Just Beyond the Clouds Giveaway ~ US and Canadian readers only

I have a copy of Karen Kingsbury's, Just Beyond the Clouds which releases in September, to give away!

Recently, I have found her series' books to a be a little repetitive so I am pleased to say this latest release is fabulous. It is a moving and compassionate story which I recommend highly. I can't say more than that yet as my review will be first published at TitleTrakk but you will see it here shortly after that.

Here is a preview from the publisher, Center Street:~

n unforgettable story of two brothers and the only woman whose love can set them both free.

Still aching over his wife's death, Cody Gunner can't bear the thought of also letting go of his Down Syndrome brother, Carl Joseph. Cody wants his brother home, where he will be safe and cared for, not out on his own in a world that Cody knows all too well can be heartless and insecure. So when Carl Joseph's teacher, Elle, begins championing his independence, she finds herself at odds with Cody. But even as these two battle it out, they can't deny the instinctive connection they share, and Cody faces a crisis of the heart.

What if Elle is the one woman who can teach Cody that love is still possible? If Cody can let go of his lingering anger, he might see that sometimes the brightest hope of all lies JUST BEYOND THE CLOUDS.

Post a comment and tell me your favourite Karen Kingsbury character to be entered into the draw which will close at midnight on Wednesday 5th September, 2007. US and Canadian residents only please.

Aussie readers don't despair! You can still enter to win one of two copies of Lori Wick's Cassidy here and I have a great new giveaway next week just for you!

Interview with John Aubrey Anderson

John Aubrey Anderson has fast become one of my favourite (or favorite!) people. One, because of his wonderful writing and two, his kindness, an adroit sense of humour (or humor!) and dedication to his faith. His answer to my vegemite question has only added to the esteem in which I hold him ~ see below!!

John generously gave up some of his valuable time to share some of those things with us! Here are John's thoughts:~

ON WRITING...

Please share some of your writing/publishing journey with us.

First, let me give your visitors three words to remember as they read through these answers . . . God Did This.

Second . . . if you’re a writer, do not make the mistake of comparing your journey to mine. Remember . . . “the mind of man plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps.”

The condensed version of the journey . . .

In the late eighties, I wrote a short story for our girls—a thing about choosing well. In 1997, I pulled that little story out and tried wrapping around the gospel . . . planning to give it to a childhood friend. After five years of “wrapping,” I found myself surrounded by 200,000 words and an absence of ideas regarding their disposition. Buoyed on five months of prayer, I went to a writers’ conference—my first and only—in the spring of 2003.

As it turns out, the editor I wanted to meet with at the conference wasn’t looking for a fiction work. However, on the second night of the conference, while the editor was working in another room, his wife (who has fifteen years in the industry) was going through his slush pile. He said he could hear her laughing, then, a few minutes later, she stepped into the doorway of the room where he was. She was holding the chapters I had submitted from Abiding Darkness, and she was crying.

“This is it,” she said.

And it was.

That was a little over four years ago . . . and the third (and last) book of The Black or White Chronicles was published this month.

I signed with an agent a few months ago, and he’ll have my fourth book in his hands before you read this.

Why Christian fiction?

For a couple of real good reasons.

There are some suspenseful secular books out there, but when I read them, I have to skip over steamy sex scenes. Too, if I read profanity, it will fix itself in my mind. I wanted to write the kind of suspense fiction that would crack the enamel on its reader’s teeth without painting pornography and profanity in his heart and mind.

My other reason has to do with my target audience. In addition to our childhood friend, I added the men I had worked with for 35 years . . . self-confident, hard-headed pilots, most of whom have combat experience. When Abiding Darkness published, the audience went into business for itself and became readers from all walks of life—both Christian and non-Christian—who want a story that will wrap its tentacles around their heart and refuse to turn loose.

What kept you busy before the writing bug bit?

If what I am dealing with is a bug bite, I would not want to meet the monkey-on-my-back malady.

In the lull between my career in the cockpit and my starting to get ready for that writers’ conference, I wasted a lot of time. I could’ve been learning to play the banjo.

What project or book are you working on now?

I mentioned earlier that book four is getting ready to go to my agent. It’ll be out of the house in the next week or so, and I’ll concentrate on our getting ready to move us a few miles south. Any down time during the house planning, building, moving stage will be devoted to book five.

What does a regular writing day look like for you?

Before I found out I was going to take my words to a writers’ conference, I arranged a set time to write . . . like a regular job. I’d dedicate the mornings—no phone calls, etc.—to getting words on paper, usually requiring 300 words of myself. That doesn’t sound like much, but I’m an unbelievably slow writer.

For years I went to bed at midnight, getting up between seven and nine . . . in November of 2002, God changed how I did things. For four years, from the fall of 2002 until late summer of 2006, I wrote eight to twenty hours a day, seven days a week. I slept when I got sleepy and ate when I got hungry. And it was exhilarating.

ON AND IF I DIE...

Your stories are character driven ~ how do you create and name your characters?

I haven’t figured out the difference between plot-driven and character-driven, and my editor has quit trying to explain it . . . and I never thought of myself as “creating” a character. Maybe if I explain how I get words on paper . . .

I begin by telling myself a story, picturing it in my mind . . . like a film or video. After I have an idea of where I want to go with the story, I start transcribing what I’m seeing in my mind. As I’m writing, I play the scene over and over in my head, making sure I haven’t left out any important details. If what I have on the paper isn’t satisfying, I change the scene in my mind or I change the written version. I rewrite incessantly. (Picture “incessantly” as underlined and highlighted.)

What was your favourite scene to write?

