Julie Arduini's Blog, page 14

That’s Not Quite My Name

I met my husband’s family before I met my husband. Their last name was a tongue twister for my mom. When we started dating and she knew it was serious, she admitted she was never going to get the name right.

And she never did.

When I’m online for a book event, I spell my name out so hopefully in the future there will be name recognition. It’s Are-due-we-knee. Is that how you thought Arduini was pronounced?

I have another name that isn’t quite the way it should be. When I started writing as a ministry, I knew I needed a brand. Someone suggested the Surrendered Scribe. My heart is about finding freedom in Christ through surrender. Great.

One problem.

Surrendered is past tense.

Surrendering Scribe doesn’t have the same ring to it, but it’s certainly more accurate. Whether it’s fiction, blogging, or posting on social media, I share my journey. Often I’m still going through it, and we’re learning and surrendering together.

But this I know, I haven’t mastered anything but mistakes.

If you are a new reader, I hope that encourages you. I changed my tag to “Together we’re surrendering the good, the bad, and—maybe one day—the chocolate.

That’s accurate.

We are in this together. Some of you might be letting go of bad habits or choices. Maybe God has asked you to surrender a home or familiar place that is good, but He has something better. My sense is many can relate to my struggle, chocolate. A little isn’t bad. Lately I’m off balance. But I’m having trouble letting go of that today.

There you have it. My name is not Julie Ard-weenie, and I’m not really the Surrendered Scribe.

I am Julie Arduini, and I’m a Kingdom minded wife, mom, grandma, author and mentor who is surrendering stuff right along with you.

—Julie Arduini

Thanks for taking the journey with me!

If you’d like to find me other places, the best thing to do is visit me on Link Tree.

Review: Life Counsel Bible + #giveaway

Whatever you’re facing, the Bible has something to say. The
NEW CSB Life Counsel Bible contains articles from leading biblical counselors that
will give YOU the tools you need to take action and FIND HOPE through all of life’s
storms.

Featuring over 150 articles on topics related to marriage, parenting, relationships,
mental health, and so many more- this Bible is like having a complete biblical counseling
toolkit in one resource! Check out www.lifecounselbible.com for a full list of
topics and order yours today.

The CSB Life Counsel Bible features the highly readable, highly reliable text of the
Christian Standard Bible. The CSB captures the Bible’s original meaning without sacrificing
clarity, making it easier to engage with Scripture’s life-transforming message
and to share it with others.

Have you ever felt stressed, or been anxious, or experienced grief? Have you ever
wanted to know how to help a loved one through addiction, or marital conflict, or
parenting challenges? I’m really excited to share with you an amazing new biblical
counseling resource created in partnership with Holman Bibles and New Growth
Press. The Life Counsel Bible provides practical wisdom for all, equipping readers
with biblical truth and counsel on a wide range of topics and tough life issues. With
over 150+ articles this Bible is full of useful tools and resources for life application
and discipleship. It’s great for couples, parents, ministry leaders, and anyone who
has ever struggled with tough life issues (yep, that’s all of us!). Check out lifecounselbible.
com today to see a full list of articles and order your copy today!

LIFE COUNSEL BIBLE HIGHLIGHTS

More than 150 full-length articles from respected Christian counselors and
scholars on topics like anxiety, depression, abuse, sexuality, marriage and divorce, parenting struggles, finances (full list available at lifecounselbible.com.).

Callout quotes placed near each article provide truth, hope, and encouragement
to apply to life.

Over 100-word studies focusing on key words applicable to personal healing,
growth, and counsel,

Book introductions including “Circumstances of Writing,” “Structure,” “Contribution
to the Bible,” and a special “Truth for Healing” section with an overview
of key truths related to healing from each book of the Bible.

Wide margins for journaling and note taking.

Robust page-end cross-reference system with over 25,000 cross-references
connecting Scripture from Genesis to Revelation.

Easy-to-read 9.5-point type size.

Presentation page for gift-giving (this makes a great wedding/parenting gift!

JULIE’S REVIEW

After the last three years, the world needs hope more than ever. I believe hope is found in Jesus and His Word. The CSB Life Counsel Bible is a great resource for anyone seeking to learn more about Christ and/or the problems in the world. I found the Scriptures accurate and the CSB version a good one for anyone wanting to read the Bible, no matter their experience with the Bible.

I was very impressed with the articles. One article addresses a topic that needs to be talked about in the Body of Christ, gender issues and the pride community. It talks about how important the topic is, especially to Gen Z, and discussion points to use with kids that include Scripture. The article was Biblically accurate and filled with grace. By no means did I see anything hateful suggested, nor did I see anything Biblical set aside to impress a movement.

I also liked learning the meaning behind words, something I’ve never seen highlighted in a Bible before.

My only question mark is the publisher notes the easy reading with a 9.5 font. Perhaps if you’re under 50, but I struggled to read it. That said, I have a high prescription, bad glasses, and I understand if the Bible was made to a size font pleasing to me, it would be impossible to carry. This Bible is perfect to take to church and/or study at home.

Overall, I’m highly pleased with the CSB Life Counsel Bible and I think you will be as well.

Order your copy today!

GIVEAWAY:

I’m able to give ONE US winner a $10 Amazon gift card. Leave a comment below on what topic you look forward to reading more about from the full list at lifecounselbible.com. I’ll choose from Wheel of Names.

Disclosure:
Many thanks to Lifeway Christian Resources for providing a sample of the product for
this review. Opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation.

