A friend, a book and giving back

Writers write and writers read. I love doing both. What's super cool is when I have the privilege of reading as well as writing an endorsement for a friend's book. And I had the great honor of doing that for author Mike Dellosso.

What I only alluded to in my endorsement for The Hunted, I'll fill out a little for you all. This "spine-tingling tale" held me hostage in my basement office because I was too involved in the story and too scared to walk upstairs and catch some z's. The story, its characters and themes also stayed on my mind long after I finished reading.

I'll say one more thing about Mike before we jump into a more detailed look at Mike, The Hunted and links to learn more.

Mike is battling the beast of cancer. And one of the biggest things I hope will happen with his tour besides tons of readers becoming fans is that tons and tons of folks will lift up Mike, Jen and their three little girls. So please join me in praying for the Dellosso family.


Meet Mike:

Born in Baltimore, Maryland, Mike now lives in Hanover, Pennsylvania, with his wife, Jen, and their three daughters. He writes a monthly column for Writer . . .Interrupted, was a newspaper correspondent/columnist for over three years, has published several articles for The Candle of Prayer inspirational booklets, and has edited and contributed to numerous Christian-themed Web sites and e-newsletters.

Mike is a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance, the Relief Writer’s Network, and International Thriller Writers. He received his BA degree in sports exercise and medicine from Messiah College and his MBS degree in theology from Master’s Graduate School of Divinity. To read more about Mike’s journey into writing, check out Mike Dellosso's website.

Mike can also be found blogging at Wide-eyed fiction. A visit there is a journey into the heart of a man who loves the Lord.

You can also check out Mike's first chapter. Just be sure to keep an extra flashlight handy!




Step into the story of The Hunted:

A town’s deadly secret will drive one man to the edge of his faith…

Joe Saunders is determined to unravel the mystery surrounding the brutal mauling of his nephew.

Police Chief Maggie Gill is determined to protect her family’s deadly secret.

But neither is prepared for the truth lurking in the shadows of Dark Hills.

After learning of the disappearance of his nephew, Joe Saunders returns to his childhood home of Dark Hills to aid in the search effort. When Caleb is found, badly mauled and clinging to life, Joe embarks on a mission to find the beast responsible.

But the more Joe delves into the fabric of his old hometown, the more he realizes Dark Hills has a dark secret, shrouded for three generations in a deadly code of silence. As Joe unravels the truth behind a series of unexplained animal attacks, murder, and corruption at the highest level of law enforcement, he is led to a final showdown where he must entrust his very life into God’s hands.


Praise for The Hunted:

A great first book from an exciting new author! A vicious enemy, a family secret, a thirst for revenge, and a need for reconciliation all drive The Hunted from intriguing beginning to thrilling conclusion. Skillful prose and great storytelling make Mike Dellosso a writer to watch. I can’t wait for his next book!
—Kathryn Mackel, author of Vanished

Mike Dellosso delivers a spine-tingling tale of hidden secrets, buried hopes and second chances. Interwoven through page-turning drama is the truth about vengeance and the triumph of God’s mysterious ways. The Hunted is a story best read with all the lights on and an extra flashlight handy–just in case!
—Amy Wallace, author of Ransomed Dreams

Something’s coming for you… and you might not be able to stop it. Read this someplace safe as you experience the incredibly descriptive world of The Hunted through the vivid writing and spine-tingling imagination of Mike Dellosso. And sleep with the lights on.
—Austin Boyd, author of the Mars Hill Classified trilogy

With hints of Frank Peretti and Stephen King, The Hunted is a chilling debut. Author Mike Dellosso is certain to make his mark in Christian fiction.
—Creston Mapes, author of Nobody

Mike Dellosso’s pins and needles thriller hurtles the reader down a dark and twisted path. Flickers of faith light the way, and fateful decisions determine the outcome of a horrifying climax. I dare you to take this one home!
—Jill Elizabeth Nelson, author of the To Catch a Thief suspense series

From page one The Hunted grabbed me by the collar and wouldn’t let go. Full of intrigue, supernatural undertones, and true to life characters, I highly recommend this superb debut novel.
—C.J. Darlington, Co-founder & Book Editor, TitleTrakk.com

. . . The Hunted places Dellosso on the list of authors to keep your eye on.
—Vannessa Ng, Aotearoa Editorial Service


A peek inside Mike:

Tell us a little bit about your family.

I’ve been married to my lovely and supportive wife, Jen, for 10 years. We’ve been blessed with three daughters ages 5, 6, and 8. All fun-loving, sweet-spirited, and of course always well-behaved (ahem).

What do you like to do when you’re not working, writing (which is work!), churching, or familysizing?

Read and fool around with my website. Oh, I also mow the lawn, trim the hedges, paint the porch, replace rotted boards, and all that other fun stuff homeowners do to pass the time away. Actually, I’m pretty boring (except when Toby Mac is in the CD player).

Tell us about when your cancer diagnosis.

Yeah, cancer. Kind of a big thing. I was diagnosed on March 17th, St. Patrick’s Day. Here I was getting ready to launch into trying my hand at promoting my new book and in the middle of negotiating a contract for a second book when the doctor dropped the bomb: You have colon cancer.

Funny thing is, I don’t remember ordering colon cancer. Not part of my plans at all.

