Julie Arduini's Blog, page 38

Before the Wrath: Ask Them Anything

Ask a question of BEFORE THE WRATH filmmaker Brent Miller or actor Kevin Sorbo (GOD’S NOT DEAD, SOUL SURFER)! They may answer YOUR question in an exclusive video coming soon to my blog! Submit your question simply by commenting. Include your first name and city so you can possibly get a ‘shout out’ in their answer!

ABOUT BEFORE THE WRATH
While scholars debate the timing of the Rapture, the world has lost why this event is prophesied to occur in the first place; knowledge that was once understood by those in the first century. Today, researchers in the Middle-East have rediscovered ancient anthropological evidence from the time of Christ that reveals exactly how and why the Rapture must occur; unveiling new biblical insight that will reignite hope for believers and prepare the world for what’s coming.
But concerning the times and the seasons, brethren, you have no need that I should write to you. For you yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night.
1 Thessalonians 5:1-2

OVERVIEW
Product category: documentary
Title: BEFORE THE WRATH
Campaign focus: home entertainment (Blu-ray, DVD and digital)
FYI: Theatrical release: 3/3/20
Genre: documentary, drama, inspirational
Rating: NR
Run time: 1:24:17
Studio: Ingenuity Films
Starring: narrated by Kevin Sorbo (GOD’S NOT DEAD, SOUL SURFER, HERCULES)

AWARD-WINNING
#1-selling documentary DVD on Amazon for three straight months.
#4-selling film in America during a time in April behind JUMANJI, 1917 and FROZEN 2.
#1-selling film on Christian Cinema, even after three months.
Nominated for multiple film awards including best documentary and cinematography.

THEMES
Biblical Studies
Prophecy 
Faith 
Miracles 
Hope
Salvation
Belief
Communion
Sacrificial love

MESSAGING
Available on Blu-ray, DVD & digital
Narrated by Kevin Sorbo
#1-selling documentary DVD on Amazon for three straight months.

FOR FANS OF
Bible stories
Documentaries
IS GENESIS HISTORY?
PATTERNS OF EVIDENCE: EXODUS
FINDING NOAH

Fiction Finder: September 2020 New Releases

September 2020 New Releases

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

Contemporary Romance:

Until I Met You by Tari Faris — Libby Kingsley dreams of a new life and a new library for the charming small town of Heritage, MI. Things get complicated when her big ideas threaten Austin Williams’ blueprints and his plan to leave town unattached. (Contemporary Romance from Revell – A Division of Baker Publishing Group)

A Love Redeemed by Lisa Jordan — They agreed to help each other out. No one mentioned falling in love. Back home after losing her job, Isabella Bradley plans to stay only long enough to save her father’s diner, but she can’t do it alone. Her childhood friend Tucker Holland has the perfect solution—he will renovate the diner if she’ll be a nanny for his twins. But as Isabella and Tucker reconnect, their arrangement begins to feel a lot less temporary… (Contemporary Romance from Love Inspired [Harlequin])

Contemporary:  

The Edge of Belonging by Amanda Cox — When Ivy Rose returns to her hometown to oversee an estate sale, she soon discovers that her grandmother left behind more than trinkets and photo frames–she provided a path to the truth behind Ivy’s adoption. Shocked, Ivy seeks clues to her past, but a key piece to the mystery is missing. Twenty-four years earlier, Harvey James finds an abandoned newborn who gives him a sense of human connection for the first time in his life. His desire to care for the baby runs up against the stark fact that he is homeless. When he becomes entwined with two people seeking to help him find his way, Harvey knows he must keep the baby a secret or risk losing the only person he’s ever loved. In this dual-time story from debut novelist Amanda Cox, the truth–both the search for it and the desire to keep it from others–takes center stage as Ivy and Harvey grapple with love, loss, and letting go. (Contemporary from Revell [Baker])



Finding Wings by Deborah Raney — Taking care of her family is a blessing, but Britt thought there would be more to life–like falling in love . . . (Contemporary from Kregel Publications)

Historical:  

A Christmas Tale for Little Women by Linda Brooks Davis — Broadview is attired for Christmas. Adelaide Fitzgerald must provide two girls a Christmas like no other. Has she thought of everything? Has she accomplished enough? What would top off this Christmas in an extraordinary way? Addie’s answer lies just the other side of Rock Creek. What will it take for her to recognize it as the Christmas topper she’s been seeking? (Historical, Independently Published)

The Librarian of Boone’s Hollow by Kim Vogel Sawyer — During the Great Depression, city-dweller Addie Cowherd dreams of becoming a novelist and offering readers the escape that books had given her during her tragic childhood. When her father loses his job, she is forced to take the only employment she can find—delivering books on horseback to poor coal-mining families in the hills of Kentucky. But turning a new page will be nearly impossible in Boone’s Hollow, where residents are steeped in superstitions and deeply suspicious of outsiders. Even local Emmett Tharp feels the sting of rejection after returning to the tiny mountain hamlet as the first in his family to graduate college. And as the crippled economy leaves many men jobless, he fears his degree won’t be worth much in a place where most men either work the coal mine or run moonshine. As Addie also struggles to find her place, she’ll unearth the truth about a decades-old rivalry. But when someone sets out to sabotage the town’s library program, will the culprit chase Addie away or straight into the arms of the only person who can help her put a broken community back together? (Historical from Waterbrook/Multnomah [Random House])

