Book giveaway, The Discovery by Dan Walsh

Two more Giveaways! Shoebox Surprise by Jennifer Johnson and The Discovery by Dan Walsh

The winner of Shoebox Surprise is Patricia Schreiner. And this month's giveaway is Dan Walsh's latest--The Discovery. If you have already read some of Dan's books, I know you will want to read this one, and in case you haven't read any of his books (where have you been!?) read the review below to see what a great read you have in store, then leave a comment here and any other blogposts the month of May to be in the drawing on June 1st for this special book. All commenters with a US mailing addy who leave a way to be contacted are eligible.

Book Review of The Discovery by Dan Walsh

This book is full of discoveries--for the well-developed characters as well as the reader. It is a story within a story. In the historical book within the book, the author makes it as bad as possible for the characters and then makes it worse!

But for the characters in the contemporary book that wraps around the book, things are such a contrast--almost too good to imagine. What author wouldn't love to be left a wealthy home to live and write in set in the historical section of Charleston, SC, by his bestselling author grandfather? And have his grandfather's agent contact him about writing a book?

It is also two love stories--loves that have and will last til death do them part. And a story with many twists and turns, including one at the end that leaves you wondering what the hero will decide to do with the information he has discovered.

Reading this story will keep you up late at night like it did me, and keep you thinking about it after you finish, wishing you could talk to the characters and see what they will do next--the hallmark of an excellent tale! And it will be enjoyed by both men and women.

Although this book was provided me by Revell and the author, all reviews are my own opinion.

We have a winner #1

The winner of Bonnie Calhoun's Cooking the Books is Susan J. Reinhardt! Congrats to Susan! Check back tomorrow for the winner of my monthly drawing for Shoebox Surprise by Jennifer Johnson, another great book!

Valerie Comer

Spotlight on Valerie Comer author of Topaz Treasure in Rainbow's End

This week I am happy to interview Valerie Comer, author of  in Rainbow's End which is published by Barbour Publishing, the company I am also pubbed with. Join me as we both learn more about Valerie, and then I hope you will look for her book which releases next week. I already have it on my wish list!

Welcome, Valerie. Tell us about your favorite book as a child and the books you write as an adult. Can you see a connection between them?
I grew up in northern Manitoba, Canada, with no libraries nearby, not even in my school. So I didn't have access to a wide range of books. Some of my childhood favorites were Heidi, The Five Little Peppers and How They Grew, and The Secret Garden. Looking at those title together does give a fair idea of where I am today. From Heidi, I learned about the joys of simple things: mountain meadows, melted cheese, grandparental love, and a place to belong. From The Five Little Peppers I learned about rejoicing in all things, and how having a family surrounding a person makes everything worthwhile. From The Secret Garden I learned more about belonging and the delights of coaxing plants to grow.

My lifestyle and writing these days draw from those books. I love living in the mountains. I see majestic scenery out my window every day and we can go hiking in it any time we like. Family is super-important to me. Our daughter and her family (two little ones) live just 90 miles away (over two mountain passes, but still...) Our son and his wife, expecting their first child, live on our farm. This is a treasure I don't take for granted! Gardening, farming, and good locally grown food are important to all of us. And something all my characters seem to struggle with to some degree or another is a sense of identity--finding where they belong both in this life and in their spiritual walk.

What is your favorite Scripture? Do you also have a favorite Scripture that encourages you in your writing?
My favorite Scripture is 2 Peter 1:3-11, which begins like this (NIV): "His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness." But do meditate on the whole passage! So much practical truth in there.

A Scripture I apply to my writing is Psalm 143:8 (NIV): "Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life." This draws to my attention that my story words should remind readers (and me) of God's unfailing love. That's what is the most important.

If you could go to any place in the world to research/write a book, what setting would you choose?
I'm a Canadian, and it's my dream to be able to sell fiction set in my country. I've seen a fair bit of the western half of Canada, so for the purposes of this question, I'd have to say the Atlantic provinces of Prince Edward Island and Nova Scotia in particular. I know I could find some awesome stories there.

Now, if you were offering to pay my way just anywhere in the world for relaxation and cultural experiences that 'might' lead to a story, I'd say England. Though I don't write historical, I'd love to 'feel' history around me. In British Columbia, where I live, most of the region has been settled by Europeans in the past century or so. I don't think we have a clue what it feels like to be steeped in history. Everything is so new here, comparatively speaking.

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 wrote my first novel at work in longhand and typed it into the computer at home in the evenings, but honestly? My handwriting is terrible and if I don't transcribe my notes quite soon, I can't read them any more. So computers are a BLESSING!

Like many authors, I have a love/hate relationship with technology. It can't read my mind (go figure) so I often spend time bashing my head against the wall when trying to figure something out. But when it's intuitive, I melt into its embrace. For this reason I truly love the program Scrivener for writing. It's a way of organizing my brain that just works for me.

Thanks for sharing Scrivener with us. I have heard good things about it. As a writer how have you had to grow and stretch out of your comfort zone?
Writing is such a blend of "it's not all about me" and "it's all about me." Finding the balance is difficult. I sometimes worry about what parts of my characters readers will think are modeled after me. For instance, in my debut novella "Topaz Treasure," my heroine, Lyssa, is shy about sharing her faith while having no problem confronting people about their dietary choices. There's a lot of me in that. Like Lyssa, I had a father who had no trouble talking to anyone and everyone about their need of salvation. Like Lyssa, I was sometimes embarrassed as a child, and could see how it caused some people not to like my dad. (Doesn't everyone want to be liked?) For the record, there's a huge difference between Lyssa's father and mine. Mine was really a lot more tactful! He's been gone fourteen years now, and I miss him.

What advice would you give to a beginning writer that you wish someone had given you?
Be patient. Don't get too attached to the first novel you write. Or the second. Or possibly the third. Keep learning and writing and learning and writing and growing. I'd written eight novels before selling this novella. I've yet to sell a full-length novel, though my agent is hard at work!

Do you want to add anything about your book such as how to order it?
"Topaz Treasure" is the first novella in the collection Rainbow's End, out May 2012 from Barbour. Working with Annalisa Daughety, Cara Putman, and Nicole O'Dell has been a huge privilege. The blurb for the whole collection is:

Join a geocaching adventure in the spectacular Lake of the Ozarks wilderness, with Lyssa, the reluctant volunteer whose former nemesis is now her chief sponsor; Madison, a city girl paired with an outdoorsy guy who gets on her very last nerve; Hadley, who doesn’t know enough about guys to realize she’s met a womanizer; and cautious Reagan, who meets an equally cautious guy. Will they find the treasure they’re looking for … or something else entirely?

The "Topaz Treasure" blurb is:
Closet believer Lyssa Quinn steps out of her comfort zone to help coordinate the Rainbow’s End geocaching hunt her church is using as an outreach event. She’s not expecting her former humanities prof–young, handsome, anti-Christian Kirk Kennedy–to be at the Lake of the Ozarks at all, let alone in a position to provide sponsorship to the treasure hunt. How can she trust someone who once shredded her best friend’s faith?

Kirk’s treasure hunt takes him down a path he hadn’t intended as he searches for opportunities to connect with Lyssa and her intriguing sparkle. How can he convince Lyssa there is more than one kind of treasure? And can she remind him of the greatest prize of all?