Official Hashtags: #LifeCounselBibleMIN #lifecounselbible #christianstandardbible
@christianstandardbible @bhpub (please use for all posts!)

©

Review: God, Family, Football + #giveaway

God. Family. Football is a coming-of-age docuseries following former pro football player, legendary high school football coach, and pastor Denny Duron, as he comes out of a 30-year retirement from head coaching to lead the football program he founded at Evangel Christian Academy back to national prominence.

Love football?

Love rooting for underdogs?

Love strong characters with backstories?

Love having a Mama/Daddy heart for teens?

Love watching content where God is glorified and not cursed?

Amazon Freevee has exactly what you’re looking for in the new docuseries streaming for free starting today, God, Family, Football.

Whether you love the sport or not, I believe you’ll be invested as you watch Pastor Denny Duron, former NFL player and a retired Evangel coach return to the game,

The Evangel Eagles from Louisiana were known nationally as an amazing Christian team with 14 state championships in the last 20 years. However, in 2020 Coach Denny returns looking for redemption. They have lost nearly 70 players in recent years to graduation and the young players are coming off their worst season in school history.

The series, executive produced by NFL quarterback Russell Wilson, shows Coach Duron’s Christian leadership that extends beyond the new turf. Most players don’t have fathers participating in their lives, so Coach Denny mentors these teens on how to be Godly, family-oriented, and then focus on football. He’s the real deal and a pleasure to watch. Not cheesy, real. How refreshing to see on television.

The boys had my heart in the first episode. My son teaches at a Christian school with a football team that reminds me a lot of Evangel. The impact a strong male can have on them is eternal. Boys like Toad, and the twins with a NFL dad coming around are impossible to dismiss. They share their backgrounds, their respect for their moms, their hopes to join the NFL, and the frustrations they face on the field and off.

Coach also has adults who support him that are interesting to watch. There are the single moms, Coach Denny’s wife, Coach “Fabulous”, and Josh Booty, alumni, former NFL player, and dad to Peyton and Parker.

I follow football enough to have a conversation (Go Bills!) but this series is so much more than football. It’s way past time to bring God back to TV. This show features real people, fun experiences, and true emotions.

I loved God, Family, and Football. It has heart, a sense of family, integrity, and of course, football. I can see many ages of men and women enjoying this. Head to Amazon Freevee and start streaming. This show is a touchdown.

That’s not all! There is a $10 Amazon gift card giveaway to ONE US winner. What do you need to do? Share a comment below on what aspect of God, Family, and Football has you most interested to watch? I’ll use Wheel of Names to choose a winner. If you have won with this particular promotion somewhere else, thank you for letting someone else have an opportunity.

Start streaming on Amazon Freevee now! Click HERE.

Many thanks to Amazon Freevee for providing a sample of the product for this review.
Opinions are 100% my own.

Menopause-Induced Hulk

Raising kids, overall yelling wasn’t really an issue I had. Although the youngest challenged me in her pre-k nonverbal to very verbal years, I didn’t have a lot of repenting to do about yelling.

Enter menopause.

My fuse is short. That’s pretty new. Here’s a snapshot of my anger last week:

Panera associated shorted me $4 with wrong order with the justification, “Let’s just call it even.” I called corporate.

Lady decided at McDonald’s to skirt the drive thru line by cutting ahead from a different entry point. I beeped and when she looked, I made a circle motion to let her know her entitlement was noted and not appreciated. She called me a bad word so I rolled my window down to be sure everyone heard me. Did I swear back? No. But I YELLED, “have a blessed day!”

Our senior dog had surgery and his anxiety wearing the cone was at a 15. This of course ramped up my anxiety. They made it pretty clear what would happen if the stitches came out, and when he used me as his battering ram to break the cone, I told my husband that I think every dog in the cul-de-sac sat down because I screamed so loud.

What has happened to me?

I was talking with a dear friend with the sweetest disposition and although I’ve yet to see it, she admitted menopause has brought on an edge she’s never had before. That struggle is real!

I hate how agitated I get these days, and how fast. The dogs misbehaving. Technology not working. My schedule changing. A grocery item not available. It takes so little to set me off. I don’t scream blessings to the public that often, but my poor family has heard my dramatic sigh with an increase. The worst is when I start to cry. I rarely cry out of sadness. It’s usually anger I can’t communicate in words, so I cry.

It’s hard.

Summer amplified this. For me, humidity is my kryptonite. It’s been a pretty humid summer. When I perform one task and my hormones decide a line of sweat should be constantly running down my face, that triggers me. Add my glasses aren’t right, they get fogged up, then blotchy with my sweat, and I see less than normal. Those aren’t odds anyone wants until my new glasses arrive. I get so angry.

I’m writing this because I promised I’d blog more, and I have a feeling there is someone reading this thinking, “Oh my. I’m not alone. Thank God.” Because honestly, feeling this way is a lonely feeling. The Avengers didn’t run to the Hulk to be their BFF because he was so pleasant. No, they needed Bruce Banner’s wisdom. Big difference. Who wants to be around a raging hormonal lady? I don’t.

Julie Arduini

What am I doing during this season? For one, I refuse to make this my lifestyle. Even if the hormones stay out of whack (my labs always come back great,) I don’t want my anger to be who I am.

I’m breathing. Thanks to Alisa Keeton’s Body Revelation, I’m taking those deep breaths. It’s a recalibration. Do I remember every time? No, the lady at McDonald’s who cut ahead of me knows. I’m trying, though.

