Julie Arduini's Blog, page 67
August 20, 2018
Author Interview: Erin R. Howard
Welcome, Erin! Tell us about yourself and your family.
Hi Julie, thanks for having me on your blog today! I live in Western Kentucky with my husband and three kids (ages 14, 9, 4) and I’m an Author and Developmental Editor for Mantle Rock Publishing.
How long have you been writing? What was it that gave you the motivation to pursue publication?
Reading and writing have always gone hand in hand for me. I honestly can’t remember a time that I didn’t have the desire to one day write a novel. I started writing short stories in middle school, and by high school, I was writing poetry and starting manuscripts. It wasn’t until I went back to school and got my degree in Creative Writing/English that I started to tackle a manuscript and finish it.
My youngest son was diagnosed in December 2016 with Leukemia, and my whole world stopped. I owned and ran a retail store at that time, and we eventually had to close due to traveling so much, but before we did, a publisher walked into my store. We talked, and she invited me to her writing meetings. Before I knew it, my store had to close, but my writing life opened. The publisher was interested in my book, so while we traveled back and forth to St. Jude, sat in waiting rooms, and hospital rooms, I finished my book and submitted it to her. It was accepted, and here we are!
Tell us about your new release.
It’s a supernatural fantasy about two estranged demon and angel brothers that are forced to work together to save the life of a teenage girl who is the last Seer (can see into the spiritual realm) in her bloodline.
What inspired you to write this?
I’ve always loved fantasy and speculative novels, and I love characters that are messy and flawed. So I started asking questions. What if the main character is not your usual hero? What if he’s the villain?
However, instead of strictly a villain, what if he’s got this desire to change but doesn’t know how? What if he couldn’t fully be redeemed? I mean, he is a demon after all. From these questions, I jumped straight into this story about two brothers: one who was a demon, and one that was an angel, and how they were fighting over this girl who could see into the spiritual realm.
Did you face any challenges writing this book?
I think my biggest challenge was learning how to turn off my internal editor and just write. Before I would always get so far and then go back and edit, always trying to make each chapter perfect before I moved on, and I learned that doesn’t work for me at all! If I edit as I write, I never finish. I’m always editing. It was challenging at first to write and not go back to look at anything, but I did it, and it works for me.
What is your hope that readers take away from it?
My biggest hope is that readers will connect with The Seer and find pieces of themselves throughout the book. We all struggle in different areas of our lives, whether that’s trusting others, or yourself, or not feeling like you’re good enough. I want readers to walk away from The Seer and realize that everyone can be redeemed; you can always change and grow. That they are enough.
What are you working on now?
Right now, I’m finishing up The Soul Searcher, book two of The Kalila Chronicles. I’m excited about this series and the journey that the characters are taking in book two and three.
How can readers find you?
Great question! I love hearing from my readers and connecting with them. They can find me on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest. Also on my blog and website.
What is something most readers would not know about you?
Readers may not know that I’m a huge movie fan, and I love to watch the same movies over and over. My sisters and I have tons of inside jokes that stem from our favorite movies and quotes. I also love to watch the director commentaries and behind the scenes. The different aspects of how a movie is made and how they all fit together fascinate me.
Do you have any questions for the readers?
On my FB and Twitter page, I like to throw out random questions of the day to readers. So make sure that you join in on the fun. I love reading everyone’s responses!
Erin R. Howard is a Developmental Editor, Fantasy/Speculative Author and has earned a Bachelor’s degree in Creative Writing/English from Southern New Hampshire University.
When she’s not writing, Erin enjoys spending time with her family, being a youth leader, and teaching crochet and cake decorating classes. Erin resides in Western Kentucky with her husband, three children, and a cantankerous tabby cat named Jack-Jack.
Erin is a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and the KenTen Writers Group.

Purchase The Seer HERE
Social Media Links for Erin Howard
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/E.R.H.Fiction/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ErinRHoward
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/erinrhoward/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/erinrhoward/
Blog/Wordpress: https://erinrhoward.wordpress.com/
Website: https://erinrhoward.com/
August 19, 2018
Behind the Veil
It’s hard to believe, but the fall semester has started for our son and our daughter has a week left before she starts high school. Things are slowing down for me travel and appointment wise, and I believe beyond fall, I’m entering a new season.
