Projecting A

CFBA: A Prisoner of Versaille by Golden Keyes Parsons

2009-11-11T09:45:00.003-06:00

Song Stuck on the Brain: Letters From War by Mark Schultz

Thank you goes out to all you who serve. Your willingness to stand for your country and place a protective barrier between us and danger is both heroic and appreciated. God Bless you and bring you home safe and whole.

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing:

A Prisoner of Versaille

by

Golden Keyes ParsonsThomas Nelson (September 1, 2009)

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Madeleine's faith puts her at odds with an intimidating rival: King Louis XIV.

Having fled their homeland of France because of the persecution by Louis XIV, the Clavell family seeks refuge in Switzerland. However, the king is not about to let the recently widowed Madeleine, his childhood sweetheart, escape that easily. He sends musketeers to kidnap her and her oldest son, Philippe, holding them captive in his opulent palace. King Louis is suspicious that Philippe could be his son, and he's enraged by the growing affection of one of his courtiers for Madeleine.

Will Madeleine escape the king with her life or lose everything that she's fought so hard to keep?

If you would like to read the first chapter of A Prisoner of Versaille , go HERE

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

In her deep plowing of the heart, moving from tears one moment to laughter the next, Golden will touch your heart with her dynamic Bible teaching, combined with her vivid personal examples, moving from tears one moment, to laughter the next, all the while communicating the message that God is faithful--keep trusting Him. She has a passion to communicate the Word of God in such a manner that will lead to godly living.

Golden, and her husband, Blaine, have just retired as pastors at Faith Mountain Fellowship Church in Red River, NM. They have three grown daughters and eight grandchildren. Her testimony and myriad of life experiences lend a touch of authenticity to her teaching. She loves to speak for women's conferences, seminars, luncheons, retreats and Mother/Daughter events.

If deep Bible teaching that brings the Scriptures alive is what you want, Golden is the speaker you need.

CFBA: Fit to Be Tied by Robin Lee Hatcher

2009-11-10T09:09:00.002-06:00

Song Stuck on the Brain: Give Me a Revelation by Third Day

I never would have realized how hard it is to be without internet. It's like losing an arm. It's still down and I'm lucky enough to borrow a computer. Heaven help me if I don't get it back soon. I'm going through withdrawl!

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing:

Fit to Be Tied

by

Robin Lee HatcherZondervan (November 1, 2009)

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Cleo Arlington dresses like a cowboy, is fearless and fun-loving, and can ride, rope, and wrangle a horse as well as any man. In 1916, however, those talents aren’t what most young women aspire to. But Cleo isn’t most women. Twenty-nine years old and single, Cleo loves life on her father’s Idaho ranch. Still, she hopes someday to marry and have children.

Enter Sherwood Statham, an English aristocrat whose father has sentenced him to a year of work in America to “straighten him out.” Sherwood, who expected a desk job at a posh spa, isn’t happy to be stuck on an Idaho ranch. And he has no idea how to handle Cleo, who’s been challenged with transforming this uptight playboy into a down-home cowboy, because he has never encountered a woman succeeding in a “man’s world.”

Just about everything either of them says or does leaves the other, well, fit to be tied. Cleo Arlington knows everything about horses but nothing about men. And though Cleo believes God’s plan for her includes a husband, it couldn’t possibly be Sherwood Statham. Could it?

Their bumpy trot into romance is frustrating, exhilarating, and ultimately heartwarming.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Fit to Be Tied , go HERE.

Watch the book video Trailer:

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Robin Lee Hatcher discovered her vocation as a novelist after many years of reading everything she could put her hands on, including the backs of cereal boxes and ketchup bottles. The winner of the Christy Award for Excellence in Christian Fiction (Whispers from Yesterday), the RITA Award for Best Inspirational Romance (Patterns of Love and The Shepherd's Voice), two RT Career Achievement Awards (Americana Romance and Inspirational Fiction), and the RWA Lifetime Achievement Award, Robin is the author of over 50 novels, including Catching Katie, named one of the Best Books of 2004 by the Library Journal.

Robin enjoys being with her family, spending time in the beautiful Idaho outdoors, reading books that make her cry, and watching romantic movies. She is passionate about the theater, and several nights every summer, she can be found at the outdoor amphitheater of the Idaho Shakespeare Festival, enjoying Shakespeare under the stars. She makes her home outside of Boise, sharing it with Poppet the high-maintenance Papillon

CFBA: One Fine Season by Michael Sheehan

2009-11-04T09:07:00.000-06:00

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing:
One Fine Season
by
Michael SheehanAuthorHouse (November 25, 2008)

ABOUT THE BOOK:

ONE FINE SEASON tells the story of a promising young athlete who must rise from the ashes of devastating personal loss to fulfill a pact made years earlier with his best friend.

Best friends Pete O’Brien and Danny Grace are gifted college athletes, both hoping for careers as professional baseball players. When tragedy strikes, Danny struggles to cope with his overwhelming grief and fulfill a pact the young men made years earlier: to play in the World Series.

Events unexpectedly thrust Danny into the spotlight with the new expansion team in Sacramento. Three guides – an aging catcher, spiritual centerfielder and wise manager – plus a beautiful woman lead him on a healing journey, revealing that even death cannot break the bonds of true friendship.

