Julie Arduini's Blog, page 23

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.

Fiction Finder May 2022 Releases

May 2022 New Releases

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

Contemporary Romance:

Anchored Hearts by Julie Arduini — Can two go-getters surrender their need to control and find a happily-ever-after? Jordyn Bell Hart succeeds in everything she does. Her promotion to morning show co-anchor blossoms her career in the same way her mother’s work had. Jordyn keeps tabs on her family and enjoys helping them grow. When life around her starts to change, can she surrender her desire to control? Spencer Collins knows how to balance a busy life. He has his work as a reporter, his time caregiving for his grieving father, and looking out for his little brother. When he learns he’s the new co-anchor of a morning show with Jordyn Hart, can he handle working with a celebrity who brings a lot of challenges to life on and off the set? (Contemporary Romance from Surrendered Scribe Media)

Finding Love in San Antonio by Miralee Ferrell and Kimberley Rose Johnson — For TV chef Adela Romero, the lights of LA have lost their luster. The grief of her husband’s death three years ago still hangs heavy over her and her daughter, Fabi. When Adela returns to San Antonio for a summer break with her daughter, she learns her mother-in-law’s Mexican diner is struggling. Adela wants to help, but her career is tugging her in another direction.Local food critic David Agraponte has a history with Adela. A history he’d like to rekindle. When he interviews Adela, sparks fly—both good and bad. In Adela’s struggle to put her past behind her, she’s tentative about a new relationship, but David hopes she’ll stay at Romero’s long enough to give him a chance. (Contemporary Romance from Mountain Brook Ink)

From Shore to Shore by Tabitha Bouldin — Bree Jamison comes to Sparrow Island for one reason: to study coral reefs. She’s not interested in happily-ever-after and certainly won’t allow her handsome boat captain to sway her into believing these islands are different from any others. But when she finds an old shipwreck and learns the history of pirates and treasure, Bree finds herself searching for something that always feels just out of reach. Cooper Carmichael takes the job as boat captain for the enigmatic Bree to further his career. He never expected her to be so driven—or so painfully opposed to God. All Cooper wants is his happy island life. He wants for nothing. In fact, he’s made it his mission to be content. In every aspect of his life. Bree throws a wrench in his plan as her presence pushes Cooper to want for things he deems unnecessary. A man striving for contentment. A woman who believes God is picking on her. (Contemporary Romance from Celebrate Lit Publishing)

Home Where She Belongs by Penny Frost McGinnis — Small-town romance with a dash of mystery and the promise of hope. Tired of being a pawn for her father and an emotional punching bag for her ex-boyfriend, Sadie Stewart escapes to Abbott Island where she spent summers with her grandparents. Would the love and faith she learned from them be enough to fuel her new life? She wants to believe God’s promises, yet broken trust holds her back. Joel Grayson left the island long enough to train at the Police Academy. The community trusts him, even though he’s failed. When he finds Sadie at her grandparents’ cottages, his heart skips a beat. He’d love to get to know her again, but no one needs to share the hurt he harbors. When Sadie discovers someone is sabotaging her future, she seeks Joel’s help. As they are drawn together, will Joel let down his guard and let her in? Will Sadie trust the man who loves her and the Father Who cares? (Contemporary Romance from Mt. Zion Ridge Press)

If You Rescue Me by Jerusha Agen — Can his love set her free? Not all prisons have bars. Charlotte Davis should know—she’s lived in a prison of abuse for years. When her abuser goes too far and threatens her ten-year-old daughter, Charlotte runs to the stranger her mother believed would save her. She hopes to find answers and escape, but she doesn’t expect to meet a man who’s everything she fears yet everything she could love. Police Sergeant Gabe Kelly can tell Charlotte’s hiding something and doesn’t trust cops. But despite his better judgment, his heart is drawn toward Charlotte and her little girl. What begins as kindness threatens to turn into something riskier if Gabe doesn’t get ahold of his feelings. When Charlotte’s secrets catch up with her, Gabe’s badge puts them on opposite sides of the bars between them. Will God’s redemption be enough to set them free to love? (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published)

Love in Second Bloom by Sandra Ardoin — She’s searching for direction. He’s trying to change his.
Are they beyond renewing the dream of a future they once believed in? At a crossroads in her career, Erin Ward works as a groundskeeper in a small town filled with precious, romantic memories. With Shaun Hadley’s surprise arrival, Erin dreams of a second chance at romance with the guy she broke up with in college. But Shaun isn’t the same man she once loved, and she blames herself. As an easygoing college computer geek, Shaun let Erin’s rejection light a determined fire under him. Today, he’s a successful businessman seeking to relax. Letting go of his workaholic ways is harder than he’d imagined, even when it threatens both his health and a renewed relationship with the love of his life. What hope do they have when Shaun can’t slow down, and Erin refuses to stand up for herself and their future…again? (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published)

