Julie Arduini's Blog, page 30

Crossroads: A Study of Esther and Jonah by Jodie Niznik

Discover how to live out your unique calling from an unlikely biblical pairing

At first glance, Esther and Jonah don’t have much in common. Esther is an orphan girl, out of place in royal courts, who nonetheless becomes queen and saves her beloved Jewish people. Jonah is a reluctant prophet who ran as hard as he could from God. And when he finally gave in and his efforts eventually saved his enemies, he did nothing but complain.

While Esther and Jonah endured wildly different circumstances and had distinctly singular callings, they were both appointed by God. They were placed in a certain time and space in history. God carried them through unique experiences and gave them specific gifts. Despite their opposite attitudes of willingness, their lives are proof of the great things we can accomplish when we follow God’s call.

In this nine-week inductive Bible study, Jodie Niznik invites you to learn that you too are uniquely equipped and called by God for a particular assignment in a specific time and place. Now you stand at a crossroads, and the choice is yours. Will you choose to boldly respond like Esther or will you fight your calling like Jonah? With thoughtful questions and practical exercises, Niznik will gently help you examine your life through the lens of Scripture and take brave, bold steps forward into the life you long for!

Crossroads is a great Bible study taking two different people and books from the Bible and creating a thought-provoking experience. I don’t know why I never considered the two in a study before, as they both were called to do hard things for God’s Kingdom. The author goes through each book and brings new life to familiar Bible stories that also includes questions for further review. For instance, I never considered Esther’s experience a trafficking situation, but those girls weren’t allowed any freedoms while the king chose his new queen.

Both Jonah and Esther are great looks into boldness and obedience and this study provides a great vehicle to learn, draw closer to God, and move into the calling He has for you. I definitely recommend.

I received a copy of Crossroads in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are not my own, and I was not compensated.

The Inn at Cranberry Cove by June Foster

Twenty years ago, my husband and I lived in Washington state – in Olympia, the capitol. I love the Pacific northwest and frequently set my stories there. In fact, the first five or so were inspired by the forests of Douglas fir, majestic mountains, and lakes and streams that are perfect for fishing.

One weekend during our time in Washington, we decided to travel west as far as we could go until we reached the ocean. Our trip brought us to a delightful B&B in Ilwaco on the south end of Long Beach Peninsula in the southwest corner of the state, between the Pacific Ocean and the Columbia River. I hadn’t realized that a sleepy, historic fishing town nestled there.

The B&B was once an old place of worship, and today boasts of guest rooms, lush gardens, and a large meeting room where the sanctuary used to stand. At the time we were there, I hadn’t written my first book, but years later, upon thinking back to the lovely inn, my imagination began to percolate and The Inn at Cranberry Cove was born.

Today the B&B is owned by a sweet couple by the name of Leanna and Kevin Moos and is now called the Inn at Harbor Village. The picture on the cover of my book is the real inn that the Moos graciously allowed me to use.

I’m so proud to announce that The Inn at Cranberry Cove won first place in the romantic suspense category of the 2021 Blue Ridge Mountain Christian Writer’s conference Selah awards.

About the Inn at Cranberry Cove

Ashton Price arrives in Cranberry Cove, Washington, her pride wounded by her former boss. James Atwood endures punishing guilt after the death of his wife and son. Together, they must discover the mystery that haunts the Inn at Cranberry Cove.

An award-winning author, June Foster is also a retired teacher with a BA in Education and a MA in counseling. She is the mother of two and grandmother of ten. June began writing Christian romance in 2010. She penned her first novel on her Toshiba laptop as she and her husband traveled the US in their RV. Her adventures provide a rich source of information for her novels. She brags about visiting a location before it becomes the setting in her next book.

To date, June has written over twenty contemporary romance and romantic suspense novels and novellas. She loves to compose stories about characters who overcome the circumstances in their lives by the power of God and His Word. June uses her training in counseling and her Christian beliefs in creating characters who find freedom to live godly lives. She’s published with Winged Publications. Visit June at www.junefoster.com to see a complete list of her books.

Summer Change

How’s summer going so far? Ours is somewhat filled with travel, so I know it will go fast.

I thought I’d let you know a couple summer changes I’m making. I hope you check them out.

Summer look at juliearduini.com. If you subscribe to my blog via email, take a look at the site. My mission is to write about surrender issues and chocolate, so I want this site to reflect that. The surrender aspect I have with a woman displaying broken chains. I love that. If you’ve surrendered the good and the bad to Jesus, there is freedom there. I am living proof. For the chocolate, there’s a tempting ice cream cone. Nothing says summer to me more than ice cream!

2. Did you know I have a newsletter? Did you know I send it out twice a month thanks to reader feedback? Usually the first is an encouragement. I don’t think I can ever do away with that, but for now I’ll shorten that up and include a writing update. The second newsletter will be a personal update. Both also include reader news you can use and opportunities for giveaways. With the fast-changing world of social media experts say email sign-up is the way to stay connected. I keep newsletters short so you can go on about your day. Please check it out!

As always, I enjoy connecting with readers. Look for me across social media @JulieArduini or email me at juliearduini@juliearduini.com. Share with me what your summer plans are and what you’re reading.

Deck the Soul with Boughs of Forgiveness by MaryAnn Diorio, PhD, MFA

“Deck the Soul with Boughs of Forgiveness”

by MaryAnn Diorio, PhD, MFA

(AUTHOR’S NOTE: I originally wrote this article one Christmas, but I believe it applies throughout the year.)

CHRISTMAS! The word evokes many feelings, depending on our experiences. For some, Christmas is a happy time, filled with beautiful memories and joyful expectations. For others, Christmas is a depressing time, a season one wants “to get over with” as quickly as possible because of bad memories associated with this time of year.

