Julie Arduini's Blog, page 77

Charlotte’s Garden by Shirley Johnson

Charlotte’s Garden

By Shirley Johnson

 

Charlotte loved to work in her garden in the morning. She could hear the morning birds greet the day with a song. The refreshing dewdrops found rest upon the garden. The flowers seemed to smile back at the sun.

 

Charlotte worked hard at maintaining the presentation and growth of the garden. She knew with the proper care it would not only look beautiful, but create a peaceful atmosphere for those viewing it. From childhood, she knew which of the elements and garden intruders can interfere with the presentation and growth of the garden and which are harmless.

 

The garden often ministered to Charlotte. She embraced the seasons of the garden. It often shared reflections of life and whispers of hope.

 

While working in the garden a ladybug crawled on her sleeve. There was a time many years ago if this happened she would have panicked. She smiled and laughed to herself. She thought back to when she was a very small child. She was with her mom visiting at their friend’s home. The porch provided a favorite play area. Somehow a ladybug crawled right where she sat. She cried out to her mom for help.

 

Charlotte’s mom came running in response to her cries. While Charlotte saw a big intruder, her mother saw a simple little ladybug. “Oh, Charlotte.” “It’s okay,” said her mom. Her mom had gardened a long time and knew the difference between a harmless bug and dangerous ones. “This is just an innocent little bug that somehow landed in the wrong place.” She calmly scooped up the ladybug with her gentle hands, opened the screen door, and let it go.

 

Life’s seasons have a way of presenting itself with different problems. There are times when we have real problems, big problems that we need to face, address and solve. Sometimes though, we have little irritations that invade our space. They land right where we sit in life. They have us talking, repeating, agonizing and spinning our wheels. They interfere and distract us from the purpose and plan in our lives. They “bug” us.

 

When those little irritations land in our space,

look at them and determine how big they are.

Perhaps there are times when we too must open the screen door and let them go.

 

ABOUT

Shirley Johnson shares inspiration and encouragement through her writing. She is a member of SCBWI and ACFW. She loves to read and has volunteered at her local Public Library as an Adult Literacy Tutor. She shares her writing on her blog. Connect with her on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

https://twitter.com/shrlyjohnson

https://www.instagram.com/shrlyjohnson/?hl=en

https://www.facebook.com/shrlyjohnson

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tags:  bug, Charlotte's Garden by Shirley Johnson, garden, guest blogger, Julie Arduini, ladybug, little girl, parable




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 COTT: Cynthia L. Simmons Interviews 2012 Laurel Award Winner Laura V. Hilton  COTT: Laura V. Hilton Wins 2012 Laurel Award  January 2, I No Longer Hate You  Video of the Week: A White Christmas in Webster County by Laura V. Hilton  Thankful: A Choice We Make by Martha RogersCopyright © Julie Arduini [Charlotte's Garden by Shirley Johnson], All Right Reserved. 2017.

Guilt to Love by Sara L. Foust

Guilt to Love

Sara L. Foust

The main theme I hope readers will gather from Callum’s Compass is that God loves us no matter what we do or have done. My two main characters both have a past that haunts them. When Kat was a child her brother died in a gruesome accident and Kat believes it was her fault. To this day, she carries her brother’s compass in her pocket to remind her of him and, subconsciously, to remind herself of what she did. These constant reminders are her penance for what she views as her greatest sin.

Ryan’s fiancée was murdered because of his link to a drug crime and he blames himself for her death. If only he had not left her alone, she could’ve been saved. Now, years later, he still carries that guilt and finds that a monster of a temper dwells within him. It lashes out at times, hurting the ones around him and keeping him tethered to his guilt.

Both of these characters are fictional, but they have something in common with us. We have all done things we aren’t proud of and feel guilty for. I know I certainly have. Kat and Ryan both learn some important lessons through the adventure they end up sharing. The main one, though: God’s love is perfect. Once they realize His love still abounds for them, their transformations are beautiful.

God forgave me of my sins when I was 19 and committed my life to Him. He forgave you of yours too. If you have never asked Him to, He will when you surrender to Him. When the past threatens to catch up with me, I remember Psalm 103:12, “As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgression from us.”

If you read Callum’s Compass and it touches you in some way (which is my hope), please let me know. I’d love to hear your stories! It is now available for preorder on Amazon at a discounted rate until November 7th when it officially releases.

