Julie Arduini's Blog, page 22

Anchored Hearts Reviews are In!

In the last month I’ve released Anchored Hearts and we’ve celebrated a high school graduation. A wedding is around the corner.

I want to look back at Anchored Hearts. It’s been a month since the release and I remain so proud of this book. This is where I feel like a real author. I don’t know how to explain it but if you like a clean romance and family drama, I truly believe Anchored Hearts is worth a read.

Here is what I’m learning through reviews:

“One of those books where you don’t want to finish it too quickly because it’s so good and you want to keep on enjoying it, but it’s such a page turner that you can’t stop! The characters are so real and the story is captivating! I pictured it in my mind as if it was a movie!” Sara

“Anchored Hearts is more than a love story. It’s also about surrendering control which just about everyone can relate to. The characters’ struggles with loyalty to family during difficult times was also something that most people have experienced. I look forward to the next book in the series. Excellent read!” Anonymous

“Anchored Hearts (Surrendering Hearts Book 1) is wonderful, it catches you from page one. This author’s writing is amazing. I’m a huge fan of Julie Arduini, and Anchored Hearts tops my favorite book list for 2022! Do yourself a favor and read this one. It is definitely Julie at her very best! I’m looking forward to reading the other stories in the Surrendering Hearts series.” Dr. Rita

“I enjoyed this book so much , it was hard to put down. Heartwarming, suspense, and a truly great lesson , very impactful and inspirational.” Cheryl

“Julie Arduini fans will be delighted to read her newly released Anchored Hearts, book 1 in her series, Surrendering Hearts. With well-developed characters and action-packed scenes, readers won’t want to put the book down.” BJ

“Anchored Hearts is a wonderful story of surrendering control. The struggle is real for the main characters, but Arduini skillfully takes the reader on their journey. Until they let go, they won’t be free to live or love. I recommend this book.” Linda

“The Anchored Hearts plot is full of twists and turns that makes for a wonderful read as you follow Jordyn, and her siblings, through difficult and happy times. Arduini has a wonderful writing style and a knack for storytelling that promises a great word.”  Marie

My passion is to see lives set free in Christ by surrendering the issues they read about in my work. I write clean romance with characters you can relate to. It would mean so much if you share the news that Anchored Hearts is available on Amazon with the readers in your life.

Julie Arduini

Thank you for those that have read it, and left a review.

I’m so glad you love the Hart family. I do too!

The Rancher’s Surprise Second Chance by Dalyn Weller

This is the book I wanted to start with when I began writing. Or at least, the nugget of the idea I had originally when characters like Gram started talking to me and I scribbled bits of dialogue all over paper towels and napkins. The grandmother in this story is a gem. I love her. Rowdy Rosey is a sassy granny.

I’d read a story about a small town that published in their local newspaper the need for dads to volunteer to come eat with children at the local school for a special event. There were so many children without dads that someone got the idea to get men in the community to be someone’s dad for the day.

A reluctant stand in daddy character formed. Then a single mom who wanted to keep an eye on her child at this daddy breakfast started taking up residence in my imagination and the next thing you know there was this sweet kid, winning over the guy, who falls for the mom. Happily ever after? No way. Too expected. But what if the reluctant volunteer and the mom actually knew each other? I mean, what if they had history? Were still in love? And the child was actually….his! But he didn’t know…see where I went with this?

The Rancher’s Surprise Second chance was a lot of fun to write!

Here’s the BCC:

Their lives are about rodeos, ranches, and second chances.

Eight years ago, Cody McClure came home from the summer rodeo circuit with a pregnant wife even though he’d promised to marry his high school sweetheart. Now he’s the single father of a special needs son in desperate need of a nanny while he runs his family’s ranch.

Molly Halverson left Apple Valley with a broken heart and a secret. Now she’s back, a single mom in need of a job. But the only job available in her small hometown is for the man who trampled her heart and has no idea he fathered her child.

Molly needs a job. Cody needs a nanny. Their children just became best friends. Will Cody and Molly forgive each other and figure out a way to make a patched-up family despite mistakes and betrayal?

