Dry as Rain by Gina Holmes

A book review by Rose McCauley

When I first started, I wasn't sure I would like this book, but I ended up loving it! It is written in 1st person which I don't read a lot of and was written solely in the POV of the male character, but it works well! Gina Holmes is a master at getting you inside the POV character's head, and his POV was the perfect one for this story.

I don't want to give away a lot of the details because I want you to read this book for yourself, so I will share some of the back cover blurb: "When Eric and Kyra Yoshida first met, they thought their love would last forever. But like many marriages, theirs has gradually crumbled, one thoughtless comment and misunderstanding at a time, until the ultimate betrayal pushes them beyond reconciliation...A richly engaging story of betrayal and redemption, Dry as Rain illuminates with striking emotional intensity the surprising truth of what it means to forgive."

One additional thing I want to say is that I disagree with another review I read that said this kind of book should not be published by a Christian publisher. If that is true, they better be careful reading their Bible, because they will be exposed to a lot worse! The story of David and Bathsheba has a less satisfying ending than this story does!

So, bottom line, I hope you will give this book a try so you won't miss out on a great read from a great writer! I give the book and lovely cover both 5 stars!

This book was given for review by Tyndale House Publishers, but my thoughts and comments are my own.

Spotlight on April Gardner

Until a few weeks ago, April was a cyber-friend of mine whom I had met through the John316marketing network. But when I travelled to Georgia for a booksigning tour early this month, we were able to attend church with her and eat lunch with her and her family, then she spent the afternoon with me at the Books a Million signing, (which she had first told me about) and we became fast friends, so I am very pleased to introduce her to my readers today. I asked her to answer some questions so you can get to know her better.

1. Tell us about your favorite book as a child and your favorite book as an adult. Can you see a connection between those books?

What an intriguing thought! Okay, let me think… “Black Beauty” was my favorite book as a child and today, my favorite book is “Behold the Dawn” by K.M.Weiland. “Behold the Dawn” is set in medieval times. The hero is a knight that fights in tourneys. A key element of the book is the horses. They’re living, breathing characters. The reader smells their musty flesh, sees the froth as it flies from their mouths, feels their muscles bunch and stretch beneath the rider’s legs. It’s safe to say that yes, there’s a connection between the two books—the horses! I adore horses.

2. What is your favorite Scripture? Do you also have a favorite Scripture that encourages you in your writing?
This is always a tough question! The answer changes regularly. This week God spoke to me through the following passage:
“Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” Phillipians 3:13-14 KJV

The phrase that stood out to me was “this one thing I do.” Pressing toward God’s high calling for me should be my main focus.

3. If you could go to any place in the world to research/write a book, what setting would you choose?
Guernsey Island! Two years ago, I lived a short plane ride away but never managed to make it work. This week, my children’s book “Lizzie and the Guernsey Gang” became available in e-book format, and I find myself wondering if I’ll ever have another chance to visit Guernsey.

4. I often wonder if I would write if I had to do it the old-fashioned way without computers and spell-checks and email. Is there anything about technology that you don't like? Or anything about it that you feel enhances your writing?
I’ll share a little secret with you. If I had to write long-hand, I wouldn’t do it. I’m dyslexic and while I overcame my reading difficulties, good handwriting and spelling continue to elude me. I tear up a keyboard, but looking at my own handwriting is very disturbing for me. So technology definitely enhances my writing. LOL. Without it, I simply wouldn’t write.

5. As a writer how have you had to grow and stretch out of your comfort zone?
Being a writer has forced confidence into me. I’m naturally filled with self-doubt, but with each passing year that I’m a writer, I find myself being forced to write things I never would have thought I could. It constantly pushes me beyond my limits. It’s never comfortable, but it’s always helpful.

6. What advice would you give to a beginning writer that you wish someone had given you?
Be flexible. With your writing and with the timeline you feel should exist between now and publication. God’s plan rarely equals our own. It’s better! So keep your knees bent and be ready to jump from prayer to action. We never know what wonderful things He has in store!

7. Do you want to add anything about your book such as how to order it?Wounded Spirits Kindle edition is on sale today for $1.99. http://tinyurl.com/3klg52c But I’ll warn you that as soon as you’re done reading it, you’re going to need the sequel. The good news is that it’s now available! You can purchase your copy here: http://tinyurl.com/c5ebhlg

Friday with Friends--Guestblog by Lisa Jordan

While shopping with friends at Sam’s Club, we milled around the book/DVD section. One of my friends picked up a movie and showed it to another friend in our group since it had one of her favorite actors in it. We had discussed this movie when the trailers were first shown, but none of us had seen it yet. The friend who adores this actor said she refused to watch the movie because she had talked with friends who had seen the movie and were disappointed in the ending—the lead character died in a shocking way. The friend who brought the movie to our attention asked if the movie was any good, despite the ending. The other friend and I spoke at the same time, "Doesn't matter."


Have you ever read the ending of the book to see if you’re going to like how the story is resolved? I admit to being a second-generation ending reader. Sometimes I really try hard, especially while reading suspense, not to skip ahead because I like to guess whom the villain is and see if I’m right.

I want a promise of hope and a happily ever after. Since I'm investing my heart into this story and these characters, I want a heart-satisfying conclusion.

Quite a few years ago, I watched a movie based on a novel written by a popular secular author who writes love stories—notice I did not say romances—yes, there is a difference. I loved the movie’s storyline and adored the characters until I saw the ending. My heart had been ripped out. I sobbed and not in a good way. If I had been reading the book, I would've been flung across the room. I was that angry! I vowed never to read that author's books or view movies based on that author's books again.

Endings affect the way a reader enjoys a novel. Some readers like me want the fairy tale and happily ever after. Other readers want a satisfying conclusion as long as the story is good. Of course, the novel genre influences the ending, too.

Romances need to have a happily ever after where boy and girl fall in love and commit to a future. Women’s fiction novels need to have a satisfying ending for the character’s story arc. Suspense and mystery novels should have a solved crime at the end. The villain isn’t always caught, especially if the novel is part of a series, but most often, all loose ends should be tied up neatly for the reader. Fantasy and sci-fi novels should have a satisfying resolution to fit the story premise. Basically, the reader needs to have an answer for the proposed story question at the beginning of the novel.

“If you want a happy ending, that depends, of course, on where you stop your story.” ~Orson Welles

Share Your Thoughts: Do you read endings first? What kinds of endings upset you? For you writers, what genre do you write and how do you know when you’ve written a satisfying ending?

I’m holding a scavenger hunt to promote my Lakeside Reunion release. Plus, blog commenters on my blog hop will be put in a drawing for fun prizes—breakfast basket, Love Inspired Authors basket, autographed copies of Lakeside Reunion. Visit my Lakeside Reunion Contest page for more information.

The token for this blog is an emerald necklace.