About Callum’s Compass:

KAT WILLIAMS’S brother died in a gruesome accident in the mountains of East Tennessee. She blames herself.

RYAN JENKINS’S fiancée was murdered. He couldn’t protect her.

With the death of her brother, Kat believes she is unworthy of love from anyone—even God. When a good friend elicits a promise that she will stop living in the past and then leaves her clues to a real-life treasure hunt, Kat embarks on an adventure chock-full of danger. To find the treasure, Kat will have to survive wild animals—and even wilder men. Can she rely on Ryan, the handsome wildlife officer assigned to protect her . . . without falling in love?

Ryan swore off love when his fiancée was murdered, but feelings long-buried rise to the surface around Kat. He volunteers to help with her treasure hunt, vowing to keep her safe. Together they venture deep into caves and tunnels . . . and even deeper into the depths of their unplumbed hearts.

Buy Links:

eBook Available for preorder now for only $2.99! https://www.amazon.com/dp/B076B9PBZL

Sara writes Inspirational Romantic Suspense from a mini-farm in East Tennessee, where she lives with her husband and their five homeschooled children. She earned her Bachelor’s degree from the University of Tennessee and is a member of ACFW and Tennessee Mountain Writers. Callum’s Compass won second place in Deep River Books’ 2017 Writer’s Contest.  Sara also has a story, “Leap of Faith,” that will appear in Chicken Soup for the Soul: Step Outside Your Comfort Zone. Gain access to a FREE digital scrapbook detailing some real-life places from Callum’s Compass by signing up for her newsletter: www.saralfoust.com. 

How to reach me:

Website: saralfoust.com
Email: sfoust25@hotmail.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SaraLFoust/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Sfoust25
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/sfoust25/
Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/+SaraFoustSaraLFoust

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/author/saralfoust

Tags:  Amazon ebook, author, Callum's Compass, faith in Christ, Guilt to Love by Sara L. Foust, Julie Arduini, New Release, pre order, relationship with Jesus




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 Odyssey Adventure Club Membership $5 for First Month  COTT Champ Lisa T. Bergren  Thankful for the Things That Are Easy to Take for Granted by Linda Maran  Marriage Monday on Sunday: My Ultimate Surrender  Star Song: They Met Jesus by Katheryn Maddox HaddadCopyright © Julie Arduini [Guilt to Love by Sara L. Foust], All Right Reserved. 2017.

Remembering John Denver through HER ROCKY MOUNTAIN HIGHNESS

Darlene Franklin is a writing friend with a release that needed some promotion help, and I wanted to help out. I didn’t know on Thursday it was the anniversary of John Denver’s death, and her book pays tribute through her fiction. Check it out!

Krystal Black had helped foreign dignitaries before but never was tempted to join their ranks.

Prince Johann “John” van Koppelberg came to the Colorado Rockies expecting a vacation. He hadn’t planned to fall in love with his tourism director.

But like John Denver, the prince found a home and fell in love. Now if only he could get Krystal and his parents to agree.

Purchase Her Rocky Mountain Highness HERE

Tags:  author, Colorado, contemporary romance, Darlene Franklin, fiction, John Denver, Julie Arduini, New Release, Remembering John Denver through Her Rocky Mountain Highness, Rocky Mountain Highness




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 Sabbath Sunday: I Got This  Writers: Pens of Mystery Looking for Submissions  Fiction Friday: Second Time Around  Surrender to Prayer by Bruce Judisch  Sabbath Sunday: When You Lose Your WayCopyright © Julie Arduini [Remembering John Denver through HER ROCKY MOUNTAIN HIGHNESS], All Right Reserved. 2017.

So You Want to be a Sheep? Maureen Hager

So You Want to be a Sheep?

By Maureen Hager

 

Sheep are mentioned in the Bible more than any other animal; symbolically they refer to God’s people. All the sheep that belong to the shepherd are of one flock.

 

God has many names; each one describes an attribute of His character. A favorite name is Yahweh-Rohi – The Lord, Our Shepherd. Here is the description of the relationship our God wants with us. The Lord is my Shepherd I shall not want (Psalm 23:1).

 

What a beautiful picture of the rest we have in Him. Are you stressed today? Find rest in the green pastures of His finished work. Find hope and restoration as He restores your soul.

