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ACFW: November 2016 New Releases

November 2016 New Releases

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

Biblical:

Slender Reeds: Jochebed’s Hope by Texie Susan Gregory — In a deadly race to save her son, a young slave woman dares defy the most powerful man in the world. (Biblical from Barbour Publishing)

Contemporary Romance:

Crazy Woman Christmas by Renee Blare — A quiet cowboy whisks Bianca to his ranch to ride out the Christmas blizzard where she discovers life is cold but also beautiful in the “Cowboy” state. (Contemporary Romance from Inspired [Prism Book Group])

Other Than a Halo by Valerie Comer — Even though she’s a new woman in Christ, single mom Bren Haddock was no angel as a teen. Now managing the Hiller Farm for a CSA, life is good until a friend offers to enter her daughter into the Little Miss Snowflake Pageant. Old insecurities flare when she meets the intriguing head of marketing the pageant. Rob Santoro isn’t so sure about handling the pageant portfolio until he meets Bren. Soon he’s fallen for her and her two kids. When a Thanksgiving adventure goes awry, he’s left wondering how to love a woman who refuses to be loved. What will it take for Bren to retire her tarnished halo and move into the future God has for her? (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published)

Do You Know What I Know? by Becky Melby — What if a phone call from the obstetrician’s office went to the wrong person? Elizabeth Schmidt can’t figure out why her husband doesn’t seem excited about the news she’s sure he heard. Is he unhappy? Or is James cheating on her? Pastor Jay Davidson is in shock. Bethany Schmidt, the woman he’s in love with, is pregnant. Should he walk away, or is God asking him to play the part of Joseph in real life and not just in the church Christmas program? Bethany can’t figure out why Jay is acting so weird. Has he figured out one of the two secrets she’s keeping until after Christmas? Can a ponytailed itinerant carpenter with a pet chicken help unravel the confusion? (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published)

How to Charm a Beekeeper’s Heart by Candice Sue Patterson — Weddings are the last thing beekeeper Huck Anderson wants to be associated with, considering his past. So when he inherits a building occupied by a bridal boutique, he aims to evict the failing business and open a sporting goods store. That is until his tenant ends up being Arianne Winters, a woman he’s indebted to from a mistake made years ago. When a life-threatening injury derails Huck entirely, Arianne offers to aid in his lengthy recovery if he’ll allow her to remain in his building. But nursing her adversary proves challenging when her adolescent crush resurfaces. (Contemporary Romance from White Rose Publishing [Pelican])

A Portrait of Emily Price by Katherine Reay — After a whirlwind romance and marriage, Emily Price returns home to Italy with her new husband and learns that life at its richest is only found when she accepts its chaotic beauty. (Contemporary Romance from HarperCollins Christian Publishing [Thomas Nelson and Zondervan])

Contemporary Women’s Fiction:

Forgiveness by Marianne Evans — Country music bad boy, Chase Bradington is on the comeback trail. Fresh from rehab for alcohol addiction and transformed by the power of Christ, Chase is battling to rediscover the music he loves and a career he nearly ruined. Then he meets up-and-comer, Pyper Brock and instantly sparks ignite. Despite her rampant attraction to the handsome and talented icon, Pyper knows of Chase’s reputation and soundly dismisses his romantic overtures. No way will Pyper repeat the mistake of trusting a man whose done battle with the bottle. Can a sin-damaged past be released in favor of forgiveness? (Women’s Fiction from Harbourlight Books [Pelican])

Historical:

Beneath a Golden Veil by Melanie Dobson — As elegant as the Sacramento residence she operates, Isabelle Labrie keeps her past concealed, like the treasure she hides under the Golden Hotel. Then, unexpected guests—fugitive slaves seeking safe passage to the North—force her to confront her past and reconsider her path. (Historical from Waterfall Press)

Forest Child by Heather Day Gilbert — Historically based on the Icelandic Sagas, Forest Child brings the memorable, conflicted persona of Freydis Eiriksdottir to life. (Historical from Elk Lake Publishing Inc.)

The Lost Generation by Erica Marie Hogan — On August 5th 1914, the world changed forever. For John and Beth Young, it meant the happiness they finally achieved was snatched out from under them. For Emma Cote, it meant that her husband Jared would do his duty, despite her feelings. For Christy Simmons it meant an uncertain future with the boy she loved. The lives of six people, spread across the British Empire to America were changed forever. (Historical from Elk Lake Publishing Inc.)