If you would like to read an excerpt from the first chapter of One Fine Season, go HERE

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Michael Sheehan is CEO and founder of BioResource, a company that distributes natural remedies including the popular INFLAMYAR ointment for sports injuries. He wrote One Fine Season to honor the memories of two childhood friends who died young, before they could realize their dreams.

One Fine Season is true to life. It draws on Sheehan’s religious education at a Catholic seminary and his experience as a high school baseball and collegiate soccer player. A graduate of Santa Clara University, Sheehan also earned a master’s degree in science journalism from Boston University. He lives in Northern California.

New Contest!

2009-11-03T21:12:00.002-06:00

Enter to Win:

Who Made You the Princess by Shelley Adina

or

Love's Pursuit by Siri Mitchell

Contest is open to US residents only and ends at midnight November 30, 2009. To enter, click on the book cover in the sidebar to email me your entry.

Sorry for the weird sidebar, I'm having trouble with my code.

CFBA: A Slow Burn by Mary DeMuth

2009-11-02T12:27:00.002-06:00

Song Stuck on the Brain: Here With Me by Mercy Me

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing:
A Slow Burn
by
Mary DeMuthZondervan (October 1, 2009)

ABOUT THE BOOK:

She touched Daisy’s shoulder. So cold. So hard. So unlike Daisy.

Yet so much like herself it made Emory shudder.

Burying her grief, Emory Chance is determined to find her daughter Daisy’s murderer—a man she saw in a flicker of a vision. But when the investigation hits every dead end, her despair escalates. As questions surrounding Daisy’s death continue to mount, Emory’s safety is shattered by the pursuit of a stranger, and she can’t shake the sickening fear that her own choices contributed to Daisy’s disappearance. Will she ever experience the peace her heart longs for?

The second book in the Defiance, Texas Trilogy, this suspenseful novel is about courageous love, the burden of regret, and bonds that never break. It is about the beauty and the pain of telling the truth. Most of all, it is about the power of forgiveness and what remains when shame no longer holds us captive.

Watch the video:

If you would like to read the first chapter of A Slow Burn, go HERE

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Mary E. DeMuth is an expert in Pioneer Parenting. She enables Christian parents to navigate our changing culture when their families left no good faith examples to follow.

Her parenting books include Authentic Parenting in a Postmodern Culture (Harvest House, 2007), Building the Christian Family You Never Had (WaterBrook, 2006), and Ordinary Mom, Extraordinary God (Harvest House, 2005).

Mary also inspires people to face their trials through her real-to-life novels, Watching The Tree Limbs
(nominated for a Christy Award) and Wishing On Dandelions (NavPress, 2006).

Mary has spoken at Mount Hermon Christian Writers Conference, the ACFW Conference, the Colorado Christian Writers Conference, and at various churches and church planting ministries. She's also taught in Germany, Austria, Monaco, Italy, France, and the United States. Mary and her husband, Patrick, reside in Texas with their three children. They recently returned from breaking new spiritual ground in Southern France, and planting a church.

Good News!

2009-11-02T00:42:00.000-06:00

I received word today that my chick-lit novel is a finalist in the STAR contest. Whoo Hoo! It never hurts for an agent and editor to look at your stuff, right? Maybe I'll inch a little bit further down the road to publishing. :)

I Just Haven't Met You Yet...Oh Yeah!

2009-10-29T00:02:00.000-05:00

I Love Michael Buble's music. This is first single of the new album Crazy Love. I think it's really cute and I identify with the song so well. Thought I'd share it with you. Enjoy!

VH1 TV Shows Music Videos Celebrity Photos News & Gossip

CFBA: eye of the god by Ariel Allison

2009-10-28T13:03:00.003-05:00

Song Stuck on the Brain: What's Love Got To Do With It by Tina Turner

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing:

eye of the god

by

Ariel AllisonAbingdon Press (October 1, 2009)

ABOUT THE BOOK:

eye of the god takes the fascinating history surrounding the Hope Diamond and weaves it together with a present-day plot to steal the jewel from the Smithsonian Institute.

We follow Alex and Isaac Weld, the most lucrative jewel thieves in the world, in their quest to steal the gem, which according to legend was once the eye of a Hindu idol named Rama Sita. When it was stolen in the 17th century, it is said that the idol cursed all those who would possess it. That won’t stop the brilliant and ruthless Weld brothers.

However, they are not prepared for Dr. Abigail Mitchell, the beautiful Smithsonian Director, who has her own connection to the Hope Diamond and a deadly secret to keep. Abby committed long ago that she would not serve a god made with human hands, and the “eye of the god” is no exception. Her desire is not for wealth, but for wisdom. She seeks not power, but restoration.

When the dust settles over the last great adventure of the Hope Diamond, readers will understand the “curse” that has haunted its legacy is nothing more than the greed of evil men who bring destruction upon themselves. No god chiseled from stone can direct the fates of humankind, nor can it change the course of God’s story.

If you would like to read the prologue and first chapter of eye of the god, go HERE

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Allison is a published author who lives in a small Texas town with her husband and three young sons. She is the co-author of Daddy Do You Love Me: a Daughter’s Journey of Faith and Restoration (New Leaf Press, 2006). Justin Case, the first of three children’s books will be published by Harvest House in June 2009. Ariel is a weekly contributor to http://www.christiandevotions.us/ and on her thoughts as a redeemed dreamer at http://www.arielallison.blogspot.com/.