 

The Lord tells us in Isaiah 53:6 that most sheep will go astray and follow their own way. Are you a stubborn sheep, straying on the wrong path and in need of guidance and correction?

 

A shepherd’s rod redirects and corrects the sheep. The staff is used to lift and restore the sheep.  Trust and hope in the Good Shepherd to lead you out of the pit of despair.

 

I once traveled on the wrong path. This misguided search led me into a painful journey of drug addiction and life in a motorcycle gang. I was that stubborn sheep that got caught up in a violent gang war and became a broken victim. Crippling bullets forever changed my life.

 

Eventually, I encountered the hope and healing of God’s transforming love. A victorious life in Him is meant to be lived on the paths of righteousness and not in the past.

 

So why would you want to be a sheep? Like sheep, we need only to trust the Lord and follow Him. We need Jesus, our Good Shepherd to lead and guide us, to care for us, and to protect us from the enemy. What contentment and sufficiency we can have in Him.

 

Yahweh-Rohi leads us home. He lovingly rubs the healing oil on our broken and wounded hearts. The Shepherd knows our needs. He will restore us when we are broken, pick us up when we fall, and strengthen us in our weakness. Now that is a love I can trust!

 

My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand.                     John 10:27-28 (NJKV)

 

ABOUT

Maureen Hager is an author, speaker, and blogger. Her passion lies in empowering women to receive hope and healing from their brokenness through the love of God. Her testimony of deliverance and restoration has impacted women of all ages. Her book, Love’s Bullet is available Fall, 2017. Website: www.MaureenHager.com  Blog: www.OutoftheBrokenness.com

 

Tags:  Good Shepherd, guest blogger, John 10:27-28, Julie Arduini, Maureen Hager, sheep, So You Want to be a Sheep by Maureen Hager, Yahweh-Rohi




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 His Best by Teresa Pollard  Three Things About Writing I Learned From Moving  COTT: Protective Custody by Jennifer VanderKlipp Wins Clash  Sabbath Sunday: Be a Firework  Sabbath Sunday: Even in the FogCopyright © Julie Arduini [So You Want to be a Sheep? Maureen Hager], All Right Reserved. 2017.

Got Five Minutes by Letitia Suk

Got Five Minutes?

By Letitia Suk

 

“Take five minutes to pray for your work each day and see what happens,” was the challenge proposed by our pastor to the congregation years ago. I remember thinking something like, “Duh!” Of course, I already pray at least five minutes a day for my work…don’t I? Surely all the praying-on-the-run I did each day for all the flying curveballs added up to more than five minutes.

 

The nudging continued so the next morning I grabbed a timer on the way to my prayer chair, set it for five minutes and began to pray specifically for my work. Wow, that timer took a long time to ding! Challenge accepted—I was ready to see what would happen.

 

Like many of us, my work is multi-faceted. So I decided to give a minute to each of the five areas for my day-to-day projects. It seemed like one minute would be easier that five. I know, wimpy, right?

 

The first minute I gave to my coaching clients. They invested time with me to bring focus and intentionality to their lives and I wanted to give them my best work. My writing got the next minute. The current projects, the longed-for projects, my skill and wisdom in putting words on a page. Good thing the timer rang because it was easy to zone off into work mode instead of praying.

 

Speaking ministry was next. Events already scheduled and those I wanted to schedule. For my communication skills to grow and for lives to be changed. A lot for one minute.

 

My part-time chaplain work got minute #4. Patients, sensitivity, staff and overall blessing for the hospitals.

 

The last minute I saved for specific work stuff on that day’s agenda: marketing, blogging, networking. This time the five minutes flew by.

 

He was right—things happened! I felt more partnered with God in all aspects of my work. Not just that I was working for Him but with Him as I laid the concerns out each day. I saw clearer productivity and greater results.

 

All these years later, I still set my timer most days. My work depends on it.

 

Each day holds 1440 minutes…hard to claim a legitimate excuse for not finding five of them to invest in prayer over your work. You might be amazed at the return.

 

P.S.—The same five-minute principle works for other areas of your life too!