Bio: Heart, home and faith have always been important to Lisa Jordan, so writing stories that feature both comes naturally to her. She has been writing contemporary Christian romance for more than a decade. Her debut novel, Lakeside Reunion, will be released in November by Love Inspired, followed by her second novel, Lakeside Family, in August 2012 by Love Inspired. Happily married for twenty-two years, Lisa and her husband have two young adult sons. When she isn’t writing or caring for children in her in-home childcare business, Lisa enjoys family time, romantic comedies, good books, crafting with friends and feeding her NCIS addiction. Visit her at www.lisajordanbooks.com to learn more about her writing.

Book Blurb: Lakeside Reunion: Bed-and-breakfast owner Lindsey Porter prays she won’t run into Stephen Chase when she returns to Shelby Lake. Five years ago, the cop jilted her to marry another woman, and Lindsey fled town. But no sooner does she hit city limits than Stephen pulls her over for a broken taillight. Despite the past, he’s still able to stir up Lindsey’s old feelings for him. Now a widower and single dad, Stephen recognizes a second chance when he sees one. And he’ll do anything to make Lindsey trust in God and take a risk for love—again. Read an excerpt of Lakeside Reunion

Monday Book Review--Give My Love to the Chestnut Trees by Beverly Varnado

I've read several books lately, but haven't had time to post reviews due to all the travelling I have been doing both to Georgia and places here in KY to hold booksignings and cyber-appearances on other people's blogs to promote Christmas Belles of Georgia.

Starting today I plan to post more reviews of books as I read them. I read two books and started a third while on our trip to Georgia, so will review one of them today.

Give My Love to the Chestnut Trees is the debut novel of author Beverly Varnado. She tells the coming of age story of fourteen-year-old Mary Helen Reynolds the summer she spends with her elderly aunt on St. Simon's Island, GA while her mom has cancer surgery. Ms. Varnado writes in a lyrical, artsy style which fits the genre. The Georgian poet, Sidney Lanier, and his poems are woven into the story like fine silk threads, adding beauty and grace to the design of the story.

Saint Simon's Island is a character itself in this story, with many hours spent on the "wonderful marshes of Glynn." Several other characters are highlighted as the "chestnut trees" of Mary Helen's young life. In her "author's notes," Ms. Varnado encourages us to thank the "chestnut trees" in our own lives.

A lovely story which will be enjoyed by young adults and older adults alike, Give My Love to the Chestnut Trees needs to be in your TBR pile!

FRIDAYS WITH FRIENDS and book giveaway

I'm so happy to welcome Laurie Kingery to my blog today as I love her writing. And since I am writing a series, her advice below is priceless. Everyone keep reading to find out how to win a copy of Laurie's newest book!

FRIDAYS WITH FRIENDS—by Laurie Kingery

I've known Rose McCauley several years now, and I was pleased as the proverbial punch when Rose received what I am sure will be the first of many contracts with Barbour, during the traditional surprise contract announcements the publisher makes at each ACFW conference.

When she asked me to guest blog on her "Fridays with Friends" feature, I was pleased, too, and thought I'd take a little time to not only talk about my new release but writing series in general.

THE RANCHER'S COURTSHIP is the fourth book in my "Brides of Simpson Creek" series from Love Inspired Historicals. After my first two books from LIH, I finally achieved my dream of writing series, which had been a long-time goal of mine. I wanted to make it different, and what I came up with was a unique twist on the western romance trope of mail-order brides—mail order grooms. I set up a fictional town in the hill country of Texas that was without marriageable men because of the Civil War. The first book, which became MAIL ORDER COWBOY in 2010, featured a spunky heroine who formed the Simpson Creek Spinsters Club and advertised in the newspaper for eligible bachelors—the 1860's version of online dating. (Since I was an eHarmony.com bride, you know it was a concept I could appreciate ) Each subsequent book features another member of the Spinsters' Club and her path to True Love, and each book can stand alone, readers have told me, so don't fear you'll be lost if you haven't read the others. (But if reading THE RANCHER'S COURTSHIP whets your appetite for the previous books, they're all still available on Amazon)

Here are some facts and opinions about series which I've picked up or developed as I've written the series:

---You may not get to write a series the first time you're published. Publishers are wary of letting first time writers commit themselves to a series, and some publishers like series more than others. Series are popular now in Christian fiction, but a former publisher of mine in the general market wouldn't call my books a series even though they featured members of the same family, and so it became an "unofficial" series.

--It's good to have a system to remember details. When you write the first book in the series, you think you'll never forget the hero and heroine's eye and hair color, but you do. And you may need to know the name of a walk-on character from book #1 when you reach book #4. NO FACT IS UNIMPORTANT, because you don't always know what you'll need later. Whether you write it down on paper or keep an Excel spreadsheet—I do the former because I started writing before computers, and have had a couple of them crash—keep written details where you can easily find them. I'm now writing book 5 in the series, and I need to refer back all the time.

---keep an overall timeline of the series. This is something I wish I'd done, because I need to know when a character who found her match in the previous book is due to have a baby in the next book. It gets confusing, but some readers will catch you, because they frequently read series books back-to-back.

--www.dateandtime.com is your friend. No, the reader doesn't care if October 28 was a Wednesday in 1868 (it was), but if you have a tendency to absentmindedly put two full moons a week apart, consulting this handy website will prevent that. This hint works for non-series books too, of course.

---There are two kinds of series, closed and open-ended. Closed refers to series set of characters, like several brothers or sisters, an object like an heirloom ring, or a mystery to be solved over the course of several books. The most popular form of a closed series is a trilogy. An open-ended series means the series can go on as long as the author and the reading public are happy with it. "Brides of Simpson Creek" is an example of this type, and I will go on with it as long as I can keep each story fresh and interesting.

We've all probably read series where the plots have gotten stale and repetitive—I don't want to do that! In this type of series, each book is more apt to have a stand-alone feel, which is great since readers tend to find them at all orders.

 THE RANCHER'S COURTSHIP is the story of Caroline Wallace, a woman who lost her fiancé in an influenza epidemic and then decided to devote her life to teaching. But then Jack Collier comes along with his twin daughters and gradually changes her mind…

If you'd like to see the marvelous trailer Barbara Hunt of Paperbackflyers did for me, go to http://www.youtube.com/user/LaurieKingery . You can contact me at my website at http://www.LaurieKingery.com .

Thanks, Rose, for giving me this opportunity to talk about my books and writing series. Blessings, Laurie Kingery

Thank you, Laurie. And all who leave a comment on this post with an email addy so we can contact you, will be entered into a drawing for a copy of this new book by Laurie. Drawing to be held next Friday when I post a new Friday with Friends. Rose

Spotlight on Deborah Bateman

Today I want to introduce my readers to someone who is passionate about teaching the Bible. Deborah H. Bateman loves studying the Bible and is dedicated to “Sharing God’s Word”. She is the Founder of Christian Daily Resources, a Christian Online Ministry.

Deborah has a Daily Bible Reading Blog where she does a Daily Bible Study. This is where “The Book of Ruth” was started. Deborah has learned to trust God through the many trials of her life. She can relate to Naomi and Ruth’s dependence on God to see them through their lives' experiences.

Here's how Deborah describes her study The Book of Ruth A Story of Love and Redemption:


The Book of Ruth is a Daily Bible Reading Devotional. The characters in “The Book of Ruth” deal with loss, lack, and romance. Through their many trials they learn to lean on God and His sovereign will for their lives. Even though Ruth is a Moabite she decides to follow her mother-in-law, Naomi back to her homeland of Judah.