I’m listening. I listen to my words and how I say them. If they need adjustment, I try. If I feel unable/overwhelmed, I retreat. It might be crating the dogs for ten minutes. Crating myself, LOL, in my room. I listen to Psalms for Sleep playlist at night. I listen to the “move” portion of Body Revelation when I walk the Beagle. It’s full of principles from the chapter plus encouragement and Scripture. I’ve tried to stay mad when I’m listening to this and I just can’t.

I confess. I’ve been going to God a lot. Asking for His help. Confessing what I did. Said. Thought. I go to my family and get specific on what I’m feeling and how they can help. Or just to let them know. I confess to friends. They pray. I know, because they either stop right there, or they tell me. And I’m feeling those prayers.

Menopause isn’t a death sentence but I struggled HARD in the reproductive years. I had menopause start at 39 when I had surgery. I didn’t know the hormonal storm would hit in my 50’s, probably my body saying this is when you would have gone through this, don’t miss out! Whatever the reason, I wish I got a pass on it all. But when I struggle, I really believe I’ll get to the other side. When I do, I believe my broken places can help someone else.

So if you’re ready to blow, I’ve got you.

And you will be okay.

Promise!

Body Revelation by Alisa Keeton

Body Revelation by Alisa Keeton

Book Review by Julie Arduini

First appeared August 4, 2023 at Christians Read.

Do you sometimes feel as though your body is a problem to solve? Discover how to make it part of the solution instead. It’s now known that the emotional and relational pain we’ve lived through has a profound negative physical effect on our bodies. Alisa Keeton, popular fitness professional, proposes that the reverse is also true: What we do with our bodies can have a dramatic positive effect on our emotions, relationships, and our connection with God. In The Body Revelation, she shows us how to use our bodies as a means of healing past pain and promoting physical, emotional, and spiritual health.

Too often, people of faith are taught to ignore, avoid, or forget our bodies, but Alisa reminds us that God calls our bodies good and cares about our pain. Offering a variety of physical and spiritual practices as well as stories from her own journey, Alisa walks us through six steps for metabolizing personal pain; shows us how understanding the mind/body/soul connection can help us make healthier choices; teaches us how to achieve well-being and live for more than a number on a scale, and more!

Other features of this book include:

adverse childhood experiences questionnaire for helping you process past painmovement calendarfood journal template

You can enrich your life, celebrate your body, and find holistic wellness. Journey alongside Alisa, and discover scientifically based, biblically-sound mind-body tools to forever change how you process pain so that you can experience emotional freedom, physical renewal, and spiritual transformation.

Julie’s Review:

I rarely sign on to do book reviews because I don’t have the time. It’s very rare when I post a review from my own reading time because I’m behind on reading. Writing a review before I finish a book? Unheard of.

I felt compelled to share my thoughts on Alisa Keeton’s The Body Revelation because I receive enough feedback when I share a post here to know we live in a broken world and there are readers right now who are hurting.

I raise my hand with you.

Two years past my mom’s death, God continues to peel the onion layers of my life back, and I’m discovering things now that I believe He kept from me until I was ready to process and heal.

-I became so natural at stuffing my feelings I literally held my breath sometimes

-Anxiety has been part of my life forever, yet I never realized how much so until recently

-Stomach issues recently diagnosed I believe are in part because of stress I never dealt with

At the same time, I deal with hormonal imbalance and heavier menopause symptoms than most. My weight isn’t where I’d like it to be, but I’ve reached a place where I know it’s not time for another weight loss adventure or pyramid scheme. I want healing. If that leads to a change in my pant size, hallelujah..

Enter The Body Revelation. I read the above before the actual book release and I was intrigued. Now that I’m 2/3 done reading it, I’m transforming. My pant size? I don’t think so, and that’s okay. I’m discovering and expressing feelings. I’m asking God for help. And I’m moving more. These are all changes since I’ve started reading.

What makes this book extra special is it is more than a read. Alisa includes links with each chapter for movement. While I walk my dog, I listen to the latest chapter. She has workout music that isn’t cheesy as she leads you through the chapter. It isn’t instead of reading, but in addition to reading. She also has a meditate type link, and I listen to that before bed. The information is getting to me because I’m not just reading it. I’m hearing it, and applying it.

She also has sections to metabolize and pray, and I believe they are key.

Not only that, but her podcast has a season where it aligns with the book. I am listening to that, too.

The book contains her own story, as well as stories from people you can relate to. She includes Biblical information that backs up the principles, but isn’t preachy. She also has scientific evidence that is easy to understand but doesn’t contradict Scripture.

She says in the book that the Bible states we will have trouble. Swap out trouble for trauma. Some of our trauma is a T, and some of it is a t. All of it is painful and must be dealt with.

The Body Revelation is transforming my life and I’m only 2/3 done. Are my pants smaller? I don’t think so, not yet. However, I’m recognizing things, past and present. I’m looking at the Trauma and traumas of my life and expressing feelings, asking God for help. I’m breathing more and moving. These are all since reading. I still reach for chocolate when overwhelmed, but I’m seeing that as a choice I’m making, not blindly eating. That’s a victory. With His help, I will choose Him first.

If you’re tired of living like I was, or being in pain, I HIGHLY recommend The Body Revelation. Your body will thank you.

That Black Moment

As I wrote in my last post, I still write. Barely. I don’t understand my lack of motivation because I LOVE my Surrendering Hearts series. I am so proud of the first book, ANCHORED HEARTS. I am OVER THE MOON for Book 2, REPAIRING HEARTS.