Visit Apple Valley, Washington, a town that has existed on handshakes and good morals for generations.

Dalyn Weller writes from a small horse ranch in Washington State. The ranchers on her dirt road are prime fodder for inspirational romance novels. Life in Washington’s wine country is full of romance with dirt roads leading to love.

Like any self-respecting PNW woman she’s a coffee snob and takes her morning mocha seriously.

website: dalynweller.com and be sure and sign up for her newsletter: Writing from the Ranch

Visit her all over social media

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Blog

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Fiction Finder: June 2022 New Releases

June 2022 New Releases

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

Contemporary Romance:

A Time for Singing by Carol James — Charlee Bennett is running from her past. Once deserted by her musician ex-fiancé, she’s vowed to avoid anything that reminds her of the pain of his betrayal. Chance Jackson is starting over. Hoping to redeem the mistakes of his earlier life, he wants to become the music and worship pastor of the largest church in Crescent Bluff. Charlee tries to convince herself she should not be attracted to Chance. But then she discovers an old letter hidden in the secret drawer of an antique desk. The pain expressed by its author resonates deep within her. Can the words of long ago soften Charlee’s heart and help her to discover that there is a time for singing? (Contemporary Romance from White Rose Publishing (Pelican))

An Unlikely Alliance by Toni Shiloh — To save her animal shelter, she’ll have to work with her biggest foe. With her emotional support dog at her side, Jalissa Tucker will do whatever it takes to ensure the survival of the local animal rescue—even ally herself with her nemesis, firefighter Jeremy Rider. As working together dredges up old hurts, putting the past aside could be the key to their future joy. But can Jalissa resist falling for the man she’s always considered the enemy. (Contemporary Romance from Love Inspired (Harlequin))

Destination: Romance by Amy R. Anguish — It’s not every day you bring a boyfriend back as a souvenir. Katie Wilhite is ready to settle into her new job as a librarian now that college is through, but friends Bree and Skye want one more girls’ trip, and when Bree insists this is her bachelorette fling, Katie agrees. What she didn’t agree to was allowing fun and flighty Skye to dictate the itinerary or for her anxiety to kick in harder than ever … right in front of a cute guy. Camden Malone had no idea when he agreed to be the voice of reason on his cousin Ryan’s vacation that the trip wouldn’t stay in New Orleans as planned. But when Ryan plots with Skye so that the guys can tag along with the girls all week, he isn’t nearly as upset as he should be. Not with Katie’s fiery temper and flashing eyes intriguing him more by the minute. (Contemporary Romance from Scrivenings Press)

Finding her Amish Home by Pamela Desmond Wright — What she wants more than anything could also be the most dangerous. After her twin sister’s death, Maddie Baum flees to Wisconsin Amish country with her nephew in tow in the hopes of protecting him from his criminal father. Befriending Amish shopkeeper Abram Mueller gives her a glimpse of the happiness she’s been yearning for all along. Can she find a fresh start with Abram—or will old sins tear them apart? (Contemporary Romance from Love Inspired (Harlequin))

Rebuilding Hearts by Carolyn Miller — Who knew a bank robbery could show a girl that good guys still exist?
Tim Franklin. Quiet, shy, almost incapable of speaking to a girl, and a budding horticulturist. Oh, and he survived a bank robbery five years ago, not to mention its resulting trauma. Bookworm Bella Dwyer just wants to feel safe, and Tim’s actions during the robbery made her believe there might be guys who live up to her fictional heroes. Trouble is, a chance with Tim seems as remote as this year’s celebrity heartthrob. Instead, she settled for a relationship with a guy who’s commitment-phobic. (Contemporary Romance from Celebrate Lit)