 

ABOUT

Letitia (Tish) Suk, www.letitiasuk.com, invites women to create an intentional life centered in Jesus. She blogs at hopeforthebest.org and authored Getaway with God: The Everywoman’s Guide to Personal Retreat) and Rhythms of Renewal. She is a speaker, personal retreat guide, and life coach in the Chicago area. Find Tish: https://www.facebook.com/Letitia.Suk....

Tags:  five minutes, Got Five Minutes by Letitia Suk, guest blogger, Julie Arduini, Letitia Suk, time management




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 COTT: Book Giveaway Contest Ends TONIGHT!  A2Z Meme Letter B---Brilliant Boy, Miracle Baby  Sabbath Sunday: The Muddy Road  The Bachelor by Stephanie Reed  FREE 14-Day Trial with Odyssey Adventure ClubCopyright © Julie Arduini [Got Five Minutes by Letitia Suk], All Right Reserved. 2017.

Five Tips for Flexible Family Faith Time by Stephenie Hovland

Five Tips for Flexible Family Faith Time

by Stephenie Hovland

 

Guess what? There is no such thing as a perfect Christian family! That means there isn’t one perfect way to devotions. In fact, I’m thinking the word “devotions” might need to go. Think of this as family faith time.

 

Let’s go through five tips to make your family faith time work. Remember to revisit these ideas regularly. As your family grows and ages, you might need to change how this works.

 

Purpose: This is a time for your family to meet around God’s Word. Your family and circumstances may dictate what time of day, where, what materials, how long it will last, etc. You are not trying be a theology professor or expect perfect participation from every family member every time. Just start with something (the Bible or a kids’ Bible story book, for example) and run with it. Make changes later.

 

Plan a little: Don’t worry about it being perfect, but make a few plans. Or, if you’re like me, plan a lot! I am not spontaneous, so I need to have several options. You can evaluate how it went after you’re done, so the next time is a little better.

 

Pray: I hope you pray with your family, but say a quick, private prayer as everyone gathers. That personal prayer time will help you to take a breath and let God handle things.

 

Physical: Be physical. Hold hands when you pray, hug when you’re finished, and try to touch members of your family in a loving way when you talk about and with God. We want to be Jesus “with skin on” in a sense, so we should touch. Jesus did.

 

Play: While family faith time works great around a dinner table for some, others find it easier to focus on faith talk when they’re more active. Maybe you need to take it outside and shoot some hoops while you explore God’s connections in each family member’s life. Or, perhaps you start or end your time with play. Dancing helps get the wiggles out, so it might be a great way to start your family faith time. Or, maybe after a quick devotion and prayer time, you play Candyland together as a family.

When it seems like it’ll never work, please don’t give up! Try not to force your way. Change elements of your time together, and see if something else might work better. (I say this from much experience.) Keep trying. Keep praying. God is there for you and your family.

 

 

ABOUT

Stephenie Hovland loves reading and writing devotions. She also writes rhyming Bible stories for children and resources for teachers. You can find her work at Concordia Publishing House, Creative Communications for the Parish, and many online bookstores. Visit her Facebook page: @StephenieHovlandWriter and on Twitter:@StephHovland

Tags:  faith, family, Five Tips for Flexible Family Faith Time by Stephenie Hovland, guest blogger, Julie Arduini, prayer, Stephenie Hovland, time




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 Susie May Days  Writers: Pens of Mystery Looking for Submissions  Please Look at My Foot  Saturday Confession: When a Gen X'er Marries a Boomer  Book Review: March Bride by Rachel HauckCopyright © Julie Arduini [Five Tips for Flexible Family Faith Time by Stephenie Hovland], All Right Reserved. 2017.

Fiction Finder: October 2017 New Releases

October 2017 New Releases

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

Contemporary Romance:

The Secret Life of Sarah Hollenbeck by Bethany Turner — Becoming a Christian is the best and worst thing that has ever happened to Sarah Hollenbeck. Best because, well, that’s obvious. Worst because, up to this point, she’s made her very comfortable living as a well-known, bestselling author of steamy romance novels that would leave the members of her new church blushing. Now Sarah is trying to reconcile her past with the future she’s chosen. She’s still under contract with her publisher and on the hook with her enormous fan base for the kind of book she’s not sure she can write anymore. She’s beginning to think that the church might frown on her tithing on royalties from a “scandalous” book. And the fact that she’s falling in love with her pastor doesn’t make things any easier. (Contemporary Romance from Revell – A Division of Baker Publishing Group)

