My Life, Unscripted by Tricia Goyer and Giveaway.

Despite often wishing my life had been a bit more dramatic with a testimony that could helps transform other lives, I am thankful for the rather peaceful passage I made through my adolescent years and into adulthood. Tricia's story is different to mine and I have not doubt that as my girls hit their teenage years, I will be pulling out My Life, Unscripted for her words of wisdom, encouragement and support for my daughters and myself!

This book is unique and powerful and I recommend anyone with a teenage daughter (or soon to be) to post a comment by Sunday 21st October and enter the draw to win a copy of this amazing book.

Keep reading for more info on the book, Tricia's bio and other good stuff!

my life, unscripted

Summary:

Drawing on Biblical principles, My Life, Unscripted guides girls through the tumultous teen years by teaching them to have a plan of attack before temptation or hardship come.

Tricia's Script:

Looking back at my drama-filled teen years I now wonder ... What was I thinking?

The truth? I wasn't. I lived from day to day on every wave of emotion. Some days excitement and passion partnered up, pattering wildly within my heart.

Other days, depression and anxiety were my silent friends. I lived each day as it came, with no plan for my future, for my relationships, or for my heart.

I lived my life completely unscripted ... and, well, it didn't go well for me. Teen pregnancy and a broken heart were only two consequences. Yet my prayer is that when teen girls are asked Who's Writing Your Life? their answer will be ME ... with the guidance of God, My Director.

________________________________

An interview with Tricia Goyer! Q: Tell me about My Life, Unscripted Sure! With real-life scripts, screenwriting terms, and timely topics, My Life, Unscripted helps teen girls explore their own inner struggles and outward relationships. It's my hope they'll learn the importance of "scripting" their own responses BEFORE challenging life-situations arise. By contrasting real-life with TV/movies, it's my hope that teen girls will understand they don't have to get caught up in the drama. They don't have to face situations as they arise, but rather they can think about, pray about, and consider how to face these situations before they hit the big screen of their lives. Q: Is it true that much of YOUR story shows up in these pages? Gulp. Yes, I'm afraid so. In fact, I shared parts of my story that I SWORE I'd never tell a soul. My teenage script (portrayed in the book as Trish Valley) wasn't one I'd suggest my daughter, nor my readers to copy. Q: Tell me about these scripts. The introductory script of Trish Valley shows a scene where Trish urges her mom to follow Trish's boyfriend into the McDonald's parking lot so she can "spill her news." The other girl in the car and her boyfriend's response to Trish's pregnancy are unfortunately not fiction. I wrote out the scenes as they would appear in an actual script. I even use all the correct terms and layout. Q: In addition to teen pregnancy, what are some of the other "scripts"? Do I have to tell? Well, I guess it's in print now! Let me see: fists fights with a rival, sneaking out of my parents' house, getting caught by my boyfriend kissing his best friend--does that give you an idea? Do I have to go on? Q: No, you can stop there. But WHY? Why did you decide to share these stories? First, because I want girls to understand the heartache of unwise decisions. I want to them to be able to relate to me, rather than feeling preached at. Also, I wanted to share my stories because many young women have faced the same type of situations, or they know friends who have. And finally because they are great object lessons for the importance of following biblical truth. That is something I did learn! Q: What does your teenage daughter think about this book? Leslie thinks it's great I'm able to connect with other teens. She's heard these stories for a while! She was 11-years-old when we first started volunteering together at a support group for teenage mothers together. As I taught the young moms things like nutrition and potty training, Leslie assisted adults in babysitting the toddlers. And while we loved giving and serving, it was the ride home that soon became the most meaningful part. As Leslie sat in the passenger's seat, I could see her mind considering my life as a teen mom, and she started asking questions. Although it was hard to talk about my past mistakes, I knew this was an ideal opportunity to share real-life truths with my daughter. Each person walking this earth has regrets. Our talks showed me that instead of hiding my past troubles (and hoping my kids didn't find out) sharing my mistakes could actually give my daughter a better understanding to why values and wise decision-making skills are important. Q: So now you're "having a heart-to-heart" with other teens through this book? I sure hope that's how they see it! Those first talks with my daughter brought us closer, but I knew not every girl has had someone to offer advice such as: "build a supporting cast of people you can trust" or "consider the character qualities you'd like for a leading man." Q: Okay, so your book is for teens, but what about the moms out there who feel they have past mistakes they don't want to share? Well, they could each write a book about their teen years! Ha- just kidding! But for those moms out there, maybe your teen years were not as drama-filled as mine. Or, if they were, maybe you are fearful of sharing them with your teen. The truth is, teens learn best not with information and knowledge, but rather by hearing life examples and understanding how decisions can affect all parts of our lives. So, time to get brave, Mom. Open your heart and share what worked and what didn't. It just might help your daughter write a better script for herself. Oh, yes, and consider buying your daughter My Life, Unscripted! Hopefully every teen girl can get some take-away to scripting a bright future! ____________________________________

Other Stuff:~

Tricia has a fabulous new look website that has details of all her books and lots of other fun and helpful stuff! Check it out here!

Tricia's Bio

Tricia Goyer has published over 300 articles for national publications such as Today's Christian Woman, Guideposts for Kids, and Focus on the Family, and is the co-author of Meal Time Moments (Focus on the Family). She has led numerous Bible Studies, and her study notes appear in the Women of Faith Study Bible (Zondervan).

She has written seven novels for Moody Publishing: From Dust and Ashes (2003); Night Song (2004), Dawn of a Thousand Nights (2005); Arms of Deliverance (2006); A Valley of Betrayal (2007); A Shadow of Treason (Fall 2007); and A Whisper of Freedom (Spring 2008).

Night Song was awarded American Christian Fiction Writer's 2005 Book of the Year for Best Long Historical. Dawn of a Thousand Nights won the same award in 2006.