But I have wasted a lot of time not writing.

Last night I reached the place that I’ve had in mind the entire time I’ve been writing Repairing Hearts. The black moment. It’s where everything comes to a head and all hope is lost.

It’s crushing. Hard. Sad. And I love writing those things.

Confession? I love the black moment more than writing the romance!

Why is that?

Without giving too much away, Ryan Hart is a loner among the sextuplets. When his siblings went to college, he joined the Navy. While most still live at or near home, Ryan bought a place forty minutes away. He always did his own thing.

Turns out, that house purchase wasn’t a great transaction. The house is a pit and Ryan doesn’t have the funds to renovate. Sextuplet #3, Evan, concocts a plan to help Ryan and help celebrate their twenty-fifth birthday with the public.

A reality show.

Repairing Ryan’s Heart is supposed to be a quest for Ryan to find a project manager for those renovations. Once that person is hired, a second show moves to a sister network where the siblings work with the project manager and crews to make Ryan’s house a home.

What happens isn’t quite the same. The project manager angle isn’t as important as pairing Ryan off. All the contestants are female and have varying home renovation experience. The goal is to capture Ryan’s heart.

It’s been fun to write this because reality shows are a bit dramatic so the contestants are enthusiastic. At least, most of them are. BJ Wallace is experienced in home repair and construction, but she wants no part of the show or Ryan.

And that’s why the black moment has been so enjoyable to write. Ryan is aloof and BJ has secrets. One is full of faith, the other hasn’t stepped inside a church since their mother’s funeral. Ah, conflict!

I thought maybe conflict was why I love writing the black moment. It’s the opposite.

I love a bottom-of-the0pit experience because that’s where hope is found.

—Julie Arduini

Jesus extends a hand and lifts us up. He helps. Heals. Strengthens. Loves.

My characters are fictional, but they are flawed. Jordyn has control problems. Ryan is proud. My prayer is readers relate to them and surrender their lives and issues to the Lord, because that is where freedom is found.

That’s why I do what I do.

That’s why I love the black moment.

If you’d like to stay in the loop concerning this series, the best way is to follow me across social media and book sites, as well as subscribe to my newsletter. You can do all that through Link Tree.

Strategic Shifting

Well, hello! It’s been a minute.

I remember when this blog was the first place I headed to. The posts were numerous. Fast forward and social media is where everyone shares their “stuff”. Blogging is the forgotten child in preference of podcasting. And I am trying to prayerfully figure out my place in it all.

I’m one of those people who pray each year for a word for the year. This year it is shift. I am seeing it come to pass everywhere. Globally. Politically. In the Church. My church. My life.

This is the first time I have a word for the month.

Strategic.

I love to laugh and be juvenile at times, but when I pray, it’s serious business. I believe as I have prayed that this month we are to be strategic. Be very aware of the choices you make, and don’t.

-If you don’t have a personal faith that is rooted in Christ, take time to re-consider. Need a starting point? Find a Bible, New International Version might be a good one for you, and take a chapter each day to read from the Book of John in the New Testament. As you do, ask the Holy Spirit to reveal Jesus to you. And watch out. If you have questions, please ask! If I don’t know, I’ll find out. juliearduini@juliearduini.com.

I write that because I believe in the coming months, and I have read it from other praying people across the world, that a shaking is coming. It will be rough. Maybe devastating. The purpose isn’t to punish but wake us up. To know Christ. And honestly, to stop mocking Him and treating Him as an idiot. We’ve globally done this to the point that Jesus needs to flip some tables and set us straight.

If you do know Christ in a personal way, take stock with Him. Is there a shift He wants you to take? Surrender something? Confess? Repent? We all could use improvement and in order to advance, we can’t work in the ways we used even months ago.

Do I have all the details? I do not. I wish I did, but if I did, no one, most of all me, would need to seek God. He has the answers and direction and longs to show us. Remember, it’s always in His way and time.

That’s where a lot of my time goes. Praying these things out. Reading. Meeting with others.

I feel a shift in writing. I have a series I’m super excited about. Yet, I no longer refer to it as my small business or even ministry. The business side has been so abysmal it qualifies as a hobby. And that feels right. My ego can handle it. When people ask what I do, I changed it up. Instead of saying I’m an author, I say I’m a homemaker and an author. My bio states I’m about advancing the kingdom. That I accomplish through ministry work and writing.

I’m more strategic about my reading. This summer I have focused on Alisa Keeton’s The Body Revelation. I knew it was time to work on some healing from the past and how to move going forward. I can’t say enough about this book. To learn more, read my review HERE.

In other news, I was strategic about my hair. I let it grow, which didn’t take long thanks to my thick locks and collagen, and enjoyed wearing it up for the first time in years. My goal was to make it to the end of the month where I felt a chop was in order. I believe I need a more mature look as I sense I will be out and about more, and should look more professional than I have. Thanks to the humidity I went for the cut earlier in the month, and I love it.

This site was down for nearly a week and not having access to it gave me time to think. Most posts here are by guest bloggers sharing their latest fiction release. I love that. But my heart is to encourage and talk about surrender issues and chocolate. I’ve gotten away from that. I hope to improve.

If you are receiving this by email, I hope you come by the site and check it out.

Oh, and while you’re here, I have an invitation. I’ll be hosting game night on my Author Page. It’s a fun way to meet and engage with authors. Each author shares a few posts about themselves, and then a game we can play. I’ve never hosted before, and this is a back-to-school edition. Many posts will be sharing that theme.