A Waltz for Amber by Kimberly Rose Johnson — Amber, a struggling dance teacher, is desperate to make a success of her studio. The quickly approaching Christmas recital should help except for one problem—the high school music teacher scheduled the holiday program on the same night, causing a conflict for her students. Will she be able to sustain her business or will she lose everything in the pursuit of her dream? Chris is thrilled to be back in his hometown. However, his past won’t stay in the past, and the pretty dance instructor is a constant reminder of his failings. He wants to make up for his youthful mistake directed at her, but how? (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published)

Secret Christmas Twins by Lee Tobin McClain — Christmas came early for Erica Lindholm! Suddenly a mom to adorable twin baby boys and part owner of a snowy small-town Pennsylvania farm, Erica is living her dream. Until the boys’ estranged uncle, Jason Stephanidis, comes home to celebrate the holidays. The handsome, brooding detective turns out to be a natural with the babies…and with Erica’s wounded heart. But if Jason knew the truth about their identities, her picture-perfect life could melt away. Will Erica’s secret cost her everything? (Contemporary Romance from Love Inspired [Harlequin])

Fall Into Romance by Melanie D. Snitker Surround yourself in the romance of the autumn season with 10 heartwarming, sweet novellas from USA Today, national bestselling, and award-winning authors. Each story takes you inside the heart of a small town—its people—and features adorable animal friends in need of a forever home.

Take a trip to Romance, Oregon, where falling in love has never been easier and happily-ever-after is guaranteed! (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published)

A Texas Holiday Reunion by Shannon Taylor Vannatter — With her foreman out of commission, Resa McCall needs horse trainer Colson Kincaid to run her family ranch through the holidays. But having the handsome single dad back in Bandera, Texas, is unsettling. Colson broke Resa’s heart years ago, and she can’t risk getting close again. Still, working with him and bonding with his sweet little girl is making the ranch feel merry and bright. Being at Resa’s side stirs up emotions Colson thought were long gone. But he has a powerful secret that could keep them apart forever. Can Colson give Resa the one Christmas present that might finally bring them back together—the truth? (Contemporary Romance from Love Inspired [Harlequin])

The Gift of Christmas Past by Cindy Woodsmall and Erin Woodsmall — Arson wasn’t the only fire that ignited between them. Promises shattered. Lies spoken. She was arrested. He returned to the safety of his wealthy parents.

Almost ten years later, Hadley and Monroe are both specialists in the field of speech therapy. They meet again . . . thrown together to help a four-year-old-girl rendered mute after being rescued from a fire. Years of secrets and anger beg to be set free as Hadley and Monroe try to push aside past hurts and find common ground in order to help the traumatized child and her family. Can the love of Christmas past drift into the present, bringing healing and hope for all? (Contemporary Romance from Woodsmall Press)

General Contemporary (includes Women’s Fiction):



Piper’s Passion by Lee Carver — Piper Jordan, an American reared in Brazil, had her pilot’s license before she could drive and her aviation maintenance certificate before her business degree. Pulled between two countries, two career paths, and separated parents, she strives to determine what is significant and what to do with her life.

Kyle Chamberlain, pilot with Outreach for Christ, wears a wedding ring that says he’s not ready to date again after Rosanna’s death. Wielding a wrench with the cutest pilot/mechanic he’s ever seen turns his head. But would a dynamic woman with her talents and eventual inheritance accept his missionary life in the Amazon? (Contemporary Women’s Fiction, Independently Published)

Grace in Strange Disguise by Christine Dillon — Physiotherapist Esther Macdonald is living the Australian dream, and it doesn’t surprise her. After all, her father has always said, “Follow Jesus and be blessed.” But at twenty-eight, her world shatters. Everyone assures her God will come through for her, but what happens when he doesn’t? Has she offended God? Is her faith too small? So many conflicting explanations. Will finding the truth cost her the people closest to her heart? (General Contemporary, Independently Published)

Historical:

Lady Jayne Disappears by Joanna Davidson Politano — When Aurelie Harcourt’s father dies in debtor’s prison, he leaves her just two things: his wealthy family, whom she has never met, and his famous pen name, Nathaniel Droll. Her new family greets her with apathy and even resentment. Only the quiet houseguest, Silas Rotherham, welcomes her company. When Aurelie decides to complete her father’s unfinished serial novel, writing the family into the story as unflattering characters, she must keep her identity as Nathaniel Droll hidden while searching for the truth about her mother’s disappearance–and perhaps even her father’s death. (Historical from Revell – A Division of Baker Publishing Group)

