Julie Arduini's Blog, page 69
May 30, 2018
Land Run, Celebrations & Two Books by Jodie Wolfe (#Giveaway)
Land Run, Celebrations, and Two Books
By Jodie Wolfe
I’d like to welcome historical romance writer, Jodie Wolfe. Hello, Jodie can you tell us a little about you?
Hi, Julie! Thank you so much for inviting me here today. I’m looking forward to interacting with your readers and giving away two ebooks from my newest releases. I’ll get to telling you more about that in a bit. For now, here’s my ‘official’ bio.
New Release: Madman in Manhattan
Summer vacation has already started for some, and believe it or not, I heard someone yesterday proclaim they were already bored. If you have a reader missing school or looking for something to do, I suggest taking a look at Adventures in Odyssey books.
There is a new release out from the Imagination Station series, Madman in Manhattan.
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The adventure continues as Patrick and Beth end up in New York City in 1928 as inventor Nikola Tesla is embroiled in a patent conflict with fellow inventor Thomas Edison.
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. This easy-to-read adventure, number 21 in the series, is the latest in the long-running successful series that has sold over 750,000 books.
To purchase Madman in Manhattan by Marianne Hering, please click here.
May 21, 2018
Julie Arduini Newsletter and EU GDPR
Hi, Friends! This is a recent copy of my most recent newsletter. Since it affects subscribers, I thought I would post it here. If you never subscribed before but want to, now is a perfect time.
Hello!
As you know, I love to read as much as I love to write. One of the things I have to do as an author is read about marketing. As I have done that, I learned that the #1 way for an author to have a solid connection with their readers is through a newsletter.
Their point was social media can be fickle. If you put all your social eggs in one basket, a la, MySpace, you might find yourself without any followers the next day. With Facebook having so much privacy issues, to me it’s another confirmation that a free newsletter subscription is the best bet for both of us.
EU GDPR
It sounds like toddler talk, doesn’t it? Well, it stands for European Union General Data Protection Regulation. Starting May 25, this gives you more control of your personal data. What I need to do to comply is make sure you want to subscribe to this newsletter.
As a reminder:
I post every month or so, unless there is a promo to share with you
I give newsletter subscribers receive exclusive content I don’t share anywhere else but here, first.
I love to offer you freebies and give away opportunities
To continue to receive this free newsletter from me, please click the box that states “I want to stay.” If you prefer not to receive my writing updates, info from other offers, recipes, exclusive content, freebies, and giveaways, well, I’ll be sad, but I understand. The “unsubscribe” box is also there.
I have THREE writing projects this summer, and I look forward to sharing those updates and more with you in June.
Thank you so much for being part of the journey!
Blessings,
I WANT TO STAY!
Unsubscribe
May 14, 2018
The Challenge to Grow by Cynthia Roemer
The Challenge to Grow
By
Cynthia Roemer
Growth is a funny thing. Given the right conditions, any plant will grow. But it takes the stimulus of strong wind and harsh weather to deepen roots and build strong branches. The harsher the circumstances, the more resilient the plant becomes.
The same is true of people. The Lord often brings challenges our way to mature us and build strong faith. Often He uses others to speak His truths into our lives and spur us to growth and maturity. And the process isn’t always pleasant.
In Book Two of my historical romance series, Under Prairie Skies, both of my main characters are faced with circumstances they’d just as soon avoid. For strong-willed Charlotte Stanton, it’s her selfish pride that’s on the line. If you’ve read Book One in my Prairie Sky series, Under This Same Sky, you’ll recall her as the self-centered, jealous cousin of Becky Hollister. She hasn’t changed much at the start of this second book. Not until she meets up with straight-talking, cattleman Chad Avery — who has a knack for bringing her faults to light — is she challenged to take a look deep inside at the person she’s become.
Chad, on the other hand, has a painful past to overcome, one that has closed off his heart to love. Choosing to cling to loss and heartache, he chases a dream that seems unfulfilling without someone to share it with. Charlotte has her job cut out for her as she seeks to pry open his hurtful past and find a way to alleviate his hidden pain.
The key verse is Proverbs 27:17, “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” The Lord uses Chad and Charlotte to sharpen each other and work through the challenges they’re facing. It isn’t until they see beyond themselves and their own misgivings that they are able to embrace the joy the Lord has in store for them.