I’m so glad we connected today. I promise I won’t be a stranger. I hope you won’t be , either.

If you’re looking for an easy way to stay in touch, Link Tree has follow options/subscribe/social media/book sites. Find it all and follow HERE.

Fiction Finder August 2023 New Releases

August 2023 New Releases
More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website

Amish Romance:

The Heart’s Bidding by Kelly S. Irvin — Together, schoolteacher Rachelle Lapp and auctioneer Toby Miller must face their hardest battle yet: trusting God’s plan for their uncertain future. As their families matchmake, Toby and Rachelle realize their jobs may not be all that’s holding them back from a future together. They both must learn not only to trust each other, but also trust God’s plans for them. But do those plans involve a lifetime together or them going their separate ways? (Amish Romance from HarperCollins Christian Publishing)

Children’s:

Bold and Brave by K.A. Cummins — Sometimes courage is loud like an elephant, and sometimes it’s quiet like a llama. Lily, a young autistic girl with a vivid imagination, wants to sing the solo in the school’s choir show, but the thought of standing at center stage turns her heart a gloomy grey. School is overwhelming enough. Now all eyes will be on her, and she can’t wear the red polka dots she needs to be bold and brave. (Children’s/Picture Book from Eleonora Press)

Contemporary Romance:

Window of the Heart by Amy R. Anguish — Lennox Malone may not believe in love, but she’s determined to do the best job she can as her friend Sara Beth’s maid of honor. Problem is, the man in charge of fixing up the chapel doesn’t match her determination. Fighting against preconceived notions, a past that catches up to her, and an attraction she wants nothing to do with, this wedding is turning into more than she can handle. Ty Dunne might be laid back and easy-going, but he’s determined to make sure the chapel is ready for his cousin’s wedding. Not only is it his duty as best man, but he wants to preserve the family’s history in the building. If only he could live up to his family’s other expectations—or those of Lennox Malone, the fiery redhead he can’t stop thinking about. Before he can go any further with her, though, he has to convince her that love is real and worth the risk. Lennox has built her walls high and sturdy, but Ty is determined to find a way in—even if it’s a window. (Contemporary Romance from Scrivening’s Press)

Her Cowboy Blind Date by Narelle Atkins — He’s a small-town guy, a cowboy at heart. She’s a city girl from the other side of the world. Will a blind date lead to a love that lasts a lifetime? Since Becky is only in Gilead until June, a blind date with a suitable plus-one before the wedding seems like the perfect solution for Sam. No strings and no commitment. But the blind date turns into a not-so-fake relationship when Sam and Becky must work together on the passion play. Can they overcome past emotional wounds and geographical distance to create a future together? (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published)

A Surprise Wedding for the Cowboy by Valerie Comer — Everything hit all at once. Tate Sullivan became the guardian of his young nephew after his brother’s death, and now Grandfather has bought a failing guest ranch in Montana. Tate’s used to handling Fortune 1000 companies, but moving halfway across the country and learning an entirely new, rural business is a challenge, especially with a toddler in tow. Nice girls finish last… or that’s what it seems like to Stephanie Simpson when her ex-boyfriend, a pastor, proposes to a former bad girl. It’s not that Stephanie wants her ex to rethink his life choices, but would it be so wrong to move on as quickly as he has? A quick wedding to that cute but faltering cowboy with the adorable toddler might get her what she wants. After all, it’s clear Tate needs a helping hand. He’s a Christian, just like she is. What could possibly go wrong? (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published)

To Protect His Brother’s Baby by Linda Goodnight A stranger in his house…Could be the family he never knew he needed? After he spent six months on the road, the last thing cowboy Wilder Littlefield expects to come home to is a pregnant woman living on his ranch. Taylor Matheson not only believes the house is hers, but she’s carrying his estranged late brother’s child. Tied together by blood, Wilder lets Taylor stay as his housekeeper. But as they learn how to be a family, could obligation turn to love? (Contemporary Romance from Love Inspired/Harlequin)

His Heart Renewed by Cynthia Herron — Three choices. Two dreams. One path. A girl from his past. The woman who holds his future. Will a wrong detour lead to the right destination? As the couple navigates blunders and heartaches, a new season emerges—one that taps into Erin’s and Mike’s deepest longings and desires—the spring that holds their future. At last, it seems their happily-ever-after is within reach…
But in the bat of an eyelash, a memory from Mike’s past emerges in an unexpected way. Will this change in circumstance hinder what he has with Erin or will truth prevail by way of a divine appointment? (Contemporary Romance from Mountain Brook Ink)

Muskoka Spotlight by Carolyn Miller — Jackie O’Halloran never expected her actions at a friend’s wedding in Muskoka to go viral. Even less did she expect to gain the notice of a famous actor, Lincoln Cash, and all the temptation his handsome presence provides. But she’s a good Christian girl, so a man like him has to be out of the picture. Or so she thinks. Linc’s visit to see his ailing grandfather was supposed to be a quick visit to Muskoka. He hadn’t counted on meeting a forthright young lady whose courage made headlines around the world. But as he gets to know her he’s tempted to stay, which just might prove dangerous for his agent’s peace of mind, and for Linc’s own heart. Can these two opposites push past mere attraction to find real love? And what does faith have to do with it at all? (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published)