I confess that some of the more “inconsequential” scenes—some that may not stand out to the reader—can be the most fun to write. I’m a slow writer, and I’m hard to please when it comes to word choice . . . and those two attributes don’t mesh well. I get satisfaction in the extreme from getting the exact words I want arranged in a way that conveys precisely what I’m picturing in my mind.

Mose is amazingly humble and a spiritual giant ~ is he inspired by anyone you have known in your past/present?

Yes. There were any number of old gray, black, gentle men (and ladies) where I was raised. I could’ve learned a lot about how to live my life well if I had paid closer attention to how they lived theirs.

Your books clearly focus on the battle between good and evil, both in this world and in the spiritual realm. Unlike many novels, the good guys don't always win ~ why?

Because that’s reality, isn’t it? And . . .

It isn’t suspense if I train my readers to put their feet up and pop bon bons, fully assured that Johnny Boy is going to bail out the good guys before the story is over. Remember, your really worthwhile characters are always willing to sacrifice themselves to make the story great.

If the series was made into a movie, who would you cast?

Most people tell me they see Mr. Morgan Freeman as Mose. I’m not sure anyone can be Mose. I get frequent—and conflicting—opinions from people regarding what this or that character looks like. I’ve considered this question for a while, and I think it wise to keep my mouth shut about how I see these people . . . that way I don’t mess up someone else’s mental image.

You have a number of other books planned for this series ~ any sneak peeks?

I’ve decided to make And If I Die the last of the series. More books will follow, God willing, but they’ll be stand-alone novels featuring some of the same folks.

Sneak peeks? I must be the world’s stingiest author when it comes to giving out details, but I’ll tell you . . . my fourth book takes its readers to the war in Southeast Asia.

What impact do you hope this book has upon the reader?

I want two things for my books. For the non-Christians, I want them to hear the claims of Christ clearly and concisely, but in a way where they don’t feel as if they’ve had to endure a sermon. For the Christian, I want him or her to close the book desiring to know God better. For both the believers and the non-Christians, I want them panting for the next book.

ON MATTERS PERSONAL...

Do you read Christian fiction yourself? If so, some favourite authors or books both Christian and/or secular?

I don’t read anything I haven’t read before because I don’t want to be accused of “stealing” someone else’s ideas—especially Christian fiction. I reread the parts I like in books that I almost know by rote.

What are you reading at the moment?

Watchers by Dean Koontz . . . for the umpteenth time. When I put it down, I’ll pick up To Kill A Mockingbird, a Grisham novel, or The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe.

Favourite movie and favourite line from a movie?

Did you know your version of MS Word makes a fuss if try to spell “favourite” without the “u”? Has my answering an Aussie’s questions totally corrupted my Texas iMac?

My favorite movie is probably Driving Miss Daisy, but I like The Cowboys with John Wayne almost as much. I like Driving Miss Daisy because of what we see happen between a black man and a set-in-her-ways white woman—a genuine reconciliation of the races. In The Cowboys, John Wayne’s character isn’t trying to show the boys how to handle cattle . . . he’s teaching them how to teach their sons to be heroes.

Who inspires you?

God. Totally and unalterably.

And my wife is unswerving in her devotion to me and to what she sees as a crucial ministry.

Please share some of your faith journey...

I came to faith from a rough background. I was in my late twenties, getting ready to leave the Air Force . . . a borderline alcoholic who was pretty much the dregs of the earth.

After I became a Christian, we moved to the Dallas area and joined a church that majored in verse-by-verse expository Bible-teaching. My Christian growth gained additional momentum when we went through a small group study that focused on the biggies in Christian discipleship. It was like taking a course on how to feed yourself.

Some essential Aussie questions...

When/if you make the trip Down Under what do you want to see first? A platypus or a koala?

I’d want to see the koala. Actually, if I wouldn’t get scratched, I’d like to hold one.

Barrier Reef or Uluru (Ayers Rock)?

Before I retired from flying, I wrote down twenty things I wanted to do before I died . . . scuba diving on the Great Barrier Reef was high on the list. Since getting started on writing, the things on my list attract me less.

I’ve seen pictures of Uluru, and it is stunning, but I’d have to put the Barrier Reef first.

You are visiting Australia ~ do you say yes or no to some vegemite on toast?!

A definite “Yes.” Breakfast is my favourite meal, and from what I read, I could make do with vegemite on toast for the rest of my life.

Any last words.................................

Sure. Thanks a million for your enduring encouragement and for letting me visit your site. And . . . for your readers . . .

Never forget what I said at the beginning of this session.

God Did This.

Were it not for His orchestration of a long series of inter-linked miracles, no one would be asking me these questions.

But for Him . . . strangers wouldn’t be emailing me to say, “Oh, my gosh! I was up all night with your book! I couldn’t put it down.”

But for God . . . no one would care what I thought about koalas or coral reefs or what foods I liked for breakfast . . . and I wouldn’t be working on my fourth book.

It you, the reader, are so inclined, please pray that God would grant that I would never forget . . . He did this.

John ~ it has been an absolute pleasure!

Thank you so much and keep those books coming ~ I'll hold you to some more glimpses of your Black & White Chronicles characters in your future releases ;-)

To read my reviews of John's books, click on the titles below:~

Abiding Darkness

Wedgewood Grey

And If I Die

If you were wondering....

which cover Bethany House chose in their recent survey for Danny Gospel by David Athey....here it is!!!


If I remember correctly that was my pick too :)

CFBA Blog Tour of The Dead Whisper On by T L Hines

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance

is introducing

THE DEAD WHISPER ON(Bethany House July 1, 2007)

by

T. L. Hines

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Tony is the author of the acclaimed Waking Lazarus. He has been an advertising agency owner/principal, a trade amgazine editor, and now a novelist.