From Ariel:

I am the daughter of an acclaimed and eccentric artist, and given my “unconventional” childhood, had ample time to explore the intricacies of story telling. I was raised at the top of the Rocky Mountains with no running water or electricity (think Laura Ingles meets the Hippie Movement), and lived out the books I read while running barefoot through the sagebrush. My mother read to me by the light of a kerosene lantern for well over a decade, long after I could devour an entire novel in the course of a day. Authors such as C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkein, George MacDonald, and L.M. Montgomery were the first to capture my heart and I have
grown to love many others since.

CFBA: A Little Help From My Friends

2009-10-26T00:01:00.001-05:00

Song Stuck on the Brain: Little Sparrow by David Cook
I always loved Dolly's version, never imagined I'd love a guy's version even more. David's voice is amazing. Love this song.

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing:

A Little Help from My Friends

by

Anne Dayton & May VanderbiltFaithWords (October 15, 2009)

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Zoe is used to being overlooked. As the youngest and shyest Miracle Girl, she was happy to fade into the background last year. But when she sheds her baby fat and shoots up four inches the summer before her junior year, everything changes. Now she's turning heads at school, and this new attention is beginning to strain her relationship with her sweet, serious boyfriend, Marcus.

Pressure builds when Zoe's assigned partner for history class is Dean Marchese--a handsome New York transplant who isn't afraid to show her how he feels.
Just when she needs her three best friends the most, the Miracle Girls are suffering from boy troubles of their own.

Even Zoe's rock-solid home life begins to shake underneath her when her parents' relationship frays in the face of serious financial burdens. As this uncertain year of growing pains comes to a frenetic head, the quietest Miracle Girl must find her voice at long last and take control of her own destiny . . . with more than a little help from her friends.

If you would like to read the first chapter of A Little Help from My Friends, go HERE

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

ANNE DAYTON graduated from Princeton University and is earning her master's degree in English literature at New York University. She works for a New York publishing company and lives in Brooklyn.

MAY VANDERBILT graduated from Baylor University and went on to earn a master's degree in fiction from Johns Hopkins University. She lives in San Francisco, where she writes about food, fashion, and nightlife in the Bay Area.

Together, the two women are the authors of Miracle Girls series

CSFF: Haunt of Jackals by Eric Wilson

2009-10-24T18:58:00.005-05:00

My apologies to the author and the CSFF organization. With the passing of my father, I missed posting the book review for this great book.

The CSFF presents:

Haunt of Jackals

Eric Wilson

About the Book:

1211: Crusaders ship tons of soil from Jerusalem back to Italy, convinced of its holy properties. But something unholy has joined them.

1944: Allied bombs destroy a cemetery only yards from the Leaning Tower of Pisa. A fire rages. A tomb is opened.

In our modern world, Gina Lazarescu is a young woman caught trying to forgive her mother and track down her father. If she fails at either task, she will die.

Thorns will overrun its palaces...The ruins will become a haunt for jackals. --Isaiah 34:13

To read the first chapter, click HERE.

Haunt of Jackals is the second in a trilogy. To read more about the trilogy, click HERE.

About the Author:

"From an early age, I wanted to be a writer. Although I was born in California and raised in Oregon, my more enduring memories start in Europe where my parents took Bibles behind the Iron Curtain. Life was an adventure, full of exotic cultures and peoples.

Back in the States, I went through junior high and high school. I loved soccer, basketball, chess...oh, yes, and girls. It took a few years to learn how to talk to them, but they interested me from a distance. After high school, I traveled in eastern Europe and China. I returned to my parents’ crumbling marriage. I moved to LA and began college.

During my junior year, a childhood friend showed up as a freshman. Within months she and I were married, and we’re now in our eighteenth year, with two daughters to keep us on our toes. We’re not perfect (our kids could give you details), but we refuse to stop fighting for our family...and for our faith in Jesus, who is bigger than our self-centeredness. "

Jason Castro - I am Second

2009-10-22T00:57:00.002-05:00

My sister sent me this video and we both found it very powerful. I wanted to share it with all of you as well.

CFBA: The Fence My Father Built by Linda S. Clare

2009-10-21T00:43:00.003-05:00

Song Stuck on the Brain: As the Deer by Jim Greeninger

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing:

The Fence My Father Built

by

Linda S. ClareAbingdon Press (October 2009)

ABOUT THE BOOK:

When legally separated Muri Pond, a librarian, hauls her kids, teenager Nova and eleven year-old Truman, out to the tiny town of Murkee, Oregon, where her father, Joe Pond lived and died, she's confronted by a neighbor's harassment over water rights and Joe's legacy: a fence made from old oven doors.

The fence and accompanying house trailer horrify rebellious Nova, who runs away to the drug-infested streets of Seattle. Muri searches for her daughter and for something to believe in, all the while trying to save her inheritance from the conniving neighbor who calls her dad Chief Joseph.

Along with Joe's sister, Aunt Lutie, and the Red Rock Tabernacle Ladies, Muri must rediscover the faith her alcoholic dad never abandoned in order to reclaim her own spiritual path.

