Julie Arduini's Blog, page 27
October 14, 2021
Ithyanna Interview by Don Edward Cook, Part 2
A CHARACTER INTERVIEW WITH
ITHYANNA, TITLE CHARACTER OF ITHYANNA: LAST DAUGHTER OF ATLANTIS BOOK I: HOW THE WORLD ENDED MILLENNIA AGO, PART II
By Don Edward Cook
In Part I of my character interview with Dr. Ithyanna D’Yel Tiekka Ekkleono of the Vansqvaa Institute for Higher-Learning in Loxxdiekko, Atlantis (and principal character of Ithyanna: Last Daughter of Atlantis Book I: How the World Ended Millennia Ago), we discussed her childhood, her quest to learn of the fate of her world, her opinion of the Ark-builder Noah, why she disagreed with him, her ambitious space-based alternative to Noah’s simpler plan for restarting civilization, and the basis for abandoning Earth. In Part II, we discuss her romantic life, supporters and opponents of her space-ark plan, a bit about her mental superpowers, and more.
DON EDWARD COOK: I understand that you have a love interest.
ITHY: Ah, yes. My love-lord husband and co-chair of Project Life-Escape, Dr. Iasko Ekkleono. He’s my biggest supporter.
DEC: Who’s on side with you and the research team that you and your husband Iasko co-chair?
ITHY: My project’s supporters consist of Vansqvaa alumni, other personal and corporate financial backers, various foreign researchers and their respective institutes, including many Lemurian expatriate scientists… and media multi-billionairess Lady Kaeoxxaea Maqbevvaea. Think of her as the Oprah Winfrey of our Antediluvian age, the wealthiest woman pre-Flood Earth ever knew. She’s a real character. At first, she tried to make the space ark a private spaceship for her own use. But I used my unique powers of persuasion to convince her otherwise.
DEC: And your opponents?
ITHY: The League of Realms, or LR—our equivalent to your United Nations. My day’s malevolent mega-mass media, for another. The Antediluvian international banking social strata, which is controlled by the LR, and vice versa. Oh, and the Crescentarians on the official level, as well as the ultra-radical Free Atlantis armed militia-like movement, or “Freebies” as we call them… [Increasingly angry, repeatedly pounding her fist on her chair’s right armrest.] And their exact militant opposite movement, the Spectralists! The Spectralists! SPECTRALISTS! THE SAME BLOODY ORGANIZATION OF THUG-BASTARDS WHO CRASHED MY GRAD CEREMONY WITH A VIOLENT ATTACK ON THE GRADS, STAFF, AND GUESTS!
[Silence befalls us both, until Ithy catches her breath, collects herself, and calms down.]
DEC: Are you okay?
ITHY: Yes. I am now. But my most Missouri mule-stubborn opponent is the Lion of Judah! Why does Elohim back Noah and not me?! I guess those who read this blog will have to buy a copy of your book, Don, titled Ithyanna: Last Daughter of Atlantis Book I: How the World Ended Millennia Ago in order to find out. I presume it’s available on your world’s online book vendors Amazon, Apple, Barnes & Noble, Google, and Kindle, as well as directly from your assisted self-publisher FriesenPress.
DEC: You took the works right out of my mouth!
ITHY: I didn’t mean to be rude. Do you have a website of your own?
DEC: I do. My website is The Donnyverse, which is at http://www.donnyverse.com/.
ITHY: Cool name for a website.
DEC: One last question I hadn’t planned to ask, but given how well we talked today, just how did you pick up on my language so quickly, right down to the very idiom I use?
ITHY: It’s quite simple, Don. Most people’s minds radiate practically everything they know. Telepaths like me can pick up people’s thoughts that way. That’s how I picked up on how you spoke, your own personal idiom included, and learned in less than a modern-day minute how to talk with you. Now, one last question: would you please kindly let me return to my own time?
DEC: Of course. Take care!
ITHY: Thanks! And dear 21st century Futurians, go online and buy a copy of Don’s book about me, Ithyanna: Last Daughter of Atlantis Book I: How the World Ended Millennia Ago! You’ll get to know me much better there!
[Ithy is enveloped within a ball of cyan light—and vanishes!]
This concludes my two-part character interview with Dr. Ithyanna D’Yel Tiekka Ekkleono, the title character of my book Ithyanna: Last Daughter of Atlantis Book I: How the World Ended Millennia Ago. As Ithyanna herself mentioned so exuberantly, my book is available through Amazon, Apple, Barnes & Noble, Google, and Kindle, as well as directly from my assisted self-publisher FriesenPress. And my website is The Donnyverse, which is at http://www.donnyverse.com/. This is Don Edward Cook, author of Ithyanna: Last Daughter of Atlantis Book I: How the World Ended Millennia Ago, saying so long, take care, and God Bless!