Historical Romance:

The Blue Ribbon Brides Collection by Jennifer AlLee, Angela Breidenbach, Darlene Franklin, Cynthia Hickey, Carrie Fancett Pagels, Amber Stockton, Niki Turner, Gina Welborn, and Becca Whitham — Meet nine men and women whose competitive goals take them to state and county fairs between 1889 and 1930. From baking pie to polishing pigs, from sculpting butter to stitching quilts, everyone has something to prove to themselves and their communities. But in going for the blue ribbon, will nine women miss the greatest prize of all—the devoted heart of a godly man? (Historical Romance from Barbour Publishing)

Left at the Altar by Margaret Brownley — In the wild and untamed West, time is set by the local jeweler…but Two-Time Texas has two: two feuding jewelers and two wildly conflicting time zones. Meg Lockwood’s marriage was supposed to unite the families and finally bring peace until she’s left at the altar by her no-good fiancé. Hired to defend the groom against a breach of promise lawsuit, Grant Garrison quickly realizes that the only thing worse than small-town trouble is falling for the jilted bride. But there’s something about Meg’s sweet smile and determined grit that draws him in…even as the whole crazy town seems set on keeping them apart. (Historical Romance from Sourcebooks)

Mail Order Mommy by Christine Johnson — Nursing a broken heart, Amanda Porter had answered a frontier mail-order bride ad placed by Garrett Decker’s children—only to find the groom-to-be didn’t want a wife. But his adorable children are determined she’ll be their mother by Christmas… His wife’s betrayal and tragic death demolished Garrett’s life. Now he can’t even look at another woman, let alone marry Amanda, who resembles his first love. But with his daughter convinced Amanda is the perfect mother, will Garrett realize she’s also his perfect match? (Historical Romance from Love Inspired [Harlequin])

Hope’s Design by Dawn Kinzer — An independent city girl aspiring to be a fashion designer falls for a stubborn artist from the country who wants to keep his talent a secret. (Historical Romance, Independently Published)

Brides of Wyoming by S. Dionne Moore — Roam the Wyoming range alongside three couples who meet under danger from bands of outlaws. Renee escapes a gang of outlaws and lands in the arms of a sheepherder. Olivia’s sleuthing upturns secrets key to solving the murder of a reluctant rancher’s father. Maira is trying to keep her ranch running alone when a drifting cowboy offers a hand. Can love develop where suspicion and greed roam the range? (Historical Romance from Barbour Publishing)

The Negotiated Marriage by Christina Rich — When the railroad pushes to buy her land, orphaned Cameron Sims will do anything to keep the only home she and her sisters have ever known. Even if she must marry a stranger. Duncan Murray doesn’t want a wife. He wants Sims Creek, a sanctuary that can help him forget a troubled childhood. But his reluctant, and captivating, bride-to-be is key to making his dreams a reality. And despite their business arrangement, Camy and Duncan might be signing on the dotted line for true love… (Historical Romance from Love Inspired [Harlequin])

Love in the Seams by Jodie Wolfe — A little girl on a quest for a new mama has the local seamstress in her sights. (Historical Romance, Independently Published)

Romantic Suspense:

His Perfect Love by Sharon K. Connell — On the run from a hit man, Patricia Campbell is unaware of the FBI’s search for her to learn what information she might hold, so she continues to hide out. Then she meets a persistent computer technician, a charming philanthropist, and a handsome, wealthy businessman who wants to marry her. But her fears resurface, and she wonders if she can trust any of them. Can she survive long enough to find peace…and perfect love? (Romantic Suspense, Independently Published)

Counter Point by Marji Laine — Her dad’s gone, her diner’s closing, and her car’s in the lake. Cat McPherson has nothing left to lose … except her life. And a madman, bent on revenge, is determined to take that, as well. Her former boyfriend, Ray Alexander, returns as a hero from his foreign mission, bringing back souvenirs in the form of death-threats. When several attempts are made on Cat’s life, she must find a way to trust Ray, the man who broke her heart. (Romantic Suspense from Write Integrity Press)

Speculative:

The Flaming Sword by Heather L.L. FitzGerald — When evil joins forces in the Tethered World, Sadie Larcen must risk all to protect the Flaming Sword and her family…even if it takes her life. (Speculative Young Adult from Mountain Brook Ink)

Tags:  ACFW, ACFW: November 2016 New Releases, American Christian Fiction Writers, authors, fiction, Julie Arduini




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 My 2013 Word of the Year  Saturday Confession: The First Class Curtain  Chuck E. Cheese and the Last Days  COTT: Summer Reads  Book Review: Shadows of the Past by Patricia BradleyCopyright © Julie Arduini: Surrender Issues & Chocolate [ACFW: November 2016 New Releases], All Right Reserved. 2016.