The two ladies travel back with nothing and are not sure how they will survive, but they trust God to make a way for them. As you read “The Book of Ruth”, you will see the story unfold and see God’s provision for these two ladies. Reading “The Book of Ruth” will help you recognize God’s sovereignty and provision in your own life.

Here are some additional benefits of studying The Book of Ruth:

· You will have the benefit of studying a beautiful book of the Bible.
· You will see God’s hand of provision throughout this story.
· You will get a clearer picture of God’s sovereignty.
· You will see a beautiful picture of God’s plan for redemption.
· You will see how God brings different people into our lives.
· You will better understand God’s love for us.
· You will enjoy a beautiful love story.
· You will learn about what a kinsman-redeemer is.
· You will see who our kinsman-redeemer is.
· You will see God’s blessings in Ruth’s life.
· You will learn how God provided for the salvation of humankind through the genealogy of Ruth.
· You will be encouraged by reading The Book of Ruth.

The Book of Ruth-A Story of Love and Redemption is available at:

Smashwords, Amazon.com, Amazon.co.uk, and Amazon.fr
The link for Smashwords is: http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/96550
The link to Amazon.com is: http://tinyurl.com/3gwpfz2
The link to Amazon.co.uk is: http://tinyurl.com/6be9lvj
The link to Amazon.fr is: http://tinyurl.com/3onrgvj

Guestblog by Deborah Vogts on Researching Your Contemporary Novel

Every novelist must "jump" into their characters' skins, and that often means we must learn things we don't already know. How do we do this? The Internet is an invaluable tool, as is your local library or bookstore. Sometimes, though, your questions can't be answered that way and you have to go to your "source." Often that means interviewing someone by email, by phone, or in person. For an introvert writer who spends the majority of her time in front of a computer, this can be terrifying.


So what sort of research might a contemporary author need to do? Below are a few things I did for the books in the Seasons of the Tallgrass series, published by Zondervan.

In my first book, Snow Melts in Spring, the opening scene is one where a horse is terribly injured. Right off, I had to know technical terminology, and not only that, but I had to create a scene that was accurate and believable, not just something that looked good on paper. To get it right, I contacted a handful of veterinarians, asked them a bunch of detailed questions all the way down to possible accident scenarios, which would create the type of injuries needed for the story. I even shadowed one small animal vet for a day in order to get a feel for what a "day in the life" might look like for my character who was also a vet.

I also needed to know something about football. Again, not my specialty. For this research, I went to the children's section of the library and checked out an armload of books. Here's a good tip to know: Children's books are easy to read and they are chock full of valuable information. I also watched a lot of football games on television and asked my football loving friends and family hundreds of questions--all so I could write two or three scenes with authenticity.

For my second book, Seeds of Summer, which released late May, I needed to learn about the Miss Rodeo America competition because my main character, Natalie Adams is a former Miss Rodeo Kansas and first runner up Miss Rodeo America. My research for this story included visiting with those at the Miss Rodeo America headquarters, as well as interviewing and questioning the current MRA at that time, Miss Amy Wilson, Miss Rodeo America 2008.

The highlight of this research culminated when I met and visited Amy at her home in Colby, KS. Amy was a joy to work with and is such a lovely person. My visit to her home was an unexpected blessing, as she shared some special moments from her time as Miss Rodeo Kansas and then as Miss Rodeo America.

I learned that Miss Rodeo America has a host of sponsors who shower their queen with lovely gifts, some of which include: a wardrobe of Wrangler Jeans, Justin Boots, Bailey Hats , fully tooled Court’s Saddle with custom Miss Rodeo America conchos and an official Miss Rodeo America trophy buckle from Montana Silversmiths. Accompanying the perpetual Miss Rodeo America tiara made by Landstrom’s Original Black Hills Gold Creations, Amy was given a wardrobe of matching jewelry. These items, along with other prizes were presented to her throughout her reign. To see some pictures of these items, please visit my blog HERE:

For the book I’m currently writing, I have to learn about running a cafe. So guess what? I've been visiting small town cafes and asking the owners lots of questions. Research such as this never ends, but taking the time to do this for your stories might mean the difference between someone loving your book or tossing it against the wall because it wasn't accurate. Sure, you'll never please everyone, but by doing the necessary groundwork, you'll at least know you did everything within your means to bring accuracy to the story. Again, it's important. Your readers will thank you for it.

Reflective Question: When you’re reading a book, do you notice the amount of research the author has done? And if you are a writer, do you have any tips you’d like to share for getting research facts?

Thanks for having me on your blog, Rose. I hope you will have a great November!

Thanks for a great post, Deb! I love research online, but have found as you did that the personal touch is always best by talking online, by phone, or visiting with people who actually live there.

Bio: Deborah Vogts and her husband have three daughters and make their home in Southeast Kansas where they enjoy their Golden Retrievers and their American Quarter Horses. As a student at Emporia State University studying English and journalism, Deborah developed a love for the Flint Hills that has never faded. In writing the Seasons of The Tallgrass series, she hopes to share her passion for one of the last tallgrass prairie regions in the world, showing that God’s great beauty rests on the prairie and in the hearts of those who live there. Visit Deborah at her web site: http://deborahvogts.com/  or her Country at Heart blog: http://deborahvogts.blogspot.com/  to learn more about her research for the Seasons of the Tallgrass series.

We have a winner for Christmas Belles of Georgia...

Liz Tolsma. And this will be the last month I offer the above Christmas book as the giveaway this year, since it will be for my last drawing this year on Dec. 1, 2011. Everyone except Liz who has a US mailing addy and leaves an email so I can contact you for mailing info is eligible. So what is stopping you? I love to read Christmas books the whole month of December, so if you win, you can do the same.

Spotlight on Cynthia Hickey

Our spotlight today is on Cynthia Hickey. Let's learn more about her from her interview answers:

Welcome, Cynthia. Tell us about your favorite book as a child and your favorite book as an adult. Can you see a connection between those books?

My favorite books as a child were the Black Stallion books and the Nancy Drew mysteries. I've always had diverse reading likes. I do not write about horses, but I do write mysteries.

What is your favorite Scripture? Do you also have a favorite Scripture that encourages you in your writing?
My favorite scripture is Philippians 3:14. Scriptures in my stories vary depending on the theme of the novel, but one message seems reoccuring. Let Go and Let God.
I love to travel. If you could go to any place in the world to research/write a book, what setting would you choose?
Definitely Ireland or Scotland. Most of my characters are of those nationalities. Since I'm Scot-Irish, it fits.

I often wonder if I would write if I had to do it the old-fashioned way without computers and spell-checks and email. Is there anything about technology that you don't like? Or anything about it that you feel enhances your writing?
I would still write. Sometimes I still write with pencil and paper, especially plotting and designing my characters. I think today, we put so much faith in our technology that when it goes out on us, we're completely lost. We need to back up our back ups.

