Julie Arduini's Blog, page 73
January 5, 2018
Book Review: Rule of Law by Randy Singer
Book Review: Rule of Law by Randy Singer
What did the president know? And when did she know it?
For the members of SEAL Team Six, it was a rare mission ordered by the president, monitored in real time from the Situation Room. The Houthi rebels in Yemen had captured an American journalist and a member of the Saudi royal family. Their executions were scheduled for Easter Sunday. The SEAL team would break them out.
But when the mission results in spectacular failure, the finger-pointing goes all the way to the top.
Did the president play political games with the lives of U.S. service members?
Paige Chambers, a determined young lawyer, has a very personal reason for wanting to know the answer. The case she files will polarize the nation and test the resiliency of the Constitution. The stakes are huge, the alliances shaky, and she will be left to wonder if the saying on the Supreme Court building still holds true.
Equal justice under law.
It makes a nice motto. But will it work when one of the most powerful people on the planet is also a defendant?
***
If you enjoy fast-paced legal thrillers laced with politics, Rule of Law is for you. Not only is it those things, it’s from the Law and Order playbook with a “ripped from the headlines” plot, intended or not, it was eerie how this fiction book seemed to be real.
Paige is a cautious lawyer who has opened herself up to a new relationship. Through a series of fast and shocking events, she’s thrust in the national spotlight when she files a case that could lead her to the very top of the government. There are a lot of people who don’t want to see this case go forward, and honestly, Paige is nervous as well.
This is well-written and contained elements that go against the traditional thrillers I’ve read. The characters are multi-dimensional and there is a rich secondary cast that don’t overtake Paige’s place. It was my first Randy Singer read, but it won’t be my last.
I highly recommend.
To purchase Rule of Law, click here.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Tags: book review, Book Review: Law of Review by Randy Singer, Julie Arduini, law, politics, Randy Singer, Rule of Law, Seal Team, thriller, US ConstitutionDel.icio.us
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COTT: Getting to Know Dineen Miller Thankful for God's Timing by Elizabeth Maddrey That Saturday Revisited Saturday Confession: The Great Pretender Robin Steinweg: 15 Ideas for Family TogethernessCopyright © Julie Arduini [Book Review: Rule of Law by Randy Singer], All Right Reserved. 2018.
January 3, 2018
Sherri Stewart: A Day in the Life of a Fool
A Day in the Life of a Fool
Remember that verse in I Corinthians 1: 27 where God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise? I am so glad God chose me as one of His little fools.
It was colder than most January days in Calgary, Alberta—so cold that I was reluctant to drive my old Volvo too far from home, but I hated to miss the first day of the new semester. After dropping my son off at the babysitter’s, I decided it would be safer to take the subway, something I had never done before. A small voice inside reminded me that whenever I do something for the first time, I make mistakes, but I told myself that taking a subway wasn’t rocket science, was it?
I bought my ticket, but knew I would have to transfer downtown to another train that would take me to the university. I wasn’t sure how to do that, but surely someone would help.
When I arrived downtown, I jumped off the train and was waiting for the corresponding one to arrive when a thought struck me. I had left a pot of potpourri simmering on the stove. Great. Why hadn’t I thought to turn the stove off? It had been two hours, and soon the water would evaporate, the pot would catch on fire, and we’d lose everything. I thought of my poor dog as I dug a quarter out of my purse to call a neighbor with a key to my house when I realized my purse was missing. (this was before cell phones). I’d left my purse on the train. No car, no keys, one quarter.
I prayed for God’s help.
Taking a deep breath, I called my next-door neighbor who wasn’t home, but my husband was in town, which was rare since he worked for a hockey team that was always on the road. Bobby was gracious as always and didn’t reprimand me for being an idiot.
While I waited for him to pick me up, I stopped the conductor of an arriving train and told him about my purse. He said he would alert the other drivers to be on the lookout.
As Bobby and I raced toward our house, I scanned the sky for rising smoke in the northeast. Bobby reminded me that we would have to cancel our credit cards and get a locksmith to unlock my car since we didn’t have an extra key.
No smoke billowed out of the house, but I didn’t wait for the car to slow down before I jumped out, opened the garage door, and ran into the kitchen. The red light on the stove was still on, the burner under the small pot was red hot, but the potpourri floating inside the pot wasn’t simmering. I dipped my finger in the brown liquid. It was ice cold. ICE COLD.