The Help of a Cowboy by Elsie Davis — Once a cowboy…always a cowboy. But when life delivers Chad a chance to hang up his boots and spurs, he’s all in. He’s newly single, bored, and ready to move to the city to shake things up. She’s recently divorced, tired of the fast pace, and looking to settle in the country. When their paths cross, the two must work together if they have any hope of following their dreams. The ranch is an albatross around Chad’s neck. Hard work and little time for fun. When his sister gets married and moves into town, the timing is perfect to sell the ranch and move on with his life. Diana is on the road to nowhere, looking to escape her past and find a special place to call home for her and her daughter. When she spots a ranch for sale just outside of Crossroads Creek, she knows in her heart it’s perfect. There’s only one problem…she doesn’t know the first thing about ranching. (Contemporary Romance from Sweet Romance Publishing)

When the Ice Melts by Ashlyn McKayla Ohm — After her dearest dreams are shattered, competitive figure skater Addisyn Miles embarks on a quest to discover who she really is. But the answers seem to lead to a mysterious man, a Canadian mountain town, and the sister she left behind three years ago. (Contemporary, Independently Published)

Winning Julia’s Heart by Narelle Atkins — Can a former bad boy be redeemed? Sean Mitchell has left his past behind, but his new boss, Julia Radcliffe, isn’t so sure. A year ago, Sean walked out on his brother’s wedding and her. Now the bad boy with the surfer good looks is back and determined to make a new life with Julia. She wonders whether she can truly trust that he’s a changed man. It took time and faith, but Sean is finally on the right path. And his feelings for Julia have only grown stronger. But when Sean’s past threatens to jeopardize their future, can he convince Julia they both want the same thing; a love that can overcome every mistake? (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published)

General Historical:

Hope Beyond the Waves by Heidi Chiavaroli — Massachusetts, 1993: After making a grievous mistake that will change her life forever, Emily Robertson is sent away to live with her grandmother on Cape Cod. When Emily finds a timeworn photograph buried in a drawer, she realizes her grandmother has concealed a secret even bigger than her own. Will convincing Gram to reveal their family history help Emily make the most important decision of her life or will it prove her parents right—that family scandal is better off buried and forgotten? Massachusetts, 1916: Atta Schaeffer plans to marry the man of her dreams and whisk her little sister away from their abusive father. But when she is diagnosed with a dreaded malady, Atta is forced into a life of exile, leaving her sister in harm’s way. On Penikese Island, Atta’s best hope lies with Harry Mayhew, a doctor who seeks a cure for his patients at any cost. But when experiments fail, Atta runs from Harry—and from God. Can she return to her sister before it’s too late? Or will her illness consume both her body and soul? (General Historical, Independently Published)

Historical Romance:

Coming Home to Truth by Michelle De Bruin — Lacy Jones, a graduate of her small high school, knows her whole world is about to change. She dreams of freedom from the struggles with her health, and of the independence that comes with a steady job. When her friend invites her to share the journey to visit the teacher from their country school days, Lacy finally gets the chance to chase her dreams. But when the girls get separated along the way, Lacy is left to make the trip alone. Arriving in a strange town, Lacy is reunited with old friends who introduce her to a new life, new relationships, and a new way of seeing herself. (Historical Romance from Scrivenings Press)

For a Noble Purpose by Kelsey Gietl — Anxious to be free from a family legacy he would rather not claim and a slave-built society he doesn’t support, Tobias Lark believes the only way to find his perfect town is to create it himself. Joined by his three brothers, he sets out for the Washington Territory with a collection of carefully curated supporters, all determined to build a new life in the West. When a young plantation widow unexpectedly joins their party, he fears the curse she carries will crack the solid foundation upon which all his plans are built. (Historical Romance, Independently Published)

Season of My Enemy by Naomi Musch — The realities of WWII come to a Wisconsin farm bringing hope and danger. Only last year Fannie O’Brien’s future shone bright, despite the war pounding Europe. Since her father’s sudden death and her brothers fighting overseas, Fannie must now do the work of three men on their 200-acre farm–until eight German prisoners arrive as laborers and, just as Fannie feared, trouble comes too. Captain Wolfgang Klonginger is relieved that his boys are off the warfront, keeping busy working the O’Brien farm until they can go home again and he can return to his teaching position in Germany. Crops take precedence, even as “accidents” happen around the farm. Could a saboteur be among them? Fannie is especially leery of the handsome German captain who seems intent on cracking her defenses. Can she manage the farm and hold her family together through these turbulent times, all while keeping the prisoners—and her heart—in line? (Historical Romance from Barbour Publishing)