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Book Review: Cold-Case Christianity for Kids by J. Warner and Susie Wallace

Book Review: Cold-Case Christianity for Kids

Between the ages of 8 and 12, kids often start to wonder if Christianity is true. In Cold-Case Christianity for Kids, detective J. Warner Wallace draws readers into the thrill of high-stakes investigation by showing them how to think rather than telling them what to think. In this children’s companion to the bestselling Cold-Case Christianity, detective Wallace gets kids exicted about testing wistnesses, examining the evidenece, and investiagting the case for Christiatnity. Includeds author illustrations and links to a website (coldcasechristianityforkids.com) where kids can download activities, fill in case notes, and earn a certificate of merit. Detective Wallace gets kids excited about testing witnesses, examining the evidence, and investigating the case for Christianity.

This is an excellent book to challenge upper elementary/tweens to find their own faith in Christ. Using mystery as a backdrop, readers gather clues, examine evidence, add “tools” to their “investigative bag,” and more.

I really enjoyed this book. I like that the authors want kids to think through the evidence and find Jesus without being told to. There are illustrations and a link to a website with more activities. J. Warner Wallace is a cold-case detective who has been featured on Dateline, Fox News, and TruTv.  His expertise makes this book a real deal for kids and their quest to solve mysteries.

If you have a child between the ages of 8-12, I highly recommend Cold-Case Christianity for Kids.

I received this book from the publisher for review.

To purchase Cold-Case Christianity for Kids, click here.

Tags:  book review, Book Review: Cold-Case Christianity for Kids by J. Warner and Susie Wallace, clues, cold-case detective, CSI, Dateline, evidence, Fox News, J. Warner Wallace, Jesus, Julie Arduini, kids, Litfuse, mystery, Susie Wallace, TruTv, tweens




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 Character Confession: What Desperation will Do  And There, There, and There You'll Find Me and My Writing  Mother of Pearl Blog Series Featuring Holley Gerth  She Said "Yes" by Jodie Wolfe  Saturday Confession: Thankful Series Wrap-UpCopyright © Julie Arduini: Surrender Issues & Chocolate [Book Review: Cold-Case Christianity for Kids by J. Warner and Susie Wallace], All Right Reserved. 2016.

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God’s Creative Side by Katheryn Haddad

I used to look around at this amazing earth and the astounding heavens, and wonder how I could ever be in the image of God ~ the Great Creator of all this.

He didn’t create a barren earth and then order people to get to work and plant something. He got everything just right. And then….  And then….  And then his crowning glory ~ he created us! Special us! But how could I feel special compared to my Great Creator?

Then one day I realized what he had done. I got it. He gave you and me a special gift: To be creators too.  As perfect as he made the earth, he left some joyful things for us to create ourselves.

He left the jewels unmined, the buildings unbuilt, the songs unsung, the paintings unpainted, the ships unmade, the sculptures uncarved, the books unwritten.

Here I am surrounded by everything I need to imitate one part of God ~ his creative side. Today, I think I’ll create something.

Author Katheryn Haddad

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

Web page about Mefiboset: Crippled Prince

 Pinterest about Mefiboset: Crippled Prince

 

Video about Mefiboset: Crippled Prince

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

Linkedin: http://bit.ly/28WsEgZ

BACK COVER of MEFIBOSET: CRIPPLED PRINCE

Denied the throne as king of Israel and crippled for life at age five, Sett spends his early years fleeing his grandfather King Saul’s enemies. Inheriting his gigantic grandfather’s height and good looks along with his father Jonathan’s positive attitude, Sett uses his wits to get out of life-threatening situations in Israel, Babylon, and Assyria. Despite his handicap, the beautiful Kissara becomes his wife, King David becomes his friend, and the forests become his mission. Though he must constantly deal with three enemies who do everything they can to make his life miserable, Mefiboset, grandson of a king, is an overcomer, a climber, a conqueror who triumphs in the end.

Purchase: Mefiboset: Crippled Prince eBook

Purchase: Mefitoset: Crippled Prince Print Book

 

 

Tags:  author, creation, God, God's Creative Side by Katheryn Haddad, guest blogger, Julie Arduini, Katheryn Maddox Haddad, King David, Mefiboset: Crippled Prince




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   Julie Arduini's Favorite 2013 Non Fiction Read of the Year Is...  Sabbath Sunday: It's That Simple Like Me  Write Integrity Press Christmas: Celebrating Christ's Birthday  Sweet Surrender by Alexis A. GoringCopyright © Julie Arduini: Surrender Issues & Chocolate [God's Creative Side by Katheryn Haddad], All Right Reserved. 2016.

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A Thanksgiving Challenge by Mary Weaver, as told to Deb Brammer

A Thanksgiving Challenge

by Mary Weaver, as told to Deb Brammer

The family photo I slipped from the pages of my Bible pictured me with my husband and our two children—before I was sentenced to life in prison without parole. As I sat on my prison bunk, I caressed my red-headed son, John, and his blonde sister, Catherine, in the picture. For sixteen months I had only seen them once a week, when my husband brought them to the prison visiting room.

