Julie Arduini's Blog, page 64

Thankful Series: Day Five (+#giveaway News)

All this month I will be watching on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and my new subscribers for my monthly-0r-so newsletter. If you tag me @JulieArduini and tell me you’re #thankful or #juliearduinithankful, I’ll enter your name to win a copy of my fiction books. This includes Entrusted, Entangled, Engaged, You’re Beautiful and the boxed set of A Christmas to Remember (only available as eBook.)

If you live in the United States, you have the choice, if you are the one winner randomly chosen, of print (except A Christmas to Remember,) or eBook. If you are outside of the US, it is automatically eBook. 

I’ll add your name once a day for each shout out I receive (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, plus one total entry if you are a new subscriber to my newsletter.) You may or may not receive confirmation from me for those entries, and my random draw is final. If winner doesn’t respond after 30 days, I will choose another. I’m thankful for you.

Today I’m thankful for second chances. Sure, I’m grateful for the millions of chances given to me, that’s a no brainer. I’m a screw-up even on the days I try so hard not to be. But raw honesty time? I’m not the easiest person to deal with once I’ve seen something go wrong. If you’ve messed up with a loved one, oh, it is ON.

Second chances, what’s that now?

Please don’t misread this to believe I give open access to toxic people and situations we need to clearly avoid. That’s not what this is about.

I’m thankful that God’s wisdom reigned during a time when I wanted to pack my kids up, build a bubble house, and never let them leave. Never let them experience life in the areas where they had been hurt. When one situation seemed like an epic failure at our child’s expense, I was mentally preparing the list of where our next place would be because clearly, clearly the present place was out.

And clearly, clearly God showed me I was moving too fast.

It was our child that opened our eyes to giving another chance, and truthfully, we were beyond a second or a third chance. She was the one that explained as tough as the situation was, she was exactly where God wanted her to be.

That was sobering. Because this wasn’t a positive experience for her, or us.

As parents, we  looked at other things. Who wouldn’t want to protect their kid? But every door closed. Every. It looked like she truly was called to be exactly where she was. That meant, giving another chance.

Fast forward and the place is the same, but the situation and atmosphere is not. Our child is thriving and feels safe and protected. She’s making a difference and feels part of a greater something.

Had we pulled the trigger on this and refused to listen to wisdom, I don’t think I could be grateful right now.

It took a lot of time, tears and prayers to realize this. But I’m thankful for second chances, and third, and fourth, and as many as God asks me to give.

Thankful Series: Day Four (+#Giveaway News)

All this month I will be watching on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and my new subscribers for my monthly-0r-so newsletter. If you tag me @JulieArduini and tell me you’re #thankful or #juliearduinithankful, I’ll enter your name to win a copy of my fiction books. This includes Entrusted, Entangled, Engaged, You’re Beautiful and the boxed set of A Christmas to Remember (only available as eBook.)

If you live in the United States, you have the choice, if you are the one winner randomly chosen, of print (except A Christmas to Remember,) or eBook. If you are outside of the US, it is automatically eBook. 

I’ll add your name once a day for each shout out I receive (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, plus one total entry if you are a new subscriber to my newsletter.) You may or may not receive confirmation from me for those entries, and my random draw is final. If winner doesn’t respond after 30 days, I will choose another. I’m thankful for you.

Today I’m thankful for furry babies. I’m not as thankful for the fur that causes me to go through a steam cleaner every year or so, but I do love our pets. This year we said goodbye to Gary, the cat that came into our lives when Spongebob was new and hilarious to our toddler. That toddler is now 20, and he still thinks that cartoon is funny, but I digress.

Gary had that look of nearly every cat, enough that when we’d see his clone outside stalking for prey, we wondered if he got out again. I nearly brought the wrong cat inside once because he looks so much like that generic cat you see all over the place. Gary loved trying to sneak out, but then whined until you brought him back in. He never missed a meal. He wasn’t too snuggly, but that didn’t stop our daughter from kidnapping him and making him love her. He didn’t play with the other pets, but he didn’t hate them, either.