Under Prairie Skies is a tale of love and healing. But even more so, it is the story of a journey toward wholeness and deeper understanding of a God who longs to mature our hearts and draw us closer to Him. It seeks to challenge readers to listen for God’s voice and leading when we interact with others.
BOOK BLURB FOR UNDER PRAIRIE SKIES
~ Beyond shattered dreams lies a realm of possibilities ~
Illinois prairie ~1855
Unsettled by the news that her estranged cousin and uncle are returning home after a year away, Charlotte Stanton goes to ready their cabin and finds a handsome stranger has taken up residence. Convinced he’s a squatter, she throws him off the property before learning his full identity. Little does she know, their paths are destined to cross again.
Quiet and ruggedly handsome, Chad Avery’s uncanny ability to see through Charlotte’s feisty exterior and expose her inner weaknesses both infuriates and intrigues her. When a tragic accident incites her family to move east, Charlotte stays behind in hopes of becoming better acquainted with the elusive cattleman. Yet Chad’s unwillingness to divulge his hidden past, along with his vow not to love again, threatens to keep them apart forever.
AUTHOR BIO:
Cynthia Roemer is an award-winning inspirational writer with a heart for scattering seeds of hope into the lives of readers. Raised in the cornfields of rural Illinois, Cynthia enjoys spinning tales set in the backdrop of the 1800s prairie. She writes from her family farm in central Illinois where she resides with her husband and their two college-aged sons. Under Prairie Skies is Book Two in her Prairie Sky Series.
Contact Info:
Cynthia Roemer can be contacted at:
Website: http://cynthiaroemer.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com@cynthiaroemer
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorCynthiaRoemer/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/16785237.Cynthia_Roemer
Author Newsletter Sign-up: http://cynthiaroemer.com/
Purchase Links:
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=cynthia+roemer
Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/under-prairie-skies-cynthia-roemer/1128471176?ean=9781945094446
May 11, 2018
Book Review: Adamant by Lisa Bevere
By ancient definition, the adamant was known as both a diamond and a mythical stone of indestructible wonder. In more modern terminology, it describes a posture of unshakeable resolve and determination. If there was ever a time for us to be adamant about love and truth it is now. God is Love. God is Truth. Both love and truth are timeless, transcending our current trends and opinions. Sometimes the most loving thing we will ever do is to speak the truth, but speaking truth begins with living it.
Using the mediums of Scripture and story, New York Times bestselling author Lisa Bevere takes readers on a journey into the Mountain of God, to the one place they can learn not only to abide in God’s unshakeable truth and love, but become adamant–people who are unmovable, determined, and steadfast. With conviction and passion, Lisa unpacks the concept of the adamant for readers, linking together the grand story of Scripture and God’s purpose in their lives. Readers will see that God’s plan is revealed as we dwell in him, it is there that we are forged and shaped. As we abide in Christ our Cornerstone we are shaped into the image of the adamant.
There is so much to Adamant to take in that I know I will read this more than once. Of all the topics she addresses, of all the scriptures she shares, this statement sums up the book and the impact Adamant has on me: “Truth is not a river. It is a rock.” The world would have us believe that everything is fluid. Believe what we want. Live in whatever way makes you happy. And yet, our society, our country, has more people on antidepressants than anywhere else. We have an opioid epidemic. We aren’t very happy living truth as a river.
Lisa delivers the truth on adamant living with personal experience and Scripture. She doesn’t hold back, and it’s time a voice rises on behalf of Christ to remind His followers His truth is a rock. Yet, as firm as God is on sin, she holds us and herself to a standard where we love. Love people. Hate sin. Love people who sin. That includes all of us. And we may sin differently, but God doesn’t differentiate. Sin is sin, and truth is truth.
This isn’t a book you’ll breeze through, and you shouldn’t. Where we live in a climate full of moral decline, sadly even in the Body of Christ, her message is timely and crucial. A definite reading for anyone serious about living for Christ and being His true representative, not what the world wishes to see and hear.
I received a copy of Adamant from the publisher. All opinions shared are my own.
Purchase Adamant HERE.