Years ago I attended an “Esther Experience,” a journey through the book of Esther that was very hands-on and simply beautiful. The church that hosted it transformed their sanctuary each week to the particular theme of that chapter and as a visual learner, it was breathtaking.
One week it was the King’s chambers. We were invited to go forward and spend our time in prayer, which I did. However, I stopped short of the chambers. There was a veil, and I didn’t pass through. That was when I felt a nudge from the Holy Spirit.
I do a wonderful time leading everyone else to deeper relationship with Jesus, taking them beyond the veil, but I stay back for myself.
It shocked me because it was the absolute truth. Like school, I treated faith with what I could get by on. I longed to take things to a deeper level, but instead made sure everyone else I encouraged and prayed for got there first. When it was my turn, I lolly-gagged, spending more time on Facebook than in the Bible. Throwing up quick “Help me, Jesus” prayers instead of intimate conversations or times of listening that I had gained so much from in earlier times.
I’m sensing almost a magnet like sensation drawing me to go behind the veil. When I am home, I have three studies I’m going through. What I find awesome is I didn’t start them at the same time or spend a lot of time processing why those ones. As I’m reading, they connect like a beautiful puzzle. I am learning things about Jesus I didn’t know. (Adamant talks about how Jesus is the stone. The Rock, the Road and the Rabbi shares how the translation for carpenter isn’t what we think. Because Israel doesn’t have a lot of trees, but stone, the term builder in Jesus time probably meant he wasn’t a carpenter. But a—stone mason.
Blew. Me. Away.
Adamant and The Rock, the Road and the Rabbi opened my eyes to a new understanding of Christ. The verse how Jesus is the cornerstone? That makes so much more sense. To add Leaving Ordinary and learning about the tabernacle and the history, it’s been a lot of deep reading and so much listening and journaling.
Something new that makes me know I’m finally going behind the veil.
I also returned to my favorite non fiction book apart from the Bible, Bob Sorge’s Secret of the Secret Place. This is a book I drink in, highlight something new every time I read it. Again, because of where God has me right now, my eyes are opening to so much that I haven’t seen before.
I’ve been around enough to know as cliched as it is, “new level, new devil.” I don’t know what this season will look like, how long it will last, or what I’m meant to walk away with. I do know it’s preparation, nothing I’ve learned has gone to waste. I know the call on my life and I feel increased urgency to pray that global vision He has given me to pray and encourage women to find freedom through surrender in Christ.
I also feel a pull to share more here. I’m not sure why, but I’ll post as I feel I’m supposed to.
Don’t get me wrong, as serious as these topics seem, I’m still me. I love reading and learning. Prayer and faith are my core. But I still have sass. I’m trying to get the healthiest curls out of my menopause hair. I consider another huge achievement this summer that I’m closing in on watching the Marvel movies in order. So who knows what my posts will be like.
But here I am.
***
I read quite a bit this summer. If you’re looking for some ideas, check out my Goodreads page. Because I’m a Goodreads author, you can follow me there. Check it out on the left sidebar.
August 17, 2018
Book Review: Woman with the Alabaster Jar by Mary O. Moss
Grief is a club with open membership, but nobody wants to join! Whether we grieve over the death of a loved one, the end of a marriage or long-term relationship, loss of a job, even when a pet dies, grief, like birth and death, is a universal experience. We certainly don’t like grieving! But if we are to accept the reality of it, we must believe it serves a purpose in our lives, just like love and joy and awe and every good thing we know of this life. Join the author as she journeys through grief, to find healing and hope and even faith renewed.
Woman with the Alabaster Jar is a reflective and encouraging look at the grief journey. The author, Mary Moss, shares her own experience of losing her mother with transparency. She uses her own story, poetry and Scripture for anyone who is dealing with grief.
I lost my dad over a decade ago and yet Mary’s words were a comfort. She has a natural gift for encouragement, yet she doesn’t hold back or give illusions to what grief is like. Her story is relatable. It’s not a thick book, but make no mistake, it has a huge impact. I could see this being given as a gift to someone who is hurting.