The Friendly Disaster by Dineen Miller — He waited too long to admit how he feels and now she’s found a perfect match. Will this triangle of passion end in calamity or kisses? As Calen’s plan to attract visitors to Emma’s show pales in comparison to her new boyfriend’s connections, the besotted man fears he’ll never be enough. But when Emma’s eyes are opened to her platonic pal’s extreme efforts, she wonders if it’s wrong to keep him in the friend zone. Can a bashful barista prove to a struggling artist that he’s soulmate material? (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published)

The Cowboy Bargain by Tina Radcliffe — A little competition…Brings a change of heart. Sam Morgan never thought he’d see his ex-fiancée again after she skipped town days before their wedding. He certainly didn’t expect to find her opening a restaurant on his property—in the building he’d intended to sell his crafts from. This time Olivia’s sticking around, forcing Sam to strike a deal: work together and see whose products sell best. Could their business venture lead to a surprising reunion? (Contemporary Romance from Love Inspired/Harlequin)

The Love Script by Toni Shiloh — Hollywood hair stylist Nevaeh Richards loves making those in the spotlight shine but prefers the anonymity of staying behind her stylist chair, where no one notices her. But when a photo of Nevaeh and Hollywood heartthrob Lamont Booker goes viral for all the wrong reasons, her quiet life becomes the number-one trending topic. Lamont Booker’s bold faith has gained him a platform, and the authenticity of his faith is well known . . . until the tabloids cause the world to question everything he claims to be. With his reputation on the line, he finds himself hearing out his agent’s push for a fake relationship–something he never thought he’d consider in a million years. With their careers at risk, Nevaeh and Lamont have to convince the world that their scripted romance is more than just an act. But when fake seems to turn into something real, can Nevaeh trust her heart in a world where nothing is ever as it seems? (Contemporary Romance from Bethany House)

An Unexpected Gift by Melissa Wardwell — Cruising around the island on a Moped in a business suit may seem incongruous, but wedding planner Kiana knows how to blend practicality and professionalism, a strong work ethic and relaxation. With no time for mistakes or changes in plans, she’s also decided to forgo romance (for herself). There just isn’t enough time in the day. That is until the early arrival of one of the groomsmen of Something Suamalie’s first booking throws everything off balance, including her thoughts on long distance dating.
Beau was perfectly content with his job and the growing attraction to a girl back home; however, he hadn’t figured in the sassy and sometimes unprofessional wedding planner. Seeing her world begin to unravel while she and her partners fumble with their first weddings tugs at his heart strings and leaves him second guessing his choices in the romance department. (Contemporary Romance from Celebrate Lit Publishing)

General Contemporary:

Where the Wings Rise by Ashlyn McKayla Ohm — After years of disastrous choices, Addisyn Miles has a second chance with the person she once betrayed—her older sister, Avery. Moving from Whistler, Canada, to Avery’s home in the Colorado Rockies seems like the perfect opportunity to not only rebuild her fragile relationship with her sister but also distance herself from the past she can’t forget. But adjusting to Avery’s life is harder than she expected, especially with her heart drawing her back to the chance at love that she left behind in Canada. When she begins helping her sister care for an injured hawk, Addisyn is forced to confront the fears that have left her just as wounded—or to allow her darkest enemy to sabotage her future. The second book in the Climbing Higher series, Where the Wings Rise is a story of the scars that keep us earthbound, the choices that lead to healing, and most importantly, the faith that allows us to always fly free. (General Contemporary, Independently Published)

General Historical:

The Girl From the Papers by Jennifer L. Wright — Beatrice Carraway has dreams. Although she’s aged out of the childhood pageant circuit, she’s intent on carrying her talents all the way to the big screen―if only she can escape the poverty of West Dallas first. But as the Great Depression drags the working class further and further under, Beatrice struggles just to keep herself, her mother, and her younger sister afloat. And then in walks Jack Turner. Though Beatrice is determined to pull herself up by her bootstraps, Jack has decided on a different path out of the gutters. It isn’t long before Beatrice is swept into an exciting and glamorous life of crime beside the man she loves. Keeping one step ahead of the law, she sees her dreams of fame come true when her name and picture are plastered in newspapers across the country. Yet as their infamy grows, the distance between them widens. While Jack begins seeking bigger payouts and publicity, Beatrice starts to long for a safe, quiet life and something deeper to fill the emptiness in her soul. But when the danger of Jack’s schemes ratchets up, Beatrice fears her dreams―and her future―will end up going down in a hail of bullets (General Historical from Tyndale House)

Historical Romance:

Beryl’s Bounty Hunter by Linda Shenton Matchett — Orphaned as a child, Beryl Atherton has lived on the streets of London for as long as she can remember. Reduced to stealing for survival, she is arrested. During her incarceration, one of her cellmates shows her a newspaper ad for an American mail-order bride agency. But all is not as it seems, and moments after landing in Boston, she must run for her life. Will things be no different for her in the New World? Working as a bounty hunter since The War Between the States, Lucas Wolf just needs a few more cases before he can hang up his gun, purchase a ranch out West, and apply for a mail-order bride from the Westward Home & Hearts Mail-Order Bride Agency. While staking out the docks in Boston, he sees a woman fleeing from the man he’s been tailing. Saving her risks his job. Not saving her risks his heart. (Historical Romance from Shortwave Press)

Romantic Suspense:

Hunting the Witness by Kate Angelo — Attacked in the mountains with no memory of why…She’s the only witness to see the face of a killer, but a deadly attack leaves Belinda Lewis unable to remember even her own name. She’ll have to rely on her rescuer, FBI special agent Jonah Phillips, to survive repeated attempts on her life—but she doesn’t know he’s in hiding because his description matches the killer’s. Can they unmask the true criminal to clear Jonah’s name and save both of their lives? (Romantic Suspense from Love Inspired/Harlequin)

Mountain Abduction Rescue by Darlene L. Turner —

A wildfire threat…
becomes a missing person search.

