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.

Monday Spotlight on June Foster

It's nice to be interviewing another former teacher. How did you get started writing, June?
I never had the desire to write fiction until November of 2009. After I retired from teaching, I noticed a "story" in my head. I could even see the characters and what they were doing. This was not the norm for me. So, I happened to tell my daughter about the story, and she suggested I write it. That was the spark I needed. I got a Toshiba laptop, a printer, and a Sprint air card. Now my husband and I travel full time in our RV. My blog is entitled The Roving Writer – Life in an RV.


I have a friend and her husband who also travel the US and CAN in their motor home. I bet like her you have some interesting travel stories! Why do you write?
I have to believe the Lord put writing fiction in my heart as I'd never been interested in writing fiction until 2009. My stories are about Christian characters who struggle with issues in their lives thinking there is no way out of their problems. I allow the power of God and His word to minister to my characters who find victory in their lives.

The writing road can also be a long journey. Describe your journey to publication.
I wrote two novels before I really pursued publication. Those two are still unpublished and I'm praying I will see them in print one day. I decided to write a trilogy of three short novels, The Bellewood Series. The novels are set in the Seattle area of Western Washington where I lived for 10 years. I submitted them to Desert Breeze Publishing Company and the editor decided she was interested in pursuing publication.

Please tell us about the first book in the series which is now available.
Give Us This Day is a story of a computer expert who is raised by a doting mother and controlling father. Before he gives his life to the Lord, he abuses alcohol. Now that he's a Christian, he leaves that part of his past behind him but trades his addiction for another – food. He's a 300 pound man with serious diabetic issues. Holly Harrison is a young woman with a past. She was riding on the back of her boyfriend's motorcycle when he had an accident. She lost her leg under her left knee and her unborn baby when she went to the hospital. Now as a Christian woman, she can't forgive herself for her past and thinks no Christian man would want her. Only God can heal these characters, opening the door for an unlikely romance between them.

Where can the reader find this book?
Give Us This Day is available for download at Desert Breeze Publishing Company, Amazon Kindle, and Barnes and Noble e-books.

And where can the reader find you on the web?
I have two blogs: http://junefoster.blogspot.com/ and a blog I share with 4 other writers, http://infinitecharacters.com/. I'm on Facebook and the author's page of Desert Breeze.

Thanks for visiting me and my readers, June. Best wishes on your continued journeys.

Friday Guestblog by Peggy Blann Phifer, author of To See the Sun

ELLIPSES and EM-DASHES --


by Peggy Blann Phifer

The writing process, or journey, is full of potholes, mountains and valleys, streams and rivers, all of which need to be navigated through or around. Agreed? And the beginning writer faces all of them, over and over again.

But we learn by them. Or at least we should. What triggered this topic for today was a blog post I read over at The Kill Zone, a secular blog of suspense writers, including James Scott Bell. Wednesday’s post (in the embedded link above) written by author Joe Moore, recites a long litany of reasons why a writer’s first book will most likely never get published.

Confession: I . . . love . . . ellipses! And I do overuse them. Oh, there’s a proper place for them, with moderation. But they’re so easy to use for emphasis, to set something apart. Here’s an example from my book, To See the Sun: (all examples below are taken from my book.)

She pushed the memory aside . . . again . . . just as she’d been doing for the past ten years.

I like to use them to show stress, or emotion:

“You . . . he . . .” she gripped the table, knuckles white. “He knew where you were? All this time?”

How about a trailing off thought or sentence:

“No one, including me, ever asked to see their identification.” He groaned. “Stupid, stupid . . .”

Em-dashes are fun, too, most commonly used to indicate an interruption. Another example from my book

“Little sister, you can do this. You’ve got more chutzpah than you realize—”

“No, I don’t. She intimidates me.”

Or, it is useful for interjecting a second thought in the middle of a sentence or statement:

Why did Justin—if it had been Justin—put the deed in the safe?

Funny thing, while I was writing this, skimming through the book for examples, I didn’t see as many as I thought were there. And that’s a good thing. Because that tells me that I’ve grown as a writer. From the first, horrible rough draft, through re-writes and re-re-writes, and editing, I’ve learned. I’ll still probably abuse the ellipses and em-dashes, but I’ll be aware when I do, and think through why I want to use it in that particular spot. Chances are, I won’t need it.

So, you writers out there . . . what do you think? Do you use them? Why, or why not? I’d love some feedback.