I’m not a huge cat lover, but I sobbed when it was time to say goodbye. It was a hot day and there was construction going on near the vet. The road was closed the only way I knew to get there, and GPS had no service. When I finally got there, the driveway was blocked. Gary was not in good shape and my anxiety was off the charts. I entered a different way and when they tried to tell me to go to the separate drive, I fell apart. Through a truly ugly cry I blubbered that it was blocked and our cat was dying in the passenger seat and I left the car running in the lot. Soon I was ushered into a secret passageway only staff used and Gary was taken care of in a loving and gentle way. I sobbed all the way home.

That leaves us with Tucker, our four year old Chow Lab. He is my shadow. He is so enamored by me that I try to tip-toe downstairs in the morning like when I had toddlers, in hopes of getting extra me time before the day starts. Nope. That dog can hear me and be at my side in seconds. He IS snuggly, but dude is 70 pounds. That scene in Elf where Buddy climbs on Papa Elf’s lap? That’s Tucker on me. He races me to the garage because he knows when I leave to pick up our daughter. He loves a car ride. He HATES getting his nails trimmed. As tough as he tries to come off, he has cried so dramatically during a trim I had to tell the folks in the waiting room it wasn’t a severe wound but a nail trim. Thunder? He’s a shaking mess. But he has my back, and there are times when I’m struggling that he’s there when no one else is.

Ginger is our long-haired princess and she really has a separate life. She was my father-in-law’s baby and when he passed, we offered to take her. It’s funny because my husband wasn’t keen on the idea, and now Ginger is his baby. She stays in his office all day and just loves to be around him. She ignores us unless we have cat treats, and even then, if she isn’t feeling the walk to get them, oh well.

Do I love cleaning the litter box (I switched to pine because the dust was hurting my lungs,) or taking a dog out during a snowstorm? No, I can’t say that I do. But our home is fuller because of these furry babies.

And I’m thankful.

Thankful Series: Day Three (+ #giveaway News!)

All this month I will be watching on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and my new subscribers for my monthly-0r-so newsletter. If you tag me @JulieArduini and tell me you’re #thankful or #juliearduinithankful, I’ll enter your name to win a copy of my fiction books. This includes Entrusted, Entangled, Engaged, You’re Beautiful and the boxed set of A Christmas to Remember (only available as eBook.)

If you live in the United States, you have the choice, if you are the one winner randomly chosen, of print (except A Christmas to Remember,) or eBook. If you are outside of the US, it is automatically eBook. 

I’ll add your name once a day for each shout out I receive (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, plus one total entry if you are a new subscriber to my newsletter.) You may or may not receive confirmation from me for those entries, and my random draw is final. If winner doesn’t respond after 30 days, I will choose another. I’m thankful for you.

I’m thankful that in 2018, I was able to cross something off my bucket list. I’m not one of those that wants to skydive or sing in front of a crowd. My writing dream was to be part of a Christmas collection.

I got so much more than I wished for.

This year I participated in A Christmas to Remember, a boxed set that is only available until December 31. The other authors were amazing to work with (Kimberly Rose Johnson, Valerie Comer, Elizabeth Maddrey, Deb Kastner, Lindi Peterson, Ginger Solomon and Janet W. Ferguson) and we each wrote a novella with the theme, A Christmas to Remember. My novella is Restoring Christmas and I loved writing it.

Here’s a quick blurb about Restoring Christmas:

Filled with grief and regret, Holly Christmas returns to Geneseo Valley and the family business, The Christmas Mansion. Can Kevin Holt restore her love for the season and the memories she left behind?

I was excited to be a part of this. That was the dream. I didn’t think about statistics or gold banners or anything like that. But, those came with this package. It hit the best seller list in a few categories. At one point, we were part of the top 100 Christian authors. What blew my mind was at least for thirty seconds when I saw it, my name was ahead of Joyce Meyer. Crazy.

Thankfully, I don’t live off that fanfare for long because I’ve watched amazing authors come undone by numbers, rankings, and reviews. I’m just happy to be part of a Christmas boxed set full of Christian romances by authors I’ve always admired. The fact that readers are buying it and leaving such kind reviews is amazing.

I’m thankful. I’m so thankful to check that off the bucket list. Next up on that list, going to a Paul McCartney concert…I should get moving on that…

 

Thankful Series: Day Two (+Giveaway News)

All this month I will be watching on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and my new subscribers for my monthly-0r-so newsletter. If you tag me @JulieArduini and tell me you’re #thankful or #juliearduinithankful, I’ll enter your name to win a copy of my fiction books. This includes Entrusted, Entangled, Engaged, You’re Beautiful and the boxed set of A Christmas to Remember (only available as eBook.)

