Julie Arduini's Blog, page 58

Michelle De Bruin: Hope for Tomorrow

Hi, I am Michelle De Bruin, the author of the book, Hope for Tomorrow, Published by Mantle
Rock Publishing in October of 2018. I’m honored to appear on Julie’s blog
today. Karen Millerson, the heroine, has graciously agreed to an interview. To
help you get acquainted with the story, I am sharing her answers to my
questions with you.

An
Interview with Miss Karen Millerson

Michelle: Welcome, Karen. We are all looking forward to reading the story about your unexpected arrival in Silver Grove. Can you tell us about yourself and your family?

Karen: Yes. I grew up in Chicago. My father was a minister in one of the lower income sections of the city when I was a child. After he died in my teen years, my mother, sister, and I moved to my Uncle Henry’s home on Michigan Avenue. Uncle Henry is my mother’s brother.

Michelle: I can imagine that was a big change for you.

Karen: It was. We were sad to lose Father and yet in awe of Uncle Henry’s and Aunt Fran’s generous invitation to share their home with us. Uncle Henry grew very wealthy from the steel company he owns in Chicago. He helped pay for my education so that I could train to be a high school teacher.

Michelle: From what is written about you in the book, you didn’t teach high school.

Karen: No. The Lord had other plans for me. My position teaching English and reading was eliminated which is really too bad. I so love to read. But anyway, as compensation, the school district sent me to fill a position in the tiny Silver Grove country school left vacant at the last minute when the teacher from the previous year decided to get married. But it all worked out. As I got to know the students, I really wanted to see them get an education just like any child who might live in town.

Michelle: That must have taken a lot of courage to make such a large adjustment so quickly.

Karen: I suppose it did. At the time I was just trying to do the best I could to make the first day of school a positive experience for the children. The De Witt family also helped me settle in.

Michelle: Who are the De Witts?

Karen: They are the family who offered me room and board. Their farm was a convenient half-mile from the school.

Michelle: Before we go, share with us the joys and the struggles of sharing the household with the De Witt family.

Karen: Oh, my. There are so many joys, like getting to know Logan. Another joy is seeing his younger sister, Tillie, work through the grief of losing her father. I could help her because I knew how it felt. We’ve become good friends. Probably the biggest struggle was learning how to cook. Logan’s mother insisted on including me in the daily workings of a 1910 era farm kitchen. Wow. What a lot of work! Mother and Aunt Fran never labored so much over gardening, washing clothes, and fixing meals. My goodness. I may have come to Silver Grove to teach, but I’m the one who ended up getting the true education.

Michelle: We will look forward to reading about your adventures in teaching, in learning how to cook, and in falling in love with Logan.

Hope for Tomorrow Synopsis

When Logan De Witt learns of his father’s sudden death, he returns home to the family’s dairy farm. During his stay, he discovers his mother’s struggle with finances and his younger sister’s struggle with grief. Concern for his family presses Logan to make the difficult decision to leave his career as a pastor and stay on the farm. As a way to make some extra money, he agrees to board the teacher for their local school.

Karen Millerson arrives from Chicago ready to teach high school but her position is eliminated so she accepts the role of country school teacher. Eager to put her family’s ugly past behind her, Karen begins a new career to replace the trust she lost in her own father who had been in ministry when she was a child.

Logan and Karen both sense a call from the Lord to serve him, but neither of them expected that one day they would do it together.

Can Karen learn to trust again? Will Logan lay aside his grief in exchange for God’s purpose for his life?

PURCHASE A HOPE FOR TOMORROW HERE

Here is the link to my website:  https://michelledebruin.com/

Here is the link to my facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/MichelleDeBruinsAuthorPage/

Here is the link to my twitter page:  https://twitter.com/MichelleDAuthor

Here is the link to my Amazon author page: https://www.amazon.com/Michelle-De-Bruin/e/B07HVZK3PS/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0

Author
Bio

Michelle De Bruin is a worship leader and spiritual services provider. She lives in Iowa with her husband and two teenage sons. A romantic at heart, Michelle is always looking for glimpses of God’s love through the window of a good story.