Bio:

Peggy Blann Phifer is an author and columnist, whose work has appeared on various Web sites and writer periodicals both in print and online. She is also an avid reader and loves to escape between the covers of a good book. A retired executive assistant, Peg now makes her home in southern Nevada with husband Jim.

TO SEE THE SUN is Peg’s debut novel, released January 2012

Contact her at her website at: http://peggyblannphifer.com/

Visit her blog “Whispers in Purple" at http://whispersinpurple.blogspot.com/

Where to buy To See the Sun:

· Amazon.com

· Amazon Kindle

· B&N (nook)

Read the first chapter HERE



Thank you, Rose, for featuring me on your blog twice this week. It’s been fun.

Help Tracy Krauss achieve best seller status on Amazon and get many free gifts for yourself!

One day only--February 21, 2012--buy Play it Again on Amazon

Tracy Krauss, author of ‘edgy inspirational fiction’, is launching her book PLAY IT AGAIN on Feb. 21. You can help her achieve ‘best seller’ status by purchasing the book at amazon.com TODAY – and receive all kinds of cool free gifts while you’re at it!

Here’s how:
1. Go to the Landing Page on Tracy’s Website

http://www.tracykrauss.yolasite.com/landing-page.php

2. Buy the book at amazon.

3. Go back to the Landing Page and fill in the form with your name, email and purchase number

It’s that easy! You’ll be directed to your free gifts and all you have to do is choose which ones you want.

Monday Spotlight on Peg Phifer

I am so happy to welcome Peg Phifer to my blog. I've interviewed her today so we can learn more about Peg, and invite you back on Friday to learn more about her book, To See the Sun.

Tell us about your favorite book as a child and your favorite book as an adult. Can you see a connection between those books?
You know, I can’t really remember a specific favorite book from my childhood. My mother read to us all the time. It might sound strange, but I think the most memorable one from those years was John Bunyan’s “The Pilgrim’s Progress.” Mom read it to us one summer sitting out on the front lawn on Sunday afternoons. As to a favorite book today? Impossible. If pressed to give an answer, I’d have to say Leon Uris’ “Exodus.” And the two have absolutely no connection whatsoever.

I also love Pilgrim's Progress which my 7th grade English teacher read to us after lunch. And I loved Exodus when I read it in high school, Peg. What is your favorite Scripture? Do you also have a favorite Scripture that encourages you in your writing?
My favorite Scripture is both blessing and benediction, best worded in the New King James version:
“The Lord bless you, and keep you; The Lord make His face shine upon you, and be gracious to you; The Lord lift up His countenance upon you, and give you peace.”
The scripture most encouraging to me as a writer (most recently): “But my life is worth nothing to me unless I use it for finishing the work assigned to me by the Lord Jesus—the work of telling others the Good News about the wonderful grace of God.” Acts 20:24

If you could go to any place in the world to research/write a book, what setting would you choose?
Oh, wow. All kinds of places. But, since one of the projects on the back burner, half-way written, the destination would be Chicago and northern Wisconsin to research a historical romantic suspense I really want to finish. It’s been over 30 years since I’ve been in that area and historical research online is less than satisfactory. I’d love to be able to spend several weeks, even months, digging up the facts I need to fill in the blanks I’m currently guessing at.

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?
If I had to go back to hand-writing a manuscript, I’d have to quit writing. My arthritic hands and fingers just don’t work right. If I had a typewriter, that’d be fine. Even a clunky old manual. Then I could do it. As it is, I’m grateful for today’s technology.

As a writer how have you had to grow and stretch out of your comfort zone?
The uncomfortable “zone” for me is this marketing thing. I’m not an outgoing person, sometimes hard to get to know. “Pushing” myself to promote my book comes close to giving me hives. That’s why I’m so thankful for people like you who offer the opportunity to present my book online and open a window on me and who I am. Another great benefit of today’s technology, yes?

Yes, I agree wholeheartedly, Peg. What advice would you give to a beginning writer that you wish someone had given you?
Don’t sweat “the rules” you keep hearing. They’ll slow you down, perhaps to the point you won’t write at all. The thing is, there ARE no rules. They’re guidelines. You’ll learn as you go. We all do. Just write the story of your heart. If God is in it, you’ll make it.

Do you want to add anything about your book such as how to order it?
Read the back cover blurb and first chapter at:
http://peggyblannphifer.com/my_books.htm

BIO:
Peggy Blann Phifer is an author and columnist, book reviewer and author interviewer, whose work has appeared on various Web sites and writer periodicals both in print and online. She is also an avid reader who loves to escape by diving between the covers of a good book. Peg enjoys handcrafts of all kinds and her home shows off some of her work, though most end up as gifts for friends and family. A retired executive assistant, Peg now makes her home in southern Nevada with husband of 25 years, Jim.

