Julie Arduini's Blog, page 137

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




Del.icio.us





Digg



StumbleUpon




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

The post Entrusted Chosen as one of the “Top Picks in Romantic Reads for 2014″ appeared first on Julie Arduini.

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




Del.icio.us





Digg



StumbleUpon




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

The post Book Review: Yes or No by Jeff Shinabarger appeared first on Julie Arduini.

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




Del.icio.us





Digg



StumbleUpon




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

The post Sabbath Sunday: Christmas Season Rest appeared first on Julie Arduini.

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




Del.icio.us





Digg



StumbleUpon




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

The post Entrusted: Interview with Kyle Swarthmore appeared first on Julie Arduini.

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




Del.icio.us





Digg



StumbleUpon




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

The post Entrusted: Interview with Sara Bivins appeared first on Julie Arduini.

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




Del.icio.us





Digg



StumbleUpon




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

The post Entrusted: My Interview with Carla Rowling appeared first on Julie Arduini.

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




Del.icio.us





Digg



StumbleUpon




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

The post Julie Arduini Interviews Ben Regan from Entrusted appeared first on Julie Arduini.

Entrusted: My Interview with Heroine Jenna Anderson

This week I’m featuring interviews with the characters from my debut romance, Entrusted. If you need a stocking stuffer for the reader in your life, I hope meeting these fun characters will encourage you to purchase this Adirondack surrender read.

Entrusted starts out with you getting in a bit of trouble. Is that what you’re about, Jenna?

Not really. I think a more accurate statement is I find myself in unusual predicaments. Often. I still say that my little incident was all my GPS. Not me.

You spent most of your life in Youngstown, Ohio. What made you leave the area for the mountains?

I spent most of my childhood with an elderly neighbor who was a dear friend. Florence Owens made me promise before she passed away that I would live life to the fullest. After her death I looked around and realized my job didn’t leave room for advancement. I needed change. I found an ad in a rural magazine about a job opening and I called. When the call ended, I had a new job in Speculator Falls, NY.

One of the first people you meet is Carla Rowling. Tell us about her.

I was scared of her at first because she was meeting me on official business as the sheriff, but I quickly realized she was going to be a great friend. She’s warm, funny, sensitive and a great mom to Noah.

You seem to worry about not belonging, yet Pastor Reynolds comes to you for advice. How did that make you feel?

Honored. He’s a respected man in the community and I don’t think what I did by moving to Speculator Falls was that inspirational. And given how Ben reminds me at every chance that I’m not from the area, I’m sure there were better people to talk to than me. But I’m happy he chose me.

Speaking of Ben Regan, tell me about him.

Well, the first meeting didn’t go well. Nor did the second or probably the third. But once I realized it wasn’t so much personal against me but protecting himself from further hurt, he was easier to take. And those muscles from stocking shelves, that’s a perk to visiting JB’s. Ben also has the richest brown eyes. Like chocolate.

What’s your favorite part of your job?

Interacting with the senior citizens. They are wonderful people and I’ve learned a lot from them. At my old job in Ohio I didn’t have a lot of direct and consistent contact with them. I’m building deep relationships with everyone at the senior center and I love it.

What do you love about Speculator Falls?

That it’s like family here. The smells. I can’t begin to describe how wonderful it smells outside. The pine and air is so pure and fresh. Sara Bivins took me to the hunting cabin and showed me the journal everyone signs when they visit. That’s a precious memory for me.

What’s your biggest challenge?

I have a few. The senior center needs updating and that costs money. Ben is on the council and he’s definitely not rooting for the center to make it. Quite the opposite, actually. Howard Wheaton is a senior who is a bit grumpy with me, but I think he’s a teddy bear. Kyle Swarthmore is a mogul from New Jersey who has a summer home in the area. He’s nice to me, but I think he has an agenda. I’m on a campaign to have the food service to realize that a dessert is not a fruit cup. It’s chocolate. And, I’m homesick. I miss my parents and sister.