A serial arsonist is out for revenge in the Canadian Rocky Mountains—and kidnaps park warden Hazel Hoyt’s son and his camping troop. Now Hazel must team up with the man who broke her heart, firefighter Mitchell Booth, to find the missing boys as wildfires blaze around them. But someone has no intention of letting the pair get off the mountain alive…

(Romantic Suspense from Love Inspired/Harlequin)

Plus check out these recent additions to Fiction Finder published within the past month:
The Gunslinger Next Door by Susan Page Davis, Is he really just a harmless old fellow? (Romance/Mystery)
The Mailboat by Susan Page Davis, When Robyn and Mike meet again, things begin to happen. (Contemporary Romance)

The Spinsters Next Door by Susan Page Davis, Can the schoolmaster persuade Rachel to defy her aunts and open a locked box–or will she remain alone with a tangle of unanswered questions? (Historical Mystery)
The Yuletide Angel by Sandra Ardoin , Who is the mysterious Yuletide Angel? (Historical Romance)

Tangled Lives by Carol McClain

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Where do you get your ideas for your books?

The ideas come from different areas. In two I wrote, setting played a heavy role. However, in the Treasured Lives series, the concept came from people I loved and the hard times they lived through.

Tangled Lives concludes the Treasured Lives series and was the most difficult book I ever wrote. My mind decided I’d follow my main character Roxie through her graduate studies into the wilds of the Adirondacks. Her sister Crystal stayed home as a schoolteacher and had married Jesse, Roxie’s longest-lasting love.

I wrote the original version for three months, and every episode I sent to my critique partners irritated and bored them.

Finally, I contacted my publisher and told her the story wasn’t working. Did I have a deadline? If so, could my due date be extended? Deb Haggerty is a gracious woman. She told me quality mattered more than time.

I scrapped my thirty thousand words and started a brand-new story which Deb said was one of my best.

I agree with her. My two protagonists are my most complex—loveable and troubled, competitors with each other and best friends. They’re human and show the power of God to heal and restore.

That said, where do your ideas for your characters come from?

I tell all my friends to watch out, if their lives and actions intrigue me, they’ll be in my book. In this case, Crystal is like my youngest granddaughter, especially earlier in the series. She’s never met a person who isn’t her friend. She’s funny and carefree. She loves with abandon—although Luciana doesn’t have Crystal’s mobility issues (she climbed stairs at seven months old!), she has her joie de vivre.

I’m embarrassed to say—I’m Roxie. Read the book. Her foibles are mine (sadly, I don’t have her talent).

What lesson has the Lord taught you recently?

Don’t be afraid to fail. Don’t quit. Failure can change the course of your life. Quitting locks you in the old routine which gives no new surprise—and that gets boring.

I mentioned that I scrapped over thirty-thousand words in Tangled Lives and started my story over. Because I did, I turned out a book loved by my publisher and my critique partners. (It’s good not to irritate those people whose job is to tear apart your book!)

I’ve “quit” writing after almost every book I’ve written, but instead of eating potato chips watching reruns of Bones (I don’t advise eating while watching that show), I’ve rallied myself, learned from what I’ve succeeded at and failed with, and have always written a book that was better than the last one published.

My characters failed—at least in their own lives. (You’ll have to read the book to find out what they did with failure.)

What is your writing strength?

I’m gifted with humor. This book doesn’t display humor as much as Book 1 in the series, but it exists.

The purpose of my next book, due out next year, is to make you laugh. Those critique partners I told you about? They laugh and giggle and send me smiling face emojis with each submission I send them.

Tell us about the featured book?

Tangled Lives is a contemporary novel. Two sisters love the same man. They share a past one can’t remember and the other can’t forget.

Tangled Lives is the third, and final installment, of the Treasure Lives series. The story follows the life of Roxie and Crystal Snow, two of the sisters found by Meredith Jaynes in Book 1, Borrowed Lives. The past tangles their future as they learn forgiveness and decide to follow their dreams rather than their prescribed lives.

Please give us the first page of the book.

Prologue

Childhood behaves like the morning mist. Children dance and delight, then grow and vanish into the light of their days. So many nights, I wished my girls would mature, would give me grandchildren, would give me a moment to myself. First, of course, go to college.

When the time arrived, and they left me, they took their magic. Without magic, the scent of childhood wafted away in the morning fog. How could I have understood, all those years ago, the bedraggled waifs I fostered would steal my heart? In my reluctance to mother the abandoned children, I never fathomed the temporary fostering would turn into everlasting love when I adopted them.

Once more, I bit back tears as Crystal Joy, my youngest girl, climbed into her car. Last week, we outfitted the Honda with hand controls, so she could drive despite her spina bifida. Parker and I watched as she drove away to the University of Tennessee to join her sister.

I imagined I heard her singing. Never was Crystal without a song even as a child. Back then she hammered on pots and Tupperware to make music. Her alto, always on pitch. Her fingers twitched on guitar strings or dulcimers. In the end, my youngest daughter settled on the violin. Never did the spina bifida slow Crystal down or make her feel inferior. Could a mother call one child perfect?