He has been a professional writer for more than 15 years with articles appearing in publications as varied as Log Homes, Conservative Theological Journal, and Travel & Leisure. He is also Creative Director at Montana's largest advertising agency.

His long list of past odd jobs includes trimming Christmas trees, sorting seed potatoes, working the graveyard shift at a convenience store, and cleaning cadaver storage rooms.

As a teen he was undefeated in air guitar competitions in which he performed songs by ZZ Top.

He lives in Montana with his wife and daughter,

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Would You Run Into A Burning Building?

Candace "Canada Mac" MacHugh lives a ghost of her former life.

Once a proud Butte, Montana, miner who daily risked her life setting explosives, she's now a garbage collector in her dying hometown.

Her beloves father is dead and she doesn't speak to her mom. More than anything, Candace Mac misses her father. He promised to contact her from the "other side" if he could...but it's been eleven long years. And now even her beloved city of Butte, Montana, seems to be dying off.

Candace Mac is alone. Longing for the past. Dreaming of making a difference.

Until one night when her father's voice speaks to her from the shadows. Bud MacHugh's trademark growl. The dead, it seems, have messages they hunger to share with the world...warnings of impending disasters and grave danger. Of cities doomed to burn.

But they need Canada's help.

T.L. Hines' first novel, Waking Lazarus was named one of the Library Journal's Top 25 Genre novels of 2006. Now he's back with a gripping suspense that brings to light our fears and asks us if we still have the courage to fight for those around us. if we have the guts to be one of those who run into burning buildings.

"Chilling!" Publishers Weekly

"...a well-paced suspense populated by dynamic characters." Kirkus Discoveries

Sushi for One? by Camy Tang

Now Camy's debut novel has released I am re-posting my review of some months ago!

When your grandmother believes her immortality is dependant on you marrying and bearing children, matchmaking moves into a whole other stratosphere!

Lex Sakai finds herself at the mercy of her scheming grandmother when she becomes the OSFC (Oldest Single Female Cousin!) in the predominantly Buddhist, Japanese-American Sakai family. Lex has already caused waves by becoming a Christian and her love of coaching and playing volleyball doesn't exactly fit with her grandmother's expectations of appropriate womanly behaviour! Suddenly, her whole family is parading around with single men for her to date but none hold her interest nor, in some cases, do they speak her language! Even when Lex meets Aidan Young, a non ball-playing physical therapist, without the assistance of her "helpful" family, she is determined to reject him as well.

What her extended family doesn't know is that Lex has a secret, one that sadly justifies her boycott on dating and men altogether.

Camy Tang's debut novel is both fearless and feisty, a novel which doesn't pull any punches about the reality of manipulative family members, rivalry amongst grandchildren and the struggles of being single. At the same time it is packed with laugh out loud humour, appealing characters and a message of hope. The writing is down to earth and startlingly genuine, so much so that at times I didn't like the way Lex thought or what she said simply because Camy has written with authenticity and not given us a "perfect" and unreal heroine. Lex is bright, independent and athletic with an overly sensitive stomach which provides for some disastrous and amusing scenes. Her cousins, Trish, Venus and Jennifer (the subjects of additional books in the series) are all unique and the way is paved for some interesting story lines to come. I loved Aiden's character and would have liked to have seen his fascinating and attractive self on a few more pages!

Camy Tang's writing is a breath of fresh air ~ funny, courageous, compassionate and sometimes confronting ~ a writer not just to watch but definitely to read! Sadly you will have to wait for a copy, Sushi for One? releases in September, 2007 by Zondervan.

Camy has a great blog and she regularly gives new and preloved books away! Check it out here.

Aussie Giveaway ~ Cassidy by Lori Wick

Thanks to Harvest House, I have two copies of Lori Wick's new historical romance, Cassidy, to give away.

Here's a preview:~

Token Creek, Montana Territory, 1880—Cassidy Norton is a fine seamstress who makes her living sewing for others. Amid the bustle of a busy frontier town, her life is rich. What time her business doesn’t take, her friends and church family fill. But Cassidy hasn’t always lived in Token Creek, and few people know her full story. So she struggles with a nagging unsettledness in her heart.

Cassidy’s friend Meg is married to a rancher and has a baby, something Cassidy wants for herself. But that would mean revealing the details of her life. Will Cassidy find the strength to take that risk?

Cassidy is the first instalment in the Big Sky Dreams series.

Post a comment and let me know your favourite Lori Wick book to enter the draw. It closes at midnight on Sunday 2nd September, 2007. Pretense would be my pick from Lori's lengthy book list. Aussie addresses only please :)

Christian Fiction Challenge ~ my hands came away red ~ new read I have been dying to share!

1. Title: my hands came away red

2. Author: Lisa McKay

3. Copyright: Moody, 2007

4. How long was the book languishing in your TBR pile?: 2 weeks

5. What made you buy/borrow the book in the first place? Sharon Hinck mentioned she had met an Aussie author at ICRS so I checked out Lisa's website and requested an ARC from Moody.

6. What were your thoughts on the story? Brilliant, challenging, emotive, absorbing, a MUST read....I could go on!!!

7. Now do you wish you read the book sooner? Yes!

8. Any questions/statements for the author? Please write quickly and "you little bewdy!"

9. Where will the book reside now? On my bookshelf, lent to friends and will be my Book Club's first pick for 2008!

My complete review will be coming soon!

Zondervan Basket Giveaway!

Elizabeth White has a fabulous contest giving away a basketful of Zondervan books to celebrate the release of Off the Record.