TO SEE THE SUN is her debut novel, released January 2012

Contact her at her website at: http://peggyblannphifer.com/

Visit her blog “Whispers in Purple" at http://www.whispersinpurple.com/

Facebook.com/pegphifer

Twitter.com/pegphifer

Where to get To See the Sun:

· Amazon.com

· Amazon Kindle

· B&N (nook)

Friday's Guestblog by Fay Lamb

Today we will meet author Fay Lamb by first having her answer some questions, then she will tell us a little more about her recently-released novel Because of Me


1) Tell us a little about your novel, Because of Me.
I met Michael Hayes one cool autumn day while sitting on my porch. Michael, unshaven, his hair a little scraggly, and his young face filled with tension, began to tell me his story. “There’s a young boy, Cole. I’m not his father, but he’s definitely on this earth because of me. I allowed something horrible to happen to his mother, but I still love her. I despise the kid, though. I’ve forgiven another for so much more, and Cole’s only fault is that his father is the man who took everything from me. How can I learn to love this child and protect his mother from the man who can again take her from me?”

And as easily as Michael entered my imagination, he turned and walked away. Michael’s revelation brought forth layer after layer of plot, and my novel, Because of Me was born.

2) What motivated you to write it?
Deep down, I think this story came about because my two boys were like Cole. In fact, my youngest son—the one who really never had the favor of his natural father—his middle name is Cole. My boys needed a man in their lives who would love them unconditionally, who would nurture and care for them, and show a Christ-like example of a true father. My husband, Marc, stepped into that role when my children were six and four years old, and he’s never let those boy think for a moment that he wasn’t as much their dad as the man they share DNA with.

Still, there’s so much more to Because of Me. It’s a story of forgiveness, the depths of which some may never experience, and the story will truly renew your faith in the Lord’s design for us. After all, God is always in the details whether you recognize it or not.

3) What is the main message you hope your readers will take away?
That no matter how badly we mess up or how much comes upon us, God is always nearby. I truly believe Paul didn’t idly pen the words of Roman 8:28. When the Scripture tells us “all things work together for good to them that love God, to them that are the called according to His purpose,” the Lord is telling us that it isn’t just the good in our lives that will work together for good. Only our awesome, loving Father can make provisions for us when we make mistakes. Only He knows the thoughts He has toward us, as Jeremiah 29:11 says, and there again, he promises an expected end, a future of hope.

4) Which character did you most enjoy creating and why?
A very hard question for me. This story has some truly memorable characters—not just the hero and heroine, but secondary characters. I absolutely love Michael Hayes and Isabel Putnam, the love of Michael’s life. They’re flawed, but they endure some mighty big conflict.

However, my favorite fellow in Because of Me is Ted McGillicudy. Ted kind of sneaked up on me and inserted himself in the story. He’s a gruff old country boy, and Ted knew that for Michael to eventually love Cole, he’d need an example of a father in his life. Ted watches out for Michael, accepts him, and for Michael, whose father left him when he was very young, Ted fills a void in his life. And Ted, he spouts off some one-liners that will take you by surprise.

5) Which character do you think your readers will most relate to and why?
Definitely, Michael. He’s lost so much, and he returns after being in prison and away from his hometown for several years. He is shocked to find that the woman he loves isn’t alone any longer, and he has issues to deal with before he can win back her heart. Michael struggles through those issues, but he clings to his life verse: Job 13:15: “Though He slay me, yet will I trust in Him: but I will maintain mine own ways before Him.”

6) What are you working on now?
I have completed a second romantic suspense, Willow’s Path, and two contemporary romances, Charisse and Faith. Currently, I’m working on two other romantic suspense novels and the last story in the contemporary romance series while editing a contemporary fiction entitled, Storms in Serenity. Beyond that I am excitedly looking forward to delving into a novel that includes the intriguing world of professional surfing.

BIO
Fay Lamb works as an acquisition/copyeditor for Pelican Book Group (White Rose Publishing and Harbourlight Books), offers her services as a freelance editor, and is an author of Christian romance and romantic suspense. Her emotionally charged stories remind the reader that God is always in the details. Because of Me, her debut romantic suspense novel will be released on February 3, 2012, by Treble Heart Books/Mountainview Publishing.

