A Passion Most Pure by Julie Lessman
January 31, 2008
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Julie Lessman is a debut author who has already garnered writing acclaim, including ten Romance Writers of America awards. She is a commercial writer for Maritz Travel, a published poet and a Golden Heart Finalist. Julie has a heart to write “Mainstream Inspirational,” reaching the 21st-century woman with compelling love stories laced with God’s precepts. She resides in Missouri with her husband and their golden retriever, and has two grown children and a daughter-in-law. A Passion Most Pure is her first novel.
ABOUT THE BOOK
She’s found the love of her life. Unfortunately, he loves her sister …
As World War I rages across the Atlantic in 1916, a smaller war is brewing in Boston. Faith O’Connor finds herself drawn to an Irish rogue who is anything but right for her. Collin McGuire is brash, cocky, and from the wrong side of the tracks, not to mention forbidden by her father. And then there’s the small matter that he is secretly courting her younger sister. But when Collin’s affections suddenly shift her way, it threatens to tear Faith’s proper Boston family apart.
Refusing to settle for anything less than a romantic relationship that pleases God, Faith O’Connor steels her heart against her desire for the roguish Collin McGuire. Collin is trying to win her sister Charity’s hand, and Faith isn’t sure she can handle the jealousy she feels. Full of passion, romance, rivalry, and betrayal, A Passion Most Pure is Book 1 of the Daughters of Boston series.
Awaken My Heart by DiAnn Mills
January 29, 2008
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Award-winning author, DiAnn Mills, launched her career in 1998 with the publication of her first book. She is the author of numerous titles including novels, novellas, and a nonfiction. In addition, she’s written several short stories, articles, devotions, and has contributed to several nonfiction compilations.
DiAnn believes her readers should “Expect an Adventure.” Her desire is to show characters solving real problems of today from a Christian perspective through a compelling story.
Several of her anthologies have appeared on the CBA Best Seller List. Three of her books have won the distinction of Best Historical of the Year by Heartsong Presents, and she remains a favorite author by Heartsong Present’s readers. Two of her books have won short historical of the year by American Christian Fiction Writers both in 2003 and 2004. She was named Writer of the Year for 2004 at the 35th Annual Mount Hermon Christian Writer’s Conference and is the recipient of Inspirational Reader’s Choice Awards for 2005 in the long contemporary and novella categories.
DiAnn is a founding board member for American Christian Fiction Writers, a member of Inspirational Writers Alive, ChiLibris, Advanced Writers and Speakers Association and a mentor for the Jerry B. Jenkins Christian Writers Guild. She speaks to various groups and teaches writing workshops. DiAnn also belongs to Cy Fair Women’s Networking, an exclusive professional women’s networking organization.
She lives in sunny Houston, Texas, the home of heat, humidity, and Harleys. In fact she’d own one, but her legs are too short. DiAnn and her husband have four adult sons and are active members of Metropolitan Baptist Church.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
1803, the colony of Texas
Awaken My Heart is set in 19th century Texas and tells the story of 18 year old Marianne Phillips, the daughter of a wealthy rancher, Weston Phillips. Weston is involved in a hostile struggle with Armando Garcia, the infamous rebel leader of the ‘mestizos’ who claim to own the land that Phillips has settled.
Marianne Phillips, the daughter of a wealthy rancher, has never agreed with her father’s harsh treatment of the poor mestizos who first inhabited the colony of Texas. When rebels kidnap Marianne, in hopes her father will trade back their land for her freedom, she realizes her loyalty lies with her abductors, not her father, who plans to marry her off to the don of a nearby estate.
Armando Garcia is the locals’ reluctant leader, but his people revere and depend on him. Knowing that without his leadership they’d be forced from their land, Armando accepts his role, but does not approve of the latest attempt to manipulate their enemy. When he learns that Marianne actually speaks his language, of her loyalty to his people, and of the faith that keeps her strong, Armando is faced with a difficult decision. Will his newfound love keep him from letting her go? Or will he set her free and risk losing their land forever?
Fallen by Matthew Raley
January 24, 2008
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Matthew Raley is senior pastor of the Orland Evangelical Free Church in northern California, where he lives with his wife and two young children. For fun, he enjoys playing chamber music with friends, giving occasional solo recitals, and playing first violin in the North State Symphony. This is his first book.