I absolutely recommend readers give Woman with the Alabaster Jar: A Life Poured Out by Mary O. Moss a serious look.
To purchase Woman with the Alabaster Jar, click HERE.
I was given a copy of this book in exchange for a review. All thoughts contained are my own.
August 13, 2018
No True Justice by H.L. Wegley
Released July 23, 2018: Romantic Thriller by H. L. Wegley –
No True Justice
After testifying in a high-profile, federal court case, Gemma Saint, a young intern at an influential media outlet, is coerced into WITSEC by corrupt DOJ officials to silence her. When they learn that Gemma’s testimony at a retrial will threaten their elaborate conspiracy to control the upcoming presidential election, they must find another means of silencing her. Gemma learns from her WITSEC Inspector that her identity was compromised and someone in the DOJ has sent federal agents to kill her. After her Inspector is shot, Gemma sees only one chance to survive and eventually resume her old life–expose the conspiracy, completely.
She seeks help from Lex James, a young investigative journalist. Gemma offers him the biggest story of his career. But Lex was recently given custody of his deceased sister’s four-year-old, twins, Josh and Caleb. Sparks fly when Lex and Gemma meet, and the boys see their mother in her. But can she endanger this fragile family? If not, should she run away, sacrificing her life and the future of her beloved country?
Lex has difficult choices, too. But the highly gifted twins, Josh and Caleb, have their own opinion about what should happen and are willing to take huge risks for what they want.
Set in the beautiful Central Oregon desert near Lake Billy Chinook and Crooked River Ranch, No True Justice is high-action romantic suspense at its best. A clean story with thrills, a little romance, and some laughter.
Excerpt from
No True Justice
:
She scanned the shoreline of the lake up to the family’s picnic area near the mouth of the river. With the boat between them and the picnickers, she and Lex could climb onboard, untie the boat, and be ready to go—No! No! No! This was crazy.
“Lex, how do we know the keys will be there? Do you know how to drive this thing?”
“You worry too much. This is an isolated area. They’ll leave the keys. And, yes, I’ve piloted boats on this lake. My friend has one. I’ve driven his.”
Lex took a step toward the twenty-five-foot boat which rocked gently in the ripples at the confluence of the river and the lake.
She jerked Lex to a stop. “What kind of boat did your friend have, a dinghy with a motor?”
“Do I detect a lack of confidence? No. It was bigger than a dinghy.”
“How much bigger?”
“Have I ever let you down, Gemma? Forget it. We don’t have time for this.” Lex scooped her up and set her on the bow of the boat. “Slide in. I’m right behind you.”
Gemma climbed in and crouched in the boat, trying to keep her head down so she couldn’t be seen. “I’ve been kidnapped by a pirate.”
Lex scurried to the wheel. “Keys are here. Bon voyage.” He hit the starter and the motor turned.
With the twist of a key and the push of a button, Gemma Saint had become a felon, a modern-day pirate. “Lex, when do we hoist the jolly roger?”
“Daddy, he’s taking our boat!” An eight- or nine-year-old girl on the shore pointed at them.
“I think they hoisted it for us.” Lex waved at them. “Sorry, folks. It’s an emergency. We’re borrowing it, but we’ll bring it back.”
The engine revved.
Lex cranked the wheel toward the lake.
The boat leaned toward the port side, like a banking airplane, and zoomed away from shore into the lake.
Gemma looked back at the family on the shore.
The man stood in firing position, holding a handgun.
“Lex, he’s going to shoot!” Gemma flattened herself on the deck.
Lex left one hand on the wheel but ducked out of the shooter’s sight.
A loud pop sounded.
Lex raised his head enough to look back at the picnic spot. “It’s okay, Gemma. He’s shooting over our heads. Probably doesn’t want to damage his boat.”
“That’s a man’s priorities for you.”
“Would you rather he demonstrated a woman’s priorities?”
No True Justice, Witness Protection 2: They placed her in WITSEC not to protect her but to shut her up.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07FLLW3DJ/
No Turning Back, Witness Protection 3: coming in October.