Click here and follow the instructions to enter! Here is the list of books you could win:~

Coral Moon by Brandilyn Collins No Legal Grounds by James Scott Bell True Light by Terri Blackstock Return to Me by Robin Lee Hatcher Simple Gifts by Lori Copeland Ever After by Karen Kingsbury All I'll Ever Need by Harry Kraus MD Sushi for One? by Camy Tang

Talk Like A Pirate Contest!

Most pirates routinely plunder and pillage and all that nasty stuff, and have earned the reputation of being an overall mean and grumpy lot with bad teeth. However, pirates are people, too!

Harvest House is pleased to announce the Talk Like A Pirate Contest—Reach Out to a Pirate and Win! Winners will receive copies of The Trophy Chase Trilogy by George Bryan Polivka, and other pirate-related books! Arrgghh! *The rules are simple me hearties! Write a short essay/message (200 words or less) on how you would positively impact a pirate’s life through one or more of the following actions:

a) Friendship/Fellowship (invite a pirate to an activity, outing, concert, church)
b) Prayer
c) Persuasion (as in persuading them to consider another line of work altogether!)

Arrgghh! All you have to do is write up yer message, and submit it between August 20 and Sept. 17 to: talklikeapiratecontest@harvesthousepublishers.com. Make sure to include yer email address and a good phone number (for verification and contact purposes only). Savvy?! We’ll make ye walk the plank if ye submit more than one entry, so if ye wants to avoid an untimely visit to Davey Jones’ Locker, pay attention ye land lubbers and follow the orders o’ yer fearless captain!

To effectively reach a pirate, you need to speak their language. So, your essay must be written in Pirate-speak! (hint: humor is good!) You can even choose a character from George Bryan Polivka’s Trophy Chase Trilogy to write about, or make someone up! Characters include: Fishbait McGee, Skewer Uttley, Conch Imbry, and/or Belisar the Whale—all notorious pirate captains of Nearing Vast (for ideas on pirate-speak, look up National Talk Like A Pirate Day, which is September 19).

Three winners will be selected, with the three winning essays to be posted on author George Bryan Polivka’s blogsite www.nearingvast.com/capspub on September 19. The winners (chosen by a scurvy band of judges whose honor and character are questionable) will receive a veritable pirate’s treasure chest of plunder, including: The Trophy Chase Trilogy (The Legend of the Firefish and The Hand That Bears the Sword, as well as the third book in the series, **The Battle for Vast Dominion). Other titles include When It's Fourth and Long by Josh Bidwell (punter for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Arrgghh!), and Captives and Kings by Craig and Janet Parshall.

*Official Rules (NOT just guidelines):
One entry per contestant. Three winning essays will be chosen by a panel of judges based on humor, level of persuasion, and overall creative writing skills. The three winning essays will be posted on author George Bryan Polivka’s blogsite on Sept. 19, 2007. No purchase, entry fee, donation or any other type of payment necessary. Must be a resident of the lower 48 Continental United States to enter (residents of Puerto Rico, Hawaii, Alaska, Canada or elsewhere not eligible). Employees and/or family members of Harvest House Publishers not eligible. Must be 14 years or older to enter contest and be able to provide proof of age. Retail value of winning entry: $67.95. **(The Battle for Vast Dominion by George Bryan Polivka releases in January, 2008, and will be shipped to the winning contestants at that time).

Doesn't She Look Natural? by Angela Hunt

Politically savvy and career driven Jennifer Graham loses everything when her husband falls into a midlife crisis and the arms of their sons' nanny.

Unemployed, rejected yet hopeful of reconciliation Jennifer moves in with her mother with her energetic sons, Clay and Bugs, both struggling with their father's choices. An unexpected inheritance finds Jennifer the not so proud owner of a dilapidated funeral home in Florida, Fairlawn, which comes complete with a live in embalmer, Gerald.

Horrified by the thought of living in a home with dead people, Jennifer aims to quickly restore the building, sell up and move back to her beloved Virginia and reunite with her husband when he comes to his senses!

Angela Elwell Hunt continues to surprise with a unique storyline and characters you want to reach out to. Jennifer's heartache and desperation to be independent all the while pinning her hopes on her wayward husband is so real. While the bulk of the story is written in her voice, scattered chapters highlight the thoughts of her frustrated mother and a bemused Gerald, adding a wonderful dimension to the novel. Jennifer's journey is poignant and challenging but Angela's greatest triumph in this book is her ability to open the reader's eyes to the importance of celebrating life even in death and the dignity and compassion that is essential and so meaningful in what is a misunderstood and often thankless job. Angela writes with humour, tenderness and creates such emotional tension that I had to remind myself to take a breath!

I can't wait to see where Angela takes her Fairlawn series series - Doesn't She Look Natural? is highly recommended!

The Void by Mark Mynheir

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance

is introducing

THE VOID
(Multnomah Fiction August 21, 2007)by

Mark Mynheir

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Mark Mynheir is a cop writer. He has authored Rolling Thunder (The Truth Chasers Book One) and From the Belly of the Dragon (The Truth Chasers Book Two).

During his career as a police officer, Mark has worked as a narcotics agent, a S.W.A.T. team member, and a homicide detective. Mark and his wife, Lori, live with their three children in central Florida.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

The Truth Chasers Book Three

Someone’s trying to play God…and he’s turning Palm Bay into hell.
Florida Department of Law Enforcement Agent Robbie Sanchez devotes her life to crime prevention, and it shows: She has no personal life and doesn’t know the meaning of a day off. After all, someone has to be around to clean up the mess crime leaves behind.

So when Officer Brad Worthington is brutally murdered, Agent Sanchez is called to the scene along with Brad’s best friend, Detective Eric Casey. The two turn to Lifetex, the genetics lab near the scene, hoping their elaborate security system might have captured the crime outside.