Watch the trailer:

If you would like to read the first chapter of The Fence My Father Built , go HERE

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Linda S. Clare is an award-winning coauthor of three books, including Lost Boys and the Moms Who Love Them (with Melody Carlson and Heather Kopp), Revealed: Spiritual Reality in a Makeover World, and Making Peace with a Dangerous God (with Kristen Johnson Ingram). She has also published many essays, stories, and poems in publications including The Christian Reader, The Denver Post, and The Philadelphia Inquirer. Linda grew up in a part of Arizona, where the dirt is as red as it is in Central Oregon. She graduated summa cum laude in Art Education from Arizona State University and taught in public and private schools. She has taught college-level creative writing classes for seven years, and edits and mentors writers. She also is a frequent writing conference presenter and church retreat leader. She and her husband of thirty-one years have four grown children, including a set of twins. They live in Eugene, Oregon, with their five wayward cats: Oliver, Xena the Warrior Kitty, Paladine, Melchior, and Mamma Mia!

Things Our Father Taught Us

2009-10-19T11:06:00.006-05:00

Song Stuck on the Brain: Behold the Kingdom by Brother John. (Dad's favorite song.)

Thank you all so much for your prayers and kind words. Shortly after I wrote the post asking for prayers, my father passed away. It has been a very busy and emotional time for all of our family, so this post is a little slow in coming.

His service was very touching. We wanted it to center on praising God and showing Dad's love for his Savior and the gospel. I wrote an essay on behalf of me and my siblings to be read during the service. I've included it below. Dad was a very special man.

Things Our Father Taught Us

Dad taught us many things in his lifetime. He was a great father with a big heart and a love for God that kept our family strong.

He Taught Us To Laugh

Anyone who knew Dad knew his sense of humor. He knew when to be serious and when to focus on ministry and comfort, but he could also find the funny even when it didn’t seem possible. He passed that ability on to all of us.

There was the ever present ‘Daddy Joke’. The bad pun or silly joke he made up on the spot that made us all groan and chuckle at the same time. He liked to take words and mix them up just to make us giggle. Dad never missed an opportunity to make a silly face or crack a joke, and yet he was never hurtful or mean in what he said. Dad loved to make people laugh, to lighten their hearts and see them smile.

He Taught Us To Dream Big

Dad was a dreamer. He always had a new idea or a new plan to create something great. He enjoyed photography and had a good eye for the beauty in everything around him. Dad would take pictures of everything and we have the photo albums to prove it. He started as a photographer and later worked as a photo lab technician. He followed his dream, and passed his love of photography on to the rest of us. He was a great teacher.

Dad had many hobbies. He loved knives and wanted to learn to make his own. So he did. He wanted to learn locksmithing, so he went back to school and got his license. Dad’s dreaming didn’t always become reality, but that never stopped his imagination. He used that same ability to dream big, to encourage all of us. There was never a time when Dad said, “That’s too big or too hard, find something else to do.” He believed in us and encouraged every dream we had. If sometimes we failed, he’d encourage us to find a new dream and keep going. There was always some way for us to serve God with our talents and he reminded us of that often.

He Taught Us To Always Be Prepared

For someone who was never a boy scout, he took their motto, always be prepared, to heart. He always wore shirts with two pockets, because he needed all the room to carry his gear. All his pockets were full and he had at least seven pocket knives on him at all times. They were different sizes with different blades, and there was always a Swiss army knife with tools included. Why carry so many? Because each knife would serve a different purpose and you never know when you would need them. For Christmas and birthdays he often received pocket gear. Anything pocket sized intrigued him. A mini flashlight or magnifying glass; a tiny measuring tape or screw driver, every new item was added to his pockets.

We teased him about his pocket gear, but if you ever needed anything, you could count on Dad to have something in his pockets that could do the job. As one friend said, “If there was a flood, I’d want to be around Duane Erwin. I bet he would have an inflatable raft in his pocket.”

He carried that need to be prepared into all areas of his life and not just for this physical world. He taught us to be prepared for tribulations that would come, and for Zion’s return. All of life is a challenge and preparation is key.

He Taught Us To Be Curious

Dad had an insatiable curiosity. He wanted to know how things worked. From the inside of a car, to inventions old and knew. He read voraciously. He loved magazines and books, fiction or non fiction, they were all exciting. His curiosity brought him knowledge. Some people know a lot about one or two things, Dad knew a little bit about everything. If you had a question about how to do something, chances were good that Dad knew enough to help you through.

He loved science and nature and his curiosity drove him to understand it better. Many conversations revolved around how God created things so intricately. He wanted to understand the mystery behind everything. Space and astronomy, biology and botany, electricity and magnetism; it all fascinated him. In turn it opened our minds to the miracles in creation and the world around us. He encouraged us to seek truth and answers to our own questions, simply by example.

He Taught Us To Have Faith

Dad’s faith was very strong and it grew everyday. We all grew up hearing the testimonies that he and Mom had over the years. Prayer was important in all areas of life and miracles were to be expected.

Once, when we were attending Center Branch, he was helping a friend repair a wheel chair lift. By accident, the lift was activated and Dad’s foot was pulled between the concrete step and the metal platform. With less than the width of a pencil, Dad’s foot was crushed and rolled between them. It only took seconds and they quickly pulled Dad’s foot free. Across the top, his toes were black. The elders administered to him and the blackness went away. Not a bone was broken. What should have removed his foot completely didn’t harm a bone.