Links to all four authors, plus a variety of buying links to the retailer of your choice can be found at the Romancing America website/blog: http://romancingamerica.com/collections/rainbows-end

Bio:
Valerie Comer’s life on a small farm in western Canada provides the seed for stories of contemporary inspirational romance. Like many of her characters, Valerie and her family grow much of their own food and are active in the local foods movement as well as their church. She only hopes her creations enjoy their happily ever afters as much as she does hers, gardening and geocaching with her husband, adult kids, and adorable grandchildren.

Book Review of The Map Quilt a new book by Lisa Lickel

The Map Quilt is a delightful read by Lisa Lickel. It is a the second book in the Buried Treasure Mysteries series, a sequel to The Gold Standard. You don't have to read that one first since this story and the characters still make sense without reading it, but for your own enjoyment I would suggest you do try to find a copy! Then you will have the enjoyment of reading both mysteries!

The story starts with a prologue of an Underground Railroad escape attempt that takes place in 1860 which sets up the rest of the story. Then we flash forward to the present in the life of Judy and Hart Wingate who are introduced in The Gold Standard. Judy is nearing her delivery date for their first child. A suspicious fire starts off the mysterious happenings, and the book goes from one incident to another, building in intensity until the end.

The mystery of an ancient map in the form of a quilt runs through the whole story, and it's like solving a puzzle to try to figure out which of the characters want the information enough to kill for it. And who will be the next one to be targeted. This story will keep you reading to find out the answers.

Bio: Lisa Lickel is a Wisconsin writer who lives with her husband in a hundred and sixty-year-old house built by a Great Lakes ship captain. Surrounded by books and dragons, she writes inspiring fiction. Her published novels include mystery and romance, all with a twist of grace. She has penned dozens of feature newspaper stories, short stories, magazine articles and radio theater. She is the editor in chief of Creative Wisconsin magazine. Lisa also is an avid book reviewer, a freelance editor, an editor at Port Yonder Press, a writing mentor, a hostess at Clash of the Titles.com, and enjoys blogging at theBarnDoor.net and ReflectionsinHindsight.wordpress.com. She loves to encourage new authors. Find her at LisaLickel.com.

Preview Excerpt from A Tumbled Stone by Marcia Lee Laycock

I'm happy to share an excerpt from Marcia Lee Leacock's new book, A Tumbled Stone. Marcia is a fellow member of John 316 marketing group. It's just a short snippet, but I think it will make you want to find out what happens! If so, check out her site at the bottom in her bio.

Excerpt:
Sitting on an old fallen cottonwood, she put a hand on her stomach. She should feel something. But there was only numbness now, even when she thought about Cory. What would he do if he knew she was carrying his baby?


She could still hear the rushing water in the creek. The wind had increased and seemed to punish the trees. She pushed herself up and headed back toward the house, each foot crushing the ground in front of the other. She could feel the stubble under her shoes like blunt needles trying to break through.

The back door swung silently as she opened it into the kitchen. Earl had fixed the squeak. He was always fixing things, quickly, before they became a bother.

But he can’t fix this.


Bio:
Marcia’s inspirational writing has won awards in both Canada and the U.S. Her devotionals are distributed to thousands and her novel, One Smooth Stone, won the Best New Canadian Christian Author Award in 2006. Marcia is also a sought-after speaker for women’s events. Visit her at http://www.vinemarc.com/

Bonnie Calhoun, Cooking the Books

Spotlight on Bonnie Calhoun, author of Cooking the Books and lots of other funny things! Win a copy by leaving a comment on this blogpost by Sunday night, April 29th for drawing on April 30.

I am so happy to introduce any of my readers who don't know Bonnie to a very special lady! I met her at an ACFW conference years ago, and like to reconnect with her at conferences and share some laughs. Plus she is one of the most unselfish and knowledgeable ladies I know at helping people who are techno-challenged as I am with cyber-related things and at helping other writers reach their potential which netted her the ACFW "Mentor of the Year" award last year. So, let's learn more about Bonnie, and be prepared to laugh! And be sure to check out the info about some of the zany characters in her book in the blurb below.


Bonnie, please tell us about your favorite book as a child and your favorite book as an adult. Can you see a connection between those books?

Hmmm…not in the least…when I was a little kid my favorite book was the Alice and Jerry series…See Jip. See Jip run. Run Jip run! ROFLOL…and all the books I like now have people running…for their lives. It always starts as ooh’s an ahhh’s but winds up as running and screaming…run woman run!

I grew up on Dick, Jane and Sally myself and it was "Run, Spot, run!" What is your favorite Scripture? Do you also have a favorite Scripture that encourages you in your writing?
That’s an easy one. It’s been my tagline for many years when I need a scripture to uplift. Phil 4:13…I can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens me! Amen and hallelujah!

Amen! If you could go to any place in the world to research/write a book, what setting would you choose?
Another one that brings on the hmm…I would go to Israel and study the Mosaad. But the way the state of the world is now I wouldn’t want to travel outside the country because the sentiment against us is too hostile…it would just wind up giving me more fodder for an international intrigue story…with running and screaming…and guns!

Bonnie, you know how little I know about computers, but 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 love it all…although if I could just figure out a way to add all of my Facebook words to my writing totals I’d be much further along. Modern technology makes it so much easier. I remember the days of typewriters, whiteout, and printing full manuscripts to send out…and all the postage that went along with it. At today’s postal rates you would need a mortgage to send out a manuscript to several publishers.

Ha! As a writer how have you had to grow and stretch out of your comfort zone?
I’m sorta like Odie…my comfort zone is relevant to where I’m standing at the moment, and it changes numerous times a day. I’m not thin-skinned and always willing to learn, and I love editors, especially tough ones!

What advice would you give to a beginning writer that you wish someone had given you?
I was really blessed to learn from seasoned pros, so there weren’t any surprises for me. But the advice I’d give is to keep writing, and keep submitting. My agent Terry Burns loves to say, “Publishing isn’t a selection process, it’s a survival process.”

I love that and agree wholeheartedly. Do you want to add anything about your book such as how to order it?
You can find my book anywhere books are sold, especially Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/Cooking-Books-Sloane-Templeton-Mystery/dp/1426733887

Back Cover Blurb for Cooking the Books:

It's not easy being Sloane Templeton.



After her mother dies from a heart attack, Sloane Templeton goes from Cyber Crimes Unit to bookstore owner before she can blink. She also "inherits" a half-batty store manager named Felicia Tyler, better know as Fefe, bright red, tightly permed hair, wearer of noisy jewelry and ungodly bright spandex. She’s the half-batty manager of mom’s bookstore, and the batty part plays with loaded guns.


Then there’s a strange bunch of little old people from the neighborhood who meet at the store once a week called the Granny Oakleys Book Club who smell like food, but never read books. And Aunt Verline Buford, mom’s younger sister, who fancies herself as the Iron Chef, when in reality you need a cast-iron stomach to partake of her disasters. She had her last husband die of food poisoning, but they swear that she didn’t cause it.


And with a group like this you should never ask, “What else can go wrong?”


Mix in a pair of professors, several gun toting thieves, and a couple books worth a fortune and the outcome could be murder!