But what’s going on inside the lab is far worse: a renegade scientist is cloning humans! As Robbie and Eric pursue clues–and a growing attraction–they are caught in a deadly battle as the clones begin to act on their own volition…but this battle threatens to claim more than human life; the clones are vying for human souls.

The Void is nothing short of a page-turner. Mynheir is truly hitting his stride as one of our industry's most notable Christian novelists. This latest book has it all: suspense, humor, intrigue, realistic police action, and one thought-provoking story line.

Creston Mapes
Author of Nobody

Unfortunately I haven't had the chance to read this one but will be getting to it soon. I can say that Rolling Thunder was a fabulous read.

The winners are...

My youngest drew these names from the hat:~

And If I Die ~ Sue A

Speak Through the Wind ~ Ausjenny

Congratulations ladies! Please provide an email addy I can contact you on and get your details.

More giveaways to come so check back soon :)

Moon Over Tokyo by Siri Mitchell

Allie O'Connor is an unlikely girl to be living abroad, especially in a country so different to her own ~ Japan. Everything about Allie's life is a dichotomy she is a journalist but wants to be a novelist, she is a resident of Tokyo but doesn't speak the language, she loves different cultures but keeps away from cultural events. To top it all off she is six foot tall but in her words, "Inside me a short person was crying to be let out."

Allie's "security blanket" is about to leave, her wild Australian friend, Gina is heading back to Australia and she needs a new friend now and doesn't hesitate to demand one from God. She just wasn't counting on him bringing along a man, let alone her nemesis from high school, Erik Larsen ~ tall, handsome, sophisticated...and a Republican!

Siri Mitchell excels in bringing different cultures alive in her novels hand in hand with wonderful characterisation. Moon Over Tokyo is delightful, brimming with the beauty and contrasts that make Tokyo both fascinating and frustrating for visitors. Allie and Gina's relationship is fun and thought provoking as Allie, a believer, is bound by her fears and Gina, a "heathen" Aussie confidently takes on the world. Eric adds a whole new dimension to Allie's world and yet she refuses to grasp the gift of friendship and love she has before her. I appreciated so much that Allie continued to struggle with her fears of a relationship even when love was exposed - her genuine hesitation was as real as it gets and make this novel stand out from many a traditional romance.

I am looking forward to more of Siri's cultural novels ~ let's hope her hubby keeps travelling around the globe!

Coming soon ~ Deadfall by Robert Liparulo

For those of you (Davo) who love a good thriller, you can't go past Robert Liparulo. Coming in October, 2007 is Deadfall, his latest from Thomas Nelson.

Check out the blurb:~

What happens when people with no sense of values have the keys to the ultimate weapon? You may not want to know the answer.

Four businessmen are on a hunting trip in Canada and everything is going well--until someone starts hunting them. An experimental laser weapon has been commandeered and is terrorizing both the hunters and the residents of the remote town nearby. The men must decide whether to run for their lives . . . or rescue the innocent in the town.

If you can't wait until then read Comes A Horseman and Germ first! Just remember they are not for the faint hearted! If you are unsure, cheack out my review of Germ, here and I'll try to convince you!

Some new collaborations......

We have seen the Redemption series by Karen Kingsbury & Gary Smalley, the Four Seasons series by Gary Chapman & Catherine Palmer. Coming in January, 2008 from Thomas Nelson, are the following collaborations between fiction writers and non-fiction authors:~

Safe Harbor Series by Sally John & Gary Smalley

This contemporary family saga set in San Diego follows the lives of Max and Liz Hart and their four adult children.

Liz Hart shatters a marriage with one simple sentence: "Max, either the business goes or I do." The ultimatum exposes long unaddressed wounds in her husband and herself. God's healing hand refines them through a fatal fire that ultimately serves to re-ignite their passion for their marriage.

Sullivan Crisp Novels by Nancy Rue & Stephen Arterburn

Demetria Costanas has decided she must end her five-month affair with fellow professor Zach Archer. But when she goes to tell him that it is over, someone photographs them together and delivers the pictures both to the president of their university and to her husband.

With her life spiraling out of control, Demetria begins to meet with psychologist Sullivan Crisp at the insistance of a friend. Sully is an unusual psychologist who believes more in "game show theology"--a method of using popular game shows to help his clients reach the truth they need to find--than in preaching platitudes and following the expected model. But as Sully helps her sort through all the issues in her life, she comes to a new and better premise--a realization that God loves her and wants her to have an abundant life.

Giveaway No. 2 ~ Aussie readers only

Thanks to Multnomah I have a copy of Speak Through the Wind by Allison Pittman to give away!

Tossed and turned in the mid-1800s, a little girl is rescued off the streets of New York City . Reverend Joseph offers Kassandra (Sadie, from Ten Thousand Charms ) a home, an education, a chance to learn about the love of God, and a cranky housekeeper. It's not a bad package until, when Kassandra is just fifteen years old, Ben Connor sweeps her off her feet, shatters her heart, and steals her hope. From one NYC brothel to another in San Francisco, and a baby in between, Kassandra winds up in Wyoming Territory with scarcely a light in her eye. Then she meets Gloria, who's pregnant and desperate, and Biddy, a young girl of great faith. After all Kassandra has been through, what could they possibly teach her that life's cruelties haven't already? Perhaps the truth that God never left her...and the chance to return home again.

Post a comment to enter the draw for this powerful book by midnight Monday 20th August, 2007 and tell me your favourite historical novel!

Giveaway No. 1 ~ US and Canadian readers only

Thanks to Faithwords I have a hardcover copy of John Aubrey Anderson's latest thriller, And If I Die, to give away to one of my North American readers!