A Mother for His Son by Betty Woods — Back in the little town of Sunrise, Texas, to help her grandmother, Dallas chef Rachel Landry plans to use the time to heal her broken heart. She has no need to help handsome neighbor Mac Greer with his guest ranch. But her growing affection for his little boy could be just the push she needs to once again see the possibility of something more. (Contemporary Romance from Love Inspired (Harlequin))

Not Since You by Dulcie Dameron — When Claudia Clark was involved in a tragic accident in high school, it set her on a devastating path toward heartbreak. For the past eight years, she’s carefully guarded her heart. With her business now thriving, she doesn’t have time for any unwanted distractions. She’s learned from her mistakes. But when the biggest one of all comes face to face with her again, she starts to question the belief she’s desperately clung to for so long. Dorian Vance can’t get over his past—or the girl that it’s wrapped up in. So when a family emergency brings him back to the small town of River Hollow, he decides it’s time to accept the truth and confront the girl he left behind. Unfortunately for him, she’s dead set on making him pay for his sins. As sparks start flying and well-meaning townsfolk meddle in their affairs, Dorian and Claudia are forced to resurrect old ghosts that lay buried in a mire of guilt and shame. But as they find themselves in the center of a vengeful scheme, the hope and forgiveness they seek seem impossible to obtain. (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published)

Royally Married by Jill Boyce — Dr. Claire Thomson, queen of Amorley, has banished all the dragons in her life—or so she hopes. Her wedding to Ethan Kane, the love of her life, looms on the horizon, yet unwelcome houseguests of her stepmother, Lord Chicanery of Maltenstein and his son, Hans, threaten her upcoming wedding with new obstacles. New questions abound about the integrity of the crown and the necessity of its future. If Claire cannot prove her loyalty to Amorley and disavow her involvement in a nefarious plot to defraud the country’s coffers for personal gain, then she may have to postpone more than just her wedding. She may have to leave the life she’s come to love in her father’s homeland as Parliament calls the monarchy into question. Dangers lurk in the castle, and if Claire’s not careful, she will lose more than her crown; she will lose her life. If she survives, will Claire and Ethan finally make it to the altar and solidify her position as queen? Can she protect the monarchy and those she loves from the evil plans of her enemies? Has time finally run out for Claire on her quest for her happily ever after? (Contemporary Romance from Winged Publications)

Short and Sweet: 13 Sweet, Romantic Stories by Susan Page Davis — This collection of short stories is perfect for quick reads. Fall in love with a firefighter, a florist, a soldier, or a church usher. Join Kelly at a wedding, Sam at a charity box social, and Kara at a date she’s looked forward to for ten years. Whether it’s an office romance or a chance meeting on a railroad platform, join the fun and soak up the romance. (Contemporary Romance from Tea Tin Press)

The Road Home by Cathe Swanson — Christopher Wright came home from Afghanistan a changed man. He’s found peace as an over-the-road trucker, but he’s never forgotten the woman he grew close to overseas – or the promises they made to each other. But when a newspaper article leads him to the Unity Plenkiss Community Center, the elusive Tally isn’t happy to be found – and she’s definitely not interested in picking up where they left off.
After two years on the streets, Tally Zemmer has found a home and begun to heal, building a new life for herself. Christopher’s reappearance is a reminder of her scars and the ghosts that followed her home from Afghanistan. But he’s the one man who knows her secrets and still cares for her. They have a special connection, shared faith, and experiences no one else can claim. Can they find a new road home together? (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published)

What Remains True by Nancy Naigle — Working at a little shop on Main Street in a small town is exactly the break that executive Merry Anna Foster needs following her divorce. She’s made a bet with her ex-husband that she can live on the amount of money she’s giving him in alimony. If she can do it, then Kevin will have to stop complaining and leave her alone. But after three months of this new life, will she even want to leave Antler Creek? (Contemporary Romance from Waterbrook/Multnomah (Random House))

Historical Romance:

A Promise Engraved by Liz Tolsma — Can Promises Made in Times of Struggle Endure 200 Years? Young, spirited Josie Wilkins life is about to take a turn when faced with political turmoil and forbidden love in San Antonio of 1836. John Gilbert has won her heart, despite being a Protestant preacher who is forbidden to practice his faith in Texas. Will either of them survive an epic battle for liberty to create a legacy of love? Nearly 200 years later, Kayleigh Hernandez takes breaks from her demanding job as a refugee coordinator working with Mexican migrants to attend flea markets where she has found a uniquely engraved ring. Enlisting the help of appraiser Brandon Shuman, they piece together a love story long forgotten. But will dangers linked to Kayleigh’s work end her own hopes for leaving a legacy built on hope, faith, and love? (Historical Romance from Barbour Publishing)