B.J. Bassett: The Story Behind the Story of Sweet Charity

The Story Behind the Story of Sweet Charity

B. J. Bassett

My
novel Sweet Charity is dedicated to Karen.
She was my best friend during our formative years.

My
dad was a contractor, and would build a house on speculation. We’d live in it
for about a year, then he’d sell it, and we would move into another house he’d
built. Many times I transferred to a different school district, which was
difficult because I was shy.

The
year I entered the sixth grade was one of those new-kid-at-school times. My
mother had made me a darling green, white, and black plaid skirt. I wore it
with a white blouse and green sweater and new saddle shoes with bobby socks, of
course.

Karen befriended me. She was everything I wasn’t. She was smart, athletic, popular, and cute. She had nice, thick brunette hair. I, on the other hand, was an average student, was hit in the face with a softball because I didn’t put the glove in front of my face, and my hair was fine and difficult to style. Karen wore a button that said, I like Ike. I didn’t even know who Ike was.

One
year for my birthday she gave me a plaque. A
friend is not a fella who is taken in by sham. A friend is one who knows your
faults and doesn’t give a d***. I loved that plaque and kept it for many years.

When
we were in the ninth grade, my family made another move, miles away from Santa
Monica. I had dreamed of going to SAMO High with my best friend, but it was not
to be.

Karen
and I kept in touch for many years with letters, eventually losing contact. In
2005, I tried to find her through the SAMO High School Alumni website. I emailed
her, bubbling over with how thrilled I was to find her, how much her friendship
had meant to me, and how she’d influenced my life. My heart broke when her
husband answered my correspondence, letting me know Karen had died from a rare
form of cancer a few years before. I grieved for my loss and for all the years
we’d lost together.

My
novel Sweet Charity begins in the
1950s in my beloved Santa Monica, California. It was a different time of sock
hops, poodle skirts, innocence, and unwed pregnant girls sent away so they
wouldn’t disgrace their family or themselves.

When
I wrote Sweet Charity, Karen was my
inspiration. She was my best friend in the fifties, and I believe I’m the
person I am today because of her influence.

***

I’m pleased to announce that Sweet Charity is available for free as an e-book on Kindle Unlimited.

You
can contact me at:

B J Bassett

Email:
bassett106@charter.net

Website:
www.bjbassett.com

Blog:
http://bjbassett.wordpress.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bunny.bassett

Twitter:
B J Bassett@bassett106

I found myself in tears by the end of the second chapter. Ms. Bassett is an emotional and lovely writer. Her eye for detail enhanced the experience of the story. I think you’ll enjoy the story as much as I did. Marie Bast

I started it last night and couldn’t put it down. Chris Nunan

Great book. Marylin Nelson

I loved this story and award it five stars. Kathleen Friesen



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Dr. Nancy St. John has a well-kept,
twenty-year-old secret.

When Nancy was a high school senior,
her socialite mother and henpecked father banished her from her home in Santa
Monica, California, because of her pregnancy. Nancy left her friends, her
school, and her boyfriend, Skip, to live with her spinster aunt in Chicago
until she gave birth to a girl. Angry and hurt, Nancy broke all ties with her
past.          

            Heartbroken, Nancy concentrates on her work and avoids intimate relationships. She hides her feelings. Hope, the daughter Nancy gave up for adoption twenty years earlier, finds her. A bond blossoms between them but is challenged by Hope’s leukemia. Hope needs a bone marrow transplant, but she has a rare blood type. Nancy is not a match. She is determined to find Skip, Hope’s biological father, who never knew about Nancy’s pregnancy or why she disappeared so mysteriously.