Bio:

Bonnie is owner of the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance, publisher the Christian Fiction Online Magazine, Northeast Zone Director for ACFW, President of Christian Authors Network, Appointment Coordinator for the Colorado Christian Writers Conference and the Greater Philadelphia Christian Writers Conference, and ACFW ‘Mentor of the Year,’ for 2011.

Guestblog by Cynthia Simmons on John 7

Guest Blog by Cynthia Simmons on John 7

I have a cat named Mr. Knightly. He stays in the basement since we have friends who are allergic. Once the cat hears me in the kitchen preparing breakfast, he meows at the door, begging for food. He prefers his dish full, not half empty, and never just enough to cover the bottom. I suspect he finds it unpleasant to stick his head into the dish. He knows I’m a constant source of food and attention, so he demands a lot.


Since my husband likes breakfast before he leaves for work, I complete his breakfast before I tend the cat. Some mornings Mr. Knightly’s constant cry annoys me. After all, he’s not going to starve. There’s always food in his dish.

I’ve often wondered if God gets weary of my constant cries for help. Certainly he’s provided the Holy Spirit to stay with me and Scripture is full of his promises. So how does he feel when I run to him with every whim? Then I found this:

John 7:37 - 38 On the last day of the feast, the great day, Jesus stood up and cried out, "If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, 'Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.'"

It’s easy to miss the message without a little background. The Jewish people completed a celebration called the Feast of the Tabernacles. During that festival, a priest took water from the pool of Salome and poured it into the laver. On the last day of the feast— the day Jesus spoke these words—the clergy omitted that ritual. In that setting, Jesus cried out to anyone who might be thirsty. His invitation is to come and drink. However, in the English you miss the verb tense. Both ‘come’ and ‘drink’ are present imperative in the Greek, which commands continuous and repeated action.

In essence, Jesus informs the hearer that he’s sufficient for every need—anytime. Yes, he offers salvation, but more than that, he possesses the ability to fill whatever we lack. For the believer who finds himself in an impossible situation, Christ can offer guidance. For the broken hearted, he can heal and encourage. For the lonely, he can provide companionship and comfort. Nothing can deplete his infinite riches.

Notice the next phrase. The Greek verb there indicates the believer’s continually trusting Christ. Jesus says ‘out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.’ The Savior supplies every necessity, so you can overflow into the lives of those around you because of the indwelling spirit of God.

Jesus doesn’t grow weary like I do with my quirky cat. He’s thrilled when we approach him, even if it’s something small. He wouldn’t be angry if we prayed, “Lord, my dish isn’t full. Could we talk?” He wants you bubbling over so you can minister to others. Does your soul ache? Are you hurting? Do you feel inadequate? Run to the open arms of Jesus. He’ll welcome you and provide whatever you need.

Bio:

Cynthia L Simmons and her husband, Ray, have five children and reside in Atlanta. She has taught for over twenty years as a homeschool mother and Bible teacher. Active in Christian Authors Guild (CAG), she conducts writing workshops and has served as president, vice president, and conference director. In December 2009 the membership granted her Life Time Membership for her numerous contributions to writers.  “Cindy” is fond of history and writes both historical fiction and nonfiction. Her writing appeared in CAG publications, NATHHAN NEWS, Chattanooga Regional Historical Magazine, Georgia Right to Life Newsletter, Chattanooga Times Free Press, Catholic Exchange, and Christian Devotions.us. Her first book, Struggles and Triumphs, came out in 2008. While promoting her book, she had interviews on radio and TV across the nation and was nominated for 2008 Georgia Author of the year. She also conducts monthly podcasts called CAG Spotlight in which she interviews authors and VIPs in the writing industry. At present she is completing a twelve week Bible study using the stories in Struggles and Triumphs.

Monday Spotlight on Nicole O'Dell

I'm happy to find out more about the fantastic author Nicole O'Dell who writes the whole gamut from fiction to non-fiction for many ages. She graciously answered several questions for us below. Enjoy! And then check out her books.
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?

I have a lot of favorite books from childhood. But the one that stands out right now because I read it so many times was The Hiding Place. I loved that story. Themes from the true story of the Ten Booms about God’s protection, provision, and power still resonate with me today.

As an adult, again, soooo many. I love Deadline by Randy Alcorn and Redeeming Love and Lineage of Grace by Francine Rivers—again, themes of God’s mercy and sovereignty.

2. What is your favorite Scripture? Do you also have a favorite Scripture that encourages you in your writing?

The one scripture that stands out to me all the time in reference to my own walk with the Lord, my parenting, and my work, is Philippians 1:6: “being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”

It’s all about choices! We have the power to choose righteousness or sin when it comes to the way we live our lives. I believe in helping teens prepare to make good choices in advance of the pressure, and I work to help parents with that goal.

But, we’re told that the work isn’t complete. We aren’t perfected until we stand before Jesus. So, we will make mistakes. We’ll choose badly from time to time, our teens will mess up. When mistakes are made, the redemptive and restorative power of the blood of Jesus is sufficient to cover all sin even though there are natural consequences to choices.

The work will be finished. It’s a promise.

Those threads are pretty much an outline of each of the books in the Diamond Estates series.

3. If you could go to any place in the world to research/write a book, what setting would you choose?

Today? Today I just want to be alone in a house full of windows off some rocky shore with blue waves beating against the rocks. Maybe Greece…?

Tomorrow, I might say a beach.

As a mom of three three-year olds plus two teenagers in the house, I just want to get away. Wherever away is. J


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 know! I was just thinking about this today. What if I set out to write a novel on a typewriter. Would it be difficult? Would I finish it? Would it be any good? I know one thing for sure. It would have two spaces after each sentence. Without the find/replace feature, I’d never be able to take them all out when I finished writing.

Also, those trouble words we all have (mine are that, just, and looked). How would we search and destroy them?

I also started dabbling with dictation software when I wrote my last book. I was…um…interesting. I think I’ll like it, but I need to definitely put more time into training that dragon. Literally.

5. As a writer how have you had to grow and stretch out of your comfort zone?

Hmm. Good question. I really can’t think of an answer to this. I’ve never been in a comfort zone as a writer, I don’t think. Publishing has been such a whirlwind to me and each project has been so different than the last, I’m thinking a comfort zone might be a nice change. Between YA and adult fiction, YA and adult Non-fiction, running my radio shows and Choose NOW Ministries, it’s been all about adapting and being flexible.

Book Info:

The Embittered Ruby

Sixteen-year-old Carmen Castillo wonders what it would be like to have a pair of ruby slippers.

“There’s no place like home. . .”

“There’s no place like home. . .”

“There’s no place like home.”

But then reality sets in, and Carmen concludes that ruby slippers are mere fiction. Constant prayers that her parents will patch things up remain unanswered. . .and her hurtful world becomes too much for her to bear. Trapped by resentment and anger, Carmen lashes out the only way she knows how and soon finds herself at a crossroads.

Will Carmen find the path to ultimate peace and contentment that her heart longs for?

Or will her troubled soul remain forever embittered?


Series Description:

DIAMOND ESTATES. Three girls are on a journey to find hope and healing. Each coming to Diamond Estates seeking solace… Each with her own unique set of struggles… And each capturing hearts and challenging the faith of teen girls.