How has cancer affected your writing?

How has it affected my writing? Well, immediately, it’s halted my writing. With the exception of daily journaling on my blog, I haven’t written a lick since being diagnosed. I love to write, it’s my passion, but this cancer thing trumps it.

I took this diagnosis as a nudge from God that I need to set writing aside for a little while and just concentrate on the most important things: my relationship with Him and my relationship with my family. Sometimes it takes something like cancer to refocus you, to get you to evaluate your life and do a little re-prioritizing.

In the long run, I think the experience of traveling through this valley will only enhance my writing, give it more depth, more texture, more emotion and passion. I know firsthand what it’s like to traverse that Valley of the Shadow of Death, to question Why me?, to be scared of dying, not for dying’s sake but for my family’s sake, to live with a monster inside me that wants to kill me (hey, that gives me a great story idea), to be poked, prodded, scoped, and stuck, to live a life that revolves around the next test result or the next doctor’s appointment. I’ve been there now and I can incorporate those experiences into my stories, into the life of my characters. It’ll be interesting to see how my writing changes once I get back to it.

What has cancer taught you?

One thing I’ve learned is to fully rely on God, to willingly submit myself and put my life in His hands. And of course, this carries over into my writing as well. We writers never know where the next contract is coming from or how much the next royalty check will be for, or even how the next story will unfold, if there is a next story. We are constantly at His mercy, and I’m learning that’s a good place to be.

Where did you get your idea for The Hunted?

The idea for The Hunted came from the internet. I was surfing one day just looking for ideas or something to spark my imagination and get the wheel churning when I came across this story of a small town in Indiana that reported lion sightings back in the 1920’s. Several of the townsfolk said they saw an African lion in the fields surrounding the town. A couple cows were mauled and eaten. Then the sightings just stopped. No one knows where the lion came from or where it went. I thought it was a pretty neat idea and ran with it. Story born. Happy birthday!

What are some of the underlying themes in The Hunted?

Themes are something else, aren’t they? An author can write a story expecting to convey one message and then, when the book’s done, look back and find he’s actually conveyed several messages and none are the one he intended. And then someone can read the book and get something out of it totally different from what the author thought he conveyed.

So, here’s what I think the themes are, what I wanted the themes to be when I wrote the book (whether anyone actually finds these themes is another story entirely, and I’m okay with that, really I am, as long as they get something meaningful out of it).

One theme is the idea of not putting God in a box, of letting Him be God, letting Him work in your life and do some miraculous things. I think too often we put a leash on God and tell Him what He’s allowed and not allowed to do. That’s not our place. God can do anything He wants to do. He’s the one in charge, remember?

Okay, enough of that. The second theme is the danger of a vengeful heart. Vengeance is a powerful thing; I think that’s why God said He’d take care of it. In the hands of mere mortals, it’s a deadly poison, able to consume a man and turn him into a monster. Revenge is not something we should try to harness. We have no business playing with that fire. In The Hunted we see the end result of a vengeful heart unbound.

Lastly, there’s the theme of forgiveness and acceptance and redemption. Beautiful things we experience from the heart our Heavenly Father and pass on to others.

What is one thing writing has taught you about God?

I think part of being made in the image of God is our desire to create. I experience great joy by bringing people to life, forming a world for them to live in and things for them to do. Putting them in a situation where there is no easy out and watching how they react. I can only imagine the fun God must have had creating this world. What a wonderful thought, the Creator at play.

What do you hope to accomplish in your writing?

God’s done so much for me. He loves me while I am so unlovable. Lifted me up out of that miry clay, wrapped His arms around me, and set my feet on solid ground. Made me a new creation and gave me a new life. I’m so undeserving of His love, and yet He so willingly and freely gives it. Why wouldn’t I want to give all of me back to Him?

And that includes my writing. God’s given me a gift and I want to give it back to Him to be used for His service, His Kingdom. I hope and pray my writing and my stories impact people on a spiritual level, if they don’t then I will feel like I’ve somehow failed. Really, when life is all said and done, when we get rid of all the materialism and ambition and rat race stuff, isn’t our sole purpose to glorify God? Isn’t that what it’s all about? Really? That’s what I want to accomplish with my writing . . . to just glorify God and let Him take care of the rest.


To learn more about Mike, hop on The Hunted blog tour~ don't forget to keep the lights on!


A Peek at My Bookshelf
Alien Dream
An Author’s Life
Artistic Blogger
Behind the Mountain
Blog Tour Spot
Camy’s Loft
Canadian Prairie Writer
Chatter Matters
Dee’s Christian Fiction
Fictionary
Gatorskunz and Mudcats
Good Word Editing
Heart Chocolate
His Reading List
Home-Steeped Hope
Humbleoradio
In the Dailies
jessicajournal
Kells Creative Musings
Life in the Midst of Writing
Life with Missy
Light for the Writer’s Soul
Margaret Daley
Mommy Come Lately
My Cup 2 Yours
My Name is Michael Snyder
Not Just Romance but a Love Story
Notes in the Key of Life
Novel Journey
One Day
Penning Prose
Portrait of a Writer . . . Interrupted
Real Women Scrap
Refresh My Soul
Relevant Blog
Savvy ReViews
See Ya On the Net
Sumballo
Terri’s Treasures
The Book Beat
The Law, Books and Life
The Surrendered Scribe
The Suspense Zone
The Write Message
wandering, wonderings of a whacked-out woman
Windows to My Soul
Wisdom Walk
Writing Career Coach
Writing on the Edge

Looking for a great summer read?