Purchase SWEET CHARITY HERE

Author B. J. Bassett encourages
others as an author, teacher and speaker. Her books include Lily, Gillian’s Heart, and coauthor of My Time with God (a children’s devotional) which sold 55,000 copies
while in print.

Author B.J. Bassett

She teaches writing workshops at
Umpqua Community College in Roseburg, Oregon. As a speaker for Stonecroft
Ministries, she tells her story of rejection and acceptance, not only in life,
but as a writer as well. She also offers book talks.

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Mike Garrett: Innocence Denied

Julie’s Note: It’s my pleasure to use Tuesdays to introduce you to authors who have new releases. Today Mike Garrett is my guest, and I think you’ll enjoy our interview.

 

[image error]MIKE GARRETT is a devout Christian and life-long resident of Alabama. His world revolves around God, his wife Sharon, two adult children, five grandchildren, and one granddog.

He is an internationally respected book editor, previously published secular author, and was Stephen King’s first editor and publisher.

Mike first ventured into Christian writing by drafting humorous scripts for church dramas, one of which was “The Thirteenth Disciple.” He also wrote and produced a short film, “Mysterious Ways,” in which he combined his life-long interest in the classic TV show, “The Twilight Zone,” with a biblical theme. Innocence Denied is his first Christian novel. Its official website is www.innocencedeniedbook.com

 

 

[image error]What inspired you to write Innocence Denied?

God has blessed me throughout my life and gave me the ability to write and edit, granting me a career in something that I dearly love. A church sermon on giving service to God through His spiritual gifts struck me hard, and I realized that I should use my talents to honor Him. He led me every step of the way through the book’s creation and beyond.

How do you serve God through Innocence Denied?

The novel was written with unbelievers in mind, so the intention was to at least inspire them to give their beliefs a second chance and hopefully come closer to God. Of course, therein lies a problem—unbelievers wouldn’t select a Christian novel to read. At the end of the book I encourage Christian readers to give their copies to someone they know who might be receptive to its message. The witnessing occurs late in the story in hope that unbelievers might be hooked into the story by then with the intent of finishing the novel and thereby expose themselves to its message.

To what degree did God lead you through the writing of Innocence Denied?

It was like no other writing experience that I’ve ever had. Every time I found myself stuck He would zap an idea into my head to keep me moving forward. I felt like I was merely a keyboard, and He was the typist.

How was writing a Christian novel different from your secular fiction?

To begin with, there was no profit motive in writing Innocence Denied and no desire to be in the spotlight nor advance my career. I did it only to serve God. I can’t even take credit for it. It’s God’s story—He just chose me to be its vessel.

I originally wrote it with the intention of self-publication because I knew that it didn’t fit the mold of most traditional publishers. It’s a love story but not a romance; it has elements of suspense but isn’t a suspense novel. It’s difficult to classify.

When I finished the novel, I felt God prod me to investigate commercial publication but found little initial success. My own literary agent didn’t like it, and I couldn’t get any other agents to even look at it. I was about to give up when God led me to CrossLink, a Christian publisher with a more broad approach to publishing, and they saw the merit in my work. CrossLink and I were a perfect fit, and the whole thing came together.

My first confirmation that I had achieved my goal was the initial reaction of book reviewers whose positive response was far beyond what I had ever expected.

What role do you feel Christian fiction plays in today’s troubled world?

Christian fiction represents modern day parables. It’s characters can directly influence readers, thus it can be a valuable tool in leading unbelievers to Christ.

Thank you, Mike, for telling us about Innocence Denied. Readers, if you’d like to purchase this new release, click HERE.

Visit his book website, innocencedeniedbook.com

 

Linda Hoover: About Lighter Than Air

Hello!
I’m excited to have the opportunity to talk about my latest book, Lighter Than Air. Thank you for inviting
me, Julie.  