Bio:
H.L. Wegley served as an Air Force Intelligence Analyst and a Weather Officer. In civilian life, he worked as a research scientist, publishing in the scientific literature, then developed Boeing computing systems for twenty years before he and his wife retired near Seattle. He is an award-winning author of inspirational thrillers and high-action romantic-suspense novels.
H.L. Wegley on the Web:
Website: http://www.hlwegley.com
Facebook author’s page: https://www.facebook.com/HLWegley
Many of my readers have friended me and use my FB profile page:
Facebook profile: https://www.facebook.com/harry.wegley.1
Twitter https://twitter.com/hlwegley
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/H.-L.-Wegley/e/B00B1XMR56
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4460203.H_L_Wegley
August 8, 2018
FREE eBook for Kids: Goggles of Gratefulness from Compassion International
I bet it doesn’t take long to think back on a time where you were in a store, or maybe in your own home when a toy commercial came on, and a child wanted something. Maybe even demanded it. Or received something nice from someone and the child didn’t say thank you or treated it without care. Sadly, that’s a battle, especially in America. We are so blessed that not only do children struggle with gratefulness, adults do, too!
Compassion International has a free eBook they want to offer to families. Goggles of Gratefulness is based on the true story of a Compassion Family who visited their sponsored child in Uganda. It’s a picture book that talks about being thankful “for what we have and generous with what we share.”
From Compassion International: Follow the story of Amelia the bird, who learns an important lesson when she leaves her world of affluence to visit relatives who don’t have the same things she has. Like Amelia, your child can learn that people are more important than possessions, and that God can turn our desire to have more into a yearning to give more, do more, and be more for others.
That’s not all!
If you sign up to receive Goggles of Gratefulness, you can also receive a Family Generosity Challenge Devotional!
To learn more and to receive your free eBook and the Family Generosity Challenge Devotional, click here.
Would you like to know more about Compassion International and how to sponsor a child? Click here.
August 6, 2018
Fiction Finder: August 2018 New Releases
August 2018 New Releases
More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website.
Contemporary Romance:
Out of Their Element by Angela Breidenbach, Robin Lee Hatcher, Vickie McDonough, and Deborah Raney — They are totally out of their element! Four mismatched couples find unexpected romance. (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published)
The Redemption Road by Christa MacDonald — As Alex awaits retribution, he means to keep Annie safe at any cost, but she knows it’s redemption he needs and she’ll pay any price for him to find it. (Contemporary Romance from Mountain Brook Ink)
Scarlet Tears by Laura Hervey — Caught in a romantic triangle with her brother’s best friend and a charming pastor, former call girl Carly Lawrence struggles to start a new life. (Contemporary Romance from Alabaster Box Press)
Rebecca’s Legacy by Betty Thomason Owens — After a threat against her family, a spoiled heiress is sent to the country to work on her aunt’s produce farm and finds love. (Historical Romance from Write Integrity Press)
The Patriot Bride by Kimberley Woodhouse — Faith Jackson is a wealthy widow, friend of George Washington, and staunch supporter of the Patriot cause. Matthew Weber is friends with both Ben Franklin and his son William, who increasingly differ in their political views; and Matthew finds himself privy to information on both sides of the conflict. When a message needs to get to a spy among the Loyalists, Faith bravely steps up and in turn meets Matthew Weber. Suddenly she believes she could love again. But someone else has his eye on the Faith she portrays in elite social circles. What will Matthew and Faith have to sacrifice for the sake of their fledgling country? (Historical Romance from Barbour Publishing)
