Dark Parables - Reviews from a Christian Sister

Out of the Miry Clay: Freedom From Childhood Sexual Abuse

2012-01-12T13:20:00.001-05:00

Linda M. FossenAuthor: Out of the Miry Clay: Freedom From Childhood Sexual Abuse
I was three years old and I thought that all little girls played these same games with their fathers. Thus began my introduction to sexual abuse - although at the time, I did not know the meaning of the words, nor could I even spell them. My father sexually abused me for ten years, both before and after he became a preacher. Naturally this completely polluted my concept of God, father, love and trust. This really is a story about the carnage that sexual abuse leaves in the heart of every child. It is my story of being a preacher's daughter in search of a loving Heavenly Father who would give me the courage to forgive and trust again. A Heavenly Father so unlike my earthly father that the difference would literally baffle me for years. (Linda Fossen) "Beautiful, Beautiful Linda, Well done! I am so thrilled you have redeemed this place of pain. May God anoint this book mightily to call others to freedom and bring healing and strength to so many captive daughters!" Lisa Bevere, Bestselling Author/Speaker Fight Like a Girl & Kissed the Girls and Made Them Cry

Paperback: 199 pages

Publisher: Self; 1ST edition (2008)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 0615211860

ISBN-13: 978-0615211862

ASIN: B00195WJKE

Website: <http://www.lindafossen.com>

Guilty By Association Virtual Book Tour with Pat Simmons

2012-01-11T12:34:00.000-05:00

Guilty By Association Virtual Book Tour with Pat Simmons (WEEK 1)

Monday, January 9, 2012
All the Buzz Reviews
http://www.allthebuzzreviews.com
Create a Unique Experience
http://www.createauniquexperiencewithunika.com

Wednesday, January 11, 2012
SORMAG
http://sormag.blogspot.com
Written Voices Bloghttp://www.writtenvoicesblog.com

Black Authors Network Radio Show
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/Black-Author-Network
8:00 pm EST
(646) 200-0402

Thursday, January 12, 2012
Simply Reading Accessories
http://www.simplysaidreadingaccessories.blogspot.com

WordThirst Literary Journal Radio Show
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/ashea-goldson
8:00 pm EST (Thurs)
(347) 324-3749

Friday, January 13, 2012 Book Referees
http://bookreferees.blogspot.com/

Guilty by Association Virtual Book Tour

2012-01-10T06:34:00.001-05:00

Guilty by Association Virtual Book Tour
with Pat SimmonsJanuary 9 - February 3, 2012

CLICK HERE TO SIGN-UP FOR THIS TOUR

About the Book

The Jamieson Family Legacy series follow the lives of two Jamieson brothers in Boston, Kidd and Ace, and their cousin, Cameron, from St. Louis. The older brother, Kidd, is struggling with anger and resentment issues toward his absentee father who never married his mother. Yet, he had the audacity to demand his illegitimate sons carry his Jamieson name. Ace, on the other hand, is on his collision course to be a chip off the old block when it comes to women. Their highly MIT educated cousin, Cameron Jamieson, is all about saving family from self-destruction. Through genealogy research, Cameron's mission is to show his cousins their worth as the eleventh generation descendants of a royal African tribe and to give them a choice: live with the stereotypical "angry black men" syndrome or to crush any obstacles that try and stop them to become strong successful black men.

There are three books in the Jamieson Legacy series: Guilty by Association (Kidd's story), The Guilt Trip (Ace's story), and Free from Guilt (Cameron's story). Each of the three Jamieson men have to accept that their past and present are in God's hand, and without Him they can't advance to their future blessings. The bonus storyline in Guilty by Association is one that progresses the story of the much-loved character in the previous three book Guilty Series, Grandma BB. This time, she picks up a sidekick Mrs. Valentine.

Guilty by Association is the story of Boston bad boy Kevin "Kidd" Jamieson. His gripe is with his father who dared to insist that his two illegitimate sons carry his last name. To add insult to injury, the man never bothered to stick around to provide love and guidance as his boys matured into men. Kidd's anger overflows into every area of his life. As his animosity festers, Kidd becomes as a roaring lion, seeking whatever and whomever he can devour. He's as gritty as his cousin in St. Louis, Parke Jamieson VI, is polished. The two strong-willed men clash when Kidd relocates to St. Louis where his cousin assures him it's a land of milk and money in job opportunities. Where is lands a job is far from it.

Through a series of events that involve Grandma BB, her dog named Silent Killer and her Stacy Adams shoes, Kidd meets two women who recognize his hostile tendencies and immediately begin to administer CPR to his soul. LPN Eva Savoy eventually becomes his "Eve," a woman God created from the underlying goodness hidden in Kidd's own heart.