Tricia has also written Life Interrupted: The Scoop on Being a Young Mom (Zondervan, 2004), 10 Minutes to Showtime (Thomas Nelson, 2004), and Generation NeXt Parenting (Multnomah, 2006). Life Interrupted was a 2005 Gold Medallion finalist in the Youth Category.

Also, coming out in the next year are: My Life, Unscripted (Thomas Nelson, 2007), Generation NeXt Marriage (Multnomah, Spring 2008), and 3:16-the teen version of the a book by Max Lucado (Thomas Nelson, Spring 2008).

Tricia and her husband John live with their three children in Kalispell, Montana. Tricia's grandmother also lives with them, and Tricia volunteers mentoring teen moms and leading children's church. Although Tricia doesn't live on a farm, she can hit one with a rock by standing on her back porch and giving it a good throw.

Tricia has two books that will be out soon ...

A Shadow of Treason (Moody Publishing), Fall 2007

Generation NeXt Marriage (Multnomah), January 2008

Amendment to Snow Angel Giveaway!

Apologies ~ I had the incorrect date for the drawing of this book!

The draw will close midnight Sunday 14th October not the 21st as I originally had in my post so post a comment now to have a chance to win one of 4 copies of this lovely story!

The Vase of Many Colors by Rachel Thoene and Giveaway!

I am delighted to introduce another member of the Thoene family who has taken to writing ~ Rachel Thoene! If you would like to win a copy of Rachel's new release, post a comment before midnight on Thursday 18th October and you will be entered in to the draw. This giveaway is open to ALL my readers!

Vase of Many Colors Capstone Fiction ISBN 13: 978-1602900035 ISBN 10: 1-60290-003-5 In the very small house, on the very grand hill, in the very small town author Rachel Thoene – daughter of veteran bestsellers Bodie and Brock Thoene - masterfully explores the captivating notions of forgiveness and grace in The Vase of Many Colors. This beautifully written and colorfully illustrated family tale peeks into the world of the very bouncy girl and her old, crooked grandmother. A world where rainbows appear on the walls and simple flower-gathering is a nightly ritual. And where broken things are mended with the gentle breath of love to become a masterpiece for all generations to enjoy. In a world where broken things are tossed aside with ease, Rachel Thoene’s story is a captivating reminder of the power of forgiveness and grace to mend life’s cracks and create a Vase of Many Colors in you. Themes of the Book Finding forgiveness. Picking up the pieces after an accident. Learning to forgive yourself. The meaning of grace.

About Rachel Thoene Rachel knows what it’s like to pick up broken pieces. As a site administrator at two alternative schools for at-risk students in an urban school district in Sacramento, California, she helps students put the pieces of their broken lives back together and discover success where there was only self doubt. As a mother, she finds new beauty in the hearts of her two children, Ian and Jessie. “Every person we come into contact with has the potential to be a beautiful and valuable work of art,” Rachel says. The inspiration for the story began as an email to a friend who was struggling with how to relate to her teenage son. When the story further developed, Rachel realized that the underlying message appealed to the experiences of adults and children alike.