Deadly Harvest by Marissa Shrock — Georgia’s biggest challenge in the farming town of Wildcat Springs, Indiana, is figuring out how to win Evan Beckworth’s heart. Until the day she discovers the body of a former student in the woods. When she starts to suspect this wasn’t an accident, memories stir of her father’s murder nine years earlier. A murder never solved. As Georgia works with the sheriff’s department’s newest detective, Cal Perkins, she finds her heart slipping into his hands. But her head is pummeled with conflicting evidence and anonymous threats of severe consequences if she digs any deeper. In the end, Georgia faces a paralyzing choice. Ignore the dark secrets inside the family and friends who surround her or be willing to risk her own life to uncover the truth. (Cozy Mystery, Independently Published)
Unknown Enemy by Janet Sketchley — A young woman with a traumatic past must discover the truth about who’s playing mind games with the Green Dory Inn’s owner. (Cozy Mystery, Independently Published)
Hiding in Plain Sight by Mary Ellis — When a Charleston PI rents a room above an Italian restaurant owned by a handsome chef, she lands in the middle of a family feud with robbery, arson and murder for the daily specials. (Romantic Suspense from Severn House Publishers LTD)
Wildfire by Gayla K. Hiss — A female wildfire scientist and a firefighter team up to solve the mystery behind the outbreak of wildfires in the Rockies and find themselves at the center of a firestorm. (Romantic Suspense from Mountain Brook Ink)
Amish Country Ambush by Dana R. Lynn — A police officer and a dispatcher travel deep into Amish country to rescue her nephew and to escape a killer. (Romantic Suspense from Love Inspired [Harlequin])
Imperfect Promises by Elizabeth Noyes — When a homegrown terrorist threatens the woman he loves, former Special Forces soldier Jonas Cameron calls on old friends to help him eliminate the danger. (Romantic Suspense from Write Integrity Press)
Cold Fear by Susan Sleeman — When a sniper’s ex-girlfriend, a musician, is framed for murder during her summer tour, he jumps to defend her from an imminent arrest and a killer’s deadly rage. But the evidence against her stacks higher as three bodies are found with her name tattooed on their wrist. (Romantic Suspense from Edge of Your Seat Books, Inc.)
Cold Case Cover-Up by Virginia Vaughan — The first thrilling Covert Operatives tale An infant is believed to have been murdered thirty years ago—but investigative journalist Dana Lang is convinced she’s that baby. Now someone’s willing to kill to stop her investigation. And only secretive deputy Quinn Dawson, whose grandfather may have faked Dana’s death to protect her, can keep her safe. But a killer’s dead set on burying the past—and them—for good. (Romantic Suspense from Love Inspired [Harlequin])
Pretense by John Di Frances — A dark cloud hangs over Europe after the brutal murders of two heads of state just days apart. A diabolical plot appears to stretch westward to the United States, implicating the CIA. But do the facts reflect reality or is there a sinister force working behind the scenes to destabilize Europe and NATO? The team of investigators led by Interpol’s Marek Frakas, ‘The Wolf,’ moves quickly to track the perpetrators and uncover the identity of the unseen mastermind behind the conspiracy. This cadre includes the lovely Adrianna, a young forensic weapons expert who can hold her own on the male-dominated international team of investigators. Together they seek to understand reality versus the shattered mirror-like reflections meant to obfuscate the truth and shroud the mastermind’s identity and ultimate purpose. (Political Thriller from Reliance Books Publishing, LLC)
Thirst of Steel by Ronie Kendig — Dismantled centuries ago, the sword of Goliath is still rumored to thirst for its enemies’ blood. Cole “Tox” Russell wants only to put the dangers of his past behind him and begin his new life with Haven Cortes. First, though, he’s called to complete a final mission: retrieve the sword and destroy the deadly Arrow & Flame Order. The AFO, however, is determined to reunite the sword. With the Wraith team slowly being torn apart, things worsen when Mercy Maddox, a new operative, emerges with the stunning news that the artifact is tied to a string of unsolved serial murders. Tox and the others are forced to set aside fear and anger to target the true enemy. No matter the cost, Wraith must destroy the AFO . . . or join them in the flames. (Military Suspense from Bethany House [Baker])
August 4, 2018
Adventures in Odyssey Club: The Green Ring Conspiracy (& More!)