Reluctantly, Kidd allows Parke to divulge information about their royal family heritage. While everyone's care and compassion begins to smother Kidd, he struggles to keep up the bad boy attitude as his walls start to crumble. Kidd learns it's not his association with the name that identifies him, but the man he becomes that defines him.

About the Author

Pat Simmons is a self-proclaimed genealogy sleuth. She is passionate about digging up the dirt on her ancestors, then casting them in starring roles in her novels. She has been a genealogy enthusiast since her great-grandmother died at the young age of ninety-seven years old. Pat has won numerous awards for her novels which include: Talk to Me, Grace and Humility and Still Guilty, which was voted the Best Inspirational Romance for 2010. Pat is best known for her Guilty series: Guilty of Love, Not Guilty of Love, and Still Guilty. She is continuing the series through the Jamieson Family Legacy trilogy: Guilty by Association, The Guilt Trip, Free From Guilt. Pat has recently been nominated for the best Christian fiction award by the African American Literary Awards for her latest release, Crowning Glory. Pat and her husband live in Missouri and have two children.

The Thirteenth Step: Ancient Solutions to the Contemporary Problems of Alcoholism and Addiction using the Timeless Wisdom of The Native American Church Ceremony by Robert Hayward

2012-01-09T12:31:00.001-05:00

The Thirteenth Step: Ancient Solutions to the Contemporary Problems of Alcoholism and Addiction using the Timeless Wisdom of The Native American Church Ceremony

by Robert Hayward

Paperback: 346 pages

Publisher: Native Son Publishers Inc. (April 18, 2011)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 0983638403

ISBN-13: 978-0983638407

The Thirteenth Step is a powerful and true recounting of the life of Robert Hayward. Hayward's life story weaves the real and the mysterious, the personal and the universal into a uniquely gripping story of self-discovery through his spiritual awakening within the Native American Church; an awakening that saved his life. The Thirteenth Step documents, for the first time ever, ancient ceremonies that have been conducted in the same manner for thousands of years, yet never shared with outsiders. Through Hayward's own journey of redemption, the reader will experience the words, wisdom, and teachings of The Native American Church, and encounter a spirituality that until now, has been accessible only to those born into the traditional Native American culture.

About the Author

Robert Hayward was born August 23, 1959, the ninth out of ten children, to very loving and devoted parents. His parents were animators who met while working for Walt Disney. They were part of the original crew that developed Mickey Mouse, Pinocchio, The Three Little Pigs, and many more. In the late 1970 s Robert studied at Laguna College of Art and Design, in Laguna Beach, CA. In August of 2000 he was commissioned to design and build a memorial to honor a fallen Native American firefighter, who lost his life while protecting the La Jolla Indian Reservation in San Diego County. Robert graduated from Palomar Community College in San Diego, CA, in 2011 earning a Certification as a Licensed Drug and Alcohol Counselor (CAADAC). Robert has been studying and writing about Native American history and religion for over 30 years. Linked to the Native American community by blood, he has been mentored by traditional Medicine Men and Roadmen since his youth.

Sign up for When Rain Falls Virtual Book Tour

2012-01-07T10:19:00.001-05:00

This virtual book tour is for Tyora Moody, author of When Rain Falls (March 2012, Urban Christian/Kensington)

CLICK HERE TO SIGN-UP FOR THIS TOUR

About the Book

“Why does God keep taking away the people I love?”

This is the lamentation of widow CANDACE JOHNSON when her best friend is brutally murdered. Ensnared by a deep-rooted bitterness, seeping her faith day by day, Candace is determined to seek justice.

Detective Darnell Jackson is in need of clues fast. The police captain is coming down hard on him and his partner to find out who murdered Pamela Coleman, the daughter of a high profile judge. Darnell confers with Candace to get the inside track on events leading up to the murder. As the investigation heats up, his growing attraction for Candace plays havoc on Darnell’s judgment.

Little does she know, Candace’s quest to find the truth has led her straight to the killer. She’s already lost loved ones. Now Candace must choose to completely trust God with her own life.

About the Author

Tyora "Ty" Moody is an author and entrepreneur. Her debut novel, When Rain Falls, will be released March 2012 (Urban Christian/Kensington). This is the first book in the Victory Gospel series. She is a member of Sisters in Crime and American Christian Fiction Writers. She owns and operates TywebbinCreations.com, a design and marketing company. Her company’s niche is assisting authors with branding and developing an online presence.

CFBA: Lost Melody

2012-01-02T18:47:00.000-05:00

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Lost Melody Zondervan (October 25, 2011) by Lori Copeland and Virginia Smith

ABOUT THE AUTHORS:

Lori lives in the beautiful Ozarks with her husband Lance. Lance and Lori have three sons, three daughter-in-laws, and six wonderful grandchildren, and two great-granddaughters. Lance and Lori are very involved in their church, and active in supporting mission work in Mali, West Africa.