As a writer how have you had to grow and stretch out of your comfort zone?
I would prefer to sit, write the book, get it published. Done. Having to talke about, pitch, and market something has definitely stretched me. What if they don't like my book? What if they don't like me? Very difficult.

What advice would you give to a beginning writer that you wish someone had given you?
DON'T GIVE UP. This is not an easy journey, and one that should not be undertaken without a true heart and calling to write.

Do you want to add anything about your book such as how to order it?
My mysteries have been re-released as ebooks and can be found at http://www.amazon.com/ and http://www.smashwords.com/

For a listing of Cynthia's titles, check out her info below:

Cynthia Hickey's books:

FINDING LOVE-DISCOVER THE LIFELINE
FUDGE-LACED FELONIES, CANDY-COATED SECRETS,  CHOCOLATE-COVERED CRIME Coming soon to ebook

http://www.cynthiahickey.com/  http://www.cynthiahickey.blogspot.com/

http://www.spyglasslanemysteries.com/

Spotlight on Amanda Stephan and her romance novel Lonely Hearts

I've enjoyed getting to 'know' Amanda through our John316MarketingNetwork, and am happy to introduce my readers to her and her book today by shining my spotlight on her even though her bio says she doesn't like the spotlight! Here's what Amanda has to say about her book:

Lonely Hearts ~ a sweet Christian romance
by Amanda Stephan

One lonely mother. Two matchmaking kids. Three eligible bachelors, and some very yummy apple pie!

When widow Becky Callis moves to a new town, she thought it would be easier to start over in a place where she's not reminded of her dead husband. Her kids on the other hand, take it as a chance to help their mother start over romantically. The only problem is, there seems to be quite a few eligible bachelors they can choose from! They soon realize it's easier to find someone to like their mother than it is to figure out which man is best for her.

Even though this handsome cowboy is younger than Becky, Scott makes his interest plain and starts courting her almost immediately to the delight of both kids.

Jack and Becky have been friends since childhood. When they're reunited years after their lives have taken very different paths, this lonely preacher begins to wonder if God has brought her back into his life for a reason.

Pearce Morgan is a single parent raising his young daughter after his wife deserts them soon after Emily's birth. Divorced and disillusioned, an unlikely friendship arises between him and Becky when his shy daughter decides she loves Becky and her kids.

True love is harder than it looks!

Rose back: This book sounds as yummy as the apple pie to me--all the right ingredients baked up in a story to satisfy anyone who loves gentle Christian romances like me! Check out her bio and other info below and order this book right away!

Bio: Amanda Stephan is just a normal, everyday country girl. She resides near Columbia, TN with her husband and children, three cats, one dog, and multiple roosters that love to roost under their bedroom windows. She loves to laugh and have a good time, and loves to read a good book.

Out of love for her family and love for God, she finds writing to be an opportunity to share God's love for others in a fun and entertaining way. Her first novel, The Price of Trust, was published in May of 2010, her second novel, Lonely Hearts, is due for release at the end of October, 2011, and her Slade series was just picked up by TreasureLine Publishing.

If you were to ask her to share one thing about herself that most people don't know, she'd have so many to choose from that she'd probably hesitate for a moment. Not quite a recluse, she's rather camera shy, doesn't like to be in the spotlight, and absolutely LOVES to have her feet tickled. But she would say her most interesting accomplishment is that she laughs like Scooby Doo.

You can usually find Amanda lurking in several online places at once like her

Facebook fan page http://www.facebook.com/thepriceoftrust
her Facebook author page http://www.facebook.com/creativehomemomma
Twitter http://www.twitter.com/amandastephan
her website http://www.booksbyamanda.com/ or http://www.thepriceoftrust.com/
or her personal blog http://authoramanda.blogspot.com/

Friday with Friends (and chance to win a free book)--Tiff Stockton

Tiff and I met at the first ACFW Conference  in 2002 when she was Amber Miller. Now, one husband and two children later, she writes as Amber Stockton. I have enjoyed reading several of Tiff's books, both in draft form and published form as we used to critique for each other. I'll let her tell you the rest.

SMALL TOWN LIVING

by: Tiffany Amber Stockton

I’m sitting here staring at my computer screen and loving the header graphic on Rose’s site. She invited me to come here and spend a little time with you today. As Rose will attest, she and I have traveled this long journey toward publication almost from the start. Her first book released in August this year and mine released in 2008. But many years ago, we started out as critique partners through ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers). Btw, my name is Tiffany, but I publish under my middle and last names of Amber Stockton.
So, my latest book takes me back to my home state of Delaware and the small town of Brandywine. My first series during the Colonial era was set in the small town of New Castle, but at the time it was the center of trade and commerce. For Bound by Grace, I jump forward a little over 100 years and connect my characters to the family I featured in the Liberty’s Promise trilogy. It was a lot of fun returning to this setting and linking the stories. Many of my readers asked me if I would do that at some point down the line, and I’m happy to be able to answer with a resounding “yes!”
Now, a “small town” for a lot of people wouldn’t include many areas on the East Coast. That’s likely because so many big cities exist there. Philadelphia, Boston, New York, Baltimore, D.C., Richmond, Atlanta, etc. And this area has often been called the Megalopolis stretching from Boston to D.C. But while it’s true the interstate allows you to get from one end to the other of these cities in about 7-1/2 hours, if you zip along that highway, you miss all the charming small towns you pass along the way. You never know what little treasures could be tucked in those nooks.

That’s the focus of my first series, and now this current series. Far too often I hear folks assuming Delaware is in New England, and I almost always have to correct them by saying that’s Rhode Island. Delaware is actually a little state occupying most of the DelMarVa Peninsula right smack in the middle of the Mid-Atlantic states of Maryland and Virginia. There is a unique culture here, but most drive right on by on their way to one of the bigger cities.
When I sold my first book, the editor told me I had 3 hurdles to jump as a new historical author: 1) a unique setting (check); 2) a unique time period (check); and 3) good writing. I can check that off now, but it took a little work at the onset. Nevertheless, the editor was impressed with the story and loved the setting, so he was eager to acquire it for the line.
As much as he loved the story, though, my readers have written time and time again to thank me for opening up their eyes and taking them on a journey to an area of the U.S. they wouldn’t think to explore. In one reader’s words, I “take you into the world of an influential little state most people blink and miss." I “offer a history lesson without being boring and blend the lives of the characters seamlessly into the history of the region.”
Needless to say, this series and my first occupy quite a significant chunk of my heart, and I’m thrilled to share those stories with you.
So, when you think of small towns, what areas of the country come to mind, and why? Are you a small town kind of a person, or do you prefer the sprawling areas of suburban dwellings? Share your thoughts in the comments for your chance to win a FREE autographed copy of my latest book, Bound by Grace. And visit my web site to read about this as well as my other 10 books. (http://www.amberstockton.com/) I will draw the name of the winner in one week.
Thank you for dropping by today.
* * * * *
Tiff

Bio:

Tiffany Amber Stockton has been crafting and embellishing stories since childhood. Today, she is an award-winning author, speaker, social media consultant, and a freelance web site designer who lives with her husband and fellow author, Stuart Vaughn Stockton, in Colorado. They have a daughter and a son, and a vivacious Flat-coated retriever named Roxie. She has sold 11 books and 1 novella to Barbour Publishing with more on the horizon. Three of her novels have won annual reader’s choice awards, and in 2009, she was voted #1 favorite new author for the Heartsong Presents book club. Read more about her at her web site: http://www.amberstockton.com/.