There were healings and blessings to be found at all times. If we were sick or upset, scared or hurt, Dad’s prayers and faith always made us stronger. It was a gift that God blessed him with and he used it well.

He Taught Us To Trust

With great faith comes great trust. Dad learned to trust God for all of life’s needs. As newlyweds, he and Mom often were down to their last dollar with no more money in sight. God always provided when asked. One testimony they often shared was of a time early in their marriage. They were renting a trailer. The rent was due that day and they had no money to pay it. With no idea of how they would keep their home, they decided to take a drive and put it in God’s hands. Finally they returned to the trailer with no clear answer in mind. They opened the locked trailer door and there on the floor was a sealed envelope with their names written on the front. Opening it, they found exactly enough money to pay the rent. Shocked they tried to figure out who had left the money and how they’d gotten it into the trailer. They tried sliding it under the door, but it sealed too tight. They tried the window slats, but nothing they tried would land the envelope any where near the same spot. It was clear to them that God put the money there to not only provide for them, but to show that they could always trust him to provide and protect.

Mom and Dad were foster parents and there always seemed to be at least six of us kids in the house at all times. Money was often tight. They never let that stop them. Somehow there was always enough to provide, whether it was food left by a church friend that said God told them we were in need, or money given anonymously at just the right moment. Sometimes the blessings weren’t seen immediately, but we always knew that even if we didn’t understand the reasons, God had a plan and we could trust that His plan was best.

He Taught Us To Love

Some people say blood is thicker than water. Mom and Dad never believed that. They fostered more than 28 children during their marriage and loved every one, no matter how difficult it might be. Because of their love, they expanded their family, their home and their hearts. Love is taught by example and they continued to love and support anyone that God placed in their home.

There was never any doubt that Dad would do anything for his children, whether they were his by birth, by adoption, or by love. He stood up for us, protected us, and never, ever failed to love us. Sometimes it felt like love and faith were all that held us together, but it was enough. He taught us to love our family, our friends, and the gospel. More than anything else, he taught us to love our Savior Jesus with all our hearts.

He Taught Us To Hope

Dad studied his scriptures regularly, often looking up the meaning of words to find the greater understanding. Hope is a word used as a form of wishing today, but Dad found that the archaic form was to put one’s trust in something greater. He knew that hope was putting your trust in Jesus.

His greatest hope was in seeing God’s kingdom return to earth. He wanted to see his Savior and walk with him through the streets of Zion. Many times he would talk about how evil the world had become and how he longed for Zion to come soon. His hope and prayers for Zion guided his life and in turn, ours. He showed us that despite our determination to keep our covenant, we often fail. The hope that we find in God’s mercy and forgiveness is a gift like no other. Dad clung to that gift and taught us all to keep hope alive in our hearts.

We could not have asked for a better earthly father. He was a simple man that allowed his heart and his life to reflect our Heavenly Father every day. And because of all that our father taught us, we know that we will never be fatherless. Dad taught us that no matter where we are in life, we have a Father in Jesus and he will never leave us alone.

Thanks, Dad; your lessons will never be forgotten.

Dad and I in 1978

Dad in 2007

CFBA: Watch Over Me by Christa Parrish

2009-10-19T10:55:00.003-05:00

Song Stuck on the Brain: You're Still the One by Orleans

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing:

Watch Over Me

by

Christa Parrish(Bethany House October 1, 2009)

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Her Rescue Might Be the Miracle They Needed Things like this don't happen in Beck County. Deputy Benjamin Patil is the one to find the infant girl, hours old, abandoned in a field. As police work to identify the mother, Ben and his wife, Abbi, seem like the obvious couple to serve as foster parents. But the newborn's arrival opens old wounds for Abbi and shines a harsh light on how much Ben has changed since a devastating military tour. Their marriage teeters on the brink and now they must choose to reclaim what they once had or lose each other forever.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Watch Over Me, go HERE

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Christa Parrish graduated high school at 16, with every intention of becoming a surgeon. After college, however, her love of all things creative led her in another direction, and she worked in both theatre and journalism.

A winner of Associated Press awards for her reporting, Christa gave up her career after the birth of her son, Jacob. She continued to write from home, doing pro bono work for the New York Family Policy Council, where her articles appeared in Focus on the Family’s Citizen magazine. She was also a finalist in World magazine’s WORLDview short story contest, sponsored by WestBow press. She now teaches literature and writing to high school students, is a homeschool mom, and lives with her husband, author Chris Coppernoll, and son in upstate New York, where she is at work on her third novel.

A very special prayer request

2009-10-14T22:43:00.003-05:00

Dear friends and readers,

I know many of you have a strong faith in our Savior Jesus Christ. I'm asking you to please pray for my father. He's been sent home with cancer and they don't expect him to live much longer. We are all praying mightily for a healing if that's God's will, but more than anything we want peace and comfort for Dad. If you feel compelled in your heart, our family would greatly appreciate your prayers.

"For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them." -Matthew 18:20

Thank you,
A.

CFBA: Leaving Yesterday by Kathryn Cushman

2009-10-14T22:40:00.002-05:00

Song Stuck on the Brain: When peace like a river attendeth my soul...

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing:
Leaving Yesterday
by
Kathryn CushmanBethany House (October 1, 2009)

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Alisa Stewart feels like she's lost two sons: her youngest to a terrible tragedy and her eldest, Kurt, to a life ruined by addiction. But now Kurt has checked himself into rehab and found a healing faith that seems real. It's like he's been raised from the dead.