Lori began her writing career in 1982, writing for the secular book market. In 1995, after many years of writing, Lori sensed that God was calling her to use her gift of writing to honor Him. It was at that time that Lori began writing for the Christian book market. To date, she has had over 100 books published.

Virginia Smith is the author of more than a dozen Christian novels and over fifty articles and short stories. Her books have been named finalists in the Daphne du Maurier Award of Excellence in Mystery/Suspense, the American Christian Fiction Writer's Book of the Year Award, and ACFW's Carol Award.

A Certified Lay Speaker for the United Methodist Church, Ginny's messages are always well-received by a variety of audiences in conferences, retreats and churches across the country. When she isn't writing or speaking, Ginny and her husband, Ted, enjoy exploring the extremes of nature – snow skiing in the Wasatch Mountains near Salt Lake City, motorcycle riding on the curvy roads in central Kentucky, and scuba diving in the warm waters of Mexico and the Caribbean.

ABOUT THE BOOK

The beautiful piano sitting in the corner of Jill King's apartment begs to be played. For over a year, it has sat untouched, ever since a terrible accident shattered Jill's ambition of becoming a concert pianist. The ragged scar on her left hand is a cruel and constant reminder of the death of her dream. But another dream is about to come to life---an unexpected, horrifying dream that will present Jill with a responsibility she never wanted. And choices she never wanted to make. Hundreds of lives depend on Jill's willingness to warn her small, oceanside town in Nova Scotia of a nameless, looming disaster. But doing so could cost Jill her reputation, jeopardize the political career of the man she loves, and ruin their plans for a future together. The fate of an entire community hangs in the balance as Jill wrestles with the cost of heeding one still, small voice.

If you would like to read a chapter excerpt of Lost Melody, go HERE.

Little Drummer Boy (Navajo Lyrics)

2011-12-27T07:50:00.001-05:00

Away in a Manger in Apache

2011-12-26T09:22:00.001-05:00

Silent Night, Holy Night (Navajo Lyrics)

2011-12-24T07:48:00.000-05:00

Reclaiming Lily

2011-10-29T13:56:00.003-04:00

Reclaiming Lily Virtual Book Tour
with Patti Lacy
October 5 - November 9, 2011

This virtual book tour is for Patti Lacy, author of Reclaiming Lily
(October 2011, Bethany House)

CLICK HERE TO SIGN-UP FOR THIS TOUR

About the Book

When a deadly disease strikes the Wang family, Harvard graduate Dr. Kai Chang must alert Lily, the sister Kai left on orphanage steps nine years earlier. Standing in her way is Gloria Powell, a Fort Worth pastor’s wife who distrusts Kai and thinks her entry into Lily’s life will send the troubled seventeen-year-old over the precipice of teenaged angst.

A Texas-sized tornado whirls about the meeting of the Changs and Powells as tempers and cultures collide. Can Kai, Gloria, and Joy reconcile their differences, surrender their dreams, and allow God to implement a plan that provides supernatural, unbelievable joy?

About the Author

Patti Lacy graduated from Baylor University in 1977 with a BS in education. She taught at Heartland Community College in Normal, Illinois, until she retired in 2006 to pursue writing full time. She and her husband, Alan, have two grown children. Visit Patti’s Web site at www.pattilacy.com.

Visit the Virtual Book Tour schedule at http://bit.ly/ReclaimingLilyVirtualBookTour

CFBA: Here's to Friends

2011-10-22T12:23:00.000-04:00

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Here’s to Friends David C. Cook (September 1, 2011) by Melody Carlson

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Over the years, Melody Carlson has worn many hats, from pre-school teacher to youth counselor to political activist to senior editor. But most of all, she loves to write! Currently she freelances from her home. In the past eight years, she has published over ninety books for children, teens, and adults--with sales totaling more than two million and many titles appearing on the ECPA Bestsellers List. Several of her books have been finalists for, and winners of, various writing awards. And her "Diary of a Teenage Girl" series has received great reviews and a large box of fan mail.

She has two grown sons and lives in Central Oregon with her husband and chocolate lab retriever. They enjoy skiing, hiking, gardening, camping and biking in the beautiful Cascade Mountains.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Once upon a time in a little town on the Oregon coast lived four Lindas—all in the same first-grade classroom. So they decided to go by their middle names. And form a club. And be friends forever.

Decades later, they're all back home in Clifden and reinventing their lives, but the holidays bring a whole new set of challenges. Abby’s new B&B is getting bad reviews and husband Paul is acting strange. Still grieving for her mom, Caroline is remodeling the family home, but boyfriend Mitch keeps pressuring her to go away with him. Artist Marley, distracted by a friend's family drama (and a touch of jealousy), can't find her creative groove. And Janie’s drug-addicted daughter has just appeared up on her doorstep! When a long-planned New Year's cruise turns into a bumpy ride, they learn once again that, in your fifties, friends aren’t just for fun—they're a necessity!