ABOUT THE BOOK
Jim was at work when his eyes drifted to the coffee shop visible from his office window. An attractive woman driving a Mercedes pulled up to the curb . . . and Jim’s married pastor emerged from the car. When Jim delves deeper into his pastor’s world, will he be able to handle what he discovers? Is he right to suspect that Dave is having an affair? In the behind-the-scenes church battle that ensues, Jim is torn between duty to his church and a desire to show grace. A ripped-from-the-headlines drama of suspense that keeps you engaged to the last page.
Fallen is the story about Jim’s relationship with Dave—how Jim tries to do the right thing to keep Dave accountable, but finds the situation getting worse and worse. It’s also about Jim’s other relationships. Just as he discovers hypocrisy in Dave, Jim discovers his own sins against his wife and daughter.
Debut Novel A Soldier’s Promise by Cheryl Wyatt
January 23, 2008
I recently had the privilege to read Cheryl Wyatt’s first book A Soldier’s Promise.
Back Cover:
“My name’s Bradley. I’m eight and have cancer. I want to meet a Special Forces soldier more than anything. Well, almost anything. Having a family would be nice.”
U.S. Air Force pararescue jumper Joel Montgomery promised to make a sick child’s wish come true. Well, not the family part — not with Joel’s past. And so despite vowing never to set foot back in Refuge, Illinois, Joel parachuted onto the boy’s school lawn to a huge smile. But another smile unexpectedly stole Joel’s heart: that of Bradley’s beautiful teacher, Amber Stanton, who was trying to adopt the boy. And trying to show Joel it was time for new vows.
A Soldier’s Promise deals with romance and forgiveness, of being free of the pain one’s past can cause. The book has the feel of Dee Henderson’s military romance series minus the suspense element. There’s a man loyal to his country who must sometimes put his duty ahead of his personal life, and there’s the struggle that that brings about in a relationship.
I did feel that early on the story dragged a bit, but it did pick up and kept me reading to see how the book ended. If you’re a romance reader or enjoy stories about the military, you’ll enjoy A Soldier’s Promise.
Best Book of 2008 (So far)
January 18, 2008
I’ve had a little book called The Perfect Blend sitting on my book shelf since last September.
I wish I’d read it earlier.
The story is so good, so fun, so satisfying. Allie Pleiter, a writer friend of mine from my old Chicago ACFW chapter, traveled to Seattle to research the book. She did everything from exploring Seattle to hanging out with rugby players to learning how to use the Lamborghini of coffee makers from one of the top baristas in the world. (Okay, I didn’t know they were ranked, either.)
All that research paid off. Whether you like coffee or tea — both of which are in the book — you’ll drink this story up. And yes, bad pun intended.
At the end of 2008, I fully expect to see this book on my top five of the year list. I’m typically not a romance reader, but this was the perfect romance–believable story line, believable conflict, believable characters. I won’t give anything away, but one thing I really dislike about romances is that too often the hero and heroine argue constantly and yet decide to marry anyway. I mean, happily ever after? I don’t think so.
I highly recommend The Perfect Blend for book clubs, for romance readers, for non-romance readers. It’s just a well-executed, fun story.
Christian Writers’ Market Guide 2008 by Sally Stuart
January 16, 2008
WaterBrook Press (January 15, 2008)
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Sally Stuart has been writing for the last 40+ years, and has been putting out the annual “Christian Writers’ Market Guide” for the last 23 years. Her other writing includes several Christian education resources books, a children’s picture book, a basic writing text, writing resources, and a western novel–plus hundreds of articles and marketing columns. She writes marketing columns for the “Christian Communicator,” “Advanced Christian Writer,” and the Oregon Christian Writers’ Newsletter. She speaks and teaches at Christian Writers’ Conferences nationwide. Sally is the mother of 3 and grandmother of 8. She and her husband, Norm, spend their free time vacationing on the Oregon coast.
Check out her blog!
ABOUT THE BOOK:
The essential reference tool for the Christian writer, Sally Stuart’s Christian Writers’ Market Guide is now in its 23rd annual edition!
Check out the section on Blogging on page 69…the CFBA is listed!
Writers’ Conference listings, Book Publishers, Magazine Publishers, and a Bookstore filled with the resources you need to be successful in this business. Get a Book Contract or Manuscript Evaluation, and check out the Writer’s Resource links. This book has all you need to connect to all these valuable helps for the beginning, intermediate, or professional writer.