Having ministered to people for many years, I have come to the conclusion that depressing memories at Christmas time are most often related to problems of unforgiveness. Hurts from the past become more pronounced during the Christmas season, but the reason those hurts still affect us is that we have not let go of the bitterness associated with them. In short, we have not forgiven the people who have hurt us.

Why do most people have such a difficult time forgiving? I believe the main reason is that they do not understand what forgiveness really means. If you are one of those people, what follows may help you:

LET’S LOOK AT WHAT FORGIVENESS IS NOT:

• Forgiveness is NOT letting someone off the hook.

• Forgiveness is NOT condoning evil.

• Forgiven is NOT being a doormat.

• Forgiveness is NOT having to trust again the person who hurt you.

• Forgiveness is NOT a feeling.

• Forgiveness is NOT an option.

NOW LET’S LOOK AT WHAT FORGIVENESS IS:

• Forgiveness IS taking the person who hurt you off of your hook and placing him on God’s hook, then praying that God will have mercy on him.

• Forgiveness IS acknowledging that evil was done but choosing to bear the consequences of that evil without retaliation.

• Forgiveness IS taking charge of your emotions.

• Forgiveness IS setting boundaries with the person who hurt you, even refusing temporary or permanent interaction with that person, if necessary. An example would be a wife who is being beaten by her husband.

• Forgiveness IS a decision.

• Forgiveness IS obedience to God’s commandment to forgive.

No matter how badly you have been hurt, choose to forgive. It’s the best thing you can do for your own well-being. Unforgiveness chains you emotionally to the person who hurt you. Forgiveness breaks that chain and sets you free.

MaryAnn Diorio, Phd

What better time is there than the Christmas season to forgive those who have hurt us? The very essence of Christmas is the truth that God forgave humanity through the shed blood of Jesus Christ. Who are we not to forgive when God has forgiven us?

So this Christmas, forgive! But don’t just forgive. Ask to be forgiven. As the Word of God tells us, “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). All of us need not only to forgive but also to be forgiven. And as long as we are on this earth, it is never too late to forgive or to be forgiven.

____________________________________________________

Copyright 2015-2021 by MaryAnn Diorio, PhD. All Rights Reserved.

MaryAnn Diorio is a widely published, award-winning author of five novels, two novellas, and eight children’s books. Her novel, In Black and White, won First Place in Historical Fiction in the 2020 Christian Indie Awards Contest. MaryAnn’s latest novel, Miracle in Milan, takes the reader on a tension-filled journey back in Italy, where MaryAnn’s trilogy, The Italian Chronicles, also took place.  MaryAnn is married to her awesome husband of 51 years. They have two amazing adult daughters, a very smart son-in-law, and six rambunctious grandchildren. When not writing, MaryAnn loves to read, play the piano and mandolin, and make up silly songs with her grandchildren. You can learn more about MaryAnn and her writing at h ttps://www.maryanndiorio.com

Title: Miracle in Milan – A Novel

Genre: Christian Romantic Suspense

Blurb: A young, female auditor discovers convincing evidence that the man she loves is an embezzler.

Purchase Links:

https://maryanndiorio.com/maryann-diorio-books/miracle-in-milan

Print: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0930037766/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1620312310&sr=8-1

Ebook: https://amzn.to/3nMCs29

Universal Link: https://books2read.com/u/3R8WLR

Amberly Neese Interview, Common Ground Part 2

Part 2 of an Interview
with Amberly Neese,
Author of Common Ground
  Q: What can we learn about Moses and his siblings about working together despite our differences?
 
Moses, Aaron, and Miriam grew to understand true leadership. They also understood they were stronger together. Moses was the shepherd, Aaron was the priest, and Miriam was the prophetess. Moses led the people physically, Aaron led them in the religious practices, and Miriam led them in song. Moses, Miriam, and Aaron were also not without weakness, but their teamwork has earned them a place in our hearts as leaders, pioneers, and example of people who worked hard to find common ground for God’s glory.
 
Q: How can we move from seeing things as a competition to appreciating the talents and contributions of others?
 
The first step, of course, is to decide to celebrate others. Moses and his siblings understood that asking for help, recognizing one cannot do it on his/her own, and practicing humility makes one stronger.
 
Moses and Aaron were both humble enough to work in tandem as the leaders of God’s people. The two brothers: God’s chosen prophet and shepherd, Moses, and God’s chosen high priest, Aaron, were not threatened by the other’s gifts. Moses was relieved when God called on Aaron to help shoulder the responsibility of speaking on behalf of God. 

Throughout their ministry, together and separate, they were not afraid to let the other shine. During the long journey of the Israelites in the wilderness, Aaron often took a backseat to his brother. Aaron was not always prominent or active; he often played a supporting role.
 
If we can learn from their example and choose to root for the rise of others, we begin to understand our connectedness as the Body of Christ.
 
Q: How does looking deeper into another’s situation help us to find common ground?
 
Looking more deeply into the life of another allows us to practice empathy and foster connection. If we are going to find common ground with our brothers and sisters in Christ, and frankly, with ourselves, we must put aside our judgment, keep our eyes on Jesus, and stop trying to earn His attention and affection. We can focus on that which we share—the forgiveness and love of God, our need for grace, our desire to know Him more, instead of our differences.
 
Q: Tell us a little bit about the format of the lessons in Common Ground —what do readers do on their own, then how does coming together as a group work?
 