If you would like to read the first chapter of Here’s to Friends, go HERE.

Patricia Raybon's Virtual Book Tour

2011-10-20T08:28:00.000-04:00

Patricia Raybon's Virtual Book Tour - Week 3

Visit the full blog tour and LIVE Radio schedule at
http://bit.ly/PatriciaRaybonVirtualBookTour

This week, you can find out more about Patricia Raybon and ONE YEAR GOD's GREAT BLESSINGS DEVOTIONAL on four (4) blogs. You have the opportunity to listen or call-in to talk to Patricia three times this week as well. See the radio shows and time slots below.

Monday, October 17
Written Voices Blog
http://www.writtenvoicesblog.com

Listen to Patricia Raybon on Black Authors Network
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/Black-Author-Network
8:00 pm EST
(646) 200-0402

Tuesday, October 18Good Family Readshttp://familyreads.blogspot.com

Wednesday, October 19Listen to Patricia Raybon onLet’s Talk About It Radio Show
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/themastercommunicator
Wednesdays at 1:00 pm EST
(858) 357-8416

Thursday, October 20
Readin N Writin
http://readinnwritin.blogspot.com

Listen to Patricia Raybon on
The True Vine Online Radio Show
http://www.thetruevineonline.com
Thursday at 7:00 pm CST / 8:00 pm EST
347-850-8893

Friday, October 21
Dee. S White
http://deeswhite.com

Order Your Copy Today!

Reclaiming Lily Virtual Book Tour

2011-10-19T08:23:00.000-04:00

Reclaiming Lily Virtual Book Tour
with Patti Lacy - Week 3

Visit the full blog tour and LIVE Radio schedule at
http://bit.ly/ReclaimingLilyVirtualBookTour

Monday, October 17
Christian Bookworm Reviews
http://www.christainbookwormreviews.com

Tuesday, October 18
Literary Wonders
http://www.lwtheauthorshideawayblogspot.com
Hosanna’s Journey
http://hosannasjourney.blogspot.com/

Wednesday, October 19
Family Reads
http://familyreads.blogspot.com

Thursday, October 20
Writing Canvas
http://writingcanvas.wordpress.com

Saturday, October 22The Certain Ones Radio Show
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/thecertainones
Call-in Number: (917) 932-1607
6:00 pm EST on Saturdays

Order Your Copy Today!

Patricia Raybon Virtual Book Tour

2011-10-05T08:58:00.001-04:00

Patricia Raybon Virtual Book Tour
October 3 - November 7, 2011

Two inspiring gift books--just in time for the holidays!

This virtual book tour is for Patricia Raybon, author of
One Year GOD’S GREAT BLESSINGS Devotional (October 2011, Tyndale)
and co-author of Bound for Glory (November 2011, Tyndale)

CLICK HERE TO SIGN-UP FOR THIS TOUR

About the Books

One Year God's Great Blessings Devotional

Want half a blessing? Or God’s best? Award-winning author Patricia Raybon dares to pursue God’s greatest in her new One Year® devotional, God’s Great Blessings. Join her search for the enriching secrets of a bold Christian life, exploring 52 biblical values and virtues that God blesses not because we’re good but because He’s God. This path is uplifting, challenging, sometimes surprising but always transforming. Get on board with our Blessing God for the life-changing journey.

Bound for Glory

This powerful gift book is inspired by a stunning collection of calligraphic paintings by world-renowned calligrapher Timothy R. Botts and featuring reflections in verse by award-winning author Patricia Raybon. The book’s 52 paintings are visual interpretations—in words and pictures—of African American spiritual songs. These amazing songs are an important part of our American heritage, and they continue to give us hope in the face of life’s many challenges. The book also includes 52 reflective readings from Botts and African-American writer Patricia Raybon. It also includes lyrics from the spirituals along with inspirational Scripture verses from the New Living Translation.

About the Author

Award-winning writer Patricia Raybon is author of two critically acclaimed books, I Told the Mountain to Move and My First White Friend. Her personal essays have appeared in the New York Times Magazine, Newsweek, USA Weekend, Charles Stanley Ministries’ In Touch Magazine and have also aired on National Public Radio. She writes full-time on life-changing faith. Visit Patricia’s Website at www.patriciaraybon.com

CFBA: The Doctor's Lady

2011-09-22T12:25:00.000-04:00

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing The Doctor's Lady Bethany House (September 1, 2011) by Jody Hedlund

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Jody has written novels for the last 18 years (with a hiatus when her children were young). After many years of writing and honing her skills, she finally garnered national attention with her double final in the Genesis Contest, a fiction-writing contest for unpublished writers through ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers).