The same God who parted the Red Sea and made the sun stand still made the liquid on a red-hot burner ice cold.
But that’s not all. A few hours after I cancelled my credit cards, I received a call from the transit company. They found my purse in a plastic bag. Someone had taken the cash, but left everything else—my passport and visa, my checkbook, credit cards, keys, and driver’s license. I called the bank to see if they would disregard my request to cancel my card,s but knew it was a lost cause. The woman at the bank said that the system had gone down after I called so my credit cards were still good.
I made a lot of mistakes on that cold January day, but God didn’t reprimand me. I was doing enough of that myself. He made simmering water cold and made the bank’s system stand still for a few hours for m e. Instead of being the worst day of my life, God gave me a story to tell.
Newly retired from teaching, Sherri Stewart is transitioning into full-time writing and editing, but she makes time for her other love—spending time with her family, especially with her 89-year-old mother. She also enjoys travelling to locations to research her books. Israel is her next destination, a trip she has looked forward to for years. Sherri lives with her husband, Bobby, with whom she is celebrating her fortieth wedding anniversary. Son Joshua works at Disney and keeps her laughing. She hones her craft through organizations such as Word Weavers International, American Christian Fiction Writers, and Christian Pen.
Social Media Contacts
Amazon Author Page
https://www.amazon.com/author/sherristewart/
Website
https://www.facebook.com/sherristewartauthor/
Goodreads
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/758893.Sherri_Stewart/blog
Books by Sherri Stewart
Call Me Jane by Sherri Stewart
Call Me Jane
Her feet are wet from walking on water. Why is she still wearing her shoes? That was her first question when the fugue cleared. But she has more pressing questions, such as —who is she, where does she live, and how did she end up on Peachtree Street on a cold November night wearing nothing but a nightgown?
With Officer Kyle Rossi’s help, Jane, as she prefers to be called, begins the journey to discover her identity. But the more she learns about the real Aubrey Sutherland, the more she realizes she can’t trust anyone, especially those closest to her, but Jane also learns that a concussion might be the best thing that ever happened to her.
Tags: 1 Corinthians 1:27, A Day in the Life of a Fool by Sherri Stewart, Alberta, Calgary, God's protection, Julie Arduini, keys, marriage, mistakes, potpourri, Red Sea, Sherri Stewart, subway, Sun Stand StillDel.icio.us
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Featured Video of the Week: The Redemption of Caralynne Hayman by Carole Brown Writing the Tough Stuff (Or Killing the One You Love) by Aaron Paul Lazar Excuse Me, But Do You Validate by Sherri Stone COTT: Lynnette Bonner's High Desert Haven Wins Latest Clash Guest Blogger Debra Johnson: 4 Things Christian Men WantCopyright © Julie Arduini [Sherri Stewart: A Day in the Life of a Fool], All Right Reserved. 2018.January 2, 2018
ACFW Fiction Finder: January New Releases
January 2018 New Releases
More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website.
Contemporary Romance:
Her Handyman Hero by Lorraine Beatty — Reid Blackthorn arrives in Dover on a personal mission—to make sure his terminally ill brother gets a chance to meet his daughter. Deceiving little Lily’s guardian isn’t his intention. Yet once Tori Montgomery mistakes Reid for her new handyman, he knows it’s the only way to be close to his niece. Tori is honoring her friend’s last wish by keeping Lily away from her father’s family. And once she learns who Reid truly is, she realizes there’s too much at stake—including custody of Lily—for her to fall for the former DEA agent. But in keeping a promise, is she losing out on her chance for a happily-ever-after? (Contemporary Romance from Love Inspired [Harlequin])
Beneath the Summer Sun by Kelly Irvin — It’s been four years since Jennie’s husband died in a farming accident. Long enough that the elders in her Amish community think it’s time to marry again for the sake of her seven children. What they don’t know is that grief isn’t holding her back from a new relationship. Fear is. A terrible secret in her past keeps her from moving forward. Meanwhile, Leo Graber nurtures a decades-long love for Jennie, but guilt plagues him—guilt for letting Jennie marry someone else and guilt for his father’s death on a hunting trip many years ago. How could anyone love him again—and how could he ever take a chance to love in return? (Contemporary Romance from HarperCollins Christian Publishing)