The Burning Sands by Carole Lehr Johnson — After a year, Olivia Griffin still drowns in grief from losing her beloved husband in a tragic accident. To cope with his death, she loses herself in her art and genealogy research that follows her grandmother’s lineage to Trerose, a small fishing village on the Cornish coast of England. In a bid to start fresh, she travels to Cornwall to discover more about her grandmother’s past, where she is captivated by an old tavern and the story of a young woman who lived there in the seventeenth century. In the autumn of 1671, Grace Atwood and her brother still mourn the loss of their childhood friend while they struggle to protect their mother and siblings from their abusive father, who operates The Burning Sands Tavern. Grace’s life sinks further into turmoil after her father arranges her marriage to a local merchant with secrets of his own. When two strangers arrive in the harbor and the village is set alight with rumors, Grace finds herself caught between her family’s secrets and a romantic interest in Rig, a mysterious young man who is determined to help save her family. (Historical Romance from Ink Map Press)

Mystery/Cozy:

Boughs of Folly by Sandra Orchard — After spending two decades of Christmas seasons in California, Jillian Green celebrates returning to her family’s antebellum mansion in Georgia by joyfully decking the halls for the upcoming Moss Hollow Merry Mansions Tour. However, Jillian’s holiday cheer takes a nosedive when she discovers her great aunt’s new friend Herbert dead at the base of a tree while he’s helping them string lights. Although his death appears to be a tragic accident, her great aunt insistently blames foul play, and handsome local coroner Hunter Greyson confirms her suspicions. Needled into action by her aunt, Jillian quickly realizes this case is more tangled than a strand of twinkle lights, and lead after lead winds up in a dead end. (Mystery Cozy from Annie’s Fiction)

Thriller/Suspense/Romance:

Among the Innocent by Mary Alford — When Leah Miller’s entire Amish family was murdered ten years ago, the person believed responsible took his own life. Since then, Leah left the Amish and joined the police force. Now, after another Amish woman is found murdered with the same MO, it becomes clear that the wrong man may have been blamed for her family’s deaths. As Leah and the new police chief, Dalton Cooper, work long hours struggling to fit the pieces together in order to catch the killer, they can’t help but grow closer. When secrets from both of their pasts begin to surface, an unexpected connection between them is revealed. But this is only the beginning. Could it be that the former police chief framed an innocent man to keep the biggest secret of all buried? And what will it mean for Leah–and Dalton–when the full truth comes to light? (Thriller/Suspense/Romance from Revell – A Division of Baker Publishing Group)

Cold Case Killer Profile by Jessica R. Patch — The desert can hide many secrets…including murder. Searching for the perfect morning landscape to paint leads forensic artist Brigitte Linsey straight to a dead body—and a narrow escape from the Sunrise Serial Killer still on the scene. Now she’s become unfinished business and new prey. Working with FBI special agent Duke Jericho could mean putting the murderer away for good. However, it’s just a matter of time before this diabolically clever predator turns his hunters into the hunted… (Thriller/Suspense/Romance from Love Inspired (Harlequin))

Fatal Forensic Investigation by Darlene L. Turner — Remembering a serial killer’s face…could be deadly. While interviewing the Coastline Strangler’s only surviving victim, forensic artist Scarlet Wells is attacked and left with amnesia. Now she’s his next mark and has no choice but to work with constable Jace Allen to unlock the criminal’s true identity trapped in her mind. Will they be able to recover the hidden memory and hunt down the killer before he strikes again? (Thriller/Suspense/Romance from Love Inspired (Harlequin))

Vanished Without a Trace by Sarah Hamaker — After nine years searching for his missing sister, attorney Henderson Parker uncovers a clue that leads him to Twin Oaks, Virginia—and podcaster Elle Updike investigating the case. Partnering with the journalist is the last thing Henderson wants, until mysterious thugs make multiple attacks on both their lives. Now they’ll have to trust each other…before the suspected kidnappers make them disappear for good. (Thriller/Suspense/Romance from Love Inspired (Harlequin))