Wow, Tiff, I feel like a slacker since you have 10 books already out! You know I am very happy for you and all your success. And, I love this cover! When Tiff mentioned the DelMarVa Peninsula it reminded me of a trip my husband and I took and Tiff came to visit us at Chincoteaque Island during the running of the ponies, an annual event there. We had a fun day in spite of all the walking in the rain we did! Memories!

Second Guest blog and book giveaway contest by Shannon Taylor Vannatter

Shannon has come back to post another guest blog today and has graciously offered to give away another copy of Rodeo Dust. Salena Stormo won a copy for her comment on last week's blog. Now here's Shannon.

Guest Blog by Shannon Taylor Vannatter
My Inkslinger Blog features inspirational authors' real life and fictional romances. It's geared to celebrate marriage and help readers discover new authors. I post one, two, or three day features with weekly book giveaways. If an author chooses to do more than one post, the first usually focuses on their real life romance. This lets the reader get to know the author. Some authors choose to write three posts about their real life romance and those are really popular with readers.

I also feature single authors. They either blog about a real life romance in their family tree or their characters' romance. Only two single authors have been brave enough to tackle my interview for singles with questions like--Are you open to romance? Many single authors choose to interview their heroes and heroines about their romances.
Writers don't have to be published on my blog. They can share their real life romance and I provide a book giveaway for them. I feature all genres of books as long as there is a romantic thread, the books are inspirational and follow the guidelines posted on my blog.
When my books release, I share something about my real life romance, then usually a romantic destination post, or interview my characters, with an excerpt from the book to wrap up the feature.
Here's the 1st post from the week that Rodeo Dust released:
I've talked about my supportive husband before. When I first started writing, we thought it was easy to get published. Once we realized it wasn’t, he never threw in the towel–even when it hit his wallet and it didn’t seem like we’d get any of the investment back.
Over the years, my writing has taken me to many locations. But I’m one of those people who doesn’t like to drive unless I know the area well and lots of traffic freaks me out. Luckily, I have a great chauffer. I was thinking of the many places he’s taken me in my pursuit of writing and research. Here’s the list I came up with:
* Little Rock, Arkansas – attended 2 conferences and 4 writers group meetings. (2 1/2 hour round trip)
* Nashville, Tennessee – attended ACFW Conference (12 hour round trip)
* Dallas, Texas – attended 2 ACFW Conferences (12 hour round trip)
* Council Bluffs, Iowa – so I could ride with my critique partner to attend the ACFW Conference in Denver. (19 1/2 hours round trip)
* Springfield, Missouri – spoke at a conference. (8 hour round trip)
* Eureka Springs, Arkansas – attended a conference once and spoke there once. (8 hour round trip)
* Scott, Arkansas – book signing at an outdoor festival. (3 hour round trip)
* Blytheville, Arkansas – book signing. (7 hour round trip)
* Cordova, Tennessee – spoke at a conference. (6 hour round trip)
* Siloam Springs, Arkansas – spoke at a writers workshop. (8 hour round trip)
* Fort Worth, Texas – researched the Fort Worth Stockyards for my Texas rodeo series. (14 hour round trip)

* Jonesboro, Arkansas – attended Book Fair (5 hour round trip)
Besides all that, he’s met my writer friends at numerous drop off points, so I could ride with them to conferences and workshops. I truly couldn’t have honed my skills, gotten published, helped other writers in their pursuit of publication, or written the Texas books without him.
We often make our trips into mini family vacations and we often have a lot of fun. But we’re both directionally challenged and are hard-pressed to read a map. We travel strictly by Mapquest and GPS–it takes both for us. Since technology isn’t perfect, we sometimes get almost to our destination, but not quite. We often end up lost. On top of that, he’s currently a bi-vocational pastor, so he basically has two jobs and is often running on empty. Usually his only reward is exhaustion and a nice steak dinner. But he carts me around anyway.
Because he loves me.
Bio:
Central Arkansas author, Shannon Taylor Vannatter is a stay-at-home mom/pastor’s wife. Her debut novel, White Roses won the 2011 Inspirational Readers Choice Award in the short contemporary category. The 18th Annual Heartsong Awards named Vannatter 3rd Favorite New Author, and White Roses #1 and White Doves #8 in the contemporary category. The Arkansas Democrat Three Rivers Edition voted Vannatter one of 20 to Watch in 2011.
She has taught fiction workshops at The White County Creative Writers Conference in Searcy, AR, Life Press Christian Writers Conference in Memphis, TN, Ozark Creative Writers Conference in Eureka Springs, AR, and Ozark Romance Authors Conference in Springfiled, MO. She also taught a writing class as a continuing adult education course at the Arkansas State University.
The first book in her Texas rodeo series, Rodeo Dust will be available through Heartsong Presents in October. Rodeo Hero and Rodeo Ashes release in 2012. Learn more about Shannon and her books at http://shannonvannatter.com.