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/The-Embittered-Ruby-Diamond-Estates/dp/1616266406/ref=sr_1_17?ie=UTF8&qid=1332941939&sr=8-17

B&N http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/embittered-ruby-nicole-odell/1104274007?ean=9781616266400&itm=1&usri=nicole+o%27dell

Christianbook: http://www.christianbook.com/2-the-embittered-ruby/nicole-odell/9781616266400/pd/266401?product_redirect=1&Ntt=266401&item_code=&Ntk=keywords&event=ESRCP


Nicole O'Dell, founder of Choose NOW Ministries and host of Choose NOW Radio: Parent Talk and Teen Talk, is a youth culture expert who writes and speaks to preteens, teenagers, and parents about how to prepare for life's tough choices. She’s author of YA fiction, including the popular Scenarios for Girls interactive fiction series and the Diamond Estates Series, and non-fiction for teens including Girl Talk, 2/1/12, which she wrote with her two daughters based on their popular advice column. Hot Buttons, O’Dell’s non-fiction series for parents helps pre-empt peer pressure by tackling tough issues. Visit http://www.nicoleodell.com/ for more info.

Fridays with Friends Guestblog by Nicole Odell

Is it possible to reinvent a reputation? Is it ever impossible?


Sixteen-year-old Carmen Castillo desperately wants her parents to restore their marriage so she can return to her once-lavish life. But when her dad lets his new girlfriend turn Carmen’s bedroom into a dressing room, her last bit of faith in her parents, and in God, shatters. Her only hope is to create a family of her own with Nate—no matter that his political family finds her ethnicity distasteful. When that plan fails, Carmen packs up her resentment and anger, and heads to Diamond Estates seeking healing for her embittered soul. Concluding there is no such thing as ruby slippers, Carmen wonders if she’ll ever find happiness and wholeness.

As I’ve been promoting the release of the Diamond Estates series, starting with The Wishing Pearl in October and now The Embittered Ruby, the topic of reinvention has been on my mind. During this exploration, I added a new column to the Choose NOW Ministries website to be written by Stephanie Morrill called On Reinventing Yourself where we’re digging in to find out how that works. I’ve also had readers write to me and ask if and how people can make a ton of mistakes and then reinvent themselves in the eyes of those around them. The underlying fear is that they’d find forgiveness through Jesus Christ, only to bear the scars of a bad reputation forever.

That’s a huge theme in each of the books of the Diamond Estates series . . .because it’s a huge theme in my own life. Maybe in yours, too.

What about when someone does really bad things? Even worse when that person had claimed to be a Christian. Do those choices completely void any witness for Christ? What if regret sets in and she repents of those choices and wants to get back on track? This is especially difficult for a teenager—reputations are very difficult to rebuild in high school!

I made a lot of bad choices when I was a teenager, just like the girls in these books. My choices were driven by a search for something—love, acceptance, fulfillment . . .something. Eventually, as my searching turned up empty, I moved into a Teen Challenge center, much like the Diamond Estates program in my books, and hunkered down, committed to staying put until I met God for real. It didn’t take long until I discovered there’s only one way to fill that cavernous void, and that’s with Jesus.

In The Embittered Ruby, Carmen Castillo struggles through her parents’ divorce and a forced relocation from a mansion in upstate New York to an apartment in Hackensack, New Jersey. Desperate for a real family like the one she’d lost, Carmen decides she’ll do whatever it takes to make that happen for herself since she could no longer trust her parents to provide security and a loving home.

She battles, like many of us, the whispers of the enemy that tell her she has to look out for herself and can’t depend on anyone. Those whispers watered her emptiness until it grew into something she couldn’t manage any longer. As readers, we have the privilege of a bird’s-eye view from which we can see what drives her, but Carmen doesn’t have that level of understanding of her own motivations.

Isn’t it that way for all of us? People who know us well and understand what drives us can see why we might do what we do or say what we say, but we rarely know ourselves that well. If we truly did grasp all of the intricacies going on in our hearts and minds, wouldn’t it be easier to make wise choices?

It’s like identifying a cancer. If you can’t pinpoint what’s happening in your body, it just grows and grows until it takes over and devourers your flesh. If you know what it is and where it is, you can eradicate it.

In light of Carmen’s story and my own, there are three things I pray for myself, my kids, my readers, and you:

I pray that the motivation for sin would be illuminated by God’s spotlight so we can identify it, deal with it, and kick it out. Next I pray for the strength to embrace change and disappointment as part of God’s refining fire. Finally, I pray for the power to rise above pain and poor choices, reinventing the person shaped by lies into an embodiment of truth.

“…He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 1:6, NIV)

Bio: Nicole O'Dell, founder of Choose NOW Ministries and host of Choose NOW Radio: Parent Talk and Teen Talk, is a youth culture expert who writes and speaks to preteens, teenagers, and parents about how to prepare for life's tough choices. She’s author of YA fiction, including the popular Scenarios for Girls interactive fiction series and the Diamond Estates Series, and non-fiction for teens including Girl Talk, 2/1/12, which she wrote with her two daughters based on their popular advice column. Hot Buttons, O’Dell’s non-fiction series for parents helps pre-empt peer pressure by tackling tough issues. Visit http://www.nicoleodell.com/ for more info.

Winner of Rodeo Hero by Shannon Vannatter is...Carolyn Boyles

I have sent your email info to Shannon, Carolyn, so you should be hearing from her soon. Congrats and enjoy!

Spotlight on Theresa Franklin and one of the characters from her new book, Triumph Through Trial

This is a first for me--I've done many author interviews, but today we are interviewing one of the characters from Teresa Franklin's new book, Triumph Through Trial. so join me as we learn more about Cynthia Owen and her family featured in the book.

Q. Hello Cynthia. Why don’t you introduce yourself to my readers?

A. Well, I’m Cynthia Owens, one of the main characters in Triumph Through Trial. I am the matriarch of the family.

Q. How many others are in the family?
A. My husband, Michael and I have three children.

Q. Are they young children?
A. No, they are all young adults.

Q. Does that cause conflict?
A. Does it ever. There is drama in their lives and they bring it home on a daily basis.

Q. What about your marriage? Is there drama there?
A. I thought we had a wonderful marriage, but Michael thought there was drama.

Q. You don’t agree?
A. No, I don’t.

Q. Can you tell us about the story?
A. Like many Christian families, the Owens family lives a different life in private that they show to the rest of the world. Theresa tells how the stress is affecting each family member.

Q. Is there a lot of sin in their lives? Does Theresa share that in the book?
A. Sin is sin and all is displeasing to God. Yes, Theresa does share that in the book. But if you are thinking this is a book about the seedy side of life, you are mistaken. This family is not secret mobsters or prostitutes. This family is just your average American family whose private life is not pleasing to God.

Q. What could they be doing that is so displeasing to God?
A. Anytime we don’t bring honor and glory to God, it is displeasing to Him.

Q. Is the whole family displeasing to God?
A. Actually there is one character that wreaks havoc on the family.

Q. Is there love in this family?
A. Like all families, we love each other in spite of ourselves.

Q. How does the story end?
A. Oh we can’t give away the ending. But Theresa will keep you guessing to the last chapter.

Q. At one point it looks like the family will split up. Does that happen?
A. God has many ways of teaching us what He wants from His children. Sometimes those lessons aren’t pleasant, but if we yield to God’s will, it will bring honor and glory to His name.