Well...I've got a laugh-out-loud book that's sure to please. And a giveaway copy to jump start someone's summer fun.

SKID by Rene Gutteridge is my favorite Occupational Hazzard novel yet! And I totally enjoyed Scoop and Snitch. Rene is a master at comedic writing and creating fascinating characters you'd love to chat with over cofee.

As a homeschool mom, I quickly fell in love with the Hazzard family, homeschoolers that turn sterotypes on their heads. They are where Old School meets New School meets Homeschool and laughter abounds. But you don't have to be a homeschooler to get a kick out of the Hazzard family and their zany adventures.

Each Occupational Hazzard novel focuses on one of the Hazzard children as they set out to discover their place in the career world. What readers find will be lots of laughs, characters to care about and plenty of things to think over when the last page is turned.

So without further ado... here's a little about Rene and her newest novel, SKID.

About the Author:

Rene Gutteridge is the author of twelve novels, including the Boo series, the Storm series, and the novelization for The Ultimate Gift, as well as Scoop and Snitch, the first two Occupational Hazard novels. She lives with her husband, Sean, and their two children in Oklahoma City.

About the Book:

Come Fly The Frenzied Skies!

Blissfully unaware that Atlantica Flight 1945 from Atlanta to Amsterdam is about to make aviation history, First Officer Danny McSweeney focuses his energies on navigating the turbulent personalities of an eccentric female captain, a co-pilot with a talent for tactless comments and conspiracy theories, and a lead flight attendant with an outsized attitude that definitely exceeds the limits for carry-on baggage.

On the other side of the cockpit door, the unscheduled in-flight entertainment includes a potbellied pig, a jittery diamond courier, and the recently jilted Lucy Meredith, whose personal mantra of “What Would Oprah Do?” will be challenged by the sudden appearance of her ex and his new traveling partner. On her left sits Hank Hazard, whose unusually polite but constant requests–prompted by his covert role as a spy for the airline–test the limits of the crew’s customer service.

But as Lucy and the rest of the crew discover, Hank’s odd behavior is linked to a quiet faith that may play a key role in the fate of everyone on board. Especially when an unexpected traveler sets this already bumpy flight on a course toward the unfriendly skies.

Ready to relax, read and laugh out loud? If so, leave me a comment and I'll get a copy of SKID flying your way!

Memorial Day - Remember

As you enjoy pools, picnics and a day off work, I hope you'll remember to pray for the veterans and the families of those who have given their lives for freedom. Also for the men and women serving our country right now.

My grandfather died in World War 2. My dad is a veteran who proudly served our country in Desert Storm. So to my family and to all the men and women and their families who have served and are serving us well...THANK YOU!

Remember Our Veterans

It is the VETERAN, not the preacher,

who has given us freedom of religion.

It is the VETERAN, not the reporter,

who has given us freedom of the press.

It is the VETERAN, not the poet,

who has given us freedom of speech.

It is the VETERAN, not the campus organizer,

who has given us freedom to assemble.

It is the VETERAN, not the lawyer,

who has given us the right to a fair trial.

It is the VETERAN, not the politician,

who has given us the right to vote.

It is the VETERAN,who serves under the Flag.

Freedom isn't free. Please remember to pray for our VETERANS and those serving our country today!

Sun, sand and books- oh, my!

Ahhhh... the ocean. After a week of body surfing, swimming and splashing in the ocean, I'm semi-sad to be back home. But only semi. See, I'm not a beach girl. I truly despise the sand, and sun with a burn is not my friend.

But I love the water. Especially, the emerald coast. Add a good book to that and I'm enjoying a taste of heaven.

During this year's beach trip, I did something I've never done before... Here's a picture to illustrate.

Unfortunately, the reason I've never enjoyed reading a great book on the beach is because I'm usually catching waves and splashing around with my family. Or I'm making sure said waves don't drown my children or nefarious sharks attack and drag my kids away.

I'm happy to report none of the negative, over-active imaginations happened.

I did however finish two books on our vacation and start a third. I finished Death, Deceit and some Smooth Jazz while staying up waaayyy to late. Always do with Claudia Mair Burney's books. She's just that good. I'd highly recommend dancing with some smooth Jazz and cheering Bell on as she slides into sleuthing one more time.

The second book I finished is Sharon Hinck's The Restorer's Journey. Another amazing story told with beautiful and thought-provoking skill. I laughed, cried and worshipped the One as I read this third book in the Sword of Lyric series.

Here's a blurb about The Restorer's Journey:

Back in our world with her teenage son, Jake, in tow, suburban mom Susan Mitchell is ready for life as usual. But when a foreign threat invades their comfortable home, Susan and Jake soon find themselves drawn back through the portal to the world of the People of the Verses. Now she will struggle to love a people who have become her captors, while Jake suffers a tragic betrayal and discovers his destiny as the next Restorer.

Filled with adventure, warmth, and humorous asides, the Sword of Lyric series offers readers an exciting reading experience unlike any other.