When the Meadow Blooms by Ann H. Gabhart — If any place on God’s earth was designed to help one heal, it is Meadowland. Surely here, at her brother-in-law’s Kentucky farm, Rose and her daughters can recover from the events of the recent past—the loss of her husband during the 1918 influenza epidemic, her struggle with tuberculosis that required a stay at a sanatorium, and her girls’ experience in an orphanage during her illness. At Meadowland, past troubles become rich soil in which faith can grow. Dirk Meadows may have opened his home to his late brother’s widow and her girls, but he keeps his heart tightly closed. The roots of his pain run deep, and the evidence of it is written across his face. Badly scarred by a fire and abandoned by the woman he loved, Dirk fiercely guards his heart from being hurt again. But it may be that his visitors will bring light back into his world and unlock the secret to true healing. (Historical Romance from Revell – A Division of Baker Publishing Group)

Speculative Fiction:

Celestial by Hannah Mae — For millenniums, angels like Captain Jediah had waged war against their former brethren: the demons. As Keeper of the Abyss, it’s his duty to ensure Appolyon’s army remains imprisoned until the end of the age. Unfortunately, despite all that God had entrusted him with, Jediah is plagued by an unceasing guilt. It drives him to thirst for Christ’s redemptive power, but there’s one glaring problem. He’s not human. God’s gift of salvation is meant for mankind alone. When God appoints him to lead a task force of five wildly different angels to capture two dangerous demons, Jediah ponders if his return to earth might be his only chance to learn what the core of human salvation truly is. however, one of Jediah’s angels hides a secret agenda, and Jediah’s dark past is hellbent on hunting him down too. Can Jediah risk everything for the relief he’s desperate for? Or should he even bother chasing what he cannot have at all? What does living redeemed mean? (Speculative Fiction, Independently Published)

This Dreamer by Sara Watterson — When Evie, an immortal Watcher turned reluctant assassin, finds herself captivated by her intended target, Adan the Dreamer, is it worth the cost to prevent his untimely end? Evie grows restless observing mortals from the safety of her desk in the Control Room. When the promotion for the only job she’s ever wanted—Guardian among humans in Sector Five—is canceled, a friend offers to smuggle her by portal into a booming metropolis called Shura. Evie jumps at the chance to see the world with mortal eyes. Secretly, though, she also hopes to observe Adan, a human Dreamer, in his natural habitat. Only a glimpse, she promises herself. All seems well until she returns to the Control Room, where she has landed in a heap of trouble. Not only did she take an unsanctioned trip to the ground, but the boy, the Dreamer, is missing. And all blame is placed squarely at Evie’s feet. This Dreamer is a clean fantasy romance adventure inspired by Joseph and the coat of many colors. (Speculative Fiction, Independently Published)

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

The Rancher’s Want Ad Mix-Up by Megan Besing, A mail-order mistake…Or a made-to-be match? (Historical Romance)

Saving Grace by Candee Fick, Not all heroes wear a uniform. (Contemporary Romance)

Magi Journey: Babylonia by Terry Phillip Garner, Magi Journey – Babylonia – continues the sweeping saga as the Magi continue their journey from Assyria in 734 BC to Bethlehem in the year -0-. (General Historical)

Brides of Seattle by Kimberly Rose Johnson, Three strong women discover love where they least expect it. (Contemporary Romance)

Puppy Ciao: Novel Companion and Study Guide by Annette Ohare, An All in One Devotional and Inspirational Novel Study Guide. (Children’s)

The Bookseller’s Promise by Beth Wiseman, The book leads the trio deep into mysterious questions about life and death, love and loss, and the impenetrable purposes of God. (General Contemporary)

Sabal Palms and the Southern Squall by Terry Overton

New Release: Sabal Palms and the Southern Squall

It is no secret that I love living on the Texas coast! I wouldn’t want to live anywhere else.  I set out to write a book about a small coastal town and four good friends. The four close friends, who live in the fictional town of Sabal Palms, are a toss-up between the Golden Girls and Steel Magnolias. They have been friends since before their husbands passed away and have looked out after each other for more than twenty-years. The main character, Elaine, is a struggling Christian fiction writer. Sound familiar? Okay, she is just a tiny bit like me; I do struggle! The difference is, in this book, Elaine’s tossed away drafts of devotionals and inspirational writings, are carried through the air by Divine Intervention in the middle of a category 3 hurricane. By the end of the story, Elaine and her close friends see how God can impact the lives of people who are challenged in a variety of ways.