Young Adult:

Collapse: The Death of Honor by Angela D. Shelton — Caleb already lost his dreams when the variant ended life as he knew it, but when blackmailers threaten to destroy his life permanently, he must learn to trust others to forgive or lose the only family he has. (Young Adult Fiction from Two Oaks Publishing, LLC)

Plus check out these recent additions to Fiction Finder published within the past month:

 

  A Mother for His Son by Betty Woods, A little boy’s love changes everything. (Contemporary Romance)

 

  Boulevard of Confusion by Sandra Merville Hart, In times of war, is anything as it seems? (Historical Romance)

 

  Midnight’s Budding Morrow by Carolyn Miller, Can real love grow between a wallflower and an unrepentant rogue? (General Historical)

 

  Peyton’s Promise by Susan G. Mathis, Can she ignore the prejudices and persevere or lose her job, forfeit his love, and forever become the talk of local gossips. (Historical Romance)

 

  Secret Guilt by Lynne Waite Chapman, Some secrets are meant to be kept. Buried. Unfortunately, if you dig too hard, they resurface. (Mystery: Cozy)

 

  The Dark Guest by Sarah Hamaker, Can Violet and Henry uncover the secrets of the past before one of them ends up as The Wolf’s next victim? (Thriller/Suspense/Romance)

Little Curly Susie by Suzette Oxendine

Hi, I’m Suzette, otherwise known as Susie, and I just published my first
Christian children’s picture book. I am very excited about this accomplishment
and hope it will become a new outlet of ministry that will allow the Word of God to
reach as far as He will let it!

I am very new to writing as my professional background is in medicine,
however, I love reading and have always desired to write a children’s book. I
also knew the title character’s name for this book, Little Susie, just like myself,
and I would write about her journeys with her curly hair.

It would be early 2020, during the pandemic, this dream would start to
become a reality. I was given the opportunity, yes, we’ll call it an “opportunity”, to
help my seven-year-old first grader with virtual school and of course learning to
read, online! We read so many children’s books, of all sorts and kinds, and I
thought to myself, “Hey, I can do this.”

So, I set out on this journey. Of course, I prayed and fasted for God’s
guidance on this quest, and once I completed the original manuscript, I thought
to myself again, “God, why would I do this? I have no clue what I am doing and
absolutely no training in writing.” Shortly after asking what seemed to be
reasonable questions, I felt God speak into my Spirit and gently say, “Why not?
You are putting my Word out there aren’t you?” It was then, I knew I couldn’t stop
there, I had to bring to fruition this new ministry God had placed in my heart.

Little Curly Susie is a simple story about a girl who has insecurities with her hair
and tries to take matters into her own hands to “fix” her problem. This book is a
personal experience of mine, and no longer ashamed to share it, my hope is for
as many as possible to read and share it. It is a sweet story of God’s love for all
mankind and how we are all created in His wonderful image.

Suzette Oxendine

You can find my book online…

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/little-curly-susie-suzette-oxendine/1140808987
https://www.authorhouse.com/en/bookstore/bookdetails/831000-little-curly-susie

Check out my author page on FaceBook
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id100076583057425

I am a born again Christian who accepted Christ at the tender age of eight years
old. As pastor’s wife, mother of four boys, worship leader, Bible teacher,
Physician Assistant, and now a published author, I strive to live my life aligned
with the truth of Luke 12:48, “To whom much is given, much is required.”
At the end of each day, I treasure most the quiet moments when I am able to
tune in to the voice of God directing and encouraging me on this awesome
journey. It is within Him where I find my strength, security, and fulfillment!

Preview: Eating with the Enemy & #giveaway

From the makers of Before the Wrath, Eating with the Enemy is a must-see film!
• Narrated by Kevin Sorbo
• Featuring several actors from The Chosen

Synopsis: The Last Supper has been shrouded in mystery for nearly two thousand
years, but new findings now unveil a lost warning from that unprecedented night; revealing why it was critical for Jesus to leave his disciples with a new commandment
mere hours before His crucifixion. But to understand why the events of the Last Supper are so critical in these Last Days, you must experience what truly happened for
yourself as a witness among the disciples that very night! Eating with the Enemy is
narrated by Kevin Sorbo and features several actors from The Chosen.