So there's two more books to add to your summer reading list~ both receive my HIGHEST recommendations!

And coming this week and next... two giveaways not to be missed. I'll be sharing my thoughts on Skid and Fatal Deduction along with the chance to win copies of both.

Happy Summer Reading!!!

Excuse number 101 for not blogging...

Have you missed me? I've been reading, critiquing, radio interviewing, blog touring and trying to catch a few zzzz's along the way.

At least, that's my story and I'm sticking to it. ;-)

But I wanted to let you all know a few of the books I'll be sharing here soon with some awesome giveaways. Plus, a sneak peek at what I'll be taking to the beach to read and relax...

Coming up the end of May is the super fun and funny book SKID by Rene Gutteridge. I'll be sharing my thoughts and giving away a copy of this awesome summer read.


Next, I'll be reading and giving away two copies of FATAL DEDUCTION by Gayle Roper. I loved her Seaside Seasons books and am looking forward to her newest suspense.





And here are the books that I'm packing in my suitcase..

Death, Deceit and some smooth Jazz by Claudia Mair Burney. I LOVE Claudia and her amazing Amanda Bell Brown mysteries. Claudia can write! And I'm looking forward to spending some time with Bell and Jazz while the ocean waves soothe and Claudia's story keeps me up waaaayyy to late. Like four AM late. Yep, that's how good these books are!

The second book I'm taking with me is by my all-time favorite author, Sharon Hinck. I'm finally able to kick back and read her amazing third Restorer book: The Restorer's Journey. I started reading and had to force myself to step away from the book so I could actually homeschool this week and get some work done. It's not just kids who get summeritis. ;-)

Hope this makes up for my recent silence. ;-) Give yourself a sweet treat and enjoy a great book!

Hanging out with the FBI in DC

I spent this past week in writer euphoria as my family and I toured Washington, DC and Alexandria, VA. And to the many folks praying for me not to get arrested by trying to slip into the FBI building ~ thank you.

God heard and I'm arrest free. ;-)

But I did walk by the Hoover building often and enjoyed a few writer "moments." My kids thought I was a little loopy. But I couldn't help getting giddy thinking, "This is where Steven, Clint and Michael actually walked!"

Okay, I do know they didn't actually walk there, but still. It was a good "moment."

Tuesday, the day I got up the nerve to have my picture taken in front of the FBI building, started with a series of unfortunate events. First, our White House tour was cancelled. Then we morphed into walking robots and took in so many sights my head is still spinning. There were also some "lost" moments where maps were studied and I tried to put on a brave face and just keep walking, hoping we'd end up somewhere safe.

After that, I paced in front of the FBI building like a lost puppy, begging for a peek inside.

That I did not get.

But what came next made up for it.

On a whim, my husband suggested we take a different street to head back to the car. And there before us~ just a few blocks from the FBI building~ was a Borders bookstore. My husband suggested we go in.

I hesitated. What if my books aren't there? That would so stink.

But in we went.

And not only was my book there....multiple copies were on a face-out, eye-level special shelf!!!! RIGHT NEAR THE FBI BUILDING!!!

I did a jig, my kids rolled their eyes and my hubby snapped a picture.

It was a "moment" of pure bliss.

And the manager asked me to sign their stock to boot. In my mind's eye, I was walking down red carpet and waving. ;-)

But God wasn't finished with His little surprises and funny shuffling of my itinerary.

The next day, we had a rescheduled White House tour and ended up behind a huge group of eighth graders and in front of another group of folks. Things got all mixed up and everyone had to move to yet another line.

When that happened, we ended up behind one person we'd spoken to with the eighth grade field trip and in front of a very friendly older couple. My kiddos struck up a conversation and soon this couple asked about the book my husband was holding.

The book I'd sort of ridiculously hoped I'd be able to leave for President Bush.

Between my kids' excited chatter about my writing and my husband handing out my business cards like candy, tons of folks were excited about the Defenders of Hope stories.

It was another "moment."

Needless to say, I didn't get to leave my copy of Healing Promises at the White House. But one of the ladies from the eighth grade tour group was so excited to see me after the tour and asked if I'd left the book. It was so sweet how much she'd hoped I'd get to do that.

We chatted a little and then I joined my family again. But God had another surprise and nudged me to go back to this kind woman and give her the book.

I did.

She nearly cried and called to all of the other teachers and parents, telling them about both of my books and that I'd given her a copy. Seeing her face and how much joy that little offering gave reminded me of why I write and that God has so much more in store than I can imagine.

I came home super charged that I'd actually rubbed elbows with real, live FBI heroes and walked in the footsteps of my characters.

Even more, that God's shuffling of my plans on multiple days resulted in a special God-kiss of knowing Healing Promises is hanging out right down the road from the FBI.

Most of all, I saw God do what I've prayed He'd do through every book~ encourage hearts and draw people closer to Him.

That was the best "moment" of all~ sensing His smile as I enjoyed the God-kisses and needed reminders He'd planned long before I stepped foot in DC.

So a special thanks to all of you who prayed. God showed up and filled me to overflowing with the sights, experiences and fun we had during our week away.

And maybe next trip I'll figure out a way inside the FBI fortress.... completely legally, of course!