May 3, 2018
Fiction Finder: May 2018 New Releases
May 2018 New Releases
More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website.
Feebs to the Rescue by Kathy J. Perry — Feebs the kitten is new to the farm. She’s a long way from the farmhouse and doesn’t know her way home in the dark. Her new friend, Ollie the dog, needs help. Can she find the courage to lead a night rescue? (Children’s from Chickadee Words, LLC)
Nibbler and Captain Make Peace by Kathy J. Perry — Nibbler the beaver works hard to keep his lodge and dam perfectly patched. A river otter knocks a hole in his great work. Now he’s so angry, he could almost spit nails. Can he learn how to handle his anger? (Children’s from Chickadee Words, LLC)
Rascal’s Trip by Kathy J. Perry — Rascal the raccoon is sorry he ignored the warning signs He’s surprised by a whirlwind and he’s taken for the ride of his life. Now it’s up to the Bandana Buddies to help him learn the importance of thinking ahead. Can he stay out of trouble long enough to get back home? (Children’s from Chickadee Words, LLC)
Solo Tu: Only You by Narelle Atkins — Can two high-school teachers, a girl from Tuscany and a boy from Australia, risk everything for love? (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published)
The Theory of Happily Ever After by Kristin Billerbeck — According to Dr. Maggie Maguire, happiness is serious–serious science, that is. But science can’t always account for life’s anomalies, like why her fiancé dumped her for a silk-scarf acrobat and how the breakup sent Maggie spiraling into an extended ice cream-fueled chick flick binge. Concerned that she might never pull herself out of this nosedive, Maggie’s friends book her as a speaker on a “New Year, New You” cruise in the Gulf of Mexico. Maggie wonders if she’s qualified to teach others about happiness when she can’t muster up any for herself. But when a handsome stranger on board insists that smart women can’t ever be happy, Maggie sets out to prove him wrong. Along the way she may discover that happiness has far less to do with the head than with the heart. (Contemporary Romance, Revell – A Division of Baker Publishing Group)
Hometown Reunion by Lisa Carter — Widowed former Green Beret Jaxon Pruitt comes home to face his toughest battle: reconnecting with his toddler son. He also makes an unwitting enemy of childhood friend Darcy Parks when he takes over the kayak shop Darcy hoped to buy! For little Brody’s sake, she’ll stay until summer’s end. But could a growing connection turn their temporary truce into an unexpected forever? (Contemporary Romance from Love Inspired [Harlequin])
Room on the Porch Swing by Amy Clipston — When her best friend Savilla dies, Laura steps in to help Allen raise his infant daughter. She soon finds herself coping with the jealousy of her boyfriend Rudy, and her own growing attraction to Allen. Have Laura and Allen been brought together to console and support one another…or is there an even deeper purpose they must fulfill? (Contemporary Romance from HarperCollins Christian Publishing)
Cowboys of Summer by Mary Connealy, Tina Radcliffe, Lorna Seilstad, Sherri Shackelford, Cheryl St. John, and Missy Tippens — Six of Christian fiction’s most beloved authors join forces to bring you a collection of humorous, romantic and heartfelt novellas set against the sultry heat of summer. (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published)
Bella Notte by Heather Gray — As a photographer who works primarily with fashion, Piero Carter is used to having his pick of beautiful women who want to be seen by his side. Felicity von Wolff is a makeup artist whose job takes her around the world. That’s all the adventure she craves. She has little use for Piero the Playboy. But when Felicity peeks over the wall she’s built to protect herself, she discovers there’s more to the people around her than she ever realized. What will it take for Piero and Felicity to stop hiding from life and open their eyes to the rich beauty God has in store for them? (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published)
Honeysuckle Dreams by Denise Hunter — Regardless of what any blood test says, Brady Collins will go to any lengths to keep his son. Even pretend his friend Hope is his fiancée. Local radio celebrity Hope Daniels has finally been offered her dream job. But if the truth comes out about her arrangement with Brady, she may miss the chance of a lifetime and stand in the way of a dear friend’s dreams. As Brady and Hope make sacrifices to help each other in their times of need, they risk uncovering a truth neither of them expects to find. (Contemporary Romance from HarperCollins Christian Publishing)