These changes in my life had started on January 22, 1993, while I was providing childcare for eleven-month-old Melissa. I was putting the baby’s snowsuit on her when Melissa quit breathing. I called 9-1-1 immediately and performed CPR until the ambulance came. But the baby died within a day.

The autopsy found a two-inch skull fracture and other severe injuries that were seven to ten days old. Some doctors ignored these older injuries, however, and asserted Melissa’s death was caused by acute injuries from shaking and possibly slamming the baby just before her breathing stopped. Since I was with Melissa during the forty-two minutes before she stopped breathing, they believed I must have caused the fatal injuries.

I had never done anything to hurt Melissa but opinion on my guilt was divided. My first trial ended with a hung jury. My second trial, by judge, ended with a conviction for first degree murder and child endangerment.

Over a year had passed as my lawyers sought to appeal my case, but they still had not been able to get a new trial. Meanwhile, I was separated from my husband and our children.

I believed with certainty that God would eventually free me and clear my name. As a Christian, I knew God would get me through prison one day at a time. But I grieved for my children and for my unsaved husband. As the months passed into a year, my children had turned five and six. I would never get the year back, nor other years still to come.

As I sat in my cell worrying about my family, a guard appeared at the door. “Mrs. Weaver? You got a visitor.”

I laid my Bible aside and preceded the guard down the prison corridor. Who could this be? As I stepped into the visitor’s room, my daughter, Catherine, skipped up to me.

“Mommy, Mommy, I’m going to my dance recital! Aunt Lisa brought me so you could fix my hair!” Catherine jumped around until I could hardly get a hug from her.

I smiled my thanks at Lisa Murphy, my friend who had figured out this creative way to include me in my daughter’s special occasion.

I drew my daughter close. “I’d love to fix your hair, Catherine. Shall we do French braids?”

“Yes, yes, yes! With pink ribbons!” My daughter bounced with every word.

I removed ribbons and elastic bands from Catherine’s ponytail and pulled long blonde strands into sections with my fingers.

“Hold still,” I reminded her as I started one braid. I breathed in the fruity fragrance of the superfine hair as I began to weave the strands into identical braids, then tied perfect pink bows to them at each end.

Catherine shook her head to feel her new hairdo. “Thank you, Mommy! I can’t wait to see myself in the mirror.”

“You look beautiful!”

My daughter gazed at me with puppy-dog eyes. “I wish you could come to my recital.”

I blinked away some tears. “Me too, sweetheart, but Aunt Lisa will take pictures and I’ll study them carefully. Just remember that your mommy is very proud of you!”

I gave my daughter a quick, prison-acceptable hug and watched the two walk away.

“You are missing her recital and all the other important moments in her life,” Satan whispered.

I lifted my chin. “But God allowed me to fix my daughter’s hair. God gave me that precious moment. God is good,” I answered with faith.

I returned to my cell, sat on my bunk, and prayed. “Lord help me focus on what I have, not what I don’t have.”

A prison sentence made it easy to slide into self-pity. Satan could use the unfairness of the case made against me to defeat me, but I determined not to let him do that. Instead I thought about a prison library book I had read recently. It was a biography Corrie Ten Boom who had hidden Jews in Holland during World War II. She had been imprisoned in a bitter cold prison for four months, then a women’s extermination camp in Germany. She lived in an overcrowded, filthy cell with little to eat, no exercise, and no fresh air. She had almost no contact with her family.

Like me, this woman was unfairly imprisoned. Yet she focused on what she still had in the midst of the injustice. In solitary confinement, she thanked God for an ant that crawled into her cell and provided a bit of company. She thanked God for the sunshine when she could stretch to feel its warm rays. Later, at the extermination camp, she thanked God for fleas that infested the stinking straw she slept on because the tiny pests kept the guards away from the bunk where she hid her precious Bible.

I closed my eyes to shut out the conversation of inmates lounging right outside my own cell. My prison cell was the Ritz Carlton compared to the ones in the book. “Thank You, Lord, that my family is safe and that I can see them every week. Thank You that I have other gals to talk to. You’ve even given me a roommate who seems to be born again. Thank You that I can feel safe in prison, that other inmates haven’t given me trouble, that the guards treat me with respect. Thank You that I have a Bible and that I can read it openly, whenever I want. Thank You that I have grown closer to You in prison.”

The first year, the justice system of the state in which I lived had seized all my possessions, even my clothes. Now they were allowing me to keep a few personal things. The State could separate me from my home and family, but they could not take God away from me and they could not take me away from God. I would focus on Him and on the things He sent me to enjoy. Today that meant the joy of fixing my daughter’s hair for a special occasion.

God showers us with so many blessings every day that we sometimes get used to them and claim them as rights. While we have them, we don’t appreciate them. And when we don’t have them any longer, we complain that a right has been violated.