Post a comment and you will be entered into the draw ~ if you have read either of his other books, let me know your favourite character!

Click here for my review.....

Contest closes at midnight on Monday 20th August, 2007.

CFBA Blog Tour of Off The Record by Elizabeth White

This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Alliance

is introducing

OFF THE RECORD(Zondervan August 15, 2007)
by

Elizabeth White

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Beth White is the author of Fireworks and Fair Game, as well as the critically acclaimed Texas Gatekeepers serie from Love Inspired Suspense.

In her own words, she appreciate her most valued roles as wife and mom. Beth is also a second-grade Sunday school teacher, church orchestra member (She plays flute), and artist. She loves to read, crochet, sew, go on mission trips and avoid housework.

Beth lives in Mobile with her minister husband, and is currently on staff at First Baptist Church of North Mobile (fondly known as NoMo), in Saraland, Alabama.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Ambition is on a collision course with a secret from the past.

Judge Laurel Kincade, a rising political star, is announcing her candidacy for chief justice of the Alabama Supreme Court. Her aristocratic Old South family, led by her judge grandfather, beams as she takes the podium. Then her eyes light on a reporter in the crowd…and suddenly her past becomes a threat to her future.

Journalist Cole McGaughan, religion reporter for the New York Daily Journal, has received an intriguing call from an old friend. Private investigator Matt Hogan has come across a tip…that Laurel's impeccable reputation might be a facade. Matt suggests that Cole dig up the dirt on the lovely judge in order to snag his dream job as one of the Journal's elite political reporters.

There's just one problem: Cole's history is entangles with Laurel's and he must decide if the story that could make his career is worth the price he'd have to pay.

A sensational scoop becomes a rollercoaster ride of emotions. Can Laurel and Cole find forgiveness and turn their hidden past into a hopeful future...while keeping their feelings off the record?

Elizabeth has written another winner but I can't say more than that! My review will be up at TitleTrakk soon.

Click here for my fun interview with Elizabeth ~ learn about her writing and her love for The Terminator!

Prints Charming by Rebeca Seitz

Jane Sandburg has never believed her best friend's suspicions about her husband...until now. Devastated by his betrayal, Jane reaches out to three women for support ~ Lydia, Mac and Mari. Each woman has her own unique struggles but their shared love of scrapbooking, an innovative idea and their creative talents cement their friendship.

When problems arise ~ a lackluster marriage, infertility, a rebellious child and an apologetic husband ~ these friends encourage, challenge and piece together each others spirits as they would a page in their scrapbooks, creating something beautiful.

Rebeca Seitz's first foray into writing is entertaining, enlightening and constructive! Ideas abound throughout the book on scrapbooking and expert tips are provided at the back of the book. Despite not being a scrapbooker myself I still enjoyed this story of friendship as Jane restarts her life and contemplates where her friendship with her appealing neighbour might lead. Lydia, Mac and Mari each experience heartaches and frustrations that easily connect with the reader. Rebeca's authenticity and humour shine through. I felt that dealing with each of the woman's particular circumstances in one book constrained some of the story lines but it does not change my recommendation. Prints Charming will appeal to women who know the true value of their friends whether they are the kind to rush to a sale at their local scrapbooking store or not!

Look for Rebeca's new Sister's Ink series to start releasing in February, 2008. The series has it's own website ~ click here!

Gotta love the cover!

Interview with Nancy Jo Jenkins

On Friday my Book Club had the wonderful Coldwater Revival as its selection for the evening. We had a great time discussing the writing, characters and issues of depression, family and faith. Author Nancy Jo Jenkins generously gave of her time to answer our questions and provided us with a lovely gift each to remember the evening by :)

Here are those questions and answers - hope you enjoy the insight Nancy Jo shared with us.

Jenny:~

Q ~ Did you base any of Emma Grace’s experiences on your own experience, especially the loss of faith?

A ~ There was a time in my life when I walked away from God. Not because of the death of a loved one, but because of sin and disappointments in my life. I was able to write about Emma Grace’s loss of faith from my own experience of trying to live without God. It was one of the most miserable times of my life.

Q ~ I really enjoyed your style of writing. Are you planning to write more novels?

A ~ Yes! I am writing another “Texas” novel right now and hope to get the proposal in to my agent within a couple of weeks.

Thanks, Jenny, for your wonderful questions.

Angela ~

Q ~ How long do you mull over the characters personality, age, circumstances before you put pen to paper, or should I say fingers to keyboard?

A ~ What an insightful question, Angela. I make “character” sketches of my key characters before I begin writing: their ages, what they look like, their likes and dislikes, their strengths and weakness and what makes them unique. But as I write the story, sometimes my characters change. I’m often surprised at the personalities they take on. I believe God reveals my characters to me, and helps me “plumb” out the richness in each personality.

Nolene ~

Q ~ Did any particular events inspire you to write Coldwater Revival? Do you see yourself or your family in any of the characters?

A ~ I believe I can answer your first two questions together, Nolene. I truly was inspired by my large Irish family on my dad’s side. I can remember hearing stories when I was a little girl about my grandparents’ struggles to raise fifteen children. And so I chose to write a saga about a poor farming family who lived in Texas during the 1920’s and 1930’s. My dad grew up during the time of Emma Grace’s crisis, and I have an aunt who was born with a hip condition that caused her to limp. So, yes, I do think I took bits and pieces of my family’s history to create Coldwater Revival. But from there, my story takes on a life of its own that is far different from the one of my grandparents.

Q ~ Is there a place called Coldwater in Texas (or is it fictitious?) and do you know how it got its name?