Ain’t Misbehaving by Marji Laine — True, Annalee’s crime amounted to very little, but not in terms of community service hours. Her probation officer encouraged her with a promise of an easy job in an air-conditioned downtown environment. She didn’t expect her role to be little better than a janitor at an after-school daycare in the worst area of town. Carlton Whelen hides behind the nickname of CJ so people won’t treat him like the wealthy son of the Whelen Foundation director. Working at the foundation’s after-school program delights him and annoys his business-oriented father. When a gorgeous prima donna is assigned to his team, he not only cringes at her mistakes but also has to avoid the attraction that builds from the first time he sees her. (Contemporary Romance from Write Integrity Press)
Finding Grace by Melanie D. Snitker — Single dad Tyler Martin can’t be more grateful to the woman who finds his missing daughter. Even though he feels a spark between them, falling in love is a risk he shouldn’t take. Too bad chance encounters and his stubborn heart keep trying to convince him otherwise. After escaping a nightmarish relationship, Beth Davenport is content with her safe and blessedly normal life. Yet something about Tyler and his adorable daughter makes her wish for more. With the walls around her heart finally starting to crumble, she’s afraid of a future she can’t predict. Can they let go of their fear and trust God to lead them to the love they desperately need? (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published)
Marrying Mandy by Melanie D. Snitker — Mandy Hudson swore she’d never marry. Abandoned by her parents and raised by her grandparents, she has a hard time trusting that real love will last. When her grandmother dies, Mandy’s shocked to discover a stipulation in the will. Considering marriage to her best friend may be the only way to keep her family’s beloved bed-and-breakfast. The loss of his job threatens Preston Yarrow’s shaky financial stability. Besides, he can’t watch his best friend give up the only real home she’s ever known. Frustrated by Mandy’s stubborn refusal to let him help, he’s certain they are stronger together than they are apart. A marriage of convenience might be crazy… or an answer to both their prayers. (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published)
Historical:
Son of Promise by Caryl McAdoo — Can a wife find the grace to forgive when her husband’s withheld the truth? Travis Buckmeyer has a secret son, and the morning’s come to tell his sweet wife. He hates breaking Emma Lee’s heart. She promised him one ten years ago, but hasn’t been blessed to carry a baby to term. Every miscarriage made the telling harder, but now his clock’s run out. He’s going for his son, praying he won’t lose her.
Cody knows who his mother claims his father is, but he’s only interested in getting sprung from reform school then boosting enough from the do-gooder to bust out on his own.
Can Travis find redemption, Emma Lee forgiveness, or Cody the love he’s been longing for? (Historical, Independently Published)
Historical Romance:
Hearts Entwined by Mary Connealy, Melissa Jagears, Regina Jennings, and Karen Witemeyer — Four top historical romance novelists team up in this new collection to offer stories of love and romance with a twist of humor. In Karen Witemeyer’s “The Love Knot,” Claire Nevin gets the surprise of her life awaiting her sister’s arrival by train. Mary Connealy’s “The Tangled Ties That Bind” offers the story of two former best friends who are reunited while escaping a stampede. Regina Jennings offers “Bound and Determined,” where a most unusual trip across barren Oklahoma plains is filled with adventure, romance, and . . . camels? And Melissa Jagears’ “Tied and True” entertains with a tale of two hearts from different social classes who become entwined at a cotton thread factory. (Historical Romance from Bethany House [Baker])
A Bouquet of Brides Collection by Mary Davis, Kathleen E. Kovach, Paula Moldenhauer, Suzanne Norquist, Donita Kathleen Paul, Donna Schlachter, and Pegg Thomas — For seven bachelors, this bouquet of brides means a happily ever after. Meet seven American women who were named for various flowers but struggle to bloom where God planted them. Can love help them grow to their full potential? (Historical Romance from Barbour Publishing)
A Mother For His Family by Susanne Dietze —
Lady Helena Stanhope’s reputation is in tatters…and she’s lost any hope for a “respectable” ton marriage. An arranged union is the only solution. But once Helena weds formidable Scottish widower John Gordon, Lord Ardoch, and encounters his four mischievous children, she’s determined to help her new, ever-surprising family. Even if she’s sure love is too much to ask for.
