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A Thankful Life by Sue A. Fairchild

A THANKFUL LIFE

By Sue A. Fairchild

Nine days ago my mom turned seventy-five and, for that, I’m thankful. Yes, seventy-five is a huge milestone in a person’s life, but, for my mom, it’s an even bigger accomplishment.

Over thirty years ago, she was diagnosed with emphysema and given only a year to live. Her doctor at the time failed to educate himself on this pulmonary disease and quickly jumped to a conclusion that has proven to be very, very false.

His diagnosis put my mother into a state of depression. She sequestered herself in her bedroom, rarely emerging to be social or interact with her family. As a young child, I didn’t really notice. She was still my mom and, other than being “sick,” she seemed “normal” to me. But when I look back on photos now I can see the haunted look in her eyes and the ever present pink bathrobe. I wonder why it didn’t affect me as a child, but I’m thankful I simply loved her and accepted how things were.

As that year passed, and her health seemed to stagnate, my mother began to wonder, “What if the doctor’s wrong?” My father pushed her to get a second opinion and, finally, she agreed. That second doctor proved to be our family’s saving grace.

“You could live to be eighty,” he told her. “It is all how you look at it. If you fight, take the right medication…you could live to be whatever age you want.”

Now, at the age of seventy-five, it’s plain to see the second doctor (who remained our doctor for many years after that) was right.

Although the first diagnosis affected a portion of my mother’s life she cannot get back, something inside her pushed her to find another answer and we were blessed to find the second doctor.

I’m thankful the first doctor was wrong and I’m thankful the second doctor was right. In fact, he did better than being right. Through the years, he gave my mother hope and determination.

When she felt weak, he would give her advice and encouragement. He got her into an exercise program that, I believe, has prolonged her life even further. Even after he retired, if we ran into him at a store, he would hug my mother and ask how she was doing. His kind nature formed a friendship that transcended the doctor-patient one and helped our entire family to deal with this disease head on.

I could be mad at the first doctor. I could curse him for the year my mother spent in her bed. We could have sued him, or slandered his name. But what good would it have done? Instead, I choose to be thankful for that doctor who bolstered her spirits, who found the right medications for me and who chose to be her friend as well as her doctor.

Years later, that doctor has passed on, but my mother still holds tight to his encouragements and will tell you her story and how this doctor saved her life.

As I look at my seventy-five-year old mother now, I think, “She is amazing.” She’s outlived some in our family who had better health than she has. She fights every single day against the doctor who said, “You have only one year to live.” And even when she feels weak, depressed or attacked by her own body, she still fights on.

And, for that, I am thankful.

(Want to read more about my awesome mom? Check out this blog post!)

Sue A. Fairchild is a freelance editor who specializes in substantial edits and Christian writing. Her editing credits have included a suspense/thriller series, a fantasy series and numerous other genres. In addition, Sue is also a writer who has been published in Christian devotion magazines, two Chicken Soup for the Soul books, as well as self-published two novels currently available on Amazon (“What You Think You Know” and “Summer’s Refrain”) and is currently working on a third.

Sue’s attention to detail and passion for good writing assists her clients in making their work shine. She’d love to talk with you about editing your next big project! Connect with her on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn or email her (sueafairchild74@gmail.com) for a free consultation and estimate (max. 2 pages).

Tags: A Thankful Life by Sue A. Fairchild, author, daughters, diagnosis, emphysema, guest blogger, Julie Arduini, mothers, November, second opinion, Sue A. Fairchild, thankful, Thanksgiving

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Published on November 08, 2017 21:00

Grateful for the Pain by Normandie Fischer

GRATEFUL FOR THE PAIN

Normandie Fischer

Pain can shatter us, toss us off a cliff, and render us immobile. Or it can hone and refine us. I recently read the words of a man who discovered he had a horrible form of cancer. Although his disease was incurable and soon-to-be terminal, he rejoiced. He knew the end of the story.

How did he get from the pain to the joy?

One of my worst rejections forced me into the new and frightening role of Single Mother. I thought my world destroyed that day, my years of clinging to faith a mockery. I didn’t leap, as that man with cancer had, to show myself strong and full of grace. Instead, it took days and months and years before I could look up and declare a true thank You for the pain, one that I actually meant. The first thanks had been obligatory: one is supposed to praise, no matter what. To say, “Thank You,” before one feels the truth of it.

Have you ever been there? Been at the place where all you can do is question why? Felt unlovely, unwanted, ignored, cast out? Hurt physically or mentally beyond what you thought you could endure? And wondered what celestial game had tossed you out with the garbage?

What did you do about it?

Some of us dump God. Or church. Or men or women or friendships or…. The list goes on. We find anything and everything to blame.

And some, some few, grab the hem of His garment and hold on. Stand at the Red Sea, as it roils in front of us and the Egyptian Army gathers behind, and we say, “Thank You. Praise You. I trust You in the middle of this mess.”

And something happens. Maybe not immediately, but one day something happens. We may have to walk through days where failures abound and the world’s tilt leans away from us, but one day we do wake to find the pain easing, the hurt less, the heart full, and the New Plan unfolding in our life.

I’m living another New Plan now. But if I hadn’t faced the pain of that rejection, if I hadn’t become a leftee from marriage, I might never have known the joy that the Father had in store for me. A new day, a new life, and a best friend of my very own. We’re fifteen years into a life lived together with the God Who turned our mourning into joy.