Under the Tulip Tree by Michelle Shocklee — Sixteen-year-old Lorena Leland’s dreams of a rich and fulfilling life as a writer are dashed when the stock market crashes in 1929. Seven years into the Great Depression, Rena’s banker father has retreated into the bottle, her sister is married to a lazy charlatan and gambler, and Rena is an unemployed newspaper reporter. Eager for any writing job, Rena accepts a position interviewing former slaves for the Federal Writers’ Project. There, she meets Frankie Washington, a 101-year-old woman whose honest yet tragic past captivates Rena. As Frankie recounts her life as a slave, Rena is horrified to learn of all the older woman has endured—especially because Rena’s ancestors owned slaves. While Frankie’s story challenges Rena’s preconceptions about slavery, it also connects the two women whose lives are otherwise separated by age, race, and circumstances. But will this bond of respect, admiration, and friendship be broken by a revelation neither woman sees coming? (Historical from Tyndale House)

The Haunting at Bonaventure Circus by Jaime Jo Wright — In 1928, the Bonaventure Circus has become a refuge for many, but Pippa Ripley was rejected from its inner circle as a baby and is no longer content to leave the reason for that rejection unquestioned. When she receives mysterious messages from someone called the “Watchman,” she is determined to find him and the connection to her birth. As Pippa’s search leads her to a man seeking justice for his murdered sister and evidence that a serial killer has been haunting the circus train, she must decide if uncovering her roots is worth putting herself directly in the path of the killer. Decades later, an old circus train depot’s future hangs in the balance–it will either be torn down or preserved for historical importance, and its fate rests on Realtor Chandler Faulk’s shoulders. As she dives deep into the depot’s history, she’s also balancing a newly diagnosed disease and the pressures of single motherhood. When she discovers clues to unsolved murders of the past, Chandler is pulled into a story far darker and more haunting than even an abandoned train depot could portend. (Historical from Bethany House [Baker])

Historical Romance:  

Enduring Dreams by Sandra Ardoin — Claire Kingsley once dared to assert herself into the male world of 1890s architecture. It cost her husband both his life and an heir. Now fear controls her choices and her dreams. When offered a chance to create another design, she fights against the pull, afraid of further disaster. But disturbing news ignites a fierce loyalty to her past love and a powerful attraction to a new one—an attraction she resists…for his sake. Mark Gregory’s first architectural project in town comes with the proviso that he works with a female. He balks, even though Claire stirs his heart like no other woman. Yet, with a loan payment looming, risking his business on someone of unknown talent invites failure, a word he’s struck from his vocabulary. When bigotry and Claire’s fears threaten an important commission, will she summon the courage to help Mark succeed, or will she destroy another man’s dream? (Historical Romance from Corner Room Books)


Light in the Mountain Sky by Misty M. Beller — Determined to prove her worth, Meksem fiercely fought to earn her place among the warriors in her Nez Perce camp. When her half-sister is captured by an enemy tribe, she refuses to trust the rescue to anyone else. But her new friends insist on joining her mission, and she battles between relief and frustration at their presence. Especially the white man who peers at her as if he can see through the face of the warrior she struggles so hard to maintain. Spaniard Adam Vargas thrives on adventure wherever his travels take him. He’s fallen in love with this Rocky Mountain wilderness, as well as the spotted horses the Nez Perce tribe raise. His fascination with this Indian maiden-turned-warrior catches him off guard though, including the way she seems to be fighting for more than her sister’s safe return. The journey proves more perilous than any of the group expects, and the secret Meksem hides becomes impossible to conceal. If they live through this mission, the life they knew will never be the same again. (Historical Romance, Independently Published)

A Joyful Christmas by Cynthia Hickey, Liz Johnson, Vickie McDonough, Liz Tolsma, Carrie Turansky, and Erica Vetsch — A Christmas Collection to Warm the Heart Grab a warm cup of tea and watch as romance is kindled and joy is restored to broken lives during six bygone era Christmas celebrations. (Historical from Barbour Publishing)

Love’s Pure Light by Susanne Dietze, Shannon McNear, Deborah Raney, and Janine Rosche — Be transported to unique time periods as you follow a treasured family nativity set through four generations of the Shepherd family. (Historical Romance from Barbour Publishing)

Palmer Girl by Dawn Klinge — When insurance tycoon, Cornelius Nordeman, is recruited to work for the Exposition Corporation, the New Yorker brings his family to live at the Palmer House Hotel, far away from any reminders of a recent tragedy. He’s hopeful this move will offer respite from his family’s grief. Elizabeth Nordeman, his daughter, has something to prove, which leads her to seek work as a florist at Marshall Field’s, Chicago’s finest department store. John Lewis knows something is different and intriguing about the new florist he hired. When his boss, Marshall Field, informs him that Elizabeth is the Nordeman heiress, his job suddenly becomes more complicated–especially when he finds himself falling for her. On the eve of the Columbian Exposition of 1893, Chicago prepares to prove that it’s a first-class city, and the brightest minds from around the country will plan the most spectacular fair the world has seen. The World’s Fair will bring change and innovation into a society bound tightly by class and tradition. Elizabeth’s heart longs to push against those boundaries, so what’s holding her back? (Historical Romance, Independently Published)

Love at First Flight by Linda Shenton Matchett — Evelyn Reid would rather fly than do anything else, so when war engulfs the U.S., she joins the Women’s Auxiliary Ferrying Squadron. One of the program’s top pilots, she is tapped for pursuit plane training…the dream of a lifetime until she discovers the instructor is her ex-fiancé, Jasper MacPherson. Collecting enough points to rotate stateside, fighter pilot Jasper MacPherson is assigned to teach the WAFS how to fly the army way. Bad enough to be training women, but things take a turn for the worse when his former fiancée shows up as one of his students. (Historical Romance from Shortwave Press)

Mystery:

The Sleuth’s Surprise by Kimberly Rose Johnson — Mary Daley has been the sheriff of Tipton County for more than two decades, but someone wants her job. When it seems circumstances can’t get more complicated, a murder happens on her watch. Had she been the intended victim? Deputy Chief Lyle Griffin only wants Mary to be happy, but when he asks her if she’d consider retiring, it sets off a string of events and emotions that muddy their friendship. Nancy Daley-Malone can’t believe anyone would run for sheriff against her mom. She is onboard to help run the best campaign Tipton County has ever seen until the sheriff’s opponent is murdered and Nancy’s husband joins the race. On top of that, it appears someone is out to kill her mother as well. Can Nancy, along with the sheriff’s department, find the murderer before it’s too late? Will Lyle and Mary be able to admit their feelings for one another or will the status quo remain? (Mystery from Mountain Brook Ink)

Romantic Suspense:  

Airborne by DiAnn Mills — A female FBI agent boards an international flight, and two hours into the flight, a deadly virus spreads through the aircraft. (Romantic Suspense from Tyndale House)

Speculative:

Forsaken Island by Sharon Hinck — The people of Meriel have long believed their island world floats alone in the vast ocean universe, so they are astonished when another island drifts into view. With resources becoming scarce, Carya and Brantley quickly volunteer to search the new land for supplies. After navigating a barrier of menacing trees, the pair encounter a culture of perpetually happy people who readily share their talents and their possessions. But all is not what it seems. At the core of the island is a horror that threatens everyone, including Brantley and Carya. Freeing the villagers of the bondage they’ve chosen may cost Carya and Brantley more than they could have imagined. Even if the two succeed, they’ll have to find a way to return to Meriel quickly … or be cut off from their home forever. (Speculative from Enclave Publishing)

Plus check out these recent additions to Fiction Finder published within the past month:
Holiday Hitches at Mustang Pass by Cindy M. Amos, A deputy falls in love with a judge’s daughter while racing to build a new church building in time for his three friends’ weddings. (Historical Romance)
All I Ever Needed by D. L. Lane, He’s the beast lurking within the shadows. She’s the beauty living in the light. (Contemporary Romance)

Sown in Peace by Joy Avery Melville, How much can one wounded soul take? (General Contemporary)

Puppy Ciao by Annette O’Hare, In the small town of Kerrville, Texas, thirteen-year-old Jeannie McKay rescues two purebred Weimaraner puppies found drowning in Johnson Creek and vows to find out who is responsible. (Children’s)

Book Review: Take Back Your Life by Levi Lusko

A forty-day interactive journey that will help you identify and fight your internal battles—so you can take back your life. 

Every person has a mission and a God-given potential to impact the world, whether they recognize it or not. But life presents challenges and traps us in a helpless, hopeless loop of anxiety and fear.

In Take Back Your Life, a blend of bestselling books Through the Eyes of a Lion and I Declare War, join Levi Lusko onan interactive journey to take back your life. With biblical truth and perspective, this step-by-step journaling process will help you:

get out of your own way by learning to think right so you can live right,find purpose by discovering that God will do great things with your imperfect progress, andlearn that your pain is not an obstacle to being used by God but an opportunity to be used like never before.

This is more than a book; it’s an intimate self-analysis tool that will help you recognize what’s weighing you down or holding you back, and equip you to embrace it head-on as you become the best version of yourself. Start thinking right, so you can live right.

***

Levi Lusko is a new author to me this year, and that’s one of the perks of this crazy year. Take Back Your Life features 40 short readings that are easy to read, relatable, and contains a “Breathe, Think, and Live” section that offers readers questions and challenges to take what they just read and start living it.

I believe Take Back Your Life is a game-changer. The book is sturdy and small enough to take with you. It’s designed to be simple and pleasing to the eye. It contains Scripture, encouragement, and the tools you need to change habits/mindsets into a new place of freeom in your life.

I highly recommend Take Back Your Life by Levi Lusko. You won’t be sorry.

“Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255:  “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”):  I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.

Levi Lusko is the founder and lead pastor of Fresh Life Church, located in Montana, Wyoming, Oregon, and Utah. He is the bestselling author of Through the Eyes of a Lion, Swipe Right, and I Declare War. Levi also travels the world speaking about Jesus. He and his wife, Jennie, have one son, Lennox, and four daughters: Alivia, Daisy, Clover, and Lenya, who is in heaven.

Lynne Tagawa: The Heart of Courage

The Heart of Courage

Lynne Tagawa

Greetings, readers. We’ve engaged a Shawnee interpreter to help us in our interview today.

Tell me, Red Hawk, how long have your people lived in this place?

Actually, not long. Over a year ago I spotted white men with chains [surveyors, the interpreter says] while I was hunting. The elders decided to move toward the setting sun.

What were your feelings about the surveyors?

Feelings? Well, I only know that they want this territory. But we live here. I am certain that Grayfeather’s words were good words, that peace is better than war. So I will not speak more. I am a young man, not an elder.

Does Grayfeather continue to promote peace?

Grayfeather is no more.

What happened?

I will not speak of it.

Are all the Shawnee agreed on peace?

No, Elk Tooth and Laughing Wolf… well, they can speak for themselves.

Tell us more about your village and family.

Grandmother is the head of the women’s council. She is my father Red Pipe’s mother. She is exceedingly wise, treats ailing folks with herbs, and she knows all the Shawnee stories. She even knows some of the knowledge of the Muskogee and Uchee. That is because years ago, many of the Shawnee were pushed south by the Iroquois, the Six Nations. It was a dispute over hunting territory when beaver became such a good trading skin. So now we live near the Muskogee, and even the Uchee traders visit from time to time.

Tell us about the Shawnee stories.

{chuckles} It would take too long. My greatest wish…

Yes?

My greatest wish is that I could record all the wisdom of the Shawnee people on leaves. Like the chain men did—I saw them, with little sticks. They made marks in a book. Grandmother says a book contains a code like the patterns of beads in her designs. I want to master this code for myself—wait, I think you had better leave.