: PURCHASE LINK PAGES
Ithyanna, Last Daughter of Atlantis – Amazon Purchase Link Pages:
Amazon.com:Amazon.ca:Amazon.co.uk:Ithyanna, Last Daughter of Atlantis – Apple Purchase Link Page:
https://books.apple.com/us/book/ithyanna-last-daughter-of-atlantis/id1526868153
Ithyanna, Last Daughter of Atlantis – Barnes & Noble Purchase Link Page:
Ithyanna, Last Daughter of Atlantis – FriesenPress Purchase Link Page:
https://books.friesenpress.com/store/title/119734000099296008
Ithyanna, Last Daughter of Atlantis – Google Play Purchase Link Page:
https://play.google.com/store/search?q=9781525559150&c=books
Don Edward Cook decided to become a writer late in life around age 55. As a Canadian with a strong Christian faith and a strong believer and supporter of freedom, Mr. Cook’s faith in God and love for science fiction has resulted in Ithyanna, Last Daughter of Atlantis. This book is loosely based upon his short film The Last Atlantean (2009), which garnered a place in the top ten percentile of IMDb’s MovieMeter during mid-summer in 2010. Ithyanna, Last Daughter of Atlantis has also earned positive reviews by both Kirkus and Goodreads (the latter review netting Mr. Cook’s book a five-star rating.)
Mr. Cook currently resides in London, Ontario, Canada.
October 13, 2021
Ithyanna Interview by Don Edward Cook, Part 1
A CHARACTER INTERVIEW WITH
ITHYANNA, TITLE CHARACTER OF ITHYANNA: LAST DAUGHTER OF ATLANTIS BOOK I: HOW THE WORLD ENDED MILLENNIA AGO, PART I
By Don Edward Cook
What if our current times of trouble, which many in our day and age have described as having no parallel to the calamities of the past, actually has a parallel in the far distant, forgotten past?
What if that time of great world calamity was in the days of Noah? What if that world was not the rustic primitive albeit very corrupt civilization as often depicted in the tales about Noah’s Flood, but instead the reputedly advanced technological world of Atlantis that was as rife with evil as our age is today?
This is the theme of my book Ithyanna: Last Daughter of Atlantis Book I: How the World Ended Millennia Ago. And to elaborate further about the book’s premise and to offer key insight into who she is, I have the honor and pleasure of interviewing the book’s title character, Dr. Ithyanna D’Yel Tiekka Ekkleono, a scientist at the Vansqvaa Institute for Higher-Learning in Loxxdiekko, Atlantis, the seaside city where she also lives.
DON EDWARD COOK: Dr. Ekkleono, thank you for coming to my point in spacetime today.
ITHYANNA: [Relaxed.] The honor and pleasure are all mine, Don. And please, call me Ithy. I’m not big on formality.
DEC: Thanks, Ithy. The name of your home city. It sounds sort of Californian.
ITHY: [Laughs.] After what I’ve learned about your age, Don, I can tell you my Loxxdiekko is very much like your cities L.A., San Fran, or San Diego. A cool set of parallel cities.
DEC: So, tell me. What led you to embark on the path you did?
DEC: As in the Ark’s Noah?
ITHY: Yes. That control-freaky doomsayer Noah.
DEC: Sounds like you don’t have much use for him.
ITHY: It all began with my mother’s death when I was eleven years old. After that, I looked into whether anyone else who lost someone like I lost Mom, and I saw they, too, died the same way, from what our clinicians call Dark Times Heartbreak Syndrome. I was a heartbroken girl, whose only escape was through working for my aunt Laktia at her beachfront ice cream place in my teens, as well as… well, let’s call them “lewd teenage escapades”. I wasn’t chaste like my adopted sister Biannia, who became the wife of Shem, son of the doomsayer Noah.
ITHY: And not for his unseen sky-god either.
DEC: Getting back to your own quest, Ithy. As much as you despise Noah, you and he arrived at parallel conclusions, yet at wildly differing solutions.
ITHY: Yes. He and his gopher-wood death-barge, and me at my space ark-based one.
DEC: You mean, where your take some humans, and possibly some livestock, plant seeds/spores, and records of your world’s culture and accumulated knowledge to another planet?
[Ithy leans towards me.]
ITHY: I’m mean getting the Perdition off my doomed world, Don, while there is still time.
DEC: You had no faith in Noah’s plan?
ITHY: [Very agitated.] Look, Don! If you had all the access to the data I have, which I apologize for not being able to bring with me today, you’d see that you’d have a far better chance of winning a super-prize lottery than Noah’s plan would have in succeeding! [Calms down, then sighs.] Sorry, Don. I didn’t mean to snap at you.
DEC: Forgiven. Still, on what did you base your conclusions about Earth’s fate?
ITHY: And in addition, Don, the very vaporsphere that gives the world of my day nice balmy weather from pole to pole year round would be gone! The poles would tilt by 22.5 marks, or degrees, and would no longer be at a perpendicular zero degree tilt. Those factors alone, Don, would create chronically frigid conditions at both poles, a super-hot band around the Equator where the land would either be super-arid desert or hot, dense, and unbearably humid jungle country. You get the rest. And that’s the best case scenario! The worst is that Earth would end up as a water-world forever and an eternity of days!
DEC: As we’d say on Earth, in French… « C’est la vie dans la terre. »
ITHY: [Laughing cynically.] I should have known you’d say that!