Part of my New Plan was also publication. My agent actually sold two of my books, and now I have six on the shelves. My pain and my failures not only provided fodder for my made-up worlds, but they allowed me to climb into my stories and hurt with my characters, and I’m that much richer for the journey.

What about you? What are you doing with the hard places in your life?

Normandie Fischer is a sailor who writes and a writer who sails. After studying sculpture in Italy, she returned to the States, graduated suma cum laude, and went to work in the publishing field, moving from proofreader up the ladder to senior editor, honing technical tomes, creative non-fiction, and, later, fiction.

She and her husband spent a number of years on board their 50-foot ketch, Sea Venture, sailing from San Francisco to the Sea of Cortez, Mexico, and on through the Panama Canal. They now live in coastal North Carolina, where she takes care of her aging mother and, whenever possible, enjoys her two grown children and two grandchildren. She is the author of six novels.

Sailing Out of the Darkness

Love conquers all? Maybe for some people.

When Samantha flies to Italy to gain distance from a disastrous affair with her childhood best friend, the last thing on her mind is romance. But Teo Anderson is nothing like her philandering ex-husband or her sailing buddy, Jack, who, despite his live-in girlfriend, caught her off guard with his flashing black eyes.

Teo has his own scars, both physical and emotional, that he represses by writing mysteries—until one strange and compelling vision comes to life in the person of Sam. Seeking answers, he offers friendship to this obviously hurting woman, a friendship that threatens to upend his fragile peace of mind.

Journey with Sam over the cobalt waters of the Mediterranean. Sip and sup with Sam and Teo in Italian cafes. What happens next will keep you turning the pages as consequences escalate, and the fallout threatens them all.

Normandie’s links:

Website: www.normandiefischer.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/WritingOnBoard

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NormandieFischer/

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/Normandie-Fischer/e/B00BSIF2NI/

Sailing out of Darkness links:

https://www.amazon.com/Sailing-out-Darkness-Carolina-Coast/dp/0997185538/

https://www.audible.com/pd/Romance/Sailing-out-of-Darkness-Audiobook/B076KZQ1H2

Tags: author, Grateful for the Pain by Normandie Fischer, guest blogger, Julie Arduini, November, pain, rejection, Sailing out of the Darkness, thankful

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Published on November 07, 2017 21:00

Everyday Courage by Terra Lynee

Everyday Courage

By Terra Lynee

This is a year when so many people have demonstrated extraordinary courage—from Houston to Puerto Rico and from California to Las Vegas. Witnessing extraordinary courage has led me to think about something I am thankful for, and that is everyday courage.

We all have it. To me, an example of everyday courage is an employee who goes to work each day in a job he or she dislikes, because a family needs the income that will be earned. This individual may be looking for another job, but for the present time, strength and patience will be required. Ordinary courage may be exhibited by the single mother who struggles to raise a child on her own. An elderly man might draw on his inner strength while living a lonely life of seclusion. While someone relies on extraordinary courage when battling a serious illness, their family members might require everyday courage to witness the struggle and provide the proper care.

At some point in our lives, we must turn to our personal strength to get through a challenging period. Of course, there are those days when we wonder if we can handle the challenge. As with extraordinary courage, everyday courage is often rooted in our faith. A prayer gets us going. Our courage is also boosted by our friends and loved ones.

Once when I was going through a tough time, a friend confided that she thought me brave. Just her making the statement made me feel braver!

Perhaps if you know someone this November who is being forced to rely on inner strength too often, you can reach out to that individual. Also, on those days when we all struggle to find our everyday courage, you might remind yourself, “I am braver than I feel.”

In my novel “Nathan’s Fate,” I create characters with both extraordinary and everyday courage, because that often mirrors life. To all readers of courageous characters…Have a wonderful fall!

Learn more about Terra Lynee or purchase her novel at https://www.dovechristianpublishers.com/catalog/christian-fiction/Nathan’s-Fate/

https://www.amazon.com/author/TerraLynee

Visit https://www.facebook.com/terralynee

IN TWO different eras, two women wait for the men they love to return from war. As Sara longs to welcome her boyfriend, Dillon, home from the Middle East, she inherits a Civil War Bible from her grandmother. This cherished book links her to an ancestor, Lydia, who once prayed for her fiancé—a Union soldier named Nathan. Sara soon learns more about Lydia’s world, a world where faith was grievously wounded. Nathan’s Fate weaves together the experiences of four individuals who will each discover love’s mysterious ability to transcend time. Dillon, Sara, and Lydia become eternally connected to one another and to Nathan’s brave choices, as he serves on a Hill too many are forced to climb.

Terra Lynee has been a career writer of marketing and informational copy for non-profits, corporations, and small businesses. Her background also includes newspaper reporting and public relations positions. Lynee holds a degree in English Communications. She calls both Oklahoma and Texas her home states.