• A note from the writer and director, Brent Miller Jr.:
“Eating with the Enemy is a reference to Judas Iscariot who ate with Jesus at the Last Supper only to betray Him that very night and picks up where Before the Wrath (one of the top selling Christian films of 2020) left off! If “Wrath” revealed eye-opening evidence regarding why Jesus will return at the end of days, “Enemy” implores you and your loved ones to be prepared for when He does!

Eating with the Enemy will not only rekindle your hope and love for Jesus Christ, but is a film intended to reach the hearts of the lost like no other before it. The tragic life and death of Judas as a living parable reveals a lost warning to the church regarding those that claim to believe in Jesus, but never receive salvation. Jesus warned His disciples of this when He said, “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven…” (Matthew 7:21), although they proclaim Christ and do works in His name.

Eating with the enemy Writer/Director Brent Miller, Jr.

Is it possible to know that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, yet never be brought to saving faith? Is a ‘desire’ to follow God the same as doing so? Does proclaiming that you believe in Jesus make it true? These critical questions are answered by new and profound anthropological discoveries from the night of The Last Supper regarding the intentions and life of the film’s antagonist in contrast to other disciples and followers, including Peter and Mary Magdalene.

Remember, Judas followed Jesus, witnessed miracles, partook in the breaking of bread, and based on new cultural discoveries, even BELIEVED that Jesus was the prophesied messiah; just not the Messiah he wanted. Judas followed Jesus for worldly comforts, not to receive eternal life. When considering that less than 9% of
Christians in the US agree with and adhere to a biblical worldview, how much of the church today has become the “Church of Judas”?

But all of this is still a foundation for the most profound discovery of all; revealing why it was so critical for Jesus to leave His disciples with one final commandment mere hours before His crucifixion.

The audience’s call to action for Eating with the Enemy is Psalm 139:23-24;
“Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me, and know my anxieties; And see if there is any wicked way in me And lead me in the way everlasting.”

Watch the Eating with the Enemy trailer:

“Like” the Ingenuity Films Facebook and Instagram pages to stay updated on the release
• Learn more of Eating the the Enemy’s website

Giveaway!!! Leave a comment below and I’ll choose one random US winner to receive a digital code to Eating with the Enemy and The Coming Convergence.

Many thanks to Ingenuity Films for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions
are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation.

Borrowed Lives by Carol McClain

God Only Lends Us Those We Love for a Season

Distraught from recent tragedy, Meredith Jaynes takes pity on a young girl who steals from her. Meredith discovers “Bean” lives in a hovel mothering her two younger sisters. The three appear to have been abandoned. With no other homes available, Social Services will separate the siblings. To keep them together, Meredith agrees to foster them on a temporary basis.

Balancing life as a soap maker raising goats in rural Tennessee proved difficult enough before the siblings came into her care. Without Bean’s help, she’d never be able to nurture these children warped by drugs and neglect—let alone manage her goats that possess the talents of Houdini. Harder still is keeping her eccentric family at bay.

Social worker Parker Snow struggles to overcome the breakup with his fiancée. Burdened by his inability to find stable homes for so many children who need love, he believes placing the abandoned girls with Meredith Jaynes is the right decision. Though his world doesn’t promise tomorrow, he hopes Meredith’s does.

But she knows she’s too broken.