Q & A with Author Rachel Thoene 1) One of the major themes of Vase of Many Colors is restoration. Can you tell us a little bit about what restoration means to you and how restoration is different than just forgiveness. Restoration suggests that things are being repaired and made new again. When I was growing up, one of my favorite things to do with my mom and my Nana (Mom’s Mom) was to go visit antique stores. While they frequently searched for the exquisite and the rare and the beautiful, I always felt that some of our greatest treasures were the old chairs … the ones with the woven cane seats. They were old, dusty, tired and broken down, but when we would come across chairs like that, if they suited our needs, Mom would get them to an antique restorer who would tirelessly restore or repair the caning in the seat of these old chairs… it always amazed me how the new canes could make that old tired chair new enough and strong enough to hold our weight.. even though the rest of the structure was 100 – 150 years old… but the structural integrity of that chair was restored to a point where it could support a grown man’s weight. Same goes for stained glass windows… bits and pieces of colored glass would be cut to size to repair some of the stained glass windows we bought from those same antique dealers… it became an act of everything old becomes new again… plain old forgiveness can be too easy… simply brushing off a wrong, without really acknowledging that it caused broken-ness. But restoration is work…an art and takes delicate craftsmanship… if you restore someone or something, you are investing time and energy into righting the wrong. 2) Sometimes forgiving yourself can be the hardest part of all. How can you learn to forgive yourself when everyone else has already? Humans have a tendency to continue the mental flogging don’t they? I have a terribly guilty conscience… and will lay awake at night mulling over and re-hashing scenarios until I have horrible headaches and my stomach and shoulders are in knots. And why? What does that accomplish? Sometimes I have to go back to folks I’ve wronged a couple of times and explain, “Hey, I’m still feeling this way about what I said or what I did… and I just want you to know that I’m having trouble forgiving myself.” My current boss and I have that kind of relationship and we just talk until we’re all talked out. He calls it “un-stuffing” and it has really helped me come to forgiveness of myself a lot quicker. Maybe the idea is to be thorough in your discussion of forgiveness and not so quick to dismiss the wrong. Folks don’t enjoy reliving painful experiences, but sometimes you have to cut away the infection to get to healthy tissue again. Then you’re truly clean and ready to start fresh. 3) Your parents are legends in Christian fiction. How has your upbringing affected your writing style? WHOA! Yup. They sure are legends alright! And the funny thing is that I never saw myself as a writer… I expressed myself privately in poems and prose and could write really long letters and emails to friends… and when it came to technical writing and research I could really shine. But I sure never saw myself as a writer of their caliber. And certainly not of that level of self discipline. I grew up appreciating the art form and yet never wanting anything to do with it. It was TOO MUCH WORK! So I’m not sure I even have a style per se… I enjoy words… LOVE a good dictionary and my goal is to someday own an O.E.D. but when I write these days, it is to communicate a point or illustrate a message without putting people on the defensive. That’s a huge part of my job as a school administrator… communicate effectively without causing emotional trauma. 4) What was your inspiration for Vase of Many Colors? Whew boy. My inspiration was my friend, Val and her relationship and the trials she was having as a mother with one of her sons at the time. But the story really became one of those divinely inspired sorts of messages… it just sort of fell out of me in an email to her… a sort of allegory or parable if you will, about how as mothers, even when our kids make dumb mistakes and bad choices, we can still pick up the pieces and help them put themselves back together again. Of course as I sat back and spent some time with the story, quite a few different messages sort of jumped out at me. And that continues to happen as I review it in relation to different audiences and different life scenarios. 5) Who is the target audience for Vase of Many Colors? Adults or Children? Oh! Why limit it to just those two groups? I think the target audience is whomever has relationships with other human beings… some of my teachers have used it in their classes with their high school aged students and also with their own grandchildren. I have shared the story with school children and adults in difficult situations. It doesn’t really matter who you are or how old, if you deal with other human beings, you need to read this story. My boss has used it with staff members. I have shared it with some of my students who are teen age mothers and grandmothers who are raising their grandchildren…. The target audience is humans. 6) How can adults and children both benefit from reading Vase of Many Colors? I think the story speaks to the fact that ALL of us have made, currently make and will continue to make mistakes. We will experience heartaches but WOW! The good news is that we can be forgiven, we can be healed, and we can be whole again. And it even applies to really deep hurts, like death of a loved one or a serious illness, loss of a job or other traumatic spiritual and emotional experiences… we’ll be all busted up to pieces but you know what? God can put us back together again. And when He does, we find ourselves staring into the old dark, musty closets of our past and wondering how in all heaven and earth He is going to take all that garbage and make anything good of it…. But He always does. And we never look the same but we’re new and improved… we might have a couple of emotional limps or scars left over but you ask any cancer patient who has beaten the disease and they will tell you that the scars serve as reminders of the battle and their courage to win and also as their reminder of their humanity. Those reminders cause us to be compassionate toward others who are experiencing the same or similar issues. 7) What book has most influenced you personally? Oh boy. Am I being graded on this? Next question… do I have to have only one? I don’t think I can narrow it but if I had to I would say that the most currently influential book I have read is called “The Penny: A Novel” by Joyce Meyer and Deborah Bedford. Do you want me to do a full book report? It’s just one of those books that soothes your heart and your brain… like Chapstick after a really bad cold. 8) What book are you reading now? I’m reading about six books right now but the most powerful book I’m reading right now is called “Good to Great” by Jim Collins. It’s a business leadership type book but has direct application in what I’m doing right now as a school site leader. 9) What do you want readers to know most about you? Hmmmm…. I think I’d rather have them understand the importance of what I do as an educator for underprivileged and at-risk children. And then put my job into perspective with what folks do at home with their own children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, etc. We all share a responsibility to help shape and mold the young people’s lives and a good, solidly structured home, consistent behavioral boundaries and expectations for our children really do make a difference when they start the journey into young adulthood. But don’t be over-protective of your kids either. Let them make their mistakes in a safe environment, because the world at large can be a REALLY unforgiving place and sometimes, if we make mistakes out there, they can prove to be fatal… I want readers to HELP ME help my students…. And my teachers… help us continue to make a difference in the lives of our students and the communities we work in. 10) In a society where many things are considered “disposable”, how does restoration figure into the mix? MAN! So I work in the Educational Options Division of a school district in urban Sacramento California and we have, in our division, for many years said, “We are known as throw away students, throw away teachers and throw away administrators.” Meaning all of us, from the students through the administrators have at some point been considered throw aways… less than… not good enough for “regular education.” All of us, in one way or another, in our previous schools and/or jobs, didn’t fit the mold of what good students, teachers and administrators were supposed to look like so we were dismissed and “sent” to continuation schools where we would either be re-habilitated or just wait out the life of our professional careers. Well we have started a trend in our district, courtesy of Dr. Larry Buchanan, ret’d and Dr. Patricia Newsome, Acting Superintendent, of really building up the Educational Options Schools. So we are shifting attitudes and acknowledging our mistakes but moving ourselves toward a better, healthier future. It’s really a shift in attitudes that will change society… consider the “Green Movement” currently afoot in America… we change out our old incandescent light bulbs in favor of energy efficient fluorescent bulbs. We recycle everything from aluminum to plastic to motor oil. We see people trading SUV’s for hybrid vehicles and taking their own bags to the grocery store. We compost our garden and yard scraps. And yet I have two schools and am associated with two more which house over 1400 students who are considered to be “throw aways.” I have a CalSafe program on my campus which is a daycare center for teen parents… I have 18 babies and toddlers enrolled in that program right now and more on the way. Down the street from my campus, I know a woman who lives under a bridge because the older man she was taking care of passed away so the family fired her and she started drinking and can’t seem to hold a job. I have students enrolled in my school who have no place to call home but the back of an abandoned car or a filthy motel room, and I have a significant portion of my students who are enslaved to the Foster care system…. I could fill a semi-truck with the number of toothbrushes, pairs of socks and coats we’ve handed out over the years I’ve been here. Society has deemed that some of its own members are “disposable”. So how does “restoration” figure into the mix? It doesn’t figure into the mix… it IS the mix. We need to start cleaning up the souls we’ve thrown away and disregarded and judged and sentenced right here in our own neighborhoods. I’m afraid it’s a bit of a hot topic for me because there are some who start talking about “THOSE KIDS …. THOSE PEOPLE…” and they sort of get on their high horses and peering out through their glass houses and pointing fingers at all the systems, the government, the educational system, the welfare system and such… But THOSE KIDS aren’t THOSE Kids… They’re OUR kids… If you want to clean something up, start with your own sock drawer. Then move to your t-shirt drawer and then your closet and your garage…. Restoration starts at home. And our churches, communities and schools are an extension of our homes. I’ve got to quit because I’ll get all riled up. I guess I’m kind of passionate about the issue. Restoration is another word for healing… so let’s heal our families and our communities first before we start trying to tell other folks how to fix the rest of the world.