Q. I’m not sure that answers my question.
A. I’m sure it doesn’t, but Theresa will answer it in Triumph Through Trial.

Q. Where can we find the book?
A. It is available on http://www.amazon.com/ and www.barnesandnoble.com. You can also get a link from any of Theresa’s blogs or websites.

Q. Can you give us those addresses?
A. Certainly. http://theresa-lifesjourney.blogspot.com or http://theresa-thebookmama.blogspot.com or www.storiesforchrist.com

For those of you who want to know a little more here is a Story Description from Theresa.


The stress of living a dream public persona and a nightmare private reality threatens to destroy a family unit, taking each member in its wake. Through a variety of physical and emotional weapons, one by one they will crumble.

Cynthia is beautiful, educated, secretary of the church, and happily married with wonderful children. She is an accomplished hostess and the picture of Christian love. She has the perfect marriage and life—well, not exactly perfect. Her husband, children, church members, and life in general seem to get in the way of her perfect life. Feeling robbed of the life she so richly deserves, Cynthia lashes out and her family pays the price.

Michael is successful, educated, and deacon of the church with wonderful children. Michael and his children have a close relationship. They count on him for advice, guidance, and unconditional love. Serving God is one of Michael’s greatest joys. He and his children delight in helping others. Michael loves every part of his life except for his marriage, which is stressful and unfulfilling to say the least.

Karen is the eldest child and bears the brunt of emotional destruction welded by her mother. Kevin is the only male offspring and uses humor and sarcasm as shields to protect himself. Kathy, the youngest, is sweet and seldom is a victim in the war, but lately watching the slow erosion of her family is taking a physical toll on her.

Michael longs for the marriage that Cynthia believes they have and dreams of providing a safe haven for their children. After twenty-five years of marriage, Michael is losing hope of his dream becoming reality. Can he match the public persona and the private reality? What will it cost to get that kind of marriage and home-life? Is it worth the cost? Who will pay the cost?

Guestblog by Shannon Vannatter about the Fort Worth Stockyard and giveaway of her latest novel--Rodeo Hero

When I decided to write a book about a bull rider, I needed an indoor, every weekend rodeo to fit my storyline. I found The Fort Worth Stockyards online and learned it had lots of history, but I’d never been there. Last Spring break, we made the trip for research.


My husband and son tackled The Cattlepen Maze first thing. This is a human sized maze modeled after cattlepens with rubber rats strategically placed. It didn’t take them long. My son wanted me to do it. I walked and turned, and walked and turned, getting more and more lost as I went. Smart aleck signs ask, “Are you lost?” or “Haven’t I seen you before?” while family members on the observation deck try to help you out and often get you even more lost.

You have to find punch machines in the shape of each letter of the word maze. It took forever. It seemed like forever anyway. It was hot and there’s no breeze in the maze. I found all the letters and punched my card, but I couldn’t find the exit. I found the entrance 3 times, but not the exit.

Finally, I found my son and said, “If I find the entrance again, I’m taking it.” A few minutes later, we found it again and we took it. If it hadn’t been 88 degrees, it would have been fun.

My characters had fun in it. I imagined a scene with the hero and heroine arguing and her trying to get away from him, but she can’t find her way out of the maze. That scene didn’t fit in book 1 or 2, so I saved it for book 3. But in book 2, the hero and heroine almost kiss in the maze.

We walked the brick streets lined with copper engraved plaques that make up the Trail of Fame honoring those who earned their spurs contributing to the heritage of the old west. I learned that over ten million bricks paved the original 2600 cattlepens. The brick gave the Longhorns steady footing and kept them clean for their final trip to the meet processing plants. Poor doomed critters.

I guess that made us hungry. We searched out The Cattleman’s Steak House since I wanted some of my characters to eat there. My husband said the steak was awesome. My grilled shrimp was yummy. After our meal, we witnessed a cattle drive right down the middle of the street. Texas Longhorns are much bigger in person and their horns are huge, up to a six feet span.

I expected the drive to be like the running of the bulls and was kind of nervous standing on the sidewalk. But they don’t run. The Longhorns meander along their familiar path, never straying, as if they have all the time in the world. That’s the way it was back in the Chisolm Trail days too. Why? Longhorns can’t run long, they might stampede, and if they had ran, the owners would have lost money because they’d have ran meat off.

I toured the Stockyard Station Gallery and The Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame, where everyone from George Strait to Lane Frost is honored. I spoke to Julia Buswold, Executive Assistant there and learned how to get a cowboy inducted into the hall of fame. I thought that might come in handy for book 2. My husband and son shopped and witnessed a staged gunfight, but I missed it.

Then I headed back to the hotel and went to the Cowtown Coliseum for a meeting with Director of Sales, Dee Dee Barker-Wix who’d agreed to help me out with the facts about The Stockyards Rodeo. Cowtown housed the first indoor rodeo in 1918 and introduced bull riding in 1934. I took numerous pictures of the arena and The Texas Rodeo Hall of Fame, then pummeled Dee Dee with questions.

My husband and son met me for our first family rodeo. The patriotism impressed us with Lee Greenwood’s rendition of God Bless the USA as a cowgirl carrying an American flag rode a white horse around and around the arena, faster and faster as the music reached a crescendo. We laughed at the calf scramble where kids from the audience are invited to try and get the ribbon off a calf’s tail. A sheep faces the same fate in the sheep scramble. While the calf gave the kids a run for their money, the sheep went straight to the exit gate and waited for it to open while a kid grabbed his ribbon.

Calf roping, steer roping, team roping, and finally. . . I definitely felt a connection with my heroine in book 1. I cringed through every bull ride and worried when the cowboys fell off. My son asked if he could be a bull rider when he grows up. I cringed.

The Stockyards offers a rip-roaring good time. We didn’t have time to do half the things I wanted to do like the stage coach ride and the train ride. They even have hotels in the Stockyards. The Stockyards Hotel at $319 for a standard room, Hyatt Place at $142.00, Miss Molly’s Hotel at $125.00. We stayed at the Best Western five miles away.

I got lots of fodder for my rodeo series and searched through all my pictures numerous times while writing the books. All of the bull riding pictures I took were too far away, but then I found that great shot of the bull rider. Wow, how did I take that shot? Then I remembered, it’s a poster in the coliseum lobby.

Visiting The Fort Worth Stockyards is like taking a step back in time. The history fit my series perfectly. Just walking the brick-lined streets that day got my creative juices flowing. The hero in book two is a rodeo clown, only now they’re called bull fighters. In book three, the hero is a rodeo announcer and the heroine competes in barrel racing. It was a fun series to write and I’m always a little sad when I finish a series. But The Fort Worth Stockyards just might find its way into another book someday.

Rodeo Hero Blurb: Kendra doesn’t need rescued.


Kendra Maddox isn’t thrilled when Stetson Wright steps in to help fend off her overanxious date at a wedding. A new Christian, she’s struggling with a promiscuous past, and Stetson’s firm belief that true love waits only makes his gallant attempt to defend her honor even more unwanted. Then her friends continually push her and Stetson together. . .but can’t they see she’ll never be good enough for him?

Stetson doesn’t need any distractions. And Kendra Maddox is definitely a distraction. From his job as the new youth director at church to moonlighting as a rodeo clown, Stetson has other things to think about. Finding the perfect wife will have to wait.