All John needs is someone to mother his admittedly unruly brood. He never imagined that beautiful Lady Helena would be a woman of irresistible spirit, caring and warmth. Or that facing down their pasts would give them so much in common. Now, as danger threatens, John will do whatever it takes to convince Helena their future together—and his love—are for always. (Historical Romance from Love Inspired [Harlequin])
His Forgotten Fiancee by Evelyn M. Hill — Liza Fitzpatrick is stunned when her fiancé finally arrives in Oregon City — with amnesia. Matthew Dean refuses to honor a marriage proposal he doesn’t recall making, but Liza needs his help now to bring in the harvest, and maybe she can help him remember… Matthew is attracted to the spirited Liza, and as she tries to help him regain his old memories, the new ones they’re creating together start to make him feel whole. Even as he falls for her again, though, someone’s determined to keep them apart. Will his memory return in time to save their future? (Historical Romance from Love Inspired [Harlequin])
A Song Unheard by Roseanna M. White — Willa Forsythe is both a violin prodigy and top-notch thief, which makes her the perfect choice for a critical task at the outset of World War I–to secure a crucial cypher key from a famous violinist currently in Wales. Lukas De Wilde has enjoyed the life of fame he’s won–until now, when being recognized nearly gets him killed. Everyone wants the key to his father’s work as a cryptologist. And Lukas fears that his mother and sister, who have vanished in the wake of the German invasion of Belgium, will pay the price. The only distraction he finds from his worry is in meeting the intriguing and talented Willa Forsythe. But danger presses in from every side, and Willa knows what Lukas doesn’t–that she must betray him and find that key, or her own family could pay the same price his surely has. (Historical Romance from Bethany House [Baker])
Mystery:
Surgeon’s Choice by Richard L. Mabry, MD — Dr. Ben Merrick thought his biggest problem was getting his fiancé’s divorced parents into the same room for the wedding–and then, people started dying. (Mystery, Independently Published through White Glove)
Romantic Suspense:
Innocent Lies by Robin Patchen — Desperate to be safe from the man who held her captive and ruined her life, Kelsey must ensure her child is protected before she can take her enemy on. But a string of bad luck gets her arrested and lands her face-to-face with the only man she’s ever loved—the only man who can destroy all her plans. (Romantic Suspense, Independently Published)
Cold Truth by Susan Sleeman — When research chemist Kiera Underwood receives the cryptic phone call about her twin brother, she tries to contact him to no avail. Her twin sense tingles, warning her that something is wrong. Kiera’s not prepared when an attempt is made on her life and Blackwell Tactical operative Cooper Ashcroft delivers her second shock of the day. Someone killed the supervisor at the research lab where her brother works and stole a deadly biotoxin. The main suspect? Her brother, and Blackwell Tactical has been hired to bring him in. If that wasn’t shocking enough, she’s suspected of colluding with him. Setting out to prove herself and her brother is innocent, she is almost abducted before Ashcroft rescues her. He’s faced with the reality that she’s telling the truth and someone has likely abducted her brother—perhaps killed him—and now Kiera’s very life is in danger, too. (Romantic Suspense, Independently Published)
Tags: A Mother for His Family, A Song Unheard, ACFW Fiction Finder: January New Releases, Ain't Misbehaving, authors, Beneath the Summer Sun, Bouquet of Brides Collection, Caryl McAdoo, Cold Truth, Donita Kathleen Paul, Donna Schlachter, Evelyn M. Hill, Finding Grace, Hearts Entwined, Her Handyman Hero, His Forgotten Fiance, Innocent Lies, January 2018 New Releases, Julie Arduini, Karen Witemeyer, Kathleen E. Kovach, Kelly Irvin, Lorraine Beatty, Marji Laine, Marrying Mandy, Mary Connealy, Mary Davis, Melanie D. Snitker, Melissa Jagears, Paula Moldenhauer, Pegg Thomas, Regina Jennings, Richard M. Mabry, Robin Patchen, Roseanna M. White, Son of Promise, Surgeon's Choice, Susan Sleeman, Suzanne Dietze, Suzanne NorquistDel.icio.us
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Love Your Spouse Challenge, Day 6 Book Review: The Chase by Diann Mills Fiction Finder: October 2017 New Releases Movie Review: Voiceless Take the Plunge 2015 Summer ChallengeCopyright © Julie Arduini [ACFW Fiction Finder: January New Releases], All Right Reserved. 2018.December 30, 2017
2017 Favorite Pictures
Most biographies don’t allow enough words to share everything about yourself, especially in a guest blog post or something like that. Of the many things I’d love others to know, one is that I enjoy taking nature pictures.