The Other Side of Freedom by Cynthia T Toney — In 1925, a thirteen-year-old boy witnesses a crime—the murder of a family friend—and must choose whether to remain silent as his father asks or defy mobsters and corrupt police to save his family. (Historical from Write Integrity Press)

Historical Romance:

Christmas at Carnton by Tamera Alexander — In the midst of war and the fading dream of the Confederacy, a wounded soldier and a destitute widow discover the true meaning of Christmas, the cost of love . . . and of loving again. (Historical Romance from HarperCollins Christian Publishing)

The Captive Brides Collection by Jennifer AlLee, Angela Breidenbach, Susan Page Davis, Darlene Franklin, Patty Smith Hall, Cynthia Hickey, Carrie Fancett Pagels, Lucy Thompson, and Gina Welborn — Journey along as nine historical women are about to make their escape from some of life’s greatest challenges. Can their captive hearts be freed to dream, to dare, to love? (Historical Romance from Barbour Publishing)

A Mountain Christmas Romance by Misty M. Beller — Stripped of the family so important to his Viking heritage, Matthias Bjork is now on the hunt for his sister. Despite combing the entire Wyoming Territory, he hasn’t found any substantial leads regarding his sister’s whereabouts, but he has discovered a most unusual woman.

Opal Boyd has finally found the haven she’s longed for all her life, in a most unlikely place—working for a German couple in this remote Wyoming mountain town. She learned long ago that most men couldn’t be trusted, but when a mountain man stops in the boarding house where she works, he seems to have the respect and affection of the two people she’s learned to trust implicitly.

But when Matthias’ search for his sister takes an unexpected twist, Opal is forced to make a choice that will alter the course of her life—no matter which answer she chooses. When Matthias’ decisions land Opal in danger, what must he sacrifice to rescue her? (Historical Romance, ACFW Qualified Independently Published)

Fool’s Notion by Lisa J. Flickinger — Feisty Alda Lealand braves fifteen hundred miles with a pack string of mules—and the help of an unexpected cowboy–to save the family farm. (Historical Romance from Forget Me Not Romances [Winged Publications])

Playing by Heart by Carmela A. Martino — Emilia Salvini dreams of marrying a man who loves music as she does. But in 18th-century Milan, being the “second sister” means she’ll likely be sent to a convent instead. Ironically, Emilia’s pious older sister, Maria, would gladly become a nun. But Father won’t allow it—her brilliant language skills are too important to his quest for noble status. Emilia’s only hope is to prove her musical talents are as indispensable as her sister’s skills. First, though, Emilia must win over her music tutor, who disdains her simply for being a girl. Before she can carry out her plan, though, Emilia’s mother dies in childbirth. In her sorrow, Emilia composes a heartrending sonata that causes the maestro to finally recognize her talent. He begins teaching her music theory alongside handsome violinist Antonio Bellini, the great-nephew of a wealthy marquis. The two begin as rivals, but Emilia gradually falls in love with him. (Historical Romance from Vinspire Publishing)

Historical Western:

Too Far Down by Mary Connealy — A citified mine operator and a tough western cowgirl are the most unlikely couple of all as they team up to fight the outlaws that want the Cimarron Ranch. (Historical Western from Bethany House [Baker])

Romantic Suspense:

Dangerous Ground by Gayla K. Hiss — Deputy Marshal Kate Phillips comes to the Great Smoky Mountains in search of answers concerning her uncle’s suspicious death, and finds herself in the middle of an ancient family feud and a land dispute with handsome first responder, David Jennings. (Romantic Suspense from Mountain Brook Ink)

Christmas Captive by Liz Johnson — On his cousin’s Christmas cruise wedding, navy SEAL Jordan Somerton anticipated having the typical best man duties—not facing down criminals boarding the ship. But when the luxury liner is infiltrated by men determined to kidnap the flower girl, he’s plunged into an unexpected mission. Maid of honor and DEA agent Amy Delgado hasn’t forgiven Jordan for a misunderstanding in their pasts. But with her young niece targeted, she must draw on Jordan’s skills as a protector. Signs point to an inside job. With a traitor in their midst, can they ensure that every passenger returns home safely for the holidays…even as they find love amid deepening danger? (Romantic Suspense from Love Inspired [Harlequin])