For each week of the four-week study, there are personal lessons divided into five sections, or days, which participants may choose to complete each day or all at once depending on their schedules and preferences. In the participant’s guide, there is a Group Session Guide at the end of each week’s lessons to facilitate the session. In addition to these guides, the Group Session Guide Leader Notes provide additional helps including a main objective, key scripture references, and overview for each session. There is a 20-25 minute video for each week, available for purchase, that corresponds to each week’s study.
Common Ground: Loving Others Despite Our Differences
A Study of Sibling Rivalries in the Bible
By Amberly Neese
 
Available May 4, 2021 from Abingdon Women
Study Guide with Leader Helps: 9781791014506 / $16.99
DVD ISBN: 9781791014520 / $44.99About the Author Amberly Neese is a speaker, humorist, and encourager with a passion for “GRINspiring” others. As a featured speaker for the Aspire Women’s Events and the main host/comedienne for Marriage Date Night, two popular Christian events that tour nationally, she enjoys touching the hearts and minds and funny bones of people all over the country. The Bible says that laughter is good medicine, and she has found it’s also like glue—helping the truths of God’s Word to “stick.” Neese loves to remind women of the power and hope found in Scripture. Through a flair for storytelling and a love for Jesus, she candidly opens up her story alongside God’s Word to encourage others in their walk with Him.
 
With a master’s degree from Biola University, Neese serves as an adjunct professor at Grand Canyon University and the Master Connector for Inspiring Growth, an organization developed to equip and encourage growth in leaders and businesses. She is also the author of the women’s Bible studies Common Ground and The Belonging Project as well as the devotional The Friendship Initiative.
 
She and her husband, Scott, have two teenagers and live in Prescott, Arizona, where they enjoy the great outdoors, the Food Network, and all things Star Wars.
 
For more information, visit her website  www.amberlyneese.com . She is also active on Facebook (@Amberly Neese – Comedian/Speaker ), Twitter (@amberlyneese) , and Instagram (@amberlyneese) .

Emerald Secrets by Dawn Cahill

Hi, I’m Dawn, here to introduce you to Seattle Trilogy, featuring identical twins Livy and DeeDee McCreary, who double up their ingenuity to solve mysterious deaths – past, present, and future. Their father, Howard McCreary, plays a prominent role in Book 3, Emerald Secrets. His daughters must answer the question, who hates their father enough to try to kill him? And why?

In this excerpt, Howard, who is partially deaf after years of rock-band touring, finds normal conversation difficult without his hearing aids. He is about to enter the scariest park in Seattle, Freeway Park, for a rendezvous with… well, you’ll just have to read it for yourself.

Howard pulled his fleece vest tighter around his middle as he hurried along a cobblestoned path. The streetlamp cast eerie shadows onto the geometric concrete pillars—great slabs of granite stacked like enormous Tetris cubes. Like a sci-fi movie set, the blocks formed deep shadows the homeless folks could hide in, where they could see without being seen. Definitely a gnarly place. Freeway Park straddled Interstate 5, thus the name. The landscaped expanse with its waterfalls and grassy plazas hid the ribbon of vehicles speeding along beneath it. Even without his hearing aid, the ever-present hum vibrated under Howard’s feet and into his partially deaf ears. During the day, the towering pillars and steep staircases with their blind corners lured visitors to explore. Tonight, the sign behind him warned that the park closed at ten p.m. and trespassers would be prosecuted.

He checked the time—sixteen minutes to closing. Time to head up the stairs to the meeting spot. Bro wanted to meet after dark before the park closed. But Howard had to wonder, why this park? And why this specific spot?

From the park’s upper sidewalk, he peered over a rail into black nothingness. As he recalled, the city had built a shallow pond at the bottom of this slab. He’d wrinkled his nose against the acidic smell of urine, an even stronger odor than in Waterfront Park when he scoped out the meeting site earlier today. Homeless men and women had lain on the grass, cocooned in sleeping bags, comforted by their meager piles of stuff. The concrete was littered with needles, food cartons, and wine bottles as broken as those who consumed them. Someone had thrown a battered old mattress into the pond, which elicited raised eyebrows from him. Who would throw their bed into the water? Perhaps a misguided attempt to clean it? Or, more likely, a drugged stupor.

Movement registered from the corner of his vision. There, over by the trees, someone furtive came his way. Dressed all in black.

Howard, his heartbeat galloping, didn’t dare breathe. The man stopped and looked around, finally spotting Howard.

As before, his nemesis spoke not a word as the items changed hands. Howard checked the video’s label, then tucked it under his jacket, expecting Bro to turn and disappear into the dark night. Instead, he leaned in, inches from Howard’s face.

“Bayback dime.” Bro’s beery whisper punched Howard with unexpected force. Smelling danger for the first time, he didn’t realize he’d backed away until he felt the hard railing dig into the seat of his jeans.

“What?”

“Pay. Back. Time.” Bro spit the words. “Four bribe roadie.”

“Huh?” Howard grabbed the rail behind him as he tipped precariously backward. Four bribe roadie?

“Don’t blay dumb.”

That voice. Even disguised behind all that rasp, it triggered a vague memory. “What’re you talking about?”

Bro thrust his face closer. “Mife…” A truck roaring by on Seneca drowned out the rest. Despite his desperate grip on the rail, Howard’s shoulders inched closer to the precipice.

“’S for him.” With a mighty shove, Bro sent Howard tumbling over the rail, into the abyss beyond. As if in a dream, he felt himself plummet… down…down.

Drab concrete rushed by. The drop seemed to take an eternity.

As he flailed wildly for anything to grab onto, a dawning awareness pummeled his brain like a blaring alarm clock.

He was going to die.

I hope you enjoyed this quick glimpse into Emerald Secrets. If you’re the least bit intrigued by Freeway Park now, click here for an up close and personal tour!

Dawn V. Cahill

Author of Seattle Trilogy and Golden State Trilogy

HOT TOPIC CHRISTIAN FICTION

2015 Genesis contest semi-finalist

2015 First Impressions finalist

Links:

Amazon Author page

Website

Facebook

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My books – https://dawnvcahill.com/my-books/

Bio:

Dawn V. Cahill, an indie author from the land of hipsters and coffee snobs, writes “Stories of Victorious Faith for the 21st Century,” nearly always with a crossword puzzle, sudoku, or dark chocolate nearby. “The characters in my stories face situations that would have been unthinkable even 20 years ago. We live in a vastly different world than our parents did, and that’s the world I write about.”