Her first published book, The Preacher’s Bride (2010 Bethany House Publishers), hit the CBA Best Seller list on two different occasions and has won multiple awards.

Her second book, The Doctor’s Lady, released this September. She has completed a third book which will be released in 2012. She’s currently busy researching and writing another book!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Priscilla White knows she'll never be a wife or mother and feels God's call to the mission field in India. Dr. Eli Ernest is back from Oregon Country only long enough to raise awareness of missions to the natives before heading out West once more. But then Priscilla and Eli both receive news from the mission board: No longer will they send unmarried men and women into the field.

Left scrambling for options, the two realize the other might be the answer to their needs. Priscilla and Eli agree to a partnership, a marriage in name only that will allow them to follow God's leading into the mission field. But as they journey west, this decision will be tested by the hardships of the trip and by the unexpected turnings of their hearts.

If you would like to read the first chapter of The Doctor's Lady, go HERE.

Watch the book trailer:

CFBA: A Most Unsuitable Match

2011-09-15T11:05:00.000-04:00

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing A Most Unsuitable Match Bethany House; Original edition (August 1, 2011) by Stephanie Grace Whitson

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

A native of southern Illinois, Stephanie Grace Whitson has lived in Nebraska since 1975. She began what she calls "playing with imaginary friends" (writing fiction) when, as a result of teaching her four homeschooled children Nebraska history, she was personally encouraged and challenged by the lives of pioneer women in the West. Since her first book, Walks the Fire, was published in 1995, Stephanie's fiction titles have appeared on the ECPA bestseller list numerous times and been finalists for the Christy Award, the Inspirational Reader's Choice Award, and ForeWord Magazine's Book of the Year.

Her first nonfiction work, How to Help a Grieving Friend, was released in 2005. In addition to serving in her local church and keeping up with two married children, two college students, and a high school senior, Stephanie enjoys motorcycle trips with her family and church friends. Her passionate interests in pioneer women's history, antique quilts, and French, Italian, and Hawaiian language and culture provide endless story-telling possibilities.

ABOUT THE BOOK

An unlikely attraction occurs between two passengers on a steamboat journey up the Missouri River to Montana...

She is a self-centered young woman from a privileged family who fears the outdoors and avoids anything rustic. He is a preacher living under a sense of duty and obligation to love the unlovable people in the world. She isn't letting anything deter her from solving a family mystery that surfaced after her mother's death. He is on a mission to reach the rejects of society in the remote wilderness regions of Montana. Miss Fannie Rousseau and Reverend Samuel Beck are opposites in every way... except in how they both keep wondering if their paths will ever cross again.

If you would like to read the first chapter of A Most Unsuitable Match, go HERE.

CFBA: The Hardest Thing to Do

2011-09-10T11:06:00.001-04:00

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing The Hardest Thing Crossway Books (July 31, 2011) by Penelope Wilcock

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

PENELOPE WILCOCK is a full-time author living in Hastings, Sussex, on the southeast coast of England. Her blog, Kindred of the Quiet Way, is about a simple and spiritual Christian lifestyle. Her other books in The Hawk and the Dove series are The Hawk and the Dove, The Wounds of God, and The Long Fall.

ABOUT THE BOOK

This latest in Wilcock’s The Hawk and the Dove series takes readers into the world of a fourteenth-century monastery struggling to forgive an old enemy seeking refuge.

The first of three sequels to the celebrated The Hawk and the Dove trilogy takes place one year after the end of the third book, in the early fourteenth century. A peaceful monastery is enjoying its new abbot, who is taking the place of Father Peregrine, when an old enemy arrives seeking refuge. Reluctantly taking in Prior William, the upended community must address old fears and bitterness while warily seeking reconciliation. But can they really trust Prior William?

In her fourth book in the series, Penelope Wilcock wrestles with the difficulties of forgiveness and the cautions of building trust. Taking the form of journal entries, her story will delight the imaginations of readers captivated by a time and place far distant from our current world. Her timeless themes, however, will challenge our prejudices today as we, along with her characters, are forced to ask ourselves, “What is the hardest thing to do?”

If you would like to read the first chapter of The Hardest Thing, go HERE.

Redeeming Waters

2011-08-22T11:16:00.001-04:00

Redeeming Waters

Vanessa Davis Griggs

New York : Kensington Publishing Corp., c2011.

viii, 327 p. ; 21 cm.

"Dafina books."

Includes discussion questions and excerpt from 'No ordinary noel'.