Carol McClain is the award-winning author of five 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 glass artist, a potter, an avid hiker and photographer. She teaches writing at a local writers’ guild and is active in two art co-ops. She lives in East Tennessee. Her most recent interests are her three goats Reecie, Peanut & Buttercup

Connect with her on:

carolmcclain.com

Facebook

Goodreads:

Bookbub

Deceived by Madisyn Carlin

DECEIVED CHARACTER SPOTLIGHT: ROGAN CETRIN

Appearance: 6’1” and strong; blond hair and blue eyes

Age: Twenty-one

Personality: Serious, often grumpy, and intense

Positive Traits: Loyal, protective, and focused

Negative Traits: Too stubborn, cynical, has a tendency to be rude

Character Song: “Back to Life” by Skillet

ABOUT ROGAN:

Rogan was the only character I knew about when the idea for DECEIVED first came to me. I knew he was loyal and good with weapons. I also knew he’d eventually one day be fighting for his life. I originally had his and Holder’s personalities swapped, with Rogan being the gentler one and Holder being rude and more sarcastic. That didn’t last long, for as soon I wrote the first four chapters, it became evident these characters were going to be quite different from how I first imagined them.

Out of the four main characters, Rogan defied me the most. He came with a different personality, was far more mulish and stubborn than I anticipated, and refused to get along with most of the other characters. Another thing which surprised me about him was his past. Out of the blue, I learned he did not have a good home life. Beneath that gruff, rough, cantankerous exterior was a wounded heart, one that makes me want to wrap him in a blanket, give him a big cup of hot chocolate, and tell him everything will be okay.

Regarding character development, Rogan is the easiest of the four. His hidden wounds—physical, emotional, and mental—and his strong determination to do what is right, even if he does have misplaced loyalty, make him easy to develop. His full character arc will take all three books to fully come about, and, even though it may not look like it at the end of DECEIVED, he has already made great strides.

Rogan is an interesting character. I much imagine him as that meme where an introvert is in their bubble and hissing and snarling at the extrovert reaching in and attempting to drag them out. Only in Rogan’s case, he has no tolerance for most people and does not appreciate others coming into his space and pestering him, whether they be friend, still-to-be-decided, or foe. He can talk for hours about weapons if he wishes, but unless he trusts you and genuinely desires to spend time with you, he’ll not say more than the most necessary of words while in your presence. His hobby is practicing with his weapons and his least favorite thing to do is deal with those who irritate him.

One of Rogan’s greatest foes is Holder’s horse, a red roan with a colossal attitude and dislike toward Rogan. I have no idea why this horse despises him so, but I do feel for Rogan. The horse has bitten him at least three times despite his attempts, albeit half-hearted, to be nice.

While the other three characters have senses of humor, particularly Holder and Ivelle, Rogan is my least humorous main character.  His intense personality and reluctant willingness to smile may play part in that. Where others would laugh, Rogan would remain frowning. Not much amuses him. I hope in the future two books he will add some humor, but he’s defied me before and he’ll likely defy me again.

What I want most for Rogan is for him to come to faith. Right now, he is firmly entrenched in believing what he shouldn’t. Currently, his broken, wounded self is almost beyond the ability to realize there is a Father that loves him. I know he will, eventually, but I hope both for his sake and mine he realizes that sooner rather than later.

My favorite quote of Rogan’s:

“No one with a touch of sanity would sacrifice themselves for others. People aren’t worth it.”

Madisyn Carlin is a Christian, homeschool graduate, blogger, voracious bookdragon, and author. When not spending time with her family or trekking through the mountains, she weaves tales of redemption, faith, and action.

Want to connect? Find her social media links here

DECEIVED can be purchased here.

Basketful of Books #giveaway

Look at these books!

I am thrilled to announce my book, ANCHORED HEARTS, is part of the Basketful of Books Giveaway. This giveaway runs 5/16 through 5/21, and the prize consists of twelve Christian books. The 1st place winner will receive all twelve books (authors’ choice of format) and the 2nd place winner will receive three books (authors’ choice of format) of their choosing. A variety of genres, from fantasy to historical romance to suspense and more, are featured. You can enter to win here.

Movie Review: Family Camp + #giveaway

FAMILY CAMP is a faith-based family comedy from The Skit Guys, opening in theaters May 13. The cast includes The Skit Guys—Tommy Woodard and Eddie James—along with Leigh-Allyn Baker (“Good Luck Charlie”), Gigi Orsillo, Robert Amaya (“Courageous”), Cece Kelly, Mark Christopher Lawrence, and social media sensation / comedian Heather Land.