Ms. Cahill also blogs about puppies, substance abuse, and single parenting…sometimes all in the same day. She has written several newspaper articles, five Christian contemporary novels, and more limericks than she can count. Email her at dawn@dawnvcahill.com, or find her on Facebook. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW).

What’s Your Foundation?

If you look back at my own blog posts, you’ll see a thread. It’s tiny and quiet, but it’s there.

I’m trying to get the world’s attention.

One picture I have in mind is because a friend is building a house. It’s been full of delays but recently she announced the concrete foundation was being poured.

Concrete.

That’s a resource that’s going to withstand everything that happens to the actual house. Winds. Rains. Adverse conditions.

When I visited the Outer Banks years ago, those homes looked like they were built on stilts. It’s called pilings (http://coastalcottageobx.com/coastal-outer-banks-pile-foundations/) and done so because of the frequent flooding. They are a hurricane zone so to build on ground level would bring devastation.

There’s a verse in the Bible that talks about foundation.

“Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock. And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand.  And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it.”

Matthew 7:24-27, ESV

Friends, we are quickly approaching a time where you need to claim your foundation. If you choose the things of this world—money, people, things—none of it in itself a bad thing—but if it is your foundation, what drives you, what IS you—you’re going to fold like a pyramid of cards when a fan turns on. How do I know? I’ve seen it. And I know, KNOW hard times are coming.

I believe we will experience events that will test our character and strength. We will learn things that will horrify and devastate us. It will be so earth shattering to your core that if you live on the sand foundation, your recovery will be long, hard, and heartbreaking.

For those with a concrete foundation, those are the ones that have hitched their wagon to the reality that is Christ. Of all the promises in the Bible, every single one has come to pass in its time. That’s not a coincidence. Where other people, gods, and causes act like you matter, Jesus literally died without sin because He cared that much for you. His love is so great that even as He returned to heaven He made sure we would not be alone. For those that have professed Jesus is real and the Savior they want in their life, the Holy Spirit is our guide, encouragement, teacher, counselor and friend. I don’t see that anywhere else.

A word to those who have concrete in their foundation. Look for cracks. It’s easy to get comfortable and sit with arms crossed and judge the others. I’ve been there. A time is coming when you should rise up and lend a hand. People will be hurting. Will you comfort them? Will you help those in need? Do you just talk the Christian life or do you live it?

I know this post isn’t as fun as what I like to post, but it’s only because I sense the urgency.

If your motivation is a job, person, home, car, food, addiction, finances, purchases, vacations—you get me—dust off the sand and start pouring the concrete.

A lot of people resist concrete because they can’t process that Jesus died without sin and yet all that’s required of us is to admit our sins, believe everything the Bible says, and confess those sins. Many think they have to get perfect first, or that Jesus will be in the sky, arms folded and eyes rolling because of their choices.

Jesus offers a changed life because He wants you to live free. That’s often a process, and there is His grace and love throughout. If you choose to stay the same, you have that right. The arms of Christ are wide open.

You can say something like this:

Heavenly Father, I believe You are God. That You sent Your son to Earth through a virgin birth and that Jesus lived among the people as man, and sinless. I believe He was crucified not for His sins, but mine. I also know that He rose on the third day and is alive, seated in heaven, ready to return as King of Kings. I want to know Him in a personal way. I ask Jesus into my life and that the Holy Spirit would help me in all things from this point forward. Thank You. I know now my name is in the Book of Life. I’ll never have the right words to say how thankful I am. In the name of Jesus, Amen and Amen.

Fiction Finder: ACFW June 2021 New Releases

June 2021 New Releases

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

Contemporary Romance:

A Chance for the Newcomer by Lisa Carter — She’s stirring things up…A big-city chef. A small-town single dad. And matchmakers with marriage in mind… Chef Kara Lockwood didn’t think changing a small-town diner’s menu would cause a boycott, but the locals sure do love their apple pie—especially fire chief Will MacKenzie. Kara’s not sure she and the single father can ever learn to live peacefully as neighbors. But even as they clash over pastries, local matchmakers and Will’s little boy are determined to bring their stubborn hearts together. (Contemporary Romance from Love Inspired (Harlequin))

His Secret Daughter by Laurie Larsen — he had the perfect life all on her own …Alyssa Stark works hard to make her life’s dreams come true … all on her own. She built her reputation as New York City’s top advertising executive, client by client. And when her ill-advised marriage didn’t work out, she knew she had to make her dream of becoming a mother happen by untraditional means. Now, she and her eight-year-old daughter Caroline are living the dream life in the Big Apple.

He’d lost everything that meant anything until he made a discovery …Grant Fontaine is the widowed president of his father-in-law’s electronics company. Since the tragic death of his pregnant wife a decade ago, he’s become a high achieving businessman, but a social hermit. Several years ago, his lonely life took on new meaning when he discovered that the donation he’d made to a reproductive clinic long ago had sired a child. Through the services of a discreet private eye unafraid to push legal limits, he identifies his “daughter,” Caroline, and her mother, Alyssa. Could it be time to reveal his secret? (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published)

Always a Wedding Planner by Davalynn Spencer, R.L. Ashely, LeeAnn Betts, Toni Shiloh — Love Is Only Business for 4 Wedding Planners Discover how keeping secrets from each other threatens four women’s friendships, wedding business, and their own ability to find love in Loveland, Colorado. Business partners Felicity Anderson, the cake baker; Kiki Bell, the seamstress; Cassie Blackthorn, the coordinator; and Chef Saffron Delarosa are best of friends in a town that is a romantic wedding destination for many couples—who work together at Weddings by Design to make every bride’s special day perfect. Could each falling into their own romance be the key to working out their differences and learning to trust each other—and God—with their futures? (Contemporary Romance from Barbour Publishing)