Tags: author, courage, Everyday Courage, Everyday Courage by Terra Lynee, guest blogger, Julie Arduini, Nathan's Fate, thankful

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Published on November 06, 2017 21:00

Fiction Finder: November 2017 New Releases

November 2017 New Releases

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

Contemporary Romance:

Rooted in Love by Valerie Comer — A divorcé with a set of rambunctious twins falls for the boys’ daycare administrator, but does he deserve another chance at love? (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published)

Prescription for Romance by June Foster — Though history teacher Scott Townsend made a commitment to the Lord as a teen, he can’t relinquish his bitterness toward his younger brother after he squanders their parents’ money. When a beautiful, young pharmacist seeks affirmation in a way that challenges Scott’s values, he must uphold his Christian upbringing. (Contemporary Romance from Forget Me Not Romance [Winged Publication])

Believing in Tomorrow by Kimberly Rae Jordan — Sammi struggles to accept the consequences for her actions and to live with her new reality—unwed mother instead of wife and then mother. Though it eats at her soul, she feels that the judgment she faces is her lot to bear. Can Levi get Sammi to see that their child deserves better? Or will she lose everything she’s dreamed of for her tomorrow because she can’t accept that forgiveness is hers for the taking? (Contemporary Romance, ACFW QIP)

Texas Christmas Twins by Deb Kastner — Miranda Morgan’s Christmas will be twice as busy now that she’s guardian of her sister’s sweet twin babies. But the celebrity photographer is happy to trade a glamorous LA lifestyle for motherhood in her small hometown of Wildhorn, Texas. Unfortunately, the twins’ handsome godfather, Simon West, is unconvinced. The brooding rancher isn’t thrilled about letting sunny, spontaneous Miranda into his carefully managed world. Though they disagree on almost everything, Simon and Miranda discover common ground as they work to make the twins’ first country Christmas cozy and bright. Could this holiday transform Miranda and Simon’s tentative friendship into a forever love? (Contemporary Romance from Love Inspired [Harlequin])

Historical:

The Legacy by Carol Ashby — A father’s martyrdom makes his son and daughter hunger for revenge on their brother who betrayed him and the people who led him to faith until God answers their father’s final prayer in unexpected ways. (Historical from Cerrillo Press)

Jerusalem Rising by Barbara M. Britton — When Adah bat Shallum finds the governor of Judah weeping over the crumbling wall of Jerusalem, she learns the reason for Nehemiah’s unexpected visit,God has called him to rebuild the wall around the City of David. Nehemiah challenges the people of God to labor on the wall and in return, the names of their fathers will be written in the annals for future generations to cherish. But Adah has one sister and no brothers. Will her father, who rules a half-district of Jerusalem, be forgotten forever? Adah bravely vows to rebuild her city’s wall, though she soon discovers that Jerusalem not only has enemies outside the city, but also within. Can Adah, her sister, and the men they love, honor God’s call? Or will their mission be crushed by the same stones they hope to construct? (Historical from Harbourlight Books [Pelican])

Historical Mystery:

Death at Thorburn Hall by Julianna Deering — Amateur sleuth Drew Farthering and his wife Madeline travel to Scotland for the 1935 British Open, but instead of a relaxing holiday, they find murder, mystery, and international intrigue. (Historical Mystery from Bethany House [Baker])

Waiting for His Return by Carrie Turansky — The daughter of a wealthy Tennessee doctor falls in love with an injured artist-correspondent on assignment to cover the battles near Union occupied Nashville. (Historical Mystery from Flowing Stream Books)

Historical Romance:

The Virtuous Viscount by Susan M. Baganz — Lord Remington falls for a woman he rescues and recovers in his home, but can Miss Storm trust his virtue when he risks his reputation to unbeknownst to her, saves her life. (Historical Romance from Harbourlight Books [Pelican])

Lord Phillip’s Folly by Susan M. Baganz — Lord Westcombe finds himself falling in love with his unexpected wife and having to rescue her from the devices of the Black Diamond with the help of his friends and newfound faith. (Historical Romance from White Rose Publishing [Pelican])

The Regency Brides Collection by Amanda Barratt, Angela Bell, Susanne Dietze, Michelle Griep, Nancy Moser, MaryLu Tyndall, and Erica Vetsch — Romance is a delicate dance bound by rules and expectations in Regency England…Seven couples must navigate society’s gauntlet to secure the hand of true love…. Charity and Luke are strangers who were forced to marry three years ago. Adelaide and Walter share a love of music and disdain for elitism. Caroline and Henry are thrown together by three orphans. Helen and Isaac harbor his unlikely secret. Esther is empowered to choose between two men. Sophia is determined not to choose a man like Nash. Jamie and William face a daunting London season together. Will their faith grow and love prevail in a time when both were considered luxuries the elite could not afford? (Historical Romance from Barbour Publishing)

The Sound of Rain by Sarah Loudin Thomas — Judd Markley is a hardworking coal miner who rarely thinks much past tomorrow until he loses his brother–and nearly his own life–in a mine cave-in. Vowing never to enter the darkness of a mine again, he leaves all he knows in West Virginia to escape to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. It’s 1954, the seaside community is thriving, and Judd soon hires on with a timber company. Larkin Heyward’s life in Myrtle Beach is uncomplicated, mostly doing volunteer work and dancing at the Pavilion. But she dreams of one day doing more–maybe moving to the hollers of Kentucky to help the poor children of Appalachia. But she’s never even met someone who’s lived there–until she encounters Judd, the newest employee at her father’s timber company. Drawn together in the wake of a devastating hurricane, Judd and Larkin each seek answers to what tomorrow will bring. As opposition rises against following their divergent dreams, they realize that it may take a miracle for them to be together. (Historical Romance from Bethany House [Baker])

Legal Thriller:

Guilty Blood by Rick Acker — A desperate mother tries to prove her son’s innocence, but shadowy forces want to keep him in jail–and kill him there. (Legal Thriller from Waterfall Press)