If you live in the United States, you have the choice, if you are the one winner randomly chosen, of print (except A Christmas to Remember,) or eBook. If you are outside of the US, it is automatically eBook. 

I’ll add your name once a day for each shout out I receive (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, plus one total entry if you are a new subscriber to my newsletter.) You may or may not receive confirmation from me for those entries, and my random draw is final. If winner doesn’t respond after 30 days, I will choose another. I’m thankful for you.

This is a strange thankful feeling at a glance.

I’m thankful for the hard stuff.

Like yesterday, that’s easy to type, but those two words, hard stuff, in my life contain what I believe are warehouses of tears. I picture these silo-shaped buildings in heaven and that several have my name on. Jesus is going to give me a tour and we’re going to talk about those tears. There have been so many more shed than I have ever, ever let on.

My adult tears have been infertility, bad days at work, hormones messing with me to the point of madness, engagement stress, marriage, pregnancy, PTSD related to a car accident while pregnant, baby blues, parenting, transitioning to stay-at-home mom, moving, sick children, near death of child, death of parent and in-laws, injustice, betrayal, and loss.

I would never raise my hand and say I loved those experiences and yearn for them again.

But in those hard, devastating times, I became the person I am.



Certainly not on my strength. On my own I’ve learned I’ll eat a box of Thin Mints all by myself and then cry over that. My faith in Christ gave me promises and other experiences to read and draw from, yep, from the Bible. I learned and applied what I heard in sermons. I lamented in prayer—I mean honest, raw prayers God was able to handle and I needed to say. He gave comfort through many sources, including friends. But most of all, He gave me preparation. Those wildernesses, which I call the Hosea 2:14 experience (in the Bible, “I will put her in the wilderness and speak tenderly to her, rough summary.) destroyed everything in me that wasn’t useful and equipped me for everything from heaven that could change this dark world for the light of Christ.

And that’s available to anyone, please don’t think I have anything special going on.

I still cry. Last year was ROUGH and I’m starting to see a lot of fruit come from those times, as hard as it was.

Believe it or not, I am thankful.

I really am.

Thankful Series: Day One (HUGE Giveaway News!)

I can’t believe it’s November. I also can’t believe this is most likely the ELEVENTH year I’ve presented some form of a thankful series on my blog during this month. This year I’m taking it back to the beginning where I posted for 30 days. I did it back then as part of NaBloPoMo, National Blog Posting Month. Now I’m doing it because I love being thankful and it leaves me time to work on NaNoWriMo, National Novel Writing Month. 50 k words in 30 days. Eeek!

Anyway, there is so much I’m thankful for and I’m going to dig deep at times, and other times, be a little superficial. All of it, I believe, is ok in the praise department. When praise is going on, there can’t be dark thoughts. And I’ve been there.

This doesn’t have to be a place where I’m the only one being thankful. I LOVE to interact with readers, and I find the best place to do that is on social media. You can find me pretty much anywhere from Facebook to Snapchat as @JulieArduini. Let me know what YOU’RE thankful for.

Ready?

Let’s do this.

I could give the Sunday School answer where every answer, no matter what the question, is “Jesus.” And I am. And I don’t take that lightly or flippantly. But today I am thankful for blogging.

I don’t feel it is the star it once was, but I also believe everything comes back, so I’m not giving up on this. Blogging was the first avenue God showed me to test the writing waters. Everything about me is surrender oriented, and back then, fear paralyzed me. Fear of man, to be specific. I was so afraid of what people would think that I didn’t write for YEARS.

When I felt the stirring to write that would not stop, I knew I had to surrender the fear. I know this post is short compared to the level of fear I had to let go of. I prayed, I vented, I cried. I sought advice, and I received a mantra of sorts that I keep before me to this day. It set me FREE.

“Have the heart of a dove and the skin of a rhino.”

I’m a tad dramatic and a whole lot about giving God credit, so I went to blogger and started an account on December 31 at 11:30 PM. That little blog has changed to wordpress and seen lots of changes over the years, but one thing hasn’t changed. I love blogging. I love sharing my heart or what I’ve learned in order to encourage someone else. I love showcasing authors and organizations I believe in and I want people to know about.