I share them on Instagram and Facebook. My mom suggested I make sure I have hard copies of the pictures. I have only used my phone camera, so the pix have always been my Galaxy at the time, or currently, my iPhone 8. Each Christmas I present her with the year’s worth of pictures I took.
While I organized them for her, there were a few that stood out. I thought I would share them here.
August 2017, Highway Tabernacle in Youngstown. I finished up a book club meeting on the property and turned toward the church. The sun was setting, and this just is peaceful to me.
This was the eclipse in NE Ohio. I closed my eyes and took a series of pictures. I couldn’t believe any turned out. This is in between the trees.
My kids know if there is a good picture and I’m driving, they take it for me. This is my daughter’s handiwork, and I love it. A perfect visual of rural life.
Hydrangeas from our yard. I feel like I could reach out and touch them.
This is my hometown, Corning, NY, and historic Market Street. I love the lights and snowflakes.
This year I wanted to get a couple fog pictures. This isn’t far from our neighborhood.
I feel like I captured the fog!
Tags: 2017 Favorite Pictures, Corning, Facebook, fog, Galaxy, Highway Tabernacle, Instagram, iPhone 8, Julie Arduini, Market Street, nature pictures, NE Ohio, Upstate NY, YoungstownDel.icio.us
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Character Confession: One Letter Makes All the Difference Pre-Order 2017 iBloom Life and Business Planner Saturday Confession: If Only I Could Whistle Book Review: Winning the Teacher's Heart by Jean C. Gordon Book Review: Susan May Warren's The Shadow of Your SmileCopyright © Julie Arduini [2017 Favorite Pictures], All Right Reserved. 2017.December 28, 2017
2018: Word of the Year
A few days ago I posted my thoughts on 2017 and my word of the year, transformation. I teased that I knew my word for 2018, but said I’d share it later.
It’s later!
This is a word that came to me in late summer. I usually know it’s meant for me when it comes up again and again. That’s what happened, and I tucked it away, knowing I’d pay more attention as 2018 came into view.
The word?
My 2018 Word of the Year.
Most of you know I am terrible at taking each word of the year and trying to guess what it means. Even worse, I will force a definition. I think I know how things are going to go when it comes to that word and the coming year.
Boy, did 2017 teach me to not do that!
I admit I don’t quite know what abide means, so I haven’t had the opportunity to make a mess of it.
Here’s what Webster has to say:
transitive verb
1a : to bear patiently : tolerate
cannot abide such bigots
b : to endure without yielding : withstand
abide the onrush of the enemy
2: to wait for : await
I will abide the coming of my lord.
—Alfred Tennyson
3: to accept without objection
will abide your decision
intransitive verb
1: to remain stable or fixed in a state
a love that abode with him all his days
2: to continue in a place : sojourn
will abide in the house of the Lord
—
abider
noun
— abide by
1: to conform to
abide by the rules
2: to accept without objection : to acquiesce in
will abide by your decision
Wow. There’s a lot to chew on.
It’s tempting to force that definition, but I’ll at least share what’s jumping out at me.
My core might not be made of rock hard abs, but it is chiseled in prayer. It’s not something I wave a flag and announce, but if you ask me to pray, I’m on it. Over the years I’ve watched miraculous things from a healing of a knee to pregnancy. Financial breakthrough. I’ve also lamented when nothing changed, or, it got worse.
So to see this aspect of abide, “to endure without yielding : withstand”
abide the onrush of the enemy
That’s got the hair on my arm standing straight up. I know enough about 2017 that I felt like I yielded a lot. That I didn’t endure very well. God’s showing me a lot, and as I learn lamentation, I don’t think I was weak or hardened as much as grief-stricken and keeping it inside. As I’m taking baby steps to lament that grief—verbalize it, speak the emotions out to God even if it isn’t all lollipops and rainbows, He is healing me. As I heal, maybe, just maybe, abide in this connotation is going to be a huge thing.
But maybe it won’t have anything to do with that at all. Only God knows, and I will do my best to journal throughout the year here what I’m learning.
Now it’s YOUR turn. What do you think is your word of the year? Share in the comments, or e mail me at juliearduini@juliearduini. As always, I’m on FB, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, G+ and Snapchat as @JulieArduini.