Romantic Suspense:

An Unexpected Legacy by Amy R. Anguish — When Chad Manning introduces himself to Jessica Garcia at her favorite smoothie shop, it’s like he stepped out of one of her romance novels. But as she tentatively walks into a relationship with this man of her dreams, secrets from their past threaten to shatter their already fragile bond. Chad and Jessica must struggle to figure out if their relationship has a chance or if there is nothing between them but a love of smoothies. (Romantic Suspense from Tulpen Publishing)

Christmas Double Cross by Jodie Bailey — Undercover Texas Ranger Colter Blackthorn’s convinced Danielle Segovia is really a wanted criminal—until she’s nearly kidnapped right in front of him. Now Colter must keep her out of the clutches of the notorious drug cartel leader whose traitor sister is a dead ringer for Danielle. The drug czar wants the drugs he thinks the pretty shop owner stole from him. And with the younger brother Danielle is raising dragged into the crosshairs, Colt has to find a way to protect them both. But a showdown at Christmas—with Danielle as bait—may be the only way to make sure they all survive the holidays. (Romantic Suspense from Love Inspired [Harlequin])

The House on Foster Hill by Jaime Jo Wright — Kaine Prescott is no stranger to death. When her husband died two years ago, her pleas for further investigation into his suspicious death fell on deaf ears. In desperate need of a fresh start, Kaine purchases an old house sight unseen in her grandfather’s Wisconsin hometown. But one look at the eerie, abandoned house immediately leaves her questioning her rash decision. And when the house’s dark history comes back with a vengeance, Kaine is forced to face the terrifying realization she has nowhere left to hide. A century earlier, the house on Foster Hill holds nothing but painful memories for Ivy Thorpe. When an unidentified woman is found dead on the property, Ivy is compelled to discover her identity. Ivy’s search leads her into dangerous waters and, even as she works together with a man from her past, can she unravel the mystery before any other lives–including her own–are lost? (Romantic Suspense from Bethany House [Baker])

Speculative:

Awakened by Morgan L. Busse — The monster has awakened. After her escape from the Tower and from her father’s experiments, Kat Bloodmayne wakes up to discover the dark power inside of her has grown stronger. Now more than ever she needs to find the doctor who holds the key to healing her, but the only one who can help her find him is Stephen Grey, the very man who betrayed her. Stephen Grey cannot change the past or what he did to Kat, but he will do everything he can to help her now. But will Kat let him? Or will his transgression be too much to overcome? Time races against them as they travel with sky pirates through harrowing storms and across the war-torn country of Austrium in search of the doctor who can cure Kat. But can he cure what is broken inside of her? Or will the monster inside of Kat consume her soul? (Speculative from Enclave Publishing)

Tags: authors, contemporary romances, Fiction Finder: November 2017 New Releases, historical mystery, historical romance, Julie Arduini, legal thriller, romantic suspense

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Published on November 04, 2017 21:00

November 2017 New Releases
More in-depth descriptions of ...

November 2017 New Releases

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

Contemporary Romance:

Rooted in Love by Valerie Comer — A divorcé with a set of rambunctious twins falls for the boys’ daycare administrator, but does he deserve another chance at love? (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published)

Prescription for Romance by June Foster — Though history teacher Scott Townsend made a commitment to the Lord as a teen, he can’t relinquish his bitterness toward his younger brother after he squanders their parents’ money. When a beautiful, young pharmacist seeks affirmation in a way that challenges Scott’s values, he must uphold his Christian upbringing. (Contemporary Romance from Forget Me Not Romance [Winged Publication])

Believing in Tomorrow by Kimberly Rae Jordan — Sammi struggles to accept the consequences for her actions and to live with her new reality—unwed mother instead of wife and then mother. Though it eats at her soul, she feels that the judgment she faces is her lot to bear. Can Levi get Sammi to see that their child deserves better? Or will she lose everything she’s dreamed of for her tomorrow because she can’t accept that forgiveness is hers for the taking? (Contemporary Romance, ACFW QIP)

Texas Christmas Twins by Deb Kastner — Miranda Morgan’s Christmas will be twice as busy now that she’s guardian of her sister’s sweet twin babies. But the celebrity photographer is happy to trade a glamorous LA lifestyle for motherhood in her small hometown of Wildhorn, Texas. Unfortunately, the twins’ handsome godfather, Simon West, is unconvinced. The brooding rancher isn’t thrilled about letting sunny, spontaneous Miranda into his carefully managed world. Though they disagree on almost everything, Simon and Miranda discover common ground as they work to make the twins’ first country Christmas cozy and bright. Could this holiday transform Miranda and Simon’s tentative friendship into a forever love? (Contemporary Romance from Love Inspired [Harlequin])

Historical:

The Legacy by Carol Ashby — A father’s martyrdom makes his son and daughter hunger for revenge on their brother who betrayed him and the people who led him to faith until God answers their father’s final prayer in unexpected ways. (Historical from Cerrillo Press)

Jerusalem Rising by Barbara M. Britton — When Adah bat Shallum finds the governor of Judah weeping over the crumbling wall of Jerusalem, she learns the reason for Nehemiah’s unexpected visit,God has called him to rebuild the wall around the City of David. Nehemiah challenges the people of God to labor on the wall and in return, the names of their fathers will be written in the annals for future generations to cherish. But Adah has one sister and no brothers. Will her father, who rules a half-district of Jerusalem, be forgotten forever? Adah bravely vows to rebuild her city’s wall, though she soon discovers that Jerusalem not only has enemies outside the city, but also within. Can Adah, her sister, and the men they love, honor God’s call? Or will their mission be crushed by the same stones they hope to construct? (Historical from Harbourlight Books [Pelican])