When Stetson saves a prominent bull rider, he makes headline news, and Kendra’s ad agency is hired to promote the rodeo hero. Attraction simmers, but will they be able to accept each other for who God sees?

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.


The first book in her Texas rodeo series, Rodeo Dust is available through Heartsong Presents. Rodeo Hero and Rodeo Ashes release in March and August 2012. Her books are available at amazon.com, christianbook.com, and readerservice.com. Learn more about Shannon and her books at http://shannonvannatter.com and check out her real life romance blog at http://shannonvannatter.com/blog/.

Don't forget to leave a comment by next Friday, April 13th, on this post to be eligible to win a copy of Rodeo Hero.

Happy April Fool's Day, and I'm not fooling...Sharon Moore is the winner of Ann Gabhart's Words Spoken True. Please read below for more info on the book that will be given away on May 1.

This month I will be giving away the book Jennifer Johnson told you about this past Friday, March 30th--Shoebox Surprise, so check out that info and leave a comment on this post or any the whole month of April. Jennifer and I crit for each other, so I have read this book and love the way she works the story all together around the Shoebox Ministry.

Friday's Guest blog by Jennifer Johnson

I am so happy to showcase Jennifer on my blog. As she says below, we have been critting for each other since 2002! Thanks to Jim Peterson for suggesting it! And since she is the same age as my oldest daughter, I also consider her one of my daughters (and sisters) in the Lord. She is so precious to me, and as you read below, you will see some of the reasons why!

Hello! I’m Jennifer Johnson, author of fifteen books (three will go to print later this year). Rose and I have been writing buddies for the past eleven years, since before either of us was published. I’m thrilled she would allow me to visit with you all on her blog.

My latest release is titled Shoebox Surprise. Main characters, Mirela Adams and Josif Sesely were born in Serbia to mothers who were the best of friends. When her parents pass away, missionaries from the US adopt her. His family moves to Tennessee to find a better life, and the two are separated.

But Mirela has never forgotten the shoebox filled with toys, hygiene products, and candy that she received when she was a small girl. She accepted Christ as a result of that gift. With the help of her church in Tennessee, she puts together hundreds of boxes each year. Her local newspaper runs an article about her ministry, and Josif’s mother reads it. Mirela lives only forty-five minutes from the Sesely family, and Josif’s mother sends him to find out if she is the child of her deceased friend from Serbia. You’ll have to read the book to find out what happens! J

Shoebox Surprise was so much fun to write. My inspirations for the story made it even more precious. In 2009, I received an email from a woman named Mirela. She lived (still lives) in Serbia. She wrote that she had become a Christian in 2008 and that many of her friends and family had rejected her. A missionary had given her several books to read to encourage her faith, including mine. She’d been blessed by the story and wanted to send me an email of thanks.

Well, talk about touching a girl’s heart! I was thrilled. I mailed her every story I’d written (still send them). We emailed each other and became facebook friends. Though she felt blessed by my stories, she could never imagine how much her words blessed me. I mean, that is why I write! To encourage Christians in their faith…and to do so to a woman who lives half a world away!!!! All I can say is God is so good!

My second inspiration for the story was a woman from my church. Andy was in charge of the shoebox ministry. Under her direction, church members donated various gifts and hygiene items throughout the year. In November, the church would come together to fill hundreds of shoeboxes to be sent to Operation Christmas Child in Boone, North Carolina.

Because of those two ladies, an idea was born, and Shoebox Surprise was the result. I hope you enjoy the book!

A LITTLE ABOUT ME!
I’ve been married to an awesome guy for the past 21 years. My high school sweetheart who’s supported me in every endeavor I’ve ever dreamed to try. His name’s Albert. Here’s a picture of us in Cancun for our 20th anniversary!


I’ve got three amazing daughters. I’m serious; they’re pretty cool. My oldest daughter is 20 and a senior in college. We are planning her wedding next December. She’s marrying a terrific man, Derek. Here’s a picture of my oldest daughter and my future son-in-law, the night he asked her to marry him.

My second daughter is Hayley. She is a senior, planning to attend college in the fall. She’s a terrific young lady, kind and sensitive, willing to give you the shirt of her back…or one of her sister’s shirts if you need it. LOL! Here is one of her senior pictures.

My youngest daughter is Allie. She’s in the eighth grade at the middle school where I teach. She was one of my students last year. She’s a great gal and an awesome soccer player. She’s exceptionally fun-loving, and this picture suits her completely!

As I mentioned, I’m also a seventh grade language arts teacher. Spending eight hours a day with 150 thirteen-year-olds is challenging, possibly a little ludicrous, but also highly rewarding. I love my students. I love being able to share my love of words and stories with them. Love the new Hunger Games series. A big fan of Jordan Sonnenblick and Jenny B. Jones and Melody Carlson. If I’m going to be honest with you, I have to admit a little more. I’m also Team Edward. Here’s proof.

Well, it was great to spend a bit of time with you! You can visit me anytime at www.jenniferjohnsonbooks.com. I’d love to see you on Facebook (Jennifer Collins Johnson). Or email me at jenwrites4god@bellsouth.net. It was great to spend a bit of time with you! Here’s one last picture of my whole family on vacation last summer!

Guest Blog by Tracy Krauss

Today I am happy to showcase another John316 friend, Tracy Krauss, and her new book.

"Why I Wrote AND THE BEAT GOES ON" by Tracy Krauss

Essentially, And The Beat Goes On is a commentary on the Creation vs. Evolution debate, while at the same time a redemptive story about one man’s inner struggles with faith. I became interested in the topic for the first time when I became a Christian and was faced with the huge discrepancy between what the Bible had to say about the origins of the universe and what mainstream scientific thought had to say on the subject. This led to much reading and research, which I later put into use when I decided to homeschool my own children. When I decided to write the book, I had already finished another novel called Play It Again – the story of an ex rock and roll junkie and a stuffy accountant whose one night stand has complicated outcomes and eventually leads them both to redemption in Christ. The protagonist’s son, Mark – a studious eleven year old who likes fossils and arrowheads – seemed like the perfect character for the this next novel. (Thus the tie in with the musical reference in the title) I am also a long time Sci-fi/fantasy buff, so I wanted to somehow include some references to the Nephilim – those mysteriously wicked people who lived before the flood.

My hope is that readers will first and foremost enjoy the book as a good story, for that is what fiction is supposed to be. I do not pretend to be an expert on the scientific aspects of Intelligent Design, but I have tried to include enough information to at least whet the appetites of those who are interested, without coming across as pedantic or bore readers with long scientific explanations. Many issues raised are left somewhat open ended, since it is my belief that intelligent people need to make up their own minds about what they believe, not just take someone else’s word for it. Also, I wanted to highlight the grace of God and point to Jesus as the answer to even life’s most difficult questions. The book is a mystery, a suspense story, and also a romance. In the end, I hope readers will be entertained, but also left pondering the bigger questions of the universe.

AUTHOR BIO

Tracy Krauss is a high school teacher by profession, and a prolific author, artist, playwright and director by choice. She received her Bachelor’s degree from the University of Saskatchewan and has gone on to teach Art, Drama and English – all the things she is passionate about. After raising four children, she and her husband now reside in beautiful Tumbler Ridge, BC where she continues to pursue all of her creative interests.