The Skit Guys are known for their live shows and for creating mini-movies for churches and youth groups. They have combined hope, humor, and Him into an encouraging movie the whole family can enjoy.

SYNOPSIS:

When their pastor encourages the congregation to sign-up for a week away at family camp, Grace (Leigh-Allyn Baker) believes she’s found the perfect cure for her imperfect clan—even if they’d all rather be anywhere but at rustic Camp Katokwah. The first feature film from The Skit Guys—Tommy Woodard and Eddie James—FAMILY CAMP is a laugh-outloud comedy that is sure to touch the hearts and tickle the funny bones of every family member from eight to eighty.

Julie’s Review:

I will admit my internet did not cooperate and I was not able to watch the whole film. However, I saw enough between the film, the trailer, and the Skit Guys interview that I have formed an opinion about FAMILY CAMP.

Right off the bat I was able to smile because the family scene was humorous and relatable. The Ackerman’s are a busy family and Grace feels they are drifting apart. When their pastor announces family camp, it seems like the perfect solution. However, they don’t quite make the registration deadline, something Grace doesn’t learn until arrival, and they have to spend Family Camp in a yurt—with another family.

And that’s when the fun ramps up.

Just the word yurt makes me chuckle, so the premise got my attention. As I watched I thought this is somewhat like I’d imagine a family friendly “Vacation” would be, something I always wanted to see. What I love is a family camp is a perfect scenario to create a lot of funny moments, but it’s also perfect to send a message I am certain American families are crying out and praying for:

We want the return of American family. Dad and Mom working together in oneness. Kids that are plugged in to their loved ones as much as if not more than to their devices. A family not ashamed of God and His place in their lives.

I felt like FAMILY CAMP delivered on all levels. It was very funny, yet sweet, and with a message we need to pound Hollywood with. We are not ashamed of our faith and we refuse to lose our families.

FAMILY CAMP is a movie you can take the family to, and I hope you do. The best thing you could do is go this weekend. Let’s make a loud statement to Hollywood and the elite that movies like FAMILY CAMP are exactly what we want to see.

I have a giveaway! Leave a comment below on any aspect of this post and I will choose one USA winner Friday, May 20, to receive a $10 Amazon gift card.

Julie Arduini

Tickets: https://familycampmovie.com/tickets/
Website: https://familycampmovie.com/
Trailer: https://youtu.be/VQ6qHA3dbLM

The Skit Guys Interview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T2dKlf0bObE
Heart Of: https://youtu.be/QoYgOtKdzpg

Many thanks to K-LOVE Films for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions
are 100% my own.

Anchored Hearts Now Available

Authors often call their releases their book baby and let me tell you, I was pregnant with this one for YEARS. The Surrendering Hearts series started with the question: What if a family with a unique birth story stayed in the national spotlight because of tragedy?

From there, I needed to figure out the family.

Introducing the Hart sextuplets. Each sibling gets their own book, according to birth order. Jordyn is first and I love, love, love her story. She’s flawed, but she has reason. She doesn’t mean to be bossy, she’s scared. And I think a lot of people, myself included, can relate to the fear of surrendering control.

Spencer Collins comes along with his own issues. He’s experienced a recent loss, and there are members of his family spiraling. He has a new job. And—he’s placed right in the center of Jordyn Hart’s world.

Not only is this Jordyn and Spencer’s journey, you also get to meet the Hart family and some of their conflicts. I had so much fun creating the bickering, the laughs, and the drama.

I placed this in the Christian romance genre because there is a faith message sprinkled throughout, and all of my work contains a surrender issue with the encouragement that readers can find freedom in Christ through surrendering the good, the bad, and—maybe one day—the chocolate. It is also a clean & wholesome read meaning there is romance and contemporary situations, but, nothing more. I’m proud to deliver content like this.

It would mean so much if you’d check it out, and if you enjoy it, please leave a review on Amazon/BookBub/Goodreads. The more reviews a book has, the more visible it becomes on Amazon. Also, feel free to share this post and information with those who love to read fiction. I believe there is power in fiction to encourage, challenge, and transform.