Historical Mystery:

Death at Thorburn Hall by Julianna Deering — Amateur sleuth Drew Farthering and his wife Madeline travel to Scotland for the 1935 British Open, but instead of a relaxing holiday, they find murder, mystery, and international intrigue. (Historical Mystery from Bethany House [Baker])

Waiting for His Return by Carrie Turansky — The daughter of a wealthy Tennessee doctor falls in love with an injured artist-correspondent on assignment to cover the battles near Union occupied Nashville. (Historical Mystery from Flowing Stream Books)

Historical Romance:

The Virtuous Viscount by Susan M. Baganz — Lord Remington falls for a woman he rescues and recovers in his home, but can Miss Storm trust his virtue when he risks his reputation to unbeknownst to her, saves her life. (Historical Romance from Harbourlight Books [Pelican])

Lord Phillip’s Folly by Susan M. Baganz — Lord Westcombe finds himself falling in love with his unexpected wife and having to rescue her from the devices of the Black Diamond with the help of his friends and newfound faith. (Historical Romance from White Rose Publishing [Pelican])

The Regency Brides Collection by Amanda Barratt, Angela Bell, Susanne Dietze, Michelle Griep, Nancy Moser, MaryLu Tyndall, and Erica Vetsch — Romance is a delicate dance bound by rules and expectations in Regency England…Seven couples must navigate society’s gauntlet to secure the hand of true love…. Charity and Luke are strangers who were forced to marry three years ago. Adelaide and Walter share a love of music and disdain for elitism. Caroline and Henry are thrown together by three orphans. Helen and Isaac harbor his unlikely secret. Esther is empowered to choose between two men. Sophia is determined not to choose a man like Nash. Jamie and William face a daunting London season together. Will their faith grow and love prevail in a time when both were considered luxuries the elite could not afford? (Historical Romance from Barbour Publishing)

The Sound of Rain by Sarah Loudin Thomas — Judd Markley is a hardworking coal miner who rarely thinks much past tomorrow until he loses his brother–and nearly his own life–in a mine cave-in. Vowing never to enter the darkness of a mine again, he leaves all he knows in West Virginia to escape to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. It’s 1954, the seaside community is thriving, and Judd soon hires on with a timber company. Larkin Heyward’s life in Myrtle Beach is uncomplicated, mostly doing volunteer work and dancing at the Pavilion. But she dreams of one day doing more–maybe moving to the hollers of Kentucky to help the poor children of Appalachia. But she’s never even met someone who’s lived there–until she encounters Judd, the newest employee at her father’s timber company. Drawn together in the wake of a devastating hurricane, Judd and Larkin each seek answers to what tomorrow will bring. As opposition rises against following their divergent dreams, they realize that it may take a miracle for them to be together. (Historical Romance from Bethany House [Baker])

Legal Thriller:

Guilty Blood by Rick Acker — A desperate mother tries to prove her son’s innocence, but shadowy forces want to keep him in jail–and kill him there. (Legal Thriller from Waterfall Press)

Romantic Suspense:

An Unexpected Legacy by Amy R. Anguish — When Chad Manning introduces himself to Jessica Garcia at her favorite smoothie shop, it’s like he stepped out of one of her romance novels. But as she tentatively walks into a relationship with this man of her dreams, secrets from their past threaten to shatter their already fragile bond. Chad and Jessica must struggle to figure out if their relationship has a chance or if there is nothing between them but a love of smoothies. (Romantic Suspense from Tulpen Publishing)

Christmas Double Cross by Jodie Bailey — Undercover Texas Ranger Colter Blackthorn’s convinced Danielle Segovia is really a wanted criminal—until she’s nearly kidnapped right in front of him. Now Colter must keep her out of the clutches of the notorious drug cartel leader whose traitor sister is a dead ringer for Danielle. The drug czar wants the drugs he thinks the pretty shop owner stole from him. And with the younger brother Danielle is raising dragged into the crosshairs, Colt has to find a way to protect them both. But a showdown at Christmas—with Danielle as bait—may be the only way to make sure they all survive the holidays. (Romantic Suspense from Love Inspired [Harlequin])

The House on Foster Hill by Jaime Jo Wright — Kaine Prescott is no stranger to death. When her husband died two years ago, her pleas for further investigation into his suspicious death fell on deaf ears. In desperate need of a fresh start, Kaine purchases an old house sight unseen in her grandfather’s Wisconsin hometown. But one look at the eerie, abandoned house immediately leaves her questioning her rash decision. And when the house’s dark history comes back with a vengeance, Kaine is forced to face the terrifying realization she has nowhere left to hide. A century earlier, the house on Foster Hill holds nothing but painful memories for Ivy Thorpe. When an unidentified woman is found dead on the property, Ivy is compelled to discover her identity. Ivy’s search leads her into dangerous waters and, even as she works together with a man from her past, can she unravel the mystery before any other lives–including her own–are lost? (Romantic Suspense from Bethany House [Baker])

Speculative:

Awakened by Morgan L. Busse — The monster has awakened. After her escape from the Tower and from her father’s experiments, Kat Bloodmayne wakes up to discover the dark power inside of her has grown stronger. Now more than ever she needs to find the doctor who holds the key to healing her, but the only one who can help her find him is Stephen Grey, the very man who betrayed her. Stephen Grey cannot change the past or what he did to Kat, but he will do everything he can to help her now. But will Kat let him? Or will his transgression be too much to overcome? Time races against them as they travel with sky pirates through harrowing storms and across the war-torn country of Austrium in search of the doctor who can cure Kat. But can he cure what is broken inside of her? Or will the monster inside of Kat consume her soul? (Speculative from Enclave Publishing)

Tags: authors, contemporary romances, Fiction Finder: November 2017 New Releases, historical mystery, historical romance, Julie Arduini, legal thriller, romantic suspense

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Published on November 04, 2017 21:00

Thankful for His Perfect Love by Sharon K. Connell

thank·ful

ˈTHaNGkfəl

Adjective: pleased and relieved.

Synonyms: grateful, appreciative, filled with gratitude, relieved, expressing gratitude, and relief.

Yep, that’s me—all of the above. Mostly to God.

Hi, I’m author, Sharon K. Connell.

Thankfulness to me is an everyday thing. The air we breathe, the food He provides, a roof over my head, and the clothes I wear. But most of all, to Jesus for dying for my sins and making me His own child.

Some other things for which I am thankful are the country we live in, the beauty that surrounds us, the people that come into our lives. Then there is the privilege of being a writer.

As I said, I’m an author. I write Christian/Romance/Suspense, with a touch of mystery and humor mixed in for good measure. God has given me this talent, and I try to always use it for Him whether it’s in writing a good story, putting together my monthly newsletter, adding things to my website, Tweeting, or posting on my Facebook group forum or any of the other pages I’ve joined.

Oh, and one other thing for which I’m very thankful, God’s mercy. I’m human, just like the rest of you, with all my faults and shortcomings. And yet, He loves me.

Here’s a little about my latest release, His Perfect Love. A good example of how God shows His mercy.

When Patricia’s guilt and fear get the better of her, she runs to the big city to hide. But she soon finds that circumstances chip away at the safety she felt there. Will running again prevent her from being found? And if she is…what then?

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

Sharon K. Connell writes from her home in Houston, Texas. Her stories are about people who discover that God is able and willing to help if they will ask…and trust in Him and His timing. Her first novel, written in the deep point of view style, was released December 2016. Since then she has been working on rewriting all her novels into this engaging style of writing.

A Very Present Help was Sharon’s first novel, published in 2014, and has now been rewritten as a second edition in a more exciting style, soon to be released. She has two other novels in the process of rewriting into her new style.

Website: http://sharonkconnell.com/

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

Author’s book page on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/averypresenthelpbook1

Group Forum on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/writersandauthorsforum/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/SharonKConnell

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

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

Book trailers for novels by Sharon K. Connell

His Perfect Love https://youtu.be/e3tRr6mLzZk

Paths of Righteousness (rewrite in progress) http://youtu.be/w2JkmYqhFyE

There Abideth Hope (rewrite in progress) http://youtu.be/16G7IZaZB9Y

And Coming soon, A Very Present Help 2017 Edition https://youtu.be/3a75HKgSkao

Tags: A Very Present Help, author, His Perfect Love, Julie Arduini, Paths of Righteousness, Sharon K. Connell, thankful, Thankful for His Perfect Love by Sharon K. Connell, Thanksgiving, There Abideth Hope

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Published on November 03, 2017 21:00

Thankful Series Kick-Off: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

Hi! Remember me? I’m the author of this blog. It’s been so long I feel like I need to re-introduce myself. I look like this:

This blog was my first, my baby, the one writing vessel I clung tightly to as I sought publication. In the last couple years as I followed God’s call to have my own writing and speaking ministry (and released four books,) this little blog hasn’t featured my own voice for a long time.

And I hate that.

I miss it.

I hope to catch you up with this post, and most importantly, kick off what I think might be the 10th year of the thankful series here at juliearduini.com. Each November I hand the blog over to anyone wishing to share why they are thankful. There are some great guest bloggers lined up with amazing gratitude. I don’t know about you, but I feel this is a critical juncture at this time, in this world.

I need to hear positive words. Encouragement. Affirmation. Thankfulness.

Why not start here?

If you aren’t subscribed to the blog, click to the right sidebar and you will be able to receive the posts to your inbox. You don’t want to miss the thankful series, trust me!

This year hasn’t been horrible, but it’s been hard. I figured I’d be thankful for the good, the bad, and the ugly.

Let’s go.

THE GOOD

We have two grandsons! They both live in the same state (sadly, not the state we live in,) and are very close in age. It’s going to be so much fun watching them grow up together.
Our daughter is thriving. She has braces, she is on student council, and bouncing back after a brutal 7th grade experience.
Our son is doing well as a sophomore at Kent State. This semester he’s 100% online, and that’s been such a blessing for me with various projects.
We have a wonderful family living in our rental property. God did an amazing thing orchestrating it.
I finished the Surrendering Time series, and am grateful for the readers who have been transformed by the surrender messages.
I received an invitation to join Inspy Romance, and love being a monthly blogger with them.
I created a community of encouragement called 180 Encouragements. For us, we pick a slip each school day and start it with words of life. It’s also for anyone else to take the images/words and encourage someone else.