Susan May Warren's upcoming books....

Ok, couldn't help myself!! Susie May Warren and the creative team at Tyndale House pick their covers well - LOL!

To find outmore about Rafe, little brother to Nick from Reclaiming Nick, check out his website, here!

Taming Rafe releases in January, 2008 from Tyndale House.












Susie is also releasing Chill Out, Josey! the sequel to the hilarious Everything's Coming Up Josey, available next month from Steeple Hill.

Gotta love that ~ can't wait to read both!

Off The Record by Elizabeth White

Judge Laurel Kincaid is determined to be the first female Chief Justice ever appointed to the Alabama Supreme Court but her focus is thrown off kilter when journalist Cole McGaughan asks her for a dinner date during the most important press conference of her career.

Cole McGaughan is hoping to fast track his own career from religious reporter to political reporter with the new York Daily Journal and reporting the battle to win the seat on the Alabama Supreme Court may be the ticket he needs to achieve that.

Laurel has built her reputation as a judge determined to uncover the truth and a as woman of utmost integrity, committed to her faith and upholding family values. Her opponent in the judicial race is determined to win by fair means or foul and Cole has the ammunition to destroy Laurel's campaign and ensure his future as a journalist.

Off The Record oozes with the Southern charm, sublime humour and excellent characterization which mark all of Elizabeth White's books. Laurel's blue blood family provide plenty of entertainment and Cole's concern over his young brother Tucker, reveals more of his character. Elizabeth White extends the appeal of this book by revealing the dirty politics that go hand in hand with judicial nominations, adding interest and intrigue. The interplay between the dedicated Laurel and Cole, a man balancing his career goals and his new found faith, sparkles and their attraction is electric. Being in the legal profession myself, I found it a little far fetched that a thirty-two year old woman would be seeking nomination as Chief Justice but this did no take away from my enjoyment of this delightful story. All of Elizabeth White's books can be found on my bookshelf and Off The Record will join them.

As seen at TitleTrakk.com

Click on the links below for more of Beth White and her books:~

Interview

Fair Game

The Restitution by MaryLu Tyndall

Romance, rivalry and revenge return to the high seas in MaryLu Tyndall's finale in her Legacy of The King's Pirates trilogy, The Restitution.

"I have not come to hurt you or to take you captive again."

Captain Kent Carlton, a pirate and a rogue, has been cursed by compassion and love when it comes to his feelings for Lady Isabel Ashton, a woman who feels nothing but disgust and derision for him. Kent knows he is deserving of her scorn for his unforgivable behaviour, taking what wasn't his and leaving her a broken and defiled woman.

"Where is your justice, God?"

Lady Isabel's life is shattered. As the mother of an illegitimate child, her beloved Frederick, her hopes of a good marriage and a return to noble status are dashed. She is the subject of gossip and ridicule and even her parents refuse to acknowledge their grandson. When Frederick is kidnapped, Isabel's last remnants of faith desert her and her soul is consumed with finding her son and destroying the man who took him away.

"All you need say is yes, Isabel. Then you can have not only these pearls, but my title, my wealth, my undying devotion..."

Another man seeks Isabel's hand, a man promising her all the things she treasures and has dreamed of. Isabel must choose between a passion she fails to understand or position and riches which will restore her lost honour.

The Restitution is another ride on the high seas that should not be missed. MaryLu Tyndall weaves an unlikely love story against a backdrop of treachery, secrecy and revelations of faith and pulls it off magnificently.

Isabel is an appealing character whose love for her son and her attraction to his pirate father wars with her need to recover her dignity and respect in the fickle world of high society of the British aristocracy in Jamaica in the 1600's. Kent Carlton has spurned society and plundered his way to notoriety as a cruel and calculating pirate captain. His life is in turmoil as he realises his love for Isabel and the need for her forgiveness is the first time he has put the needs of another before his own. With genuine writing, Kent does not transform overnight but continues to struggle to balance compassion for Isabel and the crueler nature he has worn for years. Isabel's faith is pushed to its limits when she finds herself alone with no protector other than the God she has railed against since the disappearance of her son. With action aplenty, a thrilling ending and twists throughout the story, The Restitution is a fitting ending to this innovative story of rogues and redemption.

The Restitution is available now from Barbour.

As seen at TitleTrakk!

Click on the titles below for more reviews and a fun interview with MaryLu:~

The Redemption

The Reliance

Interview

CFBA Blog Tour of Nobody by Creston Mapes

This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Alliance

is introducing

NOBODY(Multnomah Fiction September 11, 2007)

by

Creston Mapes

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Creston Mapes is a talented storyteller whose first two novels, Dark Star and Full Tilt, made him a finalist in the American Christian Fiction Writers Book of the Year awards and the Inspirational Readers Choice awards. Creston has written for major corporations, colleges, and ministries, including Coca-Cola, TNT Sports, Oracle, Focus on the Family, and In Touch Ministries. Committed to his craft and his family, Creston makes his home in Georgia with his wife, Patty, and their four children.

He's been married for twenty-one years to the girl he first loved way back in fourth grade. They have three lovely girls and a boy in a very close-knit family, spending a lot of time together - watching old classic movies, going on outings, and taking in various school and community events and activities. Creston loves to go for morning walks with his dog, read, paint watercolors, meet friends for coffee and Bible study, watch hockey, take his wife on dates, and spend time in God's Word.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Not everything that happens in Vegas has to stay in Vegas!

They said, “He’s a nobody.”
They were dead wrong.