Tags: 2018, 2018: Word of the Year, abide, dictionary, Julie Arduini, lament, new year, prayer, transformation, Webster, word of the year 2018Del.icio.us
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Introducing the 2012 Me Check It Out: Social Moms A Facebook Secret Movie Review: Voiceless Thankful: Bold FriendsCopyright © Julie Arduini [2018: Word of the Year], All Right Reserved. 2017.December 26, 2017
2017: Year of Transformation
How was your Christmas?
Ours was wonderful. We spent time with family, and although not a lot of snow, it was a white Christmas.
Now it’s time to reflect.
That’s what I do each year after Christmas. I think about accomplishments, goals, adversities, the tears, laughter, pictures, I take it all in. I consider the word of the year and how it played out, and what word is coming up in the new year.
2017.
The word was transformation, and my theories were naive and superficial. I knew I had an eye appointment in January and my thought was I would be wearing contacts full time. As far as I knew, my biggest decision would be how I would wear my hair. Curly? Straight? Keep growing it? Cut it?
Turns out, this was probably the one area where there was no transformation at all. I learned my vision is so bad that they can’t give me an accurate prescription for contacts. Without sharing that with me, they gave me contacts that I can’t wear.
So it’s back to glasses.
I’ve worn it curly. I’ve worn it straight. I wore it up, realized it was not working for me, and had it cut. Then I’ve been busy and haven’t had it cut in awhile. I end the year with no idea what I’m going to do. I love the red color, though.
I knew the year was about kids in school and we were aware that both of our Wisconsin kids were expecting their first babies. We end the year as grandparents to two boys. It’s surreal, I remember when their parents were tweens and I knew them better than their dad. Funny how time marches on.
As for the school kids, I didn’t know how rough the year was going to start for them both. I’m all about building people up and in our daughter’s circle, it seemed almost everyone in her daily routine was tearing her down. To watch her joyous smile disappear as she withdrew, it was one of the hardest things I’ve had to watch. It was one of those times I felt so helpless.
It was the same for our son. He went from main campus, to satellite campus. His grades were good, but the stress was high. One of his core relationships changed, and I never saw it coming. Another episode of feeling so helpless. He was part of a retail establishment with high traffic, no leadership, and a terrible part of town. He was involved in a car accident that wasn’t his fault, but the driver tried to pin it on him. There was season where the attacks on him seemed relentless. I didn’t think transformation meant our kids would change from happy and full of faith to dead inside. That was my fear at least.
Another transformation wasn’t my own, but one I’ve asked every day with no real answers as I a family dynamic will never be the same. The tragedy so avoidable if people had been smart enough to deny someone a license when clearly they were not able to drive in this country. I don’t understand, no one does. And now this family has to re live the memories, good and unbearable.
We enjoyed transformation watching our son be the big boy at the campground, while our nephew was the new one to show around. The nostalgia for our son was fun to watch, right down to him wearing the very same style shirt he did ten years ago.
We visited Wisconsin twice, holding new babies and watching our oldest son become a homeowner and new dad.
Writing wise, I not only published Engaged, the last in the Surrendering Time Series, but also wrote a companion devotional to go with the series, Finding Freedom in Surrender. I started blogging for Inspy Romance, and the first book in my next contemporary romance series, Anchored. It was our daughter, during her struggles, that had an idea to encourage girls of all ages when people use negative words, and that idea became a three book series she plotted. She created the characters, guided me on the cover, and approved the manuscript. You’re Beautiful, Book 1 in the Stinkin’ Thinkin’ Series, should be out in January. There’s also a new Facebook group, 180Encouragements, aimed at building a community where positive words are spoken. That’s a transformation to be excited about.
My faith walk is an ongoing transformation. I feel like the last few years have hardened my faith, and I have been quietly grieving that, not sure what to do about it. I started reading a book, No More Faking Fine, and decided it was a book on authenticity that I’d love to share with others through discussion. Once I started leading that book it hit me it is more than transparency. It’s a book about lament, something new to me. Something I had no idea I needed. Now I’m going through the process. Something tells me what God has in store is the biggest transformation of all.
Now comes 2018. I have my word.
But that, my friends, is another blog post.
Thanks for reading!