THE BAD

My word for the year is transformation and I never thought I’d see so much change hit so fast and hard. Our son saw so much change with friendships, school, and work. What was hard to watch was knowing he’d done all the right things. It was Christ refining him, growing him. As a mom, it was tough to observe.
As I mentioned, our daughter did not have a great 7th grade year. Like her brother, she was doing the right things and there were key people around her who destroyed the joy she so naturally carried.
Car repairs. My husband’s retirement was on the table as something to talk about with a timeline. Then the transmission on his car went. The repairs were crushing. Our son’s car had a major repair that was a fire hazard, and the dealer really could have cared less when I brought it to their attention, making us pay $200 more than they quoted, and that quote was outrageous. Retirement? We can’t even afford for him to talk about it anymore.
We had a situation where we trusted and got burned. It was a financial gift that was a sacrifice for us that cost us thousands in the end. More than that, it paralyzed us from trusting for a bit. It forced us to work on restoring property we didn’t have time or money to invest, but we had to. Things we lent that were nearly or brand new were lost or destroyed.

THE UGLY

Not even a week into the new year and we learned that our friend’s three year old daughter was taken from them through the actions of a refugee who received her license although she can’t speak or read English. Before this tragedy, she had already been cited for driving down the wrong way. In this instance she hit both the girl’s father, and the girl, while her friends from pre school witnessed it. The driver was not cited, and last I knew, has her license and is still driving. I don’t want to be political, but I will be real—this aspect of the refugee debate has not been discussed, and it is a real issue. No one should have to attend a funeral for a child. No. One.
All the changes with the kids took me to a new place I had not known outside of hormone imbalance, anxiety. I feared new situations for them and wanted to be one step ahead. I wanted to take their pain and wrap it in a ball and throw it all away. I yearned to talk to the people who hurt them, intentional or not, I wanted to have the last word. I was exhausted even after sleeping, craved sugary foods again, and felt like I backtracked in health progress from last year.
So many tragedies this year. Hurricanes. Earthquakes. Terrorism. Division. Ugly isn’t a strong enough word.

It’s hard to be thankful for the bad and the ugly, but as much as I can be for these hard and even terrible things, I am. With the kids, I had to lean on God and trust Him. Instead of acting on my temptations, I was able to wait on God and watch Him work wonders. And He is. I still have a quick seize of fear when something new or shocking comes our way, but my time is shorter in surrendering that fear to Him instead of trying to tackle it for myself.

With our friends, they are grieving, understandably. I am thankful to see they have a very strong support system. They created a page on Facebook encouraging people to do acts of Kindness in Regan’s memory. Their goal is for her not to be forgotten. There is also space dedicated to Regan at The Wild Animal Park in Chittenago, New York. Families can now have a seat and photo opportunities at a place Regan loved. Many people came together to make this happen. Recently, people are painting rocks and hiding them as another way to honor and remember her. These are ways to make the goal a reality, and help her family.

These days, it’s hard to be thankful. I haven’t met anyone this year who has boasted of a perfect life. There is hurt and hardship everywhere. Thankfulness makes a difference and is a choice. I pray the posts throughout this month lift you up.

Just like you have for me.

Tags: 180 encouragements, and the Ugly, bad, change, division, good, gratitude, hurt, Julie Arduini, November, thankful, Thankful Series Kick-Off: The Good, Thanksgiving, the Bad, tragedy, transformation, ugly, united

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Published on October 31, 2017 21:00

Humble Thyself: 7 Steps to Resolve Conflict by Susan K. Stewart

Humble Thyself: 7 Steps to Resolve Conflict

By Susan K. Stewart

A recent undercurrent of discontent infected our congregation. I’d developed a terrible attitude about the situation, and I sat trying to be attentive for the sermon titled: Resolution: The Mathew Solution. I missed it.

During the following week, God led me to James 4:7-10. My heart opened to the clear steps to resolving conflict.

Submit to God

No matter the circumstances, submit to God. Ask for his wisdom to see the truth, not the colored viewpoint of humans. Be willing to follow him … wherever it may lead.

Resist the devil

As we submit to God, we resist the devil. But the attacks will continue during the peacemaking process. Satan wants to convince us we aren’t at fault and that following God’s way is troublesome, a lot of work, and a hindrance to the outcome we want.

Draw near to God

The more we resist the devil, the closer we draw near to God. As we move closer to him, the better able we are to resist the devil, remove our own desires and submit to his.

Cleanse your hands

We’ve become ingrained with Mt. 18—go to the one who has sinned against you. Instead we should be looking at our own sin. “First take the log out of your own eye” (Mt. 7:5 NASB). We need to face our own sin before we confront anyone else’s.

Purify your heart

The goal of conflict resolution is reconciliation with God. To approach a solution to the friction, our own hearts need to be clean. This is done by seeking to please God, not other people. Not everyone will be happy, but God will be delighted.

Be miserable and mourn and weep

Sin is the root of strife and we should be saddened and repentant. As we submit to God’s authority and purify our hearts, we come to realize how destructive our own sin is in the conflict.

Humble yourself

Humility isn’t weakness; it’s the opposite of pride and admits we can do nothing on our own. When pride takes hold, we think we have the solution to any problem. But only God is the true peacemaker.

The next time conflict resolution is the topic, remember James’s steps to peacemaking. Resolve the strife in yourself, and then you’ll be prepared to help others.

Is there a conflict in your life? How will you follow James’s steps to resolve it?