Monday Spotlight on Donna Clark Goodrich

Thanks for joining us today, Donna. With your vast experience in the writing field I am sure you have much wisdom to impart.

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


I read so many books as a child (as my mother said, "Donna always has her nose in a book"), I don't know if I had a favorite. I read a lot of Nancy Drew mysteries and the Cherry Ames nurse series. Later one of my favorites was "The Little Engine That Could." I liked the idea that something others thought impossible, I realized I could do if I put my mind to it. As a teen I also liked the Lloyd C. Douglas series: "Dr. Hudson's Secret Journal," "Green Light," etc.

I don't know if I have a favorite book as an adult, but one that really inspired me was "You Can Tell the World," a book for writers by the late Sherwood Wirt.

I also read a lot of Nancy Drew books and loved The Robe by Lloyd C. Douglas. What is your favorite Scripture? Do you also have a favorite Scripture that encourages you in your writing?

My favorite Scripture is Isaiah 40:31. This dates back to 1958 when I made a big boo-boo in my new job as secretary to the book editor at a religious publishing house. I walked to church that night, sure that I would be fired. A minister prayed in the service that we would "wait upon the Lord," that we would "renew our strength," that we would "mount up with wings as eagles." Then he prayed, "And Lord, give us pedestrian grace that we would walk and not faint." (This led to a devotional book with that title.)

No particular verse re: writing.

If you could go to any place in the world to research/write a book, what setting would you choose?

Definitely Scotland! I've been there once and love it!

I'd love to visit there, too, as my husband's ancestry is Scotch/Irish. 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?

Most of my published books and articles were done on a typewriter and an old word processor--an MTST (Magnetic Tape Selectric Typewriter). I've always said that computers didn't make me a better writer, but it made me a better editor as it's so much easier to make changes. I probably submitted a lot of things in my earlier years that could have used editing, but they sold anyway because--in the days before writers' groups and conferences--editors didn't have as many manuscripts to choose from. I look now at things I sold back then and cringe! They were written so poorly.

As a writer how have you had to grow and stretch out of your comfort zone?

I don't know if I have had to do that as I don't write much from assignment. I've turned down things I didn't feel I was either capable of writing or had any passion for, so most of what I write I really enjoy.

What advice would you give to a beginning writer that you wish someone had given you?


This would have to be three things. 1: You can be called to write and have a talent, but you still can learn new things every day. Take advantage of writers' books and conferences. 2: Join (or start) a local writers' group for critiquing and encouragement. We really do need each other. Carole Gift Page says, "Our family is called to love us, not to support our writing. They won't understand us like another writer does." 3: Sally Stuart says, "You can't write from an empty cup. Keep God uppermost in your writing."

All great advice, Donna. Do you want to add anything about your book such as how to order it?


My book "A Step in the Write Direction--the Complete How-to Book for Christian Writers" is my dream come true. It's taken from all the classes I've taught over the years. I always wanted to have something to give people who say, "I want to write. How do I get started?" The book can be ordered from Amazon, or from me at my email dgood648@aol.com or my Web site: www.thewritersfriend.net (This Web site also contains a lot of hints for writers, plus other books I've had published.) I also have a Student's Edition of the same book that contains writing assignments throughout. (I'm thinking of combining the two books.)

If I might add one thing that changed my writing life, and that's a quotation Harold Ivan Smith gave at a writers' conference I attended in 1980. He said, "We are called to write, and I feel we will be held responsible at the Judgment that we could have helped but didn't because we didn't write what God laid on our hearts to write." That took writing out of the hobby category for me and made it a calling. I feel I'm as called to write as a minister is called to preach.

Bio: Donna Clark Goodrich, freelance writer, editor, and speaker is a wife, mother of three and grandmother of two. She lives in Mesa, Arizona and enjoys teaching at Christian writers conferences. Author of 23 books and over 700 published manuscripts, Donna says, “I write devotional and self-help books to encourage Christians in their daily walk with God, how-to books to train writers, biographies to tell other people's stories, short stories and poetry for readers' enjoyment, and personal experience articles to share how God has helped me through life situations.”


dgood648@aol.com; www.thewritersfriend.net

Two posts in one day!

I think I have only done this once before, but today's second post is due to my having company the past two days and forgetting I was supposed to post a winner until today. And the winner of a copy of Ann Gabhart's Words Spoken True is...Chris Newcomb!

Congrats to Chris! As soon as she sends me her mailing address, I will forward the info on to Ann.

And remember, everyone who leaves a comment anytime this month will have another chance to win this wonderful book. Drawing for that one on April 1st, and I'm not fooling!

Wednesday Visit with Margaret Brownley
If you love the humorous opening quote below as much as I do, then I am sure that like me you will want to order this book! And read below for a way to enter to win this book, an ipod and more!
More Love and Laughter from New York Times Bestselling Author--Margaret Brownley

“Daily Reasons to Smile” Contest

“I’ve matched up twenty-three couples over the years and in all that time I only made one error. Although I still think the marriage would have worked had she not shot her husband.”
—From Dawn Comes Early

Characters from Margaret’s new book will send you a reason to smile every day until April 11th. Join in the fun and you could win a book, potted cactus (the story takes place in Arizona Territory) or an iPod Nano and alarm clock docking station. To enter send an email to info@NancyBerland.com. Be sure to put “Reason to Smile” in the subject line. That’s it!

Tell us about your favorite book as a child and your favorite book as an adult. Can you see a connection between those books?
First I want to thank you for letting me visit today. It’s great to be here!

To answer your question Little Women was my favorite childhood book. I read it at age ten and pretended to be Jo, the writer. By age twelve I had graduated to adult books and my favorite was Gone With the Wind. Now my favorite books change on a yearly basis. Last year my favorite book was The Help. This year who knows?

I also loved Little Women and Jo. And The Help was one of my favorite books last year. I see a theme here, Margaret. We both like books with characters about female authors!

What is your favorite Scripture? Do you also have a favorite Scripture that encourages you in your writing?
My favorite “staring at a blank page” scripture is: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13 NKJV.

If you could go to any place in the world to research/write a book, what setting would you choose?
I write western romance and always wanted to set a cowboy story in Australia.

I love the idea of a "Down-under cowboy" story! Hope you get to write that one!

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 started writing on the typewriter and that was no easy task (I have the greatest respect for Shakespeare and his quill pen). My daughter talks about coming home from school and knowing immediately what kind of writing day I had by the amount of whiteout in my hair. In the olden days we also had to go to the printer to make copies and then it was off to the post office to send the manuscript snail-mail. Just thinking about it makes me shudder. Writers today don’t know how good they have it.

The only thing I don’t like about technology is seeing children and teens glued to their cell phones.

What advice would you give to a beginning writer that you wish someone had given you?
I wish someone had told me to enjoy the journey. Being published comes with its own challenges, so you really have to enjoy each step of the way or you won’t survive. Surround yourself with a support group and celebrate every success. Celebrate when you finish a chapter; enter a contest; pop a query in the mail; or sign up for a writing workshop. This is what kept me going the five years it took me to sell my first book and it will keep you going, too.

Please tell us about your book.