Tags: 2017: Year of Transformation, adversity, babies, books, college, encouragement, family, Julie Arduini, marriage, tragedy, transformationDel.icio.us
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Sabbath Sunday: Beyond the Branches COTT: Clash Winner Hallee Bridgeman with A Melody for James Cold Turkey by Pam Ford Davis Odyssey Adventure Club An Inside Look at the Laurel 2012 FinalistsCopyright © Julie Arduini [2017: Year of Transformation], All Right Reserved. 2017.Entangled FREE eBook December 26, 27, 28
Entangled, Book 2 in the Surrendering Time Series, is a FREE eBook on Amazon December 26, 27, and 28.
About ENTANGLED:
Carla Rowling has been given her dream of attending cosmetology school. The gift is so generous she feels unworthy because of choices she made as a teen. The pressure mounts as Carla juggles school, is a single mom, helps her best friend Jenna plan her wedding, spends time with boyfriend Will Marshall, and deals with the fact that her son’s father is back in their lives.
Will Marshall is the one Speculator Falls resident everyone can count on. His truck deliveries are reliable. He’s the first to help friends like Ben Regan with boat work or be a card partner with Bart Davis. Will’s ready to settle down with Carla, loving her is natural. He’s bonded with her son, Noah. But when Carla starts cosmetology school, she puts emotional distance between her and Will.
Can Carla release her past and create a future full of highlights, or, will she burn her options worse than a bad perm?
Book 1, ENTRUSTED, is a FREE eBook at juliearduini.com.
Book 3, ENGAGED, is also on Amazon.
A great way to fill your new Amazon device! (Did you know your Alexa device can read my books to you?)
Grab your copy of ENTANGLED now!
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My Favorite Reviewed Reads of 2015 Sabbath Sunday: New Roads COTT: Hush in the Storm by Julie B. Cosgrove Facebook Users Unwritten Rules Character Confession: The Algae ParableCopyright © Julie Arduini [Entangled FREE eBook December 26, 27, 28], All Right Reserved. 2017.December 21, 2017
Come Fly With Me by Katheryn Maddox Haddad
A Child’s Life of Christ: COME FLY WITH ME
Storybook #8 in Series THEY MET JESUS
This book centers around Jesus’ appearances to his apostles an what they did after he went back to heaven.
In storybook 8, your children meet….
*10 Apostles where they learn about people not being believed because what they say is too good to be true.
*Thomas where they learn that it’s okay if they are unsure if they believe in Jesus until they are older because Jesus will wait for them.
*7 Apostles where they learn some people they tell about Jesus to won’t believe, but some will.
*11 Apostles where they learn Jesus will help everyone who tries to tell Jesus about him.
*500 Witnesses where they learn they may not be the only believer in Jesus at school, even though the others don’t say so.
*Brother James where they learn sometimes children have to wait until they are grown up to find out how valuable they are.
*11 Apostles where they learn that, even though Jesus has gone back to heaven, he still loves them.
*Ruling Sadducees where they learn to decide now that, when they are grown, they will always admit believing in Jesus, even if they go to jail for saying it.
*Thaddeus where they learn to invite both children and grownups to go to church with them.
*King Jesus in Heaven where they learn what heaven is like.
Here is a sample from one of the chapters:
500 WITNESSES
There was Jesus standing in front of all 500 of them! At his own funeral.
Jesus announced that he would like to say hello to every one of them. So, they lined up, and one by one were able to talk to Jesus and touch him. “Thank you, Jesus” they all wanted to say.
First was Michel, one of the wise men. He was old now and happened to have been visiting in Jerusalem when Jesus had been crucified. Michel bowed to Jesus just as he had when Jesus was a toddler. “Thank you, Jesus.”
Here came one of the shepherds ~ now old ~ that the angels had appeared to when Jesus was born. Then some people from the wedding where he turned water to wine. “Thank you, Jesus.”
Then Nicodemus and Joseph who buried him. Then the woman Jesus met by the well in Samaria. Then Captain Demetrius, his maid, and the little boy Jesus healed. Then Chuza and Joanna and their little boy who Jesus healed. “Thank you, Jesus.”
There were people he had healed of blindness and deafness and various diseases. There were people with missing legs and hands that he made grow back, and people with shriveled legs and hands that he made fill out and whole again. “Thank you, Jesus.”
Katheryn Haddad was born in the cold north, but now lives in Arizona where she does not have to shovel sunshine. She enjoys hot weather, palm trees and cacti in her yard, and a computer with the letters worn off.