Finding Love on Bainbridge Island Washington by Annette M. Irby — A “broken” therapist with PTSD finds a fresh start at her family’s beach cabin, but when her parents hire her ex-boyfriend to finalize repairs on the place, they’re forced back into close proximity. He’s falling for her again. But can anything heal the past? (Contemporary Romance from Mountain Brook Ink)
And Cowboy Makes Three by Deb Kastner — Coming home with a baby and no wedding ring was just what everyone in Cowboy Country expected from bad girl Angelica Carmichael. But she’ll brave their scorn to fulfill Granny Frances’s dying wishes, even if it means ranching with Rowdy Masterson…her jilted ex-groom. Rowdy’s still bitter but this new, softer Angelica—paired with a precious baby—might be too lovable to resist! (Contemporary Romance from Love Inspired [Harlequin])
Falling for You by Becky Wade — A thoughtful rule-follower by nature, Willow threw caution to the wind four years ago when she entrusted her heart to Corbin — then suffered the consequences when their relationship fell apart. Now that a decades-old mystery has brought them together again, they’ll have to confront their past and the feelings they still harbor for one another. (Contemporary Romance from Bethany House [Baker])
General Contemporary/Women’s Fiction:
Long Way Home by Brenda S. Anderson — Stuck on a six-day road trip with the man who once bullied her, can Lauren Bauman learn that love keeps no record of wrongs? (General Contemporary, Independently Published {ACFW QIP Author})
The Hidden Side by Heidi Chiavaroli — The Hidden Side is about a family that is torn apart by the unspeakable actions of one of its members and how a woman from the past helps them to heal. (General Contemporary from Tyndale House)
Things I Never Told You by Beth K. Vogt — It’s been ten years since Payton Thatcher’s twin sister died in an accident, leaving the entire family to cope in whatever ways they could. No longer half of a pair, Payton reinvents herself as a partner in a successful party-planning business and is doing just fine—until her middle sister Jillian’s engagement pulls the family back together to plan the festivities. As old wounds are reopened and the family faces the possibility of another tragedy, the Thatchers must decide if they will pull together or be driven further apart. (Contemporary Women’s Fiction from Tyndale House)
Where Hope Begins by Catherine West — Savannah Barrington has always found solace at her parents’ lake house in the Berkshires, and it’s the place that she runs to when her husband of over twenty years leaves her. Though her world is shaken, and the future uncertain, she finds hope through an old woman’s wisdom, a little girl’s laughter, and a man who’s willing to risk his own heart to prove to Savannah that she is worthy of love.
But soon, Savannah is given a challenge that she can’t run away from. Forgiving the unforgiveable. Amidst the ancient gardens and musty bookstores of the small town she’s sought refuge in, she must reconcile with the grief that haunts her, the God pursuing her, and the wounds of the past that might be healed after all. (General Contemporary from HarperCollins Christian Publishing)
General Historical:
Faithful by Carol Ashby — When a foolish choice lands one man in a fight for his life, unlikely friendships are born, love blossoms, and broken relationships are restored as his best friend’s faith and courage guide the quest to rescue him. (General Historical from Cerrillo Press)
All for Love by Mary Connealy, Kristi Ann Hunter, and Jen Turano — Three of Christian historical fiction’s beloved authors come together in this romantic and humorous collection of novellas featuring prequels to their latest series. Mary Connealy’s “The Boden Birthright” journeys to the Old West, where ranch hand Chance Boden’s determination to be his own boss is challenged by his employer’s pretty daughter. Kristi Ann Hunter’s “A Lady of Esteem” follows a Regency-era young lady whose chance at love and reputation in society are threatened by a nasty rumor. Jen Turano’s “At Your Request” tells of a young woman who is humbled at her newly lowered status in society when she is reunited with the very man whose proposal she rejected. (Historical Romance from Bethany House [Baker])
The Perfect Bride by Debbie Lynne Costello — Avice Touchet has always dreamed of marrying for love and that love would be her best friend, Philip Greslet. She’s waited five years for him to see her as the woman she’s become but when a visiting lord arrives with secrets that could put her father in prison, Avice must consider a sacrificial marriage. Philip Greslet has worked his whole life for one thing—to be a castellan—and now it is finally in his grasp. But when Avice rebuffs his new lord’s attentions, Philip must convince his best friend to marry the lord against his heart’s inclination to have her as his own. (Historical Romance from Forget Me Not Romances)