[Interpreter: He says Laughing Wolf has come back from a raid, we need to hide.]

Excerpt from The Heart of Courage:

Father’s steps were slow and sure as he approached. He jerked his chin in command and ducked into their wigwam. Red Hawk followed, and Dark Water served them portions of thick stew.

When their bowls were finally empty, his father spoke. “Grayfeather will join the Ohio chiefs traveling to Penn’s village.”

Red Hawk nodded. At the Bread Dance, he’d heard rumors. The Catawba had formed a new treaty with the whites, a surprising development. But at the time, he’d been more interested in the archery contests and footraces. “Is the chief of the Virginia Long Knives in Penn’s village?” He had only a vague notion of the political boundaries of the whites.

His father tapped the ashes out of his pipe. “No. But the consensus is we should do as the Six Nations and deal as a unified people with all of the whites. Penn’s Forest comprises white men living to the north of Virginia, near the Six Nations. It is said the white men of Penn’s village are more equitable than the Virginia Long Knives. And they have influence with the rest of the whites.”

Red Hawk didn’t see how this was related to the scalps but waited for his father to continue.

“Even the Catawba have publicly aligned themselves with the British. Right now, the British see the French as their enemy, not the Shawnee.”

He wasn’t sure about that. As long as he could remember, there had been a cold hostility between white men and Shawnee. It had just never broken out into war.

Father wiped the bowl of his pipe and set it down. “If we present ourselves as peaceful, the actions of a few may not bring wrath upon us.”

Laughing Wolf.

“Stealing a horse is one thing. Killing and scalping is quite another.”

“Grayfeather is wise.”

Lynne Tagawa is an author, editor, educator, and best of all, grandma to four. She loves to write quality fiction with solid gospel content. Her debut novel, A Twisted Strand, is contemporary romantic suspense, but she thinks she’s found her true home in historical fiction.

The Shenandoah Road (print, kindle, or audiobook):

The Heart of Courage:

To sign up for her newsletter and keep abreast of special deals, go to her website:

https://www.lynnetagawa.com/

Facebook page:

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Three: Why I Believe

This week I’ve been sharing key times in my adult life where there’s no way luck or coincidence played a part. My faith is more than showing up to church on Sunday. I have a living, breathing friendship with Jesus.

And there was a day when I felt He was all I had.

And I’d be okay.

Marriage is hard, hard work. I was sharing today with a group of young ladies that as an engaged couple, we went to a marriage conference. They had a segment for the engaged, and we were so, so glad we went. We learned that every day a couple has a choice: isolation or oneness.

There are days you choose straight up isolation.

There are seasons where that can happen as well.

And that was our case. It was an uphill time where finances were tight, encouragement was low, health issues were high, and oneness was foreign. I threw myself into prayer, sometimes so empty all I could utter was “Jesus.” I tried Bible studies when I had strength. I grew in my faith and reached a place where I knew if everything crashed around me, I’d have Jesus.

And He’d be enough.

I knew the reality of no finances and a lot of struggles. But the peace that surrounded me, I KNEW I’d be okay even though I had no idea what the future held. From the very beginning of our relationship I was insecure that one day he would look at me and say we were done. He denied it more than Peter promised he’d never deny Christ and then did, three times.

One night, it happened. The burn out we had both been living on reached the zenith and in a moment of anger he said it. Done. This was over. Done.

I didn’t break. I felt protected as if an army surrounded me. I didn’t know how or when or even how the next hour was going to play out. But I knew.

As the night wore on and tempers eased, the peace continued. He wanted to shrug the incident off as an over reaction. I made a promise I’d never lie about a fragile place we might find ourselves in. I said if I was at “the line,” I’d call it. I did. What we were going through was much more than a night where the worst fear came to pass. It was a season that was escalating into a lifestyle I wasn’t going to allow my kids to experience. I grew up broken and it wasn’t going to go that way intentionally for me with them. If I had to be destitute but everyone was emotionally safe, I had to call that line.

The praise is that we are celebrating our 24th anniversary this month. That night, as painful as it was, God allowed and Jesus provided. He was my perfect peace. I believe because I knew it could end very different and life would be very hard. I am no one special. If you are at a low place, I PROMISE you, call on the name of Jesus and He will show Himself to be invested. On it. Not because He’s Santa or a genie, but because He is the Son of God. He is Savior. He is King of Kings and the Prince of Peace.

Because I’ve had times when Jesus was all I had—and He was enough.

I don’t have all the answers, but if you need to ask me anything or pray, feel free to reach out at juliearduini@juliearduini.com or on social media @JulieArduini.

Two: Why I Believe

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I started a series Monday on why I am a Christ follower. In simple terms I want to share the ways Jesus has proved Himself true and why I make Him a daily part of my life.

I believe because He has healed me.

I believe because He has not.

When I was little, my religious training was just that. Religious. I attended every week but there wasn’t a lot to chew on. I had a lot of questions, right down to the virgin birth. I was told to stop asking so many questions. When I then decided Jesus must be like a genie, I asked for stuff. And when it didn’t happen, I made a choice to push Him as far as I felt He was keeping me.

Once I made that choice to allow Him in my life and that He was an alive Savior very much interested in everything about me, challenges rose up right away. The biggest was my health.

I had annual exams that were not coming back normal.

I had pelvic pain that was debilitating.

I had mood swings so dark I was ashamed to tell people how deep off the rails I felt.

By the time I was 25, I had a diagnosis, PCOS, polycystic ovaries. Back in the nineties, PCOS was little heard of. My doctor sat me down and explained the challenges I would most likely have to conceive. He told me his wife’s story, and that they have children. He encouraged me to not take a lot of stock in his words as a doctor because he was not God. He then suggested I have children pray for me.