How to stay humble

Today I had a blast on the TV show Mornings with hosts Lorri and Larry! And a question one of the callers asked is still rattling around my brain.

He asked, "How do you stay humble?"

I started to laugh because I have no reason to entertain diva thoughts, especially knowing that when I left the show I had kids to chauffeur to the dentist then lunch to fix. Besides that, God has more ways to keep me humble than I have brain cells to comprehend. And He uses a plethora of ways on any given day.

The bathroom scale
Cleaning up after kids and stomach flu do battle
Ironing
Making yet another PB&J sandwich
Editing

And one of the biggest ways I've seen God work in this area is by simply reminding me that I write for His glory and it's God who's touching readers' hearts.

It helps that I have an incredible family and wonderful friends who keep me grounded too.

But now I'm curious. Have you all thought about ways God keeps you humble?

Happy Birthday Honey!

While today's not my wedding anniversary, it is my awesome hubby's birthday! And I need your help to complete a special something that's happening over at the Life with Missy blog!

So please visit Missy Tippen's home on the web and put on your poetry hat for a chance to win a fun Healing Promises gift pack!

And as a special incentive...if anyone can tell me where the posted poem came from as well as where it appears in Healing Promises, I'll give away an extra gift pack.

So hop over to Missy's blog and join the fun!

And please leave my handsome hubby a special birthday note either here or at Missy's place. Thanks!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAVID!!!

I LOVE YOU TO INFINITY...AND BEYOND!

My Soul to Keep

If you're a fan of reading well into the night, My Soul to Keep is a story for you! But be sure to keep the lights on all throughout the house.

This week, the

Christian Fiction Blog Alliance

is introducing

My Soul To Keep

(Multnomah Books - February 5, 2008)

by

Melanie Wells

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

A native of the Texas panhandle and the child of musicians, Melanie Wells attended Southern Methodist University on a music scholarship (she's a fiddle player), and later completed graduate degrees in counseling psychology and Biblical studies at Our Lady of the Lake University and Dallas Theological Seminary.

She has taught at the graduate level at both OLLU and DTS, and has been in private practice as a counselor since 1992. She is the founder and director of LifeWorks counseling associates in Dallas, Texas, a collaborative community of creative therapists.

When the Day of Evil Comes is her first published work of fiction, and the first of a three-book series. The second work, The Soul Hunter was released in May, 2006. Melanie lives and writes in Dallas.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

As nasty as I knew Peter Terry to be, I never expected him to start kidnapping kids. Much less a sweet, funny little boy with nothing to protect him but a few knock-kneed women, two rabbits and a staple gun…

It’s psychology professor Dylan Foster’s favorite day of the academic year…graduation day. And her little friend Christine Zocci’s sixth birthday. But the joyful summer afternoon goes south when a little boy is snatched from a neighborhood park, setting off a chain of events that seem to lead nowhere.

The police are baffled, but Christine’s eerie connection with the kidnapped child sends Dylan on a chilling investigation of her own. Is the pasty, elusive stranger Peter Terry to blame? Exploding light bulbs, the deadly buzz of a Texas rattlesnake, and the vivid, disturbing dreams of a little girl are just pieces of a long trail of tantalizing clues leading Dylan in her dogged search for the truth.


“Like water rising to a boil, My soul To Keep’s suspense sneaks up on you…before you know it, you’re in the thick if a frightening drama…Superbly crafted.”
---ROBERT LIPARULO, author of Deadfall, Germ, and Comes A Horseman


“Written with passion, a good dose of humor and, dare I say it, soul, this novel reminds us that we all, with grace and good fortune, bumble our way toward salvation.”
---K. L. COOK, author of Late Call and The Girl From Charmelle

New books to introduce to you

Chapter-a-Week is a great way to meet new authors and visit with established favorites as you enjoy reading a chapter and chatting about the stories. Here are the novels highlighted this week...

A Bride So Fair

Book Three in A Fair to Remember

by Carol Cox

A young woman searching for independence and adventure.

A handsome Columbian Guard striving to protect and defend.

A little boy caught in a web of intrigue and deceit.

Emily Ralston is delighted when she lands a job at the Children's
Building at the Chicago World's Fair. And the White City seems to be
living up to its promise of excitement when she meets Stephen Bridger, a
handsome Columbian guardsman. Surely Emily isn't the only one to
sense the spark of electricity between them?

When Stephen finds a lost boy, he delivers him to the Children's
Building to be cared for until his mother is located. But when a dead
body believed to be little Adam's mother is found, a mystery begins
to unfold. While unraveling the truth, Emily and Stephen are drawn
deeper into danger and closer to each other.