Thanksgiving is a great time to focus on what we have. What has God given you today?

This story comes from the memoir: Edges of Truth: The Mary Weaver Story by Deb Brammer. Due to God’s amazing work in her case, Mary has since been acquitted. Deb teamed up with Mary’s lawyer, Steve Brennecke, to write the book. Deb and her husband also wrote a companion Bible study book called I Survived! It uses examples from Edges of Truth to illustrate Biblical principles from the lives of 5 Biblical characters. For more information see: www.MaryWeaverStory.com

Deb Brammer has been writing for Christian publication since 1980. In addition to these books and many ministry resources, she has written six novels. Since 1980 she and her husband have served in Taiwan and New Zealand as church planting missionaries.

Links:

Website/blog: www.DebBrammer.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/DebBrammerAuthor

Pinterest: https://nz.pinterest.com/debbrammer/

Purchase Edges of Truth: http://www.amazon.com/Edges-Truth-Mary-Weaver-Story/dp/1491070714

Nook: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/edges-of-truth-deb-brammer/1117302174;jsessionid=8FB3250602E38E39C313141B6339F5EC.prodny_store01-atgap03?ean=2940153347134

Kobo: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebook/edges-of-truth-the-mary-weaver-story

Itunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/edges-truth-mary-weaver-story/id1146497883?mt=11

Inktera: http://www.inktera.com/store/title/a13238b2-9813-499f-80ce-44544f157db3

24 Symbols: https://www.24symbols.com/book/english/deb-brammer/edges-of-truth-the-mary-weaver-story?id=1612842

Purchase I Survived!: https://www.amazon.com/Survived-Bible-Characters-Who-Disasters-ebook/dp/B00GUKMNDQ?ie=UTF8&keywords=I%20survived%20deb%20brammer&qid=1465002511&ref_=sr_1_1&s=books&sr=1-1

 

Tags:  A Thanksgiving Challenge by Mary Weaver as told to Deb Brammer, Deb Brammer, Edges of Truth, I Survived, Julie Arduini, prison, testimony, thankful, Thanksgiving




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 FREE 14-Day Trial with Odyssey Adventure Club  Book Review: This Redeemer by Jerusha Agen  Lillian Duncan: Giving Up VS. Surrendering  Thankful: David Thankful for Writers Who Change, Inspire, and Enable Us to Remember Whose We Are  How Would You Handle It? Hypocritical Mom of Video Game Playing Teen EditionCopyright © Julie Arduini: Surrender Issues & Chocolate [A Thanksgiving Challenge by Mary Weaver, as told to Deb Brammer], All Right Reserved. 2016.

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Thankful Series Coming Soon

It’s that time of year again, and I love it! Each November I hand this blog over to readers so they can share why they are thankful.

I think this is the 9th year and each year I’m blown away.

People thankful for jobs. Family reconciliation. New beginnings. Forgiveness. Healing. Some thankful for sickness because it brought about a new perspective.

This year is no exception, and I’d love for as many people to read these as possible. It’s a great way to kick off the holiday season.

I have slots left, if you or someone you know is thankful, why not share it? It can be a paragraph or as many as 750 words.  Sign it as you want to be known—first name only, full name, anonymous. Attach a short bio and an optional headshot and send to me at juliearduini@juliearduini.com.

If you’re an author and want to promote your new release, send all the above plus your book cover, short blurb, and purchase links. You can also write your thankful post from the POV of your hero or heroine.

I have all the information plus the available slots right here. Look for the opening you want, check the box on the right, and then hit the Sign Up and Submit button at the bottom center. You will know you’re officially signed up if you receive a confirmation email, so check your folders. You will also receive a reminder a couple days before your scheduled post.

I’d love for you to join us as a reader and a blogger!

I’m thankful for you!

Tags:  authors, guest bloggers, Julie Arduini, New releases, November, thankful, thankful blogger, Thanksful series coming soon




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 Character Confession: Feeling Bethlehemian Festive  Featured Video of the Week: Mary Connealy's Fired Up  Featured Video: Mississippi Nights by D.M. Webb  Susan K. Stewart: Writer, Do You Want to Break into the Homeschool Market?  Book Review and Free Book Opportunity: Guideposts Mornings with Jesus 2012Copyright © Julie Arduini: Surrender Issues & Chocolate [Thankful Series Coming Soon], All Right Reserved. 2016.

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Book Review: Wild Montana Skies by Susan May Warren

Wild Montana Skies by Susan May Warren

Wild Montana Skies

by Susan May Warren

“Watching Kacey and Ben maneuver past hurts and fall back in love made for a perfect afternoon reading. Wild Montana Skies is a wonderful love story.”–Dee Henderson, author ofTaken

The last thing Search and Rescue helicopter pilot Kacey Fairing needs upon returning home to Mercy Falls, Montana, is to run into her mistakes. After a devastating crash during her recent military tour in Afghanistan, she is emotionally broken but ready to start putting her life back together. She just wants to reconnect with her teenage daughter and spend the summer working as the new lead pilot of PEAK Rescue in Glacier National Park.