Purchase LIGHTER THAN AIR HERE

Lighter Than Air was
published in October, 2018. It’s set in 1900 near Brighton, England. Elena and
her father Squire Bishop, need to find a way to raise money to repay a gambling
debt by the end of the summer or they’ll lose their home. After praying about
it, Elena believes God has inspired her to have a family camp on the grounds of
their country estate.

I
had a lot of fun researching for the story. I found out a lot about the card
game, Faro, which is what Squire Bishop played and lost. I also learned
Brighton is a beautiful area and was quite the vacation spot. Elena counted on
that fact to draw people their way. The city is on the southern coast of
England, so tourists came from miles around to enjoy the beach and Brighton
Pier.  Carnival type games and food
stands lined both sides of the pier and ended at a pavilion, where concerts and
dances were held. Hotels and boarding houses offered opportunities for
overnight stays, but that would make spending a few days out of reach for most
families. The family camp offered a much less expensive, rustic one week stay
in tents with activities on the grounds as well as a day trip to Brighton.

Elena’s
neighbor, Justin, has his own goal for the summer. His older brother has
charged him with keeping the neighborhood quite while he goes to America to
marry. This especially includes anything Elena might be involved in because of
her tendency to be impulsive and accident prone. Justin’s grandmother has given
him a secret mission that requires him to go to America. If everything is as it
should be when his brother comes home with his bride, then Justin will be able
to go. Otherwise, he’ll be sent to join the military in India.

Elena
promised her father, she wouldn’t say why they’re having the camp, so she and
Justin are constantly at cross purposes in spite of a growing attraction. It
soon becomes apparent someone, other than Justin, doesn’t want the family camp
to succeed. Now, besides noise coming from the property next to them, there are
accidents and other acts of sabotage. Elena won’t give up and as the summer is
nearing an end and they don’t have the funds they need, she looks for something
to close the gap. An advertisement for a gas balloon ride sounds like the
perfect thing, if she can convince the owner to bring the balloon to their
estate.

I
learned there is a difference between hot air and gas balloons. Elena’s father
was in a club that flew hot air balloons, so she had a little knowledge about
those. A gas balloon is filled with hydrogen and goes where the wind takes it.
The balloon Elena went to Brighton to check out was gas. The attraction
included riding in the basket to the end of the line keeping it tethered to the
ground. Then is was reeled back in. The man who gave the rides had to leave so
Elena decided to check it out herself. Of course, Justin is never far away and
when he found her, they both ended up having a life changing adventure.

I
gathered information about Ireland and the time it might take a steamer to
travel from there to England. Train speeds and even the time it took for a ship
to get from New York to England were researched. Looking into all the things
that bring life and a sense of the time period to a story is pure pleasure to
me. There have been times I had to tell myself, “Ok, it’s time to get back to
writing.”

Lighter Than Air includes villains, adventure, romance and faith. I hope you’ll check it out.

Linda lives in west central Ohio with her husband, daughters, grandson and a cat who thinks he owns the house. She earned a degree in psychology from Anderson University where she learned the voices in her head were actually characters from stories waiting to be told.

By day, Linda works as a library assistant at a branch of the county’s public library system where two of her duties include choosing books for the young adult and Christian fiction sections. As a result, she has a very long “To Read” list. In her spare time she writes the stories her voices tell her.https://www.LindaHooverBooks.comhttps...

Website
– http://lindahooverbooks.com

Facebook
– www.facebook.com/lindahooverauthor

Amazon
author page – https://amzn.to/2M7nnoW

CWA: Strong Women Tribe

My prayer for 2019 is that doors would open for me to encourage women to find freedom as they surrender the good, the bad, and—maybe one day—the chocolate. I’m so thankful because one amazing opportunity isn’t just in the works—it’s launched!

The Strong Women Tribe is a safe place for Christian women who serve to receive encouragement and hope within the site Christian Women Affiliate. Christian Women Affiliate is a wonderful destination full of resources and networking. It’s free to join, and once a member, you can visit here and let me know you’re interested in the Strong Women Tribe. I’ve been a member of CWA for years, and I will be facilitating the tribe.