Backcountry Brides Collection by Angela Couch, Debra E. Marvin, Shannon McNear, Gabrielle Meyer, Carrie Fancett Pagels, Jennifer Hudson Taylor, and Pegg Thomas — Travel into Colonial America where eight women seek love, but they each know a future husband requires the necessary skills to survive in the backcountry. Living in areas exposed to nature’s ferocity, prone to Indian attack, and cut off from regular supplies, can hearts overcome the dangers to find lasting love? (Historical Romance from Barbour Publishing)
Rebecca’s Song by Dawn Kinzer — A small-town teacher who lost hope of having her own family, and a big-city railroad detective driven to capture his sister’s killer, must do what’s best for three young orphans who need them both. (Historical Romance, Independently Published)
Love’s Silver Lining by Julie Lessman — A soft-hearted suffragist incurs the wrath of a bull-headed bachelor when she reforms his favorite girl at the Ponderosa Saloon. (Historical Romance (Western), Independently Published)
Redeeming Light by Annette O’Hare — While Sarah weathers the deadly storm inside the lighthouse, her prayers are for Frederick, caught in the midst of the tempest. (Historical Romance from White Rose Publishing [Pelican])
To Claim Her Heart by Jodie Wolfe — Elmer Smith didn’t need a man when she competed in the Cherokee Strip Land Run and she sure as shootin’ doesn’t need one to keep her land either. (Historical Romance from Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas)
No Safe Place by H. L. Wegley — A young man returning from the far country trying to regain his honor, and a young woman with a heart broken by her parents’ rejection because of her newfound faith, each have what the other needs, but will the assassin who put them on his hit list allow them enough time to discover what they have in each other? (Romantic Suspense from Trinity Press International)
No Less Days by Amanda G. Stevens — As far as David Galloway knows, he can’t die. He wonders where he fits in the world, in God’s plan for the past and the future. He believes himself to be the only person on earth who hasn’t aged in over a century. He’s wrong about that. (Speculative from Barbour Publishing)
Porch Swing Girl by Taylor Bennett — Left at her grandma’s house in Hawaii after a family tragedy, sixteen-year-old Olive Galloway is desperate to fly home to Boston and stop her father before he does anything drastic. (Young Adult from Mountain Brook Ink)
April 28, 2018
Growing Up in Christ by Terry Overton
Devotional for Youth: Growing Up in Christ
By Terry Overton
Today’s children and teens are exposed to complex problems that their parents may not understand. Young Christians are bombarded with multiple options for solving everyday problems through social media. Where do they turn to find answers? Where can children and teens look to find guidance from Scripture? In order to provide a Christian perspective to problem-solving, the author of this devotional book decided to take a different approach. Terry Overton was determined to find out what problems middle school children and teens were worried about the most. While visiting her grandchildren one weekend, she asked her granddaughter to send topics to her so that she could write a devotional about the topic. In a matter of weeks, not only did her granddaughter send her topics, but the other grandchildren and their friends sent topics of concern. Once the author wrote a devotional for a topic, it was sent to the teen requesting the devotional. Soon, these requests were happening in real time. Students sent text requests about problems happening in school and asked what should the student do? How should this be handled? This devotional book is a collection of those requests and devotionals. The youth requests included bullying, handling anxiety, death of a pet, difficult dating, commitment, responsibility, forgiveness, God as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and talking to friends about Christ, as examples. This devotional book is a conversation starter for children and teens who seek to know more about how God wants us to think and act when faced with everyday problems.
The author was somewhat surprised at the topics the teens requested. These kids wanted devotionals ranging from God watching us at all times to participating in sports. It is interesting to see how often kids think about God especially in light of a recent study posted by Barna.com indicating that only 34% of teens read the Bible once a month or more. It shows us that even if teens are not reading the Bible regularly, they often think about God. A devotional full of teen topics can assist teens with their thinking and their faith.