 

But her mistakes aren’t so easily forgotten. Because Ben King is also back in town.

 

Country music star Ben King abandoned his past when he moved to Nashville thirteen years ago to start his career. He hoped to heal his broken heart, caused by losing the woman he loved. But when his father is injured, Ben is called home to help manage PEAK Rescue during his recovery. He doesn’t realize his father has ulterior motives until his old flame, Kacey, walks into his house and back into his heart. 

 

Now, with Mercy Falls in a state of emergency due to flash floods, Kacey and Ben will have to work together to save lives. But when secrets are uncovered and old hurts rise to the surface, will they walk away again? Or can they find a different ending to their country love song?

This is book one in a new series by Susan May Warren and I love how she shook up the hero and heroine. It was new for me to read about the heroine being in the military and having PTSD consequences, as well as struggling with needing to leave just as her and her daughter re-connected. That brought great conflict to the story, impacted by Ben’s return and the revelation he is Audrey’s father.

The sparks kept me turning pages as Kacey and Ben never got over each other but there is hurt, miscommunication, betrayal from others and the question of how would they become a couple with a daughter when both have demanding careers? The conflict was palpable and made for a great read.

I definitely recommend WILD MONTANA SKIES.

To purchase, CLICK HERE.

I received this book from the publisher and this review is my own opinion on it.

Tags:  book review, Book Review: Wild Montana Skies by Susan May Warren, contemporary romance, country singer, fiction, high school sweethearts, Julie Arduini, pilot, Revell, single mom, Susan May Warren




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 COTT: Carol Moncado Shares Where Character Ideas Come From  Character Confession: I'd Drag My Feet but I'd Probably Have to File a Claim  Book Review: Never Ever Give Up by Erik Rees and Jenna Glatzner  Book Review: Writing and Selling the Great American Novel by Janice Thompson  Book Review: The Life We Never Expected by Andrew and Rachel WilsonCopyright © Julie Arduini: Surrender Issues & Chocolate [Book Review: Wild Montana Skies by Susan May Warren], All Right Reserved. 2016.

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What it’s Like to do Life with Me

Hello? Remember me? I can’t remember the last time I blogged an update. It has been a very busy season and I was blessed when Kathy Carlton Willis and her team sent me some wonderful blog posts to share this fall. They were wonderful and spanned throughout late September and October. Thank you, Kathy and team!

I thought I’d share what’s been going on and what’s coming up.

I finished teaching Uninvited by Lysa TerKeurst in as many as 5 different ways. I’ve never done this before and it was a HUGE step of faith. I taught it as a Sunday School Class and as it usually goes, I think I learned the most. I was able to lower my walls and make new friends. There have been times my biggest rejections came from teaching, so this was HARD. But God saw me through it, and I’m thankful. I taught twice a week through an online Facebook group (no video) and that was special. I’m so proud of those ladies. I also met with people privately and/or shared my journaling to encourage those I know are struggling. This book is a life-changer. I put it up there with Beth Moore’s Believing God. 
My husband is on the tail end of teaching seven weeks straight. Most of those weeks were not local, so that put me on full-time duty. It isn’t easy for any of us, but this is new for him, training on a full-time schedule, and he enjoys it.
Our oldest started college. I didn’t think much of the transition because he is a commuter student, and honestly, I’m still recovering from his senior year of high school. His grades are amazing and he’s made a couple connections. We see more change on the horizon come January, but we think they are open doors we are excited to see him walk through.
Our youngest started middle school. I also didn’t think much of the transition because physically, it is a move down the hall. No big deal, right? But, I forgot the drama. So much with girls and middle school. I really struggled with this one, but through it, she learned wisdom and discernment, and boundaries. I’m drained, and the hard part is, we’re just entering the teen years.

There was also a visit to my home town and a quick trip to the Adirondacks. I’m still critiquing and writing ENGAGED. I’m not where I want to be with it, but I have much of it plotted, so it should flow well. The feedback I’m receiving from promotions I did with ENTRUSTED and ENTANGLED has been so positive, I’m so grateful. I also did a book club for ENTANGLED and that went really well. I’m trying one for ENTRUSTED on my author page, but it is slow going. I think that will pick up once more readers find me. And I pray they do!

At the end of Uninvited, Lysa TerKeurst challenges readers to have the courage to ask loved ones, “What’s it like to do life with me?” Boy, that is tough. I haven’t done the official assessment yet, but late August my husband shared something that I knew was a blindspot for me, I didn’t see it. And instead of feeling rejected, I knew it was an area to work on.