Blogging changed my life, and I’m so thankful God gave me this vehicle to start with. I never thought when I hit “create” that not long after I would be an author. Now reviews are part of my life and although I don’t love low reviews, they don’t define me. God has done an amazing work in me, because that fear used to emotionally cripple me.

So, that’s what I’m thankful for.

How about you?

 

Let’s have fun! All this month I will be watching on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and my new subscribers for my monthly-0r-so newsletter. If you tag me @JulieArduini and tell me you’re #thankful or #juliearduinithankful, I’ll enter your name to win a copy of my fiction books. This includes Entrusted, Entangled, Engaged, You’re Beautiful and the boxed set of A Christmas to Remember (only available as eBook.)

If you live in the United States, you have the choice, if you are the one winner randomly chosen, of print (except A Christmas to Remember,) or eBook. If you are outside of the US, it is automatically eBook. 

I’ll add your name once a day for each shout out I receive (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, plus one total entry if you are a new subscriber to my newsletter.) You may or may not receive confirmation from me for those entries, and my random draw is final. If winner doesn’t respond after 30 days, I will choose another. I’m thankful for you.

 

Adventures in Odyssey Club: Freedom at the Falls

When they step into the Imagination Station, kids experience an unforgettable journey filled with action-packed adventure to inspire their imaginations. With each book, they’re whisked away with cousins Patrick and Beth to embark on a new journey around the world and back in time.

In Freedom at the Falls, the Imagination Station takes Patrick and Beth to 1860s America, the time of the Civil War. There they meet key historical figures of the period and help conduct escaping slaves along the Underground Railroad to freedom in Canada. This is the first in a three-part story arc focusing on Civil War America.

Were you aware that Focus on the Family has books based on Adventures in Odyssey? There are many to choose from, including the Blackgaard Chronicles, Young Whit, and the newest in the Imagination Station Series, Freedom at the Falls.

As part of the street team for all things Adventures in Odyssey Club, I won this book and received it a couple days ago. The Civil War is my favorite era in US History and I am using this book as a treat when I hit my writing goals.

You don’t have to wait! If you’re looking for reading resources for the entire family, Adventures in Odyssey books are fun, educational, and implement Christian principles. 

To learn more about Freedom at the Falls, CLICK HERE.

To learn more about Adventures in Odyssey books, CLICK HERE.

To learn more about the Adventures in Odyssey Club, CLICK HERE.

iRun4: Buddies Needed!

Did you know that there are 2,000 people who run and/or workout at all levels who want to do so and dedicate that run/race/workout to a “buddy,” a baby, child, teen, or adult that has a special need but are unable to because there is a lack of buddies?
Did you know that these runners are SO dedicated and committed to the iRun4 cause that they are waiting as long as 18mos-2 YEARS before being matched with a buddy?

Our family is associated with I Run 4 because our daughter qualifies as a buddy. Between her health challenges and diagnosis and that she was on an IEP (it is now a 504,) we filled out the application and we were matched IN A DAY. Buddies are needed, and the match is quick because so many runners are on a waiting list.

Our runner was heaven sent. She is the most encouraging runner/kickboxer/gym instructor and her only job in I Run4 is to work out. For real. She already does that, so it’s nothing for her. And as she does, she thinks of Hannah. Dedicates that workout to her knowing with our challenges, those workouts are extra hard for Hannah. What’s a bonus for us is that Cole shares our faith, so she even prays for Hannah as she runs and works out. The organization is secular, but there are many runner/buddy combinations like ours that share faith.

Many runner/combinations become like family. Some buddies have arranged to surprise their runner at a race so they can cheer their runner on. we were able to do a virtual race together both through FaceTime and on the campus of Cole’s former work. It was so fun talking with her, her energy is contagious. So much so, her friend Heidi also signed up as a runner!

I could go on and on, but I’m going to keep this short.

Families, if you have anyone identified with a disability or special need, do NOT go through this alone. Trust me when I say I Run 4 meets a need our family didn’t even know we had. This organization has your back. They are cheering for us and getting their sweat on because they understand not everyone can. PLEASE CONSIDER BEING A BUDDY! There is also an iRun4 component for siblings.