"Carol Cox has skillfully woven a heart-tugging romance and
page-turning intrigue around a fascinating historical setting, bringing
all three to life." --Linda Windsor, author of Wedding Bell Blues
and For Pete's Sake

"This talented author's sweet and charming love story—set
during the Chicago World's Fair of 1893—is a delightful
diversion." --Romantic Times BOOKReviews

Death of a Six-Foot Teddy Bear

Book Two in the Bargain Hunters mysteries

By Sharon Dunn

"A quirky `who done it,' Death of a Six-Foot Teddy Bear is
the perfect mystery for women who love bargains and surprise
endings." --Melanie Dobson, author of Together for Good and Going for Broke

"If you enjoy whimsy, humor, and fun characters with your mystery,
Death of a Six-Foot Teddy Bear is for you! But beware! Under the
laughs are buried strong spiritual truths. A delightful, thoughtful
read." --Gayle Roper, award-winning author of Fatal Deduction

"The bargain hunter gals are at it again! Dunn's riotous romp
seamlessly tucks in truth and light and leaves us in stitches. A
must-read for those who think living by faith is boring." --Lois
Richer, author of Healing Tides

Ginger and her bargain hunter friends head down the Wind-Up
Hotel in Calamity, Nevada to outlet shop, attend the world's largest
garage sale and help Ginger's husband Earl get his invention off the
ground at the Inventor's Expo. But their girlfriend time vacation
doesn't go quite how they had planned…

To read an excerpt of these new titles go to Chapter-a-Week
and to join our deeper discussion go to our new site Chapter-a-Week Chat

where authors and readers discuss new titles together.

Healing Promises blog tour!

It's finally here!!! Come join me April 7th through 30th as I travel all across the blogsphere and even to parts Down Under!

There will be Healing Promises gift pack giveaways and other chances to win a signed copy of Healing Promises. Along the way I hope you'll learn lots, laugh much, and be inspired to trust that God is good, even when things don't go the way we pray.

April 7
Jennifer Allee

April 8
Jill Nelson

April 9
Sally Datria

April 10
Nora St. Laurent

April 11
Lindi Peterson

April 12
Rel Mollet, David Wallace

April 14
Tricia Goyer

April 15
Dineen Miller

April 16
Novel Journey

April 17
Cindy Woodsmall

April 18
Sharon Hinck

April 19
Gina Conroy

April 21
Keep Me In Suspense

April 22
Book Lover's News, Mary A.

April 23
Missy Tippens

April 24
Laurel Wreath, Danica

April 25
FAITH blog

April 26
Christy Smith

April 28
Christa Allan

April 29
Tiff Colter

April 30
Tiff Miller

Your Know You're a Writer When...

"You can take criticism gracefully from anybody but a relative, a friend, an acquaintance, or a stranger."

HA! That's me some days. ;-) Hopefully not most.

This and some other great quotes are from the book You Know You're a Writer When... by Adair Lara.

Here's one more for your funny bone...

"You like everything about writing...except the paperwork."

I totally resemble that remark.

Other than Ms. Lara's great quips about writing, I thought of one way I realized I'd "arrived" in the writing world.

It's not the voices in my head... though I have had that problem from time to time.

It's not the plethora of sticky notes, index cards or folders of research... though my desk would trumpet the reality that I keep paper makers in business.

No, I realized I was a writer when I received my first email from someone whose heart had been touched through a story with my name on it.

And I realized I was a much loved writer when my name and book cover showed up in my church's newsletter inviting everyone to come to my next book launch. Maybe that seems like a little thing to you. But it's HUGE to me. It's a paper hug that speaks support, encouragement and prayers that my church family is sending my way. It's also a God kiss that reminds me He's close and has everything, even my writing safe in His hand.

Hope you receive this weekend a special God kiss that reminds you He's there and loves you abundantly, extravagantly more than you can imagine!

6 random things

I don't know what I'd do without tags from friends to make me blog. ;-) A very sweet friend drew me out from under an avalanche of emails with the tag below. Thanks, Tori!

I have to tell you 6 unimportant things about myself, then tag 6 others to do the same and provide links to them and the original tagger.

1. I totally dig Godiva dark chocolate mint medallions.

2. I still have a teddy bear collection, including some bears from East Berlin.

3. I'm eating a gluten and dairy free diet and have found some foods that actually taste really good. ;-)

4. Blue is my favorite color.

5. My favorite place in the world is the beach.

6. I'm learning the joys of homemade chai instead of Starbucks.

Now, the six people I have tagged are: you! ;-) This is an if-you-want-to-play-along tag. So join the fun and leave a note in the comments.

Calling all writers

ACFW Writers of Remarkable Design invites you to join us, Saturday, April 26, 2008 for a hands-on workshop with award-winning author Anna DeStefano!

Anna will present two of her popular workshops, Plotting Through Character and Planning and Rewriting.

OPEN TO PUBLIC!

This event will be held at Sugar Hill United Methodist Church from 10 AM to 2 PM. Cost for ACFW local group members is $8, nonmembers $10. Price includes Chick-fil-A lunch. For directions: http://www.acfwword.com

Please RSVP via e-mail to: treasurer@acfwword.com Email reservations must be received by April 14 and payment received by April 18 to assure lunch reservation. Late reservations and walk-ins are welcome, however lunch will not be provided. (Sorry, no refunds after April 18.)

We look forward to having you join us!

Talk about an answer to prayer!

So many of you have shared this wild ride of the writing life with me and prayed for me often. Today I wanted to shout out about a surprise blessing and say THANK YOU for praying!!!

But first, a story...

Many of you know I spend my morning and early afternoon homeschooling my kiddos. During this time I don't answer the phone. So when it rings, we all typically ignore it.

Well...yesterday, I couldn't ignore the phone ringing off the hook. Six times. All before lunch.

I didn't pick it up, choosing to mutter about annoying telemarketers instead.