THE GREEN RING CONSPIRACY
From Focus on the Family:
Centered in the town of Odyssey, the story starts when a backpack filled with money is found in Gower’s Field. Then a plane crashes outside town and a mysterious survivor is discovered who may be an undercover agent or part of a counterfeit ring – or something else altogether Enter an underworld errand-boy who has a cell-phone full of secrets. And that’s just the beginning of The Green Ring Conspiracy, a special adventure that puts our favorite Odyssey characters at the center of intrigue, suspense, and a scheme of international proportions. New friends may not be who they seem. Old friends have secrets they must keep. Deception and double-crosses are the order of the day. Trust, loyalty, and faith are all put to the test.
The Green Ring Conspiracy is unlike any collection of stories found in Odyssey, yet still brings together the drama, fun, humor, and life-lessons audiences have come to expect from the show over the years.
Want full access to the Green Ring Conspiracy and over 800 other episodes?
You can enjoy a free 14 day trial to the Adventures in Odyssey Club and also receive exclusive new episodes, monthly web quests, Clubhouse magazine subscription, daily devotions, monthly member newsletter, exclusive video stories and so much more!
I’ve said it more than once, but not only is our family huge fans of Adventures in Odyssey, but my husband is the biggest fan of all. He’s traveled all over the country and on long drives guess what he listens to? Yep. Adventures in Odyssey.
With the world in complete chaos, the membership gives us family time and Biblical principles that are central for us. Oh, and lots of laughs. Lots. Some tears, too. But the laughs are amazing!
Give a free trial a try. And enjoy great episodes like the Green Ring Conspiracy!
Visit Adventures in Odyssey Club to learn more!
(I am a blogger for Adventures in Odyssey. They provide content I use to promote through blogging and social media in exchange for AIO Club membership. I am a willing, excited participant.)
August 2, 2018
FREE & Discounted Julie Arduini Books This Weekend!

Limited Time Only!
August 3-5 FREE & DISCOUNTED BOOKS By Julie Arduini



You’re Beautiful and Entangled will be FREE eBooks on Amazon starting 3am Eastern, 8/3
Engaged will be .99
You should already have Entrusted if you subscribed to this newsletter. That means you could have the entire Surrendering Time series August 3
Start Thinking Christmas…
I’m part of a multi-author Christmas novella collaboration that plans to have a pre-order opportunity in late August/Early September. The boxed set is called “A Christmas to Remember.”
My novella is completed and I can’t wait to tell you more and reveal the set cover, as well as my own.
If you want to stay in the know, make sure you click on the “follow” box on my Amazon and Goodreads pages.
In the back of Engaged and You’re Beautiful is a page encouraging readers to visit the Facebook group page and like Regan’s Acts of Kindness. Regan’s parents are friends of ours from when we lived in Upstate NY. Regan was killed in January 2017 and her parents are passionate about keeping her memory alive.
A few weeks ago, Mark and Kelly’s home was used as a green room and make-up station for an upcoming movie starring Jon Cryer (Two and a Half Men, Pretty in Pink) and Pete Davidson (Saturday Night Live, engaged to pop star Ariana Grande.) They had the opportunity to share Regan’s story with Pete, and he was deeply touched. He lost his own father, a firefighter, during 9/11, and Mark is a firefighter. Pete was so moved he held a benefit for Regan’s Acts of Kindness. He also has been seen wearing the charity’s shirt.
Shirts will be available to the public if interested. Also, one way many have been spreading the word to keep Regan’s memory alive is through hiding painted rocks. If this is a hobby you’re involved in or want to be, the page has lots of inspiration.
This summer has been B-U-S-Y!
In the writing department, I finished my Christmas novella for the boxed set and started writing You’re Amazing with Hannah. She plotted the entire series, and I think you’re going to love it.
The rest has been travel and family. My husband had work trips and then surprised his oldest daughter so he could be their for our oldest grandson’s first birthday. I spent some time in Upstate NY visiting my mom and friends. Our kids in Wisconsin came to stay for a couple days and then my husband and kids joined them on the trek to NY for a reunion. I stayed behind to represent us at a wedding. My husband had a golf weekend in West Virginia, and then sadly we made a quick trip to Baltimore to attend a beloved cousin’s funeral. After that, we left the next day for a planned vacation to Branson. We were in town when the Duck Tour tragedy happened, we had been on the Branson Belle watching the boats the night before, same exact timeframe. I can’t stop thinking about the families. Please keep everyone in prayer that was involved. I truly can’t imagine what they went through.