Monday Spotlight on Gina Holmes and her new novel, Dry as Rain

Thanks for taking the time to visit, Gina. Tell us about your favorite book as a child and your favorite book as an adult. Can you see a connection between those books?
My favorite book as a child was a Wrinkle in Time. It's been so long since I've read it. I really need to reread it. One of my friends who recently has says she got so much more out of it as an adult that she missed as a child. I can't wait to have the time. What I remember about that book is the realization that books didn't have to be just stories that entertained but could change people and their views.
My favorite book now? Oh, that's a tough one. I have a few. I guess I'll go with Jane Eyre. While it was just the best love story I've ever read, it also was more than just entertainment. The author introduced an idea that I'd never considered-that one person can be the life's ministry of another person. I've always been a save the world type and it really touched me and stretched me to consider that for some, one person is their mission field.
What is your favorite Scripture? Do you also have a Scripture that encourages you in your writing?
The scripture I've had to cling to in trials is Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans for you, declares the Lord. Plans to prosper and not to harm you. Plans to give you a hope and a future." In recent years, I've gone through the darkest periods of my life. Year after year, I thought the light would never shine again and I clung to that verse like I would an anchor in a storm. I knew it was true and when I couldn't trust anything else around me, I could trust that. It touches me every time I read it. God got me through those dark times and the sun is shining again.
If you could go to any place in the world to research/write a book, what setting would you choose?
 Oh wow, what a great and thought provoking question. Man. The first place I hope to travel when I can, is Israel but I don't know that it would be research at this point. I think maybe Greece. I did a layover there years and years ago and it was just the most beautiful sight with its whitewashed buildings and turquoise water.
I often wonder if I would write if I had to do it the old-fashioned way without computers and spell-checks and email. Is there anything about technology that you don't like? Or anything about it that you feel enhances your writing?
Without technology, I don't know that I'd be a writer. Back in the day, going to the library to check every fact was so very time consuming and I'm a bit of a perfectionist, so I would have to check every fact. How would I find the time? Also, I learned to type on a typewriter and the thought of corrective tape sends shivers up my spine. I'm somewhat dyslexic, so I make so many typing errors that are so easy to fix on a computer, but on the typewriter, not so much. Instead of editing 10 pages a day, I'd be lucky to get one done. What I don't like about it is how the internet sucks up my day. A facebook post here, a tweet there, a few blog posts and emails and suddenly the day's over and the house still needs swept, dinner made and no real writing was done. That's a struggle.
I hear you, Gina. As a writer how have you had to grow and stretch out of your comfort zone?
Man, how haven't I? I'm an introvert by nature and I'm now teaching at conferences. I've been asked to keynote an upcoming event, and everything inside me cringes, but I say yes, because safety gets you little in this world. If I'm going to touch people, I need to be with them. I'm very content to sit in my little office alone with words but that's not what God would have for me, I'm fairly certain. I've also been stretched in realizing how subjective reading tastes are. I'll get a rave review that calls my latest novel, unique, unpredictable, beautifully written right beside one that calls it predictable, not very well written and familar. C'est la vie. There are a lot of other ways as well.
What advice would you give to a beginning writer that you wish someone had given you?
Relax. It's not going to happen the way you think it will or anywhere near in the time you think it will. You can't make it happen. So concentrate on the writing, stop frothing at the mouth and stalking editors. Concentrate on being the best writer you can be and when you are ripe, you will be picked. No sooner.
Excellent advice. Yes, it will all happen in God's timing. Do you want to add anything about your book such as where to order it?
Sure, thanks for asking. Dry as Rain is my sophomore novel. A very different book from my debut, Crossing Oceans. Dry as Rain tells the story of a couple that drifts slowly apart until infidelity shatters any chance for reconciliation. An unexpected car accident gives our anti-hero a second chance when his wife forgets his affair and begins to look at him again with eyes of love. It is a love story and I'm told it stretches the reader to consider this sin in a new light. It's found on Books a Million, Lifeway, B&N, CBD, Amazon and in brick and mortar stores.

Bio: Gina Holmes is the President and founder of Inspire a Fire and Novel Rocket and award-winning author of Crossing Oceans and Dry as Rain. In 1998, Gina began her career penning articles and short stories, ten years, and a stack of rejection letters later, she held her first published novel. She holds degrees in science and nursing and currently resides with her husband and children in southern Virginia. She works too hard, laughs too loud, and longs to see others heal from their past and discover their God-given purpose. To learn more about her, visit http://www.ginaholmes.com/.

Guest Blog and giveaway by Shannon Taylor Vannatter
Let me introduce you to my fellow Barbour author, Shannon Taylor Vannatter. She's going to tell you how her just-released book Rodeo Dust came to be. And after you read about this book, I bet you will want to leave a comment so you can be entered in the drawing for a copy of Rodeo Dust. Shannon's giveaway deadline will be next Friday when I post another guest blog by her--this one about her husband. So make sure you leave a comment before October 21 with your email addy so we can contact you next Friday if you win!

How I Got the Idea for Rodeo Dust by Shannon Taylor Vannatter
Rodeo Dust started as a short story. My husband and I had taken our three year old son to the Arkansas State Fair. While our son rode a miniature motorcycle round and round, I noticed a cowboy to the bone wearing his Stetson, Justin boots, and Wranglers. No surprise there. But he was holding hands with a girl wearing a business suit and black suede boots.

Where in the world did they meet? What could they possibly have in common. Thus the story began about the city girl who meets a bull rider at the State Fair of Texas. She detests all things livestock and is terrified of bulls, but she can't stay away from the rodeo because her cowboy rides bulls for a living.
I really wasn't interested in writing short stories. I wanted to write novels. But it initially came to me as a short story. But I realized there was a lot more to it. Maybe like a whole book.
During my teen years, my dad announced at a very small town rodeo. I worked in the concession stand, which provided a little bit of experience to draw from. My husband--who is not a cowboy--is from Texas, so I decided to set the story there.
I needed a rodeo where my hero could compete on a weekly basis without too much travel. The Fort Worth Stockyards fit the bill. Since the heroine is city through and through, I liked the contrast of the Dallas/Fort Worth area. But I wanted my hero to be small town. I found Aubrey--the perfect place for his dude ranch.
After the book sold, I decided I'd better get my facts straight. My family walked the brick-lined streets of the Stockyards, got lost in The Cattlepen Maze, ate at The Cattleman's Steakhouse, toured The Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame, witnessed The Texas Longhorn Cattle Drive, and went to the rodeo in The Cowtown Coliseum.
Though the book went through several drafts, that initial short story remained in tact toward the end of the book. My son is almost ten now and Rodeo Dust releases this month through Heartsong Presents. Here's the blurb:
Ad exec, Rayna Landers meets bull rider, Clay Warren at the State Fair of Texas. While Rayna thinks she’s content solo, Clay longs for marriage and family. Though poised to win his third world championship, his ranch is in a slump. Clay convinces his publicist to hire her advertising firm in a last-ditch effort to keep his employees and lasso her heart.

Soon the city girl is on the ride of her life, until the rodeo unearths buried memories from her past. Clay sees her through the trauma, but an injury and his stubborn determination to get back in the hypothetical saddle threatens their budding relationship. Can they rely on God to find their common ground or will they draw a line in the rodeo dust that neither will cross?

Shannon's bio: Central Arkansas author, Shannon Taylor Vannatter is a stay-at-home mom/pastor’s wife. Her debut novel, White Roses won the 2011 Inspirational Readers Choice Award in the short contemporary category. The 18th Annual Heartsong Awards named Vannatter 3rd Favorite New Author, and White Roses #1 and White Doves #8 in the contemporary category. The Arkansas Democrat Three Rivers Edition voted Vannatter one of 20 to Watch in 2011.

She has taught fiction workshops at The White County Creative Writers Conference in Searcy, AR, Life Press Christian Writers Conference in Memphis, TN, Ozark Creative Writers Conference in Eureka Springs, AR, and Ozark Romance Authors Conference in Springfiled, MO. She also taught a writing class as a continuing adult education course at the Arkansas State University.
The first book in her Texas rodeo series, Rodeo Dust will be available through Heartsong Presents in October. Rodeo Hero and Rodeo Ashes release in 2012. Learn more about Shannon and her books at http://shannonvannatter.com.

Fit for Faith by Kimberley Payne and SPECIAL GIFTS if you order TODAY ONLY, October 11, 2011!

Today only! Get FREE gifts when you buy Kimberley Payne's e-book, Fit for Faith – 7 weeks to improved spiritual & physical health. For details see:


http://kimberleypayne.wordpress.com/



Book Review: Kimberley Payne has written a book I wish I had read years ago before all the other diet/health books I have consumed! She approaches health from God's viewpoint and helps us see how body, soul and spirit are entertwined with each other. I love the way she begins each day's portion with a prayer and ends it with a Scripture. She also includes many questions and places to record your own thoughts and goals to help keep you on track, and gives an extensive list of books and magazines for further reading and step by step instructions for the exercise program. Whether you are just beginning on your fitness trek or have travelled this road before, Fit for Faith will make an excellent companion on your journey.