Then, the wonderful hour of quiet time arrived and my children were all in their rooms when the phone rang. AGAIN.

This time I picked it up, ready to blast the telemarketer.

Good thing I didn't. She wasn't a telemarketer at all. Nope. This very gracious lady was calling to inform me that I finaled in an RWA contest.

Red-faced and very thankful for no visual phones, I thanked her abundantly and hung up. Then I went to a WORD meeting (local ACFW writer's group) still not really knowing what in the world the lady on the phone was talking about.

I shared my telemarketer story with the group and one of my friends nearly jumped out of her seat with excitement, telling me I'd finaled in the RITA! As she proceeded to explain this awesome writing contest, I wished yet again I'd been nicer on the phone.

Today has been filled with phone calls of congrats and lots of wonderful emails. And I've been much nicer in answering. See, I'm learning. :-)

Here's the list of 2008 RITA for Inspirational Romance Finalists

A Touch of Grace by Linda Goodnight
Harlequin Enterprises, Steeple Hill Love Inspired - (978-0-373-87426-2)
Allison Lyons, editor

Autumn Blue by Karen Harter
Center Street, - (1-931722-61-7)
Christina Boys, editor

Pursuit of Justice by Pamela Tracy
Harlequin Enterprises, Steeple Hill Love Inspired Suspense - (978 0 373 44236)
Krista Stroever, editor

Rainbow's End by Irene Hannon
Harlequin Enterprises, Steeple Hill Love Inspired - (0-373-87415-4)
Melissa Endlich, editor

Ransomed Dreams by Amy Wallace
Random House Publishing, WaterBrook Multnomah - (9781590527474)
Julee Schwarzburg, editor

Splitting Harriet by Tamara Leigh
Random House Publishing, WaterBrook Multnomah - (1590529286)
Julee Schwarzburg, editor

Taming Rafe by Susan May Warren
Tyndale House Publishers, - (1414310188)
Karen Watson, editor

When the Morning Comes by Cindy Woodsmall
Random House Publishing, WaterBrook Multnomah - (9781400072934)
Shannon Hill, editor

THANK YOU again for all your prayers for my writing and for Ransomed Dreams to reach the hands and hearts of many folks. I sooooo appreciate you!

For Pete's Sake

I have another wonderful book to share! Linda Windsor has long been an author whose books I look forward to reading. She tells beautiful stories packed with breathing characters you'd like to invite over for coffee. Not only that, she can make you laugh out loud and learn something soul deep.

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing

For Pete's Sake
Book Two of the Piper Cove Chronicles
(Avon Inspire - April 1, 2008)

by
Linda Windsor

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Maryland author Linda Windsor has written some twenty-nine historical and contemporary novels for both the secular and inspirational markets, but she is most noted for delivering “The Lift of Laughter and Spirit” in her modern inspirational romances.

A Christy finalist and winner of numerous industry awards, Linda has written for Multnomah Publishing (historical fiction and contemporary romances), Barbour Publishing (romcom novella), and Westbow Press (the Moonstruck romantic comedy trilogy). Wedding Bell Blues the first book in her new The Piper Cove Chronicles series, is featured on Avon Inspire's launch list.

In addition to writing and doing fiction-writing workshops at conferences across the country, Linda continues a music and lay speaking ministry started by her and her late husband, and she is a part-time financial analyst. She also works on “as desperately needed” home improvement projects on the 18th-century-plus house that she and her husband began restoring in 1986. Wallpaper and paint are definitely in her near future.


ABOUT THE BOOK:


For Pete's Sake is a remarkable story about the unlikely love between a grown-up tomboy and the millionaire next door.

Ellen Brittingham isn’t sure true live exists until she contracts to do the landscaping of the estate of the sophisticated widower next door, Adrian Sinclair. Adrian has it all—at least on the surface. He’s engaged to a beautiful woman who helped him build a successful business and he’ll soon have a mom for his troubled son Pete.

Yet, from the moment Ellen rescues a stranded Adrian on her Harley, his well-ordered world turns upside down, cracking his thin façade of happiness and revealing the void of faith and love behind it. Even more, his son seems to have his own sites set on Ellen – as his new mom.

As Ellen’s friendship grows with Pete, she realizes that his father is about to marry the wrong woman for the right reasons. And despite her resolve to remain “neighbors only” with the dad, the precocious boy works his way into her heart, drawing Ellen and Adrian closer. Close enough for heartbreak, for Pete’s sake!

But how can her heart think that Adrian Sinclair is the one when he’s engaged to a sophisticated beauty who is everything Ellen isn’t. When Ellen’s three best friends see she’s been bitten by the love bug, they jump into action and submit her to a makeover that reveals the woman underneath her rough exterior and puts her in contention for Adrian’s love.

But Ellen must ask herself whether she’s ready to risk the heart that she’s always held close. Will Ellen be able to trust that God brought this family into her life for a reason? Or will her fear of getting hurt cause her to turn away from God’s plan and her one true chance at love?

Two Cups

Reading with my kiddos this week has brought me to tears many times. It's not like this is an unusual occurrence. We read tons of amazing books that we end up biting our nails to see how it ends and lifting up teary cheers in the end.

But the stories this week have been violent ones.

Ones about death.