In Part II of my interview, I will discuss with Ithyanna about her love life, those for and against her space-ark plans, a bit about her mental superpowers, and more. Log in tomorrow!
Don Edward Cook decided to become a writer late in life around age 55. As a Canadian with a strong Christian faith and a strong believer and supporter of freedom, Mr. Cook’s faith in God and love for science fiction has resulted in Ithyanna, Last Daughter of Atlantis. This book is loosely based upon his short film The Last Atlantean (2009), which garnered a place in the top ten percentile of IMDb’s MovieMeter during mid-summer in 2010. Ithyanna, Last Daughter of Atlantis has also earned positive reviews by both Kirkus and Goodreads (the latter review netting Mr. Cook’s book a five-star rating.)
Mr. Cook currently resides in London, Ontario, Canada.
: PURCHASE LINK PAGES
Ithyanna, Last Daughter of Atlantis – Amazon Purchase Link Pages:
Amazon.com:Amazon.ca:Amazon.co.uk:Ithyanna, Last Daughter of Atlantis – Apple Purchase Link Page:
https://books.apple.com/us/book/ithyanna-last-daughter-of-atlantis/id1526868153
Ithyanna, Last Daughter of Atlantis – Barnes & Noble Purchase Link Page:
Ithyanna, Last Daughter of Atlantis – FriesenPress Purchase Link Page:
https://books.friesenpress.com/store/title/119734000099296008
Ithyanna, Last Daughter of Atlantis – Google Play Purchase Link Page:
https://play.google.com/store/search?q=9781525559150&c=books
October 11, 2021
America of We the People by Terry Overton
My new release, “America of We the People,” is a book that profoundly touched my heart as I wrote the words. It is my first attempt at a Christian poetry and short commentary book. But I was compelled to write this book more than any other book I have written to date. You see, my dad earned three purple hearts in the Korean War, something to this day he seldom speaks of. My grandson is currently serving in the 82nd Airborne and returned recently from a deployment to Iraq. His best friend from high school was inside the Kabul airport gate the day it was bombed, and we lost thirteen servicemen and women. My son is a firefighter and works all hours to rescue people in need.
As a conservative Christian, I write books to examine world events through a Christian worldview. Most pressing on my heart lately has been observing what is happening in our country and around the world. It was especially heartbreaking on August 26th and 31st as we witnessed servicemen and women who were sacrificed in their effort to protect people from terrorism in Afghanistan. The following hasty withdrawal of our troops, who were there to protect others, was quite disturbing.
For days, I was upset. Christians, United States citizens, and Afghans who helped our military personnel, have been left behind. There is little effort for rescue. These events, and the thought of the women and children who will now be targeted because they were left behind, is upsetting.
I penned this short work to honor our servicemen and women, veterans, police, border patrol, state troopers, and first responders. It was written and dedicated as a show of respect and appreciation. It was also written in memory of those who perished on 9-11 and all those who perished fighting for our freedom. One way to honor these amazing heroes is to partner with a foundation that assists disabled veterans, first responders, and the widows and families of these heroes. I have partnered with a terrific foundation. A portion of the sale of each book or ebook is donated to Tunnels2Towers Foundation.
If you believe in our country, know veterans or first responders, I would appreciate you telling them how much they are valued. We would not be here had they not stood guard for us.
Here is a short excerpt of the types of verses in “America of We the People.” This is from the poem, “Gold Stars in Heaven” and is about the thirteen who lost their lives on August 26, 2021.
Tonight, in peace the soldiers shine
These Stars of Gold now are Thine
They twinkle gold and light our night
Shining down from heavens bright
And pray if more Gold Stars join these in heaven
They will be for Your purpose given
Goodness will grow round the world
And respect felt when our flag unfurled
Here is an excerpt from “A Wounded Eagle”
Our Father once again is weeping
And wonders “Why are my people sleeping?
If they change their evil ways and come to me
This nation will be strong, and free”
Crickets are the only sound
Heard across this hallowed ground
And in their graves the soldiers cry
“Please help them Lord, our freedom dies”
Fall on your knees this day and pray
Dear Father don’t let us end this way
Please tell us now what to do
To return to freedom and honor You
This collection includes a few satirical poems about big tech, vaccines, and other social issues. There are poems referencing leaders from around the world such as Churchill and Mandela. The book closes with finding hope to move our country back to God.
Should you happen to read a copy of the book, as any author, I would love to know your thoughts. Here are the links to the book and to my webpage, Facebook page, and blog.
https://www.authorterryoverton.com
https://www.facebook.com/terry.overton.71653
When Things Aren’t Right
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. She and her husband live in the southern tip of Texas where they enjoy semi-tropical weather, playing golf, and spending time with their friends and family.
October 9, 2021
Book Review: Deception by Rita Garcia
Deception: A Nikki Summers Mystery, Book 1 of an exciting new series set in Serenity Cove.The heart-touching mystery that will forever change the way you look at other people’s lives.
Witnessing the murder of her fiancé in a drug bust gone wrong, Nikki Summers turns in her badge with the Serenity Cove Police Department and sets up a private investigator office in the front room of her beach cottage, which she shares with Izzy, a Belgian Malinois.