Here is an excellent video that showcases the heart of iRun4.

Here is where you can learn more and sign up.

Our family is so grateful for our iRun4 connection. We have a friend for life who cheers Hannah on with amazing workouts. We have a community we trust. It’s been nothing but a win for all of us!

Book Review: Volcanic Momentum by Jordan Ring

Mark Matteson, Author of Freedom from Fear, says this about the book: “Volcanic Momentum is a must-read for those seeking renewed energy to complete their goals.”

Volcanic Momentum is one of those game changer books. Its magic erupts from the beginning, propelling you into a new mindset for goal setting. The subtle balance of practical and inspiring draws you into each chapter. I couldn’t put it down. It’s a must read for any age or stage of life. —Jenny Moates author of 50 Coffees: How to Build Community (and Your Business) One Coffee at a Time

What’s the #1 goal killer?  It’s lack of momentum—not Killer whales. Go figure.

Stop dreaming about “someday” and let Volcanic Momentum show you how to tap into unlimited energy and reach your goals now, not later.

In his latest work, authorpreneur Jordan Ring shares how you can build a solid foundation for lifelong success with nine powerful momentum strategies. Using these tools, you will never again lose motivation, inspiration, and the drive needed to meet your goals once and for all!

Whether it’s those pesky last ten pounds, the remaining twenty pages of your thesis, or the kite-making side-hustle that you know will one day make oodles of money— getting a copy of Volcanic Momentum in your hands will give you superpowers.

Volcanic Momentum is not just another feel good self-help book, it won’t tell you that the journey will be without its challenges, and it’s definitely not a guide to having an easy life.

But if you’re looking for an encouraging realistic take on everyday struggles, you need this book. With self-deprecating humor and a vulnerable writing style, Jordan shares actionable tips and strategies you can use in your daily life to achieve your full potential.

By the end, you will have all the tools you need to change the world and still have fun doing it.

It isn’t often I’m able to tackle a book review that comes from a publisher or author I’m not already connected with. When I received the offer to read Volcanic Momentum, I was intrigued and decided to take a chance despite my full schedule. By the time I finished the back copy, I was all in.

Volcanic Momentum is a practical tool we all need in our arsenal no matter what change you’re trying to initiate. The author is transparent with his own story and a natural encourager. The strategies are not overwhelming, but not a flimsy process to set you up for failure, either. Everything the author gives is easy to understand, access, and execute whether it is fitness related or career minded.

There are helpful links and additional resources I’ve started to read, something I have to say I rarely see in other books, or am not as driven to pursue. I’m excited to check out everything offered in Volcanic Momentum.

The author also shares a faith aspect in his story, and I found that refreshing. Again, it was easy to understand, not preachy, and didn’t change the goal of the book in any way. He also was funny but maintained what I felt was his authority on the subject.

Bottom line: I inhaled this book like I do chocolate. I plan to keep it handy so I can refer back to it. I highly recommend Volcanic Momentum for anyone. Because if you are not pursuing goals at this time, you will be, and Volcanic Momentum is a book you want to have.

Purchase Volcanic Momentum PRINT here

Purchase Volcanic Momentum eBOOK here

I received this book for review purposes. All opinions are my own.

Fiction Finder: October New Releases

Julie’s Note:

I’m so excited to see A Christmas to Remember here. This is a boxed set that includes my novella, Restoring Christmas. The set is only available until year’s end, so don’t miss out! Link below.

October 2018 New Releases

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

Contemporary Romance:

A Christmas to Remember by Julie Arduini, Valerie Comer, Janet W. Ferguson, Kimberly Rose Johnson, Deb Kastner, Elizabeth Maddrey, Lindi Peterson, and Ginger Solomon — Eight authors from the popular blog Inspy Romance each share a Christmas-themed novella to put you in the mood for the season. (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published)

Their Family Legacy by Lorraine Beatty — Annie’s inheritance will provide a home for her twins and all she had to do is keep a man paying for his mistake forever. (Contemporary Romance from Love Inspired [Harlequin])

The Return by Marianne Evans — A prodigal who never wanted to return home must repair his family farm and rush back to the big city before an old love convinces him to stay. (Contemporary Romance from White Rose Publishing [Pelican])