And not the suspense genre kind.

Of these historical stories, the one that most deeply affected me was the one today called Two Cups.

It started with a simple meal, shared among friends. One cup, a symbol for what would take place starting later that night.

But the other cup symbolized a willingness to take part in an act that would mean death. Destruction. Hell in a very literal sense.

The first cup held wine and was blessed by Jesus and given to the disciples.

The second He drank in the garden of Gethsemane.

It's that cup which has brought me to tears this week. Not only did Jesus endure excruciating physical pain, but He became sin and experienced seperation from the Father.

So we wouldn't have to.

I can't begin to comprehend it. But it does something to my heart when I try. When I see the whip lashes and rough cross. When I listen to His last words.

When I realize He did all that for me.

As my children and I were talking about this, I said something that continues to reverberate in my soul~ I wonder if we really thought about what Jesus did on the cross, would it be so easy to sin?

For me, when I really contemplate the cross, it breaks my heart how easy it is for me to walk away and forget. To sin.

But that is one of the beautiful things about Easter. It's a time to remember. The cups Jesus drank. The cross where He died. The Empy Tomb.

To lift our eyes once again and give thanks, surrounded by other believers, watched by the angels and smiled on by God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit.

Because the cross declares our freedom from sin, the punishment paid. My life and yours redeemed.

And the Garden of Gethsemane reminds me of the two cups. Jesus offered one to do in remembrance of the new covenant. He drank from the second cup, willingly accepting the Father's plan. He took on suffering, sin and separation so that we could experience salvation. Abundant Life. Freedom.

I pray this Easter is one of remembrance. Of cup drinking. Of tasting and seeing that the Lord is good. And taking the cup willingly, receiving His good plan for us~ bitter along with sweet.

God is good all the time. And all the time, He is good. May this Good Friday and Easter Sunday be eyes-open days, full of light.

Drink deep and worship.

Can I ask a favor?

My amazing hubby and I are doing a "new" thing in terms of spreading the news about the Defenders of Hope series. This idea is by no means truly new, but we've had some great results so far and are hoping you all will join us.

What we're doing is visiting local bookstores to introduce ourselves and ask if they're planning to carry Healing Promises. We've also offered complimentary copies of the book to review and postcards for them to give customers.

So far the managers have been wonderful! Some are even planning to display Healing Promises at the Customer Service counter. Great exposure to new readers.

As a thank you, we're adding bookstores that carry Ransomed Dreams and Healing Promises to our website.

And that's where you all come in. If you know of bookstores in your area that carry the Defenders of Hope books, will you please let me know the store name and address? We'll add those to the Heart Chocolate site so people all over the US can see where to find the books.

If your local stores don't yet carry the Defenders of Hope books, would you ask them to order a copy (or two) to put on their shelves? Please feel free to let the managers know we’ll be adding their store to our website. Most have been very excited to hear that! And I'd be happy to send you some postcards or bag stuffers to offer the managers as well.

Thanks for helping me spread the word!

What's in a name?

Apparently, not only is there much to be said for having a good name, but also for having a popular name. ;-)

HowManyOfMe.com

There are 555 people with my name in the U.S.A. How many have your name?

Pet sins

I don't know about you, but there are areas I know well how weak I am. There are also some places in my heart and attitude I try to ignore.

Kind of like I try to ignore my kids repeated request to have a pet.

See, I'm now out of the diaper stage of parenting and the last thing I want is a puppy whimpering for a walk at 2 AM or the other odious tasks involved in pet care.

It's not that I dislike animals. I'm just living on the slow boil setting where one more daily task will turn the heat up to a Mount St. Helen's eruption in my brain.

Anyone relate?

Well, God seems to have the same view of my "pet sins" as I do of pets. Not that He can't handle them, but He knows I'm the one who can't handle those sins I'd rather ignore. Because they hurt me. And those I love.

But it's easier to feed these "pet sins" with words like, "They're not so bad" or lots of age-old excuses about my upbringing or life stage or so many things on my plate.

I'm always amused when folks give me these answers when we talk about "pet sins" like "frustration" or "chocoholism."

Ouch. That last one hurts.

And I'm not saying that the consumption of chocolate is a sin or that feeling frustrated is a sin. But for me, I know these two areas by other names...

Anger and gluttony.

And they are two "pet sins" God is opening me eyes to how much I feed them in my thoughts and actions.

It's not a pretty picture.

What frees me from dissolving into self-destructive thought patterns and the fast spiral downward is simple.

Not easy.

It's looking these "pet sins" in the mirror and calling them what they are.

Then, once I see them clearly, I can confess and throw myself in my heavenly Daddy's arms and admit I have no idea how to "fix" it.

I can't help but think He smiles when I do that.

He knows full well I can't fix it and He's never asked me to do that. What He asks is that I run to Him, depend on Him, and more than all the rest... love Him.

It helps that I know from experience He's far more filling and fulfilling than a piece of chocolate.

It also helps to remember the verses my kids and I read this morning.... nothing separates us from the love of God.

Not trials, pain or "pet sins."

Nothing.

So instead of eating that tempting piece of chocolate or letting Mount St. Helen's erupt in my brain, I think I'll go do a mirror check.

And trust that our heavenly Daddy is looking in there with me, eyes filled with love.