Rose Ledbetter strides into Nikki’s office, dressed in a mohair navy jacket with wide lapels trimmed in white over tailored slacks, a style past its time. Rose, one of those rare people you meet and feel you’ve known forever. Her son—missing 20 years, left a trail colder than the snow in the Swiss Alps. That was only the beginning of her story.
Unraveling the pieces of Rose’s life escalates Nikki’s own pain and loss. Her burden of guilt and grief—she’d safely tucked away inside.
By helping Rose, can she free herself from the nightmare of the past?
Julie’s Review:
Deception is a level of excellence I aspire to reach as an author. Rita develops multi-dimensional characters and Nikki, in first person POV has a strong and haunting voice that I loved. The secondary characters are just as interesting. Rose is captivating with her wealth and flawed choices. And so many questions. Everything seems to lead back to the people around Rose’s life. The closer Nikki delves into it, the more danger she finds.
Serenity Cove itself is a character, and that’s not easy to do. Rita crafts a well-rounded book that makes me happy it’s a series. I look forward knowing I have more to read.
Formatting this, the Kindle preview did not work. If it doesn’t show for you, you can find Deception HERE.October 5, 2021
Roar Like a Lion Parent Resources+ Giveaway Winner
Last month I shared my book review for ROAR LIKE A LION. Congratulations to HOLLY for winning a copy of the book!
I recently received additional resources that parents will love. I hope you check them out!
Downloadable Parent Guide: LINKAdditional Downloadable Resource: LINKOctober 4, 2021
Lesson Learned by Paula Peckham
We need to learn some lessons more than once.
This morning, heading inside my local Starbucks, I crossed paths with a homeless woman. The clues were obvious. Mis-matched clothing, worn in layers. House slippers on her shuffling feet. Crazy hair. Quiet muttering, speaking only to herself.
Coffee waited inside, and I had an appointment to meet. I didn’t pause as I passed her. She was youngish, between 30-40 years old. A frown creased her face. Her jaw clenched with a belligerent jut.
She ignored me, arranging her collection of plastic bags on a table on the outside porch.
Waiting in line, I watched the reactions of the people inside. The barista kept glancing outside, worry in his eyes. Was he wishing she hadn’t set up camp at his store? She was dirty and didn’t present a welcoming presence to customers arriving for their morning pick-me-up. Two women seated inside at a small, round table eyed her with avid fascination, whispering to each other as they laughed, shiny nails glittering on their fingertips, lipstick kisses on the lids of their coffees.
I should talk to her on my way back to my car. Homeless people feel invisible, ignored by the world bustling past them. I should take the few seconds required to ask her a question, say hello. Would she be argumentative if I spoke to her?
She looked angry. Many homeless suffer from mental illness and can be combative. I glanced at my watch. I had time to stop for coffee. Did I have time to stop for her?
She walked off of the porch and around to the drive-thru. My eyes widened, and I stepped back so I could watch her progress. What was she doing now? What were the people waiting in line in their cars thinking, watching her approach? She startled me by climbing right into the landscaping. The leaves of Asian jasmine still dripped from their early morning spraying from the automatic sprinklers. The water droplets would soak her clothing. She exhibited classic crazy-person actions.
The crazy thing she did? She plucked trash from the bushes, then climbed back out and deposited it into a waste can.
God, forgive me.
The homeless woman cleaned the debris tossed aside by a careless person paying $5.00 for a cup of coffee.
I picked up my drink and turned to leave. I passed the two smirking women, resenting their privilege, resenting their beauty, feeling disappointment burn inside.
Disappointment at myself. Was I so different?
Disappointment at them. It’s so easy to judge, especially from our oh-so-comfortable lives.
I pushed the door open to head outside, calling a greeting to the woman as I did. I said it loudly enough for the ladies with the beautifully manicured nails to hear.
The woman outside looked up. She was someone’s daughter. Someone’s sister? Maybe someone’s mother. Our eyes met, and I smiled at her.
The change was amazing. A wide grin creased her face, transforming her angry, belligerent look into beauty. I stopped, struck.
“Have you had breakfast?” McDonalds was 20 yards away.
Her smile broadened. “Oh, yes!” Her voice was sweet, childish, high-pitched. “I have bagels!”
What a beautiful, grateful spirit. Shame flooded me.
I touched her on the arm as I passed, a fingertip on her sleeve. “Have a good day.”
“God bless you.” Her reply was fervent.
She called down God’s blessing on me for speaking to her, for recognizing her as a fellow human being. For seeing her.
Jesus taught us to do this. He led by example, repeatedly. He spoke to the lame man waiting by the pool of Bethesda. He spoke to the Samaritan woman at the well. He spoke to the tax collector, to the leper, to the demon-possessed men in Gadarenes.
Today I learned, again, that I want to live my life like Jesus. Help me, God, to see this world and Your people through Your eyes, not mine. Help me to always ask, “What would Jesus do?”