Matched Hearts by Cathe Swanson — She’s looking for a “Plus One” for her parents’ anniversary party. He’s looking for “Happily Ever After.” When a matchmaking agency pairs them up, is it a computer error or a match made in heaven?Eleanor Nielson always wanted to follow in her distinguished parents’ footsteps, becoming a teacher and living a life of selfless community service – until she tried it. Now, she’s run away to find herself and decide what she wants to do with the rest of her life, but she can’t skip her parents’ anniversary party, and she needs a date. Can a matchmaking agency find her a fake boyfriend who will impress her parents? Mechanical engineer David Reid has his life all planned out, and he’s ready for the next phase: a loving wife who will share his faith and work at his side when he becomes a pastor. But a good woman is hard to find, so like any good engineer, David turns the project over to experts: an online matchmaking agency. The pretty, blond teacher with denim blue eyes seems like a match made in heaven. Or is she too good to be true? (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published)

Plot Twist by Bethany Turner — February 4, 2003, is just another day for Olivia Ross—a greeting card writer whose passion project is a screenplay of her own. After she and a handsome, struggling actor have a near-magic encounter in a coffee shop, they make a spontaneous pact: in ten years, after they’ve found the success they’re just sure they’re going to achieve, they’ll return to the coffeehouse to partner up and make a film together. The only problem? Olivia neglected to get the stranger’s name. But she doesn’t forget the date. For the next ten years, every February 4, Olivia has an exceptional day, full of coincidences and ironies. As men come and go and return to her life, and as she continues to write her screenplay, she still wonders about the guy from the coffee shop—the nameless actor she’s almost certain was Hamish MacDougal, now a famous member of the Hollywood elite. But a lot can happen in ten years, and while waiting for the curtain to rise on her fate, the true story of Olivia’s life is being written—and if she’s not careful, she’ll completely miss the epic romance playing out right before her eyes. (Contemporary Romance from HarperCollins Christian Publishing (Thomas Nelson and Zondervan))

Historical:

More Than Honor by Carol Ashby — Devotion to duty and dogged determination make Tribune Titianus the most feared investigator of the Urban Cohort. Honor drives him to hunt down anyone who breaks Roman law, but it becomes personal when Lenaeus, his old tutor, is murdered in his own classroom. Why kill a respected teacher of the noble sons of Rome, a man who has nothing worth stealing and no known enemies? Had he learned something too dangerous to let him live? Pompeia was only a girl when Titianus studied with Father before her family became Christians. She and her brother Kaeso can’t move their school from the house where their father was killed. But what if the one who killed Father comes to kill again? Kaeso’s friend Septimus insists they spend nights at his father’s well-guarded home. But danger lurks there as well. As Titianus hunts for the murderer, will he discover their secret faith and arrest them as enemies of the Empire? (Historical from Cerrillo Press)

The Dream Weaver’s Bride: Asenath’s Story by Janelle Hovde — As the daughter of the high priest of On, Asenath has a solid vision of her future. Her education with the royal scribe is a luxury not usually afforded to women, and even though she is betrothed to the pharaoh’s half-brother, she has dreams of something more. But everything changes when the pharaoh has troubling nightmares that only a prisoner named Joseph can interpret. Suddenly, Asenath finds herself married to this foreigner, who demands that no god but his own be worshipped in his house. Despite her fears, Asenath is touched by Joseph’s kindness and humility, even as he steps into his newfound power. Can Asenath trust the God of Joseph and forsake her old deities? Can she learn to love this stranger from another land, a stranger with scars from a painful past? As a famine sweeps across Egypt and the surrounding lands, Asenath and Joseph find themselves face-to-face with the men who caused Joseph’s suffering. Can Asenath embrace the power of El Shaddai and help her husband forgive? (Historical from Guideposts Publications)

Historical Romance:

Faith in the Mountain Valley by Misty M. Beller — After eleven years spent looking for the girl who stole his heart, Jean-Jacques Baptiste-better known as French to his friends-is tempted to give up. Until the day he spotted the flaxen-haired stranger traveling the wooded path with Blackfoot Indians. He never imagined he’d find his childhood friend masquerading as a man in this Rocky Mountain wilderness, hundreds of miles from the Canadian town where he last saw her. No matter her reasons, he can’t let her go this time. From a USA Today bestselling author comes another epic journey through breathless landscapes and adventure so intense, lives will never be the same.
(Historical Romance, Independently Published)

The Captain’s Quest by Lorri Dudley — Pricilla Middleton only attended the Lemoore house party to keep her friend out of trouble. Now, her only chance to keep from becoming a gossip column headline is to sneak aboard her brother’s ship and pretend she’d been visiting him instead of taking part in the debacle. Before she can speak to her brother, the ship sets sail, and the man in charge is not at all who she expects. Captain Tobias Prescott, son of an infamous war hero, has been assigned on a critical mission to deploy warships in St. Kitts for battle in New Orleans. Unfortunately, his orders require him to assume command of a friend’s ship, and he must weigh anchor the instant the former captain is escorted down the gangplank. When they reach open waters, the last thing he expects is to find a woman hiding in the captain’s cabin, yet his mission is too urgent to return her to England. (Historical Romance from Wild Heart Books)