For parents and grandparents who might be reading this, here is the important message: young Christians think a lot about how God wants them to handle situations. They think about interactions with their peers, teachers, and others, and seek guidance from a Christian perspective. Young Christians may not always show that they are thinking about their faith, but they often are. The devotionals included in this book span a variety of topics that might be used for conversation starters and additional Bible Study. It is the author’s hope that young Christians will find guidance between the pages of this book.
Blessings to all,
Terry Overton
Available now on Amazon.com
April 9, 2018
ACFW Fiction Finder: April New Releases
April 2018 New Releases
More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website.
Pelican Point by Irene Hannon — After inheriting a crumbling lighthouse, ex-Army doctor Ben Garrison wants to sell it. But Hope Harbor Herald editor Marci Weber is determined to save the town landmark. Can these two romance-wary souls finds a meeting of the minds…and hearts? (Contemporary Romance from Revell – A Division of Baker Publishing)
An Amish Heirloom by Amy Clipston, Kathleen Fuller, Kelly Irvin, and Beth Wiseman — From bestselling Amish authors come four novellas about the meaning and tradition found behind every family heirloom. (Contemporary Romance from HarperCollins Christian Publishing)
This Wilderness Journey by Misty Beller — He’s been sent to retrieve the new missionary… But she’s not at all who he expects to find. (Historical Romance, Independently Published)
The Accidental Guardian by Mary Connealy — Deborah and her sister and two little children survive a wagon train massacre. Trace finds them and takes them home. He finds himself their accidental guardian. He must protect them all and gain justice. When he does, all these friendly visitors–especially Deborah–will leave him forever. (Historical Romance from Bethany House [Baker])
First Love Forever Romance Collection by Susanne Dietze, Marcia Gruver, Cynthia Hickey, Carrie Fancette Pagels, Martha Rogers, Lorna Seilstad, Connie Stevens, Erica Vetsch, and Jennifer Uhlarik — Coming face to face with a lost love can be awkward when the heartstrings are still holding on to the “what ifs.” In settings from 1865 to 1910, nine couples are thrown back on the same path by life’s changes and challenges. Can love rekindle despite the separation of time and space? (Historical Romance from Barbour Publishing)
All Things Beautiful by Keely Brooke Keith — It’s 1868 in the settlement of Good Springs, and Hannah Vestal is passionate about writing fiction and keeping her stories to herself. When her father asks to read her work, she decides to have it printed secretly for his 50th birthday. Hannah tries to arrange the printing with the settlement’s pressman, but the witty and dapper Henry Roberts has better things to do with his ink. In order to secure settlement support for his printing press, the elder council says Henry must print an error-free copy of the New Testament before the settlement’s 8th anniversary celebration. He is determined to meet their challenge, but when the enigmatic Hannah proves to be a beguiling distraction, Henry longs for something more than a life at the letterpress. (Historical Romance from Edenbrooke Press)
Adoration by Olivia Rae — Sir Darrin de Longue is desperate to get his lands back from Lady Faith de Sainte-Marie, the woman who betrayed him and may have had a hand in his father’s murder. But King Richard discloses on his deathbed that Lady Faith is the king’s daughter and then issues an ultimatum Darrin must obey. In order to reclaim his lands, he must marry Lady Faith and get her with child in a year’s time. Lady Faith has loved the rowdy and bold Sir Darrin since childhood, but cannot be a true wife to the bitter, angry man whom she has wed. In order to gain his trust and love, she vows to find the truth about his father’s murder. But when she stumbles upon deadly secrets, will she be able to prove her innocence–and his–to erase the past and win Darrin’s heart? (Historical Romance from HopeKnight Press)
Under Prairie Skies by Cynthia Roemer — Illinois prairie, 1855. Unsettled by the news that her estranged cousin and uncle are returning home after a year away, Charlotte Stanton goes to ready their cabin and finds a handsome stranger has taken up residence. Convinced he’s a squatter, she throws him off the property before learning his full identity. Little does she know, their paths are destined to cross again. Quiet and ruggedly handsome, Chad Avery’s uncanny ability to see through Charlotte’s feisty exterior and expose her inner weaknesses both infuriates and intrigues her. When a tragic accident incites her family to move east, Charlotte stays behind in hopes of becoming better acquainted with the elusive cattleman. Yet Chad’s unwillingness to divulge his hidden past, along with his vow not to love again, threatens to keep them apart forever. (Historical Romance from Mantle Rock Publishing)