With a bachelor’s degree in English, Bible and social science from Harding University and part of a master’s degree in Bible, including Greek, from the Harding Graduate School of Theology, she also has a master’s degree in management and human relations from Abilene University.
Her newspaper column appeared for several years in newspapers in Texas and North Carolina ~ Little Known Facts About the Bible ~ and she has written for numerous Christian publications.
Currently she teaches English over the internet every morning, using the Bible as a text book. Most of her students are Muslims. She has taught some 6000 thus far, and has former students, now Christians, in hiding in Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, Yemen, Somalia, Jordan, Uzbekistan, and Palestine. “They are my heroes” she declares.
She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Christian Writers of the West, and is also an energetic public speaker who can touch the heart of audiences.
Website: http://inspirationsbykatheryn.com
Purchase Come Fly With Me HERE
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Sabbath Sunday: Swampy Yard Thankful: Tiffany Amber Stockton's Gratitude Born From Selfishness Ruth and the Comfort Zone My Gift to Him by Cara Putman Independence Day: Before You Have Another Hot DogCopyright © Julie Arduini [Come Fly With Me by Katheryn Maddox Haddad], All Right Reserved. 2017.December 18, 2017
Adventures in Odyssey: Celebrate Odyssey’s Birthday!
Some of my favorite married memories have been going on trips and my husband and I tuned into Family Life Network to listen to Adventures in Odyssey. Whit, Connie, Eugene, Bernard….they weren’t just characters to me, they were friends.
Even though the kids are mostly grown, we recently took a trip and just the two of us, he pulled out a CD. You guessed it! Adventures in Odyssey!
The gang at Whit’s End wants you to celebrate with them. The festivities will last all year. One of them is if you love to draw and/or color.
From Whit’s End:
Birthday Celebration Activity:
Love to color and draw? Create and send us a drawing of your favorite Adventures in Odyssey® characters or a scene from your favorite episode. Use an 8 ½ x 11 in. piece of white paper for your drawing. On the front side where you draw, please don’t include any personal information. On the back, tell us your name, age, city, parent’s name and phone number, and mail to:Adventures in Odyssey Birthday Coloring
8605 Explorer Drive
Colorado Springs, CO 80920
Mail it to us before December 31, 2017.
You can also send video greetings as part of the celebration as well. To learn more, visit Whit’s End.
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Re-Writing the Evil Step-Mom Story Where Your Help Comes From Independence Day: Before You Have Another Hot Dog Sabbath Sunday: When You're the Purple Tree Book Review: The Life We Never Expected by Andrew and Rachel WilsonCopyright © Julie Arduini [Adventures in Odyssey: Celebrate Odyssey's Birthday!], All Right Reserved. 2017.December 15, 2017
Free eBook Today!
Engaged is a FREE eBOOK Friday, December 15, Saturday, December 16, and Sunday, December 17th on Amazon.
About ENGAGED:
In ENGAGED, Trish Maxwell’s back in Speculator Falls with egg on her face and a lot of apologies to make. She left the mountain town for her dream job in New York City, only to come back unemployed. With no prospects, she works at her family’s department store and makes amends as she finds a new passion creating window displays for Adirondack businesses. She works hard and tries to convince the people of Speculator Falls she’s changed for the better.
As Trish pitches in with community events, she meets paramedic Wayne Peterson, the one man who doesn’t seem to judge her. She even makes friends with Jenna Regan, who helps Trish when people demand to know what’s next in Trish’s life. Living in New York City has been her goal, but the more she’s around Wayne and the Adirondack area, the more she’s drawn to revising her plans. Just when Trish thinks the plan for her life’s coming together, a second chance comes her way that could give her every career goal she’s ever wanted, but threaten to tear her and Wayne apart. Can Trish surrender fears about her future and discover God’s plan for her?
Grab your FREE eBook HERE
Tags: Amazon, Christmas gift, contemporary romance, ebook, ebooks free, engaged, ereader, Free EBook Today!, Julie Arduini, reading, single parent, small town, teenDel.icio.us
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WFW: Twice as Many Have's Book Review: Letting Go of Your Limitations by Sandie Freed Enter to win an iPad Mini in the Terrible Taunting Giveaway from Geek Club Books! A2Z Meme: Can't Contain My Zeal Stopping by with Interview AnnouncementCopyright © Julie Arduini [Free eBook Today!], All Right Reserved. 2017.