Speculative:

Transfusion by Victoria Buck — The world’s first transhuman must save the world, or save the woman he loves. (Speculative from Harbourlight Books [Pelican])

Suspense:

Kill Zone by Rick Acker, Christy Barritt, Patricia Bradley, Braxton DeGarmo, Luana Ehrlich, Heather Day Gilbert, Heather I. James, Robert Liparulo, Jordyn Redwood, and Jan Thompson — Espionage, hacking, police procedural, international crime and intrigue, covert action, spy, secret police, revenge, snipers…and so much more! Ten brand-new, never-before published novellas of suspense, intrigue, and thrills from ten bestselling Christian thriller authors, all packed into this one anthology. (Suspense from Georgia Press LLC)

Tags:  A Mountain Christmas Romance, A Texas Holiday Reunion, A Waltz for Amber, ACFW, authors, Bethany Turner, books, Carmela A. Martino, Christine Dillon, Christmas at Carnton, Christmas Captive, Cindy Woodsmall, Cynthia T Toney, Dangerous Ground, Fall into Romance, Fiction Finder, Fiction Finder: October 2017 New Releases, Fool's Notion, Gayla K. Hiss, Grace in Strange Disguise, Joanna Davidson Politano, Julie Arduini, Kill Zone, Kimberly Rose Johnson, Lady Jayne Disappears, Lee Carver, Lee Tobin McClain, Lisa J. Flickinger, Liz Johnson, Mary Connealy, Melanie D. Snitker, Misty M. Beller, Piper's Passion, Playing by Heart, Secret Christmas Twins, Shannon Taylor Vannatter, Tamera Alexander, The Captive Brides Collection, The Gift of Christmas Past, The Other Side of Freedom, The Secret Life of Sarah Hollenbeck, Too Far Down, Transfusion, Victoria Buck




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 Book Review: C.J. Darlington's Bound by Guilt  Entrusted Now Available for Purchase!  Marriage Monday: I'm the Mom, not the Friend. Yet.  My 12 in 12 Summer Update  COTT: Two Days in Caracas by Luana EhrlichCopyright © Julie Arduini [Fiction Finder: October 2017 New Releases], All Right Reserved. 2017.

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Also FREE: A WALK IN THE VALLEY, for anyone affected by #infertility. October 4-8
https://www.amazon.com/Walk-Valley-Christian-encouragement-infertility-ebook/dp/B06XC36GMV #nonfiction



Tags:  A Walk in the Valley, Amazon, Engaged by Julie Arduini, ereader, fiction, free, Free eBooks on Amazon for Limited Time, infertility, Kindle, Kindle Unlimited, non fiction, romance




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 A Call to Praise Blog Hop Starts Today by Jennifer Slattery  COTT: Vote for Your Favorite October Read!  Thankful: Carole Brown's List of November Thankfulness  COTT: Vote for Ideal Curl Up in Front of a Fire Read!  Guest Blogger Jennifer Slattery: What My Husband Wants for ChristmasCopyright © Julie Arduini [FREE eBooks on Amazon for Limited Time], All Right Reserved. 2017.

Hearts Afire: A Child’s Life of Christ by Katheryn Maddox Haddad

A Child’s Life of Christ: HEARTS AFIRE

Storybook #3 in Series THEY MET JESUS

 

 

In storybook 3, Hearts Afire, your children will meet….

 

*Zebedee where they learn to share with their friends, including their time.

*Simon the Zealot where they learn to try to make friends with someone no one likes.

*Hurt Minds where they learn to take a smile, a flower, a cookie to someone who is sad.

*Lepers where they learn not to take their health and other good things for granted.

*Paralyzed Man where they learn to draw a picture to give someone who is paralyzed.

*Matthew where they learn to befriend someone no one likes.

*Judas where they learn to go to church, not for the cookies and prizes, but because they love Jesus.

*Pharisees where they learn God will forgive them of even the worst thing they ever did.

*Twelve Apostles where they are encouraged to go to church if they have never been.

*Widow’s Son where they learn to draw a picture to take to someone who is very sick.