Today our son turns 20 and will soon start his junior year at Kent State. Our daughter will turn 15 and she starts high school next month. Things are starting to slow down, which I desperately need. Besides a neglected house, I need to continue with You’re Amazing and re start Anchored. I have a busy fall ahead of me.
How about you? How has your summer been? I’d love to hear from you. Click on the icon below to contact me.
Have a blessed rest of the summer and don’t forget to grab your free eBooks and .99 copy of Engaged. If you enjoy them, please leave a review on Amazon. They truly make a difference.
July 23, 2018
Updated About Me
I don’t know about other career choices, but authors can blink and realize their marketing information is out of date. It feels like we just posted an updated bio, only to read the book we said was coming soon has been out for a year. Headshots might seem recent, then you notice that hairstyle went out when Friends last aired. I know I mean well, but there’s more than just writing. There’s editing, re writes, back page copy, scheduling guest posts to promote the book, creating newsletters, and that’s just off the top of my head.
I realized I haven’t shared here in forever about who I am. Sure, there’s the bio I recently updated:
Julie Arduini loves to encourage readers to surrender the good, the bad, and —maybe one day—the chocolate. She’s the author of ENTRUSTED: Surrendering the Present, ENTANGLED: Surrendering the Past, and ENGAGED: Surrendering the Future. FINDING FREEDOM THROUGH SURRENDER is her 30 day devotional using the surrender themes and characters from the series. She also shares her story in the infertility devotional, A WALK IN THE VALLEY. Her latest release, YOU’RE BEAUTIFUL, is a book for girls ages 10-100, written with her teenaged daughter, Hannah. Julie blogs every other Wednesday for Christians Read, and also is a blogger for Inspy Romance. She resides in Poland with her husband and two children. Learn more by visiting her at http://juliearduini.com, where she invites readers to subscribe to her monthly newsletter full of resources and giveaway opportunities.
Facebook: http://facebook.com/JulieArduini
Twitter: http://twitter.com/JulieArduini
G+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/+JulieArduini/posts
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/JulieArduini
Instagram: http://instagram.com/JulieArduini
Snapchat: https://www.snapchat.com/add/JulieArduini
Goodreads: http://goodreads.com/JulieArduini
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Julie-Arduini/e/B00PBKDRSQ/
Monthly Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/dCFG
There’s more to me than that. Of course I won’t share every minute detail, but I thought for new readers, this would be a fun way to get to know me better. And please, don’t be afraid to connect with me on social media. I’d love to hear from you.
I’m from Upstate NY but live in Ohio. I come from Corning, the Glass Capital of the World. I try to make settings from my story feature either state as my tip of the hat to both places. My heart is to use little known Upstate NY places so everyone can feel like they just visited and made friends there.
I prefer wearing solid, bold colors. Growing up I felt like what I heard was certain colors were depressing or made me look pale. That may be true, but I try to find clothes that compliment my very blue eyes and now, my glasses. I feel if I have a certain look going for me with my color scheme, maybe you won’t notice the chubbier aspects of me.
I could watch crime shows all day long.
I’m a grandmother thanks to our adult children. When we married, his kids were part of our ceremony and we became family. I love how they accepted me from minute one.
I am almost certain a heart can shatter. A mother’s heart. Watching her kids struggle, especially when you know it’s to grow them even though they didn’t do anything wrong.
I can’t handle humidity well. Growing up, I was always cold. As soon as I got pregnant, my hormones changed and I haven’t struggled with cold since then. I can tolerate heat, but humidity seriously messes me up. If it lasts longer than three days, I become anxious. One of the things that has me long for heaven.
I love to encourage and pray for people. I’m not showy about it and I try to do it behind the scenes because when the opportunity arises, it feels sacred to me. I might not always say the right thing, but I believe mountains can move in Jesus name. He’s let me watch some pretty incredible, impossible things.
I’m not mean, but I don’t play games. If I sense manipulation or deception, I’ll walk away. Life’s too short.