When reporter Hudson Ambrose hears an early morning call on his police scanner about an injured person at a bus stop on Las Vegas Boulevard, he rushes to the scene to get the scoop.
His world is blown off its axis when he discovers a murdered homeless man with a bankbook in his pocket showing a balance of almost one million dollars. Should he wait for the police, knowing the case will get lost in reams of red tape, or swipe the bankbook and take the investigation–and perhaps a chunk of the money–into his own hands?

With sirens bearing down on the scene, Hudson makes an impulse decision that whisks him on a frantic search for answers, not only about the mysterious dead man, but about the lost soul lurking within himself.

Uncovering bizarre links between a plane crash, a Las Vegas pit boss, a dirty cop, and a widowed Atlanta business mogul, Hudson is forced to find out: who was Chester Holte, what was he doing on the streets, and why are his homeless friends convinced he was an angel in disguise?

“Nobody was absolutely riveting from the opening scene to the final page. With compelling characters, a plot that surprised me at every turn, and a subtle, yet profound message that moved me to tears, this book goes straight to the top of my highly recommended list.”
- Deborah Raney, author of Remember to Forget and Within This Circle

“A taut, entertaining novel of mystery, intrigue, and spiritual truth. Creston Mapes delivers a winner in Nobody.”
- James Scott Bell, bestselling author of No Legal Grounds and Try Dying

“Nobody had me fascinated from the first paragraph and kept the surprises coming to the very end. Somehow, as the pages flew by, it also managed to convey a beautiful picture of faith the size of a mustard seed. From now on I’ll read anything by Creston Mapes the instant it hits the shelves.”
- Athol Dickson, Christy Award—winning author of River Rising and The Cure

My review will come soon!

Snow Angel by Jamie Carie & Aussie Giveaway

Elizabeth Smith doesn't know where she has come from but her future goals are clear ~ she just didn't count on a storm interfering with those plans.

Noah Wesley loves the solitary wilderness that is his Alaskan home but when God calls him to open his front door during a fearsome blizzard, the unconscious woman lying at his feet unlocks a chamber in his heart previously undiscovered.

While drawn to each other during Elizabeth's recovery, Noah knows he can't compete with her yearning to stake a claim in the Yukon gold fields. Noah fears for Elizabeth's safety as she pursues a perilous course but it is a more evil threat from her past that may haunt them forever.

Snow Angel captured my imagination from beginning to end. It is an epic romance with fast paced intrigue and an emotional intensity rarely achieved. Jamie Carie's gifted characterisation is of a calibre expected from a multi-published author not one writing her debut novel. Noah and Elizabeth have enormous depth, with appealing attributes alongside tangible weaknesses that evoke an emotional and compassionate response. Jamie does not shy away from portraying genuine romantic tension and desire and the dilemma that poses for Noah, a man of faith and integrity experiencing passion and attraction.

Jamie's prose is elegant yet accessible, placing the reader amongst the icy shards of the blizzard and the muck and deprivation of the gold fields. Faith and belief is interwoven seamlessly, gently revealing the loving heart of God amidst the heartache of loss and loneliness. Prepare to be swept away by this powerful tale of love and sacrifice and become a devoted reader of anything Jamie Carie pens in the future.

Snow Angel is available now from B&H Publishing Group.

I have four copies of this wonderful novel to give away to my readers with an Australian postal address, thanks to B & H's generosity. As Snow Angel is set in the wilds of Alaska, leave a comment telling me your favourite "wilderness" place in the world, you have either visited or dream about visiting. Leave a comment by midnight Sunday 14th October to be entered in the draw.

The winners of Sarah, My Beloved are...

Tracy, Becky and Cee Cee ~ congratulations :)

My youngest was delighted to have three names to pull out this time!

Becky ~ please email your snail mail to relzreviewz @ gmail . com (minus the spaces!).

Tracy and Cee Cee ~ I have your details so look for your books to be arriving soon.

All In One Place by Carolyne Aarsen & Giveaway

"Leslie lived in the wilds of Montana, and I...well, I just lived wild."

Living without direction has its fun moments but Terra Froese's reckless behaviour is wearing thin. To protect her own hide Terra seeks refuge in the small Montana town of Harland, the home of her sister Leslie, estranged from a relationship at Terra's choosing.

Leslie, finally settled in Harland after a difficult transition from city life doesn't need her wayward sister blowing in and wreaking havoc with her new found contentment. Her husband Dan is unhappy with Terra's presence sure she will cause more trouble. When Leslie is summoned to the Harland County jail by good friend Lieutenant Jack DeWindt to bail Terra out of another scrape, her husband is proven right once again!

All In One Place poignantly reveals Terra's inner struggle as she seeks to find belonging in a town more used to cows and stetsons than designer boots and nose piercings. Carolyne Aarsen creates an irresponsible yet appealing character in Terra, whose first person voice is exceptional. Jack, Leslie and Dan's individuality is captured beautifully through Terra's viewpoint and Cor DeWindt and Father Sam's diner conversations weave spiritual issues seamlessly in to the storyline.

I was captivated by Terra's journey and all it entailed, including Jack's attraction, Cor's meddling and Leslie's frustration. The depth of Terra's struggle to see herself as more than the sum of her mistakes is genuine and moving and her unsteady steps toward forgiveness, heartbreakingly realistic. The supporting characters add great humour and drama as Terra's past collides with her present as she tries to protect a friend. Terra and Leslie's relationship is one all sisters will relate to and is a reminder of the wonderful bond of sisterhood.The only thing lacking with All In One Place is a sequel - I hope we get to visit Harland and its engaging inhabitants again!

I have recently purchased The Only Best Place, the first in this series which tells Leslie's story ~ can't wait!

The publisher of All In One Place, Faithwords, has kindly provided me with a copy of this great book to give away to a winner with an American or Canadian address only! Please leave a comment below before midnight Saturday 13th October and I will enter you in to the draw!

As seen at TitleTrakk

Read my fascinating interview with Carolyne, here!

The winner of Remembered is...