Along a Storied Trail by Ann H. Gabhart — Kentucky packhorse librarian Tansy Calhoun doesn’t mind the rough trails and long hours as she serves her Appalachian mountain community during the Great Depression. Yet she longs to find love like the heroines in the books she loves. When a charming writer comes to town, she thinks she might have found it—or is the perfect man actually closer than she thinks? Perdita Sweet has called these mountains home for so long that she’s nearly as rocky as the soil around her small cabin. Long ago she thought she could love, but when the object of her affection up and married someone else, she stopped giving too much of herself away to others. As is so often the case, it’s easier to see what’s best for others than to see what’s best for oneself. Perdita knows who Tansy should choose, but why would anyone listen to the romantic advice of an old spinster? (Historical Romance from Revell – A Division of Baker Publishing Group)

To Find Her Place by Susan Anne Mason — In the midst of WWII, Jane Linder, a childless divorcée, puts all her energy into her career at the Toronto Children’s Aid Society. As acting directress, Jane hopes to be awarded the position permanently so she can continue making a difference in the lives of troubled children. Garrett Wilder has been hired to overhaul operations at the Children’s Aid Society. He hopes to impress the board members with his findings and earn the vacant director’s position. A war injury ended his dream of taking over his parents’ farm, but with the security of the director’s job, he’d be able to contribute financially and help save the family business. As Garrett works closely with Jane, he comes to admire her tenacity and her dedication to the children. Just as feelings begin to blossom between them, her ex-husband returns from overseas with an unexpected proposition that could fulfill Jane’s deepest desires. With the odds stacked against them, can Garrett and Jane navigate the obstacles to their relationship and find lasting love? (Historical Romance from Bethany House (Baker) Publishing)

A Bride for Keegan by Linda Shenton Matchett — Fiona Quigley’s parents came to America for a better life, but illness and the Civil War took them from her. Now, she’s barely scraping by as a seamstress to Boston’s elite. A chance for a new start arises in the form of being a mail-order bride, but to her dismay she must marry the man by proxy. Once they’re wed, there will be no turning back. After being jailed one too many times for protesting against the Unionists in Ireland, Keegan O’Rourke heads for America—land of the free. He takes advantage of the Homestead Act to create a farm in his new country, but he has no one to share his success, so he advertises for a mail-order bride. They wed by proxy, but after she arrives, he discovers his Irish lass hails from the northern reaches of the Emerald Isle – the very area he fled. (Historical Romance from Shortwave Press)

On Sugar Hill by Ane Mulligan — She traded Sugar Hill for Vaudeville. Now she’s back. The day Cora Fitzgerald turned sixteen, she fled Sugar Hill for the bright lights of Vaudeville, leaving behind her senator-father’s verbal abuse. But just as her career takes off, she’s summoned back home. And everything changes. The stock market crashes. The senator is dead. Her mother is delusional, and her mute Aunt Clara pens novels that have people talking. Then there’s Boone Robertson, who never knew she was alive back in high school, but now manages to be around whenever she needs help. Will the people of her past keep her from a brilliant future?
(Historical Romance from Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas)

No Journey Too Far by Carrie Turansky — In 1909, Grace McAlister set sail for Canada as one of the thousands of British Home Children taken from their families and their homeland. Though she is fortunate enough to be adopted by wealthy parents, the secrets of her past are kept hidden for ten years until someone from her long-buried childhood arrives on her doorstep. With this new connection to her birth family, will she be brave enough to leave her sheltered life in Toronto and uncover the truth? After enduring hardship as an indentured British Home Child, Garth McAlister left Canada to serve in World War I. His sweetheart, Emma Lafferty, promised to wait for his return, but after three long years apart, her letters suddenly stopped. When Garth arrives home from the war to unexpected news, he is determined to return to Canada once more on a daunting mission to find the two women he refuses to abandon—his long-lost sister and his mysteriously missing sweetheart. (Historical Romance from Waterbrook/Multnomah (Random House))

A Life Redeemed by Olivia Rae — Upon Queen Elizabeth’s order, Audrey Hayes travels to the borderlands of Scotland to learn where the fierce Laird Armstrong’s loyalties lie. Is he aligned with his mother’s English roots in support of the queen, or does he hold with the beliefs of his father, who wishes to see Mary of Scots on the English throne? The fate of Audrey’s family rests on her success in finding the answer. After losing his lands in a wager and being betrayed by his kin, Gavin Armstrong entered a loveless marriage to obtain the funds to buy back his family home, Warring Tower. Now a widower, struggling against countless border wars, he is on the verge of losing his home and lands again. With few resources, he reluctantly makes another risky wager, one he cannot hope to win without trusting the secretive Audrey Hayes, a woman he suspects is an English spy. (Historical Romance from HopeKnight Press)

Speculative/Science Fiction:

The Chase by Bradley Caffee — in the Chase. Be the hero. Or die trying. The chaos and anarchy following the Great Collapse nearly brought the world to its knees until the unchanging Law brought order and peace. Generations later, the twelve alliances of the World Coalition come together once a year to allow their best and brightest young people to compete in the Chase. The prize? A chance to pass exactly one new law. The son of two former Chase runners, Willis Thomson is the top trainee in the Western Alliance. With the expectations of the world and his heritage driving him, he leads his elite Red Team as they prepare for his moment to become a coveted law-changer. Perryn Davis, the new leader of the Blue Team, struggles to survive as she competes as one of the designated losers. She knows that losing means genetic recoding, a process that cannot go on indefinitely, and longs to age out of the program before it kills her. When a mysterious new racer with knowledge of the outside shows up at their orbiting training center, the natural order of the Western Alliance trainees is upended. In a world where too much knowledge is dangerous, Willis and Perryn find themselves in a race to save their lives and uncover the hidden underbelly of the peaceful World Coalition. (Speculative/Science Fiction from Mountain Brook Fire)

Thriller/Suspense/Romance:

Cold Case Trail by Sharee Stover — Following the clues could be the last thing they do…
Temporarily working in the cold case division was supposed to mean less danger for state trooper Trey Jackson and his injured K-9 partner, Magnum—until they thwart an abduction. Now he must protect profiler Justine Stark, even as she blames him for her friend’s death ten years ago. Can he right past wrongs by finally solving the murder…and making sure Justine lives to find closure? (Thriller/Suspense/Romantic from Love Inspired (Harlequin))

Young Adult:

Aslan: Running Joy by Kristin Kaldahl — For fourteen-year-old Krissy, her new life maxim is pretty sad: First choices out. Second choices in. It’s been that way since dialysis left her disabled. Her limitations went from none to a ton, and now they stand in the way of her dream―to compete in dog agility with her runty sheltie pup, Aslan. (Young Adult from CrossLink Publishing)

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

 

  Love & Adventure by Elise Davis, What do baseball and true love have in common besides a diamond? Is that a trick question? (Contemporary)

 

  Miracle in Milan by MaryAnn Diorio, When a young, female auditor discovers evidence that the man she loves is an embezzler, she must choose between ruining herself or ruining him. (Thriller/Suspense/Romantic)

 

  Finding Home by Candee Fick, Two hearts longing for home. (Contemporary Romance)

 

  Love Found in Cranberry Cover by June Foster, Can Blake and Gracie learn who’s behind the danger that threatens them? Will a small-town girl and big-city boy find a life together? (Thriller/Suspense/Romantic)

 

  A Night Divine by Dawn Kinzer, One chilly December night, a tragedy connects Camryn and Trace, and the devastating experience spurs her into volunteering with his team. But as Christmas Eve approaches and the two grow closer, secrets have the potential to break someone’s heart. (Contemporary Romance)

 

  Let It Be Me by Becky Wade, The one woman he wants is the one he cannot have.
(Contemporary Romance)

Terry Overton: Both Sides of the Border

This debut novel by Terry Overton was the recipient of the Firebird Book Award for Cross-Genre, Socio-Political Fiction, and Women’s Fiction (April 2021).

Both Sides of the Border reveals the truth about the state of turmoil and threat in Mexico and the untold stories of immigrants, or “travelers” who bravely hopped aboard “el tren de le muerte” or the death train, otherwise called “La Bestia” or the beast. Often starving and afraid, the real-life travelers, assisted by the cartel, face the threat of death and injury or assault, almost daily. In the novel Both Sides of the Border, the fictional teens and their sister, jump aboard for the ride of a lifetime.

Dolores, Ernesto, and Emilio Sanchez are on a quest to America to find work and to save their family. Repeated droughts and a hurricane left their family farm unproductive. The Sanchez family, like so many others in Honduras, could no longer provide enough income to survive. A drastic change had to be made. With only their faith in God to see them through, the teenaged brothers and their twenty-year-old sister, set off for their new home and face threats from the cartel, corrupt police officers, starvation, and injury. Dolores relied on prayer and her own inner strength to protect her younger brothers on the journey.

Meanwhile, American Eva Jordan, shaking off scars from a disastrous marriage, is determined to start a new life by relocating from Virginia to the Texas side of border. Eva recently earned her Ph.D. and was now off to conquer the world and live a life of achievements and accolades. Despite her mother’s concern for her safety, Eva not only moves to Texas, but that very week she decides to take a vacation deep into Mexico to sharpen her Spanish before her new job begins. She boards a tour bus and soon meets a charming man who helps her to learn Spanish along the way. She is struck by the beautiful towns and people of Mexico, but slowly her eyes are opened to the dangers that are knocking at her front door.

Although their paths cross, Dolores and Eva do not meet until the end of their journeys-and then, after tragedies and near-death experiences, they realize they survived by God’s protection alone. The story is one of faith, strength, and character.

Excerpt

Eva clearly understood that her mother did not approve of her move or of “those liberal university people.”

“Oh, Mother,” Eva replied, “I’m sure there are conservatives and liberals in south Texas.”

“And don’t you know what is going on down there? I mean, those illegals come across every day. I saw on the news—” “

Mom, you have got to stop watching cable news all the time. You need to get out more and, you know, talk to people.”

“Oh, for goodness’ sakes. I see plenty of people! I see people at church and in the women’s prayer group. And even they are worried about you. And me talking to people? You’re one to talk,” her mother said, giving her “the look.”

“Okay, Mom. Let’s eat,” she said, trying to change the subject before her mother could

begin the “When are you going to start dating?” questions.

 “Seriously, honey, when are you going to date someone again?”

Too late, Eva thought.

“I know that scoundrel of a husband you had was just awful. But there are others out there just waiting to meet a nice girl like you. Plenty of men out there, you know.”

Eva’s divorce was still raw. She didn’t want to talk about that with her mother again. She was over that dark phase of her life. She was moving on to a better future.

“Mom, I’m hardly a girl. I’m twenty-nine you know,” she said, diverting the conversation.

“Of course, I know you’re twenty-nine. I was there when you were born.” They both laughed.

“This is delicious,” Eva said, taking another bite of mashed potatoes and chicken-fried steak totally smothered in gravy.

“I’ll bet you won’t get food like this down where you’re going,” her mother remarked, taking a second helping of potatoes.

“No, probably not, Mom.” Eva agreed with her mother to keep from going down the road of comparing Mexican food with Mom’s Southern cooking.

“So, as I was saying, when will you start dating? All of that hard work and studying is over. Now you will have time for a social life,” her mother said, patting Eva’s hand.

“We’ll see, Mom. You know I will have to work really hard now to get tenure.”

“Oh, good grief. Don’t use work as an excuse. There’s nothing like a good, strong marriage to help you through everything.”