Paperback: 320 pages

Publisher: Kensington; 1 edition (August 1, 2011)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 075825962X

ISBN-13: 978-0758259622

Must a young woman choose between her commitment to her marriage…and to God?Brianna was ten years old when she first met twenty-five year old David R. Shepherd, a devout and gifted gospel recording artist who would ultimately become world renowned megastar, King d.Avid. He left an impression on Brianna she would never forget. And they were destined to meet again…
Brianna's best friend, Alana Norwood, hasn't had the best encounters with men, but she's always been a good friend to Brianna, no matter what situation the two may find themselves in. But despite their bond, the next time Brianna encounters King, she's a lonely young wife seeking solace in religious studies. While Alana's quest for fame has her living a life that seems to be going nowhere fast, King's companionship offers Brianna the deep emotional connection she longs for. But when both a tragedy and a blessing enters Brianna's life, she finds herself wrestling with questions of faith, fidelity, forgiveness, and the sovereignty of God…like never before.
"Griggs address[es] the challenges of living by Biblical rules with homespun humor. Fans will be pleased.” -Publishers Weekly on The Truth Is the Light
"A smart novel that addresses an issue that many in the church shy away from-divorce-with frank realism.”-Library Journal on Practicing What You Preach

When her husband gets a job with David, a gospel megastar, Brianna, a lonely young wife seeking solace in religious studies, finds a connection with David that causes her to question her faith, fidelity, and the sovereignty of God.

CFBA: Bridge to a Distant Star

2011-08-17T11:35:00.000-04:00

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Bridge to a Distant Star David C. Cook; New edition (June 1, 2011) by Carolyn Williford

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Carolyn Williford has authored seven books, including Jordan's Bend, Devotions for Families That Can't Sit Still, and Faith Tango, as well as numerous articles. She and her husband, Craig, live in Deerfield, Illinois, where he serves as president of Trinity International University. They have two children and four grandchildren.

ABOUT THE BOOK

It All Comes Tumbling Down

As a storm rages in the night, unwary drivers venture onto Tampa Bay’s most renowned bridge. No one sees the danger ahead. No one notices the jagged gap hidden by the darkness and rain. Yet when the bridge collapses vehicles careen into the churning waters of the bay below.

In that one catastrophic moment, three powerful stories converge: a family ravaged by their child’s heartbreaking news, a marriage threatened by its own facade, and a college student burdened by self doubt. As each story unfolds, the characters move steadily closer to that fateful moment on the bridge. And while each character searches for grace, the storms in their lives loom as large as the storm that awaits them above the bay.

When these characters intersect in Carolyn Williford’s gripping and moving volume of three novellas, they also collide with the transforming truth of Christ: Deny yourself, take up your cross, and follow me.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Bridge to a Distant Star, go HERE.

I ain't gonna gossip in church no more : a novel

2011-08-16T11:14:00.001-04:00

I ain't gonna gossip in church no more : a novel
Korey Deon Davis
Dallas, Tex. : Black Top Pub., c2008.
225 p. ; 23 cm.

Paperback: 244 pages
Publisher: Black Top Publishing; First edition (February 2, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0982019203
ISBN-13: 978-0982019207

I Ain't Gonna Gossip in Church No More is a highly entertaining and cleverly suspenseful tale that will keep you laughing from beginning to end. Janice West is a single mother, living life as a successful real estate agent. However, she has one small problem-she loves to know every detail about everybody. And who better to tell her than her best friend, Sheila Jenkins, the number one telephone-using, question-asking gossiper on the planet. If gossiping was an Olympic sport, Sheila would win the gold, silver, and the bronze just so the judges can show an enormous margin of victory against other gossipers. But, when they impulsively decide to discuss members in the church, everything spins out of control. Will this be the last gossip session or will they be exposed by a hilarious, no-nonsense pastor? One thing is for certain-church services won't be the same.

About the Author
Korey Deon Davis was born and raised in Shreveport, Louisiana. He attended Grambling State University and was a member of the World Famed Tiger Marching Band. He continued his graduate studies at California State University, San Bernardino, and earned a master's degree in education. He has taught special education in the public schools of Louisiana, California, and Texas. As a writer, he has the ability to captivate the reader with his descriptive yet funny narratives. He has also performed stand-up comedy with some of the most respected comedians in the industry. He is the president and CEO of Black Top Publishing and is a member of Silver Dogs, Inc., Kappa Kappa Psi Honorary Band Fraternity, Inc., and Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.

CFBA: Dancing on Glass

2011-08-15T22:04:00.001-04:00

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Dancing on Glass B&H Books (August 1, 2011) by Pamela Ewen

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Until recently retiring to write full time, Pamela Binnings Ewen was a partner in the Houston office of the international law firm of BakerBotts, L.L.P., specializing in corporate finance. She now lives just outside New Orleans, Louisiana, with her husband, James Lott.

She has served on the Board of Directors of Inprint, Inc., a non-profit organization supporting the literary arts in Houston, Texas, as well as the Advisory Board for The New Orleans Pirate’s Alley Faulkner Society, and currently serves on the Board of Directors of The Tennessee Williams Festival in New Orleans; Pamela is a co-founder of the Northshore Literary Society in the Greater New Orleans area. She is also a member of the National League of American Pen Women.

