.

 

To learn more about the people of Speculator Falls and purchase Entrusted, click here.

Tags:  Adirondacks, character interview, Entrusted, fiction, grocer, Julie Arduini, romance, senior center, town council




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 Character Confession: What I Wish the World Knew About Depression  Character Confession: Scared of Success  12 Pearls of Christmas | Day 8 - Quieted in His Presence by Cara Putman  Sabbath Sunday: He's Got You  A Splickety Magazine ReminderCopyright © Julie Arduini [Julie Arduini Interviews Ben Regan from Entrusted], All Right Reserved. 2014.

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