To keep you up to date with the latest marketing news, visit Sally Stuart’s new marketing blog, Christian Writers’ Marketplace, at http://www.stuartmarket.blogspot.com/.
A new, updated version of the Christian Writers’ Market Guide is available about January 15 each year.
Sally Says: This is a must for every writer, whether non-fiction or fiction. The book is, as always packed with publisher listings and magazine listings, but there’s so much more than that.
The book has writer resources, helps, and recommended books. Websites for fiction writing or tax info are given, online reference tools and legal concerns.
In the back are agent listings and freelance editing listings. I’m even in there on page 559. How cool is that?
And of course the book comes with a CD which lets you view the entire book on your computer.
All writers, go buy the book now. Read the introduction, read the How to Use This Book page. And then use it.
I already have.
Affordable Novel Critique Service
January 15, 2008
If you haven’t guessed it, I’m doing a bit of a blog tour these days for Affordable Novel Critique Service. Some writer friends are hosting me on their blogs, and we’re talking about working with freelance editors and preparing for upcoming writing contests.
Today I’m on Jill Eileen Smith’s website and Erica Vetsch’s On the Write Path.
In case you didn’t know, I’ve run an editing service for the past year. It’s been a lot of fun helping writers perfect their work. I’ve recently updated my webpage to list the services I offer:
- Query critique
- Synopsis critique
- Proposal critique
- Mentoring critique for new writers
- Manuscript critique
- Substantive edit
What are my credentials?
I’ve worked for two Christian publishers and have done everything from writing sales materials to proofreading and editing fiction and sorting through the slush pile. I’m a member of the Christian PEN (Proofreaders and Editors Network) and a member of the Christian Editor Network. My goal with ANCS has been to provide excellent editing services with a teaching style and combine that with an affordable price.
And I think I’ve done that. If you’re a writer interested in working with someone to grow as a writer, please contact me. I’d love to help.
Chatting with Georgiana
January 14, 2008
So far this morning I’ve replayed last night’s Extreme Makeover Home Edition, shed a few more tears in the watching, and chatted with Georgiana on her blog.
Now I’m off to do some editing and then errands. Hope you all are having a great day.
Extreme Makeover Home Edition, ACFW Style
January 11, 2008
I’m a fan of ABC’s Extreme Makeover, Home Edition. In case you’re not familiar with the show, Ty Pennington and a crew of designers surprise a family who needs some help, tear down their messed-up house, and build a new one and furnish it in seven days. It’s one of those feel-good shows where people who’ve gotten behind in life get a hand.
This week, the family on EMHE is a Christian family. In fact, the wife is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, the writer group I’m a part of. And it’s been interesting hearing bits of behind-the-scenes workings of the show.
The most fascinating thing I learned is how that first morning of the show starts off. I’ve always wondered how the whole family just happened to be there at home and dressed when Ty and his crew show up. (I mean, if it were me, I was sure I wouldn’t have taken a shower yet, you know?)
But I’ve been told that, after a lengthy process and surviving a few rounds of elimination, there are five families who are all told to be home on a certain day. These are the final five families, and a producer is at the home with each family, waiting with them to see if the bus shows up. For one family, that bus pulls up, and they get Ty’s famous wake-up call.
For the other four, the bus never shows up.
I can’t imagine being one of the other four families, and I have to say that’s made that opening so much more emotional. You can understand why that family comes out ecstatic like that. They’ve been sitting on pins and needles for how longs, not knowing if it would happen for them.
If you watched last week’s show, you know that they did a house that had ghosts and had to ask the ghosts for permission to tear the house down. (Puhlease.) And now this week, it’s Christians who are going to be center stage.
So all that to say, watch this Sunday’s EMHE. The 7 pm central one is a rerun. The 8 pm EMHE is the one with the Woodhouse family.
Happily Even After by Marilynn Griffith
January 10, 2008
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Marilynn Griffith is mom to a tribe, wife to a deacon and proof that God gives second chances. While best known for her colorful novels about friendship, family and faith, Marilynn is also a speaker and nonfiction writer.