Wendy Beveridge ~ congrats :) Another name pulled out by my "baby"!

Check back soon for some fabulous giveaways including:~

Snow Angel by Jamie Carie

All In One Place by Carolyne Aarsen

Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers

The Secret of Us by Roxanne Henke.........

Rematch by Erynn Mangum

The enchanting matchmaker Lauren Holbrook is back, better than ever in the sequel to the brilliant Missmatch!

Riding the wave of her successful pairing of her work colleague and Bible Study leader, Lauren sets her sights on her hapless single friends, confident she can lead them into their happily ever after.

While consuming copious amounts of coffee and cheesecake, Lauren plots to bring her favourite barrista, Shawn into both wedded bliss with newcomer, Hallie and belief in God, preferably in reverse order!

Lauren's life is suddenly complicated when her widowed Dad announces he is off to a singles retreat, Meet Your Match in Michigan, construction worker Ryan Palmer causes flutters in her stomach when he smiles and then there is Brandon Knox, her best buddy in the whole world without a girl of his own ~ what's a girl to do?!

Erynn Mangum has done it again! Rematch is wonderful, replete with sparkling wit, gregarious and uplifting characters and a story that will leave you with a happy heart. Lauren's stellar voice continues to shine brightly and despite her meddling, you can't help but love her. Her naivety in her own love life is delightful and I can't wait to see how Erynn resolves that. Lauren's friends and family are just as appealing each epitomising integrity yet with enough foibles to be realistic. The final scene is a treasure ~ a secret mission with code names Vizzini and Inigo was the icing on the cake! All that was left for me to do was close the book and watch Pride & Prejudice, which I did. Read Rematch and you will understand why! This is one of those unique books that can be read and enjoyed by anyone, from the teen years and beyond!

Rematch is available now from NavPress.

Interview with Sharlene MacLaren

Sharlene MacLaren has captivated readers with her delightful historical romances set in Little Hickman Creek, Kentucky.

I am giving away three copies of Shar's latest release and there is still time to enter ~ click here and leave a comment.

Here are Shar's thoughts on numerous topics, starting with:~

On writing...

Please share some of your writing/publishing journey with us

This has been an interesting journey for me! I didn't actually start writing until the year 2000 and just three years before retiring from a teaching career. Since then, I've published five books and am currently working on my next 3-book historical series. All honor and glory go to my Heavenly Father who planted this seed of passion in my heart.

Why Christian fiction?

Well, I am determined to write fiction that makes an impact on my readers, touches their emotions. I think nothing reaches the soul quite like Christian fiction.

What kept you busy before the writing bug bit?

I retired from 31 years of school teaching in the spring of '03. I taught 2^nd grade for 28 and 4^th the remainder of the time. Loved it all the way up to my last day!

What project or book are you working on now?

Currently I am working on my next 3-book historical series with a West Michigan setting, 1903. The research has been quite fascinating for me, especially since this is my stomping ground. The series is entitled The Daughters of Jacob Kane. Each book will bear one of the daughter's names, beginning with the eldest, Hannah Grace.

What does a regular writing day look like for you?

Sadly, full of distractions. There are days I volunteer in the church office and in our local school. My mother is in her final stages of Alzheimer's, so I need to spend time with her as often as possible. Then there are the day-to-day chores I never seem to finish, weekly small group Bible studies with couples from church, a mentoring program I'm involved in called Apples of Gold in which an older woman teams up with a young mom or newly married woman. We meet weekly. In between all this busyness, I try to make time for writing. Writing is something I truly need to focus on, yet so many things keep me from doing it. At times, I grow extremely frustrated, trying to figure out how or what I could pare down to make more time.

On Sarah, My Beloved...

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

I love to build characters that show emotion, weakness, and sheer humanness. How I do that is somewhat of a mystery even to me. I've read so many books that lack depth and dimension and, frankly, bore me to death. Unfortunately, those books go unfinished. And so as I write, I aim to keep my reader turning pages. One thing that accomplishes that is building interesting characters, keeping plots moving, and adding twists and turns the reader doesn't expect.

What was your favourite scene to write?

Well, I've been known to say I love love, so I guess as I write, I enjoy working up to that pivotal point at which the main characters begin to see each other in different lights. To me, that first innocent, experiential, maybe even awkward, kiss is one of my favourite moments, and I think the same rings true in Sarah, My Beloved. Here were two people married to each other in name only, striving to remain unmoved by the other's presence. But then one night--in a moment of weakness--that first kiss transpired. I think my heart was racing about as fast as it did when my husband kissed me for the first time. Hahaha!

You have written historical novels and one contemporary one. Do you have a favourite genre?

I truly enjoy both genres, but for now, my heart is into writing historical. We'll see how I feel a few years from now.

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

Oh, my goodness. I love Ann Hathaway. (The Princess Diaries) She has such a classic beauty. As for male characters, I haven't a clue. I'm not too “up” on my movie stars.

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

As always, my hope, aspiration, heartfelt desire, and deepest prayer is that God will speak to my readers through my “feeble” words. I long for hearts and souls to change because of reading one of my books. I love it when a reader takes the time to write and tell me what an impact some little sentence or inserted Bible verse made on their life.

Emma Browning is my favourite character and she has her own story, Courting Emma, releasing next year ~ a sneak peek please?

Oh my! Courting Emma may well have been the hardest of the three books to write. Not sure why that is exactly, but sometimes it felt like pulling teeth! However, in the end, I think it became my favourite. As usual, love prevails. But getting there was the agonizing part. Not so hard for one of the characters, nearly impossible for the other. You'll see when/if you read it just what I mean by that.

On matters personal...

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

I think my all-time favourite Christian book was Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers. This was a heart-wrenching read. I shed tears!!! But then I punished myself by continuing to turn the pages. Oh, it wreaked havoc on my heart. But what an amazing read, one of those books that makes you sigh with great relief and something like awe when at last you close the book on the final page. In secular fiction I always loved LaVyrle Spencer, although she's now retired and most of her books have ceased circulating.