ABOUT

When she’s not tending chickens and donkeys, Susan K. Stewart teaches, writes, and edits non-fiction. Susan’s passion is to inspire readers and listeners with practical, real-world solutions. Her books include Science in the Kitchen and Preschool: At What Cost? and the award-winning Formatting e-Books for Writers. Contact Susan to speak to your group her website www.practicalinspirations.com.

Tags: conflict, division, guest blogger, Humble Thyself: 7 Steps to Resolve Conflict by Susan K. Stewart, Julie Arduini, resolution, Susan K. Stewart, unity

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Published on October 26, 2017 21:00

Caregiver Guilt: Confessions of a Walking Glue Stick by Dr. Linda Cobourn

Caregiver Guilt: Confessions of a Walking Glue Stick

By Dr. Linda Cobourn

“I’m rubber, you’re glue, whatever you say bounces off me and sticks to you.”

My father-in-law blamed me. It was unreasonable, hurled out of frustration while we stood in the trauma unit, waiting to see if my husband would survive. I was thirty miles away in a graduate class when the driver of the pick-up truck broadsided Ron’s Taurus, but the reproach stayed with me for seventeen years.

I’m a walking glue stick.

Guilt is a common emotion for those who find themselves in the position of caregiver. The 2015 State of Caregiving Report noted that 81% of spousal caregivers feel guilty, making guilt the #1 emotional trap. We think we should do it all without complaint and we become frustrated with ourselves because we can’t. We self-punish for simply being human. I beat myself up for an accident I did not cause, questioning every decision I made concerning my husband’s care. Yes, I agreed to the emergency surgery and it damaged his heart. My fault. Yes, I let him be put into the rehab unit where his slippers were misplaced and he caught pneumonia. My fault. I even had occasional thoughts that it might have been better if Ron had not survived the accident.

That thought stuck on with Gorilla Glue.

But God is a solvent to even the strongest of adhesives. I began to search the Scriptures for a way to dislodge my self-reproach. One day, I was led to this verse in Joshua 5:9:

This day have I rolled away the reproach of Egypt from you.

The Israelites had been so beaten down by 430 years of slavery they no longer believed God could love them. Before they entered the Promised Land, God told them that the shame they carried was rolled off them. They were not stuck with the reproach of Egypt. They could stop being walking glue sticks.

So could I. It took time, prayer, and counsel from friends to realize that the guilt I bore was irrational. I held myself responsible for things that were not my responsibility. God had forgiven my shortcomings; I needed to forgive myself. Time to learn to be more like rubber, repelling thoughtless remarks.

Just the other day, someone ventured to criticize a decision I’d made for my husband’s well-being. I let it bounce off me.

Because it really is better to be rubber.

ABOUT

Dr. Linda Cobourn is a Literacy Specialist who works with at-risk learners and non-traditional college students. She holds Instructional II certificates from Pennsylvania and Delaware in Elementary Education K-6 and Reading PK-12. Dr. Cobourn earned her doctoral degree in Educational Leadership, focusing on the use of critical literacy in middle school. Currently, she teaches at Springfield College in Wilmington. She was recently cited by the Mayor of Philadelphia for her work constructing literacy programs for inner-city youth. She is the author of three published books and writes a blog at http://writingonthebrokenroad.blogspo...

Tags: caregiver, Caregiver Guilt: Confessions of a Walking Glue Stick by Dr. Linda Cobourn, Dr. Linda Cobourn, guilt, Joshua 5:9, Julie Arduini, spouse

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Published on October 24, 2017 21:00

Folk Hero by Katheryn Maddox Haddad

A Child’s Life of Christ: FOLK HERO

Storybook #2 in Series THEY MET JESUS

In storybook 4, your children meet….

*Pharisees & a Sinner where they learn about forgiveness.

*Five Rich Women where they learn to share with the less fortunate.

*Lawyers where they learn to be good all the time, not just when someone is watching them.

*Sad People Who Hurt where they learn sing to a blind person or use their own sign language to talk to a deaf person

*Wind & Water where they learn to tell someone afraid of spiders, thunder, etc. God will protect them.

*Girl & Lady where they learn about going to heaven some day.

*Jealous Neighbors where they learn to treat others the way they want treated.

*John the Baptist where they learn about going to heaven some day.

*Thousands of Hungry Families where they learn to plant a seed and watch it grow bigger.

*Foreign Girl where they learn to thank God when he answers a prayer.

Here is a sample from one of the chapters:

5 RICH WOMEN

Some people have nice things in their home, but never share them. Do you have any nice things you could share?

Joanna was rich and had a lot of money. Her husband had an important job being in charge of Prince Herod’s palace.

One day her little boy almost died. But Jesus just spoke a few words, and her little boy was completely well that very minute.

So Joanna decided to give Jesus some money for food and supplies so he and his twelve apostles could travel many places to tell people God loves them.

Salome was rich and had a lot of money. Her husband owned a fishing business. They had a big house and everything.

Jesus chose two of her sons ~ James and John ~ to be his special apostles and lead the new kingdom of God when it came.

So, Salome decided to give Jesus money sometimes too, to help pay for his travels.

Suzanna was rich and had a lot of money. She not only wanted to give Jesus money, but she also wanted to travel with him and his apostles to help out.

Then, when Jesus preached and women decided to follow his good ways, she could give them advice. Joanna and Salome decided to go with Suzanna.

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.