So that’s everything going on right now. Tired? I am. I didn’t even talk about all the menopause stuff and the changed I’ve implemented. But that’s what life is like with me right now. Busy!

Stay tuned, throughout November guest bloggers will be sharing why they are thankful. I LOVE this series, I think it is our 9th year. I still have openings, you do NOT have to be a writer to participate. All you need to be is thankful!

To sign up, find a date that is open in November, click the box on the right, hit submit in the center bottom box. It will confirm and send you an email, and also a reminder. If you have trouble, let me know at juliearduini@juliearduini.com. I’d be happy to help.

Sign up HERE

Tags:  believing God, Beth Moore, college, engaged, Entangled, Entrusted, family, Julie Arduini, Lysa TerKeurst, marriage, menopause, middle school, Uninvited, What it's Like to do Life with Me




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 OAC: Make Your Children World Explorers (FREE Download)  Mother of Pearl: Rhonda Shrock's What I Didn't Know  What an Amateur Sees  12 Pearls of Christmas---Rachel Hauck's Jesus is the Reason for the Season  2015 Word of the YearCopyright © Julie Arduini: Surrender Issues & Chocolate [What it's Like to do Life with Me], All Right Reserved. 2016.

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COTT: Vote for Your Favorite October Read!

 

 

Autumn leaves are falling from the

trees, and we’ve raked in some great books for this month’s Clash of the

Titles!

Vote for your Fave!

Scroll through these releases and cast your vote for your fave.

It’s a tough choice, but it’s up to you to determine our Clash

Champion!






Love’s Faithful Promise by

Susan Anne Mason

Widower Dr. Matthew Clayborne is devoted to two things: his work with

wounded soldiers and his four-year-old daughter, Phoebe. When Deirdre

O’Leary, a feisty New Yorker, arrives requesting he use his skills to

help her stricken mother, he has no idea how his life is about to

change.

~~~~~~

Feta and Freeways by Susan M.

Baganz


Nikolos Action is the lead singer of the band and doesn’t

realize love is right in front of him until their manager, Tia, is

almost killed trying to save his life. After years of ignoring her is it

too late to earn her trust…and her love?

~~~~~~







Dangerous Alternative by Kelli

Hughett



Hollywood grip, Levi Boulter unknowingly puts himself in

the crosshairs of a murder plot. Now, he’ll do anything to keep the

woman he loves safe, even if it means losing her forever.



~~~~~~

Inconceived by Sharyn Kopf

Realizing you’re a spinster is one thing; understanding what that means

and how to handle it is another. And, it would seem, Jolene, Uli and

Catie still have a ways to go before they truly comprehend what God is

trying to show them not only in their desire to marry but in their

longing to have children of their own.

~~~~~~

Child of Dust by Shoba Sadler

After the sudden death of her parents, Vietnamese

socialite Cao Kim Lye steps out of a world of crystal and chandelier to

enter the dust and chaos of working-class Hanoi when she goes to live

with her Amerasian chauffeur and his adoptive family at a shop cum

living quarters.










VOTE

HERE!

If you

have trouble viewing the entire survey, CLICK HERE to load a dedicated page to the survey.

October 2016 Clash Survey

—

Tags:  authors, books, Child of Dust, Clash of the Titles, Dangerous Alternative, Feta and Freeways, fiction, inconceived, Julie Arduini, Kelli Hughett, love, loves faithful promise, reading, Sharyn Knop, Shoba Sadler, Susan Anne Mason, Susan M. Baganz




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 Mother of Pearl: Bonnie St. John's Stepping Out on Faith  12 Pearls of Christmas---Shellie Tomlinson's Let the Baby Grow Up This Christmas  Book Review: Susan May Warren's The Shadow of Your Smile  Character Confession: What Imperfect Progress Looks Like On Me  Video of the Week: Londonderry Dreaming by Christine LindsayCopyright © Julie Arduini: Surrender Issues & Chocolate [COTT: Vote for Your Favorite October Read!], All Right Reserved. 2016.

The post COTT: Vote for Your Favorite October Read! appeared first on Julie Arduini: Surrender Issues & Chocolate.

How to Become a (Romance) Author

How to Become a (Romance) Author by Julie Arduini




This is part of my Fall Book Club discussion Tuesday nights, 8pm, EDT at http://facebook.com/JulieArduini/Author. I’m going through my first contemporary romance, ENTRUSTED, and also sharing writing tips and behind-the-scenes info on the characters, chapters, plot, and the Adirondack Mountains. I just started, so feel free to grab your copy and join me!







Entrusted, from idea to tangible book, took twenty years. Don’t let that be you!


I’m not sure my journey into contemporary romance is normal, but I thought I’d share my experience into how ENTRUSTED came to be and see if you can glean anything to encourage you.