Here is a little description about the book:

Elaine Smith lived in the small coastal town of Sabal Palms long enough to know when to worry about a squall and when to simply close the windows and wait for it to pass. This one would be significant. It would be significant in terms of damage, but that was to be expected. What no one expected was the profound effect it would have on the lives of people from the Texas coast to New York City. Positive qualities of humanity are often displayed during times of natural disaster. But a supernatural power had attached to this storm and subsequently worked within the hearts of the most needy, the most lonely, and the most sinister. The lives of four delightful women, a homeless teen, a rebellious son, a grieving lover who is at the bottom, a son who lost his faith, and a hired murderer, are all intertwined in the aftereffects of a Category 3 hurricane thanks to a few passages written by one determined woman.

Now, to continue, yes! There is a second Sabal Palms book coming out this summer and I’m writing book 3. More? Okay, there will be a Christmas novella also!

Want to take a beach vacation any day of the year? Travel around the country? Live in a cozy coastal community where the main characters are full of fun and shenanigans? Come to Sabal Palms!

Here is the review by Readers’ Favorite:

BOOK REVIEW

Reviewed by Edith Wairimu for Readers’ Favorite

Sabal Palms and the Southern Squall by Terry Overton is an uplifting novel about four friends whose bond develops as they help each other through tragic times. Elaine is an aspiring writer who hopes to publish more of her writing even though her friends, Mary and Bonnie, do not believe in her work. As a storm approaches their coastal town which lies along the Texas coast, they all gather in Mary’s home together with their friend, Adriana, the newest member of the group. While they wait for the storm to pass, they recount their best and worst experiences. The category three tropical storm leaves overwhelming destruction in its wake. The friends once again turn to each other for strength and support. Elaine’s writing reaches others whose lives are changed through her faith-inspiring devotionals.

The splendid characterization of the characters in Sabal Palms and the Southern Squall and its heartening themes, which include hope and healing, make the novel an outstanding piece of Christian fiction. I felt as though I knew the four friends as I read through the book. I also loved their humorous conversations, their individual eccentric characters, and their close bond. I also liked how Elaine’s faith touched the lives of so many and instilled hope that healing is possible. Other encouraging themes are also skillfully explored as the friends help each other recover and move forward from the storm’s destruction. Sabal Palms and the Southern Squall by Terry Overton is a heart-warming read about friendship and faith’s life-changing ability. It includes lovely, authentic characters and hope-filled scenes.

Link to the book trailer for Sabal Palms:

Buy Link:

Webpage:

https://www.authorterryoverton.com

Blog:

https://terryovertonbooks.com

Terry Overton is a retired university professor of educational and school psychology. She has an Ed.D. in Special Education and a Ph.D. in Psychology. Her professional experience includes teaching public school, teaching at the university level, and being a college dean. She has two children and six grandchildren. Her writing and publication experiences include textbook and journal articles in the fields of special education and school psychology. She seeks to answer God’s call to share the good news and grow the church by writing Christian books and devotionals. Her book Both Sides of the Border is a Firebird Book Award winner in the categories of Cross-Genre, Socio-Political Fiction, and Women’s Fiction. Her book, America of We the People was awarded the Firebird Book Award for Socio-Political and Political categories. She and her husband live in the southern tip of Texas where they enjoy semi-tropical weather and spending time with their friends and family.

Anchored Hearts Available for Pre-Order!

I am SO excited to introduce you to Jordyn Hart and Spencer Collins. Jordyn is the oldest of the Hart sextuplets. This book was hard to write for a lot of reasons. It took years. That was not my plan. Other writing opportunities came up, and then my mom passed. The good news? All of it helped me heal in a way that shaped this book, and it improved my writing. I’m proud of Anchored Hearts.

Here’s a summary of the Surrendering Hearts series:

There will be six books in all. Each Hart sextuplet will receive their own book. The siblings are above. The top row left to right are: Jordyn, Ryan, and Evan. Bottom Row: James, Kelly, and Paige.

Here’s what Anchored Hearts is about:

Can two go-getters surrender their need to control and find a happily-ever-after?

Jordyn Bell Hart succeeds in everything she does. Her promotion to morning show co-anchor blossoms her career in the same way her mother’s work had. Jordyn keeps tabs on her family and enjoys helping them grow. When life around her starts to change, can she surrender her desire to control?

Spencer Collins knows how to balance a busy life. He has his work as a reporter, his time caregiving for his grieving father, and looking out for his little brother. When he learns he’s the new co-anchor of a morning show with Jordyn Hart, can he handle working with a celebrity who brings a lot of challenges to life on and off the set?

The print version is in the works. In order to feature Anchored Hearts for Fiction Finder/BookBub/GoodReads, I created a pre-order for Kindle. To pre-order, click HERE.