A Harvest of Blessings by June Foster — When Nadia accidentally sits on a stranger’s lap in the graveyard where her late husband is buried, she’s horrified to learn the good-looking guy with salt and pepper hair is her new boss. Jared is intrigued by this beautiful woman who puts God first in her life, but his daughter isn’t ready for him to move on after his wife’s death. As Nadia and Jared try to cultivate a relationship, will they reap a Harvest of Blessings, or a season of drought? (Contemporary Romance from Forget Me Not Romance [Winged Publication])

A Sparkle of Silver by Liz Johnson — Ninety years ago, Millie Sullivan’s great-grandmother was a guest at banker Howard Dawkins’ palatial estate on the shore of St. Simons Island, Georgia. Now, Millie plays a 1920s-era guest during tours of the same manor. But when her grandmother suggests that there is a lost diary containing the location of a hidden treasure on the estate, along with the true identity of Millie’s great-grandfather, Millie sets out to find the truth of her heritage–and the fortune that might be hers. When security guard Ben Thornton discovers her snooping in the estate’s private library, he threatens to have her fired. But her story seems almost too ludicrous to be fiction, and her offer to split the treasure is too tempting to pass up . . . (Contemporary Romance from Revell – A Division of Baker Publishing Group)

Reason to Breathe by Deborah Raney — At twenty-nine, Phylicia Chandler put her life on hold to care for her dying mother with her sisters, Joanna and Britt. Now Mom is gone and their father has run off with a woman young enough to be their sister. Phylicia feels stuck–until her father’s protégé, Quinn Mitchell, presents her and her two sisters with an intriguing business opportunity to purchase a trio of cottages just outside of Langhorne, Missouri. But Phylicia is skeptical. Quinn soon finds himself falling hard for Phylicia. But how can he pursue this beautiful, talented woman twelve years his junior when she’s still reeling over her father’s hasty engagement to a younger woman? Quinn is determined to give Phylicia her happily-ever-after. But first, he must help her come to terms with her discovery of long-held family secrets and persuade her that true love can transcend their differences. (Contemporary Romance from Gilead Publishing)

General/Women’s Fiction

An Amish Homecoming by Amy Clipston, Kathleen Fuller , Shelley Shepard Gray, and Beth Wiseman — A collection of four new Amish stories of coming home. (General from HarperCollins Christian Publishing)

Miles from Where We Started by Cynthia Ruchti — These no-longer-newlyweds want out of this road trip–and their marriage. Too bad they can’t find the off-ramp. (General Contemporary from Gilead Publishing)

Historical:

When the Heart Sings by Liz Tolsma — In 1943 Poland, the Nazis have forced Natia and Teodor from their peaceful farm to the harsh confines of a labor camp. When the couple is separated, Natia risks everything to send him messages through song as she passes Teodor’s dormitory. The stakes get higher when Natia finds a Jewish orphan on the doorstep where she works. She is determined to protect the boy and raise him as the child she and her husband were unable to bear—but if her German captors discover how much she’s hiding, both she and Teodor may pay the ultimate price. (Historical from Gilead Publishing)

Historical Romance:

This Courageous Journey by Misty M. Beller — When Noelle Grant sets off to visit her brother in the Canadian Rockies, the prospect of making a name for herself as a news correspondent finally seems within reach. But when the dangers become more than she bargained for, she finds herself—and the mountain man she’s come to love—in a situation more hazardous than any story her imagination could conjure. (Historical Romance, Independently Published [ACFW QIP])

The Reluctant Warrior by Mary Connealy — Union army officer Cameron Scott is used to being obeyed, but nothing about this journey to Lake Tahoe has gone as expected. He’s come to Lake Tahoe to fetch his daughter and nephew, and seek revenge on the people who killed his brother. Instead he finds himself trapped by a blizzard with two children who are terrified of him and stubborn but beautiful Gwen Harkness, who he worries may be trying to keep the children. (Historical Romance from Bethany House [Baker] Publishing)

Enchanting Nicholette by Dawn Crandall — As she acclimates to life in Back Bay again, Nicholette Everstone meets someone she can’t help but fall for. But when she learns of the danger and sacrifices Cal Hawthorne takes on for the safety of others, will her heart be strong enough to keep her fears of “what if” at bay? (Historical Romance from Whitaker House)