Spotlight on K. Dawn Byrd

I'd like to welcome K. Dawn to my blog and ask her to answer a few questions so we can all get to know her better. Tell us about your favorite book as a child and your favorite book as an adult. Can you see a connection between those books?

That's a hard question. I can't give you just one book. As a child, I absolutely loved the Nancy Drew Mystery series books and read every one at the school library. Twice. As an adult, I still love a good mystery, which has led to me signing a contract with Desert Breeze Publishing for a three book mystery series for next year, the first of which will debut in January. The Zoe Mack Mystery Series is a college-age series that's heavy on the romance.

I loved Nancy Drew, too! What is your favorite Scripture? Do you also have a favorite Scripture that encourages you in your writing?
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 20:11

That's also one of my favorite verses. If you could go to any place in the world to research/write a book, what setting would you choose?
To write, I love Myrtle Beach. I sit on a balcony overlooking the ocean and write as the waves kiss the shore. It's a perfect setting because Myrtle Beach is famous for golf and there's something for hubby to do while I write.
To research? I'd love to visit New York City. I have a plot rolling around in my head for a WWII romance set there.

Great choices! I often wonder if I would write if I had to do it the old-fashioned way without computers and spell-checks and email. Is there anything about technology that you don't like? Or anything about it that you feel enhances your writing?
My favorite item is my netbook. I have problems with my hands due to a neck injury from a car wreck many years ago. My hands don't hurt if I use the netbook.

Glad you found a way to write without pain. As a writer how have you had to grow and stretch out of your comfort zone?
I'm very much an introvert. I enjoy people, but I don't open up until I know someone quite well. I don't like large crowds at all. Since I've become published, I've attended a couple of writers' conferences. I'd never flown before until I took the leap of faith and went to ACFW last year.

I agree, the ACFW conferences can't be beat! What advice would you give to a beginning writer that you wish someone had given you?
Write for fun! If you're writing for fame or money, that may never come. Write because you enjoy it. I write for the simple joy of placing words on the page.

Great advice! Do you want to add anything about your book such as how to order it?

Links:
You tube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=geWeGQ6Ueu4
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Mistaken-Identity-ebook/dp/B0056AT186/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1315948663&sr=8-1
My Publisher: http://stores.desertbreezepublishing.com//-strse-178/K-Dawn-Byrd-Mistaken/Detail.bok
My website: http://www.kdawnbyrd.com/
My blog: http://www,kdawnbyrd.blogspot.com/
Young adult blog: http://www.zoe-mack.blogspot.com/

Kimberley Payne's new book release Fit for Faith

I am pleased to help get the word out about Kimberley Payne's book Fit for Faith as it touches many areas near and dear to my heart. I am not able, timewise, to help promote all the books I am asked to, but when I read about Kimberley's book I knew I wanted to be involved. To help tell you about it I will share some of the back cover copy:
This is the statement that really jumped out at me:
Prayer, Bible study & journal writing are to the spirit what exercise, healthy eating and stretching are to the body.
Then it goes on to ask--Do you want to feel better?

This book is for every person who wants a balanced approach to health and weight loss,
while improving his or her spiritual walk with God.
You will discover how easy it is to:
Become more physically active
Use the clear advice on goal-planning and exercise guidelines to set up a program for active living. Apply the plan to your health through a home fitness test and three easy-to-follow strength training programs.
Improve your prayer life.
Learn the basics to get you started. Follow simple steps to an active prayer life.
Make healthy eating a habit.
Learn the secrets of eating well. Discover nutrition guidelines and hands-on, action-oriented strategies.
Read and study the Bible
Rely more on God to help you make changes in your lifestyle. Learn simple Bible study strategies to apply to your day.
Stretch your body
Find out about proper flexibility exercises and tips on stretching. Then apply them to your daily health routine.
Write a journal entry
Discover a new way to express yourself and communicate with God on a more intimate level.
Dispel common myths
Learn the facts surrounding more than 40 health and fitness myths.
This program has shown people how to improve physical and spiritual health.
You can improve your health too!
This book unites physical health and spiritual health through a 7-week program to lose weight and develop a deeper relationship with God. It is a reference on cardiovascular exercise, strength training, prayer, healthy eating, Bible study, flexibility exercise and journal writing.
I only started reading this book last night, but I can't wait to finish it soon, and can't wait to put into practice many of its excellent suggestions. Hope you will join me on this journey to a more balanced person, both physically and spiritually. After all, once you study and practice it for seven weeks, you'll see what a difference this lifestyle is making and want to continue!

Bio for Kimberley Payne:

Kimberley Payne is a motivational speaker and author of Fit for Faith – 7 weeks to improved spiritual and physical health. Her writings relate raising a family, pursuing a healthy lifestyle, and everyday experiences to building a relationship with God. Through her work, Kimberley hopes to inspire women to live happier, healthier lives that glorify God. Kimberley is a former personal trainer and has worked in the designing and counselling fields of weight control, stress management, self esteem improvement and wellness programs. She enjoys recreational activities with her husband and two children near Peterborough, Ontario. You can visit her website at http://www.kimberleypayne.com/

Guest Blog by Mary Ellis

I am happy to introduce my readers to Mary Ellis who grew up near Amish communities and now writes stories set there. Below is the blurb for her latest book, A Marriage for Meghan, and an article Mary wrote about research she did for the book. Very interesting! Read on to find out why she is glad she eats at Subway! And I found out that Mary and I have several things in common, including marrying our college sweethearts, and retiring from teaching to pursue our writing dreams.

Blurb for A Marriage for Meghan:
Meghan Yost is eager to prove to her father, the bishop, that she’s mature enough to teach school by herself. But just as she gains confidence, a troubled student challenges her authority and an enthusiastic suitor challenges her patience. How can Meghan outgrow her nickname of “little goose” if she can’t stand on her own two feet? When a series of apparent hate crimes sweep through the district, the sheriff calls in the FBI, and Special Agent Thomas Mast arrives carrying a secret he’s hidden for years. Will he come to terms with the past and regain his relationship with God before his career hardened his heart? With more on her plate than one girl can handle, Meghan sets out to help with the investigation. Thomas works closely with the bishop, who hopes the criminals will be arrested before Meghan finds herself in love with the most inappropriate of suitors—an Englischer.

A research article for this book:
While researching my current book, A Marriage for Meghan, God placed the perfect person to help me in my path. Although my main plot focuses on a struggling teacher, I developed a concurrent sub-plot which involves escalating criminal acts against the Amish. I met Lieutenant Matthew Linnscott of the sheriff’s department where I live in a Subway Restaurant. He gave me firsthand information about crimes against the Amish in Wayne and Holmes Counties, Ohio. Thugs had been robbing them on deserted country roads as they returned from auction sales or the grain elevator. They would block the buggy’s path with their cars and then rob these pacifistic people of their cash. How does one catch criminals in sparsely populated rural areas? I’ll tell you how the sheriff’s department handled it. In a joint effort of several agencies, including the FBI, teams of detectives borrowed buggies, dressed in Plain garb, and meandered down country roads during the time period the thieves favored. What a surprise for those thugs when their “helpless victims” turned out to be well-armed, highly-trained officers of the law. Now there are a few less criminals on the streets. And I was able to “pump the brain” of one of my local department’s finest for accounts of other hate crimes aimed at the gentle-hearted Plain folk. Nothing like being in the right place at the right time!