A fifth-generation Texan, Paula Peckham graduated from the University of Texas in Arlington and taught math at Burleson High School for 19 years. She divides her time between her home in Burleson and her casita in Rio Bravo, Mexico. Her debut novel, Protected, was an ACFW Genesis semi-finalist in 2020 and will be published March 2022 with Elk Lake Publishing, Inc. She also writes short stories and poems and is a member of ACFW and Unleashing the Next Chapter. For more about Paula and her books, visit her website. PaulaPeckham.com
October 3, 2021
Book Review: Spouse in the House by Cynthia Ruchti & Becky Melby
A frank and funny look at what to do when together is too close
Two’s company, especially for those who love each other. So what happens when–due to retirement, working from home, or even running a business together–spouses find that being in the same space all the time is awkward, complex, annoying, and just plain challenging? How can partners coexist without co-exhausting each other?
Cynthia Ruchti and Becky Melby know all too well how adjusting to a new, all-the-time closeness can cause the bliss of marriage to form blisters. Drawing from their experiences, and from men and women across the country in the same situation, the authors take a deep breath and dive into the root causes. They dig into the ways God’s Word has to say, and they offer practical tips for learning the spiritual, emotional, relational, and even physical steps that can help readers replace irritation with peace.
For any Christian who wants their home to be a refuge of peace and serenity for all–not just themselves–and who wants to know they aren’t alone in the mental and physical claustrophobia of too much togetherness, Spouse in the House is a vulnerable, charming, and pragmatic breath of hope.
JULIE’S REVIEW:
I thought Spouse in the House would address the pandemic and the forced working together that threw my husband and I together for a year and a half. The book addressed so much more than that. From retirement to home businesses to layoffs and everything in between, Spouse in the House offers personal anecdotes from the authors, even other authors that are relatable and helpful. Their stories are hilarious, but never bitter or mean-spirited. There’s Biblical wisdom, statistics and so much more.
Whether you are newlyweds getting used to each other or about to retire together, Spouse in the House is a must-read for everyone. It covers every aspect of having a spouse with you 24/7 and how you’ll not just survive, but thrive. I highly recommend.
a Rafflecopter giveawayAbout the AuthorsCynthia Ruchti tells stories of hope through novels, nonfiction, devotionals, and speaking events. She serves as the professional relations liaison for American Christian Fiction Writers and is a frequent speaker at writers conferences across the country. Find out more at cynthiaruchti.com.
Becky Melby is an author and speaker, with more than twenty books to her name, including four cozy mysteries for Guideposts’ Secrets of Wayfarers Inn series. Find out more at beckymelby.com.
Both make their homes in the heart of Wisconsin with their respective retired spouses, and are longtime best friends.
September 30, 2021
Fiction Finder: October 2021 New Releases
October 2021 New Releases
More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website
Contemporary:
Perfectly Arranged by Liana George — Can Nicki risk letting go of her well-ordered life plans and embrace what God has perfectly arranged? (General Contemporary from Scrivenings Press LLC)
Contemporary Romance:
Tacos for Two by Betsy St. Amant — Rory Perez, a food truck owner who can’t cook, is struggling to keep the business she inherited from her aunt out of the red–and an upcoming contest during Modest’s annual food truck festival seems the best way to do it. Then maybe Rory will have enough time to meet the man she’s been talking to via an anonymous online dating site. Complications arise when Rory’s chef gets mono and she realizes she has to cook after all. Then Jude discovers that his stiffest competition is the same woman he’s been falling for online the past month. Will these unlikely chefs sacrifice it all for the sake of love? Or will there only ever be tacos for one? (Contemporary Romance from Revell – A Division of Baker Publishing Group)
Riverbend Gap by Denise Hunter — She came in search of the family she’d always wanted—and found the kind of love she’d never dared to imagine. (Contemporary Romance from HarperCollins Christian Publishing (Thomas Nelson and Zondervan))
Worthy of Redemption by Krystina Renae Rankina — Ten years ago, tragedy sent her running… can friendship and maybe even love prove him worthy of redemption? (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published)
Home for Christmas by Cathe Swanson, et. al. — The 6th annual Christmas Lights Collection features active duty and veteran military members. (Contemporary Romance from Havilah Press Publications)
A Harvest Heart by Denise Weimer — Hope Richardson is good at just that—hoping. Problem is, she’s often disappointed—by fathers who die, boyfriends who ghost her, and lack of promotion at her event planning firm. It’s her twin sister, Faith, for whom things work out. When Faith’s fiancé lands an out-of-town job, Hope is called home to plan a wedding in the Georgia foothills … and jumpstart the tea room Faith was supposed to run with their mother. (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published)
The Billionaire’s Secret by Meghann Whistler — He’s a billionaire hiding a devastating diagnosis. She’ll do whatever it takes to help her sick, matchmaking mom. A freak accident throws them together, but will his big secret tear them apart? Inspired by 2 Corinthians 12:9, The Billionaire’s Secret is a sweet inspirational romance with a swoony hero, LOTS of entertaining banter, and a strong Christian message. (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published)