It was a hard season. The pain, which I’m not fragile about, was a level 12. It hurt to walk. As a newlywed there were times I’d work, make dinner, and go to bed. I was exhausted.

One night the pain was so bad I wanted to just be done. Not kill myself, but not be alive. Just be done. I sobbed, I mean cried and cried beyond headache and red eyes. It was as I later learned a gutteral prayer so intimate and deep I could not form words. I basically emptied myself.

I also made a vow.

I told God if He could heal me of this pain, I was willing to give up my desire to be a mom. If it meant a hysterectomy that would take away all chances to conceive, I would never complain. Whatever His method, I was ready. And I meant it.

I had a surgery consult soon after. I felt the peace of Christ—it is something that defies description. There is nothing man-made that comes close to that feeling. Nothing. I was not prepared for the surgeon’s declaration. He didn’t think I needed a hysterectomy. He recommended a wedge resection. They are rarely done now, but he took out 1/2 of each ovary. His statement? It would enhance my chances to conceieve, not destroy them. He was just worried I would pin all my hopes on Him and blame Him if I wasn’t pregnant.

No, I assured him I trusted Jesus. That no matter what, I KNEW I’d be okay.

After the surgery and recovery, I never completed the first round of infertility drugs. I was pregnant.

He has been faithful and good to me.

Thing is, the pelvic pain went away but the mood swings did not. In fact, pregnancy and motherhood made them harsher. There were times the pit was so deep I saw myself walking to the medicine cabinet. I packed a suitcase once. I was just going to run.

It took years and years before I realized this was no way for anyone to live. I was not a failure to see a doctor about it, nor was I less of a believer. Medicine is one of the many ways Jesus heals.

I am now in menopause. I had a hysterectomy at 38. The last four years have been intense with sleeplessness, intense hot flashes, non-stop hunger, weight gain, and mood swings. I don’t know why I’ve had to have these things more severe than others. I don’t know why God didn’t take it away. Long ago I decided this must be the “thorn” God uses in my weakness that because of Him, I am strong. Because I am not healed of these things, I can share with others in similar pain.

I don’t feel that Jesus abandoned me. In fact, when I feel my worst, I feel HIM. It is comforting. Because I know His promises, I KNOW one day I will be in heaven, in my own mansion He built. He stores our tears. I am convinced one of our times together will be Jesus taking me on a tour of the warehouses containing my tears. And He will explain it all.

I also trust Him because in pregnancy I begged Him not to inflict the kids with anything I’ve suffered.

I have one child that struggles with anxiety that took me until recently to see I had the exact same thing.

I have a second child that while pregnant I felt God declare she would be an overcomer. I decided, without seeking God’s thoughts, what that would mean. I thought she would be spared. Instead, she has since being weeks old dealt with one diagnosis after another. Specialists. Lab work. Cruel procedures and even crueler people.

I’m pretty sure one of those warehouses of tears are my laments for all they have gone through.

Yet as they have dealt with these things, they have held tight to who God is and that they can do all things because of Christ. They have ministered people through sharing, but even with their smile. It blows my mind every time. Had they been born flawless like I begged, there would be no story.

Or glory and thanks I could give Him.

When He heals, I believe. When He doesn’t, I still do. It is not easy, and rarely is it immediate. But each time I’m faced with trusting Jesus or not, it gets easier to answer.

If you have any questions, I can’t promise to know everything, but feel free to contact me at juliearduini@juliearduini.com.

Stay tuned!

Book Review: Persian Betrayal by Terry Brennan

How much can Brian Mullaney risk to serve God and save lives—without losing his own?
 
DSS Regional Security Officer Brian Mullaney has been tasked with an incredibly dangerous mission. When a synagogue in Jerusalem is destroyed by an explosion, burying the second key prophecy Mullaney is hunting—and the deadly box that protects it—the answers he desperately needs are also crushed. How can he discover the meaning of the centuries-old prophecy now? Why are he and the ambassador he’s assigned to protect being targeted? And is there any way this lone man can thwart a nuclear arms race between three ascendant empires of the past?
 
An otherworldly servant of evil known only as the Turk is maneuvering all three nations into an intricate dance designed to undermine prophecy about the end times. And he won’t let Mullaney or anyone else get in his way.
 
Wounded in a bloody shoot-out, pressured by his wife to come home, and mourning the death of his best friend, Mullaney doesn’t need a powerful enemy. Who is he to save the Ishmael Covenant, the treaty promising peace in the Middle East? Despite angelic intervention, Mullaney wants nothing to do with his final assignment. But without him, evil will win the ultimate struggle . . . and humankind will have no hope left.
 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Persian Betrayal is book 2 in the Empires of Armageddon series and jumps right in where Ishmael Covenant left off. The rising stakes for Brian never take a rest as the Middle East is in conflict, conspiracies abound, his marriage is his crisis, and death is at his every turn. I love books like this because I can’t guess which way things are going to go. The political intrigue is huge, and those make for the best reads.

What I also enjoyed that is not part of most action/political suspense books is the element of the supernatural. I thought that was well-written and added to the story.

I think this series is extremely well-done with Persian Betrayal just as outstanding as Ishmael Covenant. I definitely recommend, but I also suggest you start with book 1 to make sure you’re familiar with the characters.

I received Persian Betrayal in exchange for a review. All opinions are my own.

Terry Brennan is the award-winning author of The Sacred Cipher, The Brotherhood Conspiracy, and The Aleppo Code, the three books in The Jerusalem Prophecies series. His latest series is Empires of Armageddon, which includes Ishmael Covenant and Persian Betrayal. 

A Pulitzer Prize is one of the many awards Brennan accumulated during his 22-year newspaper career. The Pottstown (PA) Mercury won the Pulitzer Prize for Editorial Writing for a two-year series published while he led the team as the newspaper’s Editor.