But then a detective arrives at Alisa's door asking questions about a murder--the death of a drug dealer before Kurt entered rehab. Alisa fears losing her son again, and when she finds evidence linking him to the killing, she destroys it. Her boy is different now. He's changed and deserves a second chance.

But when another man is charged with the crime, Alisa finds herself facing an impossible choice: be silent and keep her son or give up everything for the truth.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Leaving Yesterday, go HERE

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

I graduated from Samford University with a degree in pharmacy, but I’ve known all my life that I wanted to write a novel “some day”. For me, “some day” came about five years ago, when I started writing and never looked back.

My third attempt became my first published novel.

A Promise to Remember was a finalist for the American Christian Fiction Writers Book-of-the-Year in the Women’s Fiction category, and Waiting for Daybreak was a finalist in Women’s Fiction for the Inspirational Reader’s Choice Award. Leaving Yesterday just arrived on scene and I’m very excited about it!

On the homefront, I’ve been married to the wonderful and handsome Lee for over twenty years now, and our two daughters are currently braving the worlds of elementary and high school. We’ve lived in Santa Barbara for the last seventeen years. When I’m not writing or reading or braving seventy degree holidays, you’ll find me watching the younger daughter play softball, or the older daughter building amazing high school theater sets

CFBA: Things Worth Remembering by Jackina Stark

2009-10-12T16:48:00.003-05:00

Song Stuck on the Brain: Her Diamonds by Rob Thomas

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing:
Things Worth Remembering
by
Jackina StarkBethany House (October 1, 2009)

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Kendy Laswell and her daughter, Maisey, used to do everything together--until one fateful summer when Maisey witnessed something she shouldn't have, and their relationship fractured. Now, Maisey is back home to get married and Kendy realizes this is her last chance to reconnect with her daughter. Will Kendy and Maisey be able to reclaim the bond they once shared?

Maisey asked for a bride doll the Christmas she was five, mesmerized by her aunt's wedding the fall before. Since then I've been dreaming of the day, or days, we would shop for her wedding dress. A mother helping her daughter find just the right creation for that momentous walk down the aisle strikes me as one of life's happiest endeavors. The night she called to tell us she'd bought her "dream of a gown," I sat beside Luke on the couch, a striking contrast to Maisey's exuberance.
My dejection seemed a tad inappropriate. "Being hurt because I wasn't included is silly, isn't it?" I asked.

"Not so silly," he said.

Will I ever quit longing for the Maisey who was once mine?

If you would like to read the first chapter of Things Worth Remembering , go HERE

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Jackina (pronounced with a long “i” to rhyme with China) Stark recently retired from teaching English at Ozark Christian College to spend more time writing and traveling.

Jackina says: "Although I loved my subjects and my students, I retired to do more writing and speaking, to spend more time with my family, and to travel with family and friends (including trips to encourage two missions in Cambodia). I have also spoken nationally and internationally at many retreats and seminars and enjoy running into many readers and former students. I have written frequently for both Christian Standard and Lookout, periodicals of Standard Publishing. Years ago I wrote two non-fiction books, published by College Press, but currently out of print. These days, I’m exploring fiction. My first novel, Tender Grace, was released by Bethany House January 30, 2009, and Things Worth Remembering, is the second. I’m working on new projects, including a third novel, as time permits. Whether speaking or writing, I love the opportunity to tell about Him whom Jesus called “Holy Father” and “the only true God.”

She has been married to her husband, Tony, for forty-two years. They live in Carl Junction, Missouri, and have two daughters and six grandchildren.

Confessions of a Quiz Addict

2009-10-09T00:11:00.001-05:00

Song Stuck on the Brain: I Love You by Nine Days

I'm hopelessly addicted to quizzes (If you hadn't guessed that already...) Here are a few of my most recent choices. They're a lot of fun and fairly accurate. Try them yourself and join me in my addiction. :)

Which CSI Character Are You?

More on CSI. Created by BuddyTV

Which The Mentalist Character Are You?

More on The Mentalist. Created by BuddyTV

Which Disney Heroine Are You?

Created by BuddyTV

Which Charmed Character Are You?

More on Charmed. Created by BuddyTV

And the Winners are...

2009-10-08T00:01:00.000-05:00

Congratulations to our winners from September!

April R. is the Winner of Breathe by Lisa T. Bergren

Donna P. is the Winner of Vanish by Tom Pawlik

Thank you everyone that stopped by and entered to win. Be sure to come back often for more contests.

A.

Win Scream or The Blue Enchantress

2009-10-07T10:00:00.004-05:00

October is here already and I'm running so behind. The end of the year is approaching way too quickly. I'm getting a late start on this month's giveaways, but I'm hoping you'll forgive me when you see what great treasures are available.

This month I'm giving away free copies of:

To Read about The Blue Enchantress click HERE

And

To read about Scream click HERE

To enter, click on the book covers in the Sidebar and email me your entry. The contest is open to US residents only and ends at midnight on October 31, 2009.

Good luck!