The Christmas Heirloom by Kristi Ann Hunter, Sarah Loudin Thomas, Becky Wade, and Karen Witemeyer — A family heirloom brings true love to its bearers through the generations as it is handed down from mother to daughter. (Historical Romance from Bethany House [Baker] Publishing)

A Heart for Freedom by Janet Grunst — Life was better than she dreamed, now the conflict between the British and the colonists threatened the loss of everything dear, even her husband. (Historical Romance from Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas)

Romancing the Bride by Melissa Jagears — Marrying a stranger to save a ranch is one thing; losing the land on their wedding day is another. Desperate to keep the ranch where three of her children and a husband lie buried, Annie Gephart must marry or sell. Which of the few bachelors in town would consider a surprise proposal to wed a plain widow with a rebellious daughter, a spirited boy, and unpaid taxes—without laughing in her face? (Historical Romance, Independently Published [ACFW QIP])

The Cumberland Bride by Shannon McNear — Thomas Bledsoe and Kate Gruener are traveling the Wilderness Road when conflicts between natives and settlers reach a peak that will require each of them to tap into a well of courage. (Historical Romance from Barbour Publishing)

Mist O’er the Voyageur by Naomi Musch — Desperate to flee a cruel suitor, Metis woman Brigitte Marchal flees into the wilderness to find her long-lost, fur-trader father, but who will save her from the dangers of being a woman among a voyageurs’ brigade? (Historical Romance from Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas)

Romantic Suspense:

Five Years In Yemen by Luana Ehrlich — When the President issues a memorandum to bring home a military scientist who went missing in Iraq, CIA operative Titus Ray has been given the assignment. However, when the mission takes an unexpected turn after his contact is murdered in Riyadh, Titus is forced to make changes in the mission’s protocols, changes that endanger his operational team and have lasting consequences for his future. (Romantic Suspense, Independently Published [ACFW QIP])

Hidden Peril by Irene Hannon — A woman who owns a fair trade shop and a police detective find themselves plunged into international intrigue—and danger—when people connected with her shop begin dying. (Romantic Suspense from Revell – A Division of Baker Publishing Group)

Burden of Proof by DiAnn Mills — A hostage negotiator is thrust into danger and betrayal when a frazzled young woman shoves a crying baby into her arms, then disappears. (Romantic Suspense from Tyndale House)

Supernatural Thriller:

Surrounded by Darkness by Rachel Dylan — When attorney Olivia Murray opens a legal clinic for victims of domestic violence in Windy Ridge, she knows she will face legal and spiritual opposition. The New Age presence has grown stronger as alliances form between groups hoping to spread their destructive way of life and gain a stronghold in the community. While the forces of evil target Olivia’s new clinic, her legal partner Grant Baxter, and her relationships, she refuses to let them stop her quest for justice. Will Olivia’s and Grant’s faith be strong enough—in God and each other—to prevail in the battle that threatens to bring darkness to the entire town? (Supernatural Thriller, Independently Published [ACFW QIP])

Speculative:

A Dance of Shadows by Erica Marie Hogan — Ten days have passed since Sundragon blood was shed for a sacrifice by Raphaela Kael. Ten days since Lathan and Maxx Jandry fled the city in search of Princess Damari Kael and their niece, Noelle. Brecken Jandry, Brae’s loyal husband, remains a tortured prisoner in the Kael dungeons and no one in Sunkai is safe from Roderick and Raphaela’s wrath. Damari Kael flees Sunkai with little Noelle Jandry, determined to deliver the child to the safety of the Shadow Lands, even as her own power emerges within her. The Eventide Sisters embark on a mission to join the Winter Queen. Across the land, Clea Jandry arrives in her birthplace of Molderëin where she is met with a savagery she thought long dead. Afra Malaki seeks the Creator’s will and the Queen of the Woodlands prepares for battle. In the peaceful city of Quintaria, the Winter Queen grieves. But the shadows are coming for her. They carry a message for Adlae Sundragon, and they will not rest until all is revealed. (Fantasy from Elk Lake Publishing, Inc.)