The dust from the road settled, and I stood next to Parker like the day Lisa Simpson tried to adopt Crystal’s sister.

Roxie.

Always the most sensitive. Perhaps the proverbial middle child. Sweet, insecure Roxie. Too independent and too needy. Her biological parents died of drug overdoses. Roxie had been old enough to understand abandonment, too young to realize her parents’ issues had nothing to do with her worth. Her oldest sister’s grandfather adopted her when she was eight. The hole bored through my heart. It compounded sweet Roxie’s belief in her lack of worth. Roxie believed I loved everyone more than her.

Parker looped his arm around me.

His closeness soothed. Always.

“Meredith, the girls will be home before you realize they moved out. Now’s the time for them to heal, live their passions, and find themselves.” He kissed the top of my head. “They’ll be okay.”

In Parker’s eyes, I hoped to see the truth of his words. This time, I didn’t run away and hide. I let God take my fears and prayed the sins of my daughters’ parents would no longer descend on their innocent offspring. I prayed the love of adoptive parents and a heavenly Father would redeem.

How can readers find you on the Internet?

You can find my latest book on Amazon at:

Tangled Lives book: https://www.amazon.com/Tangled-Lives-Carol-McClain/dp/1649499671/ref

My website lists my appearances, my releases with buy links, and my blog. You can find me at:

carolmcclain.com

Don’t forget to sign up for my newsletter.

I’m on Facebook as Author Carol McClain

Carol McClain is the award-winning author of four novels dealing with real people facing real problems. She is a consummate encourager, and no matter what your faith might look like, you will find compassion, humor and wisdom in her complexly layered, but ultimately readable work.

Aside from writing, she’s a skilled stained-glass artist, a budding glass fuser. She lives in East Tennessee with her husband who finally gave into her dreams. They own five goats—three of them does who she milks from which she makes yogurt and cheese and butter. She’s raising bunches of chickens.

You can connect with her at carolmcclain.com.

She also can be found on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/author.Carol.McClain

On twitter and Instagram: @carol_mcclain

Dial S for Second Chances by Linda Shenton Matchett

Dial S for Second Chances: The Story Behind the Story

By Linda Shenton Matchett

I was honored to be invited to contribute two stories to the You Are On the Air series, but after accepting, I began to have second thoughts. I primarily write historical romance and wasn’t convinced I could successfully pen a contemporary “rom-com.” When I talked to the series coordinator, she suggested I tie historical “roots” into the stories. That I could do!

Second-chance stories are among my favorite type to read and write, so I snapped up the letter S. (The series will be twenty-six books, one for each letter of the alphabet). Now, to come up with my plot. I started noodling through scenarios between couples that could involve reconnecting after some period of years. My eye caught sight of the tiny photo album that contains pictures from my wedding. I was reminded that my husband and I were high school sweethearts. High school sweethearts that broke up several times.

The kernel of an idea but where to have my characters reconnect? I started doing math to decide when the couple graduated from high school. I started with my own 1979 graduation and came up with 44 years. (Don’t get me started on how hard to believe that is!) I realized if I rounded up a year, I could have them attend their 45th reunion. Perfect!

I’ve only attended one reunion – my ten-year college event – and it was awful (and in the 90s). Let the research commence! I found quite a bit about reunions…how to plan, what to bring, what not to do, as well as personal remembrances – those were interesting! Then I dug into the years 1973 through 1978 and was surprised at how much I remembered, and alternatively, how much I had forgotten. Especially poignant was the music. Every song seemed to dredge up a memory and strong feelings. (I’ve since discovered that many studies have shown music’s ability (more so than any other sense) to conjure up vivid memories and trigger intense emotions.

I wanted to use “our song,” the one that belongs to my husband and me, but it didn’t release until 1979. Instead, I spent an emotional session listening to love songs from 1978 before I settled on I Feel Like Dreamin’ by Kenny Nolan. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SCl9fCq23dg). The rest of the research about movies and events was used to “inform” the story. An interesting walk down Memory Lane.

Have you attended a high school or college reunion?

Dial S for Second Chances:

Can years of hurt and misunderstanding be transformed into a second chance at love?

Jade Williams agrees to be on the high school reunion committee because the-one-that-got-away is out of the country and won’t be home in time to attend the festivities. Now, he’s not only home, but joined the committee. Is it too late to back out or can she set aside forty-five years of regret and pretend she isn’t to blame for her broken heart?

One of the downsides of being rich means fielding requests for money and favors. But when an old high school buddy contacts Derek Milligan to be on the reunion committee as just one of the gang, no strings attached, he can’t resist. At the first meeting, he’s dismayed to find himself sitting next to his former high school sweetheart. He should be angry. Instead, he’s attracted. Can he risk his heart a second time?

Reunion festivities include calling into to WDES’s program No Errin’ for Love with fake relationship problems. When both use their real situation, the stakes are raised higher than either imagined.

Purchase Link: https://amzn.to/3rh2ZdB

Bio:

Linda Shenton Matchett writes about ordinary people who did extraordinary things in days gone by. A native of Baltimore, Maryland, she was born a stone’s throw from Fort McHenry (of Star-Spangled Banner fame) and has lived in historical places all her life. She is a volunteer docent and archivist at the Wright Museum of WWII and a former trustee for her local public library. She now lives in central New Hampshire where she explores the history of this great state and immerses herself in the imaginary worlds created by other authors.