Pamela’s first novel, Walk Back The Cat (Broadman & Holman. May, 2006) is the story of an embittered and powerful clergyman who learns an ancient secret, confronting him with truth and a choice that may destroy him.

She is also the best-selling author of the acclaimed non-fiction book Faith On Trial, published by Broadman & Holman in 1999, currently in its third printing.

Although it was written for non-lawyers, Faith On Trial was also chosen as a text for a course on law and religion at Yale Law School in the Spring of 2000, along with The Case For Christ by Lee Stroble. Continuing the apologetics begun in Faith On Trial, Pamela also appears with Gary Habermas, Josh McDowell, Darrell Bock, Lee Stroble, and others in the film Jesus: Fact or Fiction, a Campus Crusade for Christ production.

Pamela is the latest writer to emerge from a Louisiana family recognized for its statistically improbable number of successful authors. A cousin, James Lee Burke, who won the Edgar Award, wrote about the common ancestral grandfathers in his Civil War novel White Dove At Morning.

Among other writers in the family are Andre Dubus (Best Picture Oscar nomination for The Bedroom; his son, Andre Dubus III, author of The House of Sand and Fog, a Best Picture Oscar nomination and an Oprah pick; Elizabeth Nell Dubus (the Cajun trilogy); and Alafair Burke, just starting out with the well received Samantha Kincaid mystery series.

ABOUT THE BOOK

In the steamy city of New Orleans in 1974, Amalise Catoir sees Phillip Sharp as a charming, magnetic artist, unlike any man she has known. A young lawyer herself, raised in a small town and on the brink of a career with a large firm, she is strong and successful, yet sometimes too trusting and whimsical. Ama's rash decision to marry Phillip proves to be a mistake as he becomes overly possessive, drawing his wife away from family, friends, and her faith. His insidious, dangerous behavior becomes her dark, inescapable secret.

In this lawyer's unraveling world, can grace survive Ama's fatal choice? What would you do when prayers seem to go unanswered, faith has slipped away, evil stalks, and you feel yourself forever dancing on shattered glass?

If you would like to read the first chapter of Dancing on Glass, go HERE.

Watch the book trailer:

Just As I Am (Lyrics in Navajo)

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Been There, Prayed That

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Paperback: 288 pages

Publisher: Urban Books; 1 edition (June 1, 2010)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 160162882X

ISBN-13: 978-1601628824

Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.5 x 0.8 inches

Product Description

Mother Doreen has left New Day Temple of Faith in Malvonia, Ohio and moved to Kentucky to help her diabetic sister. Her sister's husband, a truck driver, pretty much lives on the road. Mother Doreen feels in her spirit that she's needed to intervene on her sister's behalf, especially when the assistant pastor of her sister's church seems to be there just a little bit too much. Her suspicions really grow when her sister's belly does too. Is it Mother Doreen's spirit of discernment warning her that things in her sister's home and church aren't what they seem, or is Mother Doreen just a busybody church mother sticking her nose where it doesn't belong?

Back in Malvonia, Tamarra and Maeyl's relationship is moving along nicely. She even has a feeling that the man she knows God placed in her life is going to propose to her. But suspicions arise when someone from Maeyl's past shows up at New Day Temple of Faith, unexpected and unwelcome. Will their relationship be able to withstand the strain?

Follow the New Day Divas series by E.N. Joy as this soap opera in print brings back these and all of your other favorite blessed and highly favored characters whose antics will keep you entertained until the last page.

About the Author

BLESSEDselling author E. N. Joy, is the writer behind the five book series "New Day Divas," coined the "Soap Opera In Print." Formerly writing secular works under Joylynn M. Jossel and JOY, this award winning author has been sharing her literary expertise on conference panels across the country.

In 2000, Joy formed the publishing company, END OF THE RAINBOW projects, where she published her own works until landing a book deal with a major publisher. In 2004, Joy branched off into literary consulting.

Not forsaking her love of poetry in which she published two works of poetry, Joy plans to revisit the genre one day. "But my spirit has moved in another direction," Joy says. Needless to say, she no longer pens street lit (in which two of her titles, If I Ruled the World and Dollar Bill, made the Essence Magazine bestsellers list. Dollar Bill appeared in Newsweek and has been translated to Japanese). She no longer pens erotica/adult contemporary either, in which one of her titles won the Borders bestselling African American romance award. Instead, under the name E.N. Joy, she pens Christian fiction, and under the name N. Joy she pens children's and young adult titles. Joy's children's story, The Secret Olivia Told Me, received the American Library Association Coretta Scott King Honor. Book club rights have also been acquired by Scholastic and the book is on tour at Scholastic Book Fairs in schools across the country. Elementary and middle school children have fallen in love with reading and creative writing as a result of the readings and workshops Joy performs in schools nationwide.