Her mother talked about perfect marriages as if she’d had one. Eva’s own father had abandoned the family when Eva was quite young. Perhaps being raised by a single mother provided the foundation for her own autonomy. She’d been expected to take on responsibilities from an early age that did not burden most children. She was proud that she didn’t need anyone. She could achieve whatever she set her mind to.

You Tube Official Trailer Link

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Buy Links

Purchase also at Barnes and Noble:

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/both-sides-of-the-border-terry-overton/1137865498?ean=9781649600585

Bio

Terry Overton obtained her Ph.D. in Psychology and her Ed. D. in special education. She taught in public schools and was a school psychologist and a professor before retiring in 2016. Her university experiences included teaching at Longwood University in Virginia, the University of Texas-Brownsville, The University of Texas-Pan American, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, and Stephen F. Austin State University. She held positions as Dean and Department Chair during her tenure in higher education. Her areas of research included behavior disorders, learning disorders, autism, and research in higher education. She currently resides in Laguna Vista, Texas, near the Texas-Mexico border. She enjoys Biblical history and general Bible studies, writing, blogging, and playing golf.

Social Media Links

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/terry.overton.71653

WordPress Blog

https://terryovertonbooks.com

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Amberly Neese: Common Grounds, Part 1

In her new Bible study, Common Ground: Loving Others Despite Our Differences, author, speaker, and humorist Amberly Neese leads women in a study of sibling rivalries in Scripture so that all members of God’s family can find a safe place to come together to navigate conflict and heal relationships.
 
Whether it is in politics, the professional world, a party, or a pew, every person faces some kind of conflict on a daily basis. It’s not only in-person interactions that can become heated—social media is deluged with opinion-spewing, hurt feelings, and broken friendships. What we so desperately need is hope and practical tools to navigate the tumultuous waters in order to live at peace with everyone.Part 1 of an Interview
with Amberly Neese,
Author of Common Ground
  Q: These days it seems like people argue just for the sake of arguing rather than trying to find common ground. Do you have any theories on why every topic seems to be so polarizing?
 
Honestly, with feelings of isolation and disconnection at an all-time high, I think people try (albeit unsuccessfully) to cling to anything that feels secure to them—at the expense of the feelings and perspectives of others.
 
Much like an injured animal that tries, in their pain, to bite their rescuer, when we are feeling depleted and injured, we have a tendency to hurt others and undermine community in the process.
 
Q: Your Common Ground Bible study focuses on four pairs of Biblical siblings as examples for living at peace with others, even when you disagree. Who are the sets of siblings, and what lessons can we learn from each?
 
Fortunately for us, the scriptures hold the key to living at peace despite our differences in the stories of sibling rivalries in the Old and New Testaments. In Common Ground, we explore four sibling relationships and their lessons:
 
1.   Joseph and His Brothers: How to Combat Jealousy
2.   Moses, Miriam, and Aaron: How to Work Together Despite Differences
3.   Mary, Martha, and Lazarus: How to Appreciate the Contributions of Others
4.   Rachel and Leah: Having Compassion for the Plight of Others
 
Obviously, in Christ, we are called to live at peace with our brothers and sisters in the faith, so although there are direct lessons we can glean for getting along with actual family members, the scope of the study is for ALL of us in the family of God.
 
Q: The alternative to hashing out differences on someone’s social media post is to unfollow, unfriend, or snooze a friend for thirty days. Is that really a better solution to conflict when someone is truly a friend, not just an acquaintance?
 
The most loving thing we can do when we are having an issue with someone in our lives is to practice Matthew 18 and go to the person directly. Even if that person in only an acquaintance, the most effective (and probably uncomfortable) thing is to encourage them to do what is right. I think unfollowing/unfriending/snoozing can seem peaceful, but true peace comes with truth, not avoidance.
 
Q: It’s easy to pick up on jealousy in our kids, but is it as easy to identify in adults? How do we maturely mend fences and overcome those feelings as grown-ups?
 
If we are to find common ground on the battlegrounds of our hearts, our relationships, and our social media accounts, we must eradicate jealousy. We must take time to reflect on the goodness of God and the high value He has placed on each of us. We must learn to celebrate the awesomeness in others.  When we are willing to do that, it can help shape our interactions and relationships for the better.
 
We must be willing to take a fearless assessment of places in our hearts we might be harboring jealousy against another and confess it.
Common Ground: Loving Others Despite Our Differences
A Study of Sibling Rivalries in the Bible
By Amberly Neese
 
Available May 4, 2021 from Abingdon Women
Study Guide with Leader Helps: 9781791014506 / $16.99
DVD ISBN: 9781791014520 / $44.99https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XkapE...About the AuthorAmberly Neese is a speaker, humorist, and encourager with a passion for “GRINspiring” others. As a featured speaker for the Aspire Women’s Events and the main host/comedienne for Marriage Date Night, two popular Christian events that tour nationally, she enjoys touching the hearts and minds and funny bones of people all over the country. The Bible says that laughter is good medicine, and she has found it’s also like glue—helping the truths of God’s Word to “stick.” Neese loves to remind women of the power and hope found in Scripture. Through a flair for storytelling and a love for Jesus, she candidly opens up her story alongside God’s Word to encourage others in their walk with Him.
 
With a master’s degree from Biola University, Neese serves as an adjunct professor at Grand Canyon University and the Master Connector for Inspiring Growth, an organization developed to equip and encourage growth in leaders and businesses. She is also the author of the women’s Bible studies Common Ground and The Belonging Project as well as the devotional The Friendship Initiative.
 
She and her husband, Scott, have two teenagers and live in Prescott, Arizona, where they enjoy the great outdoors, the Food Network, and all things Star Wars.
 
For more information, visit her website  www.amberlyneese.com . She is also active on Facebook (@Amberly Neese – Comedian/Speaker ), Twitter (@amberlyneese) , and Instagram (@amberlyneese) .