One thing I know isn’t normal but it seems to mark the authors from the rest of the world is that I was always asking questions. There was one I was constantly putting out there as an observer in life.

“What if?”

What if that goodbye in the airport is a break-up?

What if that phone call in a parking lot is the start of a reunion?

I was, and continue to ask the “what if” question everywhere I go. From there, story ideas take a life of their own. It gets the creative juices flowing. Take it a step further and journal those thoughts.

1. Ask “what if” to people you see in everyday places and let your creativity flow. Journal where your mind takes you.

I was a recent college graduate the first time I visited the village of Speculator in the Adirondack Mountains. As my friend walked me around, I pictured Ben and Jenna and asked myself, “What if Jenna moved here from somewhere else and wanted to belong?” “What if Ben owned the grocery store and had lived here forever, and resented change—including a new girl in town?” That’s the genesis of ENTRUSTED.
Years passed thanks to marriage and kids, but the desire to write never truly went away. About ten years ago I took a course from the Christian Writer’s Guild and I wrote articles and flash fiction for FaithWriters.

2. Never stop learning. Read books on the writing craft. Read books by authors in your genre. For me, I read a lot of craft books by authors associated with Writer’s Digest. I signed up for blogs that featured writing tips and read them. I joined American Christian Fiction Writers, ACFW, and joined critique groups. ENTRUSTED was more than one draft. I think it might have been five. If you truly want this, you will persevere through the red marks, suggestions, and parts you know have to go.

3. Write! It sounds easy, but this remains my biggest challenge. I let my mind get the best of me and convince myself I’m wasting my time. If you are called, you’ll be equipped. You can do it, but only if you actually write. If being at home is a problem, set office hours. Go to the library. But take yourself and your writing seriously. Your book will never be published if you don’t write it. ENTRUSTED, from idea to tangible book, took 20 years. TWENTY. YEARS. That doesn’t have to be your story.
I’d love to hear from you!


Purchase Entrusted here.



Author Julie Arduini


You can find me at http://juliearduini.com where there are free resources on the left sidebar. I’d love if you followed me on Amazon and Goodreads. I enjoy connecting on social media @JulieArduini, including Snapchat. Please find me and say, “Hey!”



Tags:  ACFW, Adirondack Mountains, author, change, contemporary romance, Entrusted, FaithWriters, fear, genre, How to Become a (Romance) Author, Julie Arduini, loss, reading, surrender, write, Writer's Digest, writing tips




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 What's So Good about Good Friday?  12 Pearls of Christmas---Debora M. Coty's Inside Out Christmas  Book Review: Authorpreneurship by Sharon C. Jenkins  COTT Guest Blogger Michelle Massaro: Why Do We Love To Read Gut-Wrenching Passages?  SheSpeaks Product Review: Aveda Smooth Infusing Naturally StraightCopyright © Julie Arduini: Surrender Issues & Chocolate [How to Become a (Romance) Author], All Right Reserved. 2016.

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Annual Thankful Submissions Needed

My guess is the tradition is almost ten years old. It receives a lot of traffic and the private feedback I get is always uplifting. The posts inspire. Impact.

It’s my annual thankful series.

Each November I open this blog to guests who share why they are thankful. They can be as little as a paragraph and as much as 750 words. If someone goes way over, I suggest they take two slots.

The posts can be serious or humorous.

No one needs to be a writer. Just a thankful person.

I need submissions!

Here’s what you do:

Choose your November date by signing up HERE.  Check off the sign up box on the right for your desired day, and click the box in the bottom center that says submit. If you don’t do this, you are not signed up. You WILL receive a reminder from SignUp Genius, so check your folders. You won’t receive a reminder from me.
Write your thankful post and send to juliearduini@juliearduini.com with a brief bio and an optional picture. If you are an author, you are invited to share a blurb, purchase link and book cover to your newest release. You can write your thankful post from your character POV, if you desire. Make sure you sign off the way you want the public to know. Ex: Julie A. or Julie Arduini or anonymous.

That’s it!

I’d love to keep this tradition going, but I can’t do it without YOU. The simplest thankful sentiments tend to mean the most. Don’t be afraid to share yours!

Thank You!!!

Tags:  Annual Thankful Submissions Needed, guest bloggers, inspiration, Julie Arduini, JulieArduini.com, November, submissions, thankful, thanks, Thanksgiving




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 The Sacrifice of Thanksgiving by Nike Chillemi  How Would You Handle It? Hypocritical Mom of Video Game Playing Teen Edition  FREE 14-Day Trial with Odyssey Adventure Club    Character Confession: Feeling Bethlehemian FestiveCopyright © Julie Arduini: Surrender Issues & Chocolate [Annual Thankful Submissions Needed], All Right Reserved. 2016.

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