Strong Women Tribe members can be pastor’s wives, ministry leaders and workers. It’s the women who spread the generations but are known for getting things done for the glory of God.

They are the ones other women go to for prayer support, advice, and to vent.

They may be single, married, empty nesters, have young children, work outside the home, have their own business, have a very busy ministry as a wife and mom right in the home—but this is true of all of them—they are strong women who need encouragement, too.

If you’d like to join the Strong Women Tribe, there is content already waiting for you to engage in. Articles are short by design because we understand your schedule is full. But we believe this is a place you’ll look forward to visiting often so you can get back at what you do with renewed focus and hope.

Please check it out and spread the word.
ABOUT CWA: http://www.christianwomenaffiliate.com/

INVITE TO STRONG WOMEN TRIBE: (Must be member of CWA, first. Easy to do!) https://christian-women-affiliate.mn.co/…/new-tribe-in-cwa-…

A Julie Arduini Reading Reminder

The Surrendering Time Series by Julie Arduini

“These Christian romances are all about encouraging readers to find freedom by surrendering the good, the bad, and—maybe one day—the chocolate.” Julie Arduini

Just a reminder these three Christian Romances are now available through Amazon, Kobo, Nook, Apple Books, Scribd, and more. If you need to find your books through a digital library app, request these books by me. I believe they are available by request this way. My heart is to see you living free.

Purchase through Amazon:

https://www.amazon.com/Engaged-Surrendering-Future-Time-Book-ebook/dp/B072K91W25

Purchase through Kobo, Nook, Apple Books, Scribd, etc…: https://books2read.com/u/m2v9gd

#ebook #book #amazon #kobo #scribd #nook #applebooks #christianromance #fiction #romance #surrender #career #goals #faith #prayer #singleparent #teen #mountains #NYC #reading

About Paths of Righteousness: Sharon K. Connell

About Paths of Righteousness by Sharon K. Connell

This is the first book I wrote as a writer. It was written before I knew anything about writing and yet the readers enjoyed the story. After learning so much through classes, fellow-authors, websites, writing groups, and reading books on writing, I decided the story was worth the effort to rewrite. Paths of Righteousness is now in a style that will engage the reader. I’ve had nothing but 5 star reviews on the book so far, and wonderful comments from both readers and fellow-authors. Here are some of them.

Personal Message from my reader, Clara Page.

“It’s “funny” but so far this month the only book that really “grabbed” me has been yours!  I’ve read several different genre’s and even though most were good books they just couldn’t compare to yours.”

Book Blurb/Endorsement:

“The author writes with a uniquely vivid and dramatic touch that keeps the reader engrossed in the narrative throughout. Her characters are strongly drawn, distinctly memorable, and wholly realistic. Her plot-lines are, in this writer’s experience, top-drawer in their nail-biting intensity.” From Author, Alan O’Reilly

“Sharon K. Connell has brought together delightful characters in a wonderfully written story of young love. What choices will be made? With what consequences? You won’t want to miss Paths of Righteousness. It’s a real page turner that won’t disappoint.” From Contemporary Romance Author, Jackie Zack.

From Amazon Kindle Reader December 20, 2018

5 stars~Great Read with Endearing Characters “Loved this Christian Romantic Suspense with endearing characters. Couldn’t wait to find out what happened next throughout the whole story. Very well written. It was like being there and seeing the story unfold.”

Kathryn is waiting to tell you her story. Enjoy.

PATHS OF RIGHTEOUSNESS:

Paths of Righteousness by Sharon K. Connell

Despite the love of an adoptive family, the loss of Kathryn’s parents and her brother has left a hole in her heart. To cope, she pours herself into her job at a medical clinic. Unwanted attention from a staff member adds fear to her anxiety. But could she escape him by changing her place of employment and home? A new doctor adds more complication to her life. Mixed signals make her think the worst of him, but his charm draws her. Her brother’s former college roommate adds to the tangled web of Kathryn’s emotions, as do recurring nightmares. Or are they warnings? Will she seek God’s guidance to make the right choices in the end?