CFBA: A Measure of Mercy by Lauraine Snelling

2009-10-07T09:11:00.002-05:00

Song Stuck on the Brain: Kiss On My List by Hall & Oates

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing:

A Measure of Mercy

by

Lauraine SnellingBethany House (October 1, 2009)

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Eighteen-year-old Astrid Bjorklund has always dreamed of becoming a doctor. She had intended to study medicine in Chicago or Grand Forks, but when a disaster wiped out a major portion of her family's income, Astrid stayed home instead, receiving hands-on training from Dr. Elizabeth.

Joshua Landsverk left Blessing two years ago, but he's never forgotten Astrid. Returning to town, he seeks to court her.

Astrid is attracted to him, and when the opportunity unexpectedly opens for her to go to Chicago for medical training, she finds it difficult to leave. Love blossoms through their letters, but upon arriving back home, she makes a heartbreaking discovery. She learns he's left town--again. Believing Joshua no longer loves her, Astrid makes an impetuous, heart-wrenching decision.

Will she regret the choice she's made? Will she have to give up love to pursue her dream?

If you would like to read the first chapter of A Measure of Mercy, go HERE

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Award-winning and best selling author Lauraine Snelling began living her dream to be a writer with her first published book for young adult readers, Tragedy on the Toutle, in 1982. She has since continued writing more horse books for young girls, adding historical and contemporary fiction and nonfiction for adults and young readers to her repertoire. All told, she has up to sixty books published.

Shown in her contemporary romances and women’s fiction, a hallmark of Lauraine’s style is writing about real issues of forgiveness, loss, domestic violence, and cancer within a compelling story. Her work has been translated into Norwegian, Danish, and German, and she has won the Silver Angel Award for An Untamed Land and a Romance Writers of America Golden Heart for Song of Laughter.

As a most sought after speaker, Lauraine encourages others to find their gifts and live their lives with humor and joy. Her readers clamor for more books more often, and Lauraine would like to comply ... if only her paintbrushes and easel didn’t call quite so loudly.

Lauraine and her husband, Wayne, have two grown sons, and live in the Tehachapi Mountains with a cockatiel named Bidley, and a watchdog Basset named Chewy. They love to travel, most especially in their forty-foot motor coach, which they affectionately deem “a work in progress”.

CFBA: Though Waters Roar by Lynn Austin

2009-10-05T00:01:00.002-05:00

Song Stuck on the Brain: Via Con Me by Paolo Conte

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing:

Though Waters Roar

by

Lynn Austin

ABOUT THE BOOK:

"Thank goodness you're such a plain child. You'll have to rely on your wits."

So went the words of Grandma Bebe. And for all of my growing-up years, I scoffed at the beauty of my sister and what I saw as her meaningless existence. But my wits hadn't served me well in this instance, for here I was, in jail. And while I could have seen it as carrying on the family tradition (for Grandma Bebe landed in jail for her support of Prohibition), the truth is, my reasons for being here would probably break her heart.

So how did I end up becoming a criminal? I've been pondering that question all night. Perhaps the best way to search for an answer is to start at the very beginning.

Harriet Sherwood has always adored her grandmother. But when Harriet decides to follow in her footsteps to fight for social justice, she certainly never expected her efforts to land her in jail. Nor did she expect her childhood enemy and notorious school bully, Tommy O'Reilly, to be the arresting officer.

Languishing in a jail cell, Harriet has plenty of time to sift through the memories of the three generations of women who have preceded her. As each story emerges, the strength of her family--and their deep faith in the God of justice and righteousness--brings Harriet to the discovery of her own goals and motives for pursuing them.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Though Waters Roar, go HERE

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Along with reading, two of Lynn's lifelong passions are history and archaeology. While researching her Biblical fiction series, Chronicles of the Kings, these two interests led her to pursue graduate studies in Biblical Backgrounds and Archaeology through Southwestern Theological Seminary. She and her son traveled to Israel during the summer of 1989 to take part in an archaeological dig at the ancient city of Timnah. This experience contributed to the inspiration for her novel Wings of Refuge.

Lynn resigned from teaching to write full-time in 1992. Since then she has published twelve novels. Five of her historical novels, Hidden Places, Candle in the Darkness, Fire by Night, A Proper Pursuit, and Until We Reach Home have won Christy Awards in 2002, 2003, 2004, 2008, and 2009 for excellence in Christian Fiction.

Fire by Night was also one of only five inspirational fiction books chosen by Library Journal for their top picks of 2003, and All She Ever Wanted was chosen as one of the five inspirational top picks of 2005. Lynn's novel Hidden Places has been made into a movie for the Hallmark Channel.

CFBA: Intervention by Terri Blackstock

2009-10-02T19:28:00.002-05:00

Song Stuck on the Brain: Mad World by Adam Lambert - I loved this performance.

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing:

Intervention

by

Terri BlackstockZondervan (September 22, 2009)

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Barbara Covington has one more chance to save her daughter from a devastating addiction, by staging an intervention. But when eighteen-year-old Emily disappears on the way to drug treatment—and her interventionist is found dead at the airport—Barbara enters her darkest nightmare of all.

Barbara and her son set out to find Emily before Detective Kent Harlan arrests her for a crime he is sure she committed. Fearing for Emily’s life, Barbara maintains her daughter’s innocence. But does she really know her anymore? Meanwhile, Kent has questions of his own. His gut tells him that this is a case of an addict killing for drugs, but as he gets to know Barbara, he begins to hope he’s wrong about Emily.