Mary's bio and contact info:
Mary Ellis grew up near an Amish settlement and fell in love with their agrarian lifestyle. She has now written eight novels set in their peaceful communities. When she's not writing she enjoys gardening, bicycling, swimming and traveling with her college sweetheart, her husband of many years. Before "retiring" to write full-time, Mary taught middle school and worked as a sales rep for Hershey Chocolate--a job with amazingly sweet fringe benefits. Her debut Christian book, A Widow's Hope, was a finalist for the 2010 ACFW Carol Awards.
http://www.maryeellis.wordpress.com/
https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Mary-Ellis/126995058236

Spotlight on Linda Rondeau

I am pleased to be blog swapping with my long-time friend Linda Rondeau today. She has written an excellent post that reminds me of a modern day parable! Please leave her a comment and check out her beautiful book cover below. Also hope you will travel on over to her blog and leave me a comment, too.

Cruise Control Woes by Linda Rondeau

“But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you” (John 14:26)

My pleasant daydreaming came to an abrupt end as the police car turned around and followed me. Recognizing that fact, I decided to slow down. Then those annoying, flashing lights reflected in my rear-view mirror. I pulled to the side of the road and wished my glasses were on my face instead of in my purse.
“Yes, officer?” I rummaged through my purse in search of my driver’s license. When successfully retrieved, I fumbled around the glove compartment for the registration.
“I know it’s here, somewhere.” I smiled. “Ah!” I might as well have said “Eureka!”
The officer had not been impressed by my diligent efforts to find my documents. He glanced at the wrinkled registration. “Do you know why I pulled you over?”
I didn’t think it wise to play a game of truth or dare. “Was I going too fast?” He nodded disapprovingly. “Well, I didn’t do it on purpose.”
He looked at me as if I’d just come off the boat. “Don’t you have cruise control?” Now the truth is that I dislike using cruise control about as much as I detest eating Lima beans. “I forgot to set it.”
I would have been less embarrassed if the officer had been a few decades older. “I have mine on all the time. I have a heavy foot, too.” He thought he was being polite. I let it go. He had the gun. I accepted the ticket with as much grace as I could muster, grateful he hadn’t added an extra one for operating a vehicle while vision impaired.
After the officer drove away, I sneered at the cruise control dial. Now I would have to add this feature to my ever-growing list of adaptations. Life changed too quickly. When I first learned to drive, cruise control meant curfew.
As I folded the summons and tucked it away, I felt the Lord nudge me in my spiritual ribs. I thought I heard Him say, “These controls are for your benefit.”
You don’t mean the car, right? You’re talking about my soul?
I didn’t quite understand the analogy, but I was not in a position to argue with the Lord anymore than I had been with the police officer.
“First, there are the flashing lights. Do you think the police use them to frighten you?”
I suppose the lights were his way of getting my attention.
“So, you see, in order to talk to you, I first have to get your attention. Understand?”
Well, God certainly had my attention now.
“Let’s consider your license and registration. Why do think they are important?”
It seemed the connection might be deeper than simple identification.
“They represent that driving is a privilege, and it came with a price. I gave you my one and only Son for the privilege of calling me Father. Does that mean so little that you toss Him aside and don’t call for Him unless you are in trouble?”
I vowed to keep better track of my driving documents. But, God had not finished this segment of my education. “Now, where were your glasses?”
I knew where they were, I just didn’t bother to wear them.
“How can they be of use to you if they are hidden in your purse? I have given you my Word to show you how you must live. It is my roadmap to salvation. But if you refuse to use it, you will wander, hopelessly lost.”
I squirmed with revelation, but God had one more point. “Now, what is the real reason you refuse to use your cruise control?”
I don’t like being reigned in like a horse. I want freedom.
“Did your freedom help you to be obedient? Or did you yield to temptation?”
Put that way, I had no defense.
“I have given you my Holy Spirit to corral your bent toward sin. He is the cruise control to your Faith, whether you are traveling against heavy winds or steep hills.”
I think I’ve got it. These gifts—your presence, your Word, and your Holy Spirit—serve as my cruise control panel for the road of life.
“I knew you’d catch on with a little help. Now as you say, also do.”
As I drove away, I retracted my glasses from their futile reservoir and never drove without cruise control again.

Bio: Award-winning author, LINDA RONDEAU, writes for the reader who enjoys a little bit of everything. Her stories of redemption and God’s mercies include romance, suspense, the ethereal, and a little bit of history into the mix, always served with a slice of humor. Walk with her unforgettable characters as they journey paths not unlike our own. After a long career in human services, mother of three and wife of one very patient man, Linda now resides in Florida where she is active in her church and community. Readers may visit her web site at http://www.lindarondeau.com./ 
And you can check out her book trailer at

Spotlight on Diane E. Tatum and her book Gold Earrings
 
back cover copy on the book

Daughter of a bordello madame and an Italian captain of the seas, Angelina Mercy longs for a new life, free from the condemnation associated with her mother’s home in Boston. A former navy man, Jonathan Thomson has accepted God’s call and become a minister of a small congregation. Adrift from his Yankee heritage in the Missouri plains, Jonathan longs for a family of his own. Pursuing Alice, the daughter of the town’s wealthy patron, Jonathan believes he can tame her wild ways and accomplish more as a preacher once so established. When Angelina’s guardian and Jonathan’s seminary professor learns of Jonathan’s misguided intentions, he seeks out a solution to aid both individuals, providing a new home for Angelina in St. Joseph, Angelina and Jonathan are brought together with a strong initial attraction.
Can Jonathan ignore Angelina’s Gold Earrings, a constant reminder of the implications of her less than pristine parentage? And will Alice succeed in keeping Jonathan from Angelina? The resilient heroine of Diane E. Tatum’s novel will inspire you in this touching tale of love against the odds.

author bio
While in high school in St. Louis County, Missouri, Diane E. Tatum wrote the short story that grew into this novel. After teaching middle school language arts for eleven years in Tullahoma, Tennessee, Diane “retired” in 2009 in order to write full time. She writes for AssociatedContent.com and Suite101.com. Diane works in youth Sunday school and has written Bible study materials for middle school for LifeWay and David C. Cook. Diane and her husband, Ken, live in Tullahoma, Tennessee. They have two sons and daughters-in-law, one couple in Marietta, GA, and one in Bethesda, MD.

Congrats to Diane Ashley, winner of a copy of Christmas Belles of Georgia in this month's drawing.

It will be on its way to her as soon as she sends me her mailing address. And I will giveaway another copy next month since that winner would still have the month of December to enjoy a Christmas book. So be sure to stop by and comment often to have more chances.