Body By Blood by Dr. Patrick Johnston — In the not-too-distant future, where cloned bodies are marketable commodities among the super-rich, leaving graveyards of trampled dehumanized classes in science’s wake, the richest man in the world who pioneered the breakthrough technologies learns the meaning of true love from a disabled granddaughter. (Speculative Action Adventure from Ambassador International)

Mercury Rising by Tim and Gail Sattler — Four ordinary people are thrown into an extraordinary situation when they are thrown into a diabolical plot hidden under the guise of global warming. (Contemporary Fantasy from Mantle Rock Publishing)

The Awakened by Richard Spillman — If Lazarus didn’t die a second time what would he be up to today? (Speculative from Mountain Brook Ink)

 

Character Interview: Until There Was You by Kimberly Rose Johnson

Julie’s note: Hopefully by now you’ve read that I’m part of a Christmas boxed set that I’m so excited about. What you might not know is that Kimberly Rose Johnson was the one with the idea. Late last year she asked the authors at Inspy Romance if there was any interest, and the rest is history. The other authors are Valerie Comer, Elizabeth Maddrey, Ginger Solomon, Lindi Peterson, Deb Kastner, and Janet W. Ferguson. It’s my pleasure to welcome Kimberly Rose Johnson today!

Hi, there. I’m Kimberly Rose Johnson the author of Until There Was You, which is a novella inside the collection A Christmas to Remember. I’m so happy to be here with you to share my interview with Brandi Prescott, the heroine. So without further ado I give you Brandi.

Kimberly: Hi, Brandi. Thanks for agreeing to visit with us today.

Brandi: I’m happy to, although I can’t imagine what we’re going to talk about.

Kimberly: I can think of plenty. For starters, what made you decide to take a six-month break from dating?

Brandi: In short, when my boyfriend dumped me, I discovered that I put so much of myself into my relationship that when I found myself suddenly boyfriendless, I was lost. I didn’t know who I was anymore, and my relationship with the God had been pushed to the side.

I needed to figure out who I was—get to know me as well as get back into God’s word and focus on Him rather than what I want.

Kimberly: That seems like a tough thing to do when you’re attracted to someone. What happened when you met Ian?

Brandi: Let me back up a second. Being alone was wasn’t difficult at first, but I was so hurt and dismayed that I clung God’s word and prayed a lot. Healing gradually came and then spiritual growth followed. When it got difficult was after I met Ian. Even though we met under strange circumstances, I was attracted to him from day one, and I my six months wasn’t over yet!

Kimberly: How did you meet Ian?

Brandi: As I’m sure most people are aware, it rains a lot in Seattle. The day I met Ian was no exception. I had just come out of my favorite coffee shop near Green Lake. I was standing at the crosswalk, debating how I was going to cross the street because it had rained so hard that half the street was flooded, then out of nowhere comes this dude careening through the intersection and a wall of water hit me. I was soaked and my spilled.

Kimberly: LOL. I’m sorry for laughing, but I’m picturing it in my mind, and since I know all turned out well…

Brandi: It’s okay. Ian and I both laugh when we tell the story of how we met. Speaking of stories about meeting—how did you meet your husband?

Kimberly: That’s a story for another time. But suffice it to say, it’s not nearly as entertaining as your meet cute. Thanks for visiting with us today Brandi.

Brandi: It was a pleasure. And for those of you wondering about my six month hiatus from dating and how that worked with Ian, you’ll have to read the story.;) My lips or fingers are sealed.

 

Until There Was You:

Graphic designer, Brandi Prescott hopes to work her way to the top at the Seattle ad agency where she’s employed. She’s dedicated and distraction-free since she’s taking a hiatus from men to focus on her relationship with the Lord and get to know herself without the influence of another person.

Software engineer Ian Parker is in a good place. He loves his job, his social life and the direction his life is going. At least that is the case until one fateful rainy morning when he inadvertently drenches a woman standing on a street corner. He pulls over to apologize and is intrigued. The only problem is, she won’t go out with him because she made a pledge to not date for six months.

Brandi’s six-month pledge ends on Christmas. Will Ian wait or will his scheming to get to know her destroy what might have been?

 

Award winning author Kimberly Rose Johnson married her college sweetheart and lives in the Pacific Northwest. From a young child Kimberly has been an avid reader. That love of reading fostered a creative mind and led to her passion for writing. She especially loves romance and writes contemporary romance that warms the heart and feeds the soul.

Kimberly holds a degree in Behavioral Science from Northwest University in Kirkland, Washington, and is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers.

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