A ~ No, there is no Coldwater, Texas. I made up the small hamlet of Coldwater to fit the needs of my story. I situated it near Brenham, Texas (a real town – famous for its Blue Bell Ice Cream – whoopee!). I wanted Emma Grace to live about 100-150 miles from Galveston, Texas, where Granny Falin lived. I absolutely love this beautiful area of Texas. There are rolling plains and small hills, woods with pine trees, and miles and miles of greenery. We call this forested section in East Texas “The Big Thicket”.

Mandy ~

Q ~ How did you choose the names of your characters?

A ~ Good question, Mandy. I researched my archives for Irish names and chose Falin, mainly because I liked the way it sounds. Emma Grace’s name came to me at two different times. I knew her name was Emma, but hadn’t settled on her entire name. Then, in church one Sunday, a baby girl was dedicated. You can guess what her name was. Emma Grace! My husband and I looked at each other at the exact same moment, and I just burst into the biggest smile. God quickened my heart about Emma Grace’s name, as He did about Elo’s name. That strange name touched my heart too. The other names came as I tried them on my tongue. Some tasted good and some didn’t. I chose the ones that had a good flavor.

Q ~ Do you get attached to your characters? If so, who in particular?

A ~ It’s not hard to pin down the one character I became most attached to ~ Emma Grace. I lived in her head and in her heart for many months, and actually “became Emma Grace” when I wrote. But I also became very attached to three other characters: Granny Falin, Tate Fletcher, and Elo, the older brother.

Q ~ Do you map out the story before you start writing or do you just see where it is taking you?

A ~ I know the beginning, end, and middle of my story before I begin writing. But from there on, I just see where the characters and the story take me. I believe God gives me just enough revelation for what I need to write for a short time. Then He reveals some more of the story. I call it “manna”, because I get just what I need to write one day at a time.

Q ~ How long did it take you to write Coldwater Revival?

A ~ I believe, Mandy, that I wrote the book in about 15 months. Writing historicals involves tons of research, so if I added all that into the mix, it would be more like 18 months.

Rani ~

Q ~ Emma has a dream/vision about Micah in heaven and before that, in her grandma’s house, she hears God singing to her - Did you write these accounts based on some similar personal experience or on biblical accounts?

A ~ The scene in Heaven came to me as a gift from God. I visualized Jesus holding little Micah, and the words just flowed. I didn’t even understand some of the words I used to describe the scene. A word would come to me, and I would try to look it up in the dictionary without knowing how to spell it. I believe God wanted me to write that scene in an “other worldly” tone. After all, none of us know what Heaven is truly like, except by what we read in the Bible. So I wrote the scene with great love and respect, trusting God for the vision and the words He would have me use.

The scene in Granny Falin’s house comes from a verse in the Bible ~ Zephaniah 3:17 – “He will quiet you with His love; He will rejoice over you with singing.” I believe the verse tells us how God feels when we “return” to Him, as Emma Grace did. He is absolutely ecstatic as He rejoices over us with singing.

By the way, Rani, a lady came up to me in church one day. (She had read my book). And she said, “How did you know that story about me? Did I tell it to you?” I didn’t have a clue as to what she was talking about. She explained: “I heard singing in the middle of the night, just like Emma Grace did.” The lady went on to explain that she was asleep, but woke up to singing. She said it was the most beautiful music she had ever heard in her life. It happened after her son died.

Her story reaffirms to me that “God is the same, yesterday, today, and tomorrow.”

Leanne ~

Q ~ Have you experienced grief like Emma Grace’s or did you research it?

A ~ Yes, I have experienced grief and depression in my life. I didn’t have to research it at all. I didn’t lose a little brother or sibling, as Emma Grace did. But I did lose my mother when I was a toddler. And I have also grieved over a failed marriage. In my early twenty’s I suffered through a two-year bout with depression. Therapy helped me talk about childhood problems and issues that arose from growing up without a mother’s love.

Q ~ How did you put this story together, that is, choosing the different characters, where they would meet, etc?

A ~ My story came together during the process of writing. I knew my premise, and began with that. I knew my basic characters, as well. As I sat at the computer, an idea would come to me and I would take off writing. Ideas feed off each other, so the story grew. Sometimes, things didn’t fit well in the plot, and they were eliminated. I usually know what each chapter needs to say and I write toward that completion. But characters are peculiar. They sometimes say or do things that take the writer in another direction. All in all, it seems like a miracle when the story comes together and makes sense.

Mariska ~

Q ~ What inspired you to write a novel about a girl’s buried guilt over the death of her young brother? Do you think feelings of undisclosed guilt over past events hinder many people from living the full, productive life God intended for them?

A ~ Oh, yes I do, Mariska. I’ve carried guilt around with me most of my life. I believe, in my situation, the reason I always felt guilty was because I was raised to think I was a “bad person”. Writing Coldwater Revival helped me realize even more that God wants us to forgive ourselves as much as He wants us to accept His forgiveness. There is a verse in Isaiah that says, “...You have put all my sins behind Your back.” My prayer is that everyone who is burdened with guilt will seek God’s forgiveness and forgive themselves, as well.

Tracy ~

Q ~ Where did you learn to write like that, and what was it that inspired you to be an author in the first place? I’m thinking there must be some amazing relationship with a lovely English teacher somewhere in your past!

A ~ Thank you for your kind words, Tracy. Hate to disappoint you, but I was scared to death of the lovely English teachers in school and always dreaded writing assignments. I was very bashful, too, and would beg my teachers to let me recite my poem, or book report, or oral assignment to them after school instead of in front of the classroom.

But I was a “born-storyteller”. My sisters amaze me with their memories of stories I told them, real or make-believe. I can hardly recall doing that. It was during the last ten years of teaching in the public schools that I knew I wanted to try to write some of the stories that constantly filled my head. After I quit teaching I began attending writing conferences, retreats, workshops and reading tons of “great” books to learn how to be a writer.