Currently, Joy is the acquisition editor for Urban Christian. When she's not adding her two cents to other authors' works, she's diligently working on her own. Joy's project, the "New Day Divas" series, includes She Who Finds A Husband, Been There Prayed That, Love Honor or Stray, Trying to Stay Saved and I Can Do Better All By Myself.

Product Details

Jesus My All In All (Lyrics in Navajo)

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Thomas Nelson Survey - Chance to Win $10,000

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From Thomas Nelson:

One of the highlights of our days in the Fiction department at Thomas Nelson? Receiving reader letters—either directly addressed to us or passed along from our talented authors. It’s critical to be reminded that at the end of our long days acquiring, editing, designing, selling, marketing, and publicizing books, those stories are reaching readers, striking nerves, changing lives. We want readers’ feedback. How stories have given you hope. Which authors’ series you can’t help from sharing with everyone you meet. We want to know what makes you stay up late in the night to finish a story, and conversely what turns you away.

We’re conducting a series of surveys—seeking answers from readers who love Christian fiction. Up for grabs is a free ebook for every respondent who completes the survery, as well as a $10,000 prize for one entrant. The responses we gather will help shape the future of the books we publish for years to come. As well as the data we’re collecting here, we’ll also seek more in-depth feedback from a panel we’ll develop over the next year. More details to come. The note below from one of authors gives a specific picture of how reader feedback shapes her work. In short, your opinion matters! We thank you for your time and appreciate your responding.

--Thomas Nelson Fiction

Dear Friends—

Publishing books is a team effort, and there are a lot of players—authors, editors, cover designers, marketing staff, and a host of other behind-the-scene folks who help get the books on the shelves. And readers are also a large part of the process. Your input matters, probably more than you know.

When I hear from readers, I really listen to what they want. This is particularly true with my series books. For example, Seek Me With All Your Heart (book #1 in the Land of Canaan series) wraps up nicely at the end, but one of my minor characters (Katie Ann) was left pregnant after her husband left her. I received lots of emails about Katie Ann from readers, so book #2 in the series—The Wonder of Your Love—is Katie Ann’s story.

With the popularity of social media resources such as Facebook, it has allowed me to keep in close contact with readers and to seek opinions and advice. Several times, the publisher and I couldn’t decide on a cover, so we posted the cover options on Facebook and let readers decide. And if you’re posting anywhere on my Facebook Fans Page, your name could end up in a book. I often scan the names there, so you are unknowingly helping me just by being on the site.
Readers also made it clear that they wanted books in digital format, large print, and audio versions. Authors and publishers listened, and most (if not all) of my books are available in multiple formats.

As an author, I hope to write entertaining stories that will be enjoyed for many years. As a reader, I have favorite authors, and I’m not afraid to let them know what I want in future books. We listen to the likes and the dislikes in our effort to bring you the best stories we can, so don’t be shy. Tell us what you think!

Warmly,
Beth Wiseman

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Guilty By Association Virtual Book Tour with Pat Simmons

Guilty by Association Virtual Book Tour

CLICK HERE TO SIGN-UP FOR THIS TOUR

The Thirteenth Step: Ancient Solutions to the Contemporary Problems of Alcoholism and Addiction using the Timeless Wisdom of The Native American Church Ceremony by Robert Hayward

About the Author

Sign up for When Rain Falls Virtual Book Tour

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About the Author

CFBA: Lost Melody

Little Drummer Boy (Navajo Lyrics)

Away in a Manger in Apache

Silent Night, Holy Night (Navajo Lyrics)

Reclaiming Lily

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CFBA: Here's to Friends

Patricia Raybon's Virtual Book Tour

Visit the full blog tour and LIVE Radio schedule athttp://bit.ly/PatriciaRaybonVirtualBookTour

Reclaiming Lily Virtual Book Tour

Visit the full blog tour and LIVE Radio schedule athttp://bit.ly/ReclaimingLilyVirtualBookTour

Patricia Raybon Virtual Book Tour

CLICK HERE TO SIGN-UP FOR THIS TOUR

CFBA: The Doctor's Lady

CFBA: A Most Unsuitable Match

CFBA: The Hardest Thing to Do

Redeeming Waters

CFBA: Bridge to a Distant Star

I ain't gonna gossip in church no more : a novel

CFBA: Dancing on Glass

Just As I Am (Lyrics in Navajo)

Been There, Prayed That

Jesus My All In All (Lyrics in Navajo)

Thomas Nelson Survey - Chance to Win $10,000

Visit the full blog tour and LIVE Radio schedule at
http://bit.ly/PatriciaRaybonVirtualBookTour

Visit the full blog tour and LIVE Radio schedule at
http://bit.ly/ReclaimingLilyVirtualBookTour