The Pirate Bride by Kathleen Y’Barbo — The last time New Orleans attorney Jean-Luc Valmont saw Maribel Cordoba, a Spanish nobleman’s daughter, she was an eleven-year-old orphan perched in the riggings of his privateering vessel proving herself as the best lookout on his crew. Until the day his infamy caught up with them all and innocent lives were lost. Unsure why he survived but vowing to make something of the chance he was given, Jean-Luc has buried his past life so deep that no living person will ever find it—until a very much alive and very grown up Maribel Cordoba arrives on his doorstep and threatens all he now holds dear. (Historical Romance from Barbour Publishing)
Shadows of Hope by Georgiana Daniels — Crisis pregnancy worker Marissa Moreau suspects her husband is cheating, but little does she know how close to home her husband’s infidelity hits. College student Kaitlyn Farrows is floundering after a relationship with her professor leaves her pregnant. Soon she lands a job and a support system at the local pregnancy resource center and things seem to be turning around. But when Marissa and Kaitlyn become friends, neither one knows they share a connection—Colin, Marissa’s husband and Kaitlyn’s former professor. When their private lives collide, the two women must face the ultimate test of their faith and choose how to move forward as they live in the shadows of hope. (General Contemporary from Barbour Publishing)
Secret Past by Sharee Stover — With gunmen at her doorstep, Katie Tribani learns her true identity. She’s been in witness protection since childhood, and now her crime-lord father has found her. (Romantic Suspense from Love Inspired [Harlequin])
Chase by Glenn Haggerty — Tyler, a middle school newbie, shadows drug runners to rat out the methamphetamine dealer before his friend turns into a brain-dead druggie. (Young Adult, Independently Published)
April 6, 2018
Adventures in Odyssey Fan Favorites 30th Anniversary Collection
As you probably know, I’m a huge fan of all things Adventures in Odyssey, and I am part of their street team to let you know what awesome things they have going on or coming up.
This is so much fun to see, it’s the cover for the June 6 release of the Adventures in Odyssey Fan Favorites 30th anniversary collection.
It’s available for pre-order, and you can do so after you look at the cover.
April 5, 2018
Book Review: Freestyle Faith Around the Table by Ronel Sidney
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Freestyle Faith: Around the Table was designed with the idea of gathering women around the table to connect them to encourage each other and inspiring them to draw closer to God!
Book includes thirteen conversation with:
-Getting Things Brewing Conversation Starters
-Press it Out Devotional
-Steep Questions to dig deeper
-Extra Shot of Bible Verses
-Add Whip Activities to engage with the message creatively as an individual or group
Freestyle Faith is a brave, innovative book created by Ronel Sidney to build friendships around the table through coffee and communication. Whether it’s with a co worker, neighbor, or new friend, there are 13 chapters that you could spread out in a weekly format.
They are:
Shattering the Glass Ceiling
Truth Be Told
The Shift
Get Curious
Slowing Down
Summer Solstice
Adversity
Creating Space
Uniquely You
Trauma
Finding Understanding
Freestyle Faith
Living Freestyle
Each chapter is short and I think written with the hope that what Ronel started, participants will take and run with through discussion, looking up the mentioned Scriptures, and journaling. She wrote it around the theme of making coffee, which I thought was a fun idea. The potential is there, through these chapters, to grow a friendship and explore great topics women face. You might not agree with everything you read or talk about, but that’s okay.
Freestyle Faith also shares pieces from Ronel’s journey, glimpses into her walk through religiosity, harassment, and other issues we can relate to. Although she admits she doesn’t prescribe to a traditional church life, she does emphasize inviting Christ into your everyday life.
This is a great way to break out of your comfort zone and try something new by starting a “Praise and Coffee” group. Filled with great ice-breakers, conversation starters and places to dive deeper both for individual reflection and with your friends, Freestyle Faith Around the Table provides the seeds to blossom your friendships and faith.
I received a copy of Freestyle Faith Around the Table from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Purchase Link: https://www.amazon.com/Freestyle-Faith-Around-Ronel-Sidney-ebook/dp/B07B47F887