Fiona ~

Hi, Fiona. It seems that I have answered your first two questions already (see above). But not your third.

Q ~ I enjoyed your book immensely, do you have any new books coming out in the near future?

A ~ Thank you for your lovely comment. I am in the proposal stage right now. My second book proposal is in the hands of publishers right now. And I’m writing up a third proposal for another “Texas” story. It will be a while yet before I know the results. Thank you for asking.

Annette ~

Q ~ Who would you cast in a movie of Coldwater Revival?

A ~ I love this question, Annette.

Roan Falin (Papa) ~ Mel Gibson

Annaleen Falin (Mama) ~ Jessica Lang

Elo Falin ~ Josh Hartnett

Emma Grace Falin ~ Evangeline Lily (Kate, on “Lost” – a TV show)

Tate Fletcher ~ David Carr, past quarterback for the Houston Texans, professional football team.

Gavin O’Donnell ~ Heath Ledger

Granny Falin ~ Shirley Jones

Q ~ Coldwater Revival is a book about family – tell us about your own please.

A ~ With pleasure, Annette. As I mentioned earlier, I come from a very large family on my dad’s side. In my immediate family, I have three grown children and six grandchildren. My husband has two grown daughters and three grandchildren, so in all, we have ten grandchildren. We all live within an hour’s drive of each other, and believe me, our get-togethers are pretty boisterous. We have two separate Christmases (one for David’s children and one for mine). Our house is too small to hold all of us at the same time. If you look on my website – www.nancyjojenkins.com – you can see pictures of some of the grandchildren. They’re a handsome lot, if you’ll allow me to brag a little.

Narelle ~

Q ~ If you could use only one word to describe the following characters, what would it be?

A ~ Oh, Rel, you are really making me think hard on this one. But I LOVE the question!

Emma Grace ~ passionate

Elo ~ lionhearted

Gavin ~ rascal

Annaleen ~ selfless

Roan ~ stalwart

Granny ~ plucky

Tate ~ pillar

Q ~ Coldwater Revival is a beautiful and emotive story – did you find some scenes difficult to write?

A ~ Thank you, Rel. Yes, I found many scenes difficult to write. When Emma Grace was in the depths of despair, so was I. In a very real sense I became Emma Grace as I took her through those long weeks of suffering. I felt her pain, her hopelessness and her guilt. And I couldn’t keep from crying as I wrote about her heart-wrenching weeks of depression when all she wanted was to drown her sorrow in the sea. It reminded me of my own times of depression and how God graciously lifted me out of the darkness.

Q ~ What do you hope your readers take away from this story?

A ~ I hope they realize this truth: God is always with us, even when we can’t see Him, sense Him, or feel his presence. When life is darkest, there’s still hope. God has plans for us that we cannot even imagine. Give Him another chance.

Q ~ Please share something of your faith journey.

A ~ Twenty-five years ago I was about as far away from God as a believer could be. Sin saturated my life. I thought it would make me happy, but it did nothing of the sort. At my lowest point, I called my older sister and moaned to her about my latest disappointment and about my great sadness. She said two words that changed my life forever. She said, “Why don’t your ‘try God’”. At her words, I agreed in my heart to come back to God. By the time I had hung up the phone and turned around, I was so filled with joy and love I felt as though I was floating on air as I walked back to my classroom. His spirit did not leave me, though I faced some of the darkest days of my life in the months that followed. When I decided to try God again, I opened my heart just enough for His spirit to flow in, filling me with His love. From that moment on, my life has never been the same. Now I strive to live for God, write for Him, and share His love with others. I’m so grateful I listened to my sister that day.

Wendy ~

Q ~ I really enjoyed the novel and must congratulate you on a wonderful first book. I hope there are many more in the future. I was really impressed on how successfully you changed back and forth in time throughout the book without interfering with the flow of the story. Do you intend to make this a signature of your writing in future books?

A ~ You are so kind, Wendy. I appreciate your comments very much.

No, I don’t intend to make back-story and back-flashes a signature of my writing. Sometimes it is necessary to write this way, but it is very difficult to do without confusing the reader. My newest book is a story that begins in the heroine’s childhood and progresses throughout the decades of her life. I’m in the beginning stage of this book and I love the way it flows through the years. It’s a book about love and loss, but with a very happy ending.

Q ~ Having experienced the guilt that you feel as a teenager with the accidental death of a sibling, I could really relate to the accuracy of the feelings you portrayed in Emma and I was therefore wondering if you don’t mind me asking, were you writing from personal experience?

A ~ No, Wendy, not from that particular personal experience. But I have dealt with guilt all of my life so I was able to write about it truthfully from experience. Having made so many wrong choices in my life, I feel as though I need to carry my guilt around my neck like a boulder. But then I remember what God says about our mistakes. Our transgressions. He says that He will fling them as far as the east is from the west and remember them no more. If God can forget all of my sin, then I need to do likewise. Forgetting the past and forgiving ourselves is a very hard thing to do. But with God all things are possible.

Thank you ~ RBC Book Club – for allowing me to spend some time with you. I’ve enjoyed answering your questions. I hope I answered them to your satisfaction and not confused you.

I wish I could say “hi” to you in person. I feel as though I know you now, after reading and answering your questions. I absolutely love all of your names. Don’t be surprised if a couple of them show up in one of my books.

Love to each of you,

Nancy Jo Jenkins

Thank you Nancy for making our night extra special! We too had a soft spot for Tate and Elo :) We were unanimous in hoping you will write more stories soon!

Bless you!