Historical Mystery:
Murder at the Empire by Cathe Swanson — They call him the Emperor. John Starek fills his theater with fine artwork and treasures. He’s particularly pleased to have one of the country’s first female organists – and he thinks Gayle Wells is the bee’s knees. Despite pressure from her social crusader mother, Gayle isn’t interested in changing the world. She just wants a car of her own – and a career playing the organ at the Empire movie palace would be especially ducky. Then the Empire’s treasures start disappearing and employees start dying. Are a few pieces of art really enough motive for the string of murders? Will Gayle be next? (Historical Mystery from Celebrate Lit Publishing)
Historical Romance:
To Stand in the Breach by Danielle Grandinetti — 1933, Wisconsin – Large animal veterinarian Katy Wells takes her patients’ welfare personally, so it’s no surprise when she stands up to angry farmers planning a milk strike or takes in an injured draft horse to save its life. But after a visitor from the past discovers her location and reveals a threat, she must choose between her work and her freedom, and whether to trust a man to keep her safe. (Historical Romance, Independently Published)
The Petticoat Spy by Elva Cobb Martin — A feisty Southern belle and a blockade runner ignite romance, faith, and fireworks to save Charleston during the American Revolution. (Historical Romance from Wild Heart Books)
A Family for Hazel by Linda Shenton Matchett — After the Civil War takes Hazel Markham’s father, and her mother dies of a broken heart, a friend of her parents hires Hazel as a companion. All is well until the woman’s lecherous son takes an interest in his mother’s assistant. When Hazel spurns his advances one too many times, the man frames her for theft, and she is fired. As a last resort she applies to be a mail-order bride, and to her dismay, her groom-to-be is a preacher. Will he believe her claims of innocence or reject her as unacceptable? (Historical Romance from Shortwave Press)
In Pieces by Rhonda Ortiz — Boston, 1793—Beautiful and artistic, the only daughter of a prominent merchant, Molly Chase cannot help but attract the notice of Federalist Boston—especially its men. But she carries a painful secret: her father committed suicide and she found his body. Now nightmares plague her day and night, addling her mind and rendering her senseless. Molly needs a home, a nurse, and time to grieve and to find new purpose in life. But when she moves in with her friends the Robbs, spiteful society gossips assume the worst. And when an imprudent decision leads to public scandal, Molly is tempted to take the easy way out: a marriage of convenience. In the wake of tragedy, these longtime friends discover a new intimacy. But slander, confusion, absence, and a wealthy, conniving bully stand between them. And with French spies on the loose, they not only have to rescue their reputations—they have to protect their lives. (Historical Romance from WhiteFire Publishing)
The Wrangler’s Woman by Davalynn Spencer — Corra Jameson doesn’t think of herself as a spinster and is content to spend quiet evenings with her books. Paper beaus, her sister calls them, teasing her about the stories Corra reads. But when a rugged widower asks her to come to his ranch for the summer to help him with his tomboy daughter, she sees opportunity to earn a side of beef for her sister’s family. Besides, she has nothing to lose in the arrangement. Except perhaps her heart. Re-released from the 2016 ECPA bestselling Barbour collection, The Cowboy’s Bride. (Historical Romance from Wilson Creek Publishing)
Christmas Tree Wars by Delores Topliff — Kris Lundquist, am ambitious New York City financial planner, comes home to Wisconsin for two weeks to help his Swedish-American Christmas tree grower dad meet a financial crisis. While there, he gets re-acquainted with Marcie Halvorsen, the idealistic forestry-major niece of their cranky Norwegian neighbor who is also home to solve a financial shortfall. Both enter contests to provide national Christmas tree to build their businesses and sales. Despite their relationship seeming as star-crossed as Romeo and Juliet’s, they fall in love and help their families and town rediscover the reason for the season. (Historical Romance from Scrivenings Press LLC)
A Heart for the Sailor by Terri Wangard — Working as a Winnie the Welder during World War II, Evelyn builds submarines. She’s good at her job, but men begrudge women taking jobs in heavy industry. She dreams of the day her sailor comes home and the life they’ll have, but does Jerry dream about her? When a typhoon threatens the US Fleet in the Pacific, Jerry and his shipmates aboard the Tabberer rush to the aid of their fellow sailors. The typhoon prompts a greater awareness of what he wants in life. First, though, they have to survive. (Historical Romance, Independently Published)
A Deep Divide by Kimberley Woodhouse — After being kidnapped as a child, heiress Emma Grace McMurray has seen firsthand the devastation that greed causes in the world, and she wants nothing to do with it. When she discovers her father has offered her up as a bargaining chip to expand his empire, she disappears into the night. Determined to stay hidden, even if it means always looking over her shoulder, she finds herself working as a Harvey Girl at the El Tovar Hotel. When the son’s owner, Ray Watkins arrives at the hotel on business, he immediately admires Emma Grace, and though an attraction begins to form, she can’t let go of the deep-rooted fear that he’s just like every other wealthy man she’s known. When suspicious activity follows Emma Grace and Ray to the El Tovar, they are pulled into a mystery that stirs up their worst fears. And as shocking revelations come to light, they are left to question all they thought to be true. (Historical Romance from Bethany House (Baker) Publishing)