What are you reading at the moment?

I have just completed the full 8 (or was it 9) book Mitford Series by Jan Karon. I'm taking a breather and trying to decide what's next. I have a huge pile of “must-read” books.

Favourite movie and favourite line from a movie?

This may seem particularly odd to many, but it was my fifth wedding anniversary, and hubby had whisked me off to Chicago for a whirlwind weekend. We went to the opening night of Tootsie. I fell in love with Dustin Hoffman's twin characters as he played both a man and a woman. It was a movie that touched me in many ways and to this day, I remember it with such fondness, maybe because it was a special time for hubby and me.

Favourite line??? Oh, it has to be from Jerry McGuire when she held up her hand in that halting fashion and said, “You had me at hello.” Even now, just thinking about it, I got that sweet little squeezy tug at my heart.

Who inspires you?

If you read the dedication page on the inside cover of Sarah, My Beloved, you will discover exactly who inspires me most. My darling, precious, sweet and romantic husband.

You have two daughters and you counsel other young married woman. As a mum of three young girls, any advice?

Love them unconditionally, teach them scriptures, live your life so they'll see Christ in you (not always easy, by the way), and pray with them every chance you get. Oh, and don't forget to laugh with them til your sides hurt!

Please share some of your faith journey...

I've been a Christian since I was a teenager. I grew up in a loving Christian home, but didn't make my faith my own til I was almost out of high school. Every day since has been a journey of ups and downs, joy and discouragement, laughter and tears. But in every day, I've known God's awesome presence and felt His power at work in my life.

Some essential Aussie questions...

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

Most definitely a koala. They're so adorable. I think a platypus is strange looking and a creature I'd prefer to view only from a distance. But what about a kangaroo? I wanted that to be one of my choices. What must it be like to live in a country where kangaroos roam the land? I can't imagine driving down the highway and happening onto one the way we Michiganders happen onto deer, one of which my husband rammed into just last week and totalled his car.

Barrier Reef or Uluru (Ayers Rock)?

Barrier Reef for sure and here's why--I've never heard of Uluru.

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

I say yes, of course! I'll try about anything once. I've heard it's quite delicious, but something you have to acquire a taste for, which probably means it comes nowhere near tasting as good as chocolate, right?

Any last words?

I enjoyed the chance to chat! KEEP YOUR FOCUS ON CHRIST. IT WILL MAKE ALL THE DIFFERENCE IN THE WORLD!

Thanks Shar for spending time at RelzReviewz ~ it has been a pleasure. I look forward to hearing about your future writing plans :)

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

Loving Liza Jane

Sarah, My Beloved

CFBA Blog Tour of The Trophy Wives Club by Kristin Billerbeck

This week, the

Christian Fiction Blog Alliance

is introducing

THE TROPHY WIVES CLUBAvon Inspire (September 4, 2007)
by

Kristin Billerbeck

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Kristin Billerbeck was born in Redwood City, California. She went to San Jose State University and majored in Advertising, then worked at the Fairmont Hotel in PR, a small ad agency as an account exec, and then,
she was thrust into the exciting world of shopping mall marketing. She got married, had four kids, and started writing romance novels until she found her passion: Chick Lit. She is a CBA bestselling author and two-time winner of the ACFW Book of the Year. Featured in the New York Times and USA Today, Kristin has appeared on the Today Show for her pioneering role in Christian chick lit.

Her last three books were:

Split Ends: Sometimes the End is Really the Beginning (April 17, 2007)

She's Out of Control (Ashley Stockingdale Series #1) (Nov 13, 2007)

Calm, Cool & Adjusted (Spa Girls Series #3) (Oct 1, 2006)

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Haley Cutler is the consummate trophy wife. Perhaps "was" is the more accurate term. Haley married Prince Charming when she was only twenty years old – back in the day when highlights came from an afternoon at the beach, not three hours in the salon.

When Jay first turned his eye to Haley, she was putty in his slender, graceful hands. No one ever treated her like she was important, and on the arm of Jay Cutler, she became someone people listened to and admired. Unfortunately, after seven years of marriage, her Prince Charming seems to belong to the Henry the XIII line of royalty. When Haley loses Jay, she not only loses her husband, she loses her identity.

With her first independent decision, Haley leaves LA and moves home to Northern California. Feeling freedom just within her grasp, Haley learns that her settlement payments must go through one of Jay's financial advisors, Hamilton Lowe. Haley believes he's nothing more than a spy. And the feelings of distrust are mutual. Yet somehow, Hamilton finds himself handing over the monthly checks in person, and Haley can't deny that there's a kind of tenderness and protectiveness in Hamilton that she's never experienced in a man before.

But before Haley can even consider another relationship, she must learn to accept her inherent worth, and what it is to be loved for who she is, not what's on the outside.

My thoughts:~

As is her forte, Kristin Billerbeck writes a sassy, direct and amusing tale of a woman betrayed trying to find a measure of independence after the loss of her identity that followed her wayward husband out the door. As a suburban Aussie woman, I found it a struggle to identify with Haley and her so called friends and probably didn't engage as much with this story as with Kristin's other books for that reason. Despite that, I was pleased to see an authentic look at the struggles of divorced women and the sometimes unforgiving nature of some in the church environment. The initially dastardly Hamilton Lowe is a great character, whose journey proves that leopards can change their spots after all! The Trophy Wives Club remains an entertaining read and has a final chapter not to be missed.

Illuminated by Matt Bronleewe

Former arcaeobibliologist and now purveyor of rare books, August Adams finds himself on an transatlantic flight from his worst nightmare. It is not the erratic turbulence that troubles him but a call from his distressed eight year old son, Charlie who is in the hands of an assassin.