Purchase Paths of Righteousness eBook HERE .

Purchase Paths of Righteousness Print Book HERE.

Paths of Righteousness Book Trailer:  https://youtu.be/bBC25TioE9c

Sharon K. Connell lived
in Illinois through college, and for most of her adult life. California, Ohio,
and Missouri all became home at one time or another until 1988. For over twenty
years, Florida was her home, and during that time, she graduated from the
Pensacola Bible Institute. Now retired from the business world, she resides in
Houston, Texas, where she spends her days writing Christian Romance Suspense,
with a bit of mystery added. She also writes short stories in a variety of
genres.

Except for six, Sharon
has visited every state in the United States. She has travelled to Canada and
Mexico, as well. The stories in her novels reflect some of the experiences she
had during her travels.

The most important
reason to write for Sharon is to provide a good story for her readers and to
please God with the gift He has given her.

Member of:

American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW): http:// https://www.acfw.com/

Houston Writers House: http://houstonwritershouse.net/

2 Elizabeths Literary Magazine: https://2elizabeths.com/

CyFair Writers Group: https://www.meetup.com/CyFairWriters/

Christian Womens Writers Club (CWW): http://cwwriters.com/

Places to reach Sharon K. Connell

Website: http://sharonkconnell.com/

Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/author/sharonkconnell

Facebook Book Page: https://www.facebook.com/averypresenthelpbook1

Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/ChristianRomanceSuspense/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/SharonKConnell

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/SharonKConnell

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharonkconnell

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/rosecastle1/

WordPress: https://sharonkconnell.wordpress.com/

Other novels by Sharon K Connell

A Very
Present Help http://amzn.to/2yuF4eE 

His
Perfect Love http://amzn.to/2iCMALI 

My Budget Sparkle Confession

Pixabay image

This is hard to write, but I promised I’d always share what God prompts me to, so if this encourages you, awesome.

I’ve been in official menopause since my surgery in 2008. I wasn’t even 40, but the symptoms weren’t bad and I was so free from pain, it was a small price to pay.

Then I hit 45 and a new level of menopause seemed to hit. Weight gain. Big, dark circles under my eyes. Blotchy skin.

As I’ve learned the Curly Girl Method and faced trial and error with that, I’ve become more than vain, but afraid. I get I’m never gracing a catwalk. I know I’m inching toward 50 and few call that an exotic time of life when it comes to looks. But I confess I wanted something, anything that would make me feel a little special.

Enter Meghan Markle.

Or as I kept reading, Markle Sparkle.

She’s a romance author’s dream. American actress meets prince. Both from broken homes. Conflict between her not being English, her divorce, her career, and sadly I’ve read even her ethnicity as bi-racial has rankled those in the very elite circles that I can’t even imagine why that matters in 2019.

Anyway, when I saw clips from her wedding, and even as she’s visited places or been out with her husband, she glows. Yep, that Markle Sparkle.

And I thought, hey, I’d like to get me some of that.

Enter Google.

Instead of writing, like I should have, I spent the afternoon looking up that Markle Sparkle. Some attribute it to her personality, her marriage, her motivation, and then there was the skincare regime.

There were high-end products I’ve never heard of. Then there were products from Sephora that I have heard of, but that’s high-end for me, and I’m just not that girlie.

But, ah, down the list was something I could get on board with.

Could this budget friendly item supposedly part of the Duchess’ product list, be the answer that I’m seeking to get me out of my frump hump?

Aquaphor.

It’s a skin care treatment/healing ointment that I previously heard helped burns. The advice I read for that sparkle was to apply before makeup. Not a lot, and to rub in circles.

I’m so pale that my result made me feel like someone in the Twilight movies.