Fay has a passion for working with and encouraging fellow writers. As a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), she co-moderates the large Scribes’ Critique Group and manages the smaller Scribes’ critique groups. For her efforts, she was the recipient of the ACFW Members Service Award in 2010. In 2012, Fay was also elected to serve as secretary on ACFW’s Operating Board.

Fay and her husband, Marc, reside in Titusville, Florida, where multi-generations of their families have lived. The legacy continues with their two married sons and five grandchildren.

Because of Me:
Issie Putnam’s life took a detour the night she was raped at gunpoint in front of her fiancé, Michael Hayes. Instead of marrying Michael, a promising young investigative reporter, Michael, along with the man who attacked her, and the man who held the gun on Michael, are imprisoned for conspiracy to assassinate the local district attorney—a crime Michael was trying to expose but had no intention of committing. Issie’s name is ruined, she lost her perfectly-planned future, but she gained Cole, her son—born of that rape.

On the eve of her attacker’s parole, Michael, already released from prison, follows through on his plan to return to the small town of Amazing Grace and protect Issie from the madman who promised to seek revenge. There, he meets Issie’s seven-year-old son for the first time.

Can Michael learn to love the child Issie holds so close to her heart? Will Michael be able to protect the woman he loves from the man who will stop at nothing to destroy them all?

Purchase the book at: http://www.amazon.com/Because-of-Me-ebook/dp/B00722KIME/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1327670357&sr=8-1

Monday Spotlight on Diane and David Munson
I am happy to introduce to you some new friends of mine--Diane and David Munson. My husband and I watch NCIS each week, so I can't wait to read some of their books. As you read the answers to the interview questions below, you will find out their superb qualifications for writing these thrillers. And after looking at the photo of this husband-wife writing duo below, you can see they even look the part!

1. What is the central message of your newest release?

In The Joshua Covenant, CIA Agent Bo Rider is confronted with challenges on his job and in his personal life. He turns for answers to other federal agents, as well as an Israeli Mossad agent, but it is a Bible prophecy teacher from whom he finds answers. We highlight the “scarlet cord” that winds its way in God’s Word, from the Passover, to Rahab being saved by hanging a scarlet rope from her window, to the saving power of Christ’s death on the cross. We hope that as readers enjoy the international intrigue, they will see and believe that God keeps all of His promises.

2. How do you both weave your legal and law enforcement careers into your thrillers?
Because David is a former Special Agent with NCIS and DEA and Diane is a former federal prosecutor in Washington D.C., we bring actual aspects of our cases and events to our writing. Readers who crave suspense will receive a dose of reality in our six thrillers.
David – As an NCIA agent, I had a chance to investigate cases to preserve our nation, even getting involved in counterintelligence work. We highlight some of these aspects in The Joshua Covenant. Then with DEA I served as an undercover agent, seeking to stop powerful drug cartels. In that role, I traveled the country and overseas. The scenario had to be convincing or I’d be dead. Thanks to God’s protection, I lived to testify in many cases before judges and juries. It was excellent training for writing novels. Our plots and characters must be believable or readers will pronounce it DOA. In this information age, readers are well informed and probably won’t buy a second book by an author whose characters are not well developed or plots are not plausible.
Diane – Readers can watch for seasoning in our novels from my legal work. In this latest release, we extensively researched events in Israel, so readers will have a greater understanding of what is happening in the Middle East. In these perilous times, we want to emphasize that believers in Jesus can count on Him to protect and guide their lives, no matter what obstacles or trouble they may face. Our character, Bo Rider, reveals what happens when he is willing to consider the truths of the Bible despite being hounded by enemies, even those he once thought were friends.

3. Who is a typical reader of your thrillers?
As we travel the country to speak at libraries, churches, book clubs and in book stores, we are getting more readers every day as fans tell their friends, and our writing catches on. Our novels are family friendly so they are enjoyed by teens, men, and women who love a challenging thriller and are interested in what is going on behind the scenes of power. Believers and non-believers are eager for our next book as we write “factional fiction” without graphic words or scenes. Viewers of NCIS and those who read Joel Rosenberg, Robert Whitlow, Dee Henderson, and John Grisham also enjoy our novels.