Dawn Comes Early
Brides of Last Chance Ranch
Heiress Wanted
Looking for hard-working, professional woman
of good character and pleasant disposition
willing to learn the ranching business in Arizona Territory.
Must be single and prepared to remain so now and forever more.
Arizona Territory:1895

Her latest dime novel banned, twenty-nine-year old KATE TENNEY finds herself without a publisher or other means of support. An advertisement for a woman willing to learn the ranching business seems like the perfect solution for a displaced western writer who has no intention of getting married—ever.

Trouble begins the moment she steps foot in Arizona Territory. The west is nothing like she wrote about in her books. Not only does she have to deal with a hard-nosed ranch owner, and nefarious outlaw, but a traitorous heart. Deserted as a child by her father, grandfather and others—even God— Kate does not trust men and has no intention of falling for LUKE ADAM’S charm. She’s determined to learn the ranching business and prove to the doubting ranch owner that she’s up to the task—if it kills her. Her faith tested by the harsh realities of the desert, Kate battles to hold on to the one thing that promises permanence—land.

If only she could stay away from a certain handsome blacksmith and his two matchmaking aunts.

http://www.margaretbrownley.com/
You can also find Margaret on Facebook and Twitter!

About Margaret
Thrills, mystery, suspense, romance: Margaret penned it all. Nothing wrong with this—except Margaret happened to be writing for the church newsletter. After making the church picnic read like a Grisham novel, her former pastor took her aside and said, "Maybe God's calling you to write fiction."

So that’s what Margaret did. She’s now a New York Times bestselling author and a Romance Writers of America RITA finalist with more than 25 novels to her credit

The first book in her Brides of Last Chance Ranch series “Dawn Comes Early” will be published March 2012. The book will be followed by Waiting for Morning January 2013.

Margaret’s also excited to announce that her non-fiction book “Grieving God’s Way: The Path to Hope and Healing” will be published in July—not bad for someone who flunked 8th grade English. Just don’t ask her to diagram a sentence.

Today's guest blog and book giveaway of Words Spoken True by Ann Gabhart

I am so happy to welcome my friend Ann Gabhart back to my blog. And she has a special treat for all commenters. Besides the copy of Words Spoken True that I will give away to one commenter during the month of March, Ann is also giving a copy away to anyone who leaves a comment on her post here this weekend, so be sure to read and comment by Sunday night at midnight, and I will announce the winner on Monday, March 5.

Romance – the Spice in Storytelling

By Ann H. Gabhart

“I believe in the compelling power of love. I do not understand it. I believe it to be the most fragrant blossom of all this thorny existence.” ~Theodore Dreiser

Don’t you just love springtime when the earth is awakening from its winter sleep? The time when seeds and bulbs dormant under the snow or cold ground are touched by the warming sun and begin the cycle of life all over again. It’s also the time when thoughts of romance awaken in many hearts.

Writers can’t wait for spring to reach for romance. They have to make spring awaken in the hearts of their characters and get them in romantic moods any time of the year since most fiction readers love romance in the stories they read. It doesn’t matter whether those stories are solely focused on romance or if they have more to do with mystery, suspense, fantasy or history. Romance has a way of making any story more enticing. That’s because romance can make life more enticing and that’s what we writers want our stories to be – a slice of life. When we read about characters falling in love, we sigh along with them. Our hearts get lifted by the vicarious thrill of falling in love ourselves. But generally in most stories, as Shakespeare said, the course of true love never runs smooth. That’s because writers don’t let it, and they don’t let it because if it’s all smooth sailing, you don’t have the conflict that keeps readers reading. So we make the waters murky. We head our characters toward a rocky shore or get them stuck on sand bars. We do our best to make the voyage to happiness challenging.

I certainly did that to my characters in my new release, Words Spoken True. It’s the most romantic story I’ve written since I began writing for the inspirational market. It might be the most romantic story I’ve ever written. What makes it romantic? The interaction between the two main characters along with those obstacles that pop up to keep them apart.

At a conference once, I sat in on a class taught by Michael Hauge, who’s considered a story master in many writing circles. One of his rules about writing romances was to be sure the readers get to see the couple meet. To see the beginning. To watch the sparks begin to fly. For sure, you get to see the sparks fly when Adriane and Blake meet in Words Spoken True. Blake is the editor of a competing newspaper that is threatening the dominance of the paper Adriane’s father publishes. Since the two newspapers are warring for readers, Blake is considered the enemy and someone Adriane shouldn’t even like. A romantic attraction is out of the question. On top of that, she is engaged to the son of one of the more socially prominent families in Louisville. Yet, the attraction between Adriane and Blake is immediate. But the obstacles keep mounting one after another until the dramatic scene on a night that goes down in Louisville history as “Bloody Monday” because of the election riots. Even then, the obstacles don’t stop rising up in front of my couple to try to spoil their romantic happiness.

It was fun letting the romance have center stage in this book. In my Shaker books, while they are definitely historical romances, I often have to sneak any romantic scenes in a back door since the Shakers believed in celibate living. The Shakers not only had no use for romance, they considered such feelings sinful. In my Hollyhill books, a sweet thread of romance runs through all three books, but the main storyline is about the family and small town. Angel Sister definitely has romance. I think of that book as a parallel story. On one level is the story of the Merritt family while on another level running along beside it is the romantic love story of Victor and Nadine, the mother and father in the family. But in Words Spoken True, the romance demands the camera and lights, and even though the history is dramatic, the newspaper background compelling, and the idea of a serial killer on the loose suspenseful, I think it’s the romance that keeps the reader turning the pages to find out if Blake and Adriane will overcome those obstacles and have a chance to find love.

If you’d like to know more about Words Spoken True or any of my books, you can go to my website http://www.annhgabhart.com/. I enjoy meeting reading friends there and on my other social sites, my Facebook author’s page, https://www.facebook.com/pages/Ann-H-Gabhart/132862247566 or Twitter with a user name, annhgabhart. I also post a couple of times a week on my blog, One Writer’s Journal, http://www.annhgabhart.blogspot/.com about what going on in my writing or down here on the farm.

Thanks, Rose, for inviting me over to share a little time with you and your friends. I appreciate each of you reading my post and invite your comments. How important is romance in a story when you’re picking the books you want to read?

Good luck in the drawing for a copy of Words Spoken True

March 1st bookdrawing...and the winner of Board to Death is...Peg Phifer! And read on for a review of the book you can win if you leave a comment during the month of March--Words Spoken True by Ann Gabhart.

Suspense with Lots of Sizzle!

Ann Gabhart said this book has more romance than most of her books, and I agree. And the romance sizzles from the moment Adriane Darcy meets Blake Garrett. But there are two problems--she is engaged to someone else and Blake runs a newspaper that rivals the one her dad (and Adriane) put out in Louisville, KY. Since this is the town where I was born and grew up the first eighteen years of my life, I enjoyed learning much about the early history during the newspaper wars and the political life of the mid-nineteenth century. But Ann weaves the facts into the story in such an interesting way that you'll want to stay up past midnight to finish it like I did!

And for suspense lovers, the newspapers covers several murders of young women in the city that builds to a very nail-biting scene near the end. I guarantee if you love romance and suspense you will love this book! And isn't the cover beautiful?!

I hope you will come back tomorrow to hear Ann's own words about writing romance. And you can leave another comment on that post for an additional chance to win this must-read book on April 1st! Please leave an email so I can contact you if you win. All those with US mailing addresses are eligible.