Romantic Suspense:
Deadly Connection by Kathy Harris — After fending off a would-be abductor, 27-year-old singer-songwriter Hannah Cassidy hides behind a car in the half-empty parking lot behind Pancake Pantry in Nashville. From there, she watches in horror as her attacker grabs another woman and pushes her into a nearby car. Within seconds, the vehicle speeds away. TBI Special Agent Jake Matheson may have planned a quiet day off and a date with Shannon―the only name her online profile revealed―for an introductory lunch, but after pulling into a parking space on 21st Avenue South, he hears a scream. He races to the back of the building and finds a frightened young woman bent forward and gasping for breath. Thrown together by uncanny circumstances and driven by the whys and what-ifs of secrets yet to be revealed, Hannah and Jake set out to find the connection between them before it becomes deadly. (Romantic Suspense/Thriller from Iron Stream Fiction (an imprint of Iron Stream Media))
Yuletide Cold Case Cover-Up by Jessica R. Patch — The mystery of her sister’s death is about to reveal some deadly answers…When her sister’s remains are found just before Christmas, cold case agent Poppy Holliday is determined to solve the years-old murder—even if it turns the killer’s sights on her. But her investigation with her straitlaced partner, Rhett Wallace, is stirring up the town’s old memories—and bitter grudges. And this killer will do anything to keep secrets buried. (Romantic Suspense/Thriller from Love Inspired (Harlequin))
Traces of Virtue by Robin Patchen — From her deathbed, Carly Garcia’s mother asked Carly to look after left her stepfather and her sisters. Carly is doing everything in her power to keep that promise, but now she has a new life to protect, this one innocent and vulnerable. She visits her ex to tell him a truth he doesn’t deserve to know… and witnesses his murder. Now, Carly’s on the run from killers whose faces she never saw. Braden Reilly is building a career in Coventry, New Hampshire, happy to put the drama of his crime-ridden Boston neighborhood behind him. When a woman he’s spent years trying to forget shows up on his doorstep, his first instinct is to turn her away. But the bruises on her arms and the fear in her eyes have him offering her sanctuary. The story she tells him makes his blood curdle. Together, they must discover who’s behind a murder nobody believes occurred before the killers catch up to Carly and her unborn child. (Romantic Suspense/Thriller, Independently Published)
Literary:
A Flicker of Light by Katie Powner — For generations, the Jensens have raised their families in the small Montana town of Moose Creek, where gossip spreads faster than the wind. Yet some secrets need to be told. When twenty-one-year-old Bea discovers she’s pregnant on the heels of her husband losing his job, she’s forced to admit she needs help and asks her dad for a place to stay. But past resentments keep her from telling him all that’s going on. Grandma June is good at spinning stories, but there’s one she’s never told. Now that her mind is starting to fade, her time to tell it is running out. But if she reveals the truth before her memories are gone forever, the Jensen family will never be the same. (Literary from Bethany House (Baker) Publishing)
Mystery:
Memories, Murder and Small Town Money by KC Hart — When Katy Cross finds one of Skeeterville’s supposedly upstanding citizens dead in the dumpster behind the grocery store, she has to work hard to find the killer before any more of the town’s colorful citizens are harmed. (Cozy Mystery, Independently Published)
Speculative Fiction:
All That’s Fair by Amanda G. Stevens — Unable for the last century to grow old or succumb to injury, Cady Schuster has lost a lot of people, some more recently than others. She’s trying to find new belonging in Harbor Vale, Michigan, among a welcoming little group of fellow ageless folk. Then she meets Paige, a mortal woman who needs a friend-and might need help. Paige’s husband rules their church with an authority unquestioned by his congregation. When Paige suddenly severs all communication, Cady determines to find her. Churchgoers warn her off, and the behavior of Paige’s husband proves a still bigger warning. Is this friend lost too, or can Cady help her? And how far should an ageless woman involve herself in the conflicts of mortals? (Speculative Fiction, Independently Published)
Thriller/Suspense:
Ice Cold Blue by Susan Page Davis — Campbell McBride is now working for her father Bill as a private investigator in Murray, Kentucky. Xina Harrison wants them to find out what is going on with her aunt, Katherine Taylor. Katherine is a rich, reclusive author, and she has resisted letting Xina visit her for several years. Xina arrived unannounced, and Katherine was upset and didn’t want to let her in. When Xina did gain entry, she learned Katherine fired her longtime housekeeper. She noticed that a few family heirlooms previously on display have disappeared. (Thriller/Suspense from Scrivenings Press LLC)
Western:
Love on the Range by Mary Connealy — While his brothers and their new wives search for who shot him, Wyatt Hunt is temporarily bedridden and completely miserable. Somehow Molly Garner’s limited skills have made her the most qualified in their circle to care for Wyatt. But by the time he’s healed, she’s fed up with him and the whole ungrateful family. For even worse than his grumpiness were the few unguarded moments when he pulled at her heartstrings, and she has been long determined to never repeat her mother’s mistakes. But when another Pinkerton agent gets shot, they realize Hawkins isn’t the only danger. The Hunt brothers will have to band together to face all the troubles of life and love that suddenly surround them. (Western from Bethany House (Baker) Publishing)