The panic level rises as the mysteries intensify: Did Emily’s obsession with drugs lead her to commit murder—or is she another victim of a cold-blooded killer?

If you would like to read the first chapter of Intervention, go HERE

Watch the book Trailer:

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Terri Blackstock’s books have sold six million copies worldwide. Her suspense novels often debut at number one on the Christian fiction best-seller lists, and True Light, published last year, was number one of all Christian books—fiction and non-fiction. Blackstock has had twenty-five years of success as a novelist.

In 1994 Blackstock was writing for publishers such as HarperCollins, Harlequin and Silhouette, when a spiritual awakening drew her into the Christian market. Since that time, she’s written over thirty Christian titles, in addition to the thirty-two she had in the secular market. Her most recent books are the four in her acclaimed Restoration Series, which includes Last Light, Night Light, True Light and Dawn’s Light. She is also known for her popular Newpointe 911 and Cape Refuge Series.

In addition to her suspense novels, she has written a number of novels in the women’s fiction genre, including Covenant Child, which was chosen as one of the first Women of Faith novels, and her Seasons Series written with Beverly LaHaye, wife of Tim LaHaye.

Blackstock has won the Retailer’s Choice Award and has appeared on national television programs such as The 700 Club, Home Life, and At Home Live with Chuck and Jenny. She has been a guest on numerous radio programs across the country and the subject of countless articles. The story of her personal journey appears in books such as Touched By the Savior by Mike Yorkey, True Stories of Answered Prayer by Mike Nappa, Faces of Faith by John Hanna, and I Saw Him In Your Eyes by Ace Collins.

CFBA: It's Not About Him by Michelle Sutton

2009-09-30T10:40:00.002-05:00

Song Stuck on the Brain: Where the Streets Have No Name by U2

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing:

It's Not About Him

by

Michelle SuttonSheaf House (September 1, 2009)

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Susie passed out while drinking at Jeff’s party and later discovered she’s pregnant. She has no idea who the father is and considers having an abortion, but instead decides to place her baby for adoption. Following through ends up being more wrenching than she imagined, but she’s determined to do the right thing for her baby.

Jeff feels guilty that Susie was taken advantage of at his party and offers to marry her so she won’t have to give up her baby, like his birth mother did with him. But Susie refuses, insisting he should he marry someone he loves. Can he convince her that his love is genuine before it’s too late? Can she make him understand that it’s not about him—it’s about what’s best for her child?

If you would like to read the prologue and first chapter of It's Not About Him, go HERE

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Michelle Sutton, otherwise known as the Edgy Inspirational Author, is Editor-in-chief of Christian Fiction Online Magazine, a member of ACFW, a social worker by trade, and a prolific reader/book reviewer/blogger the rest of the time.

She lives in Arizona with her husband of nineteen years and her two teenaged sons. Michelle is also the author of It's Not about Me (2008) and It's Not About Him (Sheaf House 2009). She has nine other titles releasing over the next three years.

CFBA: The Prayers of Agnes Sparrow by Joyce Magnin

2009-09-28T11:30:00.004-05:00

Song Stuck on the Brain: God With Us by Mercy Me

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing:

The Prayers of Agnes Sparrow

by

Joyce MagninAbingdon Press (September 2009)

ABOUT THE BOOK:

The Prayers of Agnes Sparrow is the story of an unusual woman, Agnes Sparrow. No longer able or willing to leave her home, where she is cared for by her long-suffering sister Griselda, Agnes has committed her life to the one thing she can do-besides eat. Agnes Sparrow prays and when Agnes prays things happen, including major miracles of the cancer, ulcer-healing variety along with various minor miracles not the least of which is the recovery of lost objects and a prize-winning pumpkin.

The rural residents of Bright's Pond are so enamored with Agnes they plan to have a sign erected on the interstate that reads, "Welcome to Bright's Pond, Home of Agnes Sparrow." This is something Agnes doesn't want and sends Griselda to fight city hall.

Griselda's petitions are shot down and the sign plans press forward until a stranger comes to town looking for his miracle from Agnes. The truth of Agnes's odd motivation comes out when the town reels after a shocking event. How could Agnes allow such evil in their midst? Didn't she know?

Well, the prayers of Agnes Sparrow have more to do with Agnes than God. Agnes has been praying to atone for a sin committed when she was a child. After some tense days, the townsfolk, Griselda, and Agnes decide they all need to find their way back to the true source of the miracles-God.

If you would like to read the first chapter of The Prayers of Agnes Sparrow, go HERE

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Joyce Magnin is the author of short fiction and personal experience articles. She co-authored the book, Linked to Someone in Pain. She has been published in such magazines as Relief Journal, Parents Express, Sunday Digest, and Highlights for Children.

Joyce attended Bryn Mawr College and is a member of the Greater Philadelphia Christian Writers Fellowship. She is a frequent workshop leader at various writer’s conferences and women’s church groups.

She has three children, Rebekah, Emily, and Adam; one grandson, Lemuel Earnest; one son-in-law, Joshua, and a neurotic parakeet who can’t seem to keep a name. Joyce leads a small fiction group called StoryCrafters. She enjoys baseball, football, cream soda, and needle arts but not elevators. She currently lives in Havertown, Pennsylvania.

The Prayers of Agnes Sparrow is her first published novel.