Her nonfiction has been included in CHICKEN SOUP FOR THE CHRISTIAN WOMAN’S SOUL and several other devotionals and magazines. Currently, Marilynn is editor of the SISTAHFAITH:BELIEVING BEYOND SHAME anthology. She is also the founder of Faithchick.com, a blog for faith fiction readers.
Marilynn is the author of six novels dealing with issues such as teen pregnancy, AIDS, abstinence, stress relief, single parenting and marriage. Her recent fiction titles include TANGERINE and IF THE SHOE FITS.
Marilynn has served as Vice President and Publicity Officer of American Christian Fiction Writers. She speaks to youth, women and writers about believing beyond boundaries and daring to reach dreams.
Marilynn lives in Florida with her husband and seven children whom she taught at home for seven years. When not chasing toddlers, helping with homework or trying to find her husband a clean shirt, she can be found scribbling furiously on her next novel.
To book Marilynn for media interviews, speaking engagements, Serious Fun fiction parties or book club call-ins, please contact her thru her WEBSITE.
ABOUT THE BOOK
Superwoman doesn’t live here!
I marry a gorgeous executive, have a baby, lose all the weight (most of it), and move to a fine house in the suburbs with a welcoming new church. Wait…did I say welcoming?
One teeny waaah! and new mothers and their crying babies are exiled to a separate room. At least there’s some enlightening conversation. Like about my husband and issues I didn’t even know about!
And then there’s my aptly named mother-in-law, Queen Elizabeth, who can’t stand me.
I’m about to lose my mind! So it’s high time for a visit to the Sassy Sistahood for some much-needed advice about men, marriage and motherhood!
Where I Am Today
January 9, 2008
I’m guestblogging at Linda Fulkerson’s Fiction Fundamentals where we’re busting a few editing myths.
The Best of ‘07
January 2, 2008
Happy New Year, everyone. It’s always fun to look back on the year that was and remember the events that happened. Amazing all that goes on in 365 days, isn’t it?
Today I decided to look back at the books I read in 2007 and pick my top five favorites to share with you. These weren’t all new in 2007, but they were the books I read that stuck with me the most.
#5 — Reclaiming Nick by Susan May Warren.
This book had an ensemble cast that will be featured in the two books to follow, the second coming out this month, I think. If you’ve ever wanted a taste of life on a ranch, this is it. The characters were all so rich, their stories all intertwined, the struggles all real. It was such a fun book to read, and I’ll be reading the next one ASAP.
#4 — When the Heart Cries by Cindy Woodsmall
I reviewed this book a few weeks ago, and you can follow this link to see the details again. I’m not one for Amish books, but When the Heart Cries was fantastic, a far cry from what is the usual Amish novel.
#3 — Gods and Kings by Lynn Austin
I read this one back in March, partly because it dealt with the kings of Judah during the time of Isaiah, and my Sunday School class was studying Isaiah. The intensity of the first chapter caught me off guard, but the story gripped me and I had to read on. If you’ve ever thought the stories of the kings to be rather boring, think again. One of the great things about this book is that Lynn Austin gives Bible references for you to read. And almost the entire book is covered in those Bible passages. It brings to life how evil Israel had become and how wicked their leadership was. Again, here’s the link on the review I posted in March.
#2 — Romance Rustlers and Thunderbird Thieves by Sharon Dunn
What I loved about this mystery was that Sharon wrote real characters who’d messed up and were struggling with the consequences of their behavior. Even though one character had become a Christian, his life still bore the effects of the way he used to live, and I found that so refreshing. And from there, Sharon had the characters growing as people — facing their past, learning and growing in the present, and trusting in God for their future.The story, the characters were so authentic. The whole Ruby Taylor series (this is book one) is one of my favorites and I highly recommend it.
#1 — Nobody by Creston Mapes
I read this book a couple months ago, but I have thought about it so much since then that it was a shoe-in for my number one pick of the year. Really, if you can only read one book this year, read Nobody. You can see the review I wrote here, and yes, there’s a bit of a disclaimer where the author and I don’t see eye to eye, but the story was fantastic. The plot was fast and interesting, the characters were gripping, and the whole story made you think even as it entertained. I’m not sure what Creston has coming out next, but I’ll be reading it for sure.
I have to say that was a lot of fun, and I’m looking forward to the books I’ll be reading in 2008. How about you? I’d love to hear your top five of ‘07.