Jenna, thanks for sharing today. I think readers got a great glimpse of you and Speculator Falls.

Great! I hope readers take a chance on us and purchase Entrusted today.

This interview first published at Inspy Romance.

Tags:  Adirondacks, character interview, Entrusted, Julie Arduini, Ohio, senior center, surrender, Upstate NY, Youngstown




Del.icio.us





Digg



StumbleUpon




Comments:  2 comments on this itemTake a look!  
 Book Review: Imperfect Wings by Elizabeth Noyes  COTT: Giveaway Tuesday!  Sabbath Sunday: The Chosen  Julie Arduini's Favorite Free-at-the-Time Kindle Reads for 2012  Book Review and Giveaway Opportunity: Joan Wolf's A Reluctant QueenCopyright © Julie Arduini [Entrusted: My Interview with Heroine Jenna Anderson], All Right Reserved. 2014.

The post Entrusted: My Interview with Heroine Jenna Anderson appeared first on Julie Arduini.

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:  Christmas, Jesus, Julie Arduini, Matthew 11:28, rest, Sabbath




Del.icio.us





Digg



StumbleUpon




Comments:  0 (Zero), Be the first to leave a reply!Take a look!  
 Saturday Confession: I'm Glad I Listened  Book Review: Hidden Falls Episode #1---Ordinary Secrets  Sabbath Sunday: Freedom  Saturday Confession: Like Black Oil Sunflower Seeds  Sabbath Sunday: Unexpected Snow in SpringCopyright © Julie Arduini [Sabbath Sunday: Christmas Season Rest], All Right Reserved. 2014.

The post Sabbath Sunday: Christmas Season Rest appeared first on Julie Arduini.

Book Review: Ending Sibling Rivalry by Sarah Hamaker

Book Description

“Is your day punctuated by tattling, tears, and testiness among your children? Does your home resemble a war zone, with fights breaking out constantly among combative siblings? Do you wonder why your kids can’t get along? You’re not alone. Sibling rivalry has become one of the most

frustrating problems facing today’s parents.

Yet sibling rivalry is not an inevitable outcome. It is possible to help your children move from enemies to friends. In Ending Sibling Rivalry, Sarah

Hamaker provides common sense and practical solutions to this familiar problem, guiding parents through the roots—and remedies—of sibling rivalry.

Ending Sibling Rivalry addresses the harmful impact of competition on the sibling relationship, how to avoid the trap of favoritism and comparison, and how to teach children conflict resolution. Whether your children are toddlers or teenagers, Ending Sibling Rivalry provides the blueprint for reducing sibling conflict and building a more loving relationship between or among your children.”

Sarah Hamaker delivers a comprehensive guide involving every possible topic I can think of regarding siblings and rivalry.

Whether it’s jealousy or favoritism, the author gives suggestions, resources and information from real families with experience. It covers all ages and gives the necessary tools to raise children who will not only be siblings, but even friends.

If you are or know a frustrated family full of sibling squabbles, this book is a must.

To purchase Ending Sibling Rivalry, click here.

I received a copy of Ending Sibling Rivalry from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Tags:  book review, Ending Sibling Rivalry, family, Julie Arduini, Sarah Hamaker, siblings




Del.icio.us





Digg



StumbleUpon




Comments:  0 (Zero), Be the first to leave a reply!Take a look!  
 COTT: Vote for Your Favorite Fall Read  COTT: Redneck Debutante Wins Latest Clash  Character Confession: Those Other Facebook Games  A2Z: My Yankee Confession  My 2012 Non Fiction Reviewed Book of the YearCopyright © Julie Arduini [Book Review: Ending Sibling Rivalry by Sarah Hamaker], All Right Reserved. 2014.

The post Book Review: Ending Sibling Rivalry by Sarah Hamaker appeared first on Julie Arduini.