Starting out as a sportswriter in Philadelphia, Brennan became an editor and publisher for newspapers in Pennsylvania, Illinois, and New York and later moved to the corporate staff of Ingersoll Publications (400 newspapers in the U.S., Ireland and England) as Executive Editor of all U.S. newspaper titles.

In 1996, Brennan transitioned into the nonprofit sector, spending 12 years as VP Operations for The Bowery Mission and six years as Chief Administrative Officer for Care for the Homeless,  both in New York City.

Terry and his wife, Andrea, now live in Danbury, CT.

More on Brennan can be found at www.terrybrennanauthor.com. He is also on Facebook (Terry Brennan) and Twitter (@terrbrennan1).

One: Why I Believe

I’ve felt the nudge to do this for awhile but the timing always felt off. Honestly, I’m in the middle of cranking out a few thousand words a week with my new series, and that takes time.

But this is important.

I try in my writing and appearances to model the life of a Christ follower. It’s who I am, but I know that definition can get muddled by the Christians we meet. I know I’m not perfect, no one here is. But my heart longs to accurately show those who do not have a daily life with Christ why it is I choose to.

Julie Arduini

I’m not Biblically gifted. I remember 80’s lyrics better than verses. I wish I were better, but at least you know I’m honest. I AM a Bible reader. And through these posts I hope to show why that’s made such a difference.

So, here I go. Simple, transparent reasons why I call myself a Christian and live it each day.

I believe in Jesus and invite Him to be part of my life because luck and coincidence could never explain the positive changes in my life. Those on FB who knew me in high school remarked that I was confident, even bossy. That’s not quite true.

I was lost. Lonely. Bitter. Angry.

I didn’t have a horrible life by any means, but there were things I observed that didn’t quite look like other families. These days what I saw is quite normal, and I’m happy to say the addiction we had in our lives became a happy ending. Thing is, my attitude and hurt didn’t change overnight.

It took years.

Ironically, addiction began in my family to numb rejection. And I was on track to follow. I used things in the world to mask the pain, give me confidence, and fit in. It was not a solution.

It wasn’t going to church that changed my life, nor what it one single sermon I heard. It was a combination of things. I heard messages about Jesus being perfect and yet being crucified. Why? He was perfect. And that’s what gets me to this day when I think about the nails pounding through His flesh. The whippings He took with a strap loaded with shards of glass and stone.

He took it.

He allowed it.

Not because He was a wimp.

Because He was standing in the gap.

For me.

For you.

For all who choose to follow.

Jesus is a circle fulfilled. All the choices I made to feel better, dodge my hurt, or work hard to inflict pain on others was never a circle. The ends never closed on my life because there was a gap. If you think about a bridge, I was on the edge of a cliff on Point A, and I could see Point B. But I had no way to get there.

It sounds like Sunday School. Cliche. But it is the truth. I am the proof. Jesus is the only way.

Reading about Him, talking to Him, and going through study after study changed my life. It was not overnight. It was not a straight line of progress. But who I am today is completely different than the ugly mess I was as a young person.

I don’t miss my barbed remarks and cruel comebacks.

I don’t miss peppering my sentences with profanity.

I don’t drink if I feel motivated by numbing pain/competing/drinking for any reason than a glass on New Year’s or my anniversary. And I don’t miss the old ways or old me. I’m pretty sure if you quizzed everyone, they don’t wish that girl back.

So that’s why I believe. Jesus is the real deal to me. Even if I didn’t believe His story, and I 1000% do, He changed me. I’ve watched others with far worse stories than mine. People in prison for murder who truly found freedom in their cells because of trusting Jesus. Victims of abuse. Even those without major woes who followed luck and therories and realized Jesus makes a mess out of math. Everything He is is statistically impossible. Yet I’m forever changed because of Him.

If that’s something you desire, close the circle in your life by asking Christ into your life. It’s nothing weird or fancy. I was in my bedroom and just started chatting. I didn’t even know I was following a prayer, but later I realized I had done exactly what millions before me have done.

I told God, my Heavenly Father, who is not mean with arms closed, but so full of love, that I was a sinner. I missed the mark. I goofed up. I named the things I’d done.

I then shared that I believed what I learned about Jesus. That God did send Jesus to earth. That although He was on Earth as a man, He was Savior. He was perfect. He was crucified and rose again. He is still alive. He is in heaven. He is the only way I’ll spend eternity with Him. Heaven is perfect. I want to go there. I believe. I believe in Jesus. I believe.

Later I learned that when I prayed that, angels rejoiced. If you grew up hearing they are just harp players, they are God’s messengers. Warriors. And they love a celebration.

I can’t promise to have all the answers, but if you have questions, please contact me at juliearduini@juliearduini.com.

Stay tuned!

Fiction Finder: August 2020 New Releases

August 2020 New Releases

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

Contemporary Romance:

The Price of Dreams by Toni Shiloh — Ballet has always been my life, but one terrible moment may have destroyed everything I’ve worked so hard for—especially my title of Octavia Ricci, principal ballerina. I thought for sure my physical therapist, Dr. Noah Wright, could help me obtain my dream once more, but he wants more than I’m prepared to give. I’ve seen firsthand the trials of interracial relationships. I’m a product of one myself and promised I’d never put my hopefully-someday kids through that drama. Everyone keeps telling me to let go of other people’s expectations, but I’m just not sure I can. Besides, if my dreams of returning to ballet are futile, what hope is there in seeking unconditional love? (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published)

Peace in the Valley by Kelly Irvin — After a devastating wildfire sweeps through her town, one young Amish woman is shown a different way to practice her faith . . . but pursuing it could cost her everything she holds dear, including the man she loves. (Contemporary Romance from HarperCollins Christian Publishing)

Contemporary:

The Plans We Made by Kathryn Cushman and Lauren Beccue — Caroline Chapman is reeling from a broken engagement. Determined to start again, she moves cross-country for her dream job of planning events in the historical mansions of Newport, Rhode Island. Just as her life is getting back on track, she gets an email that shakes her very foundations. Linda Riley’s life looks picture perfect – a wonderful husband, two great kids, involved in church and the community. Then comes the diagnosis that shatters the facade. In order to save her son’s life, she must reveal secrets that can rip everything apart. Connected by more than painful circumstances, these two women discover a sacred bond. In this beautiful story of love, loss, and the fight for life, Caroline and Linda experience the reality that things don’t always go according to The Plans We Made. (Women’s Fiction from White Glove)

Historical:

In High Cotton by Ane Mulligan — While the rest of the world has been roaring through the 1920s, times are hardscrabble in rural South Georgia. Widow Maggie Parker is barely surviving while raising her young son alone. Then as banks begin to fail, her father-in-law threatens to take her son and sell off her livelihood—the grocery store her husband left her. Can five Southern women band together, using their wisdom and wiles to stop him and survive the Great Depression? (Historical from Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas)

The Heart of Courage by Lynne Basham Tagawa — In 1753, troubling news comes to Russell’s Ridge… Susanna Russell longs to escape her valley home. When war breaks out, she gets her wish to study in fabulous Williamsburg. But she realizes she’s lost something important along the way. Something—and someone. James Paxton is studying for the ministry. But when violence threatens the valley, his path becomes clouded. What is God’s will for his life? The answer is alarming—and impossible. Red Hawk spies white surveyors near his home, a harbinger of trouble to come. Shawnee chiefs go to Philadelphia to treat for peace, but the unthinkable happens, and Red Hawk loses all he once held dear. Then he has a strange dream. What can it mean? (Historical from Blue Rock Press)

Historical Romance:

Heart of a Warrior by Angela K. Couch — All Christina Astle wants is to reach Oregon before her baby is born, but the wagon train is attacked, and her husband killed, stranding her in a mountain labyrinth. Raised in the East, within civilization’s embrace, survival is not a skill she’s learned. Neither is evading the lone warrior dogging her trail. Disgusted by the greed and cruelty of men like his white father, Towan has turned to the simpler existence of his mother’s tribal people. He is not prepared for the fiery woman who threatens to upturn his entire life … and his heart. (Historical Romance from Prism [Pelican Book Group])

The Shopkeeper’s Widow by Izzy James — When the love of her life returns with a load of smuggled firearms, she must discover a new way to happiness. (Historical Romance from White Rose Publishing [Pelican])

Dinah’s Dilemma by Linda Shenton Matchett — Dinah Simpkins has no chance of making a good marriage. Her outlaw brothers and her father’s gambling addiction have ruined the family’s reputation. Then the Westward Home and Hearts Matrimonial Agency provides an opportunity for a fresh start. After Dinah arrives in Nebraska, she discovers her brothers played a part in the death of her prospective groom’s first wife. As a former Pinkerton detective Nathan Childs knows when someone is lying. The bride sent by the matrimonial agency may be beautiful, but she’s definitely hiding something, and he has no intention of marrying her until he uncovers the truth. But an easier solution may be to send her packing. Then his young daughter goes missing. He and Dinah must put aside their mutual hurt and mistrust to find her. (Historical Romance from Shortwave Press)

Katherine’s Arrangement by Blossom Turner — Marrying him is her only choice to save her family, but Josiah Richardson isn’t at all the man she expected. A marriage of convenience is the last thing she wants, but there doesn’t seem to be a better option for her family or herself. Meanwhile, Josiah works hard to befriend Katherine, to earn her trust and win her love. And Katherine is pleasantly surprised to find herself drawn to Josiah, until an unexpected friendship tears apart all they’ve worked for. Where once the promise of love had budded between Josiah and Katherine, now they wonder what to do with their so-called marriage. Is love strong enough to weave its healing power through two broken hearts? (Historical Romance from Wild Heart Books)

The Black Midnight by Kathleen Y’Barbo — Called to London by her great grandmother Queen Victoria, former Pinkerton agent Alice Anne von Wettin goes undercover to assist Scotland Yard in catching Jack the Ripper after working a similar case in Austin, Texas. (Suspenseful Historical Romance from Barbour Publishing)

Romantic Suspense:

Accidental Target by Theresa Hall — Allison Moore can’t deny what she sees—a lifeless hand sticking out of a tarp in the back of a crashed pickup truck. Seconds later, she’s on the run with a murderer on her heels. Nowhere is safe and no one can be trusted…except police sergeant Jackson Archer. But with someone set on silencing her, can Jackson keep his promise of protection? (Romantic Suspense from Love Inspired [Harlequin])

Minutes to Die by Susan Sleeman — It’s the intel every agent fears—terrorists have been smuggled into the country intent on unleashing the most deadly attack since 9/11. With the threat imminent, FBI Agent Kiley Dawson and ICE Agent Evan Bowers are charged with taking down this terrorist cell. Only problem is, Kiley blames Evan for the death of her former partner, and she can barely be in a room with him. But with millions of lives on the line, she has no choice. If it wasn’t for a bad call Evan made, Kiley’s former partner would still be alive, and Evan has to live with that guilt for the rest of his life. When he starts falling for her, the agent’s death seems an impossible obstacle—but it’s also the last thing he needs to think about. As the terrorist plot veers toward targeting Kiley’s family, the two are pushed to the breaking point in a race to save countless lives. (Romantic Suspense from Bethany House [Baker])

Speculative:

Kokopelli’s Song by Suzanne J Bratcher — Seventeen-year-old twins Amy Adams and Mahu Sekatewa team up with Mahu’s friend Diego James to stop ancient evil from tipping our universe into chaos. (Speculative from Scrivenings Press)