Plus check out these recent additions to Fiction Finder published within the past month:
Ocracoke By Christmas by Cindy M. Amos, The lighthouse shelters a few choice secrets but never falters in shining a light on true love. (Historical Romance)
The Mistletoe Countess by Pepper Basham, He was never supposed to become an earl. She was never supposed to marry him. (Historical Romance)
Jingle Bell Square by Joi Copeland, He wants healing after losing his father. She wants to find a love that will last. (Contemporary Romance)
Candy Cane Wishes and Saltwater Dreams by Kathy Fulkerson, et. al., A collection of Christmas beach romance novellas by five multi-published authors. (Contemporary Romance)
Sweet Cranberries by Sherry Kyle, When a handsome electrician and other residents of the island step up to help with the festival, she must discern whether they really have her best interests at heart. (Contemporary Romance)
When Love Trusts by Judythe Morgan, A second chance at first love. (Romance)
A Midnight Dance by Joanna Davidson Politano, Is she dancing ever closer to the edge of her own tragic end? Or will the secrets that are about to come to light offer release from the past? (Historical Romance)
Lucinda’s Defender by Blossom Turner, Life hasn’t turned out at all like Lucinda expected, but neither is the depth of love one man has for her. (Historical Romance)
September 29, 2021
Come Visit Me
This week is the first one possibly in a year or more where there is hardly anything on the calendar dictating where I have to go or what I have to do. There has been so much travel and appointments that I have longed to be home.
Now that things have quieted down, I’m trying to get back on a writing and blogging schedule. Also, clean the house. But I’d rather talk about blogging.
I’ve been part of the team blog Christians Read since its inception. I think it has been a decade or more. It was before I was published when owner Vicki Hinze believed in me and gave me a rotation. Although I’m most likely the slowest author when it comes to publishing books on the team, I’m still there. And I love it.
I blog every Wednesday, and today I’m up.
It would mean a lot if you not only read my post, but subscribe. Your favorite Christian authors are there—Vicki, Nancy J. Farrier, James Coggins, Tara Randel, Bridget A. Thomas, Hannah Alexander, Mary Alford, Kristin Billerbeck, Kathy Carmichael and Nora St. Laurent. I look forward to their posts, and I think you will as well.
September 21, 2021
Good and Present
This was what I posted on Facebook:
“It was a year ago that we nearly lost mom. It all happened so fast. We had to force her to go to the ER, and even then she told registration she was there because she was a little dehydrated. The truth was she was hours away from passing. They had no idea what was going on, but obviously Covid was the top concern. I knew that wasn’t it, but I understood the protocols.
They made me isolate with her. Things became critical and her amazing doctor had to intubate and vent her as they scrambled to find a specialized hospital that could treat her. Many of the procedures were similar to what doctors performed on Hannah when we nearly lost her as a baby, except then they denied letting me stay because they knew how traumatic it would be. This time, I was feet away from mom as the team worked on her.
Before they performed those life-saving measures, Dr. Hobson told us to say goodbye, confessing he could make no promises. Clear as day I remember her looking me in the eye. “No matter what, it will be good for me. I make it, that’s good. I don’t, it’s good. I know where I’m going, and it is good.” She emphasized that needed to be my focus.
Months later, we faced that day. And although the shock of it all has nearly done us in, her words have been a comfort. We know where she is. Her faith was strong. It was not religion to her. She had a relationship. And now she walks heavenly gardens with Him, most likely dad pointing out things he’s also found and waited to show her. That is good. Hard. But good.”
In those months where I stayed with mom to caregive, and then returned for her funeral, and then the business associated with her death, I walked through it in a haze. We planned a vacation for healing, and that was canceled thanks to Covid. We planned an alternate vacation where I mentally broke.
How bad was it?
I could not walk. I froze so bad emotionally I could not move. Everything tensed up. I needed my husband to take my arm. What normally would take seconds to cover took painful, slow minutes. It was awful.
There was another trip not long after that and thankfully that went better. Upon return, I got bronchitis. My lungs tightened up and the smallest activity felt like I’d climbed a mountain. It was lonely and sad, it was the same time frame as the Afghanistan tragedy. I felt hopeless and lost.
Thankfully I’m on the other side of these issues. I feel great. I’m walking nearly at my normal pace. My breathing is good. I attended a family event out of the area and had no problems walking. No emotional triggers. I’m back on my devotional and prayer schedule, something that has been hit and miss to the degree I’m used to participating.
Through it all, at the very lowest, there was one thing I can say.
I felt God’s presence.
I was lonely, but never alone. I know that with all my heart.
Julie Arduini
I don’t know what 2020 was like for you, or this year. If you are feeling like the bottom has fallen out, I encourage you to ask God to show Himself. For me, He shows up in so many ways. A sermon. A song. A verse in the Bible that I’ve read many times but it reads new. Something someone shares. He longs to give you the desire of your heart. To shower you with His unconditional love.
The hardest year has taught me much.
My mom has it good.
And God has been present.
For me, these things are a gift.