4. If you could go to any place in the world to research/write a book, what setting would you choose?
Holding everyone in suspense … our next novel takes place in … Virginia and Florida. We love to travel the nation as there are so many wonderful sights where we can enjoy God’s creation. Night Flight will be released in Fall 2012 and we have in store wonderful adventures for the Rider family in Treasure Island. After this, we’d love to head out West to Montana, Wyoming, and Alaska. Stay tuned …

5. What is your favorite Scripture? Do you also have a favorite Scripture that encourages you in your writing?
David – A special verse for me, that helped me in dangerous times in my career, is found in Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
Diane – A life-changing verse for me is John 3:16, when I realized Christ died for me. “For God so loved the world, that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
Much of Scripture encourages us in life! When we submitted our first manuscript, we prayed over Psalm 90:12, 17, at our meals and at night. Three weeks later, we heard from a publisher who wanted to send us a contract. Though our prayers are not always answered in such a startling fashion, we strive to glorify our Lord from whom all blessings flow. It is hard when books don’t arrive for signings, bad weather hits as we are traveling, or life throws us curveballs. To those of you who are looking for direction in your writing, hang in there, and seek God’s still voice. Sometimes we have to turn off the TV or computer and listen. It’s not easy to unplug, but so worth it.

6. In what format are your books available and where can we buy them?
The Joshua Covenant is in trade paper or a soft cover. Autographed copies can be obtained from our website, www.dianeanddavidmunson.com. They are also available in print and eBook versions through Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Books A Million, Christian Book Distributors, and in many independent Christian bookstores around the nation. On our website, readers can sign up for our free e-mail newsletter or enter an occasional contest. Readers can visit our Two ExFed News Wrap blog at http://DianeAndDavidMunson.com/blog and read our weekly critique of the NCIS show. They can also sign up at the blog to have it email to them each week.

Video links:
 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9q6bigzUdN8


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8pP20D0BOMg

http://goo.gl/hnQJD

Saturday Book Review--We're Not Blended, We're Pureed by Diana Lesire Brandmeyer and Marty C. Lintvedt

I don't often review non-fiction, but this book with its great advice and its catchy title is a delight to share with you all. Throughout the book, the authors share wisdom for "pureed" families. Diana writes hers from personal experience, and Marty adds the experience of a licensed, nationally certified professional counselor.

Other titles such as "Are the Wedding Bell Blues Becoming Your Song?" and "Good Night, Sleep Tight, and Don't Let the Frustrations Bite" tell of heart wrenching and heart-warming true stories with humor and humility. Even if you aren't part of a blended family yourself, I am sure you know someone who could benefit from real-life answers to some solutions for those marrying the second time around. So, please order this book for yourself or them or both! I think it would also make a great study book for a group of blended families trying to blend harmoniously.

Diana Lesire Brandmeyer is an author with a background in education and psychology who tells of her experiences as a widowed mom of two sons who married a widowed dad with a son of his own. She wrote this book to "help others better navigate the issues that arise in a new family."

Mea culpa! Drawing for book contest 3 days late!

So sorry. February 1st went by without a thought to doing a book drawing, so I did it tonight after my hubby got in from the basketball game. He always picks a number from all the commenters for the previous month.

And the winner of Dry Rain by Gina Holmes is...Caroline.

The next book drawing will be for Board to Death by Amy Barkman, Debbie Roome and Tracy Ruckman, so comment during February to be eligible for that drawing March 1st. To see my review of that book, scroll down to check out the January 30th post last week.

Friday Book Review--When the Smoke Clears by Lynette Eason

I have read 13 books so far this year, and this is one of my favorites of the bunch. I read this romantic suspense in 3 or 4 nights, staying up late each time because I wanted to see what happened next and how the heroine would get out of the situations alive.

Firefighter Alexia Allen is almost killed in one of the first scenes in Washington State, then she goes back to her hometown where attempts are made on her life there also. Detective Hunter Graham puts himself in harm's way to save her, but because of her past, wonders if he is being deceived by her. Still, he can't help his growing feelings for her, and does come to believe in her innocence. But can they both get out of this alive to act on their emotions?

Lynette Eason has moved up to the top tier of authors whose books I want to read. I already have one of her first series, Women of Justice on my computer kindle. When the Smoke Clears is the first in a new series called Deadly Reunions. Can't wait for the next one to come out. Treat yourself to When the Smoke Clears as a valentine present or early birthday present. You'll be glad you did! It is heavy on the romantic attraction and deadly on the suspense!

Bio: Lynette Eason is the author of eighteen romantic suspense novels. WHEN THE SMOKE CLEARS is her newest release. She is a member of American Fiction Christian Writers and Romance Writers of America. She has a master's degree in education from Converse College. She lives in South Carolina with her husband and two children.