 

Rose in the Desert by K.M. Daughters — Anna Babic Robbins, dubbed “The Rose Of The Adriatic” by pilgrims to her village, leaves her home bound for America. She is to deliver secrets concerning the fate of the world to a Chicago priest who will shepherd mankind to prepare to hear God speak. Four women travel to Las Vegas, and while there, snow begins to fall during triple digit heat. They soon learn that the non-accumulating snowfall is a worldwide phenomenon—a universal sign from God preceding the gift of a permanent sign inexplicable by earthly standards. With the culmination of these miraculous events, all their paths intersect, and God will reveal His plans to each soul on earth. Will mankind listen? (Speculative from White Rose Publishing [Pelican])

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

Song of Mercy by Brenda S. Anderson, When a vlogger spots a man stalking young children, she’s spreads it on social media only to learn she may be mistaken–the man might be innocent. (Contemporary Romance)

Faith and Hope by Amy R. Anguish, Two sisters. One summer. Multiple problems. (Contemporary Romance)

Grace in the Desert by Christine Dillon, Must yesterday’s pain strangle tomorrow’s hope? (General Contemporary)

When Heaven Sighs by Susan Guinn, Angels, death and mysticism surround the arrival of a Dead Sea Scroll in Nashville, Tennessee as a dedicated homicide detective and a local pastor struggle to capture the murderers of two young men brave enough to believe in the scroll’s unique message. (Mystery)

Where She Belongs by Pamela Harstad, A Hawaiian woman desires love and struggles to belong, but a murder changes everything. (Romantic Suspense)

Two Hearts by Ruth Kyser, Tory Hendricks visits a guest ranch in the Hill Country of Texas where she meets the owner, Reed Montgomery. Even though they’ve both decided to remain single, they become good friends. The question is, does God have something more in store for them than just friendship? (Contemporary Romance)

Legacy Redeemed by Robin Patchen, Vanessa will fight to rescue her sister. Caleb will fight to protect Vanessa. But Abbas has evil plans for them all. (Romantic Suspense)

No Secrets No Lies by Tamara Tilley, Charlie lives in hiding. Hunter lives in the limelight. She is afraid to be a part of his world. He cannot imagine her not being in it. (Contemporary Romance)

Devil’s Cauldron by Michael Jack Webb, The FBI asks an ex-Special Forces Ranger once accused of domestic terrorism to investigate a Black Swan event in Antarctica. He must battle interdimensional, supernatural enemies attempting to regain power over humanity after ten-thousand years. (Supernatural Thriller)

I’ll Be Yours for Christmas by Dalyn Weller, Christmas magic in the Cascade Mountains. (Contemporary Romance)

Ane Mulligan: In High Cotton

In High Cotton actually began ten years ago. At that time, I wasn’t yet published. One of my critique partners thought maybe if I tried a historical novel, I might get contacted sooner. I have no affinity for prairie novels, but then she suggested the time period of the Great Depression.

That’s more modern history, it resonated with me, so I started writing. I quickly fell in love with the characters and the story. Soon, I sent three chapters to my agent, and while she liked it, she asked if I wanted to write contemporary or historical? At that time, my heart was in contemporary, so I had to set this novel aside.

Fast forward to 2019. I now had four novels in print (traditionally published), two novellas, a cookbook, and two Indie published novels and one novelette. In High Cotton follows my brand: it has an ensemble cast of strong Southern women facing life’s issues together.

I resurrected the story and finished it. I had to change one very important component … the setting. I wanted to place it in Buford, Georgia, but because of a business in that town, most everyone was employed throughout the depression, so it wasn’t the right place. (That story does get told, however. The second book in the Georgia Magnolias series is On Sugar Hill. It will release June 1, 2021.

So, I chose a rural area in the southeast area of Georgia. The Yamacraw Indians called the place “where rivers end,” because the Oconee and Ocmulgee rivers converged into one, becoming the Altamaha. There isn’t much around there today and certainly not in 1929. It was the perfect place for my fictional town. The back-cover copy says it well: While the rest of the world has been roaring through the twenties, times are hardscrabble in rural South Georgia.

The era and the setting became antagonists for my heroine, Maggie Parker, along with her late husband’s father. Now I had what I needed and the story flowed. There were still a few times it bounced over the rocks in those rivers instead of flowing, but it always came back together after a brainstorm session with a critique partner.

If a story resonates with your soul, keep it. Even if you have to set it aside for a few years. The right time and place will come around. It did for In High Cotton.

In High Cotton

Southern women may look as delicate as flowers, but there’s iron in their veins.

While the rest of the world has been roaring through the 1920s, times are hardscrabble in rural South Georgia. Widow Maggie Parker is barely surviving while raising her young son alone. Then as banks begin to fail, her father-in-law threatens to take her son and sell off her livelihood—the grocery store her husband left her. Can five Southern women band together, using their wisdom and wiles to stop him and survive the Great Depression?

For the e-book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B087V636BH  

for the print book: https://amzn.to/2WOLShX or https://shoplpc.com/in-high-cotton/

Target: https://www.target.com/p/in-high-cotton-by-ane-mulligan-paperback/-/A-80663388

To read the first chapter free, go to https://anemulligan.com/georgia-magnolias-series and scroll to the DOWNLOADS

Ane Mulligan has been a voracious reader ever since her mom instilled within her a love of reading at age three, escaping into worlds otherwise unknown. But when Ane saw PETER PAN on stage, she was struck with a fever from which she never recovered—stage fever. She submerged herself in drama through high school and college. One day, her two loves collided, and a bestselling, award-winning novelist emerged. She lives in Sugar Hill, GA, with her artist husband and a rascally Rottweiler. Find Ane on her website, Amazon Author page, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest and The Write Conversation.