If I could travel the world, I’d still probably stay in the Adirondacks. Maybe it’s an introvert thing, but that place is peace defined.
When I get overtired, I cry.
I love public speaking. It’s small group connection that’s a stretch of faith for me.
I recently discovered podcasts. Right now I’m listening to ones that grow and challenge my faith. Chip Ingram and Life on the Edge. Andy Stanley. Elevation Church. The Ramp. Gateway Church.
If I did not color my hair, it would be white. My mom turned gray at 16. I was 25. My relatives who do not color their hair look beautiful, but they are senior citizens. My mom colors her hair and at 75, she looks 55. Go, Mom. Thank you, Feria.
My favorite memories with my family have been the simple things like playing rock band together.
I love snowglobes.
I’m not good with arts and crafts at all and used to be super intimidated by them. These days I either laugh it off or pass.
I’m quite simple. I don’t eat or dress fancy. My makeup is minimal. I would take the Fast and Furious franchise over something intellectual any day.
My passion is to encourage women to find freedom through surrender. I believe the cornerstone of surrender is in Jesus Christ.
I think I’m hilarious and a cool mom. Thankfully, I don’t need validation on that because it’s like crickets over here.

July 16, 2018
Surrendering Self by Glenn Haggerty
Surrendering Self
Self-sacrifice means giving up something we have or want for the benefit of another. It is a demonstration of love and leads to deep bonds of friendship.
God hardwired people for relationships. We not only want to communicate and hang out with others on a meaningful level, but we also need friendships for mental and spiritual health. From the very beginning, God said it wasn’t good for man to be alone (Genesis 2:18). And the entire message of the Bible is God’s desire and plan to restore the relationship with humankind. That restoration includes rebuilding relationships between people. God’s greatest commandment is to Love God—and the second is to love one another.
Key Verse: John 15:13 NLT. “There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”
In Run, thirteen-year-old Tyler and his friends witness a murder and are discovered. They must flee for their lives. Tyler demonstrated love for his friends by giving up his chance to escape so they could. Although Tyler had to endure relentless pursuit, he too eventually and providentially escaped. His friends recognized Tyler’s selflessness, and it cemented their friendship like almost nothing else could.
But laying down your life for a friend doesn’t necessarily mean literally dying. Consider situations where you can give up your plans for another’s good—and the good of your friendship Giving up what we want for the good of another is what selflessness is all about. Read 1 Corinthians 13:4-7, and list the attributes of love that you SHOULD DO along with the behaviors you should avoid. Which attributes are most difficult for you to apply daily? Which ones are the easiest? And of those on your list, rank the ones you would like others to apply to you first.
God desires that we develop meaningful friendships. Any urges that pull us toward isolation are not of God. One of Satan’s strategies for defeating people is to tear down their relationships. We must, therefore, fight through unhealthy urges toward isolation, or behaviors that hurt relationships and seek other believers in Christian friendship.
No man or woman, boy or girl is an island, and selflessness is the key to keeping friendships.
Find out more about selflessness, finding friends, forgiveness, handling bullies and talking to God at
http://www.glennhaggerty.com/my-books/run-companion-bible-study/
Scripture quotations are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW LIVING TRANSLATION
(NLT). Copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by
permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights
reserved.
Purchase Links
Kindle https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07F1JNBMT
Amazon Print https://www.amazon.com/Companion-Bible-Study-Run-Handling/dp/0999399454/ref=tmm_pap_title_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=
BIO

Glenn writes inspiring adventures with an edge. No matter how dark the day, finding hope to pursue the prize is the core of all his novels and studies. He is a member of ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers), a graduate of Vision Loss Resources and Bethel Seminary, the father of six and grandfather of seven. Glenn likes tandem biking, kayaking, and daydreaming and lives in Minneapolis with his wife. He is also an award-winning author with short stories published in Splickety, Havok, Cadet Quest and Partners. Chase, the third book in his Intense series was released on April 1, 2018, and his first companion Bible study on July 1, 2018. You can visit him at www.glennhaggerty.com, and reach him on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/GlennHaggertyAuthor, and on Twitter, @grhaggertyjr.