 

Here is a sample from one of the chapters:

 

 

6 ~ MATTHEW

 

People didn’t like Matthew. He was a tax collector. People know taxes must be paid to pay for road building and sewers and schools and such like. Nothing is free.  People had to pay for it in their taxes.

 

But people don’t like to pay taxes for things they don’t think the government should pay for.

 

The government let Matthew keep whatever tax money they didn’t need. So he doubled their taxes. He got rich that way. People resented Matthew. He was not popular.

 

One day Matthew went to hear John the Baptist preach. John told people there was going to be a new kingdom of God soon, and they needed to be ready to be included in it.

 

John kept baptizing unpopular people who wanted to be part of that kingdom of God, and the goody-goody people didn’t like it.

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 Hearts Afire A Child’s Life of Christ HERE

 

Tags:  Bible, Hearts Afire A Child's Life of Christ, Julie Arduini, Katheryn Maddox Haddad, Zebedee




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 Christmas in September: Suzanne Woods Fisher and Revell Team Up For iPad Giveaway and Facebook Party  Saturday Confession: What I Learned from Dr. Frasier Crane  A2Z Meme: Nuts for NASCAR  Acrostic Poem by Penny McGinnis  Book Review: Prayer Works by Stephen Kendrick, Alex Kendrick, Amy ParkerCopyright © Julie Arduini [Hearts Afire: A Child's Life of Christ by Katheryn Maddox Haddad], All Right Reserved. 2017.

Walking in Your Own Shoes by Kolleen Lucariello

Walking in Your Own Shoes

By Kolleen Lucariello

 

Here in my home state of New York, October ushers in the fun of pumpkins, apple picking and salmon fishing season. There’s also the beauty of leaves peaking, apple cider and cozy sweaters. Among the many things October has to offer, it has also been designated as Women Walking in Their Own Shoes month: a global call for women to say yes to their purpose, passion and power.

 

If you’re like me, fall also means it’s time to shed the flip-flops, put away the sandals, and slip your feet back into a pair of shoes. Preferably comfortable ones—it’s never enjoyable to spend a day in shoes that don’t fit.

 

Once, while visiting my parents, I slipped my feet into a pair of my mother’s shoes so I could retrieve something from the car. Immediately, I noticed we walk completely differently; she walks on the inside of her sole—I don’t. My feet in her shoes didn’t work well. Come to think of it, I’ve stood in the clearance section trying to squeeze my feet into the wrong size shoe all for the sake of cuteness. I’ve also clomped around in shoes too big out of convenience. Neither were comfortable. Did you know it’s possible to cause serious harm to yourself by wearing shoes that don’t fit properly?

 

Serious harm can also happen when insecurities keep you from walking in your own shoes. Just as there’s comfort when we slip our feet into our own shoes, comfort can be found when we slip ourselves into the purpose, passion and power God has given us.

 

Paul wrote, “It’s in Christ that we find out who we are and what we are living for. Long before we first heard of Christ and got our hopes up, he had his eye on us, had designs on us for glorious living, part of the overall purpose he is working out in everything and everyone” (Ephesians 1:11-12, MSG).

 

When we say yes to Christ, we say yes to purpose because we discover what we are living for. We say yes to passion because we recognize who we are, and we say yes to power because we understand the kingdom of God is not based on talk but on power (1 Corinthians 4:20).

 

Cinderella was the only one who could wear the glass slipper.

 

You’re the only one who can walk in your shoes.

 

ABOUT

 

Kolleen Lucariello, #TheABCGirl, the author of the devotional book, The ABC’s of Who God Says I Am, resides in Central New York with her husband, Pat. You can connect with Kolleen at www.speakkolleen.com as she pursues God’s heartbeat to change our identity—one letter at a time.

 

Tags:  1 Corinthians 4:20, guest blogger, Julie Arduini, Kolleen Lucariello, Walking in Your Own Shoes by Kolleen Lucariello




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  Love & Cupcakes Kindle Giveaway and Facebook Party from @BetsyStAmant!  At Christians Read Today  The Uninspired Chronicles  COTT: Clash in the New Year with these New Releases  Sabbath Sunday: No Matter the WavesCopyright © Julie Arduini [Walking in Your Own Shoes by Kolleen Lucariello], All Right Reserved. 2017.