Then I thought I’d use a lotion that would also tan. Maybe it would bring out my freckles and highlight the glow!

You know what I have now?

A red face that looks like I’ve been drinking all night, and an acne breakout.

While Meghan has that sparkle.

But, wait. I’m not done.

I’ve also been doing quite a bit of reading, prayer time, journaling, and the like. Currently I’m working through a small group curriculum of Goliath Must Fall, as well as the study guide and book for Lysa TerKeurst’s latest, It’s Not Supposed to be This Way.

As I face some hard places and truths, I’m discovering new layers about myself and new levels of healing I didn’t even know I needed. I’m also working out regularly and trying to drink more water.

And although I’m still not loving what I see in the mirror, I saw a glimpse of something I haven’t noticed in a long time.

Joy.

It’s that gift from God that doesn’t depend on feelings, good hair, a certain weight, or royal recommendations. I’ve clung to joy when I had no clue how things were going to turn out, but I knew God was very present in it all.

Sephora can’t market that.

It’s so much more valuable than anything the royals wear.

And I have it for free.

I’m not into sounding like a used car sales tactic, so let me just say this: If that last line has you curious, if the whole post resonates because you’ve tried it all, you feel blah, and you don’t get how joy makes a difference, God gave me His Son for free. Seriously. Jesus did all the work, and it’s taken me decades to understand that. Beyond agreeing with that, I want more than to just believe. I’m constantly learning about Jesus, talking to Him, reading, listening to music, it’s a relationship. I love spending time discovering Him, and hearing from Him. He offers much, and joy is one of those things.

I’d kind of let it get buried with my stuff.

Yes, I still use Aquaphor here and there because it helps with the winter dryness. Yes, I still read articles about Markle Sparkle because she’s just so intriguing to me and I have a mom-type soft spot for Prince Harry.

No, I don’t have a younger, dew-like glow to myself that’s set me free from my menopause self. Nor am I interested in product suggestions.

But I have joy.

***

Although Christian romance is my first genre, I’m working with our teen daughter on a series that’s both middle grade AND Women’s fiction. It’s two stories in one novella. The series, Surrendering Stinkin’ Thinkin, features a mentoring ministry with tween girls and adults. Each book features a character from each age group who needs to surrender a lie they are believing.

You’re Amazing is available for pre-order.

You’re Amazing Now Available for Pre-Order

Jazmin’s a natural at dance until a series of changes make her wonder if she should even keep up with her favorite hobby.

Lena’s a mom with young children overwhelmed with her schedule when a woman remarks that what Lena does isn’t even important.

Both Jazmin and Lena belong to Linked, a mentoring ministry where all ages encourage each other and build friendships.

Can these two surrender the lies they are believing and realize they are amazing?

January Happenings

I don’t know about your area, but we’re due for about a foot of snow today. We have our groceries and I’ve politely suggested that we check the snowblower out before the snow starts to make sure we’re good to go. Sounds like we’re in for quite the storm!

I thought I’d take the time to share what’s been going on this month with my writing and blogging. I’m trying hard to get my work out there as much as possible. Why?

Because my passion is “Encouraging you to find freedom by surrendering the good, the bad, and—maybe one day—the chocolate.”

WRITING:

You’re Amazing is available for pre-order!

Jazmin’s a natural at dance until a series of changes make her wonder if she should even keep up with her favorite hobby.

Lena’s a mom with young children overwhelmed with her schedule when a woman remarks that what Lena does isn’t even important.

Both Jazmin and Lena belong to Linked, a mentoring ministry where all ages encourage each other and build friendships.

Can these two surrender the lies they are believing and realize they are amazing?

            A novella for tweens, teens, and women of
all ages by mother and daughter team Julie Arduini and Hannah Arduini.

Pre-Order
You’re Amazing:

BLOGGING:

Each month I post at Inspy Romance. I love this blog, and if you haven’t checked it out, please do! Your favorite Christian authors share fun posts and very soon we’re having our big Blog-Aversary Bash. You don’t want to miss it!