The attractive woman in the seat beside him transmutes from charming companion to master manipulator, demanding August's assistance to decipher a mysterious centuries old code embedded in one of Johannes Gutenberg's almost priceless Bibles.

August is drawn into a web of intrigue and an unparalleled historical mystery while his family's lives hang in the balance.

The premise of Matt Bronleewe's debut novel, Illuminated, is fascinating and he weaves the mystery of what might hidden in the detailed drawings of Gutenberg's Bibles with a deft hand. The pace is frantic for August's family on the ground and yet for August and his nemesis on the aeroplane there is an eerie stillness as he attempts to unravel the clues using his expert knowledge and internet links! It seemed to me that August was a little too together for a man whose son's life was endangered but it was a minor distraction in an otherwise entertaining and engrossing read. I look forward to seeing August's character fleshed out some more in a sequel that begs to be written.

Illuminated is available now from Thomas Nelson.

The winner of A Hideous Beauty is...

Leanne ~ congratulations! My "baby" picked your name out this time!

I will pass your details on to the publicist and your book will be on its way shortly :)

Sarah, My Beloved by Sharlene MacLaren & Giveaways

Whitaker House has generously given me three copies of Sarah, My Beloved to give away. This contest is open to ALL my readers so leave a post letting me know your favourite character from an historical romance novel and you will be entered in to the draw. This draw will close at midnight on Sunday 7th October!

Benjamin Broughten left mail order bride, Sarah Woodard practically standing at the altar in Loving Liza Jane. Determined to make her place in Little Hickman, despite becoming fodder for the gossip mill, Sarah finds herself suddenly married to widower Rocky Callahan with the full time care of his motherless niece and nephew.

Still grieving his wife, Rocky protects his heart by keeping his feelings locked inside, presenting a harsh demeanour to the children and keeping his new wife at arms' length.

Even when Rocky and Sarah's hearts begin to soften, pride and presumptions interfere, perhaps ruining their relationship forever.

Sharlene MacLaren has once again made an old story new! Rocky and Sarah are drawn with a deft touch, their vivid personalities engaging the reader regardless of the familiarity of their circumstances. Sarah, My Beloved returns the reader to Little Hickman, a welcoming yet simple community struggling to survive. Sarah's wealthy suitor provides humourous moments especially his interaction with the practical and rugged Rocky. The Broughtens, Pastor Jon and boarding house proprietor, Emma Browning return in anticipation of the final installment, Courting Emma which I have a feeling may be my favourite! If you love a gentle tale overflowing with engaging characters and themes of faith and romance interwoven seamlessly, you can't go past Sharlene's Little Hickman Creek series.

Sarah, My Beloved is available now from Whitaker House.

Read my review of Loving Liza Jane, here.

FIRST Day Blog Tour of Demon: A Memoir by Tosca Lee

It is October 1st, time for the FIRST Day Blog Tour! (Join our alliance! Click the button!) The FIRST day of every month we will feature an author and his/her latest book's FIRST chapter!

This month's feature author is:

TOSCA LEE

and her book:

Demon: A Memoir

(NavPress, 2007)

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Tosca Lee received her BA in English and International Relations from Smith College in Northampton, Massachusetts. She has also studied at Oxford University.

As a Leadership Consultant, Tosca works with managers and leaders of organizations throughout the Pan-Pacific region, Europe, and the U.S.

Tosca is a former Mrs. Nebraska-America 1996, Mrs. Nebraska-United States 1998 and first runner-up to Mrs. United States and has been lauded nationally for her efforts to fight breast cancer.

In her spare time, Tosca enjoys cooking, studying history and theology, and traveling. She currently resides in Nebraska with her Shar Pei, Attila.

Visit her at her website and her blog.




AND NOW...THE FIRST CHAPTER:

Chapter One

It was raining the night he found me. Traffic had slowed on Massachusetts Avenue, and the wan light of streetlamps reflected off the pavement. I was hurrying on without an umbrella, distracted by the chirp of a text message on my phone, trying to shield its illuminated face from rain and the drizzle off storefront awnings. There had been a mistake in my schedule, an appointment that I didn’t recognize and that I had stayed late at the office for — until six forty-five — just in case. Our office manager was texting me from home now to say she had no idea who it was with, that the appointment must have belonged on Phil’s calendar, that she was sorry for the mistake and to have a good night.

I flipped the phone shut, shoved it in my bag. I was worn out by this week already, and it was only Tuesday. The days were getting shorter, the sun setting by six o’clock. It put me on edge, gnawed at me, as though I had better get somewhere warm and cheerful or, barring all else, home before it got any darker. But I was unwilling to face the empty apartment, the dirty dishes and unopened mail on the counter. So I lowered my head against the rain and walked another two blocks past my turnoff until I came to the Bosnian Café. A strap of bells on the door announced my entrance with a ringing slap.

I liked the worn appeal of the Bosnian Café with its olfactory embrace of grilled chicken and gyro meat that enveloped me upon every arrival and clung to me long after leaving. That night, in the premature darkness and rain, the café seemed especially homey with its yellowing countertops, chipped mirrors, and grimy ketchup bottles. Cardboard shamrocks, remnants of a forgotten Saint Patrick’s Day, draped the passthrough into the kitchen, faded around their die-cut edges. A string of Christmas lights lined the front window, every third bulb out. On the wall above the register, a framed photo of the café’s owner with a local pageant queen, and another with a retired Red Sox player, had never been dusted. But no one, including me, seemed to mind.

I stood in the entry waiting for Esad, the owner, to notice me. But it was not the bald man who welcomed me.

It was the dark-haired stranger.

Sample from Demon / ISBN 1-60006-123-0
Copyright © 2006 NavPress Publishing.
All rights reserved.
To order copies of this resource, come back to www.navpress.com.

To read the rest of Chapter 1, click here!

Demon is still in my TBR but check back soon for my review :) If you want to check out a great review visit my mate, Deena, here.