Check out my latest post with Inspy Romance HERE .

I’m also a blogger with Christians Read. I tend to write more devotional type posts there about the ordinary things God shows me. This week I blogged about Tums in My Pocket. You need to read it to understand.

Check out my latest post with Christians Read HERE.

WEBSITE:

If you receive this by email, have you visited the website lately? I’ve updated things here and there.

Check out my website HERE.

If you’re caught up in this storm and looking for something to read, Fiction Finder is a wonderful tool to help you find the perfect book. My books are also in there, but you can search for your favorite Christian fiction author by name, or, if you have a theme or interest in mind, just search and you’ll be reading no time.

Check out ACFW Fiction Finder HERE.

Have a great and safe weekend!

Getting to Know Author Joan Deppa

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Hi, my name is Joan Deppa.  I have always
loved to read and now write inspirational, romance fiction. My husband and I
have been in church ministry for over 30 years, so my books are based on some
of our personal experiences, as well as others we have encountered.  So, they are real and stories that readers
can relate to, as well as share God’s love, forgiveness, wisdom and ability to
change lives yielded to Him.  My hope is
that you will enjoy reading my books, and be challenged in your walk with the
Lord, as we have been.  We have four
adult children, eleven grandchildren and have lived mostly in the Midwest.  We enjoy seeing all the beauty of God’s
creation wherever we are.  I am a member
of the American Christian Fiction Writers.

Valentine’s Day will soon be upon us.  My book, Whiter
than Snow, Seasons of Love #1,
is based on my husband’s and my love story. 
Like all couples, we had issues to overcome, but enjoyed getting to know
one another, talking and sharing our dreams and challenges. So, if you enjoy an
inspirational, romance novel, grab a cup of hot chocolate, tea or coffee, cuddle
up under a warm blanket and get ready to join Bonnie and Brad, as they too get
to know one another, accept God’s forgiveness, grow in the Lord, and enjoy the
beauty of God’s creation.   

Bonnie
Turner has recently moved to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and is enamored by
its beauty in the winter time.  While
enjoying the beauty, Brad Jorgenson “bumps” into her and takes it upon himself
to show her the sights and how to enjoy winter in the Upper Peninsula.  But will Bonnie be able to show Brad how to
release the anger and bitterness he’s carried since childhood and introduce him
to the Creator of the beauty he enjoys? Can God’s love and forgiveness really
make him, “whiter than snow?”     Ps. 51:7

Reviews by other Readers:

“Whiter than Snow was
written with enough detail to enable me to feel like I was right there with the
characters in their emotions and their surroundings in the UP. Brad and Bonnie
had to deal with real life struggles that could make or break their relationships.
It is a gentle, pleasant read that shows you can overcome your past hurts and
build a healthy relationship.”Sweet, graceful and
engaging, I found Whiter than Snow, by author Joan Deppa, to be an
inspirational read with a gorgeous book cover.”“Perfect for any snowy day
with a cup of warm cocoa! Highly recommend!!”

    
 Also check out:  Summer Dreams, Seasons of Love #2  

April
Phillips is a 6th grade teacher who loves children, but feels she
should never marry due to the history of divorce in her family.  So instead, she pursues her dream to learn to
Kayak and buys an older house that she can make into the home of her
dreams.  However, Aaron Matthews has his
own dreams – to marry April and have a family of their own.  But first he needs to help her realize that
God is able to break her chains of fear and give her a love that paddles
through the storms and difficulties of life and thrives.  Whose dreams will be realized?  Can they both win?

Where to Purchase My Books:

Books may be purchased through
Amazon, Barnes & Noble or my website: www.joandeppa.com.   Available in hardcover, softcover or eBooks.

Social Media sites:

Facebook – JoanDeppa

Twitter – @JoanDeppa